But I am really glad that prostitution is illegal in Clark County. I should have stopped and told that girl a few blocks off Fremont Street, who was standing outside in a 3 inch long skirt in a 30 degrees/30 mph wind afternoon. I’m sure that she would have been shocked! SHOCKED!! that prostitution was going on in violation of the law.

I’m also glad that nude dancing is illegal. That huge billboard of the girl in the G-string had me worried, but I guess she’s wearing a body stocking. (But it was a back view, so maybe her breasts were bare.) Or, maybe the law makes a distinction between buck naked and mostly uncovered. Those fine distinctions are what we lawyers thrive on.

If you think that people making wrong choices is the “ultimate expression of free agency,” then I really am worried for you.

>>>That a large number of Mormons (including my son) have chosen for the time being to live in Las Vegas does not mean that it isn’t a rathole.

In your opinion. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

>>>And it’s not just the Strip and the hookers and the nude dancers (if they’re showgirls, though, it’s art, isn’t it?).

Hookers: Prostitution is illegal in Clark County. (NRS 244.345 permits brothels in counties of fewer than 400,000 people).

Nude Dancers: There is a curious county ordinance that says the clubs may serve alcohol OR have nude dancers, but not both. So there are technically no nude dancers in Las Vegas (except at places that charge $10 for a glass of fruit punch). The City of North Las Vegas (a separate political jurisdiction) has no such ordinance in force.

As to showgirls being “art” I will simply defer to the ruling of Miller v. California and allow the community to define its own standards.

>>>It’s the environment–from the natural to the man-made.

I agree there is some incredibly tacky architecture. There is also much architecture that is very inspiring, innovative and beautiful. As to the desert – well, I have lived and/or worked in Palm Springs since 1994 and this boy from New England has grown to love the unique beauty the desert holds.

Las Vegas is the ultimate expression of free agency. I will close with these words from Las Vegas resident Drew Carey – words with which I agree 1000%:

“Vegas is everything that’s right with America. You can do whatever you want, 24 hours a day. They’ve effectively legalized everything there. You don’t have to gamble if you don’t want to. There’s tons of churches in Vegas, too: You’ll see a church right next to a casino. But a lot of people like gambling, so they make money off it. Nobody forces you to put money in a machine and pull the handle. But the fact is they allow it. Nevada’s one of the most conservative states in the Union, but you can do what you want in Vegas and nobody judges you.”

If my son and his family and the other Mormons left, though, I’d recommend they do one more above-ground N-test, and blow the place off the map.

That a large number of Mormons (including my son) have chosen for the time being to live in Las Vegas does not mean that it isn’t a rathole. And it’s not just the Strip and the hookers and the nude dancers (if they’re showgirls, though, it’s art, isn’t it?). It’s the environment–from the natural to the man-made.

Hoover dam is pretty neat too.

Go to the Desert Demonstration Gardens for the Water District.

Ethel M is good – but they have restricted the candy making hours – if this is a must for you – call first. They do give free samples
do M&M world/coke world (at coke try the sampler)

Take a drive down to Primm and ride the roller coasters and shop the outlets

Go see a show – Right now Blue man Grouop and Mystere (Cirque du Soleil) are 1/2 price for locals – so hit someone up for an address. If you were coming in march I would recommend spam a lot at the wynn.

Generally – STAY OFF las vegas blvd. It is crowded – boozy, and porn slappers abound (which the casino crowd would love, and has tried, to get rid of!).

Eat! Eat! Eat! Where else will you find Michelin 3 star restaurants! It can be expensive, but totally worth it. Spago is great, and since not new easy to get into. Bouchon, etc. Or go off the strip for some great deals. Table 34 (on warm springs just south of the airport), Rosemary’s (on charleston on the way to redrock(. or for authentic ITALIAN pizza, try Settebello (started by former usc quartback and italian missionary). Wonderful!

Also you can go to the fremont stret experience, it is downtown and covered lights.

Definitely check out the lobby and conservatory of the Bellagio. Last fall they had an amzing train display, with cities, villages, towers and bridges, all made out of natural materials!

If you are into it – go golfing! Great courses abound.

Take a drive out to lake las vegas (215 or 95 to lake mead drive – out towards henderson).

Check out the china town area (spring mtn and decauter). Joy fortune is great, as is noodle palace. Chinsese, Korean, Mongolian, vietnamese etc, all in a strech area along spring mountain and down decatuer.

Also many of the casinos offer slot clubs which will give a free play bonus for signing up. The wynn just had a $25 promotion, where they gave you $25 in free play. The slot clubs also have coupons for the buffets, shows etc.