2026-01-11-Las-Vegas-Magazine

Y O U R

G U I D E

T O

E V E R Y T H I N G

L A S

V E G A S ®

MAGAZINE

JANUARY 11. 2026

Plus...

Work on Your Marksmanship at This Gun Range The Italian Cuisine Shines at This Restaurant This Adult Revue Still Stuns After 26 Years

Omega Mart

By Yourself or With Friends, This Attraction Is So Much Fun

Contents

Features Omega Mart PAGE 30

New Year’s Bucket List PAGE 32

KÀ PAGE 34

The Neon Museum PAGE 36

My Stay at Circa Read all about the writer’s stay at the downtown property PAGE 42

The Cocktails of Universal Horror Unleashed PAGE 46

30 Spotlight PAGE 11

Fantasy

PAGE 7

Our publisher gives you

This Resorts World Las Vegas

mini golf available at this

restaurant remains a favorite of

Mandalay Bay venue are

tourists and locals alike thanks

the cocktails, great eats and

to its great selection of cuts and

carnival fun PAGE 24

cocktails PAGE 28

Friends With Benefits

Showbiz Weekly

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés PAGE 14

Wildlife Habitat Fresco Italiano

Bryan Kroten

Your guide to everything in Las Vegas,

The cuisine shines at this

Meet the vice president

from dining, entertainment

Westgate Las Vegas restaurant

of marketing for

and attractions to shopping,

PAGE 18

Maverick Helicopters

gaming, and health and beauty

PAGE 26

PAGE 51

Work on your marksmanship here PAGE 20

everything you need to plan

Vegas2Go App

the perfect week PAGE 8

PAGE 22

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The only things that top the

after 26 years PAGE 12

The Range 702

7 Days

Nosh

Carversteak

This Luxor revue still stuns

PAGE 16

Editor’s Note

Cheers

Swingers Las Vegas

Hitting the town tonight? Stop by your concierge to pick up a copy of our sister publication, VEGAS2GO.

Omega Mart photo and cover (where applicable) by Christopher DeVargas Wildlife Habitat cover (where applicable) courtesy of Caesars Entertainment/Lewis Phan, Carversteak cover (where applicable) courtesy of Carver Road Hospitality, KÀ cover (where applicable) by Matt Beard Photography, Inc

DIM SUM BRUNCH Yo u r we e ke n d t rad i t i o n st a r t s h e re .

EVERY SATURDAY | 11AM - 3PM

VOL. 21 NO. 1

Publisher

KATIE DIXON

EDITORIAL Editor KEN MILLER Managing Editor NINA KING Associate Editor KIKO MIYASATO Associate Editor—Social Media EM JURBALA Editorial Listings Coordinator MADELYN WINGER

ART Art Director WESLEY GATBONTON Graphic Designer CHRISTINA ROSE TRIMIDAL Photographer CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS

CONTRIBUTORS Photographers Peter Harasty Steve Marcus Wade Vandervort Writer Genevie Durano

ADVERTISING Senior Advertising Managers MIKE MALL ADAIR MILNE SUE SRAN Account Executives LAUREN JOHNSON MELINA TAYLOR

GREENSPUN MEDIA GROUP Publisher/Editor Brian Greenspun Chief Operating Officer Robert Cauthorn Chief Financial Officer Steve Gray Human Resources Administrator Shanna Chavez Gray Associate Publisher Alex Haase Events Director Samantha Lamb Events Manager Hannah Anter Events Coordinator April Martinez Marketing Graphic Designer Caryl Lou Paayas Publisher of Digital Media Katie Horton Web Content Specialist Clayt Keefer Vice President of Manufacturing Maria Blondeaux Production Manager Blue Uyeda Production Artist Marissa Maheras Production Director Paul Huntsberry Senior Traffic Coordinator Denise Arancibia Traffic Coordinator Kimberly Chang Fulfillment Operations Manager Casandra Pierce

Local advertising and business inquiries: 702.383.7185

Copyright 2026 by Las Vegas Magazine. Las Vegas Magazine and Showbiz Weekly are affiliated publications with the Las Vegas Sun. All rights reserved. Las Vegas Magazine is published 51 times a year. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Las Vegas Magazine’s right to edit. While Las Vegas Magazine makes a supreme effort at making the information in these pages accurate and errorless, it cannot be responsible for the consequences of any erratum or inadvertence.

Las Vegas Magazine | P.O. Box 94018 | Las Vegas, NV 89193 lasvegasmagazine.com | ©Las Vegas SUN Incorporated 2026

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Editor’s Note

Start 2026 Off Right

KEN MILLER

Friend us on Facebook facebook.com/LasVegasMag Follow us on Instagram @LasVegasMagazine Follow us on X @LasVegasMag Read us online lasvegasmagazine.com

Hitting the town tonight? Stop by your concierge to pick up a copy of our sister publication, VEGAS2GO.

If this is your first trip to Las Vegas, this is an editor’s note you need to read—because, as overwhelming as the city can feel once you arrive at your hotel, there is a hack to help you navigate the craziness. And it’s all at your fingertips!

Greenspun Media Group, which owns Las Vegas Magazine, this year launched the Vegas2Go app, a guide to everything around you no matter where you are. Download it (for free) and start your Vegas experience like a pro. If you’re staying at, say, Park MGM, it will fill you in on everything going on at that property, as well as neighboring properties Bellagio, New York-New York and MGM Grand. You’ll find it in both the Google App store and Apple store. Get it today and enjoy!

We’re so glad you decided to spend the beginning of 2026 in Las Vegas! This issue is packed full of great experiences, meals, shows and much more. Start your week with a visit to Omega Mart at AREA15, where you can enjoy the experience solo or with a group (“Surreal Strategies,” p. 30).

Then head to Carversteak at Resorts World Las Vegas for one of the best dinners you’ll find on the entire Strip (“An Exercise in Excellence,” p. 28).

Following that amazing dinner, check out one of the longest-running (and best) productions in town, Cirque du Soleil’s KÀ at MGM Grand, which features not only the acrobatics and stunt work Cirque is famous for, but a theater unlike any other (“The Stage is a World,” p. 34).

Some of you may be making resolutions for the new year, but we’ve got a better idea: How about a great bucket list? To get you started, check out our collection of can’t-miss opportunities around Las Vegas (“What Are You Waiting For?” p. 32).

Here’s to a great 2026! And with the help of Las Vegas Magazine and the Vegas2Go app, you’ll start this year off in the best way possible.

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 7

7 Days

12

Jan. 11-17

What to do in Las Vegas this week Katie Dixon, Publisher

15 Sunday

11 Gymkhana This Michelin-star-winning restaurant has finally arrived on the Strip, and its Indian cuisine with tandoor-grilled specialties is truly one of a kind. Find out for yourself what all the fuss is about.

Aria, aria.mgmresorts.com

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Tuesday

Monday

13

12 Malibu Barbie Café The pop-up restaurant features a fast-casual menu, exclusive merchandise, interactive activities and a roller skating rink! Prepare to celebrate your favorite toy in style.

AREA15, malibubarbiecafe.com

Morimoto Las Vegas This iconic brand has returned with a dining experience that reflects the energy of Tokyo’s famous nocturnal scenes. We recommend the pork sticky ribs and dessert bento box.

MGM Grand, mgmgrand. mgmresorts.com

Malibu Barbie Café courtesy photo The Mac King Comedy Magic Show photo by Christopher DeVargas

7 Days For Insider Tips go to lasvegasmagazine.com

16

14 13 Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

14

15

16

17

1973 Live—Aloha From Westgate Don’t miss this re-creation of Elvis’ 1973 Aloha From Hawaii, brought to life by tribute artist Travis Powell. From the sound to the setlist, it’s all here.

Westgate Las Vegas, ticketmaster.com

The Mac King Comedy Magic Show One of the Strip’s finest familyfriendly shows features the charming, goofy King, who will disarm you with corny jokes while performing illusions.

Excalibur, excalibur. mgmresorts.com

Nikki Glaser and David Spade Two of stand-up comedy’s greats combine forces in what is sure to be one of the most hilarious events of the year.

Caesars Palace, ticketmaster.com

Vegas Golden Knights vs.

Nashville Predators A Knights game is always a premier event, from the spectacular preshow to the venue. And this contest against the surging Predators should be exciting from start to finish.

T-Mobile Arena, axs.com

Morimoto Las Vegas photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International Nikki Glaser and David Spade and 1973 Live—Aloha From Westgate courtesy photos

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 9

Spotlight

The Magic of Jen Kramer Westgate Las Vegas 5+. westgateresorts.com

Photo by 11Christopher | 1.11.26 DeVargas Las Vegas Magazine

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 11 Photo by

Spotlight

Fun and Fresh

Long-running adult romp continues to evolve and expand its lineup of sexiness, sass and sensuality What defines sexy? If you really want the answer to that question, look no further than Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease, a long-running adults-only production that shows you sexy in all its forms: • There’s the sexiness of the performers themselves, all amazing dancers and athletes from all over the world.

• There’s the sexiness of the numbers, everything from pole dancing and aerial silks to burlesque.

• There’s the sexy voice of Lorena Peril, who may be small in stature but fills a room with that amazing voice as she belts out numbers like “I Put a Spell on You.” • There’s the sexiness of the humor, from Peril’s audience interaction to an audience participation segment with an Elvis theme that never, ever gets old.

All this is the result of decades of hard work by producer Anita Mann, who is always looking for new ways to keep the show fresh while losing none of that signature sexiness. The most recent change is the inclusion of an original song, “Fantasy Come True,” created in collaboration with Los Angeles-based music production team District 78 and performed by Peril to open the show.

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There’s also a new acrobatic routine, set to “Lose Control” by Teddy Swims.

But the changes don’t stop there. The show also recently launched Lingerie by Fantasy: The Strip’s Sexiest Tease. All the pieces in the collection, each one named after a dancer in the show, are featured in the show’s 2026 calendar and are available for purchase after each show.

Mann’s unending drive and creativity—not to mention her involvement in the local community—are a huge part of keeping Fantasy, now in its 26th year, a must-visit show.

“Reaching 26 years is an incredible milestone that belongs to every performer, creative, and team member who’s brought their heart to this stage or worked behind the scenes, and to MGM Resorts International for their belief in us,” Mann said in a statement. “This show has always been about empowerment, beauty, artistry and connection, and that’s what continues to drive us forward.”

Whether you’re a first-timer or return visitor, Fantasy remains a vital part of a Vegas visit. –Ken Miller Luxor, 18+. 702.262.4400

Las Vegas Magazine Photo by1.11.26 Bryan Steffy | 13

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by Christopher Las Vegas DeVargas Magazine

Spotlight

Different Location, Same Excellence

Longtime favorite moves to another property but ports over all the amazing creations it’s famous for One of the most respected restaurants in Las Vegas, Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, recently opened its doors in an elegant new environment in The Venetian Resort. Just before the opening, Andrés shared his vision for the new restaurant in a news release: “Since Day 1, Bazaar Meat has been one of my favorite restaurants to send friends to—it’s dinner and a show, an incredible celebration of the carnivorous. It’s larger than life, and the new opening at ... The Venetian Resort will be even larger… it’s almost more Vegas than Vegas!”

