26 minute read
“Where Luxury Lives,”
Chanel
Gucci
Where Luxury Lives Find fashion’s elite all under one roof
For 13 years, luxury of the highest level has shined on the corner of Harmon and the Strip. With a hard-to-miss façade, The Shops at Crystals stretches its luxurious walls to fi ll nearly 300,000 square feet, housing 52 of the world’s most expensive and renowned brands.
Simply walk through the stunning architecture and you’ll feel the richness oozing around every corner. During the past three years, The Shops has welcomed new tenants including Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Alice + Olivia, Jon Rossi, Creed, Golden Goose and Giorgio Armani. And in May, Chanel fi nally joined the roster. “Chanel has been the brand that we’ve always been missing,” Nicholas Strause, general manager of The Shops at Crystals, said. “It’s been the most requested brand, so we’re very excited about that.” Strauss added that the amount of inventory is unreal compared to other Chanel boutiques, guaranteeing fans of Chanel a fun afternoon while they peruse the best in ready-to-wear, jewelry, shoes, fragrance, beauty and more.
Also new is the recent redesign and relocation of Gucci. Spanning two stories and 12,000 square feet, the brand fi lls its space with men’s and women’s shoes, ready-to-wear fashions, luggage, jewelry, handbags and other accessories. The visuals are worth the visit alone; artist Ignasi Monreal hand-painted a mural displaying a whimsical Las Vegas. (Hello, Instagram!)
Other brands under The Shops at Crystals umbrella include Prada, Stella McCartney, Patek Philippe, Harry Winston, Dior, Fendi, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, Christian Louboutin and Balenciaga. “We have all these brands in such close proximity and under one roof,” Monique Clements, director of marketing and business development, said. “The sheer size of the boutiques is unreal, and, in most cases, the brands carry the full product line. We have 12 brands here that aren’t anywhere else in the world. Because it is Vegas, and because these are fl agship boutiques, in almost every case, the brands, when they do have specialty pieces, this is where they choose to showcase them.”
Besides the shop-till-you-drop reasons to visit, The Shops at Crystals also houses entertainment with The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Las Vegas and Barbie, A Cultural Icon Exhibition. –Kiko Miyasato
702.590.9299
The Art of War
Take an immersive dive into the world of weaponry at the 10th annual CombatCon. Highlights include longsword and lightsaber tournaments and whip classes taught by professionals. The CombatCon Experience Hall lets you try on armor, handle replicas of swords and watch weapons demonstrations. Children under 12 are free with a paid adult admission. And if you’re in the market for a new sword or dagger, you are covered here! There’s also a Time Travelers Ball on July 23, featuring live music, cosplay contest, DJ and dancing starting at 8 p.m. –Nina King
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, 8 p.m. July 22, starting at $45 plus tax and fee. Axs.com
‘World’ Tour
The Shins have undergone many lineup changes over the 26 years they’ve been a culture-shaping band, but there has been one constant: Frontman James Mercer, whose songwriting has produced five albums that are much beloved by fans, particularly the band’s first album, Oh, Inverted World, which The Shins will perform in its entirety as part of its current tour.
Many current Shins fans can attribute their love of the group to hearing “New Slang” in the 2004 movie Garden State, arguably one of the most influential effects a movie has ever had on a band (their two albums up to that point sold more than twice what they had prior to the film’s release). Mercer’s connection with Zach Braff, who directed Garden State, would continue with his contribution of the song “So Now What” for Braff’s Wish I Was Here, and the band has managed to keep its profile high over the years.
The group has produced five albums—Oh, Inverted World, Chutes Too Narrow, Wincing the Night Away, Port of Morrow and Heartworms. In addition to the entirety of World, expect Mercer and company to play a bit of everything from the remainder of its catalog. –Ken Miller
Fine Cut
For one of the best steaks in Vegas, head to Edge Steakhouse. Start with a classic shrimp cocktail. Wedge salads and French onion soup are always popular.
Cuts include filet mignon, bone-in and dry-aged, rib-eyes, dry-aged New York strip, and a wagyu strip loin that’s to die for. Half roast chicken, Skuna Bay salmon and Alaskan red king crab legs give you even more options for your entrée. Top those off with caramelized onions, seared scallops or roasted bone marrow. And for a decadent side, the portobello mushroom stuffed with Boursin cheese, or mac and cheese, with three cheeses and black truffle, really give your mouth something to celebrate.
