Las Vegas And Its Natural Surroundings

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas? It’s the bright city lights, the music, the non-stop partying. Who would ever think of beautiful green spaces, nature walks, the still of the desert viewed in the light of the setting sun? But that’s exactly what lies just outside the glare of the city lights and all it takes is a short ride to get there and drink deep of this beauty.

Just 270 miles away, in Utah actually, is the Bryce Canyon National Park. You want breathtaking scenery? Here’s where to find it. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee of $20 for a vehicle but it’s worth every penny. The view is absolutely astounding and you should keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like the golden and bald eagles and the Great Basin Rattlesnake. If you are there in spring and summer, you could be treated to some wonderful blooms as well.

Just 20 miles away is the Floyd Lamb Park which became a state park in 1977. You’ll find a barbecue area here and some very interesting remains and fossils. Some of them have been identified as giant sloths, mammoths, bison, horses and camels. It also has four well-stocked ponds and if you have a fishing license for Nevada, you could fish here but do remember that the limit per person is just three fish.

Southeast of Las Vegas just 300 miles away is the Grand Canyon. This is a great trip if you have a whole day free. You’ll have to pay to drive your car in and park but it’s well worth it just to take in this glorious bit of American legend. Maybe you could take one of the tours to go round the canyon or opt for one that takes you right to the bottom and then up again. Or, maybe you would like to choose the helicopter ride instead.

Another place close by is Lake Mead where you enjoy the beauty of the Nevada desert at its best. This is a large man-made lake, amongst the largest in the world and is around 1½ million acres. It was formed by the Hoover Dam and the Colorado River and is a great place to do some swimming, boating and viewing wildlife.

Las Vegas and the great outdoors? It’s not an association that comes to mind easily but when you do look for it, you’ll find a plethora of wonderful spots where your thoughts can turn to green. So even if it was the bright lights of Vegas that attracted you in the first place, keep a day or two aside to unwind and look around. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

British pub marks Boxing Day with special dinner (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Today is Boxing Day, and it'll be celebrated in style beginning at noon at the Crown & Anchor British Pub, 1350 E. Tropicana Ave. A dinner of prime rib, roast potatoes, green beans and Yorkshire pudding, plus Christmas pudding with brandy sauce or sherried trifle, will be served for $19.95 per person.

Tuesday January 06, 2009 - 15:48 EST (Rolling Good Times)

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Lest anyone think Encore is simply another high-end hotel, or little more than a hotel addition to the attached Wynn Las Vegas resort, consider that Wynn Resorts executives consulted with experts from the Mobil Travel Guide to help them design a property that has a shot at becoming the country's largest hotel to receive Mobil's five-star rating.

MGM Mirage bosses change, but new cause same as old cause (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

If the business community thinks it will have an easier ride in the upcoming legislative session following the retirement of Terry Lanni, they are sorely mistaken.

Despite economy, a record 34 bowl games this year (Seattle Times)

Despite shaky economy, a record number of bowl games will be played this season. Here's a quick look at what to expect.

Briefly in Tompkins (The Ithaca Journal)

As part of The Ithaca Journal's coverage of Barack Obama's inauguration as president of the United States on Jan. 20, 2009, we would like to involve area residents in our news coverage before and after the event.