10 Things You Should Do Before Leaving Nellis Air Force Base

#1 See a Cirque Show!

Cirque du Soleil has several shows to choose from in Las Vegas.  If you are not familiar with Cirque, they are a Montreal-based contemporary circus production company.  Their shows consist of highly skilled and talented acrobatic performers.  The shows usually have a storyline, but they can be obscure or hard to follow.  If you were to only see one Cirque show while in Vegas, our recommendation is Ka.  Ka is definitely the most action packed and impressive out of the shows currently in production.

 

#2 Go to a Golden Knights Hockey Game!

Las Vegas never had a professional sports team unit 2017, when the NHL authorized Vegas an expansion team, the “Vegas Golden Knights” (VGK) owned by William P. "Bill" Foley II.  VGK has had two unbelievable seasons, in their first season making it to the Stanley Cup Finals.  VGK plays at the T-mobile arena, an arena built just for them.  In addition to VGK Foley also owns the Foley Food and Wine Society.

#3 See a Concert!

It does not matter what your genre of choice is, almost every type of performer comes through Las Vegas at some point.  Many of the biggest singers also take up residence in Las Vegas and perform for an extended period.  So go see a show, some of the biggest and best places to see a show are T-Mobile Arena, Mandalay Bay Events Center, the Colosseum at Caesars Palace and the Thomas and Mack at UNLV.

 

#4 Experience the Strip!

You really must spend an evening and take in all that the Las Vegas Strip has to offer.  Nowhere else can you go see the Eiffel Tower, Lady Liberty, a pyramid and the gondolas of Italy all in one night.  The strip is more than just slot machine packed casinos with fancy world class shows.  There are many exhibits on the strip, amazing restaurants and free entertainment.  Some must sees include: The Fountains of Bellagio, The Mirage Volcano, Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Garden and Wynn’s Lake of Dreams.

# 5 See the Las Vegas Skyline from the Stratosphere!

At the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino’s, Top of the World Restaurant, you will be able to dine in 5-star style while taking in the views as you slowly revolve during dinner.  While you are there perhaps you desire the thrill of leaping off the side of the building, which you can do for a mere $129 with Skyjump.

 

#6 Experience the Nightlife & Cuisine!

Las Vegas is very unique and you won’t find any place quite like it.  With that comes some very special places to check out for food and drink.  There are a lot of steakhouses in Las Vegas named after celebrity chefs, but our all-time favorite is the Golden Steer Steakhouse.  This steakhouse retains its “Old Las Vegas” vibe, making you feel like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Sammy Davis Jr. could walk in at any moment.  Consider this a perfect place for a special date night.  My Mother’s House is an original place to have dinner.  Located in Summerlin, this quaint Italian restaurant has a boisterous owner who greets his guests every night.  Though this place is highly patronized by the senior community, it is a must for anyone.  The food is served family style and is absolutely amazing, each table has one seating a night, so you never feel rushed.  They regularly have a live band who plays 50s tunes.  You truly feel like family when you are here.  There are a number of lounges and bars that are pretty spectacular to visit as well.  In the heart of China Town, is the Golden Tiki, a tropical themed dimly lit speakeasy-type bar. You know your drink will be great when it comes out on fire and has shark gummies swimming in it.  You will feel like you are in Disney’s Tiki Room, but when these birds start talking, you will realize this place is not rated G.  For a more classic-style speakeasy try the Laundry Room, a bar inside a bar located in the Freemont East District.  The Laundry Room is all about craft cocktails, as such you will find some pretty distinctive concoctions like the “Old Englishman Comes Home.” With drinks priced at $16, no matter what you order and house rules that include no cell phones or PDA, this is not a place for the drunk and wild, this is a place for those who truly enjoy craft cocktails and a classy ambiance.

#7 Attend Aviation Nation!

Aviation Nation is a once a year event held at Nellis Air Force Base with parking at the Las Vegas Speedway, open to the public and free of charge.  It includes an air show brought on by Nellis’ own Air Force Thunderbirds Demonstration Squadron, as well as a whole expo of aviation-related exhibits.

 

#8 Hike/Ski Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon!

For the outdoor enthusiasts, you will certainly enjoy some leisurely time at these two recreational areas  Both Mount Charleston and Red Rock Canyon have a number of great hiking trails for all skill levels and ages.  And though you may not think ski lodge when you think of the desert of Las Vegas, Mount Charleston is well known for its skiing trails and is only 40 miles from the city.

#9 Visit Lake Mead & Hoover Dam!

Built in the 1930s and the tallest dam in the world at the time (726.4 ft), the Hoover Dam is considered one of the world’s engineering marvels.  Lake Mead is the lake formed by the Hoover Dam.  Not only is the Dam a sight to see in and of itself, and is certainly worth the tour, but you can also visit its museum and enjoy Lake Mead while out there through water sports or a day cruise.

 

#10 Fly to Hawaii!

Though not something you may be initially planning when you receive orders to Nellis AFB, you will likely never be able to fly to the Hawaiian Islands for as cheap as you could from McCarran International Airport.  If it is somewhere you’ve been wanting to vacation to for a while, now is the time to make it happen.  The Hawaiians refer to Las Vegas as the ninth island of Hawaii. Check on this website for a great deal on airfare.

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Ft. Hunter Liggett