Millions of folks head to Las Vegas, Nevada each year for vacation - and a good number of them are going for one thing - to gamble. But gambling is not for everyone - and if you don't have the gambling itch, you may wonder if this major U.S. tourist draw has anything else to offer. The short answer is yes. There is much more to a Las Vegas vacation than dropping a few hundred dollars in the slot machine or at the roulette table. In fact, Las Vegas is often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World - and much of that entertainment has to do with activities other than gambling. You'll be glad to know that the stakes are much lower when you're not heading to the casinos.
A major attraction for many tourists on a Vegas trip are the shows, such as the Cirque du Soleil (Circus of the Sun), which is performed in varying versions that run at (you guessed it) casinos across the city, many of which have been running for quite a number of years. Other shows are always packed, too, and many of the most popular entertainers in the world "play" Vegas at one point or another. You may have heard about Celine Dionne's fantastic four-year stint at Caesar's Palace in Vegas, or Elton John's many performances as a regular fixture on the Las Vegas show circuit. You will also find a plethora of Broadway style musicals like The Producers, which is a top-grossing venue for Vegas.
Amid the bright lights and big names of Vegas, you will also find world class shopping - and shopping is a center point for many Vegas trips. And while you'll find tons of high end shops and specialty boutiques on the Vegas strip, you'll also find outlets galore, such as those found under the roof of the Las Vegas Premium Outlet - a conglomeration of over one hundred outlet stores, or the Fashion Outlets Las Vegas - a great place to find the big name brands that litter the chicest Vegas boutiques - but at bargain bin prices.
Non-gamblers on Vegas trips also appreciate the world's finest cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Wolfgang Puck, Bobby Flay and more. Many top executive chefs make their homes in Vegas casinos, or operate their own dining establishments separate from the hustle and bustle of the Strip. There are five-star eateries sprinkled about Las Vegas - so many that naming just a few as the best would be somewhat difficult.
Sports fans often come to Las Vegas on vacation for the legendary boxing matches that are held there frequently. Although the biggest fights are held in the casinos, you can also chance to meet some of the world's most famous (or should it be infamous) boxing personalities on the street - or the many celebrities who venture in from California and elsewhere to see them fight. Vegas is also home to wrestling events, speed racing and kick boxing matches, and it is not uncommon to find a basketball game or two being played by the Harlem Globetrotters.
Those who once were shocked to consider bringing their families to "Sin City" for a vacation are now reconsidering their thoughts. There are an increasing number of venues that are family-oriented that provide hours of unparalleled entertainment for even the youngest members of your group. The Mirage's White Tiger Habitat, the Mandalay Bay Shark Reef, the Las Vegas Zoo, and Circus, Circus are great places to spend an afternoon or two making memories that will last a lifetime.
So as you can see, even if you are not lured by the bright lights and fantastic mystery of Las Vegas casinos and gambling, the non-gambler has a big menu to choose from when it comes to events and activities on a Las Vegas vacation.
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