The Vegas 100

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BEVERLY POPPE

The 10 best places to imbibe, from the city that invented nightlife.

THE ARTISAN HOTEL LOUNGE

Curiously situated at the corner of West Sahara and the northbound I-15 off-ramp lies the swankiest boutique hotel in the Valley. But don't be fooled by the unassuming exterior — inside you're surrounded by rich woods, plush leather furnishings, row upon row of antiquarian books and an amazing display of fine art reproductions. And it's no different in the elegant candlelit lounge, which feels a world away from the neon stranglehold of Las Vegas . Attentive bar staff, expertly prepared cocktails and a video poker-free bar top seals the deal, making the Artisan the ultimate in-town escape. 1501 W. Sahara Ave., 214-4000, theartisanhotel.com.

THE GRIFFIN

Maybe it's the long, long bar. Maybe it's the dark brick, such perfect contrast from the spotlight brightness of the new East Fremont. Maybe it's the medieval vaulted ceilings, or the haunting landscape paintings on the west wall, or the mid-room fireplace, but the Griffin takes you out of the desert, and damn near out of the 21st century. Any bar that can be simultaneously edgy and cozy, theatrical and laid-back is a keeper. 511 Fremont St., 382-0577.

THE TAP HOUSE

Lounge legend Cook E. Jarr used to perform in the back room of "The Tapper," and afterward would work the bar and, on at least one occasion, play shuffleboard. (The bar is famous for six-figure wagers.) Those sorts of fascinating Vegas figures are apt to hang out at the Tap House, which remains a cozy, no-frills haven for Cleveland and Ohio State University sports fans (check out the OSU, Indians and Browns memorabilia in the entryway). In any case, try the chicken wings, for years a Tapper staple. 5589 W. Charleston Blvd., 870-2111. taphouselv.com.

CHAMPAGNES CAFE

You might think you are looking at the world through rose-colored glasses — but that's just the crimson décor, the red-velvet wallpaper and maroon light bulbs. Marilyn Monroe is popular at this freestanding lounge — the place is laden with posters of the legendary sex symbol. Karaoke ace Bobby Shawn is the headliner from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For anyone seeking a somewhat dank but wholly unique Vegas experience, Champagne's Café is the spot. 3557 S. Maryland Pkwy, 737-1699.

THE CROWN AND ANCHOR PUB

This is as close as you'll come to a British atmosphere without actually visiting Manchester . This pub is all soccer hooligan attitude, from the nautical map on the wall that reads "Wankers Away" to the pair of well-worn dart boards to the artery-clogging Scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs encased in sausage and deep-fried). But it also has a warm, welcoming decor — three TVs (all showing soccer, of course), ship rigging, dark-hued woods and brick, and a cigar room upstairs — that begs you to sit down and have a pint at the T-shaped bar. But this isn't a tourist trap; expect to hear a variety of displaced Britishers debating the merits of their favorite teams on any given day. 1350 E. Tropicana Ave., 739-8676. crownandanchorlv.com.

BOULDER DAM BREWING CO.

Beauty lies in the hands of the beer holder, but the beauty of the suds inside the Boulder Dam Brewing Company is hard to dispute, regardless of who you are. The family-owned tap house whips up divine treats such as the Powder Monkey Pilsner and the Hell's Hole Hefeweizen, as well as several seasonal brews. The outdoor beer garden is a grand way to sip away an afternoon as well, as the shaded courtyard is adorned with original pieces of machinery used to construct the Hoover Dam. On the weekends there is live music, but the party doesn't have to stop there. With the 64-ounce souvenir growlers available to go, you can take the homegrown hops home with you. 453 Nevada Way, Boulder City , 243-2739. boulderdambrewing.com.

SUEDE

This is a tip of the hat to our friends in the GLBT world, the happy-go-lucky gay crowd who finally have an elegant place to call home. Suede sets a new standard by having a beautiful decor, a mix of booths, tables and lounge areas, as well as a velvet-curtained stage for the regular Sunday show featuring drag star Shannel and her sidekick Coco Vega . Suede is located in the corner of a strip mall and just above the famed Double Down Saloon (home of the bacon martini), and within an area lovingly called the "Fruit Loop." Yet these two disparate entities exist in harmony, and any night has a high potential for big-time fun — though Suede is only open Wednesday through Saturdays from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. There's also a killer menu, everything from steak and shrimp to burgers and pot stickers — there's nothing exceeding $18 on the entire menu. 4640 S. Paradise Rd., 791-3463. suedelasvegas.com.

KENNEDY

Located between the spectrum of its two sister establishments Sedona Grill in Summerlin and Al's Garage right next door, Kennedy is a place to be seen in its own right, being the lounge of choice for trendy locals in the Green Valley area. Unpretentious and sleek, it's a popular happy hour choice for professionals who want to relax with a martini without the hassle of being in a casino. Their menu is surprisingly refined for a bar — no chicken wings and baskets o' fries here — and includes a cheese fondue and a puff pastry with roasted onions, carmelized apples and Maytag blue cheese. The District at Green Valley Ranch, 320-8100. kennedytavern.com.

