Aug 11 2010
5 Off-Beat Tourist Destinations in the Las Vegas Area
Las Vegas is the world’s best and most fun town in the world, but maybe for some reason you want to venture outside and find some sights to gawk at between playing? Instead of visiting the Hoover Dam or Lake Mead yet again, try these off-beat destinations for a little more eccentric tourist experience after your Las Vegas wedding.
1. World’s Largest Thermometer
In tiny Baker, California, sits not only a gigantic Big Boy and the Mad Greek’s Diner, but also something needlessly reminding you how hot it is: the biggest thermometer in the world! It was originally erected to commemorate the record 134 degrees Fahrenheit that occurred in Death Valley in 1913; in fact, the thermometer doesn’t go past 134 degrees for this reason.
It can be seen from the Interstate, but I recommend getting off at Baker to see it up close and to stop in at the Mad Greek. Try the falafel but stay away from the grape leaves!
2. Bonnie & Clyde’s Death Car
History buffs and lovers of the macabre will enjoy visiting the actual car in which Bonnie & Clyde met their fates. It’s located in little Primm, Nevada, about 35 miles away from downtown Las Vegas, inside the Primm Valley Resort.
For authenticity’s sake, there’s a letter from the Ford Motor Company verifying the car is the real deal. Also, you can see bloody clothing and a letter from Clyde himself to Ford praising the car as the best getaway car!
3. Oldest Living Bristlecone Pine in the World
For the nature lovers, this can’t be beat. Nestled in the Mt. Charleston North Loop hiking trail sits one of the oldest trees in the world. Unfortunately, because of the danger of revealing the information, the exact tree that’s THE oldest isn’t known, but you’re free to guess.
Luckily, the other trees in the area are almost as old, so you can still enjoy the scenery and fresh air as you walk the trail!
4. Bugsy Siegel Memorial
Take time to honor the man that helped found the city we all know and love as Sin City! In 1946, Bugsy Siegel (really Benjamin, who hated his nickname) was ordered by his mob bosses to run the desert operation to build the Flamingo Hotel. Relenting at first, eventually he took over the project and the town was underway!
Unfortunately for Bugsy things didn’t take off fast enough and he was killed in a mob hit in 1947. His memorial is in the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, so stop by and read the legacy of the man who helped Las Vegas come to fruition.
5. The Neon Museum
Las Vegas has always been about the glitz and glamour, and nothing accentuates this like a neon sign! Now you can see the history of this colorful phenomenon located in one convenient location.
Formally a graveyard for the signs, the Neon Museum is now a tribute to era gone by. They’re currently expanding and renovating so soon it’ll be better than ever. Some still active signs around Las Vegas are already promised to the museum when they’re retired, and with the amount of neon still around Vegas this means the museum will continue to grow for years to come!
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