Blue Man Group

In the beginning -- 1988 to be precise -- nine men and women donned bald wigs, painted their heads blue and did something to the annoying decade of the '80s that other people only dreamed about: They buried it. They typed up a press release announcing "a funeral for the '80s" and carried a coffin full of symbolic items such as a Rambo doll and a yuppie effigy to New York's Central Park, where they burned them in a barrel. MTV's Kurt Loder showed up with a cameraman in tow, and through the miracles of fast cutting and a slow news day (it was Memorial Day weekend), the Blue Man Group's first public engagement was seen nationwide the following day."They took what was basically one of the lamest events of the modern age and added a voice-over that said, 'If you're tired of the '80s, it's OK because they're over according to the Blue Man Group,'" recalls Matt Goldman, one of the group's three founders. "There was this bombastic statement and quick-cut editing, and all of a sudden, you feel as though you've missed something incredible. And that was a lesson." Blue Man Group has since mushroomed into a critically acclaimed entertainment juggernaut of award-winning multimedia theatrical shows, concerts, DVDs, movie soundtracks and commercials, not to mention a Grammy-winning CD that went gold. So far, the group's empire employs 500 people spanning two continents, and though the company doesn't release financial figures, Forbes Small Business estimated in 2003 that Blue Man Group's first four resident shows alone would have brought in $1.4 million a week -- and that was before permanent shows opened in Berlin, London and Toronto. (Japan is on the horizon.) Last fall, the outfit's Las Vegas troupe ended a five-year run at the Luxor Hotel and moved to a new 1,750-seat theater at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, which spent $25 million on the venue, custom building it to the Blue Man Group's specifications. The younger crowd the show draws is helping to keep all the hotel's gaming tables open four hours longer, until 6 a.m., according to Venetian president and chief operating officer Robert Goldstein. "It adds a great energy to the building, and we're enthused about it," he says.Now, that dour 1988 procession in Central Park seems like a mere footnote, but it contains the seeds of Blue Man Group Prods.' unusual success story. The blue men might have rebelled against the commodification of that decade's art world, but they never romanticized starving artists or divorced themselves from the almighty dollar. They cast themselves as artist-businessmen, but instead of turning art into commerce, they turned commerce into art, creating commercial work with aspirations to the same high artistic standards as their shows.

Year Ending Annual Events In Las Vegas

In mid-November, technology buyers flock to COMDEX at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the big picture on IT solutions in one place and to gain savvy for making informed purchasing decisions. COMDEX is where hardware manufacturers, software vendors and service providers launch products, where leaders discuss industry trends, and where the media spotlights what’s hot in the $915 billion IT industry. Call (415) 905-2300 for more information.
Pennzoil World of Outlaws
Small cars with big engines race at 150 mpg in the middle of November at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Call (702) 632-8252 for more information.
Motor Trend International Auto Show
The Las Vegas Convention Center hosts an annual exposition of new cars, mini-vans, SUVs and trucks in late November. Call (702) 892-0711 for more information.
Strut Your Mutt
Dogs run free at Dog Fancier's Park in mid-November, where they can enter contests and you can listen to a variety of intructional programs and obtain adoption assistance. Call (702) 455-8200 for more information.
December
National Finals Rodeo
Rodeo competitors from all over the world gather at the Thomas and Mack Center for a week of steer wrestling, bronco bucking and calf roping, towards the middle of December. Call (702) 895-3761 for more information.
Ethel M Chocolate Light the Night Spectacular
The Mars chocolatier family hangs thousands of lights on their desert plant garden and hosts special tours of their facility, beginning in late November and extending through early January. Call (702) 433-2500 for more information.
New Year's Eve Downtown
For a more organized alternative to the Strip celebration, enjoy popular live bands and a synchronized fireworks display at the Freemont Street arcade. Call (702) 678-5777 for more information.
New Year's Eve on the Strip
The entire Strip is packed with partying street crowds and top name entertainers everywhere. Call (702) 892 0711 for more information.

