Maybe it is. If you consider taking a polished-brass elevator down to the casino, then proceed purposefully to a craps table and there lose your next five mortgage payments, or more, in less than half hour an adventure, then it must be. Or, let's say your feet take you to the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, from there promptly to the store alley at the Venetian and on to the merchandise wonders at Wynn Las Vegas and your purse somehow lightens significantly at every stop, can that be called an adventure? Again, it depends.
Seriously, though, Vegas is now ranked the nation's top adventure town according the National Geographic Adventure magazine. To earn that title has very little to do with the entertainment industry the city is so famous for around the globe. It's all about the outdoor activities you can do here, which are plentiful, yet so seldom referred to in the media. Up until now, it appears.
The three-hour driving perimeter around Vegas includes such heavyweights as the Grand Canyon and Zion and Bryce Canyon national parks. Besides them there are millions of acres of national forest, 13 state parks and a couple of national recreation areas. All that ought to keep you busy for a while.
Locals like to add that we are among the tops in the entire world in rock climbing, mountain biking and canyon exploration offerings. Some of the places you can visit and touch under an hour's drive from town are Red Rock Canyon, Mount Charleston, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead.
More importantly, the entertainment segment is slowly embracing the idea that the thus far much ignored outdoor opportunities should be included in its product mix. I'm all for it. The Red Rock Resort has already created a position to address it, an adventure activities manager.
Photo by buoux
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Esko Kiuru
Mortgage and real estate market commentator
www.BluefoxToday.com - syndicated mortgage and real estate blog
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My cell: 702-499-1006
Seems like Vegas is reinventing itself... to become the nation's top adventure town is a real accomplishment. Who would of expect that?
Arina,
We are moving into new territory.
Our ski resorts realized some time ago that not everyone skis, and that they needed other activities in order to bring the family here. So now they offer tubing and snow shoeing and hayrides and lots of other things. Plus we have factory outlet stores that give all the people who shop for entertainment something to do. Of course, Vegas has plenty of that!
I made my plane and hotel reservations last night for the NAR convention, and got cheaper rates than offered through NAR at Harrahs on Expeida, if anyone is making reservations!
Joanne,
Vegas is really widening its product offerings, beyond the casino and entertainment aspects.
This would definitely be enticing to me. I've been to Vegas twice. I'm not a gambler, but love the shopping and the shows. The last time I was there, I drove with a friend to Death Valley. Although it was beautiful landscape, it wasn't entirely exciting. I'd much rather hike or do some other type of outdoor activity.
Deb,
Hiking, rock climbing and canyoneering have been locally known, but now they get national exposure. Join in on the fun.
As a huge Las Vegas fan, don't forget about renting ATVs to ride and see the petriglyphs, hot air balloon rides, helicopter tours, Pink Jeep Tours, the Hoover Dam tour, as well as a variety of thrill rides. There are also the paddlewheel boat tours on Lake Mead which also offers brunch and dinner cruises. We also offer a variety of outdoor events such as the Genarro Italian Fest, Renaissance Faire, and many other fun activities. Lastly, don't forget about Lake Las Vegas with the village, Dragon Boat Races, outdoor concerts and the winter floating ice skating rink.
Las Vegas doesn't have to be just about gambling. Ask any local, because we usually only go to the strip when we have friends in town.
Heather,
Thanks for bringing more features to the post.