For visitors who want to get away from the gaming and glitz for the day, there are some fun and scenic places to explore around Las Vegas. You can enjoy sightseeing, a horseback ride, a chance to sample wine as well as some shopping and amusement.
This resort destination is 17 miles southeast of the Strip. A bold concept, it took shape in the late 80s with the construction of an 18-story dam and bypass system that begot a lake---an engineering feat that, on a much smaller scale, imitates Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Over the past 15 years several prestigious hotels, a golf course, boutiques, fine restaurants and even a gondola tour company have opened along the water's edge.
Lake Las Vegas
(702) 564-1600 or (800) 564-1603
http://www.lakelasvegas.com
Located at the Nevada/California border, about a 40-minute drive from the Strip, is this compact version of Las Vegas, which is home to Terrible's Primm Valley Casino Resorts. The Desperado, one of the world's fastest roller coasters, is here. Shoppers will enjoy the Fashion Outlets of Las Vegas, an enclosed mall with more than 100 stores. Golfers can play a round on the championship course at the Primm Valley Golf Club.
Terrible's Primm Valley Casino Resorts
(702) 386-7867 or (800) FUN-STOP
http://www.primmvalleyresorts.com
It would be a shame to come to Las Vegas and not see the Grand Canyon, one of the world's most popular natural attractions. Maverick Airlines is a premier provider of day-long excursions to the canyon's South Rim. After a 40-minute flight by jet, visitors can explore Grand Canyon National Park on foot or view its breathtaking scenery from the air on a 25- or 45-minute helicopter tour. Maverick Airlines is based about 15 minutes from the Strip in the Henderson Executive Airport.
Maverick Airlines
1410 Jet Stream Drive, Suite 100
Henderson, Nevada 89052
(702) 405-4300 or (800) 962-3869
http://www.maverickairlines.com
Located about an hour from Las Vegas by heading west on I-15 is this small Nevada town that is home to the Pahrump Valley Winery. Free tours of vineyard and grounds are available daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. There's also a tasting bar, a gift shop and a gourmet restaurant.
Pahrump Valley Winery
3810 Winery Road
Pahrump, Nevada 89048
(775) 751-7800 or (800) 368-9463
http://www.pahrumpwinery.com
Just under an hour's drive north of Las Vegas is this master-planned town known for golf and outdoor activities. The Sagebrush-Ranch is located here. It offers a variety of horseback riding tours that range from two to six hours. These include the Doc Holliday Ride, the Dalton Gang Ride and the Jesse James Ride, on which visitors usually get to eat authentic barbecue and enjoy camaraderie around a campfire.
Sagebrush-Ranch
(702) 645-9422 or (866) 627-4014
http://www.sagebrush-ranch.com