Las Vegas Attractions

Las Vegas Attractions

Welcome to MetroGuide Networks' overview of Las Vegas-area attractions. The Greater Las Vegas area is full of attractions for all ages. . Despite the souped-up razzle-dazzle add-ons popping up everywhere, Las Vegas to its very core has long been one big fat neon-lit 24-hour attraction, keeping the most inveterate insomniacs occupied throughout the night. Historically, Las Vegas Valley was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1829 and settled by Mormons in 1855, with the town of Las Vegas established by auctioning land in 1905. Gambling was legalized in 1931, the Strip’s El Rancho Vegas debuted in 1941, and a year after the Last Frontier Hotel opened, later to be called the New Frontier, and eventually the Frontier. Nevada started taxing gaming in 1946, the same year Bugsy Siegel opened the Flamingo Hotel. Unable to repay the $5 million he had borrowed for the project as rapidly as some investors had apparently anticipated, he ended up slain before his Las Vegas vision hit pay dirt. In 1966, reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes arrived to hunker down at the Desert Inn, and by 1977, gaming revenues in Las Vegas’ Clark County cracked $1 billion. In 1993, the Flamingo Hilton announced plans to raze Bugsy’s suite and office, all the while casino revenues continued to climb. By 2002, Clark County casinos (including Laughlin, Mesquite, Primm and Jean) took in $7.6 billion in gross gaming revenue, with Las Vegas accounting for $6 billion. In 2002, 89 percent of visitors gambled during their stay, with the average gambling budget per trip, per visitor at $503, and the average visitor devoting 3.7 hours per day to the gaming task. That leaves plenty of time to pursue attractions. Las Vegas is best navigated by vehicle rather than on foot since visual distances can deceive, especially when gazing up or down the Strip, where icons like the Stratosphere can seem closer than they are. Las Vegas Boulevard is the city’s main thoroughfare, and major east-west streets crossing the Strip portion are named for key hotels. The Strip Trolley, departing every 30 minutes, is the easiest way to hotel-hop. Below is a list of some suggested things to do in the Las Vegas Metropolitan Area, with links to more details when available.
Adventure Theme Park
Under the dome of America’s largest indoor theme park behind the West Tower at Circus Circus Hotel Resort and Casino are mountains of thrills from the Canyon Blaster (a double loop roller coaster), to Chaos (hurling riders in three ranges of motion), and Rum Runner (a wild and wet indoor flume ride). Fun starts at 10 a.m. daily. Circus Circus, 2880 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 734-0470
AJ Hackett Bungy
Whether for first-time jumpers or seasoned thrill-seekers, AJ Hackett Bungy has safely facilitated more than one million public bungy jumps. The tower, next door to Circus Circus, originally was constructed as an observation platform for visitors to gawk at the Strip panorama. Since 1993, AJ Hackett Bungy has provided a value-added spectacle – day jumping against the colorful backdrop of a city thriving on visual gimmicks, or night jumping with views of more neon than anywhere else on the planet. 810 Circus Circus Drive. (702) 385-4321
American Alpine Institute Red Rock Climbing
No other area offers as much climbing potential in gorgeous desert environment so close to metropolitan amenities. Some 20 miles from Las Vegas, Red Rock rises in a 3,000-foot wall of red, pink, and cream-colored Aztec sandstone. Cliffs, forming a 10-mile-long north-south trending barrier, are cut perpendicular with major canyons. On canyon walls, and on towers and summits between, are some of the longest, best non-granitic climbs in the nation. Exceptionally hard sandstone offers long, continuous crack lines and steep, exposed face climbing. Despite Las Vegas proximity, Red Rock retains a wilderness feeling, with few established trails and most approaches involving easy cross-country travel, often up isolated, narrow canyons lined with juniper. Red Rock Canyon climbing, April through October, is in half/full-day trips and guided climbs, with transportation to / from the Strip. 3311 Casey Drive, Apt. 201. (360) 671-1505
Attractions at Event Center Las Vegas
Where Sunset Road meets The Strip, the Attractions at Event Center Las Vegas complex includes Challenger go carts, EXPL paintball fields, a Blasters Arcade with DDR Extreme machines, billiards, league play in roller hockey, dodgeball, indoor soccer, and an action-packed slate at Event Center Arena. 121 East Sunset Road. (800) 525-2905
Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art
