Downtown Vegas is filled with cool things. This is another example of the neat statues and objects…read moreto look at. This is a scene of a popular Rick and morty episode. It is in the center of downtown Vegas

If you're wandering around downtown Vegas, you can't miss the Snowball cat statue. It's this giant,…read morefluffy orange tabby with a huge smile that just screams good vibes. Standing there with his happy little face (I am guessing it's a boy cat, but who knows?), it's a total mood lifter amid the city's neon chaos. Snowball is an unofficial city mascot, especially to those of us creative types who frequent the downtown Arts District. Perfect for a quick selfie or just to take in some fun street art, Snowball's got a playful energy that makes it impossible not to smile. His tongue is sticking out and his squinting eyes have the cutest expression ever (and one that most cat parents will recognize). Snowball's oversized ears are the icing on the cake.  I love public art and I personally think it's worth the trip downtown to pay Snowball a visit. It's a fun, quirky statue that's free and open to all, 24/7.

Snowball is adorable! You'll find this delightful art work in Downtown Las Vegas Arts District, on…read morethe corner of 1st street and Coolidge. It's fantastic for photo ops!

I took a tour of Hacienda Palomino. This is also known as the Thriller Villa because it's where…read moreMichael Jackson lived in Las Vegas the last two years of his life. The house is privately owned and it's where many of the things from the Liberace Museum now reside. The tour I took was lead by Jonathan Warren, an expert on the life of Liberace. He's also is an expert in describing the Liberace items in the mansion. The tour lasted three hours and was very informative. The whole hacienda is not covered but the section closest to Palomino Lane is where the Liberace memorabilia is located. Reservations must be made for the tour. I was the only person yesterday because some that were scheduled needed to change their tour date. It was a fantastic tour. I had been to the Liberace Museum before it closed, but I never would know what I do now because of Mr. Warren's encyclopedic memory!

Marking the 2nd anniversary of the death of the King of Pop Michael Jackson,…read morehis private residence, Hacienda Palomino was open to the public today. MJ fans got to take a little peak into the estate where he and his family spent time in Las Vegas for the last two years of his life. Here's some info and facts taken from the Facebook page: For Michael Jackson fans, this is the experience of a lifetime! Hacienda Palomino, the Las Vegas estate where Michael lived for the last two years of his life is the only place where you will be able to go to pay your respects, leave your flowers, and walk where The King of Pop walked, lived, dreamed, and created. He lived here with his children and security detail in complete privacy.... -Hacienda Palomino was brought over BRICK-BY-BRICK from Mexico in 1952 -1.7 Acres -7 Bedrooms, 12 Baths -Chapel, Loggia, Columnade, Garages, Kitchens, Guest House, Conference Room, Formal Dining Room, Elevator, Secret Tunnel, Sound Systems, Maids Quarters, and much more.... -Value $12 Million Only a section of the estate was open to the public, but in the future, there may be guided tours of the estate in the works...ALOHA!!!

DT Alley is a unique hidden gem in Downtown Las Vegas!…read more There's several art murals and interactive displays from various local artists. You'll find them on Carson and 6th street, near Las Vegas Blvd and Fremont. The alley was once a dumpster with trash everywhere. One of the founders started to make a change, and years later the alley is transformed into a welcoming space of art, which includes the Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland. The place is described as a community space that "creates new experiences incorporating art and interactivity for locals and visitors through the use of murals, sculptures, innovative landscaping, and multiple intereactive moments." There's a wonderful mural of Tony Hsieh (1973-2020) as well as a Family 'Ohana mural, which is inspired by the founder as a tribute to families around the world. The interactive experience is a nice touch and includes a unique puppet theatre. And the alley library is very cool! The concept of take a book, leave a book is awesome!

I came upon this new public art space looking for a mural honoring the late Tony Hsieh, Zappos…read morefounder. To get to see the murals, there really is no street address. Halfway between Las Vegas Boulevard and and 6th Street along Carson, there is an alley which is the gateway to this public art. There are actually three ways of getting here--the one described and two others. Since the two alleys form a T, you could walk from Fremont Street halfway to Carson and that's a way in or you cold come from Fremont Street on 6th halfway to Carson and enter there. The alley extends north halfway to Fremont Street although you cannot see Fremont from the alley. It is, in fact, two alleys. The entrance from Carson goes to another alley that is perpendicular and this other alley also has public art in both directions. To my surprise, I see two women working to clean an area of the alley. I think they were volunteers. We chatted some and they made sure I didn't trip over their hose. One of the murals explains the dT-Alley and some of the things you'll see as you walk along. Artists are selected. It is not an area where just anyone can go and do a mural. I found the quality of the murals to be quite high and I chuckled when I saw the give/take library, the Puppet Theatre, and other areas like that. There are planters that are also painted. In reading their website, this is the first alley revitalization project in Las Vegas and the area opened in February. I took a lot of photos and enjoyed my Saturday morning walk. It's a great way to see some local color if you're in the downtown area. I could have put many more photos but it would take away some of your surprise if you visit. Suffice it to say, the photos I posted are only a fraction of the art there.

Life as a short he shouldn't be so rough. That's a quote from the Wu-Tang clan and they have…read moredecided to mix this public art display of Linus from peanuts and decided to throw a Wu-Tang quote on it for more their songs. So awesome all around cause I enjoy both of those things.

