As 2008 draws to a close, we at Living Las Vegas would like to share our resolutions for the coming year. And because we see Las Vegas as a sort of crazy work-in-progress that we've all got a hand in shaping, we've included wishes for our fair city that we'd like to see come true. Continue reading »

Some occasions bring out the cigar lover in everyone: New Year's, for example, or a new baby or a big jackpot. But true cigar enthusiasts need no excuses to light up. For me, the heady smell of tobacco and the rich taste of a maduro are reason enough to step out of the rat race and into a cigar lounge. Happily, Las Vegas has many good ones. Here are five of my favorites. Continue reading »

You know you’re getting older when you throw your hip out playing "Guitar Hero." Yeah, I did that. But no matter what shape you're in or what faith you profess, you can restore body and soul at the Gospel Brunch at the House of Blues. Held every Sunday inside the Mandalay Bay resort, the Gospel Brunch delivers the grits-and-alcohol cure with a side order of "Praise the Lord!" Continue reading »

"Swap meets," "flea markets" – call them what you will. These old-fashioned bargain bazaars are a shopper's dream in good economic times and bad. Las Vegas has two of particular merit – Fantastik Indoor Swap Meet and Broadacres Swap Meet. They are both terrific destinations whether you're looking to browse or to buy. For my money, they beat the mall every time. Continue reading »

In a downturned economy, casino developers can use all the luck they can get. So it's perhaps not surprising that when Station Casinos opened Aliante Station, its 11th property, in North Las Vegas last month, the developers leaned hard on Lucky Number 11, opening the doors on Nov. 11, at 11:11 p.m. Initial reaction was positive. Will the luck hold? Time will tell. Continue reading »

You might think that denizens of the City of Neon see too many lights year-round to bother stringing up extras during the holidays. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only do thousands of residents festoon their homes and apartments with electric decorations, several local off-Strip landmarks flip the switch on major light displays this time of year. Here are five worth-a-journey holiday light displays. Continue reading »

Ah, massage. Most people sigh at the mere mention of the word. That's because massage answers some deep human need for connection and relaxation. Swedish, shiatsu, deep tissue, hot stones – it's all good. No "happy ending" required, even in Las Vegas. Continue reading »

Christmas poses a challenge in Las Vegas. After all, the city dishes up dazzling lights and glitter every day of the year. But that hasn't stopped Opportunity Village, "Las Vegas' Favorite Charity," from creating a holiday "Magical Forest" of sugarplum dreams every year for the last 17 years. It's dazzling, a little bit hokey – maybe even a little scary – and you should definitely drop by. Continue reading »

Brian Head, Utah, is a beautiful drive from Las Vegas in winter, and the combination of open and wooded trails make it a great destination for a family skiing. Take a side trip to Cedar Breaks National Monument for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, and you have a perfect weekend getaway from November through March. Continue reading »

Jazz is an art form that crosses many boundaries, and many jazz lovers say they see colors and images when a great jazzman plays. So it is perhaps not surprising – though no less thrilling – to find that when a jazzman paints, you can hear music. That happened to me when I visited the art studio of longtime jazz player Thurman Hackett, who has recently taken up residence in Las Vegas. Continue reading »