When Visiting Las Vegas . . .

When visiting a city for the first time you usually seek out relatives or get caught up in tourist trap spots. But when you go off the beaten path is when you really make a city memorable. So when visitingLas Vegas,Nevada, stray a little from the bright city lights and consider adding these places to your agenda.

If visiting with family: Neon Museum (aka Neon Boneyard Museum)

What kid doesn’t enjoy looking at extremely oversized things – oversized anything really? Your kids will love the hour tour of over 150 signs offered at theNeonMuseum. Retired neon signs date back to the 1930s and cover a multitude of genres. From oversized smiling ducks to oversized slippers, and everything in between, this museum offers Kodak moments galore. Few tips before you visit: Reserve a tour as far in advance as possible, long pants and closed toe shoes are required, and no touching of the signs but you are given ample time to pose around them for photo ops. (702.387.6366)

If visiting with spouse: Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge

Meals may be a little pricier than your average lounge, but the vast menu selection and huge portions at the Peppermill’s Fireside Lounge compensate for the price. Open 24 hours a day with friendly staff, a 1970s Vegas neon vibe (minus the flat screen televisions), and some of the most interesting (usually intoxicated – but what do you expect, it’s Vegas) customers around. The low and intimate pink upholstered booths encourage flirting and teasing between you and your spouse. At the south end of the lounge is a flaming fire pit filled with illuminated water – how did you think the lounge got its name? (702.735.4177)

If visiting with friends: Lake Las Vegas

Only 17 miles away from theLas Vegasstrip is peace and relaxation atLakeLas Vegas. This European themed resort offers calmer restaurants and casinos for those wanting to stray away from the fast pace style ofLas Vegas. You and your friends can enjoy shopping at the boutique shops, a few swings on the championship golf course, a soothing day at the spa, or simply sit lakeside and take in the serenity that isLakeLas Vegas. (702.567.6000)

If visiting with relatives: Mount Charleston

Beat the heat and keep the family entertained withMountCharleston’s cool breezes and natural beauty. Family friendly two mile trails offer waterfalls, wildflowers, caves, and wild roaming horses for everyone’s viewing pleasure. The area offers different rooming accommodations to suit everyone’s comfort level. You and your kids can pitch tents at the campground, while your parents stay the night at the lodge’s cabins, and your city slick sisters can receive the royal treatment in their rooms at the Hotel atMountCharleston. (1.800.280.2267)

Some other spots you may enjoy:

The Mermaid Lounge (family, spouse, friends, relatives);RedRockCanyon(family, spouse, friends, relatives); The Beauty Bar (spouse, friends), Bonnie Springs Old Nevada (family, relatives), Frankie’s Tiki Room (spouse, friends)