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Author Archives: Sarah Vernetti

Free and Fun in Las Vegas: Flamingo Habitat

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Flamingo

The Flamingo Habitat hadn’t been high on my list of priorities compared to other attractions on the Strip. However, on a smoldering Saturday afternoon, we decided to give this free and kid-friendly attraction a try.

Flamingo Habitat

The garden area is located near the pool, which means that it isn’t exactly tranquil. But there were several interesting things to see: an employee had several colorful birds that we could feed. A meandering stream held ducks, fish, and a few turtles. And of course, there were several flamingos, which have to be among the weirdest looking birds on the planet with their odd habit of standing on one spindly leg.

Should you drop what you’re doing and run out to the Flamingo Habitat today? Probably not. However, it’s worth a visit if you happen to be at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino or if your kid is particularly fond of birds. Plus, it would pair well with the other two animal-themed attractions on the Strip: the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and the Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage.

Flamingo Habitat

More birds await indoors

Flamingo HabitatFlamingo Habitat

The Flamingo Hotel and Casino is located at:
3555 Las Vegas Blvd. South

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Time to “Focus on Nevada”

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Focus on Nevada at Alios Gallery

Take a look at this month’s issue of Desert Companion, and you’ll see the winners and finalists of the Focus on Nevada photo contest. The photos represent diverse views of Nevada, from the Strip to rural areas like Rhyolite and Echo Canyon. If there is one common theme among the photographs, it is that Nevada really is beautiful.

You can use this link to view the photos or you can pick up the June 2013 issue of Desert Companion when you’re out and about in Southern Nevada.

Two of my photos were chosen as honorable mentions in the smartphone category. (You can find them on page 67 of the digital version, but you really should take the time to peruse the professional and semi-professional categories first.) It was pretty cool seeing my photos in the magazine and on the gallery wall at Alios Gallery for the Focus on Nevada event. I’ve been inspired to re-install the Instagram app on my iPhone.

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Don’t Forget the Nevada State Museum

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Nevada State Museum, Las Vegas

We’ve been to Springs Preserve several times. Our routine is the same every time: head to the playground first, then take a stroll through the gardens, and once we can’t stand another minute in the blazing sun, we head into the Origen Museum to cool off, and then outdoors again to visit the desert animals exhibit before heading home.

However, before our last visit, I decided that we would start someplace else: the next-door Nevada State Museum.

Tickets to the museum are included in the general admission price for Springs Preserve. If my own experience is any indication, the museum is, unfortunately, an afterthought for most visitors to Springs Preserve. This is a shame because it really is a fascinating museum, and it managed to keep my six-year-old daughter and her two friends entertained for almost two hours.

As you enter the exhibit hall, the first thing you will notice is the gigantic woolly mammoth. Although this display is made of fiberglass and plaster, it’s an impressive demonstration of the size of these prehistoric animals. Visitors will also find all kinds of taxidermied and preserved desert animals, from pumas to bats to butterflies.

But the Nevada State Museum isn’t all about the animal kingdom. The museum also takes visitors on a journey through Nevada history, from the early pioneer days to modern life on the Las Vegas Strip. A glittering display of showgirl costumes is arranged on the back wall, a strange juxtaposition to the desert creatures who roamed closer to the museum’s entrance.

While the museum’s collection seems a bit disjointed in terms of continuity, it does an excellent job of engaging both children and adults. This is not a “children’s museum,” yet the displays are designed in a way that makes them accessible to kids.

Another plus is the friendly staff at the museum. Rather than lecturing us on behaving in the gallery, a staff member at the front desk greeted us with a smile. My daughter is well-versed in museum etiquette, so I’m always taken off guard when museum employees seem horrified at the prospect of my daughter wandering through their collection. However, we felt welcome at the Nevada State Museum, which helps put everyone at ease.

A visit to the Nevada State Museum is a great option for the almost-unbearable Vegas summers. And if you think you can handle the heat, perhaps stop by Springs Preserve after you’ve explored the museum.

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Budget-Friendly Ideas for a Weekend Getaway

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Budget-friendly ideas for a weekend getaway

Planning a weekend getaway with the family this summer? Keep costs down by choosing budget-friendly activities like these:

1. Parks: national, state, and local parks are all great budget-friendly options for families. No matter where you travel, there is likely to be a park or two nearby. Remember that members of the U.S. military are eligible to receive a free National Parks annual pass. We’ve used ours several times in the last year and are ready to renew it for another twelve months of adventures.

2. Ghost towns: not only are they fun to visit, ghost towns are also a great way to get kids interested in history. Each ghost town has a story, and learning about their rise and fall can help kids learn about about local lore. Also, ghost towns are perfect for photographers, both young and old. (Check out photos from our trip to the ghost town of Rhyolite.)

3. Small museums: large, comprehensive museums are a fantastic educational resource for families. However, smaller museums shouldn’t be overlooked and are often reasonably priced compared to their larger counterparts. Two small museums in Nevada that we enjoy are the Lost City Museum in Overton and the Clark County Museum in Henderson.