Shucked was an amazing comedy mixed with lots of songs (musical) and jokes that will have you…read morelaughing the entire time. The venue is very ADA accommodating and all the staff are friendly and helpful. I've been here a few times and no matter where you sit, I've never had a bad seat. I really enjoy the Smith Center and I recommend if you have the chance to go for any show.

Came to watch Hell's Kitchen on a Saturday night. Loved the Smith Center, friendly staff and…read moreushers, beautiful venue, a nice break from the casino and Vegas strip. The performers were top notch and I enjoyed the concession stand cookies and beverages during the intermission. Pros: Friendly staff, easy to ride-share to and from if you're staying on the strip. Cons: Seats were cramped but could be a me thing with my long legs.

"Imagine a city where graffiti wasn't illegal... Where every street was awash with a million colors…read moreand little phrases. A city that felt like a party where everyone was invited!" Bansky This is a party around this area. The invitation is a can of spray paint where yin leave your mark. In your mind there are screams and all our issues that can be resolved and focused here. Welcome to the arts district. Now remember that you need to be safe. Las Vegas especially this area will be you inspired and take your breath away. In the same motion this is a walkable neighborhood and time for adventure. Be safe. In a small little square so much is around to see . The walls are adorned with messages and pictures. The creative process begins and finishes here all around us .

What an amazing evening hubby and I had Having Dinner and Walking The Las Vegas Art District. The…read moreArts District encompasses 18 blocks of downtown Las Vegas between Las Vegas Boulevard and Interstate 15, from Hoover Avenue to Colorado Avenue. This district is home to galleries, artist studios, antique shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants--the art and soul of Las Vegas. There is so much to see, so much you can do and let's not talk about all the amazing places to eat as well while surrounded by the most amazing Art. The culture , diversity and Amazing life that has been brought back to this area has been Uplifting for LasVegas and ensuring this district thrives for another generation.

The Praying Mantis at the downtown Container Park is one of the most unexpected and awesome public…read moreart displays in town. The giant insect towers just under 40 feet, and it looks like something straight out of a science fiction movie.  This thing came to be at the Burning Man festival over a decade ago, and now it has become a centerpiece in the quirky Las Vegas Arts District that's loved by locals and tourists alike. The Mantis is pretty cool day or night, although the dramatic lighting makes for better photo ops in the evening. It used to shoot fire from its head, but I haven't seen it with the flames in years. Regardless, this is the perfect stop for anyone who is a fan of offbeat art, funky photo ops, or just a good dose of "only in Vegas" weirdness.

After enjoying our dinner at Ramen Boys, fellow Yelp Elite Nadine C suggested taking in an…read moreoff-strip show and walking before returning to our hotel. I wasn't sure where we were headed since we had trusted Nadine's expert navigation through Las Vegas over the past six days. She took us to places we've never been to but have only enjoyed reading about through other Yelp reviews since I started Yelp in 2013. I knew that Nadine drove us to the edge of the Downtown area as we went through a site that appeared to be residential yet surrounded by low-rise hotels, a couple of high-rises, and bright neon lighted signs. She asked us to keep our eyes peeled for street parking as we got closer to the destination, and as Lady Luck would have it, we scored a parking space within seconds of her request. She was also excited because as we exited the car, she directed us to walk to the nearby street corner. We first noticed the heart sculpture filled with padlocks that reminded me of the famed love lock bridge, Pont des Arts, in Paris, France. But, soon after, I was enthralled with the sight of an enormous 60-ft metal sculpture of a Praying Mantis and the entrance to Las Vegas' Container Park shopping mall. We noticed several people sitting on the bleachers facing the statue, and before I could step up to take a peek at the praying mantis' background placard, Nadine told me to stay in place since the show was about to begin. No sooner than I drew back, a voice announced the celebration of someone's birthday and several events around town. The colorful lights on the praying mantis flashed, lively music played, and its animatronics made this metal monster come alive. As I was taking pictures, several bursts of flames shot from the praying mantis' antennae with explosions, which made me jump out of my shoes and heart race. Other spectators danced around the area to the music and added to the entertainment. The fire show lasted several minutes, and we wandered around the Container Park shopping mall. The shopping mall features locally-owned boutique-like businesses with a "hand-crafted flair." From Container Park's Business Directory, we noted jewelry, art, toys, apparel, and pet supply stores. While browsing this mall, we found it to be a refreshing change from seeing the high-end or upscale stores on The Strip. At the center of the park, there was an interactive playground for adults and children, complete with a 33' tall slide and a NEOS play system. If we weren't feeling so full from dinner, my husband would have proposed that we play or challenge ourselves in the electronic play system. What's not to like? The Praying Mantis is Public Art with free entertainment, and the Container Park is a fun place to let their inner child out.

Bazar Alley is a cool art display by local artists!…read more You'll find it in the back of Huntridge Shopping Center. There's good parking. Amazing wall mural is viewable from the side of Savers, next to Yukon Pizza, and near Capriotti's Sandwich Shop. It's a nice alley for an art walk and drive through, and it's Free!

We just drove by through this parking lot. It's a cool spot to checkout, but no need to go out of…read moreyour way to see it.