By Diane Crosby

If it has been even a little while since you attended trade shows in Las Vegas, you will likely be amazed by many of the changes afoot in the city. There is little in Las Vegas that can be called a sure bet. The most certain thing about Las Vegas is that nothing ever stays the same. That is true anywhere, but the changes in Vegas seem to come at warp speed and in grandiose fashion. 

 

With trade shows in January, we will soon be en route to Vegas. Because many of you may be headed that way, too, here is an update on some significant changes. As in life, little stays the same in the city. Some changes may have a significant impact on your trip, beginning with buffets. I do love to eat in Vegas, and our favorites were usually many of the excellent, inexpensive buffets to be found all around the city, especially in casino properties trying to lure in customers. Due to COVID, most of those have gone the way of the dinosaur, never to be heard from again. Several have opened, reborn as higher-end spots. An example would be Excalibur. While the food quality has greatly improved and is now quite tasty, the price has multiplied as well.

 

Because the food scene has changed, we have done trials and errors to determine where the best and most reasonable places to eat are located. Ellis Island still has great deals in its restaurants. Local fare at the various Blueberry Hill locations will be appreciated prior to a day walking the trade show floors. If you have a car and can get around, you may find many wonderful spots down lesser traveled streets. Also, you can stop at a Smith’s or Albertsons for snacks and soda.

 

After our first trip to Vegas some many years ago, we started renting a vehicle. Although pricey, it allowed us the freedom to go wherever we desired, whether for recreational hiking, a meal at a local restaurant or moving around from hotel to hotel to get the best rates. Driving is not so bad if you avoid the strip during busy hours. In years past, most parking was free. That has certainly changed over time. Most strip and downtown properties charge now if you are not staying there, and it is not cheap. One of the long-time bastions of free parking was the Venetian/Palazzo property. Sadly, those, too, have begun charging, which will certainly affect anyone going to the Sands Convention Center. Also, the long-free Stratosphere now has paid parking.

 

If you have been to Vegas in the past five years, you may have noticed a large globe-like structure going up behind the Venetian. Well, it is finally open. Last Fourth of July, the outer LED display of Sphere began showing off with such video entertainment as fireworks, Earth rotation, bouncing basketballs, abstract art and a huge blinking eyeball. The inner venue hosted its inaugural concert series featuring U2 this past fall. Coming events include sports, films and more music. If you are planning to stay near Sphere, be aware that it does light up on the outside in the evenings. 

 

Several new DJ locations have been added to Freemont Street, which means competing music with heavy beats going on all day. If you love staying downtown and don’t want to be highly exposed to the bass rhythm, ask for rooms away from Freemont. Other changes to the downtown include Food Halls where buffets used to be. There is a new Pink Box Doughnuts in front of the Plaza. Also, if you haven’t peeked inside the Circa, you are missing a treat. The sports book, inside neon Vegas Vickie, and giant pool area take the downtown to a new level, literally.

 

The Formula One Grand Prix held in Las Vegas in November was a huge disruption for anyone trying to drive around Vegas. While it shouldn’t influence January or August ANME meetings, the event has required occasional road closures for construction, deconstruction, etc. The counterclockwise 3.8-mile track utilized 1.2 miles of Las Vegas Boulevard, turning on Harmon (the start point), left on Koval, then left on Sands near the globe and left on the strip. Along the way, the track departs from these streets in small bits, but that is the gist of it. Grandstands and pits have been built, and you will notice many other changes along these roadways. Plans are to continue utilizing the venue through 2032.

 

As everywhere you may go these days, much of the housekeeping we used to rely upon in hotels is gone. Occasionally, we will be surprised by a housekeeping visit while we are away at a trade show. Most of the time, we come back to a room just as we left it. You can try calling to request services, but that has not always worked for us. The best thing to do is leave your wet towels, bagged trash, and a note requesting toiletries outside your motel room door.

 

If you are planning to escape the hubbub of the strip for something more natural, you may consider a hiking trip at Red Rock Canyon. It is not too far from Vegas proper, but something has changed. From October through May each year, the park requires timed reservations. The Red Rock website has links to follow. If you would rather not be tied to a particular time, you can always drive out to the Valley of Fire. So far, reservations for day use are not necessary.

 

A welcomed change to Vegas entertainment includes the many interactive attractions around town. Most prominent is Area 15 on Rancho Drive, which houses Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, the themed cinematic immersive Illuminarium, and various simulations. The new Museum of Illusions near the Cosmopolitan has recently opened and is right on the strip. It is smart to make reservations for these interactive exhibits as well as for any restaurants and shows you want to visit!

 

Diane and Wiley Crosby own Red Dog Outfitters in Forsyth, Georgia. They go to Vegas twice a year and try to keep tabs on how things change!