Las Vegas - A City Guide

Las Vegas - A City Guide

by Nivedita Balamurugan

Las Vegas - A City Guide

Introduction

Las Vegas is the most populated city in Nevada, United States. The city was founded in the first decade of the 20th century, and is a major vacation, shopping, and gambling destination. The center of gambling in the US, Las Vegas is sometimes called Sin City due to the popularity of legalized gambling, availability of alcoholic beverages any time (like all of Nevada), various forms and degrees of adult entertainment. The nickname favored by local government and promoters of tourism is The Entertainment Capital of the World. The city's glamorous image has made it a popular setting for films and television programs.

History

Major events in Las Vegas' history include:

¢ Establishment of Las Vegas as a railroad town (May 15, 1905). ¢ Legalization of gambling (March 19, 1931). ¢ Completion of Hoover Dam (October 9, 1936). ¢ Opening of Bugsy Siegel's Flamingo Hotel on what would become the Las Vegas Strip (December 26, 1946). ¢ Above-ground testing of nuclear bombs (1951 to 1963). ¢ The floods of 1955, 1984, 1999, and 2003. ¢ MGM Grand Hotel fire (November 21, 1980), the worst disaster in Nevada history. ¢ Opening of the Mirage (November 22, 1989), this began the era of mega resort casinos.

Place of interest

The city and surrounding areas offer many attractions for both visitors and locals to enjoy. Just walking on the Strip and gazing at the gaudy, garish, absurd wonder of it all can occupy quite a lot of time. This is the number-one activity in Vegas; at night and there are shows and plenty of other nighttime entertainment. There are also plenty of out-of-town sightseeing options, like Hoover Dam (a major tourist destination), Red Rock Canyon, and nexus-of-all-conspiracy-theories Area 51, along with excursions to the Grand Canyon. The main attractions for the tourists are the casinos and their free shows. Free hotel attractions, such as Bellagio's water-fountain ballet, The Mirage's volcano and white-tiger exhibit, and the masquerade show at the Rio and the utter piece of hooey that replaced the pirate show at TI at the Mirage. Museums & Art Galleries

Besides the casinos another attraction in Las Vegas is its museums. These museums are very much attached with the history of Las Vegas, better to say, with the history of America. ¢ Boulder City / Hoover Dam Museum, ¢ Bruno's Indian Museum, ¢ Central Nevada Museum, ¢ Clark County Heritage Museum, ¢ Guinness World of Records Museum and Gift Shop are some of those museums. Other than these some art museums and auto museums are there in Las Vegas. Las Vegas Art Museum, George L. Sturman Museum of Fine Art, Southern Nevada Museum of Fine Arts are some of arts museums.

Shopping

Shopping in Vegas is endless and it's a shop-till-you-drop kind of city. Some extensive malls and many hotels have comprehensive, and sometimes highly themed, shopping arcades. The most notable of the arcades are in Caesars Palace, Aladdin, and The Venetian. In addition to the malls, outlets, and shops, it's a good idea to drive to Maryland Parkway, which runs parallel to the Strip on the east and has just about one of everything: Target, Toys "R" Us, several major department stores, Tower Records, major drugstores, some alternative-culture stores (tattoo parlors and hip clothing stores), and so forth. Las Vegas has a big factory-outlet center just a few miles past the southern end of the Strip. Vegas has quite a few antiques stores, nearly two dozen, of consistent quality and price, nearly all located within a few blocks of each other.

Food & Drink

Among the many images that come to mind when people think of Las Vegas are cheap food deals, bargains so good the food is practically free. Some of the big names are Pinot, Le Cirque, Alizé, Aqua, Aureole, Olives, Lutèce, Border Grill, Nobu and Rosemary's Restaurant. Las Vegas has some theme restaurants like The House of Blues, Harley Davidson Café, The Hard Rock Café, the Rainforest Café and Margaritaville.

Universities

University Of Nevada-Las Vegas is the main university located in Las Vegas. Among other universities and community colleges University Of Phoenix-Nevada, Community College Of Southern Nevada, Community College Of Southern Nevada, Southern Nevada University Of Cosmetology are some notable entities.

