"The Off the Beaten Path Things to Do" Las Vegas by Favzoz

I visit Las Vegas about once a year, more or less. The last time I was there the City Center had opened fairly recently. I had watched a lot of the construction up until then and it was interesting to see the changes evolve on the Strip. So the past couple of times I've been there my traveling companion insisted on visiting, of all places, the Atomic Testing Museum. Not my cup of tea, but it turned out to be somewhat interesting. You learn a lot about the history of atomic testing and its relationship to Vegas and the surrounding area. It actually is very educational and the exhibits are very good. I wouldn't have gone on my own, but it was kind of fun. Dare I say that my companion also finds the Liberace Museum fascinating? If you haven't been there, it's worthwhile for a visit. If you can't stand that sort of thing, don't go. Otherwise, it's ok. I happen to like the flamboyant, dramatic and colorful so this museum was entertaining. And, of course, there's Elvis...everywhere. Again, my companion usually insists on doing some activity that involves an Elvis impersonator or two. What can I say? I live in a city that has a large Elvis statue in a vintage McDonalds (with the original golden arches projecting through the roof) at the beach. Oh well.

I have specific food places that are a "must visit" when I go to certain cities and they are usually my first stop upon arrival (or within the first 24 hours). In NYC, it used to be Nathan's (at Coney Island, only); in Jacksonville Beach, it's Cruisers Grill; and in Vegas, it's In-N-Out Burger on Tropicana. I could say the same when in AZ and CA. Love those burgers.

Lots of crazy angles and oppositional architecture in the City Center...along with crazy heat and crazy sounds...all fitting for a place like Las Vegas.

• Pros:A city full of the good, bad, and ugly
• Cons:A city of the good, bad and ugly
• In a nutshell:As Artificial or As Real As You Want It To Be