BEAUTY BAR

For years, going to the salon has allowed women to indulge in much-needed refuge from work, kids and life in general. Beauty Bar runs with the same concept. One of six in the country, our outpost of Beauty Bar promises to "serve as a refuge from the casino culture for locals and visitors alike." Adorned in retro tones of gold and with old school hair dryers, its kitsch factor is increased with the addition of alcove lighting from the former Algiers hotel. No cover (except for special events), live DJs seven nights a week, and a martinis-and-manicures happy hour makes it a perfect spot to forget the world outside. 517 Fremont St., 598-1965. beautybar.com.

DOWNTOWN COCKTAIL ROOM

If East Fremont had a mayor, it would be Downtown Cocktail Room owner Michael Cornthwaite . On a leap of faith (but not blind faith), the longtime club manager opened Downtown on the corner of Fremont Street and Las Vegas Boulevard in 2006. Not much was happening in that neighborhood; next door was a shuttered 7-Eleven, and riffraff-littered Fremont Street led to El Cortez, not exactly a pedestrian destination for downtown visitors. The area has been spruced up with neon signs and such new businesses as Hennessy's and Brass Lounge, the result of a $20 million makeover. But Downtown, with its distinctively understated sign (all letters are lowercase and in muted red), is the anchor. The conversations are illuminating but the atmosphere is not, as the club is dark, smart and arty. If you want to see your mate, sit near a candle. 111 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 880-3696.

The best resources for the parent who needs a bit of help raising children in Las Vegas .

HOLLYWOOD SKATEPARK

The Las Vegas area has about two dozen skateparks that range from small and underutilized to huge and teeming with skateboarders and BMX riders. Anthem Hills Skatepark is highly regarded, an enormous sea of undulating concrete bowls and ramps. And Skate City, being indoor and air-conditioned, is great for hot days and mini-ramp practice. But the best is Hollywood Skatepark, at the foot of Sunrise Mountain. Not only is it the largest skatepark in the area, it boasts a fieldhouse with restrooms, vending machines and A/C. For $3 per day, riders can maneuver through the half pipe, full pipe, multiple sets of concrete stairs and a variety of handrails. And parents will love that helmets are required, as evidenced by the hipster staff who patrol the grounds with warnings of, "Hey dude, you gotta wear a helmet." 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd., 455-0566. co.clark.nv.us/Parks/Skateparks/Hollywood_Skate_Park.htm.

ROY'S

Children's menus are normally the stuff of chicken fingers and buttered noodles. To be sure, Roy's offers those staples but then raises the bar a few notches. For $12, their hungry little guests start out with a veggie and dip platter. The tasting continues with an oh-so-adventurous choice of entrées, including short ribs, salmon with vegetables and rice or shrimp tempura sushi. The meal caps off with a hot fudge sundae. Nothing icky about that. 620 E. Flamingo Rd., 691-2053, and 8701 W. Charleston Blvd., 838-3620. roysrestaurant.com.

TIPTOE

Tucked into a strip mall next to a children's furniture store, Tiptoe manages to squeeze countless pairs of boots and shoes into its compact yet well-organized storefront. Specializing in stylish European brands like Naturino, Ecco and Primigi, owner Monika Pinkus has a photographic memory of her inventory and can fit a child's foot no matter how narrow, wide or squirmy. 2360 S. Rainbow Blvd., 871-6525.

SKYMANIA

At Skymania, $9 buys you an hour of wall-to-wall trampoline jumping and flipping and bouncing and general exhaustion that doesn't feel a bit like exercise. Stocking-footed kids (and adults, if you dare) flock to this gym, also a popular spot for birthday parties. Hop into this modern interpretation of a roller rink and just try to wipe that grin off your face. 4915 Steptoe St., 436-6887. skymaniafuncenters.com.

THE NEVERENDING STORY

Opened in 2006 by two librarians from the Clark County Library children's department, The Neverending Story is the only children's bookstore in the Valley and one of the few independent booksellers around, period. Their sunny, modern space hosts story time and visiting authors, plus book clubs for boys and girls. It's also a great find for children's gifts of the non-book variety (we especially like the Uglydolls and pirate-imprinted tissue packs). 9440 W. Sahara Ave., Ste. 120, 869-8943. neverendingstory.biz.

HENDERSON UNITED YOUTH SOCCER

Have you signed up your little ones for sports teams, only to wonder if they're gaining anything other than a closet full of expensive equipment? Henderson United Youth Soccer has it figured out. One of the soccer moms puts it this way: "They focus heavily on skills, and play on smaller fields with fewer kids to meet that goal. The coaches are actually trained instead of just parent volunteers. We tried three leagues before we found this one. They do it right and keep it recreational as well as meaningful." Isn't that all the endorsement you need? The next season starts in March, registration begins in January. 568-0400. hendersonsoccer.com.

VOLCANO SUNDAE AT FAO SCHWARZ

Cozy up to the counter at the retro-style ice cream parlor at the entrance to FAO Schwarz. You'll see some tasty sandwiches and soups on the menu, but skip those. You're headed straight for dessert: the volcano sundae ($20). A hard chocolate volcano shell is filled with your choice of ice cream flavors, and toppings like hot fudge or caramel can be served on the side to be poured like lava. More entertainment comes in the form of a hard hat and excavation tools that are used to dismantle the whole shebang. It's good messy fun. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 796-6500.