Sports

Las Vegas isn't known for its sports teams. Except for minor-league baseball and hockey, the only consistent spectator sports are those at UNLV. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a main venue for car racing and should draw major events to Las Vegas.

But since the city has several top-notch sporting arenas, there are important annual events that take place in Las Vegas. The PGA Tour's Las Vegas Senior Classic is held each April in nearby Summerlin, and the Las Vegas Invitational takes place in Las Vegas each October. The National Finals Rodeo is held in UNLV's Thomas and Mack Center each December.

Hotels & Accommodation

If there's one thing Vegas has, its hotels, big hotels and lots of them. The 10 largest hotels in the United States - 9 of the top 10 in the world - located in Vegas. There are lots to choose from according ones need and choice.

Luxury Hotels

Vegas have elegant and grand hotels in its possession. The MGM Grand, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Ritz-Carlton, the Hotel, the Mirage, Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower - are some of these big names.

Budget Hotels

If the visit to Vegas is in a particularly busy season and booking in prominent hotels are over, here's a list of moderate to very inexpensive alternatives - Budget Suites of America, Travelodge, Budget Inn, Motel 6 Boulder Highway etc.

Tours and Sightseeing

Just about every hotel in town has a sightseeing desk offering a seemingly infinite number of tours in and around Las Vegas. You're sure to find The Reservation Center, a tour company of international repute that will take you where you want to go a good choice for your sightseeing tours. The tours include Air Tours including Airplane, Helicopter Tours; Land tours including ATV Tours, Bicycle Tours, Bus Tours, Walking / Hiking and Horseback Riding; Water tours including Jet Ski Tours, Lake Cruises, River Rafting, Wakeboarding, etc. These tours contain destinations like Hoover Dam, Mount Charleston, and Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire and Lake Mead. The Reservation Center is one of the most comprehensive tour agencies and offers a wide variety of tours.

Transport

The CAT Bus is the popular means of public transportation among locals and tourists with 52 bus routes operating covering a large portion of the valley. The Las Vegas Monorail runs from the MGM Grand Hotel at the south end of the Strip to the Sahara Hotel at the north end of the Strip. McCarran International Airport provides commercial flights into the Las Vegas valley. The airport also serves private aircraft, domestic and international passenger flights, and freight/cargo flights. Intercity bus service to Las Vegas is provided by traditional intercity bus carriers, including Greyhound; many charter services, including Green Tortoise; and several Chinatown bus lines. Union Pacific Railroad (UP) is the only class one railroad to provide rail freight service to the city.

Cambridge City Guide, Including Cambridge Hotels

Cambridge City Guide, Including Cambridge Hotels

by Ms Maria Williams

Cambridge combines the best of traditional and modern life in one city. The towers, quadrangles and gardens of its 31 colleges create the Cambridge's spectacular landscape. At the same time, visitors enjoy the best in theatre, music and live entertainment in Cambridge's many festivals and theatres. A great spot to visit all year round, Cambridge is host to many thousands of visitors, and endures as one of England's most popular places to visit.

Places of Interest

On every corner of the city, there is at least one building or view that is worth visiting and exploring. There are also places off the beaten path that are definitely worth a short excursion.

The University--take a guided tour of Cambridge's 31 famous colleges. You can spend time investigating these colleges for a day or for weeks.

Moggerhanger Park--This Georgian Grade I Historic house is a jewel in the Bedfordshire Countryside. It has undergone a gradual renovation process, and fits the striking and original design of Sir John Soane.

Cromwell Museum--Sir Oliver Cromwell, born in 1599 attended this former school along with Samuel Pepys. Now a museum, this collection features objects once belonging to the former Lord Protector and his family.

Fenner's Field--Have a pint, some crisps and watch a cricket match in the University's cricket field. You can view a match in April, May or June.

ADC Theatre--The oldest theatre in Cambridge, this venue is home to the finest student productions as well as community theatrical projects.

Things To Do

Whatever your interests, you can find a variety of activities in Cambridge. Whether music is your passion or you prefer taking a nature hike, there is always something going on in Cambridge, regardless of the season.