And dessert? Try a trio of ice cream, cheesecake or Tahitian créme brûlée—or go big with a chocolate sphere with brownie, praline nut crunch, chocolate mousse and salted caramel sauce. –Nina King
Westgate Las Vegas, 702.732.5277
Thrilling Acts
When illusionist Lèa Kyle fi rst appeared on season 16 of America’s Got Talent, she revealed her dream was to have her own show in Las Vegas. The French quick-change artist proceeded to saunter-strut behind a small black curtain and in a nanosecond revealed her all-black outfi t was now a glittery turquoise mini-dress .
Revealing anything else about Kyle’s act would be spoiling it for the audiences attending America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live, but her Vegas ambitions are defi nitely becoming a reality. In January, she joined a cast that caused them all to rise about the competition: presentation. From singers Kodi Lee and Jimmie Herrod to shadow-performance group The Silhouettes and neon-enhanced dance troupe Light Balance, it’s how they do it that distinguishes them. Tying them together in a variety show format makes America’s Got Talent Las Vegas Live pound-for-pound the most talent-packed show on the Strip. Featured are AGT alumni such as mentalists The Clairvoyants, magician Dustin Tavella, knife-throwing twosome Deadly Games (pictured) and mondo circus act Duo Transcend. –Matt Kelemen
Luxor, agtvegaslive.com
Now, To Wow
One of the most popular nightlife and dining venues in Las Vegas, The Mayfair Supper Club is giving guests a new experience combining song, dance and comedy, with Claire Souliér and Jason Martinez playing the lead roles. They’ll entertain diners in multiple acts , inspired by performers such as Mae West, Lady Gaga and Fred Astaire.
“The new production maintains everything audiences love about The Mayfair’s vibe, with a completely fresh entertainment experience. We’ll continue delivering “wow” moments and creating memories for everyone who walks through our doors,” said Ari Kastrati, MGM Resorts International’s chief hospitality o cer, in an announcement .
If you’ve been to a Mayfair performance, you’ll appreciate the energy that the show brings to your night, and that continues, with a new cadre of dancers, costumes, and music . –Nina King
Bellagio, 702.693.8876
All the Beef
Recently, Jack Binion’s Steak opened at Bally’s, which is in the process of transforming into the Horseshoe Las Vegas (a venerated name in the casino industry). Serving up a variety of 28-day aged cuts, which are fi nished on an 1,800-degree broiler, the elegant restaurant also features classic cocktails and updated takes on other steakhouse fare, such as black pepper cream shrimp on a polenta cake. Slow-roasted prime rib is available in a 24-ounce cut, and banana cream pie lets you end the meal with a wide smile. –Nina King
Bally’s, 702.967.4711
WITH SPECIAL GUEST COLIN CLOUD
LIMITLESS
Will You Be There?
Production celebrates singer’s legacy
During his lifetime, Michael Jackson exuded a childlike wonder, an attitude that proved infectious for his millions of fans. That same sense of wonder pervades each and every second of Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay, a celebration of The Gloved One’s music, legacy, philosophy and persona, achieved through a combination of dance, acrobatics, special e ects, comic performances and, especially, music.
The show is a series of vignettes tied together loosely by four young “misfi ts” who are pursued by baddies as they attempt to “save” Jackson’s music, rushing in and out of segments, sometimes participating in the activity onstage, from bungee acrobatics during “Beat It” to some hilarious pantomime as Jackson’s glove seemingly comes to life during “Working Day and Night.”
Elsewhere, there’s so much to look at and enjoy while looking forward to the next Jackson number—from dancers who come to electric life through the use of LED costumes during “Billie Jean” and trampoline artists who appear to defy gravity during “Thriller” to incredibly synchronized dance routines to both “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Smooth Criminal.”
Sprinkled through these bits are pictures of Jackson throughout the various stages of his life and career, coupled with the music he was performing at the time—“I’ll Be There” as a member of the famed Jackson 5 is particularly a ecting— and profound words he had for the world.
The action climaxes in an amazing hologram sequence, with Jackson appearing alongside the misfi ts for a performance of “Man in the Mirror,” disappearing at key moments and reappearing at others; it’s a sobering reminder that Jackson is no longer with us, but the entire production is a reminder that the impact of his music will continue to touch and inspire generations of fans. –Ken Miller
Mandalay Bay, 702.632.7580
Take a Look-See
Whether you’re a faithful fan of Raider Nation, a fan of football or just a fan of impressive architecture and design, the Allegiant Stadium Tour is both money and time very well spent. The hourlong walking tour has many stops along the way (some with special access that not every visitor to the stadium is privy to), stops like the Level 200 suites, containing personal VIP areas for Vegas bigwigs, including Raiders owner Mark Davis. (Fun fact: Davis’ suite is where you’ll find the only white stadium seating out of all of Allegiant Stadium’s 65,000 seats!)