And at a huge grand opening party last year, the chef presided over a party introducing all the new aspects of the restaurant, like an open kitchen that juts into both bar and dining room. Off the large bar is an incredible private dining room with plush burgundy appointments.

Along the kitchen wall in the dining room, opposite a secluded Stripside patio, are several refrigerators with meat and fish. The beverage program is exemplary and features several tableside cocktail experiences like the nitro caipirinha, whipped up as you watch, and the martini service, pictured, where you can customize your drink.

Photo by

You’ll find Andrés’ classics on the menu like beefsteak tomato tartare and Stemple Creek black Angus vaca vieja. “For me, introducing dishes and ideas from my home in Spain—like vaca vieja, the cows who live long happy lives before giving us super-flavorful juicy ribeyes; or our beefsteak tomato tartare, inspired by a mind-blowing dish from the legendary elBulli—to the people of Vegas brings me so much happiness,” said Andres.

You can also order the quarter suckling pig, roasted in a wood-fired oven, seafood like fire-roasted king crab, or newer items like live scallop ceviche, beef tenderloin Rossini, Ibérico pork chops and Basque-style pork sausage. One of the best ways to experience the fullness of the experience is through a tasting menu, and José’s Ultimate Tasting will give you so many classic bites to enjoy that it’s hard not to go for it.

And it all issues from the kitchen presided over by executive chef Frank Medina, who originally opened Bazaar Meat by José Andrés in 2014. –Nina King

The Venetian Resort. venetianlasvegas.com

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 15

Spotlight

Legs for Days

Stroll through this lush home for birds, fish and more Take a moment away from the bright lights and dinging of the slot machines and step outside for a dose of nature. Did you know there are 4 acres of lush land right on the Las Vegas Strip where animals roam free? And it’s all free to view at Flamingo. Bring the fam to the Wildlife Habitat, where gardens, streams, waterfalls and greenery are the backdrop to a home of exotic birds, turtles and fish.

Break out the camera and snap pics of the stars of the habitat—the flock of

16 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

beautifully pink, long-legged Chilean flamingos. Joining them are exotic waterfowl, brown pelicans and local songbirds and hummingbirds. Look to the waters and spot swimming inhabitants like sturgeon, koi, albino catfish and more.

At 10 a.m. daily, keepers of the wildlife habitat will be on hand to answer any questions and fill guests in on the life of inhabitants of the sanctuary. Learn all about diets, quirks, anatomy and fun facts of each animal and reptile and

watch feedings and maintenance of the expansive grounds.

Stroll along winding paths and take a moment of peace and reflection for the new year by taking a seat on the many benches spread throughout the habitat.

The Wildlife Habitat is open for viewing beginning at 7 a.m. through 8 p.m. No reservations or tickets are required to enter. –Kiko Miyasato Flamingo. 702.733.3349

Photo courtesy of Caesars Entertainment/Lewis Phan

EXPERIENCE THE INFINITE

WORL LARGEST WDA’SLK KALEIDOSCOPE-IN !

Step into the art. Explore 7 immersive installations, with every corner a photo-worthy illusion.

SCAN FOR TICKETS

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@infinitymuseum

3528 S Maryland Pkwy, Suite 177 Las Vegas, NV 89169

Spotlight

Mamma Mia!

From decor and ambience to cuisine and cocktails, this Italian restaurant excels at the dining experience Get ready for an unforgettable experience the moment you enter Fresco Italiano. This longtime favorite of locals and tourists alike sets a wonderful tone with brick accents, hardwood floors and towering arches, all overseen by a huge, antique espresso machine. It’s the perfect setting for the comfort foods to come.

You’ll want to start with a cocktail, and Fresco Italiano has plenty of signature libations to get your taste buds primed and ready. We recommend two in particular: The Milan, a white peach Bellini made with Ketel One Botanicals peach orange vodka, white peach and prosecco, all topped with vanilla gelato(!); and the Palermo, a spicy Sicilian margarita made with Patron silver tequila, blood orange, sparkling grapefruit, firewater and Sicilian sea salt.

Now down to business! Appetizers don’t get much more satisfying than the meatballs, a blend of slow-braised beef, pork and veal, all smothered with basil ricotta, Grana Padano and marinara, and the calamari, served with hot peppers, lemon crema, marinara and mint.

You’ll definitely also want to try the margherita pizza, an all-time classic with tomato sauce, roasted tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil.

Main courses are a cornucopia of

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classic favorites, and you may have a seriously difficult time deciding.

Definite highlights include the chicken marsala, so flavorful with roasted mushrooms, cipollini onions, florio marsala and butter whipped potatoes; lasagna al forno (a best-selling menu item) made with pork and beef Bolognese, ricotta, mozzarella and basil; and scaloppine de vitello, veal loin with capers, lemon, parsley and spaghetti.

How about some pasta? We can’t recommend highly enough the linguine and clams (another hot seller, pictured) with littleneck clams, garlic, chili, lemon and parsley, or the spicy penne alla vodka, a dish you will not want to share with its combo of Italian sausage, Calabrian chili, basil and Pecorino Romano.

And i f you really can’t decide, play it safe and go with the Chef’s Selection, a menu with three courses of: your choice of an Italian chopped Caesars salad or zuppa Toscana; your choice of chicken fettucine Alfredo, chicken Parmesan, rigatoni Bolognese or grilled salmon; and your choice of Biscoff butter cheesecake (this is my particular favorite) or tiramisu. –Ken Miller

Westgate Las Vegas.

702.732.5276

Las Vegas Photo Magazine

by Christopher 1.11.26 DeVargas | 19

Spotlight

Take Aim at Fun

Popular attraction offers packages for all skill levels

Whether you’re new to the shooting range experience or you’re an old pro, you’ll find something tailored just for you at The Range 702, Las Vegas’ largest indoor firing facility that includes not only free transportation from your property but a state-of-the-art air filtration system that will make you want to stay (and shoot) all day.

Choose from among 20-plus packages. There’s Couples Therapy, featuring 10 rounds from a Commando, seven rounds

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from a 1911, 20 rounds from an AR-40, 20 rounds from an AK-47 and 20 rounds from an M-4; there’s Extreme, featuring 50 rounds from an FN SCAR, 30 rounds from an M249 SAW, 25 rounds from an HK53 and 50 rounds from an MP5SD. (Oh, you also get to fire the .50 Browning Machine Gun!); and there’s All In, where you get to shoot the most powerful weapons the facility has to offer (Uzis, Desert Eagles and Glock 17s, anyone?).

If you’re looking to amplify your expe-

rience here even more, book a VIP suite containing three large-screen TVs and cool art on the walls, ideal for everything from parties to sports viewing. There are also four VIP lanes including amenities like a private hostess bar and your own private restroom facilities. It’s great for birthdays, anniversaries and bachelor and bachelorette parties. –Ken Miller 5999 Dean Martin Drive.

702.425.5312

Photo by Christopher DeVargas

ILLUMINATE

YOUR BLVD

Optik Interactive Light & Sound Experience

3rd Floor

Now – January 25, 2026

@BLVD.lasVegas

@BLVD_lasvegas

3747 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 blvdlasvegas.com

Spotlight

Navigating the City Is a Breeze App makes for a great life hack on the Strip and elsewhere Navigating the Strip and surrounding areas can be overwhelming. Luckily, the Vegas2Go app, available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, puts an extensive guide to the city right in the palm of your hand.

Simply set up your account and unlock a vast knowledge of the city, including special deals that you may otherwise miss out on. The app is locational, so once you’ve indicated the resort you’re staying at, toggle to the “selected” tab to see all the dining,

22 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

shopping, shows and lounges in the property. Then switch to the “nearby” setting to see all the options that are within a walking distance of your temporary digs.

If you have something specific in mind, perhaps a steakhouse dinner or family-friendly fun, use the search function. Use the red drop-down menu to search everywhere (which will populate results from all over the valley), nearby or in your selected property to find what you’re looking

for. And if it’s a one-off show you seek, check the “events” tab for an up-todate calendar of all the acts rolling through town during your stay.

Oh, and those exclusive offers we mentioned? They’re visible on each listing they apply to, so there’s no need to scour the web for ways to save on your Vegas vacay. Find an offer you’d like to use, select the “save” option and access it when you’re ready under the “saved offers” tab in the “more” menu. Enjoy! –Em Jurbala

Cheers

It’sWay Above Par

Mini-golf experience offers a package for all-in-one fun Recently, a group of friends and I decided to swing. But where to go? We headed to Swingers Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay—a hot spot where mini golf and food and cocktails are under one roof.

“We thought, ‘What if we took a hugely fun and accessible activity like mini golf, created an immersive world around it, and made sure that the food, drink and service was second to none?’” said Matt Grech-Smith, co-CEO and co-founder of Swingers. “The rest is history!”

The vibes are British cutesy (owners of the brand are from London), with four courses spread across two floors decked out in English countrysidemeets-old-timey carnival in the park.

The rest of the space is filled with bars, lounge areas, DJ booth with dance floor, an area with old-school carnival games and plenty of tables for noshing on some darn good eats.

For our group, we purchased one of two packages offered. The Bottomless Set package, for $114 per person, got us a reserved table, credits for carnival games, food and bottomless drinks for 90 minutes. (On the Vegas Strip, the price is worth this alone!)

While playing a round of golf on a

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What Happens at Swingers

Cheers

Espresso martini

nine-hole course (each person gets only six swings to make the hole, a rule that helps move each group along), we whet our whistles .(Cocktail servers bring the drinks directly to you on the course!) Espresso martinis (Swingers’ version is delish, with Ketel One vodka, Giffard crème de cacao, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur and La Colombe espresso) and the highly recommended Paloma Prima (La Gritona reposado tequila, Aperol, Fever-Tree sparkling grapefruit soda and lemon juice) were ordered as the swinging continued.

Paloma Prima

After play was done (I won!), we headed to our table and ordered up a smorgasbord of num-num eats that included the Le Big Matt Burger with grass-fed beef patty, American cheese, greens, pickles and the special Sammy sauce on a pretzel bun. (All burgers can be substituted for Beyond Meat and

switched to a gluten-free bun.) Do not skip out on the Miranda pizza, a decadent and so-good blend of four cheeses, dollops of ricotta cheese, crispy bacon and a hot honey drizzle. We shared baskets of wings, too, with flavors like buffalo, barbecue, sriracha, pineapple chili and lemon pepper. While enjoying dinner, you can’t help but move to the DJ’s set of old-school hip-hop, pop, house music and ’80s hits. We continued our drinking allowance that included hits like the Spiked Orange Crush (a slushie!), Caramel Apple Mule and the What Happens at Swingers (cheeky!).

