Things to See Outside of Las Vegas

Being a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada for close to six months, I am not surprised why it is the most sought after destination for tourists in Nevada. By day it is a bustling oasis, a place of fun day activities such as shopping, hot air balloon tours, and bungee jumping off one of the tallest buildings in the West. By night, it lives up to its reputation as The Entertainment Capital of the World, with an amazing nightlife and a breathtaking spectacle of lights.

But what I really want to focus attention to, and something that Nevada locals already know, is that Las Vegas is not the only amazing thing in Nevada. For the adventurous spirited and diligent traveler, there is so much more that this state has to offer. Indeed, there are hundreds of unique locations within Southern Nevada alone, but I will list the three that I like the most.

Pahrump

Maybe it’s a little bias that I list Pahrump first, because before moving to Las Vegas this was where I lived for almost thirteen years. It is a quaint little town some 60 miles west of the entertainment capital along Blue Diamond/Highway 160. Pahrump is typically a pit stop for tourists on their way to Death Valley down Highway 372(which collides with 160 in the center of town), or those who go further down 160 to meet with U.S Route 95. The town has an old spirit to it, and is heavily focused on its community; I believe this is what gives it its charm.

Some of the tourist draws include the Pahrump Valley Winery, the Pahrump Valley Speedway, and Harvest Festival, all catering to a particular taste.

The Pahrump Valley Winery, found by taking a right off of Homestead Road (the first street light you hit when coming from Las Vegas down 160), is the state’s only winery. What makes this place unique to the town is that not only do they offer a wide selection of wine, but they also offer tours of the wine-making process, as well as a full service dine in restaurant called Symphony’s Restaurant. The restaurant is open from 11:30 to 3:00 for lunch, and 5:00 till closing for dinner. The winery tours are at 11:30, 1:30, and 3:00 on most days. Included with the tours are free wine tastings, a great compliment.

The Speedway is a 1/4^th mile oval race track available for racing enthusiasts, and attracts an audience all over Nevada. The prices are reasonable, and can be found on their website. I have had the opportunity to see the recently completed clubhouse and the racetrack while participating in a catering event, and I must say that it is a fantastic getaway should you have the money.

The Harvest Festival is really an expression of Pahrump’s strong community bond and how they have fun. The beginning and end date of the festival varies each year, but it typically begins in mid to late September for one weekend starting on a Friday. The magic of it is that the local community is really what makes the festival, setting up vendor booths of unique (some handcrafted) items, cooking on the grill, and putting on a show. A carnival company also sets up a variety of rides prior to the event, so if you love carney rides you’re in heaven. Me, I’ll just enjoy the cotton candy instead.

Mount Charleston

This is a great getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. Some great perks of the area include: hiking trails, mountain biking, seasonal skiing, camping, and mountain climbing. The Mount Charleston Lodge offers a dine-in restaurant and unique cabin rooms; the only downside is that the rooms are a bit on the expensive side.

The one thing I’ve always loved about Mt. Charleston is the variety of hiking. With around 52 miles of hiking, it seems like there is always another trail waiting to be explored. It’s a great family experience, and equally fun going alone or with a friend. One thing that I enjoy(ed) in Mt. Charleston was going on hiking dates. While it may seem a bit odd to some, a hiking date can really be fun, and it’s much more personal than going to the movies.

Mt. Charleston is without a doubt my favorite spot in Southern Nevada. Maybe it’s because I like to hike, or maybe because I don’t feel like roasting in 100+ degree weather (though I do live here, in the desert, where it’s hot…what a concept huh?). Either way, with temperatures anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees below that of Las Vegas, it’s a cool escape in the summer time. In the winter it’s an ideal time to wrap those tires up and enjoy some amazing skiing. I’ve never tried to skiing up there, but I’d really like to know how it is.

Laughlin

A city that many people consider “what Las Vegas used to be,” Laughlin was the site of a very memorable vacation for me; maybe it could be for you to. Located on the Colorado River, it is host to many water attractions, including boat rides and jet ski rentals.

If you decide to go to Laughlin, I would recommend staying at the Aquarius hotel. Not only is it pretty darn cheap, but the rooms are also good for the price. We paid around 30 or 40 dollars per night if memory serves for a room with 2 beds. You might also get (or could ask for) a room with a view of the river, which is great day or night. Like many Vegas casino, the Aquarius offers amenities such as table and slot games, a 24 hour café, a buffet and steakhouse, and a pool.

An interesting fact that I didn’t know when I vacationed there is that just across the river in Bullhead City is a completely different time zone. While Laughlin is in Pacific Time, Bullhead is in Mountain Time, an hour ahead. That must get confusing for the locals there.

Next time you decide to take a trip to Nevada, these are just 3 great options to occupy your time. Then again, Las Vegas has its niche in entertainment, and if you’re looking for that kind of experience you’ll find no where better. For others, a little drive outside the city may provide a more pleasing experience. It depends on what you like to do for fun.