Venturing into Vegas: put a twist on your visit by checking out these extraordinary attractions

Pool & Spa News, Nov 1, 2004 by Margot Carmichael Lester

Ever since the first commercial airliner touched down at the Las Vegas airport in 1926, out-of-towners have been flocking to the desert oasis for fun and games. But don't spend all your time in the casinos. There are plenty of fun attractions (even some free ones!) on the Strip and nearby that you don't want to miss. Here are just a few possibilities:

The Bellagio Fountains

The Scoop: A truly amazing spectacle of choreographed water and light, the Bellagio Fountains draw large crowds day and night. Set on a 9-acre replica of Lake Como, the attraction features 1,200 individual fountains, 5,500 computerized underwater lights and choreography by Emmy winner Kenny Ortega. There is no charge, but crowds amass quickly at night, so arrive early to stake out a good location.

Location: Bellagio Hotel

Hours: Monday-Friday, 3-7 p.m., every 30 minutes; 7 p.m.-midnight, every 15 minutes. Saturday-Sunday, noon-midnight.

Tickets: Free

Fun Fact: The project, created by WET Design, appears in many movies and TV commercials, and is the focus of an upcoming book.

18th Annual Downtown Hoedown

The Scoop: Don't miss this old-fashioned Western stomp that kicks off" the National Finals Rodeo. It promises more lights and music than usual (as if that were possible).

Venue: The Fremont Street Experience (Downtown Las Vegas)

Show times: Thursday, Dec. 2; Times vary.

Tickets: Free

Elvis-a-Rama

The Scoop: More than a museum, Elvis-a-Rama features album art, personal effects and other items sure to delight fans of the King, such as a letter written to a former girlfriend denying he was romantically involved with Priscilla Beaulieu. (Oops.)

Location: 3401 S. Industrial Rd.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tickets: Adults, $9.95, Nevada residents, seniors and students, $7.95. A one-hour concert costs $14.95. Admission to the museum and the concert is $22.

Fun Fact: You can even catch a glimpse of Elvis' American Express card!

First Fridays

The Scoop: Take a break from the casino for a little culture. Check out Las Vegas' finest local artistic talent during this free cultural block party and open house.

Venue: Various locations within the Downtown Arts District

Show time: Friday, Dec. 3, 6-10 p.m.

The Fremont Street Experience

The Scoop: Four blocks of stages and venues under an electronic canopy. Local musicians and entertainers provide a nonstop onslaught of visual and aura[ stimulation. The Downtown Las Vegas' overhead light show was recently updated and expanded, with six times as many lights, providing TV-like definition. It is worth experiencing at least once.

Location: On Fremont Street, from Main Street to Las Vegas Boulevard

Tickets: Free

Fun Fact: FSE is home to the world's largest electric sign and more than 550,000 watts of concert-quality sound.

Hawaiian Marketplace

The Scoop: Get a taste of the islands at Las Vegas' first themed retail and entertainment venue. The $175 million project features restaurants and shops, but the real draws are the Polynesian-themed attractions such as hula dancers, fire/knife throwers, animatronic shows and a climate-controlled atrium.

Location: 3743 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Hours: Daily, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.

Fun Fact: Bonus points if you sing "Blue Hawaii" as an homage to the King.

M&M's World

The Scoop: Nirvana for chocolate lovers, this is the only store in the world dedicated Venturing Into Vegas continued from page 100 to M&M's brand chocolate candies. Learn about the history of M&M's and your favorite color character while you shop for candies and souvenirs. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

Location: The Showcase Mall, 3785 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-midnight.

The Mirage Volcano

The Scoop: If you want less choreography and more raw drama, head over to The Mirage to catch the "eruption." Smoke, fire and water that looks like molten lava await you every night. There's no charge to view the eruption.

Hours: Every 15 minutes from dark until Midnight

Fun Fact: Want to continue walking on the wild side? Visit one of the wildlife habitats on The Mirage grounds.

The Stratosphere Tower

The Scoop: Talk about feeling on top of the world. Visitors to the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower can take in panoramic views and sky-high amusement park rides from the tallest free-standing observation tower in the country. And you can eat up there, too.

Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m.

Tickets: Tower admission, $9; Tower Audio Tour, $4; Big Shut and X Scream rides, $8; High Roller, $4.

Fun Fact: Not advised for the faint of heart. The elevator itself is a thrill ride, jetting passengers 100 stories in less than 30 seconds.

For the ladies

There's more to Vegas than gambling and shows, particularly for the ladies. We've compiled a list of activities and attractions specifically designed to appeal to the fairer sex. Enjoy!

Looking for a little pampering?

We asked the folks at Spafinder.com for their favorite local spas for a minivacation. They offered up two great options:

* Desert Wind Therapeutics provides great packages starting as low as $70 (with a free lunch included in packages that extend more than four hours), as well as one-on-one Pilates classes, deep-tissue massage and full body alignment. Located just 3 1/2 miles east of the Las Vegas Strip in the Flamingo Lakes Business Center, Desert Wind also offers packages for men and couples. 2860 E. Flamingo Rd., (702) 278-9771.