Within an unrivaled setting, the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, presents exhibitions of paintings, sculpture, and works on paper by the world's most influential artists. Museum-caliber exhibitions offer a rare opportunity to view legendary works selected from prestigious international collections. The adjacent Gallery Store stocks exhibition-related products developed exclusively for the venue in collaboration with artists, estates, and museums. Visitors will find select original artworks from galleries around the world, as well as distinctive pieces of jewelry by well-known artists. Bellagio, 3600 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 693-7871
Belz Factory Outlet World
Two recent additions – the 50,000 square foot annex and 32,000 square foot Designer Center -- at this climate-controlled mall include retailers like Tommy Hilfiger, Liz Claiborne, Calvin Klein, Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue, Mikasa and dozens more. Belz Factory Outlet World Las Vegas, 2.5 miles south of the Strip, with access from Interstate-15 via Blue Diamond Interchange, attracts a huge share of 36 million visitors arriving in Las Vegas each year on top of one million-plus locals. 7400 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 896-5599 Buccaneer Bay Pirate Battle
Schedule to re-open Oct. 26, 2003 after closing for upgrades, the Buccaneer Bay Battle debuts Sirens of TI, a new show promising unprecedented thrills with innovations in entertainment, lighting and pyrotechnics allowing effects never dreamed of when the show opened a decade ago. Sirens of TI are intriguing females joining male pirates in a modern interpretation of the Battle of Buccaneer Bay. The new pirate show is the centerpiece of the celebration of the resort’s 10th anniversary.
Treasure Island at The Mirage, 3300 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 894-7111
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Casino Legends Hall of Fame
This specialty museum features the largest collection of Nevada casino memorabilia ever assembled. Material from 738 casinos traces the history of Las Vegas gaming, entertainment and dining. 3801 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 739-2222
Cinema Ride
In the Forum Shops at Caesars are six different 3-D Motion Simulator Adventures, including the Atlantis Submarine Race, Galactic Flight, Haunted Graveyard Run, Coaster Crazy and the hot “Ski Ride.” 3785 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 369-4008
Circus Acts
At Circus Circus, the world's largest permanent circus presents world-renowned live circus acts free every day. Different acts perform each half hour from 11 a.m. to midnight. Circus Circus, 2880 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 734-0410
Cowboy Trail Rides
Breathtaking sights on horseback are available for singles to larger groups, with transportation available. 800 North Rainbow, #208. (702) 948-7061
Cranberry World West
Amid a heavy aroma of cranberry with virtually everything painted a cranberry color, daily free tours include the Ocean Spray bottling plant’s multi-media exhibits, a film in the Cranberry Theater, a demonstration kitchen, gift shop and free samples. The museum showcases antique cranberry-plucking and harvesting devices. 1301 American Pacific Drive. (702) 566-7160
Desperado
One of the world’s tallest, fastest roller coasters brings screams near the California/Nevada border about 30 minutes from Las Vegas. The ride opens with an initial lift of 209 feet and a breathtaking 225-foot drop. Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino, 31900 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Primm. (702) 382-1212
Eiffel Tower
A signature of the Las Vegas skyline, the replica Eiffel Tower at Paris Las Vegas is an exact reproduction of the French landmark, rendered at 1/2 scale. The Eiffel Tower Experience provides an elevator ride to the top, with a stunning, panoramic view of the valley, from 460 feet above the ground. Elevator operators point out can’t-miss Vegas landmarks. The Eiffel Tower Restaurant, on the 11th floor, serves French cuisine, with lamb seasoned to perfection and foie gras unlike any other. Paris Las Vegas, 3655 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 946-7000
Elvis-A-Rama Museum
From sequined jumpsuits to those blue suede shoes, Elvis-A-Rama showcases more than $5 million of the King’s personal possessions, including the world famous ‘55 Concert Tour Limo, his speedboat, jewelry, documents and hand-written letters. The 8,000 square foot museum culminates what began as a hobby for collector Chris Davidson who, at age 10, saw Elvis for the first time at the Las Vegas Hilton, and who is now the world’s single largest private collector of Elvis material. Live daily shows in the Rock ‘n Roll Theater are free with museum admission. A museum gift shop stocks souvenirs, and as new material is added to exhibits, investment quality documented Presley memorabilia is for sale. Free shuttles from the Strip can be arranged. 3401 Industrial Road. (702) 309-7200
