For those who have never been, Las Vegas is perceived as a party city set in a desert. But a secret that surprises visitors is how lush and green the area is. Nevada's nickname is the "Sagebrush State," which is attributed to the copious amounts of green, feathery sagebrush carpeting the land. Over time, hardy sagebrush has adapted to the region's desert climate with little rainfall. This fact is just one of many surprises and secrets that Las Vegas has. Fortunately, there are many more.
The Word is Out
Every year, Las Vegas draws over 36 million visitors. They come for its entertainment, nightlife, gambling, and dining, which are some of the finest in the world. But while most congregate at the famous sites, like the Bellagio, the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign, the Strip, and the city's infamous casinos, a lucky few spend their time escaping the masses and exploring the city's secret sides. From secret menu cocktails to hidden restaurants, these are some of Sin City's lesser-known places.
The Downtown Container Park
If you told friends you were taking them sight-seeing at a container park, then you'd get funny looks. But those who go to the Downtown Container Park often say that it's a highlight of their trip. The park is an outdoor shopping center with restaurants, boutique stores, and quaint shops selling locally made goods. What makes it different from ordinary shopping centers, however, is the fact that all the stores and shops are housed in repurposed shipping containers. As for entertainment, there is an interactive playground for children to enjoy and a center stage with concerts, outdoor movies, and other events where adults can relax and have fun.
The Cromwell Hotel
From the outside, the Cromwell Hotel, located in The Strip, looks like the type of structure you'd expect to find in Vegas. Inside and out, it is over-the-top glamorous and home to some of the trendiest restaurants and hotel rooms in the city. But a lesser-known fact is that once you get to your room (and the hotel has personal escorts to assist lost travelers, which happens a lot), you'll find two-way mirrors and complimentary champagne. The manager's special happy hour offers drinks and coffee for free.
The Verbena
It sounds like a scene from Harry Potter, but there are special instructions, and a special location, to get the Verbena. The Verbena is a secret cocktail that is available at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas. You won't find the drink on the menu. Nevertheless, it's one of the most popular beverages in the city. Like the verbena flower, which is also popular in the city, the drink is colorful, lively, and complex. Those who know about it say it's the only drink they order! When you ask for the drink, you'll be instructed to Level 1.5 of the Chandelier Bar. There, you'll find many more flower-themed drinks, too.
E Jaleo
Another secret at the Cosmopolitan is E Jaleo. You'll find no mention of it anywhere online. Nor is there a name on the door. Seating is limited, very limited, in fact, with just eight seats available. Tapas are highlights of this restaurant, which also serves pizza and creative cocktails. The carefully selected wines are also worth visiting for.
Rules, Rules, Rules
Las Vegas is a place where anything goes. If you do encounter rules, they're unusual compared to the norm. In Sin City, gambling opens the door for opportunity. If you are gambling, you'll get free drinks. If you want to go swimming, even at a hotel pool when you're not a guest, you can do so if the property allows gambling.
Sin City's Secrets to Success
Learning the lesser-known facts about a place is fun. But if you learn something that benefits you, even better. As a homeowner, you might be wondering why your yard is predictably dull and dry come late summer and fall. No matter how much time you spend mowing, fertilizing, and watering your grass, it just doesn't seem to grow. If this sounds familiar, the answer might lie in the grass itself. The secret to success, if you want a lush, healthy lawn with minimal maintenance, is to plant with native grasses.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common grasses throughout the state. It is popular for its adaptability to the local climate, including its capacity to endure long, hot summers and even survive through cooler winter nights. This grass is a cool season grass, which means that it also stays green and vibrant later in the year, long after many other kinds of grass have withered and faded. A neat fact about this grass is that it has its own internal sensor to stay alive. Kentucky bluegrass can go dormant during times of extreme temperatures to live.
Ryegrass
Ryegrass is a dark green grass with a medium texture. Since it is versatile and attractive, it's a popular choice for many settings, including residential lawns and commercial properties. Another reason that makes ryegrass popular is its ability to grow quickly. This same trait means that if you choose to seed your lawn with it, be aware that it does best on its own or in combination with select grasses, including fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass.
Fine Fescue
If your lawn gets at least partial shade, fine fescue is a good option. This grass is native to the Pacific Northwest. Therefore, it tolerates shade and rainfall better than some other common Nevada grasses. If you don't like to mow the lawn often, this grass is a top choice. It is one of the lowest maintenance of all grasses, and it requires minimal mowing and watering. Additionally, it grows well in dry, sandy soils, which makes it ideal for many settings.
Las Vegas is known for its famous attractions. But it's also a city with some beautiful, lesser-known secrets. Whether you're looking for the secret to success in your own yard or you want to explore a hidden spot in the city, these ideas will help you out.
