Have a love/hate relationship with Sin City? I know I do. So this is a list of all the wonderful things that don’t totally suck about Las Vegas.
1. Fremont Street
The Fremont Street Experience is a haven for the vestige of the lusty old Vegas that once lived. It’s a glorious display of neon and hope. Taking a cue from Hollywood Blvd., Fremont Street is littered with “Legends” who mill amongst the tourists, posing for pictures adding to the ambiance. And it’s awesome!
Plus from 8pm until 1am at night, the ceiling lights up for something called “Vista Vision.” Kiss Over Vegas was the soundtrack for our walk. Maybe Fremont Street is so awesome because they’re living like it’s 80′s. All summer long, Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s concerts are keeping it unreal with free concert performances from Loverboy, Wang Chung and Howard Jones. Blackwood was one of the first 5 original VJs when MTV first launched (and played music videos) back in 1981. In fact, August 1 will mark the 30th anniversary of MTV. So let’s party like it’s 1985.
Found my thrill, and it is not to be confused with the classic song by Fats Domino or the St. Louis home of Chuck Berry and Rock ‘n Roll. The Las Vegas Blueberry Hill Family Restaurants has been family owned and operated since 1966. Their specialty: Homemade Blueberry Pancakes. Blueberry Hill is more than just a family diner, it’s a way of life. The sound system pumps in Oldies but Goodies like Frankie Ford’s “Sea Cruise,” Clarence “Frogman” Henry’s “Ain’t Got No Home” and Fat’s Domino’s “Blueberry Hill” (did you really think they wouldn’t play that one?!). It’s like if the soundtrack to American Graffiti spawned a utopian society that existed only within its walls.
There’s nothing cool about Blueberry Hill, except that it’s so uncool it’s cool. Which is… totally cool. As evidence when a group of young men, purported to be the eletro rock band The Anix, rolled up for breakfast (in a van shrink wrapped with their logo, so it was easy to figure out who they were). You never know who you’ll meet at Blueberry Hill.
3. G-ma Nancy Hip-Hop Rapper
Somehow, through the magic of Blueberry Hill no doubt, G-ma Nancy appeared. She’s a grandma and she likes to rap. And she has a message, and by golly you’ll listen.
“I do anti-gangster rap,” she explains. Which may or may not explain why she ended up in Vegas. Sharing is caring, so here’s a video of her “It’s Ok To Snitch Rap” from a Target parking lot in Las Vegas.
4. You Can Rent Fat Mike’s Vegas Punk House!
Yes, that’s right: Fat Mike from NOFX has a Vegas Punk House. And you and 9 and of your closest friends can sleep (and party) there. Think B&B for dignified punks, only the beds are bunk beds and other B is Beer.
“It’s my house for adults that live like teenagers,” Fat Mike says on the website. There’s also a salt water pool, a cave grotto hot tub, 9-hole putting green, pinball machine, pool table, and so much more.
5. Endless amounts of Vegas Souvenirs
Kitsch gone wild. And completely irresistible. How many keychain bottle openers/mugs/personalized license plates/shot glasses does one need? A LOT! And The Hip Sack will never go out of fashion as long as Las Vegas makes branded souvenirs.
6. Hidden in Plain Sight: Cool Corner of Awesome
Tucked at the end (or beginning, depending on how you measure) of Fremont Street at 6th is a pretty cool corner. On one corner sits the historic El Cortez. Across the street from there is a rather enticing spot with bright flashing lights called Mamita’s Mexican Cuban Restaurant. The food is as delicious as the decor. And the one laser disc they own plays on repeat tracks like the “Macarena,” “Mambo No. 5″ and Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine’s “Conga.” We couldn’t eat fast enough to avoid the disc repeating. But the agony made the experience all that more Vegas-y. It just wouldn’t end! And kitty-corner to Mamita’s is the equally enticing Emergency Arts at the Fremont Center which houses the Burlesque Hall Of Fame, and The Beat Coffeehouse And Records. Real Espresso drinks! Real sandwiches with fresh ingrediants! Cool air. Wifi. It’s kind of like home. A saving grace from the hustle and bustle of the slots and tables. And next door is the interesting Insert Coins, a video lounge game bar that looks futuristic. No kiddies! It’s 21 and over. Finally a fun place to play videos games and get plastered besides your parents’ basement! Only bummer is you’d probably have to wear more than your boxer shots.
7. Punk Rock Bowling and Music Festival
It happens once a year, and it’s the best reason to have to go to Las Vegas. What started 13 years ago as a modest bowling tournament for a few punk record labels has exploded into a full-blown weekend of bowling and punk rock. The 12,000 music fans who descend upon the city bounce from club to club for exclusive shows, including reunions from Down By Law and All. All’s set included appearances from all three singers who have fronted the band since its inception. San Francisco’s Swingin’ Utters played the opening night party at Azul Tequila, basked in the glow from the glamourous El Cortez hotel and casino. Catch Swingin’ Utters at Hootenanny 2011 on July 2 in Irvine, California.
Las Vegas has a plethora of water shows like the Treasure Island pirate show and the Bellagio Fountains. But none can compare to the serene wonder of the Mystic Falls Park show at Sam’s Town. It’s called Sunset Stampede, and with dancing waters, laser lights and a blistering soundtrack of the old west, it is best enjoyed amongst friends. Late at night (the 10pm show is really the best). After a few rounds from the bar.
9. Crashing Pool Parties!
Sneak into the pool at the MGM Grand Hotel to ride the lazy river, or crash a fabulous bash poolside at the Palms or Hard Rock. So it’s always great to find a killer pool party like the one Old Man Markley played at the Gold Spike a few weeks ago.
10. Elvis really IS Everywhere!
He really is! Everywhere you turn, there’s Elvis.
And those 10 things make Vegas not totally suck.
Words and photos by Lisa Johnson
