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Las Vegas, Nevada |
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Las Vegas is well-known as a fun spot for a getaway,
especially to view shows, eat and drink, and do some
gambling. We enjoyed less-known but more peaceful,
family-oriented and nature-based activities, especially
in the surrounding desert.
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Approaching the airport, the Las Vegas terrain
can be clearly seen, with its dominant "Strip" of hotels and casinos.
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The 4.2 mile "Strip" features 30 enormous
elaborately-themed hotel casinos as well as other entertainment
attractions. |
The Miracle Mile Complex boasts 200 shops and
restaurants, live performance venues and entertainment.
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At the Venetian, an arcade is built to resemble
Venice, complete with gondolas on canals. |
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The sky-lit atrium a the Bellagio displays seasonal scenes
composed of trees, plants, flowers and water features.
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At the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace the decor is reminiscent
of the Italian Renaissance. |
Landscaping involves waterfalls, fountains,
sculpture and pirate ships. |
Internationally reknowned artists have been
involved in designing the art features of casinos, hotel lobbies
and theatres.
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Hoover Dam is a massive concrete arch-dam in the
Black Canyon of the Colorado River on the border between Nevada
and Arizona. |
Built in the 1930's as a Depression-era project,
the architecture of the Hoover Dam is remarkable for its Art
Deco design and details.
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Lake Las Vegas is an Italian-styled resort community around an
artificial lake with a golf course, water park and high-end
dining and shopping. |
The Las Vegas Wash is a channel that feeds Las Vegas' water into
Lake Mead. It is a surprising wetland region with an
interpretive center and pleasant ponds and gardens in the midst
of the desert.
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Eiffel Tower replica at the Paris Las Vegas |
Entrance to the BeatleShow at the Mirage |
King Tut sarcophagus replica at the Luxor
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It is very entertaining to just walk around and view the over-the-top architecture
and design features along the Strip.
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With its interpretive center, natural history
displays, pleasant trails and colorful landscapes,
Springs Preserve is a refreshing oasis in the heart of downtown
Las Vegas.
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At the botanical gardens in Springs Preserve, and
at the Ethel M's Botanical Garden, spectacular examples of
succulents, cacti and desert fauna can be viewed.
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Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the
Mojave Desert is known for its geological formations such as red
sandstone peaks and the Keystone Thrust Fault.
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A 13-mile scenic drive is dotted with panoramic
viewing spots and hiking trailheads to see desert wildlife and
Native American petroglyphs. |
