If you’ve never been to Las Vegas, your perception of the place is likely to be attributed to pop culture. Las Vegas is associated with high life and it seems the party never stops. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to Sin City. There is a lot more to the city than it’s what is celebrated for. It is probably Las Vegas that you’ll not see on TV. In this post, we’re going to highlight some of the things that you might find surprising about Las Vegas.
Much of the Place Isn’t Las Vegas
A big portion of the strip lies in between the towns of Paradise and Winchester. This isn’t the information that you’re likely to know when going through WYNLV while searching for entertainment. Las Vegas stretches more to the North which will come as a surprise for a lot of people.
Gambling Wasn’t Always Legal
During the pioneering years, there were on and off relationships between Nevada and signatory activities. It was only until 1869 when gambling was legalized in Nevada. Lawmakers did ban gambling activities in 1910. It took more than 20 years for new gambling laws to be passed.
Home to the World’s Biggest Hotels
Nearly all if not all of the biggest hotels in the world can be found in Las Vegas. One of the shocking bits about this fact is that the hotels are portfolios of a single company. According to research done by STR Global, six out of the 10 biggest hotels in Las Vegas are owned by MGM Resorts International.
First Tourists Were in Love With Atomic Bombs
As crazy as it sounds, the very first Las Vegas tourists had an unhealthy fascination with atomic bombs. In the mid-fifties, nuclear detonations were a major tourist attraction. Guests could gather from the balconies of their hotel rooms and casinos and watch the cloud rise from a distance. There were beauty pageants paying homage to the detonation of atomic bombs.
Younger Than You Probably Think
There is a very good reason why Carson city was named the capital in 1864 and not Las Vegas. This is because Vegas came into existence less than 150 years ago. The first time it appeared anywhere on the map was in 1095. This was mainly because it was the stop for the Union Pacific Railroad. Las Vegas has since grown into a life of party of what it is today.
The Naughty Museum
If you’re heading west towards the Trump International Hotel, you might want to lower your windows and gaze at Vegas best-kept secret. The Erotic Heritage Museum is a 24,000 square feet marvel of erotic exhibits.
There are Trains But Not For You
It is ironic that it is not possible to reach Las Vegas by train yet it was founded as a stop for the Union Pacific Railroad. The railroad is still there but is barely functional. Even if you can see the tracks, it can be sad knowing that you will never catch a ride while in Las Vegas.
You Don’t Have to Fly to Arizona For a Rugged Scenery
There has been a long and easy partnership between Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon. There are tour companies that will offer quick flights to Arizona but that is not always necessary as there are pristine and protected spaces that are closer to Sin City. One of the places you can start is the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.
There is Another Las Vegas
There is another Las Vegas in New Mexico with a functioning Amtrak station. That means that you can visit it by train, unlike the “real” Vegas. If you intend to drive from Las Vegas to Las Vegas, you should put at least more than 12 hours aside as you’ll be covering 700 miles of wilderness and breathtaking views.
You Can Act Like a Kid
If you’re told to describe Las Vegas in one word, it would probably be “slot machines” As we’ve already mentioned, there is more to Las Vegas than the nightlife and the neon lights. If you’d like to feel like a kid again, the Container Park will be the place to go. There are so many fun activities that don’t involve gambling your savings away. If you’re visiting Vegas for the first time, it will be a good idea to do your homework to get those hidden gems. You don’t need typical tourist experience when you get a lot more.
