Thoughts on Las Vegas

Despite being a transplant who avoids touristy areas, I enjoy the fact that Las Vegas is a small town with a big city vibe. It operates 24/7, has an international airport, and you can even find oysters at 3 am without it being unusual. Its quirkiness and easy travel access aligns with my lifestyle.

Las Vegas has secrets hidden beneath its surface. Many people have negative opinions about the city, calling it corny, tacky, overpriced, and silly. They’re not wrong. But like all things in life, if you just focus on the one negative thing you perceive, you’ll miss the whole picture. Las Vegas is a kaleidoscope of a town, from its spectrum of experiences to the type of people you meet. A lot of people have come through Las Vegas, at some point in their lives.

I say “step back” and see everything outside the Strip. Nevada’s greatest attraction is its beautiful sky, and that is available to everyone. Leaving NYC and coming to this town has felt like a decade long vacation. When people visit Las Vegas, I hope they take the time to find the charm by discovering the smaller, but more authentic, parts of this place.

It took time for me to understand Las Vegas, and I’m still learning. Dollhouses have been a delightful surprise to me. Lady Luck has been kind since we landed in Sin City, and I am grateful.

THANK YOU, LAS VEGAS, FOR THE DOLLHOUSES

My Favorite Places in Las Vegas – Some, with added notes. Click on the names to link to their pages

Nevada State Museum – Now through April 29, 2024 is LIBERACE, sparkle galore

Downtown Las Vegas Arts District – Small business rules here, with an emphasis on local culture. Find your best souvenirs here, support local arts, and eat and drink well!

ReBar – Everything you see on the walls or on a shelf, is for sale. Get drunk and start shopping

Mothership Coffee – Creative and delicious local coffee

Priscilla Fowler Gallery – Where I first showed the Candy House! Priscilla continues to cultivate eclectic and exciting local artists.

Slonina Art Space – a badly needed spot of local art culture on Fremont, between Ferguson’s and Fremont Street Experience

Atomic Style Lounge – Everything rockabilly, mod, midcentury and atomic can be your look. Also, working on this shop in miniature!

Majestic Repertory Theatre – Ingenious, immersive theatre. No one does horror or 90s spoof better

Neon Museum – This frequently sells out in the evening, book early!

Red Rock Canyon & Spring Mountain