Lou's Reviews
Outside the City
Worth the 30 to 45 minute drive.
Primm Valley Resorts, 7 Magic Mountains ROUTE 15 TO PRIMM
40 miles, 40 minutes Two interesting but brief attractions to break up the typical Vegas day. The Bonnie and Clyde car has 112 bullet holes, along with a small museum display currently located at the Primm Valley Casino about 40 minutes from mid-strip. You’ll drive past the ‘Seven Magic Mountains’ to get there - a curiously intriguing photo op stop (soon to be moved to northern Nevada). One of Primm Valley Resorts’ three casinos is Buffalo Bill’s, home of the Desperado roller coaster, now closed for four years but said to be operational. Once the world's tallest and seventh longest , it was also among the fastest, attaining a maximum speed of 80 mph. On your way back, stop at Pioneer Saloon.
Pioneer Saloon ROUTE 15 TO GOODSPRINGS
The oldest bar in Southern Nevada and made a historical landmark in 2007. The saloon, built in the 1800’s, has a storied history including that of miner who in 1915 was caught cheating and shot dead over a game of poker. The newspaper headline, coroner’s report and tin wall with the bullet holes are on display in the bar. That miner is one of several ghosts said to haunt Pioneer Saloon where customers and employees alike have recounted ghostly occurrences at the property.
Hoover Dam & Lake Mead National Recreation Area
35 miles, 45 minutes from the Strip - Hoover Dam is the highest in the United States at 900 feet, forming Lake Mead, the country's largest man-made lake. The National Recreation Area provides 550 miles of outdoor and water related activities. Near the Dam, on the boundary between Arizona and Nevada, is the 1,900 foot long Bypass Bridge, 890 feet above the Colorado River includes a pedestrian walkway, which is open to the public. The bridge offers unparalleled views of the dam and the river below. And if you think all of that is terrifying, you're right!
Water Street District HENDERSON
15 miles, half hour away. Think of the Arts District of a few years ago for locals and you’ll get the Water Street vibe. 18 small shops, 21 places for food and drink, two local’s casinos, the Silver Knights practice facility all on a mile long strip. It doesn’t call out for numerous visits but is a fun, memorable day visit.
Lake Las Vegas & Yacht Cruise HENDERSON
20 miles, 40 minutes from mid-strip is the little known Lake Las Vegas, a residential and resort destination on a privately-owned 320-acre lake. There are two large hotel resorts - Hilton and Westin together offering 11,000 hotel rooms close to championship golf courses, dining, and water activities. A master-planned community offering a laid-back escape. There is a casino, but it’s been closed since 2013 and there is a guest shuttle service from the Westin near the Strip to the Westin on the north side of the lake. Tthe Hilton anchors the village area and near the marina where you can find the 84 foot fully equipped yacht that offers various events and charter services.
Boulder City Museum
Built in 1931 as housing for Hoover Dam workers today Boulder City is one of only two places in Nevada that prohibits gambling (Panaca) - it’s an inviting small city of just over 15,000 with an old time small town feel. On the 1st floor of the historic Boulder Dam Hotel is the Boulder city/Hoover Dam museum - FREE to the Public from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day of the year!
Dillinger’s BOULDER CITY
A half hour from the Strip, Inside the historic Bank of Nevada building In Boulder City, is an establishment designed with bank robber John Dillinger in mind (including shotgun door handles and bullet encased table tops) – an intimate bar/restaurant that is dark yet friendly. Serving some of the freshest, tastiest pub fare in Vegas. It's been voted "Best of Las Vegas" (even though it's technically not in Vegas).
Canyon Restaurant at 'The Retreat' CHARLESTON PEAK
With the iconic Mount Charleston lodge having burned down in 2021, the ‘Retreat’ is currently the best option on the mountain and this restaurant inside the beautiful rustic lodge, located at 6,700 feet, provides gourmet meals and surprisingly delicious comfort food, with unusual offerings like elk and buffalo burgers, surrounded by mountain vistas out of every window. Definitely worth the 45-minute drive from the Strip.
Pioneer Saloon GOODSPRINGS
Ghosts are said to haunt Pioneer Saloon but these days there's the 'ghost sauce' made from ghost chilis, available on the grilled hamburger, hot dog and other comfort food options. There's also live music on the weekends, special events and the oaky, smoky, super smooth 90 proof 'Old Man Liver' whiskey - available for purchase at the gift store or shipped to your home.