Ethel M Chocolates Factory and Cactus Garden
Check out candy-making in the chocolate factory and then walk off the calories from the free samples in the cactus garden. M stands for Mars, Forrest Mars being the candy baron behind M&Ms, Mars bars and more delights. Ethel M chocolates were named for Forrest Mars' mother. Creams, caramels, cherry cordials and nut clusters are churned out during the free self-guided tours. The 2.5 acre cactus garden has 350 species of prickly desert flora. 2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson. (888) 627-0990
Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet
As Nevada’s largest swap meet, the air-conditioned Fantastic Indoor Swap Meet has some 700 shops. 1717 South Decatur Boulevard. (702) 877-0087
Fast Lap Indoor Cart Racing
Thrills of wheel to wheel racing unfold with 13 adults competing in timed, recorded races. 4288 Polaris Avenue. (702) 736-8113
Flamingo Wildlife Habitat
At the Flamingo Hilton, the Wildlife Habitat has Chilean flamingos, African penguins, ducks, swans, pheasants, quail, turtles, Koi and goldfish. Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas, 3555 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 733-3111
Floyd Lamb State Park
Four stocked ponds, picnic areas, barbecues, scenic paths, volleyball and horseshoe facilities are on this 2,040-acre park northwest of Las Vegas. Visitors can explore the Tule Springs Ranch, known as one of the North American west’s best examples of Pleistocene paleontologic sites. The Tule Springs area was once populated with large mammals, similar to those in Africa. Fossil remains of mammoths, bison, horses, camels, giant sloths and other animals have been found in Tule Springs. More recently, Tule Springs served as a watering hole for Indians and prospectors. In 1916, John Herbert (Bert) Nay became the first non-Indian to file for water rights. From Las Vegas, take U.S. 95 north, about 40 miles to exit right on Durango, then right on Brent. 9200 Tule Springs Road. (702) 486-5413.
Freemont Street Experience
Every night seems like New Year’s Eve downtown, with the famed casino-lined Freemont Street now covered by a dome for nightly shows featuring 2.1 million lights and 550,000 watts of concert sound. In previous decades, downtown Las Vegas had been headed downhill, playing a definite second fiddle to the higher-end glamour of the Strip. But a $70 million major league facelift transformed the long-time Glitter Gulch into what’s now known as the Freemont Street Experience, a glittering multi-block pedestrian mall unlike any other in the world. Outdoor cafes, kiosks, and more are sheltered by a 90-foot canopy that at night features a high-tech light and sound show. There’s a misting system for summer, and heaters for making things cozier, providing a year round ambiance in which to casino hop. 425 Fremont Street. (702) 678-5600
Getting Hitched
With more than 120,000 marriage licenses issued annually, Las Vegas reigns as the world’s wedding capital. Ways to get hitched vary from lavish hotel ceremonies to a 24-hour drive-through chapel with an Elvis look-alike presiding. Helicopter weddings, Red Rocks weddings, limo weddings and horseback weddings are also on tap. Anyone can attend a ceremony at the Little Church of the West, the town's busiest wedding chapel and the oldest existing structure on the Strip, where visitors can simply walk in, take a seat, and enjoy the mini-marital drama unfolding. Little Church of the West, 4617 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 739-7971
Guggenheim Museum
Rotating exhibits of fine works including Impressionist and Early Modern paintings from the Hermitage and Guggenheim collections. Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino, 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 792-3766
Guinness World Records Museum
Wacky, weird and wonderful displays include recall of when 60 students set up 2.3 million dominoes to be toppled with one push on Aug. 28, 1998. Also featured is new film footage on the world’s tallest man, who stood 8’ 11” and weighed more than 400 pounds. And for true magnetism, visitors can see more than 7,000 parts of the Guinness “largest refrigerator magnet” collection, assembled by Las Vegas resident Louise J. Greenfarb, aka the Magnet Lady. 2780 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 792-3766
Hoover Dam