COOL CUTS 4 KIDS

Cool Cuts 4 Kids makes haircuts a nearly utopian experience. The young shaggy ones can sit in mini cars while getting their hair snipped, all the while playing video games or watching a favorite movie. More hard-edged tykes can get the punk rock treatment with temporary hair dye in a rainbow of color choices. Services range from $14.99-22.99. 9711 S. Eastern Ave, 614-6091; 4210 W. Craig Rd, 655-0299; and 8000 W. Sahara Ave, 240-5970. coolcuts4kids.com.

MISHEGOSS

A living room-sized shop at Lake Las Vegas, Mishegoss is a relief for parents weary of big box national chains. Stocked with classic puzzles and games, plus a retro robot and other nostalgic toys, it feels more like an outpost of a European toy store than anything you'd expect a mere 20 miles from the Strip. 10 via Brianza, Ste. 100, MonteLago Village, 236-2428.

YOUNG EAGLES PROGRAM

Kids ages 8-17 interested in aviation can take to the skies with a volunteer pilot as part of the Experimental Aircraft Association's free Young Eagles program. The local chapter holds rallies at area airports several times a year. Sign up your offspring in person the morning of the event, then suppress your worrywart sensibilities as they take flight in a small plane for a 15-minute tour above the city, all the while learning about flight safety and what the controls and procedures are about. The next scheduled outing is November 3 at the Boulder City airport. youngeagles.org and eaachapter1300.org.

These Strip performers have audiences begging for more.

NIKKI CRAWFORD

The stunning Crawford knocks it out of the park during each performance of Spamalot at Wynn.

RYAN SILVERMAN

A new and very notable Raoul in Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular at the Venetian.

"PUDGY" CARDELLA

This lady keeps 'em laughing as the Queen of Tease in "X" Burlesque at Flamingo.

DERRICK BARRY

This is the Britney we all miss... but you can see "her" in An Evening at La Cage at the Riviera.

BRANDON PEREYDA

Amidst all the other hunks in Brandon wows as the aerialist. Chippendales — The Show at Rio,

KLEBER BERTO

A subtle yet pivotal character in Berto is the memorable hand-shadow man. KÀ at MGM Grand,

LEE ROY REAMS

A Broadway legend, Reams flashes those gams during every show of The Producers at Paris.

ABDOUL & ADAM KONE

They're Mini-Milli Vanilli in Little Legends at the Harmon Theater — together, they're 8 feet tall!

VICKI VAN TASSEL

She plays Tanya in Mamma Mia! at Mandalay Bay, belting out "Does Your Mother Know?"

WALLY EASTWOOD

He's the MC/juggler in V — The Ultimate Variety Show at Miracle Mile. Hysterically funny guy!

The best venues for culture vultures to satisfy their appetites.

LAS VEGAS ART MUSEUM

No question, we love the Guggenheim Hermitage and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art; when you want to get your taste of the international exhibit calendar, either place will do. But if you want Las Vegas ' best art museum — a museum that belongs to us, not the tourists — then here's your spot. With an array of dazzling exhibitions and a cozy ambiance set in a gorgeous building (that it shares with the West Sahara Library), the LVAM does culture with class. 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues.-Sat., closed Mon. $6 adults, $5 seniors, $3 for students, free to children under 12. 9600 W. Sahara Ave., 360-8000. lasvegasartmuseum.org.

DONNA BEAM FINE ART GALLERY (UNLV)

The beauty of any art museum is the variety and diversity of its artworks. The pain of an art museum is sensory overload, wherein you rush through to the last gallery and can't remember what you've seen. That's why the Donna Beam Fine Art Gallery at UNLV is such a find. It's just one gallery space plus a second-story balcony, but its handful of artworks are provocative — and you can actually remember everything you saw days later, including a haunting Polaroid triptych of the Last Supper, featuring out-of-focus figurines, and a wall-size multimedia display that looks like a sentient, and disconcerting, giant iPhone. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Free. Alta Ham Fine Arts Building, 895-3893, donnabeamgallery.unlv.edu/.

MARJORIE BARRICK MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (UNLV)

Is there anything better than walking into an empty museum — no overly caffeinated youngsters, no harried security guards — and feeling as if you can enjoy the space by yourself? The Barrick Museum of Natural History occupies a high school gymnasium-sized space on the campus of UNLV, and contains artifacts of Southern Paiute and Navajo cultures, ranging from a large upright loom to a diverse array of textiles. A video room shows short documentaries on the lost kingdoms of the Maya and Mexico 's Day of the Dead. You can also find displays of Guatemalan clothes, Mexican dance masks and, in the lobby, an assortment of Mojave lizards and snakes. 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat. Free (suggested contribution $5), 4505 Maryland Pkwy., 895-3381. hrcweb.nevada.edu/Museum.