We rolled ourselves out of the booth and headed to our last stop, carnival games, to use up our credits by playing Skee-Ball, Whac-A-Mole, Down the Clown and more. Play for credits, which can then be used inside the gift shop for branded swag. (I got a lipstick in the shape of a golf ball!)

At the end of the night, Swingers Las Vegas left us satisfied and with a smile on our face. –Kiko Miyasato

Mandalay Bay. swingers.club

More Swingers!

If a caddie sees you make a hole-in-one, you might be rewarded with a free shot!

The Full Swing package includes a round of golf, access to the carnival arcade games and a food and drink credit to spend however you like. Bonus: Guests who book their first round online will also receive a free second round of golf, based on availability.

Any of the frozen cocktails can be swirled together for extra fun and flavor.

Befriend the caddies, as they know the tips and tricks of the courses and know the best route to scoring those holes-in-one.

All ages are welcome until 5 p.m., but after 6 p.m., it’s 21+.

Photos by Christopher DeVargas

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 25

Friends With Benefits

• Product •

Maverick Helicopters Retail

Bryan Kroten

Take a piece of your experience home with you by stopping at the retail store inside the terminal of Maverick Helicopters. You can purchase branded apparel, keepsakes and fun toys like stuffed animals and a mini Maverick Helicopter. –KM

Career reaches ultimate heights with Maverick Helicopters Bryan Kroten is lucky. While most of us stare at a cubicle, Kroten’s views include the Grand Canyon, Maui waterfalls and the Las Vegas Strip. For two decades, he’s served as the vice president of marketing for Maverick Helicopters, overseeing all of the brand’s locations, including Vegas, Arizona, Hawaii, California and the Grand Canyon.

“The views never disappoint; they wow every time,” he says. “Maui, it’s my favorite place on Earth—the Molokai Sea Cliffs, I get goose bumps. The waterfalls being so close to them and feeling like you can touch them. Flying over EDC

Benefit

when you know hundreds of thousands of people are down there, it’s truly magical.”

And it’s Kroten’s job, besides handling advertising, PR, partnerships, special events and branding, to share those special sights with visitors. “The coolest thing is putting smiles on people’s faces,” he says. “We’re giving core memories and bucket list experiences for people.”

Kroten has a long history in the Vegas hospitality industry, going back to 1997 where he started in group sales for an events company and then spent nearly a decade in sales and marketing for Richard Petty Driving Experience. “When I look

back on my career, I’ve been around race cars and helicopters—that’s pretty cool!” he says. But in 2005, he found his home when he joined Maverick Helicopters, where he’s helped build up the company’s stellar reputation. He even helped establish the biggest partnership for Maverick, the Electric Daisy Carnival. “It’s my favorite event of the entire year,” he says.

So many favorites fill Kroten’s job, from sights to events, but he says what it really comes down to “is coming into work and making people happy … I think that is really cool, giving people core memories that will last a lifetime.” –Kiko Miyasato

Book the Wind Dancer tour and enjoy champagne and light snacks on a private bluff in the Grand Canyon.

26 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Photos by Christopher DeVargas

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EXPLORE OUR COMPLETE EVENTS CALENDAR

Nosh

When you dine at Carversteak in Resorts World Las Vegas, you’ll get so much more than a good dinner—you’ll get an excellent one. The restaurant excels in every aspect, from decor to cocktails and steaks.

The interior of Carversteak is an elegant yet casual space with vibrant art on the walls, an inviting bar with a brilliant blue backdrop, and plenty of plush, colorful seating. Outside, more seating and another bar accents an all-seasons patio.

On one side of the lounge is a private dining room lined with various beautiful knives; don’t miss checking it out.

Feel free to enjoy a cocktail from the bar while waiting for your table. Respected mixologist Francesco Lafranconi, vice president of beverage and hospitality culture for Carver Road Hospitality (Carversteak’s parent company), has created a stellar menu, which he tweaks every season. Consider the seasonal You’ve Met Your Matcha, with vanilla-infused American Harvest organic vodka, Pico crème de cacao, yuzu, pistachio orgeat, matcha and Frangelico liqueur; or the Smoked ’N Spiced, with Michter’s US1 single barrel rye, St. George spiced pear liqueur, ambrato vermouth and bitters, which is smoked tableside with cherry wood.

Once seated, begin your dive into corporate executive chef Daniel Ontiveros’ creative menu. Start with tasty appetizers like the seared crab cake with a piquillo pepper aioli; wagyu cheesesteak bites with aged provolone Mornay sauce; caviar poppers concocted with puffy gougères, or the everything spice brioche blue cheese bread (so yummy). If you love seafood, consider the giant tiger prawns, charcoal grilled and served with garlic chili butter and lime.

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For mains, there are options like black cod with a miso glaze, seared U-10 sea scallops, lobster en croûte, double Colorado lamb chops and airline Jidori chicken breast, but the meat is the main attraction. Carversteak has an engaging steak knife presentation, where you choose

your implement from several different types. You’ll find ribeyes, filet mignons, bone-in filets and aged choices such as a 21-day wet-aged boneless 18-ounce ribeye and a 28-day dry-aged 18-ounce Kansas City steak. One of the biggest showstoppers is the Cs Tomahawk—lit-

Photos courtesy of Carver Road Hospitality

Nosh

By Nina King

702.676.7978

Lobster en croûte

erally, as it’s a 50-ounce Westholme wagyu behemoth. The accompaniments are decadent, with black truffle butter, Hudson Valley seared foie gras, roasted bone marrow, baby Tristan lobster tail and Alaskan king crab Oscar.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, one of the most delicious options around is the vegan chop, made of organic grains and legumes. It has a surprisingly meaty texture, and honestly, tell your meat-eating friends, “Forks-off!” Sides here are lovely, including roasted mushrooms, sautéed spinach and roasted broccolini.

Although you will be pretty full, it’s hard to say no to dessert. The restaurant’s baked Nevada (a twist on baked Alaska) features the flames, plus lemon sorbet brown butter financier and toasted meringue. It’s enormous, so you may be called upon to share.

Carversteak makes every meal a memorable one

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 29

Omega Mart works best with a little help from your friends

By Genevie Durano Sure, you can wander through Omega Mart, Meow Wolf’s 52,000-square-foot multiverse, solo, and plenty do. But watch the crowd for five minutes and you’ll notice something: The best moments happen when people bring witnesses.

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through to the other side, and It starts at the entrance, turns back with that look, the where groups huddle around one that says, “You’ve got to product displays, reading see this!” labels aloud: “Emergency What makes Omega Clams—for when regular Mart work as a group clams just won’t cut experience is its it.” Someone grabs choose-your-ownthe Cage Free Toes 3215 S. adventure vibe. sliders, someone Rancho Drive.

There’s no guided else finds Dr. meow.wf/lvm tour, no suggestSupervisor energy ed route, no “start drink, and suddenly here” signs beyond the everyone’s hunting grocery store entrance. Groups for the weirdest item on the immediately splinter into comshelves. The competition is on. peting exploration strategies.

Then someone opens that The planners want to solve the freezer door marked “Don’t Dramcorp mystery systemForget Yourself,” crawls

atically, collecting clues like they’re auditing a corporate crime scene. The photographers need the perfect shot in every neon-lit hallway. The experientialists just want to touch everything.

Parents with kids in tow navigate differently than college friends on a weekend trip, who move differently than couples on date night. The kids want the slides and the climb-

ing walls. The college crew gravitates toward the hidden bar Datamosh, where Happle Juice flows and bartenders mix otherworldly cocktails.

The date-nighters linger in installations like Claudia Bueno’s “Pulse,” where countless line drawings animate across 60 glass panels, the kind of mesmerizing art that gives you an excuse to stand close.

Solo explorers move at their own pace, which has advantages. You can spend 20 minutes decoding computer terminals in Dramcorp headquarters without someone complaining they’re bored. But you also miss the moment when your friend discovers the Micro-Breakroom employee training video, then finds the Micro-Micro-Breakroom behind it, then emerges victorious, yakking about the Daikon Pals like they’re now the expert

on Dramcorp’s darkest secrets.

Dramcorp’s mystery practically demands collaboration. Piecing together the disappearance of Omega Mart employees through scattered documents and cryptic voicemails works better when someone remembers the detail you forgot. Groups develop

theories, debate corporate conspiracies, argue about which dimension connects to which.

Watch couples navigate Omega Mart and you’ll spot two distinct approaches: The “we’re staying together” pairs who move as a unit, pointing out discoveries, versus the

Photos by Christopher DeVargas for Meow Wolf

“meet you back here in an hour” pairs who split up and reconvene with competing stories. Your relationship will tell you which one you are.

Friend groups turn Omega Mart into an unofficial scavenger hunt. Who found the weirdest installation? Who got the best photo? Who discovered a secret room nobody else found? There’s plenty of bragging rights to go around here, fueled by the fact that Omega Mart’s 60-plus rooms and portals guarantee everyone sees something different.

Whether you’re dragging surly teenagers, treating outof-town friends or convincing your partner that yes, a grocery store is absolutely worth the price of admission, Omega Mart delivers. It’s the most fun you’ll have since before the smartphone hijacked your attention span, guaranteed.

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 31

AR EA 15

Make a bucket list for Las Vegas 2026 and then get cracking! By Ken Miller Along with those resolutions for the new year, may we suggest adding one more thing when it comes to Vegas—a bucket list? And there’s no better time to get to one than when you’ve got 12 months to accomplish it. Some of these are of the moment; others we suggest for your return trip.

Vegas is starting the year off right musically with the return of Blake Shelton’s Live in Las Vegas residency.

His last round of shows at Caesars Pal-

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ace was one of the hottest tickets of 2025, and with the subsequent release of his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, Shelton will only add to the number of showstopping songs he’ll bring to the Colosseum. Don’t miss out.

You’ll hear the term “immersive experience” used a lot in Las Vegas these days, but by far the most overwhelming of them all is Infinity Museum at Boulevard Mall. This oneof-a-kind attraction will take you on a trip through space, make you feel like you’re inside a snow globe and place you in a mirror maze you’ll need a pool noodle to make it through. Grab the family—and the cameras.

One of the biggest pop culture phenomenons of 2025 was Apple TV’s Pluribus, especially its Vegas-set episode at Westgate Las Vegas. Many fans were wondering if it was real or a set. Great news: Not only was it real, but the Verona and Imperial Sky Villas are available for you to check into! It’s going to be pricey, but hey, this is a bucket list!

