Las Vegas Welcome sign
by Kathleen Curry and Geoff Griffin,
No matter how many times you’ve been to Las Vegas, there’s always something new to try. So put your poker chips away and head out of the casino to try a few new things on and off “The Strip” for 2013:
Come for the people-watching and stay for the burgers at the Fat Bar (3763 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702-736-4733, fatbarlasvegas.com). Connected to the famous Fat Burger, it’s a great place to grab a drink and people watch on the amazing Vegas Strip.
The Guns and Ammo Garage (5155 S. Dean Martin Dr., 702-440-4867, gunsandammogarage.com), just off the Strip, will show you how to shoot your weapon of choice. Try an UZI, AK-47 or Tommy Gun or many others for an experience that really can only be found in Vegas. Packages start at $99.
If, like Ray Liotta’s character in Goodfellas, as far back as you can remember, you always wanted to be a gangster, the Mob Attraction (Tropicana Hotel, 702-739-2662, mobattraction.com) is for you. Learn about the history of the Mafia in Las Vegas, and try to become a made man yourself. Tickets are $33.
zarkana
Let Cirque du Soleil amaze you at Zarkana (Aria, 877-253-5847, www.cirquedusoleil.com). Their newest show is a rock opera with incredible acrobatics currently playing at the Aria. Cirque are the true innovators of Vegas entertainment, and Zarkana is no exception. Tickets start at $69.
Do you ever dream of being a sports superstar? Score (Luxor, 702-262-4200, www.scorelv.com) helps you live the dream, sign a multi- million dollar contract and enjoy challenges like changing a NASCAR tire or throwing a fastball, all while viewing tons of sports memorabilia on display. Tickets are $28.
Want to get the band back together, be a rock star for a day, or just hang out and jam? Rock n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (3485 W. Harmon Ave., 888-762-BAND, www.rockcamp.com) can help out with all of that and more. “Rock Star for a Day” packages start at $299.
Starting in June, SlotZilla (877-Vegas-4-U, www.vegasexperience.com) will provide visitors with a very Vegas experience. Starting from an 11-story slot machine-styled launching point, you’ll be able to zoom down Fremont Street by zip-line.
It can be easy to forget that there’s nature just outside Las Vegas. Flightlinez (702-293-6885, www.fligtlinezbootleg.com) wants to help you remember, with zip-line rides at Bootleg Canyon, where you can hit speeds of up to 60 mph.
When you think “Vegas,” you may not think “fine art.” However, the Warhol Out West exhibit at the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art (Bellagio, 888-987-6667, www.bellagio.com) is a great way to break up casino-hopping and get a little culture in. Tickets are $16.
The Las Vegas Strip at midnight
Strip club’s are not just a night activity now that Sapphire Pool and Day Club (3025 S. Industrial Road, 702-869-0003, www.sapphirepoollv.com) has opened. The club is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday through Sunday, and offers a free limo pickup, so you can keep your cash, for you know… tipping.
Dig This (3012 S. Rancho Dr., 702-222-4344, www.digthisvegas.com) is one of those things that they would only come up with in Vegas. With the guidance of trained professionals, visitors can learn to operate a crane or a bulldozer. Living out your fantasies of construction work starts at $249 a session.
No matter what month it is, it’s always Oktoberfest at the Hofbrauhaus (4510 Paradise Rd., 702-853-BEER, www.HofbrauhausLasVegas.com). Stop by for a brat and a beer, and be sure to try one of their giant pretzels flown over from Germany.
The Blue Man Group (800-BLUEMAN, www.blueman.com) has recently moved to the Monte Carlo, with a new and improved version of their stage show. Tickets for the all-ages-friendly show start at $59.
To hear more about what to do and “Hot Activities in Vegas for 2013” listen to this new Travel Brigade Podcast with Kathleen Curry and Geoff Griffin below episode below.
Credit Las Vegas News Bureau for the LV sign and skyline shot.