BOULDER CITY / HOOVER DAM MUSEUM

At the end of a long hall at the Dutch Colonial Boulder Dam Hotel, past the restaurant and the local art galleries, is this small but vibrant museum that recounts the intertwined history of Boulder City and the Hoover Dam. Whether it's discovering that workers basically invented the hard hat by dipping baseball caps in pine tar, or learning that a 100-ton slide of wet concrete once swept a man to his death, the museum swiftly but fully recaptures the story of the structure that made the Southwest possible. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., noon-5 p.m. Sun. Boulder City , 294-1988. $2 adults, $1 students, children and seniors. 1305 Arizona St., bcmha.org.

CLARK COUNTY MUSEUM

The indoor exhibits at the Clark County Museum are a concise synthesis of the events that fashioned the region: ancient springs, the railroad, the dam, mining, the bomb, the casino — and you can pass through all stages in the space of a few minutes. The real treat, though, is the street block of old reconstructed homes, a print shop, steam trains and a reconstructed Union Pacific depot building. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. $1.50 adults, $1 seniors 50 and over and children. 1830 S. Boulder Highway, 455-7955. co.clark.nv.us/parks/clark_county_museum.

LAS VEGAS PLANETARIUM

No one does light pollution better than Sin City, which makes actually seeing the stars a bit of a challenge, Fortunately, the College of Southern Nevada's Cheyenne Campus is home to the Las Vegas Planetarium, the only one of its kind in the state. The planetarium offers programming on a 360-degree screen on weekends, and stargazing afterward. 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fri. and 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Sat. $6 general, $4 seniors, children under 12 and students. 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave., 651-4759. csn.edu/planetarium/.

THUNDERBIRDS MUSEUM AT NELLIS

Nellis is the home of the fighter pilot, but those of us who aren't in the military or connected to the service think of the air force base as a sort of invisible place tucked in the far northeast end of the city. But public tours of the base's awesome F-16 Thunderbirds are available Tuesday and Thursdays; you'll need to contact the Thunderbirds directly to arrange a visit to their hangar, although you can also tour the base itself, which includes a stop at the hangar. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Free. 652-7200. nellis.af.mil/.

LAS VEGAS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Las Vegas has numerous museums that give you a glimpse of the history of Southern Nevada — but sometimes you just gotta have a little more. You need a window on the rest of the world. So you go to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum, and you give into your needs. It's almost worth it for the dinousaurs alone, but there's so much more, including a marine life gallery featuring live sharks and sting rays and taxidermy specimens of animals from around the globe. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. $8 adults, $7 seniors, military and children 12 and over, $4 children 3-11. 900 Las Vegas Blvd. North, 384-3466. lvnhm.org.

LOST CITY MUSEUM

The Lost City Museum, one of six state museums, exhibits artifacts of the Anasazi Indians excavated at Pueblo Grande de Nevada, a collection of ruins near the Virgin and Muddy River valleys. Ongoing archaeological research continues on the sites. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Overton , 397-2193. $3 adults, $2 seniors, free for those 18 and under. 721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd., dmla.clan.lib.nv.us/docs/museums/lost/lostcity.htm.

ORIGEN EXPERIENCE

One of the most exciting architectural spaces in the city, the Origen Experience feels like a million bucks even before your walk in the door. The dazzling lobby has the quiet grandeur of a sacred space, and the museum's 75-plus exhibits are excellent. Yes, the flood exhibit stands out, and there is an entertaining video on the Hoover Dam, and you'll learn a lot about the indigenous cultures of the Valley and the geological history of the Mojave. But the coolest exhibit — I mean, this is like a Top 10 interactive exhibit in any museum, anywhere — are giant plasma screens that show a satellite image of the Valley and then seamlessly zoom in to highlight geologic features of the region. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon.-Thur., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri.-Sun. Nevada residents, $14.95 $13.45 seniors and students, $6.95 children 5 to 17, free for children under 5. 333 S. Valley View Blvd., 822-7700. springspreserve.org/html/origen.html.

These great gastronomical experiences will make you thankful you don't live in Des Moines .

ALEX AT WYNN LAS VEGAS

Nothing against master chefs Guy Savoy and Joel Robuchon" href="/topic/Joel+Robuchon" >Joël Robuchon , but in a town full of celebrity chefs, it's nice to know that one is always at the helm of his namesake restaurant. Like most of the other award-winning chefs at Wynn, Alex Stratta is there every night running the show, personally overseeing every detail, putting his hands on every plate. If you're going to splurge for an ultra-high-end dining experience, think Alex. Prix fixe tasting menu, $195. Alex, Wynn Las Vegas. 248-3463. wynnlasvegas.com.

ENOTECA SAN MARCO AT THE VENETIAN

Indeed, there are many noshing choices when you're at the Venetian. One of the newest has to be a Mario Batali creation: Enoteca San Marco. You can find it in the always-dusk Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian, across from Postrio and a few licks away from the gelato stand in the center. Enoteca, meaning a wine bar or, more accurately, a wine library, spills out onto the "outdoor" plaza, which works well if you're looking to watch the masses pass by. The menu has plenty of small plates as well as full entrees, making it perfect for any occasion. The Venetian, 677-3390. venetian.com.