Speaking of pricey but a must-visit, dining experiences don’t get much more unforgettable than Le Cirque at Bellagio. This much-lauded and awarded restaurant combines the magnificent cuisine of executive chef Jonathan Doukhan with a playful at-

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Infinity Museu

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mosphere in an intimate space, a great view of the fountains, and a real sense of fun and whimsy from your servers.

Have you always wanted to know what it feels like to be a bartender?

Wonder no more with the Mixology Masterclass at The Cabinet of Curi-

Imperial Sky

m

osities at Horseshoe Las Vegas. Experts in their field will take you through the whole process and help you craft classics like Manhattans. Best of all, you’ll create your very own signature cocktail (and name it!).

AREA15 has established itself in a very short time as one of the premier Las Vegas destinations with its allin-one concept. Its Experience Pass offers you different levels of access, depending on which of the four tiers you select. But for that bucket list, spring for Pass Level 4, which gives you access to all 22 experiences, rides and attractions, as well as AREA15’s crown jewel, Omega Mart. Life is short—see it all!

You’ve got no shortage of shopping options in Las Vegas, but one destination you have to see now is definitely BLVD Las Vegas, one of the Strip’s newest retail arrivals containing three stories of great stores like Puma, Adidas and Lululemon and eateries like viral sensation How Ya Dough’n.

Villa AREA15 photo by CRE Visual Solutions LLC Zach Mirer Mixology Masterclass, Imperial Sky Villa, and Infinity Museum photos by Christopher DeVargas

Pho to b yM a tt B ea rd P h ot ogr a ph y, I nc

Feel your universe tilt at Cirque du Soleil’s ‘KÀ’

By Genevie Durano Most Cirque du Soleil shows ask you to surrender to pure sensation—let the awe of acrobatics wash over you, feel the music in your bones, lose yourself in otherworldly dreamscapes. KÀ at MGM Grand, which opened in February 2005, broke that mold as the first Cirque show to tell an actual story—about twin siblings separated by war, navigating a world where fire can unite

or destroy. Twenty years later, the real story isn’t the plot. It’s what’s hiding in that $165 million theater and production, and what it feels like to sit inside it.

The experience begins the moment you take your seat. There are two speakers installed in the headrest of each of the venue’s 1,950 seats, meaning the show doesn’t just happen in front of you—it happens around you and through you. When voices whisper across the soundtrack, they move through your head. When percussion pulses during battle scenes, you feel it in your chest. It’s intimate in a way that shouldn’t be possible in a room this size. Stand up to stretch and you’ll actually miss part of the performance, because some audio elements exist only in those chair-mounted speakers.

Then there’s the stage itself.

There are seven moving pieces, but the star is a 50-foot-long, 25-footwide, 80,000-pound beast called the Sand Cliff. It became the world’s first touchscreen before the iPhone existed, built with sensors throughout that read performers’ movements in real time and project corresponding imagery within milliseconds.

Watch someone climb and

702.531.3826

the stage climbs with them. See an arrow strike and debris falls where it hits. And it all happens faster than you can process.

The obsessive attention extends everywhere. The beach sand spilling down the Sand Cliff? Two thousand pounds of cork that gets cleaned through a miniature grain processor and reused. The wardrobe department maintains 10,000 costumes, using about 1,600 per show, all custom-fitted because the 80 performers rotate roles daily.

The performers don’t even know what role they’ll play until the day of the show, which means you never see the same show twice. It keeps a 20-year-old production feeling like it just opened last week.

The highlight—and most harrowing act—is the Wheel of Death, where performers spin at 15 miles per hour inside five interconnected wheels controlled entirely through weight and gravity. Two of them are brothers from Mexico, ages 60 and 71, fourth-generation circus performers who’ve been doing this for all 20 years of the show’s run. No motors, just bodies and physics and decades of practice. It’s as thrilling as anything you’ll see in live theater.

While other Cirque shows swim in dreamlike abstraction, KÀ commits fully to narrative: good versus evil, a made-up language blending dialects, martial arts and aerial combat performed on stages that might be horizontal one moment, vertical the next. But long after you’ve forgotten the tale of the imperial twins, what you’ll remember is how this world can tilt off its axis, and how, for 90 glorious minutes, you tilted right along with it.

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Photo by

Glimpses back in time glimmer at

BY Em Jurbala PHOTOGRAPHY BY Christopher DeVargas

702.387.6366

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There’s simply no better way to feel connected to the community you’re visiting than learning its history. But while many cities have famous centuries-old landmarks or storied pasts, Las Vegas is a tad different. The city has a fascinating tale, beginning as a humble railroad town that eventually turned into the Entertainment Capital of the World (and not without atomic bombs and mobsters along the way), but visitors won’t often see historically significant buildings or landmarks throughout the valley.

Why? Well, we like to blow things up.

“We’re the implosion capital of the world, right? We don’t just blow up our history. We have a party around it. We have all-night (events) that are just celebrating blowing up a piece of history,” says Aaron Berger, executive director of The Neon Museum. “This city is a town that reinvents itself so constantly that being able to save aspects of the building is the way we do historic preservation here.”

Berger and his passionate team at the museum spend their days tirelessly preserving the stories of Las Vegas by collecting and refurbishing an art form that’s become synonymous with Sin City: neon signs.

First appearing in the Glitter Gulch sometime between 1928 and 1930, the glowing form of advertisement quickly became widespread, and by the mid-1930s the then-small desert oasis was covered in the glass and gas artworks. Thanks to the abundant electricity from our beloved Hoover Dam, Las Vegas was simply able to have more illuminated signage than most of America.

In certain parts of the downtown area, businesses are required to have 75 percent of the total surface of their signage be neon.

With many businesses able to advertise using brightly lit words and flashy figures, the ’40s and ’50s saw increasingly more grandiose artworks. But as time passed and the city changed, many of these pieces of history were cast to the wayside, often out of commission and expensive to repair. That is, until decades later in 1996, when The Neon Museum began to collect and exhibit neon signs as a vital part of Vegas history.

It would light its first sign in 2012 and continue to grow a collection that now surpasses more than 800 pieces, with about 250 signs on display.

“We’re incredibly proud and unique in that the historic preservation society of Las Vegas is really The Neon Museum. The sign, however, is the portal to telling the stories of the property,” Berger says. “Any of the signs that you’ve seen in the collection, we can tell you a story about women, we can tell you a story about the entertainment component, the cuisine of the time, all of these different aspects that are opportunities to really dig deeper into the experience.”

Berger isn’t kidding when he talks about storytelling. Take a 45-minute

guided tour through the Boneyard, where an incredibly well-informed guide will tell you about how the Moulin Rouge contributed to the Civil Rights Movement by becoming the first racially integrated hotel and casino, or how the Plaza made waves by allowing women to become dealers before any other casino.

What makes a tour particularly personal is that each guide has their own set of signs they resonate with, so there are signs every tour will hear about, but depending on what docent picks up your group, your tour will be enriched by something they truly connect with. Perhaps a guide will pause to point out one of the cutest in the collection, Happy Shirt, which sat outside Liberace’s dry cleaner of choice. Or they may tell you about the Western era of Las Vegas, when marketing took precedence over cultural sensitivity and businesses around the city embraced the imagery of the indigenous people of the Great Plains, which does not reflect the Southern Paiute indigenous people who are actually native to this area, before they guide you to a sign from the Red Barn, one of Las Vegas’ first LGBTQ bars.

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The Moulin Rouge sign features two pink hues. The hot-pink tubes are original, while the coral-colored ones had to be replaced

• Look for the massive, hot-pink Moulin Rouge sign, which symbolizes Las Vegas’ first desegregated casino, for a striking shot. Tip: Shoot from an angle to create depth using foreshortening and fit the entire sign in one frame.

• Stop at the collection of redand yellow Golden Nugget, Sassy Sally’s and Binion’s signs, illuminated only by the ambient glow of the neighboring pieces, and some floor lighting for a vintage Vegas vibe and to escape the battle of back lighting.

• Snap a photo with a true Las Vegas icon when you spot Vegas Vic in the country-western corner of the Boneyard. Turn slightly toward the sign to use its neon glow to illuminate yourself.

• Take the perfect vertical pic in front of the mid-century modern Yucca Motel sign, featuring an artfully crafted sculpture of the desert plant. Not only is this piece beautiful, but the Plaza sign across from it provides a flattering soft glow.

• Use a Boomerang to capture the twinkling lights of the Stardust sign, a casino that used to sit where Resorts World Las Vegas is now. Take a wide shot to contrast old and new by capturing one of the museum’s newest additions, the Hard Rock guitar, in the background.

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Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 39

The museum also features modern artworks created by Tim Burton. Lost Vegas exhibited from October 2019 to April 2020, and a few pieces remain in the Boneyard.

You might know that neon is a gas and that lights use electricity, but do you know how these combine to make fabulous artwork? If not, don’t worry, we’ll make this easy.

Each sign features a series of hand-bent glass tubes, which have been filled with neon (or other noble gases, but we’ll get to that later) and sealed with an electrode placed at either end. Usually using an alternating current, enough electricity to remove an electron from the neon atoms travels through the electrodes and into the tube,

essentially causing all the particles to start moving. As the atoms start to shimmy around, they bump each other, exchanging electrons and releasing energy as a photon, which is light! Each noble gas releases its own wavelength of photon, meaning each produces its own color of light.

Neon shines a red-orange hue, while argon glows blue, helium glows pink and krypton glows green. Gases can be mixed to create other colors, or the glass tubes themselves can be colored to affect the glow they give off.

Once the glass tubes are sealed, the gas inside cannot escape, which means many of the signs in the Boneyard are still filled with gas from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and so on.

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“We have four core values that really guide the museum, and the first one is belonging. So whether you work at the museum or you’ve been to the museum, we want you to feel a sense of self in the experience,” says Berger. “So it’s why we tell the story of the LGBTQ community, stories of black community, stories of Latin (people) and stories of indigenous folk that we can share and allow people to have that connection to it. To not acknowledge it is to not acknowledge history.”

All this learning happens while having the singular experience of viewing each sign from just feet away, which becomes more fascinating with each glance.

“When these signs were originally installed, you would not see them

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this close. So the fact that you get an opportunity to have a sight line into this piece and have close viewing is kind of amazing,” says director of collections and exhibits Jeff Tackett. “To have close viewing of a relit animated

• Book a tour late in the evening for a serene exploration of the Boneyard as the museum empties out for the evening.

• Look up The Neon Museum on Google Earth to see the Treasure Island Skull staring back at you.

sign is an experience you’ve never ever had before.”

Visitors may also book entry without a tour for a go-at-your-own pace experience that can be enhanced by an optional audio tour, or they can stop in for a showtime of “Brilliant!

Jackpot,” an audiovisual experience that uses light-mapping to illuminate unrestored signs with great precision.