One fun stop is the Raiderettes locker room—you’ll see where they get ready for a game. You also enter the team’s locker room and check out the massage and medical areas, and the hydrotherapy pools. Other stops include the broadcast booth, the Champions Club (where celebs and A-listers hang during a game), the tunnel where the Raiders run onto the field, and the pièce de résistance: A stop to snap some pics at the 50-yard line. –Kiko Miyasato
Allegiantstadium.com/tours
Emotional Journey
It’s one thing to see a master’s works in a museum. It’s another thing entirely to see them as they are displayed in The Original Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Las Vegas, where some of his most famous works are shown in a way you’ve never seen before. In a large, rectangular room, as the lights dim, Van Gogh’s works like The Starry Night, Wheatfield with Crows and The Yellow House are projected on the walls, as plaintive music takes you on a tour of the artist’s journey. It’s fascinating, cutting-edge, emotional. It’s also one of the most unforgettable art exhibits you’ll ever experience. –Ken Miller
The Shops at Crystals, vangoghvegas.com
Real Talk
Viewers of Bill Maher’s HBO Series Real Time know one thing for certain: The standup comedian is not shy about speaking his mind. He takes both Democrats and Republicans to task in getting to the bottom of what is right and wrong with America (lately, his balance sheet has skewed highly into the wrong area), always with a sharp wit.
That philosophy extends to his stand-up routine—attending one of his shows is like reading the newspaper, only instead of getting depressed, you’re laughing and realizing how absurd it all is. His takes all hit their mark, from cancel culture to white supremacy. It’s a scary time to be speaking your mind, but Maher refuses to compromise, and it’s made him vital viewing for millions of viewers. He’ll bring that fearlessness (always with a sly, boyish grin) to his sets at The Mirage as part of the Aces of Comedy series. –Ken Miller
The Mirage, 16+, 702.792.7777
• Libation •
Cucumber Essence
Liquid Pool Lounge has a robust menu of specialty cocktails and poolside bites. Enjoy both in some of the largest cabanas on the Strip, or hang right on the edge of the pool’s cool waters on a daybed. Guests can also enjoy food and drink under the large, covered patio area. Try one of the popular cocktails, the Cucumber Essence, a perfect-for-summer-sip, made with Grey Goose vodka, St-Germain Elderfl ower Liqueur, fresh slices of cucumber, club soda and fresh lemon juice. –KM
Benefi t
Check out Liquid’s hump day party, Wednesday Dip. Ladies can enjoy an open bar from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Sofi a Sanchez
For this server, it’s all about helping others
Sofi a Sanchez is rocking it as a model cocktail server at Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria. “At this point, after eight years of being in the industry, I’m used to it,” says the California native. “When I fi rst got into the industry, I was shy and nervous. Now, I’m comfortable and like, ‘Hey guys, what’s up!’ I treat my guests like friends.”
Those eight years include model cocktail serving at nightclubs in San Diego; two years ago, she moved to Las Vegas and switched over to dayclubs when she was hired at Liquid; this will be her second season. “My favorite part is, I love working outside,” she says. “I get a free tan. I prefer the dayclub over nightclubs because it’s normal working hours.”
At work, Sanchez takes care of guests, making sure they’re having a great time and receiving the best service. “I’ve always been social and outgoing,” she says. “I hang with my guests; I take time to get to know them.” Sanchez also loves how Liquid is a smaller venue than most dayclubs; she likes the intimacy of the space and she loves the musical format. It isn’t always EDM music, which most dayclubs tend to play—it’s more hip-hop and R&B music.
When Sanchez isn’t giving Liquid guests a great experience, you’ll fi nd her applying her aesthetician’s license, taking care of people’s skin. “At 26, I got (a skin condition) and after getting it fi xed, it made me want to go into skin care to help others with healing their skin,” she says. For Sanchez—whether she’s poolside or skinside—it’s all about making people feel good. –Kiko Miyasato
Rush Lounge Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge
Gatsby’s
1923 Prohibition Bar
Tunes on Tap Strip bars and lounges where you can hear live music
Who wouldn’t want a little live music with a brewski in hand … or a drinkski, or a shotski … OK, that’s enough. But seriously, there are some great spots on the Strip for music and drinks.
