Are you in Paris or Las Vegas? Ride to the peak of the 46-story replica of the Eiffel Tower in the glass elevators and you'll find you're in both places at once! At the observation deck on top, you will behold a breathtaking view of the Las Vegas Strip from 540 feet (165 meters) up. The 11th-floor Eiffel Tower Restaurant is formal dining at its finest; reservations are necessary. Tickets are available at the Tower.
A city famous for being full of lights, it is nice to honour to the old neon signs. The Neon Museum is located in downtown Las Vegas and though it is open all day, it is best viewed at night. See the Caesar's Palace sign in its fully-colored splendor, and catch a glimpse of the horse and rider from the old Hacienda Hotel. The museum often adds new items to this marvelous collection. Entrance is available as part of a guided tour only. Purchase tickets early for the later tours as they fill up quickly.
The Mob Museum is located in what used to be a courthouse. Built in 1933, it was one of the 14 courthouses in the nation to hold the Kefauver Committee hearings on organized crime. This makes it a perfect backdrop for The Mob Museum, an authentic view of the mob's impact on Las Vegas history. The Mob Museum presents the story from the perspective of both the organized crime syndicate and law enforcement. Visitors get to be part of the action through theater presentations and interactive environments. Visitors can shoot a simulated Tommy gun, listen to real FBI surveillance tapes, and take part in FBI weapons training. The museum can also be booked for private events.
The Fremont Street area of Las Vegas is located downtown, north of the famed Vegas Strip. Here you will find Las Vegas' original strip with classic casinos, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. To attract more tourists away from The Strip, the Fremont Street Experience was created. The massive entertainment venue is home to Viva Vision, the spectacular light and music show. Using over 12.5 million lights projecting onto a 500-yard-long (457-meter-long) canopy 90 feet (27 meters) above the ground and a 550,000 watt sound system, it truly makes Fremont Street a prime attraction. Shows are free and play every night, making your time on Fremont Street all the more exciting. Keep your head and do not miss the famed Vegas Vic, the neon sign that looks like a cowboy. Made in 1951, the sign has ruled over Fremont Street since it was put up.
House Of Blues at Mandalay Bay is the closest thing you'll find to a blues revival without going to Louisiana. Live music has been presented by some of the all-time great rhythm and blues personalities. Everyone will love the fried catfish and succulent barbecued ribs served here. On Sunday, a brunch buffet is punctuated by some of the greatest gospel singers in the country.
Discovery Children's Museum Las Vegas museum features hundreds of hands-on, interactive exhibits dealing with the arts, sciences, nature, music, and humanities for children to explore. Kids can explore a myriad of exhibits that offer fun and educational experiences. Eco City allows them to explore a mini city with shops, buildings, and businesses. The younger tots can enjoy at Toddler World, a desert-themed play park. For the curious cats, Patents Pending is another fascinating exhibit with problem-solving games and displays, along with Water World, a spectacular section that celebrates water.
If you have an eye for photography, the Peter Lik Gallery in Las Vegas the place to go. Peter Lik's vision and his passion for photography make him one of the best photographers in the world. His amazing snapshots lay at your behest at the Peter Lik Gallery, located within the shops at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Peter Lik's photography takes you through the bounties of nature with splendid views of vast landscapes and lovely terrains which will leave you feeling a lot closer to nature. From capturing modest moments for postcards to opening his personal art gallery, Peter has achieved a lot for himself and the world of art, which is apparent in his photographs. Peter Lik Gallery is a must visit for all art and nature lovers.
Home to UNLV's University Theatre, Black Box Theatre is part of the Performing Arts Center. As it's name indicates, Black Box Theatre is a flexible venue that can shape-shift to fit many different varieties of performances. The theater holds up to 175 non-fixed seats that can be arranged depending on the need for the space at the time. The space is utilized for the University's graduate, undergraduate and experimental student performances. A calendar of events can be found at the website. The hours listed are those of the box office. - Amy Tjaden
The historic home of Antonio Morelli, the famed musical director and orchestra conductor of the Sands Hotel's legendary Copa Showroom, stands tall as a reminder of the city's illustrious past. The house is a charming example of Midcentury Modern architecture, featuring glass walls, an open floor plan and the use of natural building materials; a style that was typical of the houses constructed during the 1950s and 1960s in Las Vegas. While the architecture of the house alone is emblematic of Las Vegas in the 1950s, the house was also an after-hours meeting place for the Rat Pack, including the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Nat King Cole. Although a little known treasure, the Morelli House is a place of pilgrimage for fans of the midcentury legends of entertainment. The Morelli House was rescued, relocated and restored by the Junior League of Las Vegas, and now serves as their administrative headquarters. Tours, open days and special events are often organized, however, if you would like to visit at any other time you must schedule a visit by contacting the Junior League.
Inspired by the marvel of Cirque du Soleil dancers, Richard MacDonald has taken a bold step in displaying their artistry in his sculptures. He has accurately captured the essence in the movements of these dancers and performers and successfully recreated them in the bronze statues present at the venue. Due to the poise and elegance of these sculptures, some may have to tilt their heads to marvel in the true beauty of them.