Also, see some of the museum’s collection while out on the town, as it has a multitude of signs placed in the median on the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard, including the Caballero and Palomino at the corner of Fremont Street and LVB, which Berger cites to be the first sign design to pay homage to a person of color in a way that’s authentic, not appropriative.

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 41

is packed with great options for guests Once you check into Circa Resort & Casino, you’ll have everything you’ll need and want for that perfect vacation. Journey with me on my own 24-hour stay (a staycation in my case) and read about some of the highlights and fun to be had at this amazing property located in downtown Las Vegas.

You can ask for an early check-in, but it’s not always guaranteed. We got lucky! We stayed in a that is anything but “standard.” Every room at Circa has a kingsized bed—we jumped onto the Serta Prestige mattress and sunk in … aaah! A cool feature: A lot of the rooms have a Murphy bed! Owner Derek Stevens made sure all rooms offer a king-sized bed so everyone could feel royal! Technology reigns throughout the room. We adjusted the air and played music through our tablet and asked Alexa questions about the resort. The bathroom has dual vanity sinks (I set up my beauty tools right in front of the makeup mirror with special lighting) and the shower has a sizable built-in bench and luxurious bathing products.

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By Kiko Miyasato

You must see the property’s sports book, even if you don’t place bets. encompasses three stories with stadium-style seating, VIP booths and on-point service. We checked into one of the booths and ordered lunch. Menus from nearby Victory Burger & Wings Co. and Project BBQ are available. We noshed on the Hangover Burger piled with french fries, cheddar cheese, thick-cut bacon, caramelized onions, crispy onion straws, creamy blanco cheese, boom boom sauce and a fried egg; an order of boneless wings in sweet chili sauce; smoked Gouda mac and cheese bites; and fire-roasted elote in a cup. Indulging was joined by eye candy—nearly a dozen huge screens, nearly floor to ceiling, displaying all manner of sports.

58 47.22 702.2 om gas.c l a s ve circa Photo by

Before we went back to our room to get ready for dinner, we made a quick pop into the lobby lounge, , to try some of the most inventive cocktails available downtown. (Plus, the historical Vegas Vickie’s neon sign is a must selfie moment).

Don’t miss the Grandissimo espresso martini made with Madagascar vanilla bean-infused tequila!

Circa | Sports photo by Ryan Gobuty Circa suite photo by Black Raven Films

We headed down the final set of escalators to the bottom floor of Circa, where you’ll find the doors to amazing steakhouse . This place is sexy and cool and has amazing old-school music (before the DJ takes over). And the food? Primo!

Don’t miss the vegan menu. (Yes, at a steakhouse!) As a vegetarian, I sliced into a vegan Salisbury steak and a hearts of palm ceviche. My dining companion’s knife melted into the 8-ounce wet-aged filet mignon from Omaha Farms and filled in the rest of his meal with a side of decadent whipped Belgian potatoes and creamed spinach with apple bacon.

Can we take a minute to talk about the dessert—each one is more than generous in its serving size. We delved into the banana cream pie and the sticky toffee butter cake … We should’ve started with dessert because buttons were popping; we couldn’t manage to put our forks down even though we were full—the recipes were that good!

We finished up the evening with some after-dinner cocktails and some of the best views of the city, checking in at the hostess podium and then heading into the elevator and up 60 floors to the always-a-good-time . A trip to Circa wouldn’t be complete without making it up to this rooftop hot spot. Bartenders here are often voted the best in the city (many of them are recipients of cocktail competition awards), so ask them to whip you up something special off the menu. We grabbed our cocktails and headed outdoors to the oversized lounge chairs surrounding a fire pit and gazed at the city lights and stars. Another great thing about Legacy Club? There’s a DJ that plays top 40 music. Party in plain sight or sneak into a corner booth or one of the outdoor firepits off to the side and make it a romantic date night.

44 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

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We didn’t even have to get dressed or leave the room to enjoy some breakfast. We simply scanned a QR code that took us to the menu, Circa’s 24-hour diner-like restaurant. We ordered up Nate & Sally’s housemade vanilla-cinnamon French toast with house-made whipped cream, fresh berries and pure maple syrup, The Chief’s Smoked Salmon Platter with generous salmon portions, toasted bagel, cream cheese, capers, slices of tomato, cucumber and red onion, and the Saginaw’s Breakfast Sandwich, two eggs over medium, bacon, white cheddar cheese and Sam’s Sriracha mayo on a sesame brioche bun. The breakfast menu offers so much more, and having Saginaw’s delivered to your room for breakfast blows the traditional room service meal options out of the water with its delicious options.

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We checked out of our room and decided to spend our last hours at . We booked a daybed right alongside one of the six pools available. (The pools are heated as the weather cools). A DJ keeps the music in party-vibes mode, and the 40-foot tall, high-def screen played that day’s games. The multilevel pool complex offers big cabanas, open lounge chair seating, a (huge!) cocktail and food menu and outdoor table games. Stadium Swim is a destination downtown, not just a hotel pool—you have to come to the hotel to check it out. You just pay a reasonable cover to get in and enjoy the facilities, even if you’re not a hotel guest.

nroe eyes” inside the behind the “Marilyn Mo a ’s ere Th concierge has details.) ed a reservation. (The ne l u’l Yo a. are it lim hhig Prime. A server at Barry’s Downtown the ss mi n’t Do e of a Manhattan or to mix you up your choic ide les tab rt e. ca the s ng bri phone to record this on want to take out your l u’l Yo d. king ne ec hio ch as fun -F Old u’ll have inside Circa | Sports, yo a ws ne ag d sn an u yo ts If ver tisemen ed in old Las Vegas ad ver co for It’s ad le. an tab d the rea t ou ed up as we orts betting. We crack sp t ou ab da s an icle nts art ce r pe 69 pa t buffet for that offered a breakfas o sin Ca ce an nd Su the .95. is prime rib dinner for $3 of the coolest features on the 52nd floor, one ite su ca d Cir an a gs ok rin bo de u yo ren If e that shows , a specially created tom the hotel was built. . tells stories of how the , Circa offers ow kn n’t did u yo 5 feet 16 se g ca In destination, spannin is a behemoth drinking TVs and ed ck double-sta ats, flair bartenders, 46 se 50 n tha also re It’s mo r. ba th r wi st indoo tap. It’s Nevada’s longe on ers be 0 joying 10 n en ns tha re eve mo r Derek St ky enough to spot owne luc be t gh mi u yo ere wh Coke. ptain Morgan and Diet his drink of choice: Ca

Stadium Swim photos by Ryan Gobuty Legacy Club photo by Black Raven Films Barry's Downtown Prime courtesy photos

Dark rum, cherry brandy, Peychaud bitters, mango nectar, lime juice and simple syrup “Sweet, sinister, and just as twisted as Jack the Clown himself, this vibrant concoction is pure carnival chaos in a glass. It’s bright, bold, and dangerously drinkable.”

46 | 1.14.24 Las Vegas Magazine

Photo by

By Kiko Miyasato Photography by Christopher DeVargas

Universal Horror Unleashed offers a variety of cocktails to get you in a macabre mood

Just across Interstate 15 from the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip sits a giant, rundown and eerie warehouse.

The contents (and its inhabitants) inside are the stuff of nightmares, scares that’ll keep you awake at night. Nope, there’s no pleasant dreams inside Universal Horror Unleashed at AREA15, the city’s newest immersive attraction that will turn your hair white and your bones cold. Four year-round haunted houses inspired

by Universal’s cinematic horrors comes to life: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: the Reaping and The Exorcist: Believer.

But the frights don’t freeze there. From the moment you step inside the warehouse, there are spooky sights and sounds at every turn.

Amid all the horrifying (and darn fun!) houses and interactive areas, 21-and-over guests can gain some liquid courage by visiting UHU’s three distinct watering holes: Jack’s Alley, The Boiler Bar and Premiere House.

Each bar offers a menu of creatively fun and terrifying handcrafted

cocktails and a few exclusive ones.

“Creating these cocktails was an incredibly fun and collaborative process,” said Darci Davalos, Universal Horror Unleashed assistant director of food and beverage. “We worked closely with local mixologists and our team in Hollywood, tasting our way through more than 75 different recipes to find the perfect lineup.

The most exciting part was imagining the personalities behind each drink and bringing them to life through bold flavors, unexpected ingredients and immersive presentation.

From smoky reveals to custom drinkware, every detail was inspired by the sinister world of Universal Horror Unleashed. We wanted each cocktail to feel like a story in a glass, and the result is a collection that’s as theatrical and thrilling as the experience itself.”

Check out three standout cocktails as well as Davalos’ descriptions: Green Dread from Premiere House, Severed Pear from Boiler Bar and Jack’s Juice from Jack’s Alley.

Las Las Vegas Vegas Magazine Magazine 1.14.24 1.11.26 | 47

Bourbon, spiced pear, baking spice and aromatic bitters “A horrifying twist on the Old-Fashioned, it’s equal parts cocktail and performance. Served in a custom barrel lantern, it invites guests to lift the lid and release a swirl of aromatic smoke. Within lies a rich, spiced blend of bourbon and pear, deepened by baking spices and bitters.”

48 | 1.14.24 Las Vegas Magazine

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Midori, Luxardo Del Santo, gin, coconut syrup, lime juice and two dashes of “human tears” “This eerie elixir is a shareable showstopper, conjured for six brave souls. (It) balances the herbaceous depth of Luxardo Del Santo with the tropical sweetness of coconut syrup, sharpened by a splash of lime. Smooth and sinister, it finishes with a silky chill that lingers like a ghostly whisper.”

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Las Las Vegas Vegas Magazine Magazine 1.14.24 1.11.26 | 49

Showbiz Weekly

Contents Vegas Golden Knights vs.

Nashville Predators T-Mobile Arena 7 p.m. Jan. 17, starting at $94 plus tax and fee. axs.com

52 54 56 58 59 60 62 63

Entertainment Dining Daylife & Nightlife Shopping Health & Beauty Attractions Gaming Resources

VEGAS IN YOUR POCKET...

WHERE TO EAT, PLAY, SHOP AND PARTY

Photo by Steve Marcus

Las Las Vegas Vegas Magazine Magazine 1.14.24 1.11.26 | 51

Showbiz Weekly Entertainment

HOT PICK

RESIDENTS

Friday

Dita Von Teese

The Venetian Resort, 18+. voltairelv.com

In-Tents Entertainment Ever since it debuted in Las Vegas in 2011, spiegeltent-bound production Absinthe has garnered all kinds of awards and keeps patrons coming back for more. Hosted by The Gazillionaire and featuring everything from contortionists to acrobats and jugglers, this is hilarious, heady fun—with more than just a touch of raunch thrown in.

Caesars Palace, 18+. 702.534.3419

Saturday

The Magic of Jen Kramer

Westgate Las Vegas, 5+. westgateresorts.com

THEATER RuPaul’s Drag Race Live! Nothing beats the high-energy atmosphere and variety of talent that comes with the art form of the drag show. The cast of this production based on the hit show changes from time to time, so you never know which Ru Girls you’ll see, but trust us on this: you won’t be able to take your eyes off them, and they may very well end up being your favorite.