The Hoover Dam Visitor Center is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Authorized and funded by Congress in 1928 for flood control and generating electricity, the 727-foot high Hoover Dam is the equivalent of a 70-story building. At base, it is 660 feet thick (about the length of two football fields). Originally tagged Boulder Dam, it was later officially named as a salute to President Herbert Hoover. The Discovery Tour provides glimpses of the power plant generators, the Nevada Intake Tower, the old Exhibit Building, and other vantage points at individual pace. Guides give talks every 15 minutes at each stopping point from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To see it all, visitors should arrive by 3 p.m, since pedestrians are prohibited from the top of the dam when it’s too dark. U.S. Highway 93, Boulder City. (702) 597-5970
Houdini Museum at the Venetian
From his famed strait-jacket to spare glass for his original water torture cell, memorabilia belonging to legendary escape artist H. Radner Houdini is displayed in the Houdini Museum at the Venetian Resort Hotel. Houdini, the highest paid variety artist of his time, was also an aviator, fight fan, inventor, author, filmmaker, book collector and fraud buster. Houdini’s interest in debunking fake spiritualists came after his mother’s death. Given his illusionist background, he recognized the techniques and became a crusader against charlatans bilking grieving families, frequently attending séances in disguise to expose mediums with larceny in their hearts. Despite the 1953 movie starring Tony Curtis where Houdini met his demise during an underwater stunt, the escape artist actually died on Halloween, 1926 from peritonitis caused by a ruptured appendix. Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino, 3355 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 414-1000
Imperial Palace Auto Collection
The Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace features more than 350 antique, classic and special interest vehicles spanning a century and individually valued at up to $1.5 million. On display (and for sale on the showroom floor) is a hot red 1923 Indian Big Chief two-wheeler with matching princess side car once owned by the late film star Steve McQueen. The 2,700-room Imperial Palace, with 10 specialty restaurants, a spa / fitness center and a wedding chapel, is also home to “Legends In Concert.” Imperial Palace, 3535 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 794-3174
Jockey Club Tennis Courts
Two outdoor courts are open 24 hours. Jockey Club, 3700 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 739-8686
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
With more than 700 miles of shoreline, Lake Mead and Lake Mojave boast outstanding water recreation.Callville Bay, (702) 565-8958Cottonwood Cove, (702) 297-1464Echo Bay, (702) 394-4000Lake Mead Cruises, (702) 294-6180Lake Mead Resort Marina, (702) 293-3484Visitors Center, (702) 293-8990
Las Vegas Art Museum
Big name traveling exhibits of modern and contemporary art. 9600 West Sahara Avenue. (702) 360-8000.
Las Vegas Club Scene
Where to begin for the dedicated club-hopper? The Las Vegas options are mind-boggling, among them:Baby’s at the Hard Rock Hotel, (702) 693-5000, provides Travolta-era authority with waitresses in zipper-top biker leather, projected images on translucent walls, and an underground lakeBikinis Beach & Dance Club at the Rio All-Suite Casino Resort, (702) 949-1127, is one big beach bash with two DJ areasCleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace, (702) 731-7110, is the only floating lounge around, with Viking-style ship and plankClub Madrid at Sunset Station Hotel and Casino, (702) 547-7730, seats 600 for rock, blues and jazzClub Rio, also at the Rio All-Suite Casino Resort, (702) 252-7777, has a huge dance floor ringed by circular boothsClub Utopia, (702) 593-5935, is bi-leveled dance bar with outside patio overlooking the Strip’s south endCoyote Ugly Bar and Dance Saloon in the New York New York Hotel and Casino, (702) 212-8804, has an on-going party atmosphere where Coyote barkeeps dance, entertain and encourage misbehavior while fielding queries a la “didn’t we go to different schools together?” and other great pick-up lines;Gilley’s in the New Frontier, (702) 794-8200, is strictly honky-tonk with barbecue ribs, live dancing and a mechanical bullDrai’s at the Barbary Coast Hotel and Casino, (702) 796-5519, comes with major attitude as a fine dining enclave and an after-hours club attracting celebrities galoreWolfgang Puck's Club OPM at Caesars Palace, (702) 992-7970, has two rooms: The Dance Room and the Orchid Room featuring a mix of funk, jazz and house tunes.
