Friday Favorites 10.6.17 - #VegasStrong Edition

October 06, 2017

Friday Favorites 10.6.17 - #VegasStrong Edition

My city mourns with devastation from the mass shooting on our Las Vegas Strip this past Sunday. All week, I cancelled my previously scheduled blog posts because healing and the focus on our people were much more important. Today though, instead of canceling the Friday Favorites linkup with Erika, Narci and Andrea, I dedicate this version to Las Vegas as we pull together, and the world learns how we are #VegasStrong.

When the shooting took place, I read some posts on social media that people no longer want to come to Vegas, or that they are rethinking their decision to move here. Something horrific happened, but in no way, does that speak to what Vegas is all about nor does it minimize what the city has to offer.

Many know us as Sin City – the glitz, the glamor, the casinos, and all the things people can do in Vegas that “stays in Vegas.” There’s much more to us than that! Today, I’m sharing my favorite things about Vegas, from a local’s perspective.

So here I go, as I #PrayforLasVegas and as our road to recovery has begun, I share my favorite things about my city…

Las Vegas Eats

If you’ve been following my blog at all, you are not surprised that food tops my list. You could try a different restaurant in Las Vegas every single day for a year, probably 3 times a day for a year, and still not run out of places to try. Our restaurants are top notch, affordable, and they are diverse, serving almost any kind you may be in the mood for. Watch for an upcoming post about my favorite local gems, including some great holes in the wall. Aren’t those the best? You’ll want to hear about the best seafood pan roast and the best sushi. Even though we are in a desert, I’d put our sushi up against anywhere in the country. Vegas just does food right.

PS. One of my most popular blog posts was a list of favorite dinner spots, co-written by my girlfriends. You gotta check out their tried and true recommendations!

Events

We are the entertainment capital of the world with events ranging from concerts, shows, Broadway musicals, outdoor theaters, major headliners (JLo and Bruno, I am coming for you!), and my particular favorite: former chart-topping bands who have taken residency in Las Vegas or who make this a major tour stop. They may not be the “hot” group anymore but we still love them because they were favorites growing up and they often make it back to Las Vegas: Boyz II Men, Brian McKnight, Journey, and New Edition, to name a few!

The City Never Sleeps

Sometimes when I travel to other cities, I’m reminded that stores actually close. Ha! #cultureshock. Growing up in Las Vegas, I’m just used to having everything accessible to me no matter what the hour. Late night grocery runs, restaurants, gift shops, drug stores, it’s a 24-hour town and I love that!

The Other Side of Vegas

I was vacationing in Canada once and someone asked me what casino I live in and how I go to school. He thought that Las Vegas only had casinos, so that must be where people live. #truestory. Most of what is publicized is just what happens on the Strip: the nightclubs, the gambling, the parties. Well, besides the fact that we do have actual suburban neighborhoods and a school district (I’m so curious how many people just had their minds blown), we also have another side of Vegas that is worth visiting. When taking a trip to Vegas, come see our other side and get outdoors to see the beauty that is just minutes from the Strip:

Red Rock Canyon - the natural, deep red rocks in this canyon make for a beautiful photo backdrop. There's also great hiking, waterfalls, and an educational Visitor Center.

Hoover Dam - this manmade structure is still world-renowned and a national historic landmark. Take a behind the scenes tour and it'll fascinate you how it operates.

Mount Charleston - This mountain is actually 15 minutes from my house. It's a great getaway especially in the summer because of the cooler weather. And in the winter, we do actually get snow. There are campgrounds, cabins and great events.

The People

I love Las Vegas’ people. I’ve lived here since I was 13 months old. My family’s first taste of the U.S. was in Las Vegas back in the 1970’s. We’ve grown our family here. My most important connections with best friends began in Las Vegas. I’ve built a career with amazing co-workers here. Las Vegas is a melting pot and it’s great to learn about other cultures through our people.

I work in a field where helping others is the bottom-line. People who are passionate about service to others are the people I surround myself with here in Las Vegas. There has been no greater testament to that than how our community has stepped up in the wake of Sunday’s tragedy. The generous spirit has brought me to tears multiple times this week. The shooting affected 22,000 concertgoers and people were using their personal vehicles as ambulances to get the hundreds who were injured to safety and to hospitals. Waiting times the very next morning at the blood banks were 5-6 hours long because so many were ready to give. Hotels are offering free hotel rooms to family members coming to town to search for, or reunite with, loved ones who were at the concert. The leadership I’ve witnessed by our Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Fire Department, and our elected officials has been outstanding. Restaurants are feeding first responders, and delivering meals round-the-clock to the medical teams rendering aid. I’ve witnessed acts of kindness in such big ways in Las Vegas many, many times over the years and this week, it has been unparalleled.

I reposted this heartwarming video the other day of locals lending a hand after the tragedy:

One senseless act of violence cannot tarnish our vibrant city, and that one act of hate is far outweighed by the love and kindness that abounds here. These are my people. This is Las Vegas.