Flamingo. ticketmaster.com

52 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Absinthe photo by Erik Kabik/Spiegelworld

Sunday

Blue Man Group

Luxor. 702.262.4400

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Showbiz Weekly Entertainment

GET YOUR TICKETS! Blake Shelton The country superstar returns to his Live in Las Vegas residency. It’s probable that the setlist will draw on his 14 No. 1 hits from Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and 29 top airplay singles.

It’s also possible that there might be a guest or three, most notably Gwen Stefani.

Caesars Palace, 8 p.m. Jan. 15 and 18, starting at $107 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com Nikki Glaser and David Spade These comedy titans, two of stand-up’s biggest stars, could easily fill any room on the Strip by themselves, but they are currently serving as a one-two comedy punch on the Las Vegas Strip. Glaser’s bawdy opener is a brilliant setup for Spade, whose mellow, laid-back style is the perfect foil for Glaser’s hyper-aware persona.

Caesars Palace, 8 p.m. Jan. 16-17, starting at $88 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com Ashlee Simpson This woman of many talents has kept very busy since breaking out with “Pieces of Me” in 2004, releasing albums and acting in TV shows and movies and performing on Broadway.

The Venetian Resort, 10 p.m. Jan. 23-24, starting at $85 plus tax and fee, 21+. voltairelv.com

Real-Life Sherlock Holmes

Colin Cloud was introduced to audiences on America’s Got Talent in 2017; the mentalist was an instant smash. After a few years of performing with AGT alum Shin Lim, he now has his own show. He will blow your mind. Guaranteed.

Harrah’s Las Vegas. ticketmaster.com

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2

3

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. 702.260.7200

Excalibur. 702.597.7600

Rio Las Vegas, 4+. ticketmaster.com

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE Popovich Comedy Pet Theater The most joyfully chaotic show on the Las Vegas Strip is a riot of fur, feathers and laughter, led by a genial ringmaster who clearly never heard the old showbiz adage: “Never work with children or animals—they’ll steal the spotlight.”

Tournament of Kings Take your seat in your “country” (Austria, France, Hungary, Ireland, Romania, Spain and Sweden) and then get ready to cheer on jousting, sword fighting and more medieval mayhem while enjoying a feast you can eat with your fingers: Chicken, potatoes, corn on the cob and biscuits.

Dita Von Teese courtesy photo, Blue Man Group photo by Lindsey Best Jen Kramer and Colin Cloud photos by Christopher DeVargas

WOW—The Vegas Spectacular This is a variety show extraordinaire, set in a 180-degree theater and stocked with jugglers, acrobats, daredevils and so much more in a world of water and wonder. If you recognize some of the acts, that’s because some of them have performed on America’s Got Talent.

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 53

Showbiz Weekly Dining

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3

Paris Las Vegas. 702.731.7865

BLVD Las Vegas. howyadoughn.com

Bellagio. bellagio.mgmresorts.com

PLAN YOUR PERFECT DAY Dominique Ansel Marché Channeling a Parisian cafe, this shop from the celebrity chef features the Cronut, delights like the lemon sugar crepe and savory buckwheat crepes that will blow you away (they’re gluten-free).

The Vegetarienne includes spinach and artichoke ricotta filling, fresh spinach and lemon vinaigrette.

How Ya Dough’n Stop in for lunch and enjoy a variety of hand-tossed pizzas including the Cremini, a pie with mozzarella, cremini mushrooms, fontina cheese, roasted onion, mushroom cream and chives.

Plus, try such items as the Drunken Balls, with ricotta, mozzarella, vodka sauce and meatballs and basil.

Carbone Riviera Features a seafood-driven ItalianAmerican menu, with dishes like whole Mediterranean sea bream, gnocchi with caviar, a 2-pound lobster fettuccine, branzino al sale verde (which serves four to six people), Snake River Farms American wagyu, and a burrata-andcaviar service.

A5 Wagyu

At Catch, there are a number of ways to experience wagyu, including thinly sliced and cooked at the table on a signature hot stone, with kobe, oita or omi beef (or all three).

But the A5 wagyu is also used in gyoza with oita beef; with fried rice with omi beef; and in Golden A5 wagyu nigiri, served with caviar (plus there’s a version without caviar). Expect every bite to be luscious and tender.

ONE BITE

Aria. 702.590.5757

YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE 54 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Genting Palace If you want to go on a wellorchestrated culinary journey, the five-course tasting menu showcases chef Billy Cheng’s impressive range ($168 per person, plus tax and gratuity). Meanwhile, good things come in small packages with the dim sum service, from aromatic black truffle dumplings to translucent har gow filled with sweet shrimp.

Resorts World Las Vegas. rwlasvegas.com

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés Order the whole suckling pig, roasted in a wood-fired oven, to feed the entire group ($620 plus tax and gratuity; must be requested at least 24 hours in advance) at this celebrated restaurant. And José’s Tasting Menu ($295 per person, plus tax and gratuity) lets you try his caviar cone, jamón Ibérico de bellota and more.

The Venetian Resort. venetianlasvegas.com

Catch photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International, BOA Steakhouse photo by John Troxell Via Via Food Hall photo by Key Lime Photography

Showbiz Weekly Dining

FOOD HALLS

Miracle Eats Mexican, American and more.

Miracle Mile. 702.866.0703

Famous Foods Street Eats Diverse Asian-focused food hall.

Resorts World Las Vegas.

702.676.7000

Via Via Food Hall A full bar, pizza, sandwiches and more The Venetian Resort. venetianlasvegas.com

Photo by

Off the Strip

BITES & BEATS

Carson Kitchen This downtown restaurant, popular with locals and visitors, just introduced new seasonal offerings from grilled oysters with white miso to butternut Bolognese with pappardelle, pecorino and butternut squash.

Or try the pork chop with apple chutney or striped bass with cassolet. And a fruitcake buckle will make dessert memorable.

124 S. 6th St. No. 100.

702.473.9523 Holsteins Shakes & Buns This sweet burger place, formerly at The Cosmopolitan, recently introduced a brunch menu with inventive options such as avocado toasttada, with a crispy flour tortilla, smashed avocado, Parmigiano cheese, chili flakes and chives, as well as a brunch eggroll, with a twist on a breakfast burrito.

1216 S. Main St. holsteinsburgers.com Milk Bread Vegas’ newest bakery and café opened in December. The intimate Japanese-Filipino venue from Elevate Hospitality Group seats 30 and serves pour-over coffees and a range of inventive pastries like shokupandesal, a blend of Japanese shoku and Filipino pandesal, plus other specialty breads.

3431 S. Jones Blvd., No. 110. 702.804.8899

Famous Foods photo by Megan Blair Miracle Eats Food Court photo by Patrick Gray

Bottled Blonde Las Vegas The food here includes sandwiches, salads and sweets, with elevated bites like tuna wonton nachos, fried squash blossoms, wings, a wagyu burger with shaved truffles and a pizza program. Live music plays on the ground floor and rooftop, and later some tables and chairs are cleared to create a dancefloor for DJs playing top 40 and mashups.

Horseshoe Las Vegas.

702.690.299

HOT PICK

BOA Steakhouse At this impressive, inventive California import in the Grand Canal Shoppes, indulge in wagyu cigars with black garlic yuzu aioli and chili crisp, goat cheese baklava and Creekstone Farms products such as BOA Steakhouse’s signature 21-day dry-aged tomahawk for two or the 15-day dryaged ribeye.

The Venetian Resort. boasteak.com

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 55

HOT PICK

CALENDAR Insider Tips

Tuesday, Jan. 13

Don’t skip the espresso martini at Aureus Lounge—the bougie space is open around the clock. The cocktail is a must-try made slightly differently than most versions of the classic. The lounge also stocks a very rare bottle of Eagle Rare 25-year bourbon—try it for $1,199 per shot!

Caesars Palace.

702.731.7266

DJ Pauly D

Omnia Nightclub at Caesars Palace

Multiverse of Fun This year marks Hakkasan’s 13th year of bringing multilevel nightlife to the Strip—nightclub, bar, lounge and restaurant rolled into one. The main room has welcomed Calvin Harris and Tiësto and the smaller lounge has welcomed a slew of hiphop artists. This week, catch Laidback Luke (Jan. 15), DJ Shift (Jan. 16) and DJ Sourmilk (Jan .17).

MGM Grand. 702.891.3838

Friday, Jan. 16 DJ Lucky Lou

LIVE MUSIC If you want some good, reasonably priced drinks paired with the chance to dance, then make your way over to the International Bar. Once the sun goes down, the live bands and DJs take the stage to get guests up on their feet and grooving. The vibes are all fun and good times. This is a bar where all types of people (21+) are invited to let loose to the sounds of ’80s and ’90s hits, pop, R&B, funk and more.

Westgate Las Vegas. 702.732.5111

56 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Tao Nightclub at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort

Saturday, Jan. 17 Kid Conrad

Jewel Nightclub at Aria

Off the Strip Downtown’s newest craft cocktail bar, White Whale, is helmed by two of the city’s top mixologists, Evan Hosaka and Daniel Yang.

The menu is full of inventive recipes, fresh-made mixers and made-in-house syrups and elixirs. If you want to know where the who’s who in the city are drinking, this would be the spot.

111 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 725.206.5879 Wine, cheese and meats— what more could you want?

Packed inside two shipping containers totaling just a little over 600 square feet, Bin 702 has been operating since 2013 and offers hand-selected wines and beers on tap paired with its famous meat and cheese charcuterie boards and delicious mini sandwiches.

Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont Street. 702.826.2702

Hakkasan Nightclub photo

by Chelsa Christensen

Showbiz Weekly Daylife & Nightlife

WHERE TO PLAY Fans of Formula 1 should head to the new F1 Arcade, which packs in the fun with fullmotion racing simulators matched up with a creative cocktail menu. Get behind the wheel of racing games, and even compete against your friends. Then order the Pit Lane Perk, served in a smoking toy car.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. f1arcade.com

Play classic arcade games and more modern consoles while sipping on specialty cocktails and beer bucket specials at The Cove Bar & Arcade. A must-try cocktail includes the mango chili mai tai and The Cove muddled margarita. More fun includes duck-pin bowling, photo booth, claw machines, billiards and golf simulators.

Treasure Island. treasureisland.com

ONE SIP

With 18 throwing lanes, Dueling Axes is primal fun that combines axe throwing with cocktails. Themed nights include Cosmic Axes on Friday and Saturday with black lights and bottle service, Ladies Night every Wednesday with half-off martinis and wines, and Throwback Thursday with oldschool jams and vibes.

