Las Vegsa - Vegas City of Dreams

Las Vegas, City of Dreams made real. Once upon a time there was gambling and top-notch musical entertainment. Now there's that and a whole lot more. Now you can visit Vegas and never want to leave. Many have. Las Vegas was one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. for over a decade.

Visit one of the Cirque du Soleil performances – Mystere, KA or O – and see some of the finest acrobats in the world. Then be amazed when the show turns out to be so much more than just a circus act. True theater, with music and grand staging to match, these one-of-a-kind extravaganza are sure to delight anyone.

Enjoy zoos? Come to see some interesting twists on an old idea at one of the many Las Vegas venues. There's the White Tiger Habitat at the Mirage. These impressive animals are much more visible than in your average zoo, comfortably housed behind glass walls that make seeing them a unique experience.

Prefer aquariums? Check out the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat, also at the Mirage. You can enjoy a drink at the bar while the dolphins swim nearby, and occasionally leap to celebrate your good fortune. Or, check out the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay. Housed in a million gallon tank, you'll find a dozen species to delight you.

Shopping is now in style in Las Vegas. Everything from exquisite jewelry at Harry Winston's to home decor at Versace, the famed clothing designer. Don't miss out on a half-mile gondola ride at The Venetian, then step out and whip out the plastic. Or, come visit the tri-level Forum Shops at Caesars Palace. You'll be treated like a queen at any of the over 100 shops.

Try a more rough and ready trek at nearby Red Rock Canyon. This desert park is home to Red-Tailed hawks and 8,000 foot peaks. The red sandstone cliffs feature unbeatable views, 30-foot waterfalls and hiking trails to challenge even the most experienced.

Want to see something unusual, educational and awe-inspiring but stay in town? Try The Atomic Testing Museum at the Frank H. Rogers Science and Technology complex. The nearly 50-year history of nuclear weapons testing at nearby Nevada sites is recorded and explained here. With interactive displays, films in the concrete bunker and the most unusual gift shop anywhere visitors will be glad, they split the atom.

Visit Fremont Street and see the $70 million dollar 1,400-foot canopy covering an area housing dozens of casinos. With continual projections of video and amazing sound, you'll come away dazzled. Offering more neon lights than anywhere outside Hong Kong, it's a must-see.

Then, if you're not totally knocked off your feet yet, try one of the scream-inducing rides at the Stratosphere. At a thousand feet, no one can hear you anyway but the terrified rider beside you. Then feel some real fear by doing the traditional activity at Las Vegas - gambling.