Nevada: Ten Dollar Tables and Tahoe

Paris Hotel, Las Vegas

Flamingo Hotel, Las Vegas

Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas

The first time I went to Las Vegas we were on a massive roadtrip from California to Wyoming and my mom insisted I see Vegas. I protested because on the surface it just didn't really seem like my vibe. We basically ran through it and got a frozen cocktail then went back to the RV campsite. I didn't understand the appeal of Las Vegas till I went back this year (2024). On my 2nd go around, I walked the whole strip and went in every casino and really explored. I really enjoyed the theming of each hotel/casino. I went to the Neon Sign Museum which was super cool. One day we got out of the city center and went to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area and I absolutely loved it. It was too cold and windy to walk around much but it was so beautiful.

Neon Sign Museum

Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas

Area 15, Meow Wolf

The next morning, before driving back to California, we went to one of the coolest places, Omega Mart. Omega Mart in Las Vegas is not a normal grocery store – it's an immersive art installation. Created by the art collective Meow Wolf, Omega Mart features surreal and interactive exhibits, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy, and inviting people to explore a mystery. I definitely would do this again.

Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a frequent vacation spot in Nevada for me. I go there with my mom and her friends and we always have the best time. One year it even snowed while I was there and that was the first time I truly experienced snow. It was magical. I never really know what is going to happen when I go to Tahoe but there always seems to be a new story that comes out of those trips. I'll have to delve into that further in a later post.

---

If you want to visit Nevada, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

1. Las Vegas Strip: Experience the iconic Las Vegas Strip with its dazzling array of hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Don't miss the famous fountain show at the Bellagio or the erupting volcano at The Mirage.

2. Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area: Just a short drive from Las Vegas, Red Rock Canyon offers breathtaking scenery with towering red sandstone cliffs, hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and scenic drives.

3. Hoover Dam: A marvel of engineering, Hoover Dam spans the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. Take a tour to learn about its history and significance, and enjoy panoramic views of Lake Mead and the surrounding desert landscape.

4. Great Basin National Park: Located in eastern Nevada, Great Basin National Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore ancient bristlecone pine forests, hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak, stargaze at the pristine night skies, and tour Lehman Caves.

5. Lake Tahoe: Straddling the border between Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. Enjoy outdoor activities like boating, kayaking, hiking, skiing, and snowboarding, depending on the season.

6. Valley of Fire State Park: Witness otherworldly landscapes of red sandstone formations, petrified trees, and ancient rock art in Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada's oldest and largest state park. It's a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

7. The Mob Museum (Las Vegas): Dive into the fascinating history of organized crime in America at The Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas. Explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations that chronicle the rise and fall of the mob.

8. Neon Museum (Las Vegas): Discover the history of Las Vegas through its iconic neon signs at the Neon Museum. Take a guided tour of the Neon Boneyard to see vintage signs from old casinos and businesses, beautifully restored and preserved.

9. Virginia City: Step back in time to the 19th century in Virginia City, a historic mining town known for its preserved architecture, saloons, museums, and Old West charm. Take a ride on the historic Virginia & Truckee Railroad for a scenic journey through the Comstock Lode.

10. Reno: Known as the "Biggest Little City in the World," Reno offers a mix of casinos, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions. Explore the Riverwalk District, visit the National Automobile Museum, or try your luck at the casinos.

If you want more suggestions on what to do in Nevada, I suggest you check out their tourism website.