Las Vegas Highlights - 2013

I recently got back from a trip to Las Vegas. I've been going there on vacation on an almost annual basis since 2006 (I missed going in 2007 and 2012 for those keeping score). The one thing that I enjoy most about the city is the fact that it is ever changing and that there are a lot of things to do that don't involve gambling in one of the many casinos on and off the strip. I've assembled a list of the five favorite places that I visited on my most recent trip.

For our first two stops we'll head to the strip and Harrah's Casino.

5 - KGB: Kerry's Gourmet Burgers

There are dozens of places on the strip to get a good burger but KGB is my favorite. "Rock 'N Roll" Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon opened KGB at Harrah's in 2010. Offering five different buns (or a bed of lettuce) and an assortment of toppings you can build your own or choose from a handful of signature burgers. Sides include Sweet Onion Rings and French Fries, but I'd recommend the Tater Tots or Sweet Potato Tots. They also offer shakes and martinis and various cocktails and beers so you'll have no problem finding a refreshing beverage to accompany your meal. Also, don't forget to start things off with an order of the Mac and Cheese Sticks.

4 - The Big Elvis Show

Not far from KGB in Harrah's Piano Bar is The Big Elvis Show. Held multiple times daily the show features Pete Vallee performing a wide selection of Elvis' material. No two shows are ever quite the same and offer great repeat value. In addition, Pete is easily accessible after the show for fan interaction. Add in the fact that it is a free show (there is a 2 drink minimum at most tables but there is plenty of room to stand) and you've got little reason to not go see this great show.

3 - Monster Min Golf Presents KISS

Located off strip across from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Paradise Road, Monster Mini Golf is much more than just a place to play mini golf. The interior lobby area acts as a KISS museum, displaying stage worn gear, all sorts of memorabilia from the band's 40 year career and even Eric Carr's 1981 Porsche (a gift from KISS for Christmas 1980). A fan could spent an hour or more checking every thing out before moving on. There is also a small section devoted to souvenirs for purchase, the "Hotter than Hell" Wedding Chapel that can be rented out for weddings, a VIP area for parties and of course the mini golf. The 18 hole KISS-themed course (a giant platform heeled boot, a giant Les Paul style guitar, and several nice surprises.) is challenging and lends itself to repeat visits. When done you can even get your photograph in your favorite band member's boots for a $5 fee.

2 - The Neon Museum

Located on the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard the Neon Museum is a "non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic and cultural enrichment." The visitors center alone is worth the trip: it's the actual lobby from the now defunct La Concha Motel! Inside the Visitors Center you'll find an assortment of items for purchase. They have shirts, books, key chains and much more. My favorites include individual neon sign magnets that you can spell out your name with and a poster recreation of the 1966, 1/4 scale reproduction of an original hand-made drawing of the Stardust sign that is stored in the Neon Museum collection.

The main attraction though is the  hour long guided tour of the Neon Boneyard. Tours are offered during the day for $18 and at night for $25. "Reservations are highly recommended but not required... A very limited number of walk-in tickets are available and can only be purchased at the museum day of and in person." The tour features out of service signs from decades past as well as a handful of restored signs that shine in their full glory at night. In addition to the signs you'll also learn a bit about the history of Las Vegas and the casinos and businesses that featured the signs on display.

1 - West Wind Drive-In
Located on West Carey Avenue in North Las Vegas the West Wind offers six screens of first run movies as well as a full concession stand. Most movies play as part of a double feature with select movies running on their own. The drive-in experience is pure Americana and for someone like me who has to venture pretty far (and stay out pretty late) to go to one back home, the West Wind is a real treat.