Locals know that the Vegas Strip is what most people think of when they visit our town. Little do they know, Vegas has so much more to offer than gambling, glitz and gigantic hotels. Take a look at my top things to do this summer. This list might help you think outside the box. You may even be surprised about how much the town you live in has to offer.
1. Hike or bike Red Rock Canyon. This beauty is only 15 miles from the Vegas Strip (just west of Blue Diamond).[where: 1000 Scenic Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89124]
2. Enjoy a cold one while catching a 51s baseball game at Cashman Field in downtown Las Vegas.
[where: 850 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89101]
3. Beat the desert heat and take a boat out on Lake Mead.
[where: 601 Nevada Hwy, Boulder City, NV]
4. Get loopy on Vegas's best Marg! You'll find it at Margarita Mexican Cantina in downtown Las Vegas.
[where: 3120 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV]
5. Buy locally grown fruits and veggies at one of the many Las Vegas Farmers Markets. One of my favorites is the Garden Park Farmers Market in Summerlin.
[where: 10401 Gardens Park Dr, Las Vegas, NV 89135]
6. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Ethel M Chocolate Factory (it's free!) in Green Valley Ranch.
[where: Two Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89015]
7. Treat yourself to not only the best Italian food, but the coolest view (observe planes flying in and out of McCarran airport through floor-to-ceiling windows) at Panevino's in Southeast Valley neighborhood.
[where: 246 Via Antonia Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89119]
8. Take the kids to Lied Discovery Children's Museum in the downtown Las Vegas neighborhood.
[where: 833 Las Vegas Blvd N, Las Vegas, NV 89107]
9. Explore the Valley of Fire. It's Nevada's oldest state park!
[where: NV-169, Uninc Clark County, Nevada]
10. See the Hoover Dam - one of the greatest engineering works in history.
Now get out there and enjoy all the wonderful things to do in Las Vegas this summer.
Elizabeth Rector is a marketing professional and daily blogger for Hubbuzz.com, an innovative apartment search website and online community that provides unmatched neighborhood insight and user-generated content. Launched in May of 2007, Hubbuzz.com is dedicated to improving the hunt for not only an apartment, but also a neighborhood and community to call home. For more information, please visit http://www.hubbuzz.com/LasVegas/MetroAreaOverview.aspx.