Benicia+ Las Vegas

Vegas Las

n Cooper Mickelson

Vegas, a word that typically brings to mind images of flashy slot machines, bachelor parties, magic shows and an endless stretch of alcohol vendors. Las Vegas is known best for its casinos and world-class entertainment, but those are only two of the countless experiences that are possible in this attractionfilled city. It can be difficult to decide on a set itinerary while planning a Vegas trip. Luckily, whether you’re putting together a girls trip, a family vacation, or a solo getaway, we’re here to help. But first…a little history.

Translated to “the meadows” in Spanish, Las Vegas got its name in 1829 by Rafael Rivera, a Spanish explorer traveling from New Mexico to Los Angeles. At the time, the Las Vegas Valley had several artesian wells surrounded by extensive green areas. This made it the perfect spot to re-supply before moving on to California.

Las Vegas remained relatively unoccupied by Americans, apart from travelers and traders, until the end of the war in 1865 when it fell into the hands of Octavius Gass. Gass renamed the area Las Vegas Rancho and began making wine. This resulted in Las Vegas becoming well known as the best stop along the Old Spanish Trail.

Las Vegas’ population quickly grew with the success of the railroad and the Hoover Dam, bringing in thousands of men from across the country with no attachments. The combination of a large male workforce and Mafia crime lords resulted in the casinos and showgirl theaters Vegas became famous for.

Las Vegas transformed into a cosmopolitan city in the 1960s with the help of Howard Hughes. Hughes bought up many of the well-known hotels and quickly became one of the most powerful men in the city, changing the image of Las Vegas for good.

In 1989, The Mirage was built and set a new standard for Vegas luxury, attracting tourists in droves and leading to the rapid growth of the Las Vegas Strip. The “Mafia/Rat Pack” Las Vegas of the mid-20th century gave way to the city’s megaresort era.

Las Vegas has since survived the late 2000s recession, the deadliest mass shooting committed by a single gunman in the history of the United States, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The city is currently struggling with the effects of climate change, limiting water consumption and suffering record high temperatures. Even with all of these challenges, Las Vegas remains a popular vacation destination and continues to open new and exciting attractions.

Let's

The Haunted Museum

This one is for my fellow Ghost Adventure fans. Zak Bagans’ The Haunted Museum gives us all the chance to experience our own little haunted adventure. This 11,000 square foot property with more than 30 rooms houses haunted objects such as the Dybbuk Box, Dr. Jack Kevorkian's VW death van, the "Propofol chair" from Michael Jackson's death room, and even the original staircase from the Indiana "Demon House."

Zak has personally curated and designed a bone-chilling museum that combines his cursed collection of curiosities with true accounts of old malevolent hauntings and rituals that once took place in this historic mansion.

Buy your tickets ahead of time for the tour-guided journey, or guarantee a good scare by purchasing tickets for the Flashlight Ghost Tour.

Get ready to scream and be sure to tell Zak, Benicia sent you!

Visit a piece of Las Vegas history at the Neon Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to collecting and preserving iconic Las Vegas signs. Walk through the Neon Boneyard and experience the magic that these grandiose signs bring to the desert.

The Neon Museum is one of the only museums of its kind in the world! About 120 neon signs, mostly made between the 1950s and 1980s, lie in the Neon Boneyard. Seven of these signs are fully restored and are lit on display, the others are lit from below.

In addition to their collection of signs, the museum has translocated the lobby of La Concha, an old motel, saving it from demolitions. The building is now utilized as the visitors' center.

The museum occasionally hosts special exhibits and events, such as lectures, yoga, and stargazing sessions. Check their website for details.

Reservations are required and all visitors tour the museum with a guide. I highly recommend booking an evening tour when the signs are dramatically lit.

If you plan ahead you can host an event, schedule a photoshoot, take part in an educational program, or even get married at the Neon Museum!

At The Venetian

Zak Bagan's Gondala Ride Museum

The gondola ride at The Venetian Resort is one famous tourist attraction that I consider a must-see. I mean, did you even go to Vegas if you don't have a video of you and your friends floating down the indoor canal while a man in a striped shirt sings to you?

