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Boulder Strip

Las Vegas, NV

Truth be told, I actually didn’t discover Boulder Highway until moving to Las Vegas. Emerging shortly after the crossroads of Fremont and Charleston Blvd. near the hustle of the Downtown district, the Boulder Highway crawls southeast to Old Vegas Trail where it dead ends among western themed street names such as: Shootout Place, Pistol Perry Pkwy and Vegas Vic Street.

There is a certain Americana charm to be found along Boulder Highway, often referred to as Boulder Strip frequented mostly by RV travelers and locals since the late 1970′s with the opening of Sam’s Town. Of the many casinos lining Boulder Highway, I have grown to love 2 in particular. We are starting our tour with a dive bar on the list for those of you that need an early morning hair of the dog or a nightcap with some local bands. Check out my list below and keep your eyes peeled for classics like this I Dream of Jeannie penny slot machine at Sam’s Town.

Starboard Tack

The interior in this bar reminds me of a friend’s basement where we all used to hangout and get drunk on her dad’s liquor cabinet during Freshman year of high school. In other words, this bar has the comforts of a living-room complete with wood paneling, a brick fireplace and someones dad’s ship in a bottle collection. Open 24-hours, this bar serves up tiki-esque cocktails like Grogs and Chi Chi’s paired with a tropical food menu complete with a few vegan options served in the surrounding booths highlighted by funky undersea stained glass murals.

Once upon a time, Starboard Tack operated as a supper club and go-to for the likes of Sinatra and other Vegas headliners as one of Vegas’ original late-night spots in the 1970′s. Starboard Tack on Atlantic off of Sahara Avenue has changed names over the decades, but has always stayed true to the nautical aesthetic.

Locals Tip: There’s usually a free show on the weekends, go for a glimpse of the local band scene.

Boulder Station

The hotel itself opened in the 90′s and was recently updated, but Boulder Station has kept with its Victorian era train station theme, complete with stained glass throughout the casino. Mosey on down to the Railhead concert venue and check out the guitars on display from country mega-stars including one owned by the late Merle Haggard.

The movie theater in this casino is never crowded and offers beer and wine to adults 21+ at the concessions stand.

Locals Tip: Movie tickets are $6.80 all-day on Tuesdays!

Sam’s Town Hotel and Gambling Hall

Sam’s Town opened in 1979 and this casino has it all. Kooky animatronic wildlife set within a nature “park”, check! Free laser light show on a waterfall, check! Bowling alley and movie theater, double-check! You get the point... this is my favorite Boulder Highway casino.

Follow the signs to Mystic Falls and you will find a large atrium in the center of the 10 stories-high hotel tower. You can walk along the short paths and bridges that connect the park complete with animatronic beavers, eagles, bears, a waterfall and more. Take a seat at the Ram’s Head bar in the center for the show, there are always great drink specials.

Locals Tip: The free light show in the 25,000 square-foot indoor park occurs every 2 hours starting at 2pm until 10pm daily.

Neon Soul

#las #Eva's #Las Vegas #vegas #boulder highway #highway #kiefermfjones #neon #neon soul

My first feature story ran in the Las Vegas Weekly documenting Boulder Highway with intro text written by Kristen Peterson. See the images here or pick up a copy on stands now until Feb. 26, 2015.

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It seems we have a talented artist on the loose along Boulder Highway in Las Vegas.

Spotted these electrical boxes that had been arted up, they really look better than the generic drab grey that you see on all the other electric boxes on the sides of the roads.

Graffiti or art, what do you think? Pretty sure the county isn't going to let these stay for long (because, you know, it's "vandalism" right?) but I'm going to keep an eye out for more of these. Hoping whoever the artist is does more, as they are a nice bit of scenery along Boulder Highway.