4. Scenic drives: besides paying for gas and snacks, a scenic drive can be an inexpensive way to explore. Check out this scenic byways guide from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation to find scenic drives in your neck of the woods.

5. Military and local discounts: Even if special military rates aren’t posted, it is always a good idea to ask about military discounts before buying tickets or booking a hotel room. We’ve found that military rates aren’t always advertised. Also, many attractions offer discounts for locals, especially in tourist destinations like Las Vegas.

Please have a safe weekend wherever your travels take you.

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Photo Friday: a bridge

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

The Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge overlooks Hoover Dam and crosses the state line between Arizona and Nevada. The bridge honors two men: Mike O’Callaghan, who served as Governor of Nevada from 1971-1979, and Pat Tillman, an NFL player who joined the Army and was killed in Afghanistan in 2004.

View of Memorial Bridge from Hoover Dam.

The Mike O’Callaghan – Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

Hoover Dam as seen from the Mike O'Callaghan - Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge

The bridge provides a stunning view of Hoover Dam

These photos don’t do the bridge justice. Looking at it from Hoover Dam, the bridge soars to an impressive height of 880 feet above the river and 280 feet above the dam. It is beautiful in form, function, and significance.

No matter what your plans are this Memorial Day weekend, I hope you will take a few moments to think about those who have served our country.

To see photos from other travel bloggers, stop by Photo Friday.

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Photo Friday: pretty yellow flowers at the Henderson Bird Preserve

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. Henderson, Nevada

I’m sure that there are people out there who absolutely love the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve. They probably wake up early, arriving at the park before the desert heat sets in. Armed with their field guides and binoculars, they are able to see and identify a vast array of feathered wonders.

However, we did not have such a successful trip to the preserve.

We went in the heat of the afternoon, despite the fact that the preserve opens quite early. That was our first mistake. We hadn’t walked far before our daughter started complaining about being hot and tired. And to be quite honest, we don’t know much about birds. But hey, we wanted to give it a try and explore someplace new. It might not have been our most exciting outing in Las Vegas, but I’m glad we went even for a short time.

My favorite part of the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve was the collection of beautiful trees draped in yellow flowers that met us at the entrance.

To see photos from other travelers, stop by the family travel blog Delicious Baby and check out Photo Friday.

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Travel and fear

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Open Road, West Texas

Our summer travel plans are starting to come together. We’ll be going to not one but two islands we’ve never visited before, and we’ll be making a return trip to one of our favorite cities on the planet.

These destinations are firmly planted on the “beaten path.” They will be incredible, but we aren’t exactly exploring new territory. Don’t get me wrong: I’m so thankful that I’ll have the chance to spend time with my husband and daughter, and I think we’ll have a wonderful time. However, there’s something about heading off into the middle of nowhere, leaving the well-trodden trail, that is particularly rewarding. And it’s something I’m hoping to do again soon.

A couple of years ago, my daughter and I went with another mother/daughter pair into the vast West Texas wilderness. It was certainly an adventure as we dodged tumbleweeds and wondered when we’d see a gas station and convinced ourselves we may or may not be abducted by aliens. The middle of nowhere, unfamiliar surroundings, no cell phone service…my daughter and I were out of our comfort zone, and it was one of the more memorable trips we’ve taken.

So, as summer approaches and I try to make plans to fill my daughter’s school-free time, I find myself daydreaming about girls-only adventures with my daughter in the rural expanses of Nevada, Utah, eastern California, and northern Arizona.

There are so many places I’d love to explore: Cathedral Gorge State Park near Pioche, Nevada. Snow Canyon State Park near St. George, Utah. The ghost town of Chloride in Arizona. The historic, possibly-haunted Mitzpah Hotel in Tonopah, Nevada (about halfway between Vegas and Lake Tahoe). I could go on. These are the kinds of places that I love. I like the fact that these are not “typical” tourist destinations. And I love the thought of driving down an open road, without another car in sight.

But something makes me hesitant to embark on these adventures alone with my daughter: fear.

I can’t help but imagine everything that could go wrong. These trips don’t involve hopping on a plane and heading to some help-is-always-nearby, highly-populated area. Most of these destinations mean driving through areas with little or no cell phone service and hikes in lesser-known parks. For some reason, that makes me nervous.

And then there is the fear of the unknown. It is always easier to visit a place you’ve been before, to know what is coming around the next bend in the road. However, it’s the trips to the places we haven’t been before that become the most memorable.

Nothing good in life is without risk. I’m trying to remember that as I plan a girls-only trip for me and my daughter. I will be smart and well-prepared, and I will trust that everything will turn out just fine. After all, The Hills Have Eyes is just a movie, right?

