Stacey L. Tokunaga – Las Vegas

Las Vegas is a shining star among the many cities in the United States. In the day, sunlight is reflected by countless glass fixtures of towering hotels and resorts. At night, the neon lights attract thousands to frolic in the streets in search of entertainment and a good time. As glamorous as Las Vegas is now, it’s difficult to believe that things weren’t always like the way they are today. And true enough, the founding of Las Vegas can be considered as one of the greatest American stories ever told. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

The first Vegas landscapes

Las Vegas rests at the southern end of Nevada, a state that’s mostly cities in between harsh desert environments. But this wasn’t always the case. In fact, the land where Las Vegas rests on was once an abundant marsh wetland filled with vegetation. But in time, the water receded and gave birth to the arid dry fields of today. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Spanish roots

In 1829, a commercial caravan led by Mexican explorer Antonio Armijo veered away from a traditional route headed for Los Angeles. The caravan, along with a scouting party, settled in an area roughly 100 miles away from where Las Vegas is today. The scouting party headed west to look for water. This is where they found an oasis called Las Vegas Springs. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

First settlers

The first settlers of Las Vegas were Mexicans and Mormons. However, the Mexican groups didn’t stay long as migrants often came and went as Las Vegas was en route to California to take part in the great Californian gold rush. As for the Mormons, they were there to protect a vital mail route. They even built adobe structures and tried planting fruits and vegetables in the area. But by 1858, both groups abandoned the area. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Railroads and reopening

By 1890, railroads were being placed down across the country to allow for faster travel between major cities. Because of the distance between states, Las Vegas was considered as a possible prime stop as it could connect major cities to the Pacific Coast. By 1905, Las Vegas bloomed as businesses like salons, stores, and boarding houses were opened around town. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Gambling origins

While there was an ongoing gambling ban on the state of Nevada in 1910, this didn’t stop provocative establishments from opening, including casinos, illegal speakeasies, and brothels. Needless to say, police presence was minimal, and the propagation of such establishments bred the roots of organized crimes. And with the construction of the Hoover Dam a few decades later, the population of Las Vegas skyrocketed. This led to the opening of several businesses and the beginnings of the currently renowned Fremont Street. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

The first mega casinos

The first major casino purchase was made by Howard Hughes in 1966 after seeing the potential of Las Vegas. It was said that after checking in at the penthouse of the Desert Inn Hotel, he never left. He bought the hotel, plus other hotels, spending over $300 million altogether. Eventually, mob activities were replaced by corporate interests and shareholder profits. Las Vegas would then bring in bigger developers to create one mega resort after another.

About

Stacey L. Tokunaga knows Las Vegas is quite a unique travel destination. It has been featured in many television shows and movies, but being in Vegas is like a page from a very modern story. People have their thoughts on the metropolitan City of Las Vegas, how it’s closely connected to the gambling industry, its flourishing entertainment side, as well as the businesses that keep the city running and the people happy. This page is all about Las Vegas; knowing where to go, how to go about one’s travels, what to expect, and many more. So why not roll the dice and see what fate has in store for those visiting Las Vegas.

Tourism at large

Las Vegas can be considered as one of the biggest tourism capitals in the country despite its location and its size. Millions of tourists travel to Vegas every year, each with their own adventures to seek. And with the constant influx of tourists coming day-in and day-out, Las Vegas is designed to cater to a tourist’s every need. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

On this page, readers will get to know Las Vegas as a premier tourist destination. With two airports, bustling transport centers, and an efficient mass transport system, Las Vegas is equipped to bring in guests and make sure that they can get a chance to experience almost everything there is to experience. And in terms of accommodations, Las Vegas is known for its resorts, five-star hotels, and everything in between. Not to say that there aren’t any budget options because there are. Safe to say, there’s a place in Vegas for everyone, from budget tourists to major spenders. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Vacation capital

People take vacations to relax, go on adventures, and try out new things. Las Vegas may not be your run-of-the-mill vacation spot, but one would be surprised how much vacationing can get done here. It doesn’t matter if a tourist is on holiday to relax, to see their favorite performer in concert, or just get away from the usual and the ordinary, Las Vegas is one’s port of call. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

This page will feature guides on how tourists can make the most of their vacations in Vegas. With tons of places to see and activities to do, knowing what’s worth doing and what’s worth skipping can save a visitor a lot of time and money. Regardless if they are on the tightest of budgets or willing to spend, this page will make sure tourists get more than their money’s worth. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Travel tips

Given that traveling to a new location can be challenging for some people, this page will also provide various travel tips when visiting Las Vegas. There will be plenty of budget tips to police one’s wallet, travel guides for those people who are staying for a short vacation, what to avoid when going around town, avoiding frauds and scams, and how to save time and money when trying to see all the sights and sounds. These tips can help tourists avoid common mistakes made by people who are unprepared for their Las Vegas vacation and let them enjoy as much as they can. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Biggest hotels in Las Vegas today