Any country music fans? Head to Losers Bar at MGM Grand. You’ll be a winner all night at this “no frills” bar that serves up tons of beer on tap and live country-western music daily, from 3 p.m.-1 a.m. If you have the nerve, take the mic yourself at Monday-night karaoke, beginning at 9 p.m. Over at The Piano Bar at Harrah’s, the musical lineup includes Big Elvis, an impersonator singing the King’s hits every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-6 p.m., dueling piano players every night at 9 p.m., sexy saxophones serenading every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday from 3-6 p.m., and more karaoke fun Wednesday through Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. Right next to the Piano Bar, outside is longtime favorite Carnaval Court. The open-air bar welcomes live bands playing top 40 and ’80s music, as well as live DJs both day and night.
Head to Resorts World for some upscale nightlife at Eight Lounge, Friday and Saturday nights. On the expansive terrace, musical artists perform from 5-8 p.m. and a DJ takes over at 9 p.m. Steps away is über-cool lounge Gatsby’s, where live musical artists perform Monday and Tuesday at 9 p.m. and DJs soundtrack the party Wednesday through Sunday from 10 p.m.-3 a.m.
From more Great Gatsby-era fun, check out 1923 Prohibition Bar at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 9 p.m. The New Orleans speakeasy venue combines Prohibition-era tunes and burlesque entertainment.
At the north end of the Strip, Rhumbar Tropical Ultra Lounge at The Mirage o ers some chill and laid-back music nightly, pairing nicely with its many rum-based drinks and cigar o erings. Also at the property, head to a more elegant and dimly lit venue, Parlor Cocktail Lounge, where live music includes tunes from a classic Steinway grand piano, beginning at 9 p.m.
Continue north on the Strip until you hit downtown and the Golden Nugget, where you can catch a rotating lineup of live bands playing every night at Rush Lounge. –Kiko Miyasato
Brezza cuisine shines in its Sunday brunch
By Kiko Miyasato
It’s a Sunday kind of love at Brezza at Resorts World. The perfect start to close out the weekend is brunch at the Italian eatery, helmed by partners of the restaurant—Jason Rocheleau and Las Vegas culinary star and executive chef Nicole Brisson.
The restaurant is chic and upscale, yet totally inviting and comfortable. Enjoy a large dining area flooded with natural light, or choose to eat on the coastal-vibes patio that’s dotted with greenery and olive trees.
And while the interior design does deserve attention, you’ll remember Brezza for every bite you took at brunch. “When Jason and I first started brainstorming about brunch, my inspiration for the menu was sparked by my time working in upstate New York,” Brisson said. “I love that brunch is always so heavily focused on fresh fruits and vegetables.”
And that focus flows throughout the entire menu, beginning with the antipasti dishes. While pastries are de rigueur on all brunch menus, including Brezza’s, branch out and taste what Brisson has done with incorporating fresh produce, from the Annabella yogurt with fresh Harry’s Berries, honey and mint, and the baby kale salad with strawberries, goat cheese and almonds, to the hearty heirloom caprese with buffalo mozzarella and served with basil pesto grilled crostini. There’s even fresh veg in and on the Diane’s Bloody Mary (plus plenty of other toppers).
Since Brezza celebrates the flavors of the Italian coast, brunch here includes a sizable ocean section on the menu with freshshucked oysters, octopus marinati made with tomato, cucumber and Fresno chili for a fresh-and-spiced bite, and the stunning overflow of the ocean with the shellfish di giorno packed with shrimp, crab claws, scallops and abalone crudo, oysters and lobster served with dipping sauces.
The Italian theme continues with fresh-made pasta options, and a must-try, memorable dish is the pea agnolotti made with preserved Meyer lemon, morels and porcini. For those who tend to lean toward more traditional brunch-type dishes, Brezza’s entrée section will satisfy you with such classic items as steak and eggs.
If you aren’t sure what to choose, Brisson highlights a couple of choices: “The farmhouse tart and zucchini crepes are modern interpretations of dishes I used to make at the Palmer House Café working with chef Bill Bensen,” she said. Packed into the
Steak and eggs
Oysters 702.676.6014
Housemade waffles crepes are fresh mozzarella, basil and thinsliced zucchini topped with a light tomato sauce. The farmhouse tart is baked with sausage, walnuts and fontina cheese for a flavor-packed bite.