AREA15. area15.com

Have Fun—Right in the Center of It All

1

Hang out in the center of where it all happens—Glass Bar. The 24-hour hot spot is a beautiful bar with a design that rivals any high-end lounge. Plus, the cocktails here are a practice in handcrafted mixology with playful recipes like the Fruit & Pebble with rum, port, lime juice, Fruity Pebbles syrup and a dusting of Fruity Pebbles cereal on the glass.

Planet Hollywood. 702.785.5555

2 Kill Dill

Head to Stubborn Seed and ask for bartender Alexis Oltean.

She loves to whip up cocktails based on her guests’ tastes, but she’ll also recommend some great options. Her fave? The Kill Dill. “It’s very balanced and refreshing, herbaceous and super-unique,” she says. It’s a mix of Dolin Génépy le Chamois liqueur, cucumber, dill syrup, Fresno pepper, egg white and lime.

Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.6908

A longtime favorite, Casbar Lounge is a huge center bar with tons of alcoves and seating. The happy hour here is not to be missed! Enjoy discounted cocktails two times per day, 3-5 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.; and there is $7 prosecco all day.

And for that extra experience, enjoy live music Wednesday through Sunday.

SAHARA Las Vegas. 702.761.7000

3

The vibrant Lapa district in Rio de Janeiro is re-created at Lapa Lounge.

This center bar offers cocktails with Brazilian and global influences like the Copa Cabana Spritz, Caipirinha Rio, Hibiscus Margarita and the Tiki Tango.

Rio Las Vegas. 702.252.7777

DJ Lucky Lou and Kid Conrad courtesy photos Pauly D and Kill Dill photos by Christopher DeVargas

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 57

Showbiz Weekly Shopping

HOT PICK

Roberto Coin brings Italian artistry to the Las Vegas Strip.

The high-end brand’s pieces of jewelry are like wearable pieces of art. Inspired by the city of Venice, this Italian jeweler crafts necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets that use precious stones and gold, white gold, rose gold and more to create both delicate and collectible pieces.

The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.

702.893.4800

IT’SUGAR

ALL THE SHOPS

When it comes to all things candy, IT’SUGAR is mind-blowingly amazing. A big draw for the store is its bulk candy selection. Grab a Chinese takeout carton, zip-top baggie or candy jar, and pack in goodies like gummy fried eggs, Swedish Fish, gummy bears, hard candies and more.

The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Resort. 702.329.8207

BLVD Las Vegas Trendy brands like Pandora and Puma combined with eateries.

3747 Las Vegas Blvd.S. blvdlasvegas.com

58 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

What’s New

Las Vegas North Premium Outlets Luxury brand outlets.

875 S. Grand Central Pkwy. 702.474.7500

Relive the aughts when you dress up in the brand Abercrombie & Fitch. The nostalgic clothing company brings its causal, trendy looks for both men and women to the Las Vegas Strip at the newly opened fashion and dining destination, BLVD Las Vegas. Browse through daywear and nightlife attire, plus accessories, fragrance, jewelry and bags.

3747 Las Vegas Blvd. S. blvdlasvegas. com

The popular beauty and accessories brand Miss A recently opened a location on the Las Vegas Strip and brings its promise of affordable fun and fashion, with prices starting at just $1. Browse skincare, makeup, hair accessories and jewelry, all high quality and cruelty free and all priced for extreme affordability without sacrificing hot trends.

Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood. shopmissa.com

To the Nines Sparkle and shine the brightest by purchasing coveted jewelry pieces from Van Cleef & Arpels. The world-renowned luxury brand just opened its largest store on the Las Vegas Strip, and the selection is a cornucopia of one-of-a-kind, high-quality pieces with precious stones and metals. View the largest collection available in the city.

The Shops at Crystals. 702.560.6556

FSLV—Fashion Show Las Vegas

The Grand Canal Shoppes

Town Square Las Vegas

Department stores, boutiques and food.

3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S..

702.784.7000

More than 160 specialty stores and restaurants.

The Venetian Resort.

702.414.4525

Retail mixed with restaurants and parks.

6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 702.269.5001

Photo by Christopher DeVargas

Showbiz Weekly Health & Beauty

WORK IT OUT Canyon Ranch Spa + Fitness

Mani/Pedi Manscaping For the ultimate luxury while getting a haircut, head to Aria Barbershop at Aria Spa and Salon, where the surroundings are as impressive as the skills of the barbers who provide everything from cuts to hot towel shaves. Reservations are highly recommended here, as it’s a hot ticket.

702.590.9600

Get your fitness on with the 40-foot Rock Climbing Wall, where you can book 20 or 50 minutes.

The Venetian Resort.

702.414.3610 or venetianlasvegas.com

HOT PICK

Bellagio Fitness Center Enjoy free weights, elliptical machines and fitness classes ($55 per session).

Bellagio.

702.693.7472

Golden Nugget Fitness Center Go for your personal best on a treadmill while enjoying great downtown views.

Golden Nugget.

702.385.7111

Feel Your Cares Melt Away Book a restorative CBD massage at Qua Baths & Spa to ease sore muscles and reduce inflammation, or tap into the detox and balance your energy with a salt and stone massage, which uses warm Himalayan salt stones. It will have you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for the rest of your trip.

Caesars Palace. 866.782.0655

Photo by

Salon Bellagio Prepare to be pampered in one of the most impressive facilities on the Las Vegas Strip.

Services range from the classic manicure and pedicure to a CBD revival offering, nail repair, Gel-X nails and signature packages, while enhancements include French polish, builder gel, collagen hands and percussive massage.

Bellagio.

702.693.8080

TREAT YOURSELF

Fitness Studio Take advantage of plenty of cardio machines with personal plasma TV and music options.

SAHARA Las Vegas.

702.737.2111

Hairdreams Salon by Michael Boychuck Enjoy a wide variety of packages, from Signature, which includes a sugar scrub exfoliation and aloe vera-infused body butter massage, to Gentlemans, which includes a bourboninfused treatment featuring a spiked brown sugar scrub, indulgent oil massage and warm towel wrap.

Caesars Palace.

702.731.7791

Awana Spa & Wellness The heart of this facility is the Fountain of Youth, a co-ed space with six vitality pools, the crystal salt laconium, heated tepidarium chairs, event sauna and experiential showers. From couples to friends and family, this is a social spa in every sense of the word.

Resorts World Las Vegas. 702.676.7021

Courtesy photo

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 59

Showbiz Weekly Attractions

CHECK THIS OFF THE BUCKET LIST

Maverick Helicopters Have a once-in-alifetime experience flying over the dazzling Vegas Strip or journey further to see some of the most stunning sights in the Southwest, including Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire. Book the Neon & Nature tour to enjoy a champagne toast as you take in views of the entire valley or book the Wind Dancer trip to soar to the Grand Canyon.

6075 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 702.261.0007

Sphere This game-changing venue hosts everything from movies to sports and concerts, and its constantly changing exterior has forever changed the look of the Las Vegas Strip. If you want to experience Sphere’s immersive and futuristic technology firsthand, get tickets for Wizard of Oz, a version of the 1939 classic film that incorporates 4D technology with the venue’s tremendous visuals and sound.

255 Sands Ave. thesphere.com

Plan Your Perfect Day

1

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Odds are you’ve seen the hit movie (probably more than once). Now take an even deeper dive into one of history’s most famous disasters. More than 300 artifacts recovered from 2 1/2 miles below the surface of the ocean are on display, plus re-creations of the ship’s cabins and Grand Staircase.

Luxor. 702.262.4400

2

REAL BODIES at Horseshoe Las Vegas Experience 20 real human bodies and over 200 specimens in artistic and thought-provoking galleries that explore what it means to be alive. The attraction has added a COVID-19 element, including a short film and 3-D printed virus models.

702.777.2782

Family Friendly

Omega Mart, a supermarket on steroids (or something else entirely) from the creative minds at Meow Wolf, lets you shop and explore a store with surprises in every display case. There’s also a mystery to be solved, for those who have the time. And for the adults, there’s a bar with some truly creative concoctions.

AREA15, 3215 S. Rancho Drive. meow.wf/lvm

3

Museum of Illusions Reality takes a vacation at this interactive attraction, where you can seemingly levitate upside down in a pink Cadillac, hang from a Las Vegas-themed building and take a seat with five of your clones! You’ll want to have your camera ready at this unique space where people become part of the art.

3716 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Suite 1.02. moilasvegas.com

60 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Omega Mart photo by Wade Vandervort, The FRIENDS™ Experience photo by Patrick Rivera The Big Apple Coaster photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International/Tory Kooyman

Showbiz Weekly Attractions

Off the Strip Ethel M Chocolates Factory & Cactus Garden Enjoy a selfguided factory tour, samples and a gift shop with tons of candies. For a real treat, book a chocolate tasting where guests learn a bit about how the product is made. Or take a stroll through the property’s 3-acre garden that features more than 300 native species of plants, primarily cacti and succulents.

2 Cactus Garden Drive. 702.435.2608 Nevada State Museum Explore the fascinating natural and anthropological past of Nevada and its neighbors at this ever-changing history hub spread across 70,000 square feet that includes two exhibits (one permanent and one changing), in addition to a library and public spaces.

309 S. Valley View Blvd. lasvegasnvmuseum.org National Park Express Plan the perfect day-tour adventure with this leader in shuttle tours in the Southwest.

Visit destinations ranging from Antelope Canyon to Bryce Canyon, Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Zion and much more, all while enjoying Wi-Fi access and restrooms on board. Lunch is included in full-day tours.

3525 W. Hacienda Ave. 702.948.4190

FEEL THE RUSH

HOT PICK

The Big Apple Coaster This ride twists and dives around and through the center of the hotel.

New York-New York. 702.740.6969

FLY LINQ Zipline Soar over the Linq Promenade at speeds up to 35 mph.

The Linq Promenade. 702.777.2782

Adventuredome This indoor theme park features top attractions plus some circus acts.

Circus Circus. 702.794.3939

F1 Arcade Feel the rush of the race with this attraction’s high-tech simulator games.

The Forum Shops. f1arcade.com

FlyOver Las Vegas Take flight and explore the world in a whole new way.

3771 Las Vegas Blvd. 866.498.2023

Skydive Las Vegas Mojave Desert views will leave you breathless, especially while free-falling.

1401 Airport Road, 18+. 702.759.3483

Here for You The FRIENDS™ Experience If you have fond memories of the beloved ’90s show, you will have a field day at this attraction, which re-creates some of the most iconic sets, from the fountain and couch to ones tied to specific episodes like “The One in Vegas,” where the gang heads to a classic Sin City chapel. Along the way, you’ll see costumes, a timeline of dating scenarios, graphics and a wealth of details and trivia.

