Friday, February 27, 2009

Sad day for Las Vegas Culture

One of the main reasons for creating this site is my love for Las Vegas and its growing culture. I enjoy visiting and spending time in the local casino's, but prefer to spend my time and money in the local, creative environment. In the past 10 years or so, I've witnessed the unique culture grow immensely and have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of that growth!

Unfortunately tomorrow is a sad day for Las Vegas culture. The Las Vegas Art Museum will be closing. Be sure to drop by if you have the chance.

Spy On Vegas Open Bar Events


Last night I attended one of Spy On Vegas' open bar events. These events are great for a number of reasons. First, the events occur at different locations throughout the valley. Second, featured alcohol is free. At last night's event, attendees were able to sample Absolut Vodka and Fosters. Third, there's always a ton of people at these events. It's a great way to get out, try new drinks, and meet new people!

Open bar typically occurs from 6pm-9pm. Check out the Spy On website for information on an event near you!

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Library

No, I'm not talking about The Library that's located on Boulder Highway. I'm talking about the Public Library!

Now that I have your attention...

The last time that I visited the public library was probably in grade school. I can remember going to the library because it was a field trip and we had no choice but to go. I'm not much of a reader, so after all of these years, I haven't even thought about going for a visit.

Instead of sitting at home to surf the net, I've been getting myself out of the house to explore the cool hang out spots around my house. As a result, I've learned who offers free wifi and who does not. Cool tip about the public library #1: They have free wifi! After learning about this, I tucked my laptop into my backpack and headed to the library near my house.



When I first stepped into the library, I was immediately taken aback. The library has definitely changed since I was in Elementary School! Cool tip #2: Books aren't the only items available for check out. DVD's and CD's are also available! And I'm not talking about a small collection. There are literally thousands of movies and music titles to browse through. Being a music lover, I was amazed at the variety of CD's available.

After browsing for a while and re-acquainting myself with the library, I remembered how to look up items. This was the part that I used to disliked the most. Hunting through the card catalog was always a pain. Cool tip #3: The card catalog is long gone! You can now use a computer to search for your library item. Or better yet, you can log in from your home computer and search for items. You can even extend the check-out time for an item from the comfort of your own home!

Cool tip #4: Check-out is a breeze! Once you get your library card (which took about 5 minutes) and find items to check out, you head to the check out area. Remember when the librarian used to pull out the card from the back of the book and use the big stamper to stamp your due date? The days of the big stamper are history! At the library near my house, I scanned my library card and placed all of my items on a table. The computer scanned all of the items at once and spit out a receipt that listed everything that I had checked out. I grabbed my items as well as the receipt and was on my way!

The best part about the library is cool tip #5: Everything is free! As long as you turn your items back in by the due date, everything that you check out is free.

I'm sure that there are many other cool tips about the library that are yet to be discovered. Check it out and let me know what you think!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Paymon's Mediterranean Cafe - Maryland Parkway

Paymon's Med Cafe, located on the southwest corner of Maryland Parkway and Tropicana, is one of the best places in town to hang out with a group of people. The atmosphere is relaxing, the servers are friendly, and the music is always fantastic.

When you first walk into this cafe, it is very ordinary looking. Ask to sit in the courtyard and you won't be disappointed. The courtyard contains numerous tables, plants, and fountains. It's easy to settle in for a while with a group of friends as you enjoy the Mediterranean food and environment. Be sure to order their Athens fries (which are highly addictive)!

The best part about the Paymon's on Maryland Parkway is their Hookah Lounge. Expect to wait for a table on a weekend night, but it'll be well worth the wait. The couches are comfy, which makes this an ideal place for a group to meet up before hitting the town for the night. Multiple tobacco flavors are available to choose from and the "Hookah Master" will be more than happy to suggest flavors and help to get your hookah started. If you're hungry, a modified menu is available. I love their gyros and kabobs.

Happy hour is available at this restaurant!

I wasn't able to get a picture during my last visit, but will do so next time!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Blinded? Why?!?

After living in Las Vegas for ten years, the casinos get a little old.

Ok, ok...

Before I continue, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have nothing against the local casinos. I frequent them often and know the significance of casinos in Las Vegas as well as their place in this City's history. However, sometimes enough is enough.

Let's face it. The population in Las Vegas is substantial. There are millions of people living in this City and believe it or not, not everyone works in a casino. Many Las Vegas residents lead normal day-to-day lives. If you look beyond the strip, houses fill the valley. All of these people go to the grocery store, buy gas, shop at malls, and eat at restaurants just like anyone else.

So why is this site such a big deal?

Now that Las Vegas is 100+ years old and is maturing as a city, its residents are beginning to make it their own. Instead of relying on the casinos to provide restaurants and entertainment, the locals are opening unique restaurants, venues, and stores all over the valley. This is a big deal because they are so hard to find.

As I mentioned before, I have lived in Vegas for 10 years. One of my favorite past times is to seek out the uniqueness of this great city! As I come across these fun places, I will be sure to share the information with you.

No offense to the casinos, but information relating to a casino will not be posted in this blog.

I hope that you enjoy!

Freakin' Frog


I can't say enough about the Freakin' Frog. If you are a lover of beer, whiskey, and live music, then this is the place for you! Located right across from UNLV on Maryland Parkway, the Frog always has a plethora of unique beer on tap. On occasion, they'll open up the attic, which contains a selection of whiskey unlike any other. I often frequent the Frog and appreciate the kick-back atmosphere and free Wifi. Live music often fills the room as its patrons enjoy cold beer, some grub, and a social atmosphere.

This is a great place to meet new people! They also have happy hour specials!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Canvas Cafe


The Canvas Cafe is an amazing addition to the local Las Vegas scene. Located on the corner of Silverado Ranch and Bermuda, this quaint cafe offers free wifi, an amazing food and beer selection, and features the art of local artists on its walls. Visitors have the option of staying indoors, or if the weather's nice, hang out on the outdoor patio. The Canvas Cafe also hosts live music. If the artsy scene is something that you're in the mood for, this cafe will not disappoint. Contact the Canvas Cafe directly for information on live music performances.