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Exploring St. Louis with kids

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Gateway Arch, St. Louis

St. Louis might be one of the most underrated family destinations in the U.S. With world-class museums, professional sports for every season, and a stunning monument to 20th-century design and engineering, St. Louis offers families a host of affordable entertainment options.

Where to Begin: the Gateway Arch

Perhaps the best place to start a St. Louis adventure is the famous Gateway Arch. At 630 feet, this monument’s grace ascent gives the city a skyline like no other. Visitors can experience the Museum of Westward Expansion before climbing into a pod-shaped elevator and making the journey to the top of the Arch. There, visitors can look out the small windows and see the city to the west and the Mississippi River and Illinois to the east.

Educational Adventures

No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the zoo. The Saint Louis Zoo features over 19,000 animals, a zoo train, and a lively sea lion show. Surprisingly, admission to the zoo is free. Visit soon to see the zoo’s newest resident, a baby Asian elephant that was born in April 2013.

Another free option in Forest Park is the Saint Louis Art Museum. From ancient Egyptian artifacts to paintings by modern masters like Paul Cezanne, Georges Braque, and Andy Warhol, the museum’s comprehensive collection can help inspire young artists and their parents.

For families who prefer science to Cezanne, the Saint Louis Science Center is a fun and educational option. Cross the pedestrian walkway and watch the cars zip by on the highway below, or watch a movie on the five-story screen at the OMNIMAX theater.

In addition to its impressive museums, St. Louis also boasts a well-deserved reputation as a sports town. During warm summer nights, families can take in a Cardinals baseball game at the 2006-reincarnation of Busch Stadium.

Relax and Refuel

Once you’ve experienced the art, culture, wildlife, and sports of St. Louis, you’ll need to recharge with something scrumptious. Fans of Italian food should visit “the Hill,” a predominately Italian-American neighborhood known for its wide array of old-school Italian restaurants. Local favorites include Cunetto’s House of Pasta and Charlie Gitto’s.

After dinner, consider a stop at the St. Louis staple Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Known for their so-thick-you-can-turn-the-cup-upside-down “concretes,” this ice cream shop is a must-visit for kids (and their parents) who have a sweet tooth.

St. Louis is a fantastic budget-friendly summer destination for families. We have visited many, many times, and we always find new things to try.

Helpful Planning Resources:

Gateway Arch: gatewayarch.com
Saint Louis Zoo: stlzoo.org
Saint Louis Art Museum: slam.org
Saint Louis Science Center: slsc.org
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard: teddrewes.com

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Helicoptering Over Southern Nevada

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Seven days ago, we lifted off on our first helicopter ride. I’m still having trouble describing the experience, except to say that it was insanely beautiful and nerve-wracking. It was nothing like riding in an airplane. It felt like we were so small and vulnerable up there in the little four-seat helicopter.

helicopter ride near Red Rock

there's the Strip!

over Hoover Dam

Our shadow

just to prove I was there...

Flying in a helicopter is one of my bucket list goals. I was surprised to look back at a post from January 2012 and see that I can cross off several items from my “before I turn 35″ list: I’ve traveled to British Columbia, published travel stories at places other than this blog, and have done a pretty good job of pursuing my 50-states goal.

Maybe this means it’s time to start formulating my post-35 bucket list…

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Vegas Day Trip: Lost City Museum in Overton

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Sarah Vernetti

Lost City Museum. Overton, NV

Last week was a mess at our house. Sleepless nights with a sick kid meant that by the time the weekend rolled around, I was determined to sit at home and do absolutely nothing.

As it turned out, we got bored with doing nothing pretty quickly. By Saturday afternoon I was getting antsy, and by that evening I had decided we’d be going on a short road trip the next day.

The Lost City Museum is located in Overton, Nevada, not too far from Valley of Fire. Normally my daughter wouldn’t be too excited about a small museum, but when I explained that the museum focused on the Anasazi, the same people who had made the petroglyphs at Valley of Fire long ago, she perked up. Valley of Fire is one of E.’s favorite places to visit, so the connection was enough to make her curious.

Reconstructed pueblos. Lost City Museum. Overton, NV

Although the museum focuses on the Anasazi people who used to live in the area (and in parts of Utah and northern Arizona), it also highlights the excavation process that took place on the site. Outside, visitors will find reconstructions of pueblos and a pithouse, one of the earliest types of structures that has been found in Southern Nevada.

All of this made for a good, educational outing. But the highlight of the visit for me was…

mummified giant sloth poop.

Yes, for some reason the Lost City Museum features a piece of mummified poop in its display of prehistoric fossils. Apparently giant sloths roamed the area around 11,000 years ago.

(And if you’re thinking, “Gee, hasn’t Sarah mentioned giant sloths before?” the answer is yes, yes I have.)

I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I have a photo of the giant sloth poop. However, I’m not going to post it here. Oh, no. You just have to go to Overton and see it for yourself.

The Lost City Museum is located at:
721 S. Moapa Valley Blvd.
Overton, NV

NV road trip

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