Surrender to the romance as you float beneath bridges, beside cafe goers, and under balconies all while being serenaded by your personal gondolier.

Owner, Sheldon Adelson was obsessed with getting the canals just right. He drained and repainted three times before he was satisfied with the hue, and the colossal reproduction of St. Mark's Square at the end of the canal is impressively authentic.

Each gondola seats up to four people, but you can rent out the entire gondola if you're looking for a more intimate ride.

Tip: Buy your tickets early at the Emporio di Gondola so you are able to relax and enjoy a cocktail at Brera Osteria. I recommend their negroni sbagliato.

du

Cirque Soleil

Cirque du Soleil is no secret. These spectacular shows are found around the world and are enjoyed by millions of people.

Las Vegas is host to multiple Cirque du Soleil shows, but the show I'll recommend is "O.”

"O" is an enchanting water show at the Bellagio. This aquatic adventure uses a 1.5 million gallon tank where synchronized swimmers, divers, and acrobats showcase their unique and otherworldly talents in an unforgettable show.

Incredible storytelling, crowd interaction, and acrobatic techniques that defy the norm..."O" does not disappoint.

Valley Fire of

experiences experiences Exciting fortheentire family

If you don't think walking up and down the strip will be enough exercise for you during your Las Vegas trip, you might consider visiting one of the many hiking trails nearby.

Valley of Fire State Park is known for its 40,000 acres of bright red Aztec sandstone outcrops nestled in gray and tan limestone. At the park you'll see ancient, petrified trees and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 years! Be sure to check out the Visitor Center to see exhibits on the geology, ecology, prehistory and history of the park as well as its neighboring areas.

There are two campgrounds in the park if you want to get the full experience of an overnight stay. All campsites are equipped with shaded tables, grills, water, and restrooms. So don't worry, you won't be roughing it. You can also use any of the shaded areas located at Atlatl Rock, Seven Sister, the Cabins, Mouse's Tank Trailhead, or White Domes for picnics.

You will have your choice of many fabulous hikes depending on the length and terrain you prefer. Inquire at the Visitor Center for more information.

Marvel Avenger's S.T.A.T.I.O.N

The kids are going to love this one, as will many of the adults.

The Marvel Avengers S.T.A.T.I.O.N. (Scientific Training and Tactical Intelligence Operative Network) on Treasure Island is a museum dedicated to the world's most popular superheroes in this day and age.

The museum displays the actual costumes from Marvel movies along with fun, interactive exhibits. Be welcomed as an agent in training and receive a special badge as you gawk at the full collection of Iron Man suits. You'll even learn how to operate them.

Gain access to a wealth of classified files, secret studies and experiments that involve the history and origins of the Avengers. You will get to walk through Bruce Banner's laboratory and see Captain America's uniform and shield. My favorite experience was mapping the stars to find Asgard!

This museum is fun for the entire family and lasts about an hour and a half. Children between the ages of 4 and 11 get in at a discounted rate and children 3 years old and younger enter free.

andfood food drinks drinks

Double Down

Saloon

When it comes to dive bars, Las Vegas has you covered. Choosing can be a bit overwhelming, so I'm here to push you toward the Double Down Saloon.

Known as the Happiest Place On Earth, The Double Down has been bringing its own flavor to Las Vegas since 1992.

Live music, pool, and pinball. Double Down brings a colorful chaos to this exciting city. Every inch of the walls and ceiling are covered in murals and, in true dive bar fashion, the bathrooms are as disgusting as the floors are sticky.

Home of the fabled "ass juice" and birthplace of the original bacon martini, this bar is the perfect spot to grab cheap beer and tasty shooters.

Crowd into the photo booth with your BFFs to commemorate your outing, or just take some iPhone photos with way too much flash.

P.S. This is the place to wear your most obnoxious Raoul Duke cosplay. Live it up!

The Cabinet

of Curiousities

Experience a curious new bar in Las Vegas. The Cabinet of Curiosities combines the extraordinary and the everyday. This bar and lounge is a place where you can enjoy your favorite cocktail and solve a puzzle at the same time!

