Hi, my name is Debbie Engels, and I am a Technical Support Trainer for Clark County School District here in Las Vegas.  I've lived in Las Vegas for many years, and people are always asking me what there is to do here beside gambling.   There are so many popular things to do, and many of these are available away from the Strip.  Activities extend well beyond sitting in front of a slot machine all night!  However, if you prefer to stay on the Strip, there is more to do than spend hundreds of dollars on shows.  For example, in front of the Bellagio Hotel there are beautiful fountains that dance about every half hour, and are accompanied by music and a light show.  Personally, I enjoy just walking down the strip and through the extravagant malls and observing the eclectic decor.  On the other hand, if you're feeling more adventurous and don't mind spending about $200 per person, check out the all new "Dinner in the Sky" attraction, where you can dine on a "sky car" that is suspended 180 feet above the Strip.  You can enjoy cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a champagne toast, amazing entrees, and a souvenir red carpet photo -- all while rotating 180 degrees in your sky car. Other popular Strip attractions include the many shows available at each hotel, art galleries and especially the Bodies Exhibition at the Luxor Hotel, for those who feel like learning more about their own body.  Don't forget to go down by the "older" strip and check out the Fremont Street Experience too!
 
As you can tell, attractions on the Strip are almost infinite.  But in my opinion, I think the best Las Vegas attractions are away from Las Vegas Blvd.  When you look out your window at the dry desert landscape, it's hard to imagine that this entire city was once home to natural springs and an abundant water source.  As a result, the Springs Preserve was built to teach people about Las Vegas' past and get them to start thinking about the future and start their own conservation.  It's about 180 acres and features trails, galleries, a theater, and even an interactive children's exhibit.  On the other side of town you can go to the Big Dig, which I hear is very fun since you can relive your childhood dreams and get dirty by playing all day in a big sandbox!  You can operate a real bulldozer and dig trenches, bulldoze big piles of dirt, and even stack cars on top of each other.  But if you don't feel like getting dirty, you can check out Mount Charleston, the Atomic Testing Museum, take a ride at the Mini Grand Prix, or even take a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon.  Whatever you decide to do while here at ANC, you definitely won't be bored!
 
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Debbie Engels
Local Arrangements Chair
Tech Training Specialist
Clark County SD