AFTERNOON TEA AT PETROSSIAN LOUNGE

Pinkies up! The paragon of gentility that is afternoon tea exists happily amidst the chaos that is the Strip. At the Bellagio, tea is served just off the casino floor, but the dinging of slot machines falls quietly by the wayside once a lovely pot of tea and three-tiered tray of noshes arrive. Warm scones, savory finger sandwiches and bite-sized pastries remind us that tea is a delicate and social affair meant to be enjoyed at one's leisure. Bring some civility and social grace back to your life. $35-$47. Petrossian Lounge, Bellagio. 693-7111. bellagio.com.

FROZEN YOGURT AT RED MANGO

Far from the cloying, gritty fro-yos that used to be the norm, Red Mango serves honest-to-goodness, all-natural, healthy frozen yogurt with live and active cultures. Don't be alarmed that only two flavors — original (which tastes like plain yogurt), and green tea — are offered. Alone, the flavors are refreshing and simple, but garnish them with topping choices such as fresh fruit, berries and cereal, and the possibilities are endless. Try the green tea with Cap'n Crunch. Trust us. Red Mango, 4480 Paradise Rd., Suite 1000. 795-0004. redmangousa.com.

ARCHI'S THAI KITCHEN

Drive-thru at Archi's Thai Kitchen. It's not lazy, it's convenient. A simple call from the cell phone to the Flamingo location, and by the time you roll up to the former fast food stand's drive-thru window, your freshly made Thai dishes are patiently waiting. No waiters, no tipping, no taking even a few steps into the restaurant. Just simple, delicious Thai food ready when you are. 6360 W. Flamingo Rd. 880-5550.

TIE: HUMMUS AT STEAK AND SAMMY'S WOODFIRED PIZZA

Not all ground chickpea and tahini dips are created equal. Except for maybe these two, which is why they're tied on our list. Technically, the dish at Steak is falafel and hummus, but the creamy spread is the standout. A family recipe from Israel , the hummus is boldly flavored and elegantly presented. Sammy's Woodfired Pizza produces a larger, plate-sized version, but is just as robust, served with a basket full of the warm, fragrant flatbread. Henderson . 56-STEAK. $6, Steak. 76 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., steaklasvegas.com; $7.25, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, multiple locations. sammyspizza.com.

THE RESTAURANT AT PLATINUM

Brenton Hammer, the executive chef at the Platinum — and one of those great best-kept secrets in Vegas — is nothing if not an original. He enjoys playing with his "molecular gastronomy," but he also has a keen palate and a wicked sense of humor. The pièce de résistance has to be his chocolate with pop rocks. It sounds weird, but it's more fun than anything. You know it's coming, you know it can't hurt and you can't wait to try it for yourself. 211 E. Flamingo Rd., 365-5000. theplatinumhotel.com.

FRIED TWINKIES AT TOBY KEITH'S I LOVE THIS BAR & GRILL

Don't get us wrong: fried means Southern deep fried. And one of the most unique ways to end a meal is to feast on this pair of winners. Take two Twinkies, the real things, percolate them in some fine hot oil for a minute or two, then top with house-made whipped cream, fresh strawberry sauce and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Sure, other places do this, but not with such panache, and certainly not without the blessing of the one and only Toby himself, who has been known to show up and play a few tunes from time to time. $4.99. Harrah's, 3475 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 369-5000 harrahs.com.

SUNDAY VEUVE CLIQUOT BRUNCH AT RITZ-CARLTON

Let's start with the unlimited Veuve Cliquot champagne. Then add in a feast fit for royalty: duck prosciutto and wild rice salad; a seafood bar with crab, salmon and oysters; eggs benedict; and then leg of lamb from the carving station followed by tiramisu, tarts and cheesecake. And did we mention the bottomless glass of Veuve Clicquot? The brunch without champagne is Nevada Neighbors" room rate of just $55 per person, but with the unlimited champers, it's (get ready) $65 for the Yellow Label or $75 per person for the Pink Label. You're making me blush! Luckily, the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas is offering a "$119 per room, through December 24 (with some blackout dates). Drink and then nap ... my kind of Sunday. 1610 Lake Las Vegas Pkwy., 567-4700. ritzcarlton.com.

SMOKY BON BONS AT KRISTOFER'S AT THE RIVIERA

Aside from Wayne Newton 's flashy introduction at the Flamingo, this is the best use of smoke effects on the Strip. The Smoky Bon Bons at Kristofer's are the restaurant's signature dessert, a fitting cap to a fine-dining experience in one of the city's oldest (and more venerable) resorts. The dessert's name tells it all: The bon bons are small balls of vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and served over a silver platter of smoldering dry ice. It looks hot, but is very cool and very Vegas . 794-9233. rivierahotel.com.

Any way you order these amazing sandwiches, you'll remember them forever.

JERK CHICKEN SUB

Grilled chicken breast with just the right amount of Caribbean seasonings results in a good spice kick. $7.99. Tasty Island, 6820 W. Flamingo Rd., 222-0002.

REUBEN

Grilled rye piled high with corned beef, sauerkraut and topped with swiss cheese, the open-faced version is enormous. $10.95. Weiss Deli, 2744 N. Green Valley Pkwy., 454-0565.

