Nori art photography


There's more to Las Vegas than gambling. Click ahead for entertainment that makes you feel good about dodging slot machines and smoke-filled casinos. (Editor's note: We found out these dolphins suffer from lack of shade and depression. We urge the Mirage Hotel to hire veterinarians and environmentalists to make changes so these creatures have good accommodations! Or donate them to a dolphin habitat where they can live out their lives in peace.)

Nori art photography


This was one of my best friends at the Mirage Hotel. The dolphins live in pools within Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat. Hang around long enough to watch "play time" with the dolphins. The dolphin tanks include subterranean viewing rooms.

Click here to go to the Mirage Hotel web site.

Instead of fighting the bustle of the city, you can watch it from your hotel room. Here's the view as day slips into night.


Nori art photography

Nori art photography

Nori art photography


After the sun goes down, take in a show at one of the big hotels. Try to attend a show once every night or two you are there.

Start planning your trip with a visit to the official web site of the las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority click here - lvcva.com.


Just north of Las Vegas is Area 51, the UFO siting spot. This is the famed "black mailbox" (black refers to secret government activities, not the color of the box).


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The mailbox marks one of the dirt roads leading into Area 51. It is a real mailbox, belonging to a family that owns the land adjacent to Area 51. UFO enthusiasts think the mailbox has something to do with aliens, so they have marked it up with graffiti. Some sayings welcome the aliens, while others threaten them.


Nori art photography


Nori art photography


Here are the signs on the boundary of Area 51 that warn you to keep out. Area 51 is part of Nellis Air Force base and the military hires private security to patrol the perimeter. The mountain ridges are dotted with motion and noise detectors. If you cross into Area 51, the mercenaries have authority to shoot to kill with no questions asked. There are no aliens or alien space craft in Area 51.

The real secret of Area 51: no aliens, but the government tests new weapons there. The facilities include a nine mile landing strip.


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This is the marker for the little town of Rachel. This town is famous among UFO researchers. In Rachel is a cafe, now known as the Little A'Le'Inn. They sell alien souvenirs and the food is good. Most popular are the alien burger and alien veggie burger.


Nori art photography


Nori art photography


This is the time capsule installed by the production company that shot "Independence Day" on location in Rachel. Visit the Inn online: littlealeinn.com.

Area 51 is difficult to find and it's a long drive (150 miles north of Las Vegas), so the best way to do it is to sign up for a guided tour. Pick up this brochure from your hotel lobby or go to their web site: AdventurePhotoTours.com (this site takes a while to download, but it's there) they invite you to call 702-889-8687 with any questions. They also do Grand Canyon tours.

The Washington Post - government cops to existence of Area 51 in 2013 (eight years after my visit) washingtonpost.com


Nori art photography   Nori art photography


If you decide to do it on your own, remember to bring food and water in the car, especially during hot summer months. Have a map and compass. Do not try to cross into Area 51. Pay attention to the signs. You can be shot or arrested if you ignore them.

Here's a rough map of how to reach Area 51.

Nori art photography


Map is from Maps.Yahoo.com; photo of warning signs is a postcard, distributed by Custom Souvenir and Novelty, Las Vegas, NV. All other photos by Nori J. Muster, 2005.


Las Vegas offers a good variety of organic food for vegetarians. One of the best is Rainbows End, an old-time health food store with a sit down restaurant inside. Be sure to pickup natural sunblock, organic fresh fruit, and snacks to eat back at the hotel.


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If you're staying on the Strip, take I-15 north a few exists to Sahara Avenue, go east about a mile and you will see Rainbows End on the left. Large parking lot behind the store.


Nori art photography


For healthy natural food in a tranquil atmosphere at two Go Raw Cafe locations. It's an acquired taste, but clearly, the food is good for you! Large salad bar, good smoothies. They also sell literature and whole foods supplements and skin care products.

Other good bets: Just west of the city is a warehouse size Whole Foods Market that offers numerous food bars and indoor/outdoor seating. The city also offers a Sunflower Market, two Trader Joes, and a Wild Oats Market. The addresses and directions are listed at HappyCow.net.

Once you get to know the streets in Las Vegas, you will see that all journeys begin with I-15.


Just twenty-five miles outside Las Vegas is Lake Las Vegas Resort. It's a European village set in a golden desert landscape. The village consists of the MonteLago Village Resort and the Ritz-Carlton. These are condo hotel complexes, where investors buy the units and the company rents them out to travelers.

The Hyatt also has a beautiful resort hotel in Lake Las Vegas, just on the other side of the golf course. The Hyatt looks like Morocco with beautiful views of the lake.


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This is the new wing of the Ritz-Carlton. It figures into the landscape of the Lake Las Vegas shopping village.


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The village offers shopping and fine dining. There is a huge casino that joins the MonteLago and Ritz-Carlton, but it's easy to avoid.


Nori art photography


The MonteLago has two pools. Spend some time enjoying the water and sunshine. While you're in Lake Las Vegas, be sure to get a spa treatment, at either the Ritz-Carlton or the Hyatt.


Nori art photography


On some weekends, artists set up tents and display their artwork. You can also attend musical performances at "Stars on the Lake."

During your stay at Lake Las Vegas Resort, drive down to Lake Mead and Boulder City for more fun in the desert.





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