For more brunch-inspired dishes, especially for those with a sweet tooth, Brisson incorporates fruit from acclaimed culinary forager and farmer’s market pioneer Kerry Clasby, who sources her treasures from California’s small, organic family farms. “We are able to highlight all of Kerry Clasby’s beautiful fruit and citrus in dishes like the citrus brûléed budino and our house-made waffles,” Brisson said. The fresh, plump mixed berries make appearances everywhere, including atop light and airy, perfect-crunch waffles with bramble syrup; and more of the berries continue to shine in the sweet semolina cakes, dense but melting in your mouth, and topped with lemon and Cointreau whipped cream—this is the perfect dish for the whole table.
End the meal with citrus brûléed budino, a pudding with a candy-like topping—it’s also a great share for the table and a sweet ending to a sweet Sunday morning retreat.
Diane’s Bloody Mary Zucchini crepes
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Dessert in the Desert
Create sweet dreams with Las Vegas’ tastiest treats
Everyone has their own version of a sweet tooth. Fortunately, Las Vegas has every type of restaurant, bar, café and dessert shop imaginable, ready to satiate this particular kind of craving.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
(725.777.1216), which has locations across the country, including its flagship 14,000-squarefoot destination on the Las Vegas Strip, recently unveiled all-new menus for brunch, lunch and dinner. That means you don’t have to be literally indulging in dessert to enjoy something sweet and delicious any time of day. Explore new dishes like bananas Foster crepes, cannoli-stuffed French toast with berries and whipped cream, baked brie in puff pastry with strawberry jam, and a cookies-and-cream-flavored iced coffee drink. And don’t worry, there are savory dishes for lunch and dinner to balance out your experience.
Brand-new in the suburban complex of Tivoli Village, Milkcow Café (725.500.6677) is serving premium soft-serve ice cream and other desserts and drinks made from all-natural ingredients. The burgeoning franchise is open in more than 15 countries around the world and is finally ready for its Vegas debut, bolstered by innovative flavor combinations like tiramisu, milky pineapple, and the Black Pearl treat with chocolate balls
Tao Asian Bistro
and syrup. Early buzz has this ice cream tasting creamier than traditional soft serve, but you’ll be the judge of that.
Gabi Coffee & Bakery (702.331.1144), long a favorite in Las Vegas Chinatown, has just opened a second location in Henderson, and while both café spots offer a comfortable environment for socializing over a latté, the food is the main conversation piece, ranging from light bites to fresh breads and cakes and other dessert sensations. Try the berry ricotta brioche, the beautiful Rainbow Roulade cake, tiramisu or Nutella crepes, and the delightful “Fat Carons,” a set of overstuffed macarons filled with pastry creams flavored with mango and passion fruit, ube, cherry and pistachio, crème brûlée and more.
Back on the Strip, Giada (855.442.3271) at The Cromwell is just as celebrated for its perfect pastries and addictive desserts as it is for TV star Giada De Laurentiis’ lighter Italian cuisine. Share a basket with blueberry muffins, chocolate croissants and strawberry cheesecake Danish at brunch, and finish any meal at Giada with sweet sorbetti, mascarpone or espresso-flavored gelato, and chocolate tiramisu with espresso-dipped ladyfingers. And if you’re not snacking on her famous lemon ricotta cookies, you’ve made a mistake.
The giant fortune cookie served with white and dark chocolate mousse at Tao Asian Bistro (702.388.8338) at The Venetian is one of the city’s most iconic desserts, the type of finisher that inspires everyone at the table to grab a photo before digging in. But Tao’s other sweet stuff is equally festive and yummy, from yuzu sugar-dusted doughnuts to a comprehensive tasting of mochi ice cream flavors. And you can take a gift box of Tao chocolate buddhas for the trip home. –Brock Radke
Milkcow Café Giada
LEGENDARY ICE CREAM SHOPS Stop off at one of these spots for a cone after your next outdoor adventure.
n Chilly Jilly’z, Boulder City: WHERE Pro Tip: Get the famous Dole Whip n Seemore’s, Pahrump: World’s Tallest Ice Cream Stand n The Inside Scoop, Overton TO COOL OFF
Nevada’s best watering holes
+Summer has arrived in Southern Nevada which means it’s time to find creative ways to cool off. Whether it’s wading in a nearby spring, taking a dip in one of our beautiful lakes or kicking back with a cold beer at a
Sagebrush Saloon, many of these watering holes could soon be your favorite.