GRILLED PORK BANH MI

This Vietnamese specialty features beautifully grilled pork topped with pickled vegetables and cilantro on a chewy baguette. $2.50. Pho Nhu Y, 4355 Spring Mountain Rd., 252-5088.

SOUTH SIDE

This panini features roast beef, pepperoncinis, cheddar and horseradish mayo, offering crunchy textures and bold flavors. $6.59. Spicy Pickle, 9985 S. Eastern Ave., 485-5907. spicypickle.com.

BIG O' CRISPY PORK TENDERLOIN SANDWICH

The plate-sized tenderloin on a teacup-sized bun is comical yet daunting. Hash House a Go-Go, 6800 W. Sahara Ave., 804-4646. hashhouseagogo.com.

PULLED PORK

With the pork tender and flavorful, thanks to a generous pour of the house bbq sauce, this sandwich is warm and comforting. $7.99. TC's Rib Crib, 8470 W. Desert Inn Rd., 451-7427.

COBB CLUB SANDWICH

A perfect Cobb salad with chicken, bacon, avocado, arugula and blue cheese. No fork needed. We like it on ciabatta. $6.95. Julie Anne's, 10895 S. Eastern Ave., 566-9979. julieannes.com.

BOBBIE

Turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and mayonnaise. Who says Thanksgiving only comes once a year? Capriotti's, various locations throughout the Valley. capriottis.com.

PASTRAMI ON BAGEL

Luscious, appropriately-fatty pastrami has been the sandwich filling of choice for some of Vegas ' greatest movers and shakers. $8.95. Harrie's Bagelmania, 855 E. Twain Ave., 369-3322.

BRISKET OF BEEF

Power attorneys and nearby courthouse employees have long been enjoying the delectable brisket, and for under $5, you can't beat it. $4.75. Strip Sandwich Shop, 603 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 382-6292.

Las Vegans can take pride in the things that set them apart from the rest of the world.

BIG ELVIS

There are Elvis impersonators, big and small (and old and young, and quite a few more adjectives). But there's none bigger, nor none more passionate, than Big Elvis, who knocks it out of the park three shows a day at Bill's Gambling Hall (the former Binion 's). His assistant asks the crowd for song requests before each show, so you can always hear your favorite, and Big Elvis just loves it when you come up anytime during his show to get your picture taken with him. No kidding.

WE LIKE EVERYTHING BIG

Texas has nothin' on Las Vegas . They THINK they know about big, but who can beat us when it comes to livin' large? There are the big buffets, with lines that stretch for miles, and of course there are the biggest neon signs to be found anywhere in the world. But we also love our billboards big, or bigger — take one look at the Toni Braxton marquee on the side of the Flamingo hotel, or Vegas .The Producers on Bally's. And who can forget the Prince symbol on the exterior of the Rio? Yep, it's all big in

TOPLESS SHOWS

If you live in Las Vegas , you probably aren't too bashful or too shy. It's that non-conformist, libertarian spirit that brought us this far, and nothing says freedom like being able to see some nice bodies, in the flesh, without breaking the law or the pocketbook. There's plenty to choose from: Fantasy , Crazy Girls and Ooh La La , to name a few. And it's not just men who should be happy: Women have their choice between the Oz hunks in Thunder From Down Under or the ever-winning Chippendales . Go for it.

THE GREENBACKS

You might have passed this totally unique Vegas work of art as you scurry to get to Carnaval Court or the Range Steakhouse at Harrah's. But don't go so fast. The next time you're there, right in the center of the casino action, take a moment to appreciate a life-sized sculpture of the family that made it in Vegas : Buck and Winnie Greenback in all their glory. Money-drippin', sunglass-wearin' and jaw-droppin' — they say it all.

DRIVE THROUGH SPORTS BOOK

There are tales of gambling-loving dads who would use the convenience of the Fiesta Rancho drive-thru sports book while the kids were in the back seat of the car ... Surely those must be rumors. But this is a unique feature of the gambling world, the ability to drive up and place your bet without getting out of the car. No, you can't get a beer and burger at the same window. (How lazy are you?) Hours, naturally, extend during football season. You can bet on it.

MORE SHOWS THAN BROADWAY

Those New Yorkers like to think they really have it all, but their miserly 40-some shows on Broadway can't even begin to hold a candle to the number of entertainment options there are in Las Vegas . The Strip alone has more than twice that number (87 at last count), including theater, variety, magic, comedy and revues. It's true: No other city can really hold a candle to all of the options here.

YOU CAN FLY

Okay, you really can't fly, but you can do the next best thing at any of our amazing flight options. Maverick Helicopters can zip you over the Grand Canyon or around the Strip; there's also Indoor Skydiving, where you can experience the feeling of falling from an airplane, without flying in a plane. The ultimate, of course, is ZeroG, for zero gravity, where you go up in a jetliner that drops to give you that weightless feeling you can only get in space. It's not cheap, but it's an experience you'll never forget.

THE GOLDEN BOSOMS OF CLEOPATRA

We're pretty sure that not even in the time of Ramses was it possible for a mere mortal to go up and touch the bosoms of Cleopatra — but you can do that anytime you want in Las Vegas . The experience can be had at — where else? — Caesars Palace, at the entrance to Cleopatra's Barge. These gems were recently re-gilded, because over the years it was thought that it was good luck to rub the golden charms. Other places have giant balls of aluminum or tall space needles, but only in Vegas do you have golden, rubbable mammalia.

