Visiting Vegas off the beaten path
For the 40 million or so visitors that the Sin City attracts every year, the infamous strip is undoubtedly the biggest draw and to be fair, with all the shows, fabulous restaurants and world-class entertainment on offer, there really isn’t any need to wander too far from “the Strip”. However, if you’re looking for something different away from all the glitz, glamour and furore of the city’s best-known venues, then there are a number of things to do and sights to see off the beaten path which will keep you busy for a few hours or so. So, without further ado, here is your ultimate guide to exploring the lesser known attractions in Sin City.
Ethel M Chocolate Factory
If you’re planning on visiting the Ethel M factory in Henderson hoping to see an Oompa Loompa or two, then you’re likely to be disappointed. However, in true Willy Wonka fashion, you can take a free self-guided tour of the factory which has been favourably reviewed on TripAdvisor and seems to go down well with visitors of all ages. If that isn’t enough, then there’s plenty of free chocolate tasting and a relaxing cactus garden which will help provide some relief from the bravado of the hotel entertainment and gaming halls. While it does take a good half an hour to get here from the Strip, this only becomes a problem if you’re visiting Nevada in the summer months but even then – fear not – we have it on good authority that the chocolate won’t melt.
The Neon Museum
In the current climate, museums have sadly been lumped with the “boring” and “uncool” tag, but a visit to the Neon Museum on Boulevard North is anything but. Essentially, what can be found within the museum is pretty self-explanatory; the neon signs attached to the entertainment complexes and other attractions of yesteryear that have gone by the wayside are all stored at the museum in a neon boneyard, and if you take the nighttime tour, seven of the signs have been fully restored and light up for your viewing pleasure. At around $20 per person, the Neon Museum is both cheap and fascinating, and provides much-needed respite from the commotion found on the strip.
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Eatt Gourmet Bistro
As one can imagine, there is plenty of choice when it comes to eating in and around the city, but for those who want something a little different while still watching their waistline, Eatt Gourmet is one of the best healthy restaurants in Vegas. While dining in the bistro is a real culinary treat in itself, it’s also possible to order your food online and pick it up in the restaurant if you fancy enjoying your food from the comfort of your hotel room. Wine connoisseurs will also be pleased to know that the Eatt employees Ryan and Mathias are two of the most knowledgeable experts in the area when it comes to choosing the right bottle of pinot to complement your dish. With a vast and varied menu, there really is something to cater for everyone’s different tastes and needs.
The Mermaid Swimming Show at the Silverton
Located a mere five miles off the main strip, the Silverton still providers customers with one of the best and most unique freebie experiences off the beaten path. The main lobby of the hotel consists of a huge 117,000-gallon water tank which contains a vast number of exotic saltwater fish, and relaxing with a drink while watching the colourful creatures swim about is truly a sight to behold. However, the real kicker is the mermaid swimming show, which is available a number of times throughout the day, and with a reasonably-priced restaurant directly facing the huge tank, you can sit back and relax while enjoying your dinner. To top the whole experience off, Silverton contains one of the biggest and most unique Bass Pro Shops around, which is a fisherman’s dream and really puts a finishing touch on what is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and unusual experiences in and around town.
There are plenty more hidden gems out there
This list really is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of enjoying some of the lesser-known attractions the entertainment capital has to offer. A quick scour of the internet will prove that there’s plenty to do off the beaten path in Sin City. Don’t get us wrong, the strip is popular for a reason and contains some of the most thrilling and enjoyable experiences you’re ever likely to find, but at the same time it’s nice now and again to get away from all the noise and relax. Just make sure you take a map or a SatNav.
The editorial unit
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