Each cabinet is filled with objects from around the world. The mixologists at The Cabinet will guide you through this curio filled adventure and bring the stories to life through exceptional drinks that are sure to impress.

The Cabinet has a storefront, The Rarely Seen, located right next door. This is where you can explore everything from cocktail recipes to unique glasses designed exclusively for The Cabinet.

If this doesn't sound interesting enough already, The Cabinet of Curiosities also houses a speakeasy called The Lock. Reservations are a must for this location.

The Cabinet of Curiosities is the most peculiar and exciting bar I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. If you're in Vegas, you don't want to miss out on this bar.

Truth Tonic

and

You know I'm not going to leave my veggie friends hanging. Truth and Tonic Wellness Cafe is the first fully vegan restaurant on the Strip. Located inside the Canyon Ranch Spa at the Venetian, Truth and Tonic is open for breakfast and lunch but also serves blended smoothies and fresh juice blends for those on the move.

If you are looking for a vegan or vegetarian dining experience, this is the spot for you. Everything is 100% plant-based and absolutely delicious. From peanut butter banana bread to JUST Egg frittatas, Truth and Tonic is the best hangover breakfast you'll find outside of the Taco Bell Cantina.

Some of the recipes are available in grab-and-go variations from CR Creat in the Grand Canal Shoppes, along with single-origin coffee and kombucha.

Every dish is packed with nutrients and intense flavor, but if I were to suggest just one, I'd have to go with the Holy Tacos with citrus marinated shrimp (plant-based shrimp, of course).

The Nerd

Video Game Bar

Okay, this one is fun. The Nerd is Las Vegas' premiere video game bar. Cosplay meets cocktails at this inimitable bar.

The Nerd has a lot of "nerd" memorabilia, which makes it super fun to walk around and discover it all. There are also tons of games to play! Video games, arcade games, bowling, pinball, table games, air hockey, and so much more.

Did I mention the giant...we'll say “Richard”you can ride? Yeah, this place gets wild.

Everybody at this bar was friendly and down for a game of giant Jenga or Connect 4. The DJ played mostly R&B and reggae which was a nice change from the other bars in the area. Overall, it was an expensive but incredibly fun spot to visit. My only regret is not wearing my Doctor Who costume.

Order a themed drink at the bar, take your time walking around and viewing all of the memorabilia, then get ready to absolutely obliterate your friends at Mario Kart. Once you have a few drinks in you, it'll be time to ride the Richard.

At

The Aria

A restaurant that will make you feel like a Hollywood star, CATCH is the only location to bring epic renditions of Asianinfluenced sushi, seafood and steak.

This restaurant attracts A-listers from around the world and offers multiple Instagram-able photo ops. The entrance is a vine filled tunnel with retro-style light bulb letters floating above. Walking up to the hostess stand will feel like falling into the looking glass.

With dishes that are both sophisticated and approachable (a difficult balance to achieve) guests can enjoy CATCH's shareable style of dining with signature sushi, lobster, and porterhouse.

CATCH does enforce a dress code, but as long as you're not in sweatpants or crocs you should be fine. There is a small yet luxurious Lobby Bar right next to the entrance of CATCH where you can wait until your reservation is ready.

Elegant and urban, CATCH's style is enchanting. Although it's not a great option for vegetarians/vegans, CATCH is likely to please most diners. It is also a great place to grab a few drinks and appetizers early in the night if you want to see the beauty but aren't as interested in the menu.

Happy Life Pottery 632 1st St, Benicia HappyLifePottery.com

giftguide

Christina S

370 1st St. Benicia 707.745.5125 christinasbenicia.com

International Fashion for the Holidays! Snuggle up in furs from Jayley of London. Let Joseph Ribkoff dress you for that holiday event. Scandal sweaters from Italy will be the perfect gift for that trendy person on your list.

Benicia Art Glass Gallery

309 1st St, Benicia Beniciaartglassgallery@gmail.com beniciaartglass.com

The decades-long tradition of blown glass art is back in Benicia again, thanks to a collaboration between glass artists Peter Stucky and Dana Rottler of Bay Blown Glass and Nick Nourot of Nourot Glass. The shop is filled with gorgeous glass gifts, classic and seasonal.