STRIPPER 101

Now we're not talking about those dancer poles that every health club is installing these days. No, we're talkin' the real thing: a bona fide class, taught by a professional, who knows her way around a stripper pole. These classes, taught inside Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood next to the V Theater, are special because they're real, and you might actually learn something that could please your man.

From the high-end to low-brow, Sin City is rich with tchotchkes.

LAS VEGAS SIGN

This confetti-filled sign creates an instant Las Vegas vibe — shake it, and you'll know what we mean. $6.99. Bonanza Gift Shop, 2460 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 385-7359.

DICE PEN

Write that next letter in a Vegas state of mind with this dice-topped implement. $1.99. Bonanza Gift Shop, 2460 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 385-7359.

PURSE

Pack your Vegas pride under your arm with this Judith Leiber silver-plated purse with Austrian crystals. $3,970. Bags, Belts and Baubles at Wynn Las Vegas. 770-7000.

BOMB ROCK

Never forget Vegas ' atomic age with this "Miss Atomic Bomb" rock slice. $29. Atomic Testing Museum store, 755 E. Flamingo Rd. 794-5161.

ELVIS KITTY

From the hair to the rhinestones to the guitar, this is a ceramic feline that you're sure to love tender. Magnets ‘N’ Memories at the Tropicana. 739-2798.

TIE

Not many could wear a Las Vegas cravat to work and get away with it. Residency has its advantages. $15.95. Gamblers General Store, 808 S. Main St. 382-9903.

LIBERACE VEST

Liberace was all about the bling, and with this one-of-a-kind vest, so are you. $62.95. Liberace Museum gift shop, 1775 E. Tropicana Ave. 798-5595.

MANILOW WATCH

What time is it? Time to get your Manilow on — your wrist. $35. The Manilow Store at the Las Vegas Hilton. 732-5111.

BLUE GENIE BOBBLE

Chopper, Las Vegas ' "King of Cars," gets enough love. How about some for his faithful mascot? $14.99. Towbin Dodge, 275 Auto Mall Dr. 558-3800.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

This truly unique holiday trinket has a charm that will remain no matter how many years you string it up. $51. LG Gallery, 8975 W. Charleston Blvd. 258-1073.

New in town? No sweat. Follow these tips and you can't go wrong.

HOW TO GET TO THE STRIP

Let's just get this out of the way: Never, EVER, drive on the Strip. Let the taxis and the stretch Humvees take that path to endless frustration and despair. Instead, impress your out-of-town guests by taking the back roads that offer all the Strip access you could want: Harmon, Koval, Dean Martin (the former Industrial) and, best of all, Frank Sinatra Drive, which sidles up to nearly every major Strip property on the west side (Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, Monte Carlo and many more).

HOW TO CUT DOWN ON THE NUMBER OF OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS

There is one true constant in Las Vegas : Once you move here, suddenly every relative wants to visit you! At first it's kinda cool, but having your home used as a free hotel loses its novelty after, oh, about the first visit. But here's two sure-fire tips to lower the frequency of stays at casa de resident: 1) Never offer your home as an option; assume your guests are staying at a hotel, and even ask what hotel they're staying at. If they hem and haw, offer to find them a great rate. After all, this is YOUR city. Who knows it better than you? 2) Explain to them how everything is at least an hour from the Strip. (Okay, so it's not exactly true, but have you ever tried to get to the Strip on a weekend?) Your guests will quickly decide that they'd rather have quick access to the Strip's excesses than spend half their weekend stuck in traffic.

HOW TO FLY OUT OF MCCARRAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITHOUT PAYING PARKING GARAGE FEES

If you don't want to pay the exorbitant prices charged at the airport, park at any one of the several dozen hotels within a few minutes drive of the airport. Then take a taxi. It will cost you anywhere from $20-$30 for cab fare, but it's far cheaper than a weeklong stay at long-term parking — $12 a day. (Psst: Don't tell the hotels we told you this!)

HOW TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR COMMUNITY IN A SHORT TIME

There's no better crash course on Las Vegas than tuning your radio dial to KNPR 88.9-FM, by far the most informative station we've yet encountered while tooling around the Valley. The station's Vegas insider, ready to join the discussion at your next get-together. State of Nevada program regularly brings together the city's columnists and decision-makers to discuss the issues that most directly affect you, from traffic to water. One hour of this show and you'll feel like a

HOW TO REMAIN COMFORTABLE INDOORS DURING THE SUMMER

During those 110-degree days Las Vegas is famous for, it can be a shock to many newcomers when, clad in shorts and a light T-shirt, they enter a store, casino or restaurant; the air conditioning is cranked up to such a degree that you could almost hang meat on hooks. Take it from us — always bring along a jacket or sweater during the summer. You'll get weird looks, sure, but you'll be the only one comfortable as you shop, dine or gamble.

