More to Nevada than Vegas

In the past 3 years I have been to Vegas 3 times. This last time would definitely be considered the most unconventional. And I could tell by the look on people’s faces when they asked where I was going + why.

“I’m going to Vegas for a baby shower.”

If we’re being completely technical, I spent the weekend in Henderson, Nevada– about 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. When you think about the area you automatically assume gambling, drinking, and an intoxicatingly good time. Although I was there for a baby shower, I still got to do all of those things. But in a way that was different from each of the previous times I have been to Vegas.

With cities that attract tourists, locals always know where to find the best deals and the best places to have fun. We decided to go to a resort casino because you have a higher chance at payout. Needless to say I still lost money. But that’s what happens when you play Blackjack like it wasn’t only your second time playing. But I still had fun. And it was nice to see the buildings were still honoring the victims who were lost during the shooting a few months ago.

One of my favorite parts about any trip is food! I love to eat and I love to try new food items. Although I am not a big fan of fast food, I was dying to try In-N-Out. Everyone on the West Coast talks about how good it is. And both of the previous times I was in Vegas I didn’t get to try it. So this was it. I had to try it this time. And man was I disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the burger was good and I would definitely eat it again. It just didn’t live up to the hype. Maybe it was because I didn’t have a milkshake? Or they were having a bad day? Who knows. But the fries were like crumbs and the burger could be seasoned a little better. Either way I still inhaled the burger like I hadn’t eaten all day.

The weather this time of year is also a big change for me. The last 2 times I went to Vegas it was summer and extremely hot. In the first week of December, I found myself wearing a jacket and Uggs during the trip. The day time is warmer but it was pretty windy (I almost lost a nail when the car door flew open). Being away from the city gives you the chance to star gaze at night. And as I was leaving the moon was still in the sky as the sun came up.

The one last thing I wanted to do before I left was visit a dispensary because I believe in the benefits of medical marijuana. Since dispensaries are opening in Maryland, I wanted to get a feel for want they look like. The difference with Nevada is recreational marijuana is legal. Anyone over the age of 18 is free to purchase from dispensaries and use it in private without a medical card. I will not lie, it was very overwhelming for me. There is so much to learn and understand about each product and the effects to the body. I definitely wasn’t expecting the set up either. The wall with “flower” is separated into 3 sections: value, premium, and superior. They also offer edibles like gummies, cookies, and honey. The staff was very helpful in educating me about what they do and how it works if I was interested in purchasing.

Although this trip was a little different, I still enjoyed it! The baby shower. The sightseeing. The food. There is nothing like visiting family and friends who help you feel at home. If you ever want to visit Vegas but want a chill trip, consider staying in a bordering city. Sometimes making a trip not so average can open your eyes to so much more about the area. I’m glad I got to see more than Vegas this time around.