Sure, there’s the famous fountains of Bellagio, the spectacular spectacle that is the Mirage volcano and the world’s tallest observation wheel, the High Roller—but we share with you some other fascinating, fun spots and little-known destinations with some great history behind them. Read on, and then go and discover for yourself some hot spots in Las Vegas that you might not know about.
Erotic Heritage Museum
Feeling flirty, a little bit naughty and looking for an education in all things sex? Head to the Erotic Heritage Museum—24,000 square feet dedicated to sex positive exhibitions and erotic artifacts. The interactive exhibits aim to educate and celebrate human sexuality. Learn about the pleasures of the body, view fine art and discover the history of important sexual artifacts. While you’re there, think about purchasing tickets to one of the most daring shows in Las Vegas: Puppetry of the Penis. If you don’t mind full-frontal male nudity and want to laugh your butt off while watching the actors shape their “members” into some interesting positions, then it’s well worth checking out this X-rated, totally comical and fun show.
A man who most-likely loved the art of the tease—his girlfriend was the notorious Virginia Hill—Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel will always be synonymous with Las Vegas. While you might know his history with the famed Flamingo hotel, did you know about the plaque on property that’s dedicated to him? You can find it in the wildlife habitat near the Garden Chapel (it’s also in the spot where the original bungalows were located where Siegel had his own personal suite). One cool fact about the plaque is you can read about the secret escape routes he had leading from his suite.
The Mob Museum
For more mob history, there’s only one place in town to visit: The Mob Museum (702.229.2734). But did you know that the museum now produces and bottles its own hand sanitizer on property? The timely product is made down in the museum’s underground speakeasy, where they also make moonshine. The hand sanitizer is made from the externally sourced ethanol, as well as the waste produced during the moonshine distillation process.
If the mob era and old-school Vegas vibe piques your interest, a must-visit is the Golden Steer Steakhouse (702.384.4470), founded in 1958. Dine on some of the best steaks in town while seated in vintage booths once occupied by famous people that include the Rat Pack, Elvis Presley, Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, Natalie Wood and Nat King Cole..
Golden Gate Hotel and Casino
For more Vegas history, head downtown to the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (702.385.1906). While the property, which was first erected in its location in 1906, has been revamped and revitalized, you can browse through artifacts from its early days. In the hotel’s lobby, you can check out memorabilia that includes gaming ledgers, guest books, Prohibition-era liquor bottles and even Vegas’ first telephone.
While downtown, head to the famous Atomic Liquors (702.982.3000)—the oldest free-standing bar in the city. It was the first spot where beer, wine and mixed drinks were served over the counter, thus creating the “Tavern Sale License” of which Atomic was issued the first ever: #00001. While the bar is currently closed due to a government mandate, you can visit its restaurant, The Kitchen at Atomic right next door—and still experience a piece of Vegas history.
Fall of Atlantis Fountain
Did you know there’s a free animatronics show inside The Forum Shops at Caesars? Fall of Atlantis features 9-foot-tall talking statues and some pretty cool fire and water effects. (Don’t miss the 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium nearby with more than 300 fish.) And even though it’s summer, you can still catch a rainstorm in Vegas … indoors. At Miracle Mile Shops, at the top of every hour, experience the free Rainstorm Show complete with thunder, lighting and fog.
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