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Getting off the Strip

10/30/2018

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Bright lights, big production shows and chiming slot machines, I get it, I get it! The appeal of Las Vegas has never been so obvious, but for a frequent visitor like myself, I found it slowly starting to become predictable. I wanted a little more. I wanted to see the real Vegas, eat with some locals, get into the desert, and take a drive away from all the twinkling signs… Here are a few things I’ve found that are fun and interesting and will help you get off the strip! ​

Take a Hike 

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​Have a rental car? Great. About a 30 minute drive from any hotel on the strip is the meeting point for Desert Adventures Hikes and Kayaking.  My husband and I booked a challenging yet rewarding hike into the desert and hot springs with a guide and a few new friends. For $139 you’ll spend a day with a friendly and knowledgeable guide exploring the back country of Black Canyon. We hiked through shallow rivers, seeing rocks covered with ancient art (from the Mohave and Paiute tribes) along the way into a hot spring hidden in cave just a few steps up a ladder. Sitting in the warm waters for a breather was well deserved as our muscles ached a little from the hike. (It’ll be about 4 to 6 miles in total).
Our guide carries extra water for us to use at any time and lunch is included. We perched by a beach to enjoy some lunch (they’ll ask what you prefer when you book, veggie options are available). We snacked on turkey sandwiches with juice and a cookie while watching kayakers glide down the Colorado River in groups. Keep an eye out for beautiful wildflowers, bleating bighorn sheep and the changing sandstone colours of the towering canyon walls. We found this hike to be pretty challenging and were proud of ourselves when we completed it. We talk about this experience and look back on it fondly all the time. You have options of choosing various adventures if hiking isn’t up your alley, you can kayak, SUP board, even do up to 5 days excursions to the Utah Canyons. There is something for every level of fitness. Check them out yourself at www.kayaklasvegas.com

Sparkle and Glow at the neon museum 

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See where all the neon hotel signs go after they retire from the Strip at the Neon Museum. About 15 minutes off the strip, you’ll find a glorified junk yard of neon signs of Vegas past. A glowing smiling duck, camels welcoming you to the Sahara, 24 hour wedding chapel bells and giant lamp waiting to grant you a wish or three were just some of the gems we encountered. You can opt for a tour (1 hour) or do a walk around yourself with a free booklet that gives backgrounds to the more popular pieces. The museum was founded in 1996 and they’re dedicated to restoring and collecting these iconic signs.
It was fun to walk around and great for photo ops. We ended up being there about 30 minutes and they have a few staff members wandering the grounds if you have any questions or want to hear a story or two. Tickets are $20 for general admission and the boneyard is open between 9am-4pm most days. Snag some tickets here: www.neonmuseum.org.

Visit an authentic german beer hall

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It’s no secret I’m a beer lover,  only a short cab ride from the strip on Paradise Road is Hofbrauhaus, a gigantic German beer hall serving up steins of imported draft beers and delicious traditional fare (think soft pretzels, schnitzels and sausages with sauerkraut!). I went with a group and we had a great time sharing off each other’s plates and lifting up our heavy Oktoberfest steins, shouting ‘Prost!’ with the crowd.  Standing on your chairs and singing along to traditional German drinking songs (live entertainment every night) or classic American gem’s like Sweet Caroline or I’ve Got Friends in Low Places is highly encouraged.  ​
​Keep an eye out for waitresses dishing out ‘paddling’s’ and a shot to drunken patrons and frequently celebrity guests tapping kegs. The atmosphere is ridiculously fun and the interior really mimics that of an authentic German beer hall, it’s actually quite stunning and even rented out occasionally for events like weddings. Reservations highly recommended. Open 11am to 11pm, www.hofbrauhauslasvegas.com

Wander through the Mojave Desert 
​with pink jeep tours

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Hop in a bright pink Jeep that’ll pick you up right at the lobby of your hotel and head over to Red Rock Canyon. You won’t believe you’re only about a 25 minute drive from the strip when you hop out into the red sands amongst desert tortoises and more of that ancient tribal art I was talking about earlier! You get hooked up with a knowledgeable guide that will help you with everything from learning more about local plants and wildlife from snapping that perfect picture of you with the colourful Calico Hills.
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You’ll also get a quick pit stop to the gift stop and visitor centre to grab a souvenir. $99 a person for a total of 4 hours and currently books for 8AM and 1PM. Learn more at www.pinkadventuretours.com (If you have more time, they also have full day trips to Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon!)

shop, eat and explore at container park

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Fashion Show Mall not doing it for you anymore? Why not check out the offbeat shopping centre Container Park near the art district about 15 minutes away by car. What makes Container Park stand out? Well, for starters, you’ll be greeted by a giant praying mantis right outside its gates (rumour has it, it spits fire after dusk!) and companies and restaurants have set up shop in shipping containers! It’s really cool to see. You can do a little shopping; grab a snack or a drink or two on a patio. We really enjoyed stopping at Stoned N’ Baked, a stone fire pizza and brownies only eatery, Kappa Toys and LAYOP clothing.
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​There are so many shops to choose from, everything from Jerky, tacos, nail salons, flip flops, coffee and a ‘Lucky Little Wedding Chapel’ is at your disposal. There is also a giant outdoor playground for kids smack dab in the centre. Check it out at 707 Fremont St, while you’re at it, check out the local art and giant murals in the area, it was a fun place to go for a walk. www.downtowncontainerpark.com


By now, you know there is so much more to Vegas than screaming over a craps tables or spending an afternoon at a pool party. Why not add one of these stops to your next Vegas trip and turn it into a little more of an adventure? I'll put a bet on you having a great time 😉
1 Comment
alixbrown link
1/1/2019 03:48:12 am

Just see and watch

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    Sarah

    Hey! I'm Sarah! A 30 something living in downtown Toronto with a great guy and an OK dog.  I love seeing what my city has to offer and try to hit up as many fun events or attractions as I can!  I haven't slept since 2004.
    ​I love staying positive and trying new things.  Hope you enjoy my stories.  ~ Until Next Event! X

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