Las Vegas Golf
The Las Vegas Valley is home to well over 60 golf courses:Angel Park Golf Club has two Arnold Palmer-designed courses, Mountain and PalmAnthem Country Club’s par 72 course weaves through desert terrain with many holes played through canyons and highlighted by waterfallsGrand Slam Golf specializes in coordinating any size golf groupBadlands Golf Club’s course, designed by Johnny Miller with help from Chi-Chi Rodriguez, has Desperado, Diablo and Outlaw nines combining for 27 challenging holesBali Hai Golf Course on the Strip is reminiscent of South Pacific courses with thick stands of towering palms and large water featuresBear’s Best, designed by the bear himself, Jack Nicklaus, features replicas of famous holes he has designed elsewhereBlack Mountain Golf & Country Club has 27 holes meandering through Henderson neighborhoods;the tree-shaded Boulder City Golf Course, with a quaint clubhouse, wide fairways and two lakes, has reachable par 5s, tricky par 3s, and straightforward par 4s to challenge all abilitiesCallaway Golf Center is home to the Divine 9, a lighted par 3 course, a 110-stall driving range with grass and synthetic tees, and a Golf AcademyCasaBlanca Golf Club in Mesquite Valley wetlands winds in and out of the Virgin River basin, and has packages with the CasaBlanca Hotel and Casino;walking is allowed on the shaded short course at Craig Ranch, ideal for beginnersDesert Pines Golf Course, a par 71 with more than 4,000 towering pines, was a Golf Digest nominee for “best new upscale golf course”;county-owned Desert Rose Golf Course has a forgiving par 71 layout and restaurantDesert Willow Golf Club, designed by Billy Casper and architect Greg Nash, is the par 60 home to six par 4s and 12 par 3s, ideal for a quick 18-hole round of less than three hoursDragonRidge Golf Club’s par 72, 18-hole course is near the base of the Black Mountain rangeDurango Hills Golf Club, an executive type course with 14 par 3s and a quartet of par 4s, has a restaurant and pro shopEagle Crest Golf Club, one of five Billy Caspar / Greg Nash designs in the Las Vegas Valley, is good for a quick 18 with its par 60 courseEmerald River Golf Course, minutes from Laughlin’s casinos, has 18 holes of championship golf through canyons overlooking the Colorado RiverHighland Falls Golf Club has a semi-private par 72 course played with Red Rock Canyon providing backdrop;at the Badlands Golf Club, Ken Venturi Golf Academies, Inc. offers 3-day, 1-day, and ½-day golf schools with individual playing lessonsAngel Park Golf Club, 100 South Rampart Boulevard. (702) 254-4653Anthem Country Club, 25 Anthem Club Drive, Henderson. (702) 614-5050Badlands Golf Club, 9119 Alta Drive. (702) 382-4653Bali Hai Golf Course, South 5160 Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 382-4653Bear’s Best, 1635 Village Center Drive. (702) 804-8500Black Mountain Golf and Country Club, 500 Greenway Road, Henderson. (702) 565-7933Boulder City Golf Course, One Clubhouse Drive, Boulder City. (702) 293-9236Callaway Golf Center, 6730 Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 896-4100CasaBlanca Golf Club, 950 West Mesquite Boulevard, Mesquite. (702) 346-7529Craig Ranch Golf Course, 628 West Craig Road, North Las Vegas. (702) 642-9700Desert Pines Golf Course, 3415 East Bonanza Road, Las Vegas. (702) 450-8000Desert Rose Golf Course, 5483 Club House Drive. (702) 431-4653Desert Willow Golf Club, 2020 West Horizon Ridge Parkway, Henderson. (702) 270-7008Durango Hills Golf Club, 3501 North Durango Drive. (702) 229-4653Eagle Crest Golf Club, 2203 Thomas Ryan Boulevard. (702) 240-1320Emerald River Golf Course, 1155 West Casino Drive, Laughlin. (702) 507-3760Highland Falls Golf Club, 10201 Sun City Boulevard. (702) 254-7010Ken Venturi Golf Academies, Inc. (702) 562-9505
Las Vegas Harley-Davidson
Anyone hitting big at the tables can head on over to the world’s largest Harley dealership, specializing in Hogs, new, pre-owned and rentals. Free shuttle available. 2605 South Eastern. (702) 431-8500