Roberto’s Fine Jewelry

519 1st St, Benicia 707.747.5262

Roberto’s is a jewelry store that contains fine gold, diamond, and color gemstone jewelry. Come in and choose a special gift for the holidays. See our collection of designs by Bay Area artist Edgar Haris. Jewelry design and repair available.

Le Sparkly Chateau

638 1st St, Benicia 707.361.5055 sparklyragz.com/le-sparkly-chateau

Le Sparkly Chateau is a European inspired home accent and gift store. We feature unique gifts, party accessories and décor for your home and garden. Holiday gifts and decor are arriving daily, shop early for that special gift.

The Little Art Shop

129 1st St, Benicia 707.771.6667 thelittleartshop.com

The Little Art Shop is your holiday gift shopping headquarters with the creative works of over 30 talented local Benicia and Bay Area artists. Stop by and enter to win a $50 gift certificate!

The Pedicure Sanctuary

300 Military W, Suite 302, Benicia 707.688.3855 thepedicuresanctuary.com

The Pedicure Sanctuary is a private natural nail studio specializing in luxury pedicures and hand painted art. We are dedicated to delivering a high-end experience with professional cleanliness and care. Seasonal nail art, anyone? Gift Certificates Available.

Sweetness & Light

301 1st St, Benicia 707.652.5599 sweetnessandlightflowers.com

We are passionate about sourcing local seasonal blooms and fill our vases with the bounty of the bay area. We paint with nature's palette to create bespoke works of art for your floral needs. Come in and browse our fall and winter foliage and holiday gifts.

In Harmony Music 101 East H St, Suite D, Benicia 707.492.5795 inharmonymusic.com

Give the gift of music this holiday season with a gift certificate for a semester of family music classes with In Harmony Music! Contact us for details: admin@inharmonymusic.com

Pink Arrows Boutique

374 1st St, Benicia 844.264.6456 pinkarrowsboutique.com

The Most Wonderful Time of The Year! Shop the season’s best and brightest and enjoy 15% off your order with code BeniciaMag2022 (Limited time-excludes select items-one per customer-ends 12/31/22).

Benicia

Hotel Hotel

Rest Rest play play

The ARIA

There are a lot of hotels to choose from in Las Vegas and they all offer something different. Whether you want to stay on the Strip or Fremont street, you won't have trouble finding a place to stay that fits your unique needs. In a city with so much to see and do, I prioritized a central location with a modern feel.

The Aria is a sleek, curvilinear glass building that almost looks like a glass atrium and is located at the center of the Strip. After a hectic, delayed flight into Las Vegas, entering the Aria immediately put my mind at ease and helped me relax at the start of my vacation.

Most people who check into the Aria are professionals there on business, or well-heeled vacationers. You don't get many children or wild bachelor parties, which helps to create a calm environment amongst the chaos of Vegas.

The rooms at the Aria are lovely, with floor to ceiling windows and beds with huge upholstered headboards. Every room gets an iPad that controls music, curtains and lights. Room service at the Aria is pretty standard. The menu isn't giant but it has everything you'd expect. They do offer personalized pizzas which are fantastic.

The spa at the Aria is one of the best on the Strip. It has a relaxing salt room and heated stone beds! There is also a co-ed balcony pool which is great for couples.

There are multiple pools so you won't have a hard time finding a lounge chair to read or sip your daiquiri on. A waitress is assigned to each lounge area and I never had to wait longer than five minutes for someone to take my order. The drinks aren't cheap, but the convenience is worth it.

There are more restaurants at the Aria than you are likely to have time to try. I recommend CATCH, Din Tai Fung, and Lemongrass. There are also plenty of bars inside the hotel, including the ALIBI Ultra Lounge.

I'm not a huge gambler, but there are plenty of slot machines and poker tables to explore. The slot machine with the little devil guy is my favorite, but that's our little secret.

Overall, the Aria is well worth the expense if you're looking for an incredibly relaxing place to stay in Las Vegas.