To Vegas for the Culture?

Shows, Museum Exhibits, Art, and More!

I head to Las Vegas because it’s not New York, in winter. I head to Las Vegas because I can, because it’s there, because on my last visit I had to stay in a nongaming hotel because I worked with regulators. I head to Vegas because I get a good deal on airfare, on a hotel room. I head to Las Vegas because I just need to get away.

I am thinking I’ll hear the ringing of slot machines, the call of the bartender, the spin of roulette.

I arrive in Sin City and experience its nightlife, its music, its accommodation of travelers. I love hearing Carlos Santana play at the House of Blues, a small venue where I can see the star’s expressions, smell the incense burning, enjoy a cocktail, and sit at a table. At the Criss Angel show, I become a part of the act, appear on stage, enjoy that mad rabbit, learn that many acts in Vegas are participatory.

On a night with Donny and Marie, I flash onscreen, and realize how tiny Marie in real life really is, and how very talented they both are, and how fervent some fans still remain. At Penn & Teller, I appreciate the humor, the libertarian edge, that they greet audience members after the show. Getting ready to head into the Rod Stewart show, I see his guitarist at a bar. I like that Las Vegas caters to its visitors. Would a drink make your time better? Order one! Theaters are designed so that even super-tall people do not block my view.

I like Las Vegas because I discover better Fabergé eggs there than I saw in the Kremlin. I like Las Vegas because I get to sniff perfume that was on the Titanic and sank with it, only to be brought up much later. I like Las Vegas more than I expect to, and I cannot wait to go back.

—Lori Tripoli

Going to Las Vegas? Consider these posts:

• 7 Tips for New Yorkers Navigating Las Vegas
• Escape to Las Vegas Step 1: Beat the Snow

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