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Virginia’s guide to the hidden gems of Las Vegas

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Photo Credit: Katrina Brown

Are you from Virginia and you Feeling like you need a Vegas vacation? If so, then you’re in good company among fellow Virginians who flock into Vegas every year to discover the wealth of attractions and gems locked within the radiant walls of the city. Over a quarter-million Virginians visit Las Vegas every year to experience firsthand the unforgettable sights, the fabulous views, and a cornucopia of attractions that run the gamut from mild to wild, with myriad options for all budgets. It may come as a surprise to many that Vegas gets so many Virginians as visitors year after year despite the enthralling features of Virginia itself. Maybe it’s because only in Vegas can you have played world-class golf, ride the world’s largest observation wheel and lose your shirt at the craps table all in the same night. As a Virginian, maybe you’ve been visiting Las Vegas for the last couple of years, and all this while, you’ve had to settle for the metropolitan fun, alluring casino life, and of course, the never-ending DJ vibes.

But are you getting the most out of Vegas by doing the same old song and dance? I sincerely doubt that because for you to get the best of what Vegas is truly about, you need to experience a unique side of Las Vegas that most don’t get to see.

In this light, here are some tips to set you on a course to discover the hidden gems of Las Vegas.

1. Play golf on a PGA course

There’s a reason “The player’s Club” Las Vegas has been called “desert elegance.” Designed by Bobby Weed and Raymond Floyd, this 7,063-yard course capitalizes on the beauty of the surrounding mountains and canyons and the glamour of the Las Vegas skyline to make a truly stunning golf course. Otherwise known as TPC, The Player’s Club is a premier PGA Tour golf course where celebrities, PGA Tour players and now you can enjoy a great round of golf. If you are a  golf lover, then you’ve most likely seen the beauty of the player’s club on TV countless times, so why not explore the stunning views yourself, while also getting the chance to experience the game on one of the best golf courses around? The golf course sits aside some of the most luxurious Las Vegas mansions in the whole valley. If you are looking to enjoy world-class golf in Vegas, there is no better host than TPC. Not only does the course allows guests and professionals to play side by side, but it also provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy vacation packages through TPC Las Vegas to the neighbouring JW Marriot or a handful of hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Beyond the challenge of the game, you can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Mountains in the distance, as well as the decent number of wildlife running around.

2. Ride the world’s largest observation wheel

Enjoy a trip on the High Roller Las Vegas and see The Strip from a bird’s eye view.

At more than 550 feet (167 meters) tall, the High Roller in Vegas isn’t your county fair Ferris wheel. See for yourself during a 30-minute revolution in one of the High Roller’s 28 air-conditioned compartments. Choose from day or night rides to watch the landscape glimmer with hot sun or neon lights as you soar high above. Whether Sin City is your favourite vacation spot or you’ve travelled from Virginia to see the Strip for the first time, this ride above the Las Vegas skyline won’t leave you disappointed.

  • A 30-minute revolution on the High Roller, Las Vegas’ newest attraction, with audio commentary

  • Enjoy the unbeatable view of the Strip and the surrounding desert

  • Browse in the Sky Shop for High Roller souvenirs

  • Explore the bars, restaurants, and shops of Las Vegas’ newest quarter.

If you want sky-high views without having to board a helicopter, this is easily the most entertaining option. Time your ride for sunset to get the best photos, and add the happy hour option with an in-pod bartender for drinks with a dash of insight from a Sin City local.

An interactive journey from start to finish, the massive wheel is more than sight-seeing, providing an ideal place to celebrate, socialize or enjoy the lights of the city.

3. Experience vintage Vegas signs in a neon boneyard

As a Virginian, if you think the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” neon sign that greets visitors whenever they arrive at the South Vegas entrance is the biggest deal in the city, wait till you see the boneyard at the neon museum. Imagine a whole museum dedicated to the art of neon signs, all telling the historic tale of the beautiful city of Las Vegas. If neon could talk, it likely would be able to regale every visitor with colourful stories about Rat Pack-era Las Vegas.

Actually, the more than 200 neon signs sit in a lot called the “Boneyard” do tell the history of Las Vegas at this one-of-a-kind museum downtown. It’s a place of wonder for tourists, visitors, historians, graphic artists and font fanatics. As well as providing insight into the area’s history and culture, it also illustrates changes and trends in design and technology in the pieces that range from the ’30s to today. Plus, it’s a pretty incredible place to take pictures. The public can access the boneyard via hour-long guided walks, crowding their vision with signs from the Palms Casino Resort, New-New York, Lady Luck and O’Shea’s, each tagged with a unique story about who created it, what inspired it and how it was made.

Conclusively, Las Vegas has so much to offer Virginians if you give it a chance, from celebrity-dotted PGA golf experiences to one-of-a-kind views and American neon history. Appreciate Las Vegas by seeing a side of the city most never get to see.

Uday Tank has been working with writing challenged clients for several years. His educational background in family science and journalism has given him a broad base from which to approach many topics. He especially enjoys writing content after researching and analyzing different resources whether they are books, articles or online stuff.

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