by Jack Kelso, AIA

Although I have been visiting Las Vegas every year for 2 weeks over the last 15 years, I’ve only been a resident for the past 6 months, and have dedicated my free time to exploring, and re-exploring, every offering this town has. So, when you plan your AIA 2005 National Convention and Design Exposition trip this year, here are a few tips to consider as you set your after-meeting agenda during your stay.

Yes, our monorail is up and running! If you travel between the Las Vegas Hilton through the strip to the MGM Grand, the monorail will well-serve your purpose. However, to travel to the downtown area, the bus, shuttle, or taxi is your best bet. Anywhere outside of the main area will require a rental car. Personally, I have always rented a small car for the shuttling around. Garages are plentiful, free, and, once you learn the parallel street pattern, rather accident-free.

The “Strip-Center” is the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo, probably one of the most congested places on earth. Most of the goodies are in easy walking distance of the Strip-Center. Be sure to see the volcano at Mirage, the fountains at Bellagio, and the sirens at T.I. (Treasure Island), all free! Other freebies include a tour through the new Wynn Resort (opening April 28), the Freemont Street Experience downtown every evening, and the Valley of Fire (40 miles north on I-15).

Las Vegas has just about every restaurant venue one could ask for. A few of our favorites are: Lawry’s [an Art Deco experience on Flamingo three blocks east of the Strip ($$)]; the Florida Café [Cuban food delight on North LV Blvd. in the HoJo hotel ($)]; Bellagio lunch buffet ($$); KOKOMO’s inside of Mirage ($$$); Joes Stone Crab inside of Caesar’s New Forum ($$$) and a favorite, Battista’s Hole-in-the-Wall on Flamingo at Audry ($). Just a few to whet your appetite!

We are not called the entertainment capital for nothing! Headliners are plentiful, although becoming very pricey. An early reservation is mandatory weeks, maybe months in advance. (Take a look at Vegas.com for details.) Check out the off-strip hotels Palm, Rio, Gold Coast, and Orleans for good shows at fair prices. My favorites are Dueling Pianos at Harrah’s and KA at MGM. A few reviews may suit your fancy, like Thunder from Down Under, Blue Man Group, or Legends.

Shopping? No Problem! Visit the Fashion Show at LV Blvd. across from Wynn, Caesar’s Forum, Desert Passage, and the new Fashion Outlet Mall at Charleston across from our new Clark County Government Center. Architecture? Well you must accept the fact that Las Vegas is a venue of fun. Don’t be too critical—just enjoy, and have a great convention experience, but plan ahead!

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