Corn Exchange Festival--In the summertime, Cambridge is home to one of East Anglia's finest events during which you can experience the best in every genre of music, comedy and drama.

Cambridge Folk Festival--described by the Daily Telegraph as Europe's most celebrated folk festival, this frequently sold-out event features folk music from every corner of the world.

Fireworks Display--Cambridge hosts the largest free fireworks display in England, and along with the impressive show, there is also free, live entertainment and a bonfire.

Debenham's--no trip to England is complete without a shopping excursion at one of the most frequently visited department stores in the country. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it here. Roman Road Walk--take a stroll back in time on a circular Roman road that will lead you through local fields and villages.

Food & Drink

In addition to visiting Cambridge superb sites, you will also need to grab a bite to eat now and again. Whether you prefer a formal meal, a light snack or a traditional English tea, you can easily find a place in Cambridge that suits your appetite and your budget. If you fancy a pint, there are many pubs to choose from as well.

Red Lion-16th century country pub in the lovely village of Hinxton serves traditional English fare and drinks.

Bun Shop--if you are looking for a restaurant and pub with a Mediterranean flavour, enjoy the tapas, the continental food and the Flamenco dancing at the Bun Shop. There is also a Quiz Night every Tuesday.

Maharaja Indian Tandoori--This is one of the oldest Indian restaurants in Cambridge, and it serves traditional Indian favourites, including Madras, Tandoori and Bhajis as well as piping hot vindaloo. The Anchor--This classic English pub has a riverfront terrace and serves English breakfasts as well as Sunday roasts.

Tatties--A good place to grab a quick bite to eat, this charming establishment specializes in jacket potatoes, snacks, coffee and tea and has a great selection of vegetarian dishes.

Hotel & Accommodations

Whether you are looking for a five-star hotel or a budget bed and breakfast, it is quite easy to find what you are looking for in Cambridge. There are many medium-priced Bed and Breakfasts or Guest Houses which are family run and provide amenities such as cable TV, quality bathrooms and showers, and hot beverages. Many offer free continental breakfasts or low-cost English breakfasts. For the adventurous, there are many camping grounds located outside of the city centre if you are keen on renting a caravan. For those who prefer self-catering, there are many houses and apartments available to let by the week.

Aylesbray Lodge Brooklands Guest House Sorrento Hotel & Restaurant Cambridge Garden House Moat House Centennial Hotel De Vere University Arms Hotel Royal Cambridge Acorn Guest House Best Western Gonville Hotel Ashtrees Guest House Arundel House Hotel Carolina Guest House Sleep Inn Cambridge The Meadowcroft Hotel Best Western-Connoisseur, Cambridge Quy Mill Hote Kirkwood House Hotel Felix Express by Holiday Inn Cambridge Dresden Villa Guest House The Cambridge Belfry Alpha Milton Guest House Cambridge Apartments Ltd Black Horse Motel

Entertainment

Theatre has a long and well-respected tradition in Cambridge, and it is in this city that many of today's popular entertainers made their foray into the performing arts. The Corn Exchange Theatre is the largest venue in the city, and hosts operas, large-scale professional productions and stand-up comedy. It is also worth investigating student talent as well, and the ABC, the oldest theatre in Cambridge, is worth a visit. The Mumford is the legendary student theatre in Cambridge and is the largest student venue. Drop by the Corpus playroom, which features student productions throughout the year.

If you prefer cinema, visit the Arts Picture House, which features foreign and mainstream films and also sponsors children's programs. The Vue Cinema has an 8 screen selection, with enough choices to suit every film fancier.

There are several notable festivals in Cambridge during the summer. The Cambridge Folk Festival is the finest of its kind in Europe and features an impressive and eclectic mix of traditional music, from Irish favourites to American blue grass. At the Corn Exchange Festival, you can hear any style of music that suites your taste. There are also comedy programs and theatrical productions on the schedule.

Regardless of your interests or the time of year you are planning to visit the city, Cambridge an outstanding array of nightlife, dining, entertainment, and sightseeing options. Even if you stay for months, it is unlikely that you will be able to experience everything Cambridge has to offer, so a return trip to this fantastic city should definitely be in your plans.

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