Las Vegas Shopping
Some of the world’s finest salons await at:Appian Way Shops at Caesars Palace, 3570 South Las Vegas Boulevard, (702) 731-7110Bally’s Avenue Shoppes at Bally's Casino Resort, 3645 South Las Vegas Boulevard, (702) 739-4111 beckon with 22 stores, a wedding chapel, race and sports book and three restaurantsBloomingdale’s magic awaits along with opportunities to buy at the Boulevard Mall, 3528 Maryland Parkway, (702) 732-9197, minutes from the Strip, downtown and the Convention Center, and at the Fashion Show Mall, 3200 South Las Vegas Boulevard, (702) 784-5400
Las Vegas Spa Options
Aquae Sulis, (702) 869-7777, at the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort is a 40,000 square foot luxury outpost with full range of treatmentsCanyon Ranch Spa Club, (702) 414-4000, at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino has treatments, a climbing wall and moreDolphin Court Grand Spa, (702) 450-8000, at Green Valley Ranch Resort, in Henderson, has European treatments in splendid surroundingsElemis Spa, (702) 785-5555, at the Aladdin Resort and Casino, has 32,000 square feet of gym and pampering spaceExecutive Fitness, (702) 794-9441, at the Riviera Hotel and Casino has steam and whirlpool baths, and an exercise room with one-on-one trainingFlamingo Health Spa, (702) 696-9705, at the Flamingo Hilton Las Vegas offers Swedish massage with apricot vitamin E oil and moreFour Seasons Spa, (702) 632-5302, at the Four Seasons Hotel has a full selection of facilities for hotel guests onlyGolden Nugget Spa, (702) 385-7111, at the Golden Nugget Hotel provides luxury personal services with a spa, salon and fitness centerHarrah’s Spa, (702) 369-5189, at Harrah’s Las Vegas has a health club and a full menu of treatmentsMGM Grand Pool and Spa Complex, (702) 878-4849, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino has more than 30 treatment rooms, two VIP spa suites, and a fitness centerOasis Spa, (702) 730-5724, at the Luxor Hotel and Casino is Las Vegas’ only 24-hour spa.
Las Vegas Tour Options
Away from the casino clang and jangle, there’s no shortage of tour opportunities in and outside Las Vegas:-->1 Calls Tours, (702) 566-3866, has Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, and Las Vegas sightseeing#1 Las Vegas Shows & Tours, (702) 243-0181, has more than 100 tours to Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam by plane, helicopter, Jeep or raftA Tour 4 You, (702) 233-1627, also has assorted optionsAdventure Photo Tours, (702) 889-8687, has nine choices, including a journey to the Grand Canyon bottom;Air Vegas Airlines, (702) 736-3599, has daily Grand Canyon flightseeing, including lunch, guide and hotel transfersAnnie Bananies Wild West Tours, (702) 804-9755, has guided tours to the Valley of Fire, with lunch at Lake MeadAnywhere Tours.Com, (702) 566-7834, does Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam tours by plane, helicopter, bus or SUV;ATV Action Tours, offers whitewater river rafting and more with free hotel pick-upBlack Canyon / Willow Beach River Adventures, (702) 294-1414, rafts the Colorado River, floating by hot springs, waterfalls and geological formationsCasino Travel & Tours, (702) 946-507, provides tours, limo service and dinner packagesDesert Fox Tours, (702) 361-0676, explores the desert in Hummers to demonstrate what “off-road” really means;Designated Drivers, Inc., (702) 456-RIDE, provides for safe driving of you and your carDown River Outfitters, (702) 293-1190, guides canoe and kayak trips on the ColoradoDrive-Yourself Tours, (702) 565-8761, provides self-guided audio-cassette tape tours with mapsEscape Adventures - Mountain Bike & Hiking Tours, (702) 596-2953, has mountain and road tours of Red Rock CanyonLas Vegas Backpackers, (702) 385-1150, caters to international travelers with budget accommodations, outdoor activities and adventure tours.
