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The Travel Column
The Travel Column
The Travel Column         The Travel Column
Back to Suedomsa the Magazine Main page selection   View the August 1997 Cover   go to page 1   go to page 2   page 3   go to page 4   visit www.ayrx.com
Original Publication Information:
Suedomsa the Magazine  August 1997  Volume One, Issue One
Living in the City of Sin by Christy Tobin
Things to do in Vegas when you're fed (up)
Do you ever have those episodes with a friend where you can't figure out what to do or where to go once you decide what to do? There are as many answers out there as you want there to be. It all depends on the scene you enjoy and the money that happens to be in your pocket.
I am inspired to write this article because I have great trouble making decisions. I usually like to have my friends make suggestions and I then narrow those choices based on the things I do not want to do. However, there is this one friend of mine who I really enjoy going out to dinner with. The problem is neither of us ever wants to decide where we should go. I became so frustrated with the hours it took to decide where to go that I made a list of all the restaurants I could think of. The list turned out to be about three pages long, and now when we want to go out I start reading the list until we come to one we both say yes to. Whether it be a buffet or specialty cuisine, there are tons of restaurants in this city to choose from. A couple of my favorites would be TGIF (Friday's), Pizza Hut, Hungry Hunter, and the Rio Buffet. All these have great service and delicious feasts.
Besides the restaurants in town there are coffee houses which provide an opportunity to hang out while being entertained by poetry readings or live music. Those situated in book stores allow the sophisticated type to enjoy their Java. While on the other hand some coffeehouses are culture and art related. These venues provide folk nights and art decorated walls. For a good variety and activity I would say Cafe Roma would be a better spot.
Movies are also a popular form of entertainment in and around this city. Video rental stores are available on every corner. Food and friends can be added to any video to make an exciting party. Bargain prices can be found at both Hollywood Video and Tower Video. Don't forget to rewind!
Movie theaters are located all around town. Show prices range from the dollar show to the student discount ticket at the Green Valley Theater. A drive-in theater is located on the west side. Popcorn and a soda are optional for these events. For the best sound and seating in a theater, I suggest that you visit any of the Station Theaters. They provide plenty of parking and have spectacular sound quality and seating.
If by chance none of the above strikes your fancy, try the many outdoor adventures that are minutes away from Vegas. Red Rock Canyon is a spot for all to enjoy. Amateurs as well as the advanced outdoorsmen can spend an afternoon picnicking, rock climbing, hiking, or camping. When I visited the Canyon I was in awe of the beauty and serenity. I advise you to take a camera along to capture the sites. Maybe you'll even run into a skiing rollarblader as I did.
Another beautiful hiking spot is Mt. Charleston. In the winter, sledding and skiing become available on the mountain. I hear the hot chocolate is wonderful up there.
The Valley of Fire and Hoover Dam are only minutes away from Las Vegas for a great getaway. History, fitness and spectacular sights are combined in these awesome landmarks. Be sure to take the right clothing, because these getaways have drastic climate differences from Las Vegas. Lake Mead is just outside the city and provide a great place to jet and water ski. Picnics and sports are also great on the lake. Sunblock and sunglasses are an excellent accessory when being that close to the sun.
Not eager to leave town? Try out the many amusement areas in the city. Wet N' Wild is a great opportunity to relax out in sun. Perhaps a roller coaster is more your speed? You can find one in some hotels on the Strip. But, we are forgetting something. A park in your local area can provide vast adventure without costing a dime. Bike and walking paths as well as swings and slides bring a backyard atmosphere to our asphalt city life.
Well, for a city that never sleeps, there is plenty to do at all hours of the night or day, here or there. This may be the problem; there is just too much to do...