SAGEBRUSH SALOONS
Though there are many exceptional cocktail bars and breweries in Las Vegas, sometimes it’s nice to enjoy a drink off the grid. Enter: Sagebrush Saloons. Rich in history, often remote and always an adventure, these taverns are a great way to beat the heat and get in touch with your inner Nevadan. THE PIONEER SALOON, GOODSPRINGS (41 MINUTES FROM LAS VEGAS):
More than 100 years old, The Pioneer Saloon is the oldest bar in Southern Nevada, evidenced by the original stamped-tin walls, Clark Gable’s cigar burns on the bar top and cowboy shoot-out bullet holes throughout. There’s also plenty of paranormal sightings. Try their signature Kentucky Mule and pair it with a Ghost Burger.
MOUNTAIN SPRINGS SALOON, MOUNTAIN SPRINGS (44 MINUTES):
Bikers and travelers have frequented this saloon since its founding in the 1950s. Situated on Mountain Springs Summit between Pahrump and Blue Diamond, it’s the perfect place for a pit stop when exploring the many parks in the area. Go on the last Saturday of the month for the famous pig roast.
OTHER SAGEBRUSH SALOONS WITHIN DRIVING DISTANCE
n Miss Kathy’s Short
Branch Saloon, Crystal
n Stateline Saloon &
Cafe in Amargosa Valley
n The Overland
Hotel, Pioch A LITTLE FARTHER OUT…
Longer than an afternoon’s drive from Las Vegas, put these on your radar for your next big trip: n Santa Fe Motel & Saloon, Goldfield n Dirty Dick’s Belmont Saloon n Red Dog Saloon, Jarbidge
HAPPY BURRO CHILI & BEER, BEATTY
(1 HOUR, 47 MINUTES)
Named after the wild burros that roam the town, Happy Burro Chili & Beer is a popular hangout of the Beatty Cowboys. Beatty itself was a hotspot for gold mining at the turn of the century, making this saloon a must-see for any history buff, or individuals looking for a cold PBR, chili burger and history.
LAUGHLIN (1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES)
For an adventure on the Colorado River, including Big Bend of the Colorado State Recreational Area, head to Laughlin to rent jet skis, boats and other on-the-water options.
CREATED AND PRESENTED BY
TRAVEL NEVADA
BEAT THE HEAT
Spending time outdoors to escape the heat may seem counterintuitive, but these spots will allow you to enjoy the summer weather and cool off.
DESERT ADVENTURES, BOULDER CITY
(30 MINUTES): Offering kayak trips you won’t soon forget, begin at Hoover Dam and then coast down the Black Canyon National Water Trail to hot springs, waterfalls and more. It’s also great for wildlife spotting, including bighorn sheep.
THE RETREAT ON CHARLESTON PEAK (45 MINUTES)
Only 39 miles from Las Vegas but a world apart, Mount Charleston is routinely at least 20 degrees cooler than the Las Vegas Valley—a welcome reprieve during the dog days of summer. Hike Mary Jane Falls in the morning and enjoy the afternoon at Canyon Restaurant located inside the lodge.
LAKE TAHOE (7 HOURS, 7 MINUTES)
One of the most beautiful and serene lakes in the world, head to Tahoe for every water adventure you can imagine and some cooler mountain temperatures.
WORTH THE TRIP
Plan day trips or weekend getaways for when you want to head a bit farther out.
BEAVER DAM: Beaver Dam State Park is the least-visited state park and possibly one of Nevada’s best kept secrets. Less than four hours from
Las Vegas, along the Great Basin Highway, Beaver
Dam is nothing short of magical. Green trees, clean air and a beautiful stream flowing throughout, this site is ideal for camping and rainbow trout fishing. Hike the Waterfall trail to a series of cascades and a warm spring to splash in. CAVE LAKE, ELY: With
stunning mountain views and crystal-clear water, Cave
Lake State Park should be on everyone’s bucket list. Kayak, paddle board and camp in this pristine area. If you don’t make it up this summer, consider it for a winter trip. RENO: The Truckee River is a favorite place to float downstream.
Bring an inner tube, beers and prepare to kick off your trip at Mayberry Park and finish in
Downtown Reno. It’s about 3 hours start to finish and ends at the Whitewater Park, where you’ll find multiple swimming holes.