MGM Grand. friendstheexperience.com

FREE Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens One of the Strip’s most stunning attractions, this display changes seasonally with installations that reflect the highlights of the season, all under the direction of Ed Libby, senior director of horticulture and facilities. From the use of flowers to impressive models and scents, this is a feast for all your senses. Get your cameras ready!

Bellagio. 702.693.7111

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 61

Showbiz Weekly Gaming

HOT PICK

Games to Try Baccarat: In this card game, try to determine and bet on which players’ hands, or the dealer’s hand, come closest to a total of nine (not over)

WATCH & WAGER

Roulette: Bet on which slot a ball will drop into; or split bets on numbers, colors or even/odd numbers.

Craps: If you’ve never played this dice game, a craps class can ensure a fun night at the tables.

SuperBook

High-Limit Heaven The high-limit room at Crockfords features plenty of slot machines with extremely comfortable chairs. It’s also quite elegant, contrasting against the vibrant main casino floor, with a grand piano and the intimate High Limit Bar, where high-end cocktails are served. This is gaming at its most luxurious.

Resorts World Las Vegas. rwvegas.com

This massive complex covers more than 30,000 square feet with 350 seats and a 220-foot-by-18-foot 4K video wall. During Monday and Thursday night football games, get $1 beer and $2 hot dogs.

Westgate Las Vegas.

702.732.5111

Circa | Sports Seats up to 350 people in stadiumstyle seating. The centerpiece is a three-story, 78-million-pixel screen that has to be seen to be believed.

Circa Resort & Casino. 702.247.2258

BINGO!

BetMGM Sportsbook Jerry’s Nugget Head a mile north of downtown on Las Vegas Boulevard to this property’s intimate bingo room, where a super-friendly staff welcomes you to games from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays add a session at 11 p.m. Packs start at $4, with both paper and electronic packs.

Winning on a cash ball could net you extra cash; there’s even a second chance cash ball for more fun.

1821 Las Vegas Blvd N. 702.399.3000

62 | 1.11.26 Las Vegas Magazine

Snag one of this dynamic sportsbook’s 104 seats and watch all the games on 36 65-inch LCDs and 24 42-inch plasma TVs. A nonsmoking venue.

MGM Grand. 702.891.1111

Caesars Race & Sportsbook The sportsbook features 12-by-15-foot screens wrapping around a semicircular room, providing excellent views.

Caesars Palace. 866.827.5938

Ante Up! Resorts World Las Vegas This expansive, 30-table room with cushy seating offers a variety of daily cash games including limit and no-limit hold ’em, plus periodic tournaments, with buy-ins starting from $40 for some games.

While you’re playing, enjoy the tableside food delivery available from a variety of the resort’s restaurants. rwlasvegas.com Bellagio With 37 tables, there’s always plenty of action to be found in the poker room close to the sportsbook. Find limit and no-limit hold ’em with a wide range of buy-in options, regular and special tournaments, tableside food service, beverage service, a cashiers’ cage in the room and 19 TV screens and monitors throughout the area.

702.693.7291

SuperBook and Crockfords courtesy photos

Showbiz Weekly Resources

TRANSPORTATION

DISPENSARIES

GOLF

Limousine/Coach Rentals AWG 702.740.3434 Bell Trans 702.739.7990 Kaptyn 702.688.7351 Presidential Limo 702.731.5577

Curaleaf One of the top health and wellness cannabis operators in the United States offers a variety of inventive products. 1736 Las Vegas Blvd.

Serket Looking for a solid challenge? This layout tests even the best. golfserket.com

S., 21+. curaleaf.com

The Legacy Golf Club In Henderson, this par-72 course stretches 7,168 yards. thelegacygc.com

Medizin Shop top-quality products from an everchanging catalog. 4850 W. Sunset Road, No.

Rental Cars Alamo 844.354.6962 Budget 800.331.1212 Dollar Rent a Car 866.434.2226 Enterprise 800.736.8222 Fox Rent a Car 702.964.1320 Hertz 800.654.3131 National 800.227.7368 Payless Car Rental 800.729.5377 Sixt 888.749.8227 Thrifty 800.367.2277

Bear’s Best Las Vegas This 18-hole course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. 702.804.8500

130. 702.248.0346

MedMen First-class facilities offering the latest in marijuana products. 823 S. 3rd St.,

recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.527.7685; 4503 Paradise Road, recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.405.8597

Weddings

Oasis Cannabis Dispensary This 24-hour marijuana dispensary serves the community with quality cannabis products. 1800 Industrial Road,

Royal Wedding Chapel Celebrate your special day inside the retro Thunderbird Boutique Hotel, which offers three romantic venues for those nuptials. Wedding

Suite 180, 21+. 702.420.2405

Trams Bellagio-CityCenter-Park MGM Stops at Crystals and Aria. 8 a.m.-4 a.m. daily, every seven minutes

Planet 13 Medical and recreational cannabis, plus cannabis extracts and infused products. a.m.-3 a.m. daily, 2548 W. Desert Inn Road, 9

Excalibur-Luxor-Mandalay Bay 10 a.m.-

midnight, daily, every three to seven minutes

packages starting at $99 plus fees, 1215 Las Vegas Blvd. S. 702.780.0555

recreational 21+, medical 18+. 702.815.1313

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Fremont 702.385.3232

Circa Resort & Casino 702.247.2258

El Cortez 702.385.5200

Golden Gate 702.385.1906

Main Street Station 702.387.1896 Oasis at Gold Spike 702.768.9823

The D 702.388.2400

Four Queens 702.385.4011

Golden Nugget 702.385.7111

Plaza 702.386.2110

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Ahern Hotel (H1) 725.214.4800 Aliante Casino & Hotel 702.692.7777 Aria (D3) 702.590.7111 Arizona Charlie’s Boulder 702.951.9000 Arizona Charlie’s Decatur 702.258.5200 Bellagio (E3) 702.693.7111 Buffalo Bill’s 702.386.7867 Caesars Palace (E2) 702.731.7266 Cannery 702.507.5700 Casino Royale (E3) 702.737.3500 Circus Circus (G2) 702.734.0410 The Cosmopolitan (E3) 702.698.7000

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The Cromwell (F2) 702.777.3777 Emerald Suites 702.948.9999 Encore (G2) 702.770.7171 Excalibur (C3) 702.597.7777 Flamingo (F2) 702.733.3111 Fontainebleau (G2) 702.678.7272 Fortune Hotel & Suites 702.732.9100 Four Seasons Hotel (B5) 702.632.5000 Gold Coast (D1) 702.367.7111 Harrah’s (F2) 702.369.5000 Horseshoe Las Vegas (F3) 702.967.4222 JW Marriott 702.869.7777 The Lexi (G1) 702.214.4000

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The Linq (E2) 702.731.3311 Luxor (C4) 702.262.4000 M Resort 702.797.1000 Mandalay Bay (B4) 702.632.7777 MGM Grand (D4) 702.891.1111 New York–New York (D3) 702.740.6969 NoMad Las Vegas (D3) 833.706.6623 The Orleans (B2) 702.365.7111 OYO Hotel & Casino (D4) 702.739.9000 The Palazzo (F2) 702.607.7777 Palms (D2) 866.752.2236 Paris Las Vegas (D3) 702.946.7000 Park MGM (C3) 702.730.7777

Showbiz Weekly Map F

G

F

H

G

I

H

I

Springs Preserve

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

AREA15 Palace Station The Lexi

Jr. Dr. y Davis Samm

Future Home of Hard Rock

Caesars Palace

Madame Tussauds

The smopolitan

Con ven tion Ctr Dr.

The Palazzo

Miracle Mile Shops

The Venetian Convention and Expo Center

Harrah’s The Linq Hotel

The High Roller

The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa

Horseshoe Las Vegas

Paris Las Vegas

Monorail

Travelodge o Towers Carriage House

n. lL va Ko

Topgolf Las Vegas

The Signature Towers at MGM Grand

Ellis Island

Har mo nA ve.

Super 8

Westgate Las Vegas Resort

Las Vegas Convention Center

Wynn Golf Course

Sphere

Des ert Inn

3

3

4

4

5

5

Las Vegas Convention Center

Rd.

Embassy Suites

Residence Inn

Tuscany Suites & Casino

Fla min by Marriott go Rd.

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

Arizona Charlie’s Boulder

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Wyndham Resort

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Rd

Atomic Museum

Silver Sevens Hotel & Casino Embassy Suites Las Vegas

Alexis Park

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Tro pic ana

San ds/T wain Ave.

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Elara

Planet Hollywood Resort

2

vd. N. gas Bl Las Ve

Las Vegas Marriott Residence Inn Courtyard

The Grand Canal Shoppes

Flamingo The Linq Promenade

2

The English Hotel

Sahara Las Vegas

Encore

Wynn

Casino Royale

The Cromwell

1

Fontainebleau

The Venetian

ellagio

Atomic Golf

Bonanza Gift & Souvenir Shops

Hilton Grand Vacations Club

FSLV

Treasure Island

The Forum Shops at Caesars

Nobu Hotel

Resorts World

Trump International

Planet 13

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Ahern

Circus Circus

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The STRAT

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Sam’s Town

Bluegreen Club 36 Ave .

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Thomas & Mack Center Cox Pavilion

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Some properties appear outside map boundaries.

For downtown map, see preceding pages.

F

F

Planet Hollywood (D3) 702.785.5555 Platinum (E3) 702.365.5000 Primm Valley Casino Resorts 702.386.7867 Renaissance Las Vegas (G3) 702.784.5700 Resorts World Las Vegas (F2) 702.676.7000 Rio Las Vegas (C2) 702.252.7777 Sahara Las Vegas (G2) 702.761.7000 Sam’s Town 702.456.7777 Silver Sevens (F4) 702.733.7000 Silverton Casino Lodge 702.263.7777 South Point 702.796.7111

G

G

The STRAT (H1) 702.380.7777 Suncoast 702.636.7111 Treasure Island (F2) 702.894.7111 Trump International (G2) 702.982.0000 Tuscany Suites & Casino (G3) 702.893.8933 Vdara (E3) 702.590.2767 The Venetian (F2) 702.414.9000 Virgin Hotels Las Vegas (F4) 702.693.5000 W Las Vegas (B4) 702.632.7888 Waldorf Astoria (D3) 702.590.8888 Westgate Las Vegas (H2) 702.732.5111 Westin Lake Las Vegas 702.567.4700

H

I

H

I

Westin Las Vegas (F3) 702.836.5900 Whiskey Pete’s 702.386.7867 Wynn (G2) 702.770.7000

Driving/Walking Distances (miles)

Las Vegas South Premium Outlets to Mandalay Bay 2.5 Flamingo to Treasure Island .8 Treasure Island to The STRAT 2.3 The STRAT to Fremont Street 1.8 The STRAT to Mandalay Bay 4.1 Fremont Street to Mandalay Bay 6

Las Vegas Magazine 1.11.26 | 65

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