In major cities in the US, it’s quite rare for major hotels to be lined up next to each other. Perhaps it has something to do with city planning and reducing the amount of foot traffic in certain areas, or simply businesses that don’t want to go head to head with bigger establishments. However, this isn’t always the case. Las Vegas is known for having the largest hotels pinned next to each other or within close vicinity to each other. That is simply how it works there. The competition is tough, but the drive of tourism and the influx of people coming to see shows, the sights, and to gamble makes it easier for these hotels to function. Here are just some of the biggest hotels in Las Vegas. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

The MGM Grand is known throughout the world as a top tier venue for some of the greatest sporting events in history. It has been a favorite venue for boxers defending their titles against their fiercest rivals. But that’s just one aspect of what makes MGM grand. The hotel has over 5,000 rooms, as well as a 171,000-square-foot casino. Its pool is six-and-a-half acres big, and it also hosts the world’s largest nightclub, Hakkasan. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Venetian Resort Hotel Casino

One knows that a hotel is large if it has its own Venice in its backyard. But apart from that, its 5,030 rooms are nothing to scoff at. With each standard room measuring at 650 square feet, the rooms at the Venetian are some of the biggest ones in all of Las Vegas. It also boasts a world-class spa with over 90 treatment rooms, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, and other major facilities. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Wynn Las Vegas

This curved wonder can be seen from afar thanks to its unique look. Its towering height gives guests a great view of the city and the mountainside. Besides having establishments like casinos, performance venues, and other amenities, Wynn also has its own 18-hole golf course. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Luxor Las Vegas

Themed hotels aren’t new to Las Vegas, and Luxor is one of the most famous ones thanks to its predominant Egyptian theme. Its main structure is a 30-story pyramid-shaped after the Great Pyramid of Giza. At night, the pyramid’s tip shoots up a light that’s so bright that it can be seen from outer space. It trails MGM Grand and the Venetian in terms of room capacity with 4,406 basic rooms plus two more towers for guest rooms and amenities like its 120,000 square-foot casino space. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Excalibur Hotel and Casino

Another themed hotel, the Excalibur has been open since 1990 and has held its own along some of the biggest names in hotel history. Its room capacity is close to 4,000 and has the usual casino establishments within its complex. What makes Excalibur different is its focus on being a family-friendly hotel. It is also known for hosting the Tournament of Kings, which is an Arthurian-themed dinner that features knights in shining armor. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Longest-running shows in Las Vegas

While most of the hype of Las Vegas is predicated on the casinos and the night clubs, the city has since opened venues that have hosted some of the greatest shows in the world. This includes the likes of Cirque du Soleil, as well as contracting some of the best musicians in the world to perform multiple shows throughout the year. In fact, some shows were so successful that their runs have been extended while others became the show itself. Here are some of the longest-running shows in Las Vegas. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Legends in Concert

“Legends in Concert” first made its debut in 1983 and was expected to last for just six weeks. The premise was simple; to host different musical acts for guests to enjoy. And just last year, it celebrated its 35th anniversary. Throughout its run, it has featured countless incredible artists who perform tribute performances to the great entertainers in the business. The shows are also backed by its very own band, as well as backup dancers. Where else in the world can you see Elton John, Michael Jackson, and Shania Twain perform in one stage? Safe to say, Legends is a classic Vegas show and is one of the most iconic set pieces in the city. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Divas Las Vegas

One of the longest-running headliners in Las Vegas history, Frank Marino poses as Joan Rivers along with an all-star cast of female celebrity entertainers and celebrities in “Divas Las Vegas.” Not only do the ladies look the part, but they also sound incredibly similar to musicians such as Britney Spears, Diana Ross, Cher, and even Beyoncé. And while the show only lasts for 75 minutes, guests are treated to a performance they will never forget. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Tournament of Kings

It is only apt for Excalibur, an Arthurian-themed hotel, to host an event called “Tournament of Kings.” It has been showing since the hotel’s opening in 1990. The show offers guests a taste of medieval times as they eat thematic food while watching knights in shining armor best each other in amazing and real jousting matches. Compared to other shows, the Tournament of Kings can be considered as one of the most family-friendly shows in Las Vegas. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Crazy Girls

Dubbed as America’s longest-running burlesque show, “Crazy Girls” have cemented their name on the Las Vegas Strip. In this for adults only entertainment, the performers try to push the boundaries to the limit every night. From the most dazzling costumes to elaborate pole dance numbers, every bit of “Crazy Girls” leaves the audiences in awe. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

Mystère by Cirque du Soleil

While “Cirque du Soleil” is a widely shared theatrical phenomenon, it is rarely mentioned that it began in 1993 with its premier show “Mystère” at The Treasure Island. The company’s production has wowed the world, and its core show remains in Las Vegas for everyone to see. Today, it still holds the same production filled with bold colors, incredible acrobatics, trapeze artistry, and music tying everything together. Stacey L. Tokunaga.

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