HOW TO REMAIN COMFORTABLE OUTDOORS DURING THE SUMMER

It's a tough fact to accept, but your car will get pretty beaten up by Las Vegas summers. But it doesn't mean you have to get beaten up. If you can't find a covered parking space, get a sun screen for your car's windshield. This will prevent burning your hands on the steering wheel. Window tinting is incredibly effective as well, but make sure you don't go overboard, as extremely dark tinting will get you slapped with a tidy fine by the police.

HOW TO BEST USE VALET PARKING

Let's face it — we all like things as easy as possible. And when faced with finding parking at the typical mammoth hotel, it's tempting to valet our cars. But valet parking should be treated like 911 — use it only when absolutely necessary. There are literally thousands of parking spaces along the Strip, and they're free, so if you're not in a rush, give the valets a break. And if you do decide to valet, make sure you tip — at least $2-$3.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CITY

Believe it or not, Las Vegas doesn't end at a guard-gated entrance or a waterfall. Too many residents seem content to stay within the confines of their compounds, and as a result the Valley has become Summerlin vs. Anthem vs. Green Valley vs. Southern Highlands. It's time to stop all the hatin' and venture beyond your front door. Eat at a restaurant way across town. Take the kids to a park they've never been to. Take a romantic walk down a walking path with no idea of your destination. Call it getting away without getting away. Whatever you call it, do it now.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

This one's easy, as Las Vegas is proving itself to be one of the most giving cities in the country. Choose any of the city's nonprofits for volunteering — Opportunity Village, Shade Tree, HELP of Southern Nevada and Project Shero, among them — or seek out the nearest church in your area. (That's right, Las Vegas is positively packed with churches!) There are also several deserving schools that, despite strong support from their neighborhoods, could still use your help.

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN LAS VEGAS TRAFFIC

This one may seem obvious, but you'd be surprised: Avoid any type of negative hand signal or body language when a fellow driver does something stupid. Drivers in Las Vegas tend to be the sensitive type, and have been known to, shall we say, overreact when you throw your hands up in the air or, worse, extend a certain digit their way. Far too many accidents in Las Vegas are being blamed on road rage, and it only gets worse as the population increases. Watch the road, and keep your emotions in check.

A tip of the hat to the best of the best — these helped define a city.

FOUNTAINS OF BELLAGIO

Bellagio was built in 1998, and for all its opulence inside, the water show outside just stole the show. This world wonder really shot to prominence after the release of 2001's Ocean's 11 , and it still commands attention from every pedestrian and driver on the Strip. People dine at Mon Ami Gabi across the street just to get a better view.

OSCAR GOODMAN

Representing the mob when he was a lawyer. Creating martinis as the Mayor. Discussing the merits of gin with fourth-graders. Rarely seen in public without a showgirl or two on his arm. Apostle for the revitalization of downtown and getting a pro sports team. Love him or hate him, Goodman is by far the most colorful mayor in the country.

WELCOME TO LAS VEGAS SIGN

Here's an interesting factoid: This is one of the longest-standing structures in the Las Vegas Strip's history. In a town where nothing is sacred (The Dunes, The Stardust, The Desert Inn), to see something stand for six decades is quite impressive. There isn't one scrapbook in the country that doesn't have at least one couple standing in front of the sign, thumbs raised.

LUV-IT FROZEN CUSTARD

Even if you haven't seen a previous issue of our Vegas 100, odds are you've heard about this heavenly frozen custard biz from a friend or two (or three). With due respect to the many other frozen delight establishments around town, this is simply the best, with a rainbow of flavors that changes every week. If you try it once, the name will become clear.

BOOTLEGGER BISTRO

We think it's a safe bet that former Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt 's haunt has gotten the most ink from our publication in our 10-year history. And if you've ever been there, you'd know why. The karaoke redefines the word, with celebrity appearances the norm rather than the exception. You truly feel you're taking part in an actual concert when you get up to the mic.

RED ROCK CANYON

The place to go for nearly any outdoor activity — hiking, rock climbing, marathon training, a family outing — is our perennial favorite. Picturesque venues abound elsewhere, but nothing like you'll find here.

EIFFEL TOWER

The first thing most tourists visit on the Strip is the Bellagio fountains. But a close second would be the top of Paris Las Vegas' Eiffel Tower, an exact reproduction of the classic landmark (although half the size). Its views — and fantastic restaurant — have been well-documented in these pages in the past.

NINE FINE IRISHMEN

There's some serious competition for the Irish pub crowd in Las Vegas , but this New York-New York saloon is what really got it all started. If this place looks authentic, that's because it is — it was built in Ireland , dismantled, shipped here and rebuilt. Its mix of live music, great atmosphere and beer selection has allowed it to reign unchallenged for years.

PEPPERMILL

If you're new to town and haven't been to the Peppermill, don't worry — someone will take you there soon. This has been, and remains, where you go to get the Old Vegas feel, from its swanky atmosphere to the list of Vegas performers who come here to unwind after a night onstage.

FRANK MARINO

Marino has been the face of Las Vegas for 20 years, particularly when it comes to this magazine. When he's not being featured as a fan favorite, Frank becomes part of the issue, either writing a short essay for us or serving as a tour guide of great Vegas haunts. Frank will no doubt continue to pack the room to the rafters with his An Evening at La Cage show.