Liberace Museum
The candelabras, pianos, jewelry, and sequined capes, furs and feathers of the flamboyant pianist await at the Liberace Museum, supporting the Liberace Foundation for the Performing and Creative Arts. Piano and Car Galleries are in Building One, while Building Two showcases awards, costumes, jewelry, and a re-creation of Liberace's Palm Springs bedroom. Liberace owned 39 pianos; 18 are displayed including the rhinestone-covered Baldwin used in his last Radio City Music Hall performance. Cars include his 1954 red, white and blue Rolls Royce used in 1976 Bicentennial ceremonies. The Costume Gallery includes a Liberace favorite, a black diamond mink lined in more than 40,000 2.5 karat Austrian rhinestones. Among the "crown jewels" are a candelabra ring with platinum candlesticks and diamond flames, a gift from Harrah's Hotel / Casino, and a spectacular 18-karat gold piano-shaped ring with 260 diamonds and ivory and black jade keys, a gift from Barron Hilton. 1775 East Tropicana Avenue. (702) 798-5595
Lied Discovery Children’s Museum
More than 100 hands-on exhibits in one of America’s largest children’s museums explore the arts, sciences and humanities. The first floor provides opportunities for imaginary and dramatic play, use of motor skills, group problem-solving and cooperative activities with making bubbles, freezing shadows, creating computer art, earning a paycheck and spending Discovery Money. Desert Discovery is a permanent exhibit for children age 5 and under. The second floor focuses on science, communication, and technology and opportunities for exploration, observation, cooperation, and critical thinking with Space Shuttle flights, hearing a whisper 30 feet away, experiencing wheelchair basketball, create a moving picture, and touching a tornado! 833 North Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 382-3445
Manhattan Express
At New York New York Hotel and Casino, this taxi-cab themed roller coaster twists, loops and dives, featuring the first-ever heartline twist and dive maneuver, letting riders experience negative Gs, similar to the jet fighter barrel-roll maneuver done by Tom Cruise in Top Gun. The two minute, 45-second ride starts behind the hotel where riders are taken up 203 feet, with the first drop of 75 feet a warm-up for the 144-foot encore drop. After another drop and a vertical loop, more zing awaits with the twist and dive. Riders briefly hang upside down experiencing zero gravity while the train does a heartline spin. For the finale, there is a 540-degree spiral spin. New York-New York, 3790 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 740-6969
Marjorie Barrick Museum of Natural History
On the campus of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas, the Marjorie Barrick Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, researching, and interpreting objects and thematic concepts illustrating southern Nevada’s natural history. 4505 South Maryland Parkway. (702) 895-3381
McCarran Aviation Museum
The Museum, open 24 hours a day, shows the history of aviation in Southern Nevada, from the first flight in 1920 through introduction of jets. The Museum's main exhibit is above baggage claim on level two, with an additional exhibit in the general and corporate aviation terminal operated by Signature Flight Support. Admission is free. McCarran International Airport. (702) 455-7968
Neonopolis
At Freemont Street Experience, Neonopolis caps a 10-year, $200-million downtown renewal with three levels of dining, shopping, and a Crown Theatres multiplex. Eateries range from La Salsa Cantina to Dairy Queen. 450 Fremont Street, on the corner of Fremont and Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 477-0470
Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat
Siegried & Roy's Secret Garden is home to royal white tigers, white lions, black panthers, a snow leopard, gold tigers and a four-ton elephant. The Dolphin Habitat, adjacent to the Secret Garden, houses an extended family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Mirage Las Vegas Resort, 3400 South Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 791-7111
Strat-O-Fair Midway
America’s tallest observation tower is at the northernmost point on the Strip. The Stratosphere’s thrill rides, the High Roller Coaster and Big Shot, are two of the world’s highest. The latter shoots passengers 160 feet in the air with a force of 4Gs before free-falling back to the launch pad. The Strat-O-Fair midway, showcasing a 1963 World’s Fair theme, also has traditional carnival games, bull riding, a 1958 vintage Ferris wheel and the Little Shot, a pint-sized version of the Big Shot. Stratosphere Tower, South 2000 Las Vegas Boulevard. (702) 380-7777.

Venetian On Vegas Strip Hosts Blue Man Group

ABOUT BLUE MAN GROUP A feeling of bluephoria is about to overtake The Venetian®, where the wildly popular Blue Man Group will begin performances in October, 2005. Blue Man Group combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create a unique form of entertainment. The show builds to an explosive party atmosphere that infects people of all ages.
USA Today calls Blue Man Group “an absolutely ecstatic experience. The most inventive theatre to come along in ages.” Join the celebration and experience bluephoria for yourself!