There is more to Las Vegas than the Strip or Hoover Dam and Credit Union Times has asked few locals just what are a few “must see” and “must experience” attractions beyond the typical tourist areas. Here are a few places to check out during your stay from people in the know: There are a lot of great golf courses in Las Vegas, but not a lot of people head out to Boulder City to take advantage of the great golfing they have at the Boulder City Golf Course, (www.bouldercitygolf.com) Boulder City is a quaint little town, plus it’s easily 8 – 10 degrees cooler there. It’s less than half an hour from the Strip and boasts a lot of historic charm. It is a great walking golf course that rivals even the best Las Vegas courses and doesn’t break your budget! Tony Mook CEO Cumorah CU To forget you are in Vegas head to the Super Summer Theatre, (www.supersummer theatre.com) They put together three different productions a summer in an outdoor theatre in a meadow just on the other side of Red Rock Canyon to the West of Las Vegas. They do wonderful productions, it’s absolutely gorgeous and it’s a great way to endure the Las Vegas heat! Less than 30 minutes from the Strip, you should show up early to get the best seating, and don’t forget a blanket to kick back on and have a picnic dinner. Angie Douglas Marketing Director Cumorah CU Want a look at Nevada history that doesn’t include the mob and gangsters while getting to play with a Geiger Counter? Then head to the Atomic Testing Museum, www.ntshf.org. New to Las Vegas (opened in February) the Atomic Testing Museum is a tribute to the Nevada Testing Site where many nuclear weapons were developed and tested, even until the 1990′s. In association with the Smithsonian, the information and artifacts found here are impressive. It is located just off the strip at Flamingo and Swenson, near the UNLV campus and only minutes from the Strip. Shelly Fredericks Chief Financial Officer Cumorah CU One “must experience” is found at the Bouchon Restaurant at the Venetian. Located on the 10th floor of the hotel, the Napa, California restaurant has a “branch” at The Venetian in Las Vegas and serves excellent food along with a cozy atmosphere. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast items are wonderful with an in-house bakery! For dinner, try the `Grand Plateau’, a huge double tray seafood sampler appetizer. Dan Paulson President / CEO WestStar CU About 20 minutes away from the Las Vegas Strip you’ll find Lake Las Vegas and step into a completely different world from free Jazz concerts outside to shopping and dinning at Monte Lago Village. Of course you’ll also find all your favorite table and slot games at Casino Monte Lago. Another great experience is found at the Voodoo Lounge located on the 52nd floor of the Rio Hotel and Casino. Enjoy cocktails and appetizers while sitting on the huge deck that overlooks Las Vegas. Henry Sawicki, Jr. Business Development Manager WestStar CU Mon Ami Gabi is my favorite place on the Strip, its patio seating area is one of the best – it puts you right on the Strip with incredible views (best for Bellagio fountain show) and interesting people-watching. There are very few outdoor seating restaurants in Vegas. Mon Ami Gabi not only has some delicious food (my personal favorites are the French Onion Soup and incredibly rich Macaroni and Cheese) but a wonderful variety of wines as well. Pick off-times when the wait isn’t too bad – plus, you’ll have more fun taking your time enjoying the scenery. Jen Oliver Senior VP Finance/Technology and CFO WestStar CU As a local, a few of my favorite places to visit are Red Rock Canyon and Mount Charleston, which are some of Las Vegas’ truly natural attractions. Take the Red Rock Canyon Scenic Drive and view some of the formations of red sandstone, quarries, and nature trails. Everything from wildlife – free roaming burros and coyotes to even streams and waterfalls (depending on the season) can all be found here and the glowing red sand stone makes you feel like you are miles away from anywhere. As for Mount Charleston it is a great place to escape the scorching desert heat and experience diverse hiking trails. Denise Scherschel Communications Specialist/Copywriter Nevada FCU Visit Nevada’s oldest State Park- the Valley of Fire. It’s a great getaway, just an hour outside of Las Vegas, with sandstone walls and dunes that really seem to be on fire as they reflect the sun’s rays. One of the most amazing things is the abundance of petroglyphs; signs of Indian civilization from up to 1,500 years ago. Tracey Scriven Systems Application Manager Silver State Schools CU No trip to Vegas would be complete without a drive out to the best view in Las Vegas! Once the sun sets then the city lights come on. You can drive your own vehicle up to Sunrise Mountain and watch our city lights glow. It’s such an amazing view that you can admire our own `Viva Las Vegas.’ As you sit on the base of the mountain and look into our city skies, you will never forget this trip and you know why. Alishia Jackson Loan Services Assistant Silver State Schools CU If you want an unforgettable meal head to Rosemary’s Restaurant for dinner. On Sahara and Cimmaron it is the best restaurant in Las Vegas – on or off the Strip. The couple that owns the restaurant used to work for Emeril’s, so the quality and service is amazing. Since they are off the Strip, the prices – while not cheap – aren’t astronomical. But the food is incredible. In particular, their signature appetizer – Hugo Texas BBQ Shrimp, with Maytag blue cheese slaw. Lee Gottheimer Fort Apache BranchManager Silver State Schools CU