GET YOUR THRILLS BEYOND THE STRIP
While the Strip will steal your attention, make time to gain
a rounded impression of Vegas with a few off-Strip gems.
Not much happens around dawn, save for a few sorry souls
making the long walk back to their hotel after a big night, which
is a shame: early mornings in the Nevada desert are one of the
most incredible sights you’re likely to encounter. And where
better to witness that magical morning light than flying over
the Grand Canyon? Whether you choose a helicopter or light
plane, you’ll have a bird’s-eye view of one of the world’s most
incredible natural wonders. As the light shifts, the shadows
move to reveal and cloak the fissures, sheer drops and the
glistening Colorado River below.
While some American cities boast something resembling
a heritage, Las Vegas is a relative baby. Born in the age of neon,
it is a living testament to the art of attention. As the city has
evolved, a few wise souls saw fit to salvage some of its most
iconic pieces of bright-light history, and they can be seen and
celebrated at the Neon Museum (770 N Las Vegas Blvd,
neonmuseum.org) in all their broken beauty.
For a more local vibe, head downtown to Fremont East
(fremonteast.com), home to a number of shops, eateries and bars
worth checking out. Drop in for a mezcal on ice and New York-style
pizza at Evel Pie (508 Fremont St; evelpie.com), dedicated to the
feats of motorbike stunt performer Evel Knievel. The Container
Park (707 Fremont St; downtowncontainerpark.com) precinct
houses food and outdoor art installations, and a walk around
the blocks surrounding it reveals some of Las Vegas’s restored
neon signs; public art in its natural habitat.
Soak up that Old Vegas atmosphere at the far northern end of
the Strip – there’s a lot to love about pink Cadillacs, Little White
Chapel weddings, street art, dive motels and pawn shops. It’s this
colour and vibrancy that gives the town depth and humour. And
speaking of humour, watch for the Good Humor (goodhumor.com)
ice cream van. Retiree Steve Daniel hand-finished the moving
piece of history that serves ice creams and snow cones.s
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