Long before the Strip became the happening place in Las
Vegas, Fremont Street
was the wild and wooly heart of the gambling Mecca.
After years of decline, the city pumped some bucks and life back into the grand
old downtown. A $70 million light canopy and 555,000-watt sound system, the
goal was to put the glitter back in old the main drag.
“The Fremont Experience” includes a covered street area with overhead shows.
Shows run under 10 minutes each and range from the nostalgic “Lucky Vegas” to
the high energy “Speed, Smoke, and Spinning Wheels” auto racing extravaganza.
Don’t miss “The Drop” show which is a swirl of excitement starting with a
single drop of water.
Wander from The Plaza to the Golden Nugget to the Golden Gate Hotel and
Casino and soak up the history of the glory days of downtown Vegas.
Other Things to See and Do In and Near Las Vegas
The hotels and casinos of Las Vegas
could keep a body busy and entertained for ages. Sights and sounds at the major
watering holes in Vegas change from day to day and even minute to minute. But,
the city in the desert is more than neon signs and the spinning of one armed
bandits.
When you’re walking down the Strip, be sure to stop off at the M&M store
where you’ll see a huge array of candy coated chocolates. Buy loose candies or
gift packs in all kinds of interesting containers.
If you really want to satisfy your sweet tooth, then check out the Kidd
Marshmallow Factory in Henderson.
The factory offers free guided tours and samples. The Ethel M Chocolate Factory
also offers tours and includes a fabulous cactus garden. Visit during the
Christmas season to see the plants decked out in lights.
Minutes from the Strip, you’ll find the Coffee Roasters of Las Vegas. If
you’re interested in coffee or tea, consider taking one of the twice-weekly
classes. If you’re just passing through, then take the tour and enjoy fresh
ground coffee on site.
Other Vegas side trips to consider are visits to Blue Diamond (an old west
village), Red Rock
Canyon (for the outdoorsy types),
and Hoover Dam (educational and interesting). These are all day trips and worth
the time if you’re staying more than a day or two in Las
Vegas. Children, in particular, will enjoy the Blue
Diamond where they can be deputized to help the sheriff capture the bad guys.