| << Back |  |
Livin' Local: Keeping Your Cool – Soothing Escapes from the Summer Heat
By Haley Etchison
There’s nothing surprising about 108-degree days in Las Vegas. We’ve learned to stock up on sunscreen, guzzle gallons of water and take shelter whenever we can, but our dark sunglasses often block out the blue skies of Southern Nevada. Sometimes it’s easy for us to forget that we live in a summer paradise with plenty of fun and unique ways to stay cool amid the sweltering temperatures.
Into the Pool
While some of the fancier resort pools in town may be off limits to those without a room key, you don’t need to spring for an expensive suite at the Bellagio to enjoy a day at the pool. Savvy south side sunbathers can drift off into a summer escape at Daydream, the pool club at the M Resort (www.themresort.com). Worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of daily Las Vegas life, Daydream offers all the amenities of a high-end day spa on the Strip with a laid back culture catering to 21-and-over locals. With just a $10 entry fee with a local ID, the price is right for young and old alike to pamper themselves. Sun yourself by the infinity-edge pool and spa, chill at the ice-railed bar or escape the heat in style with a cool cabana or daybed that will make you feel like a modern day sultan.
Looking for an upscale day club experience that will still soothe your nerves from daily stress? The Pond at Green Valley Ranch (www.greenvalleyranchresort.com) has got just what you’re looking for. A perfect spot for sun worshipping secluded among towering palms, this 21 and over hideaway charges a $20 cover, but it’s a small price to pay for a slice of heaven on a summer afternoon. Work on your tan, stake out a table in the shade, kick back in a lounge chair or take a relaxing dip in the private pool, complete with its own waterfall. The secluded vibe is more laid-back, spoil-yourself vacation getaway than happening desert dance party, ideal for those seeking to avoid a big hubbub or the swarms of tourists at more congested hotspots. With friends or on your own, The Pond is a great summer escape.
Altitude Adjustment
If chilling out by the water isn’t your thing, don’t hide indoors when the temperature soars. You can always escape to the mountains instead. Run away for a day to Mt. Charleston’s cool climes and share in a tradition of local leisure. Just because the slopes are bare doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (www.skilasvegas.com). Pack some snacks and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the mountain, taking in the picturesque green scenery and fresh mountain air. For an even better view, cuddle up next to your loved one for a scenic chairlift ride or get some high altitude exercise with a game of disc golf, a variation on the classic outdoor game that’s played with a Frisbee. Not only do you get to stay cool, you can enjoy a relaxing break from the distracting sounds of the city.
For more summer fun on the mountain, check out the return of the Music on the Mountain outdoor concert series. Held one Saturday a month all summer long, this showcase features a wide range of styles, including blues, bluegrass, classic rock, folk and more. August 18th will feature the rockabilly and zydeco sounds of performers such as the Howlin’ Hounds, Blues Storm and the Mike Vaughan Band, while “Women of Da Blues” will take place on September 8th, featuring Janiva Magness, the Sheryl Justice Band and Kelly Sheehan and Friends. At just $15 for an adult ticket, the prices can’t be beat; even better, you get to spread out on a nice blanket under towering pine trees for quality time with friends and family instead of wedging yourself into cramped seats in a noisy, smoke-filled Strip venue.
One Scoop, Two Scoop
Once you’re off the mountain, things will heat up again, so cool down with a tasty treat! You remember those childhood trips to the country fair, when there was no better way to cool off than munching on a tasty snowcone. Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack (www.purplepenguinsnow.com) can bring back some of those good old days and help you keep the tradition alive with your own young ones. Whether you’re 5 or 55, grab yourself one of these smooth snowy treats in any one of 40 delicious flavors and you’ll have it made in the shade. Not only does it taste great, but the memories will help keep you young.
You may have had ice cream in a cone or a cup… but have you ever had it wrapped in a crepe? If not, you’re missing out on one of the most unique desserts around, and you can experience it at Crepe Shack & Waffles (www.crepeshackandwaffles.com). Already a smash hit up and down the west coast, these distinctive Japanese-style crepes will have you looking at dessert in a whole new light. Pile some fresh cut fruit, ice cream, syrup and toppings into a delectable crepe that fits perfectly in your hand and you’re off on a new adventure that brings a fun dose of summer style to a one-of-a-kind treat. It’s like breakfast and dessert all wrapped into one creative little package. Perfect for a warm summer evening!
Summertime in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be a sweat-soaked trial that leaves you begging for fall. Kick back by the pool, take a trip up the mountain or indulge in a soothing dessert in the desert, and you’ll soon find yourself wishing summer would last forever… Or at least long enough for one more scoop.
There’s nothing surprising about 108-degree days in Las Vegas. We’ve learned to stock up on sunscreen, guzzle gallons of water and take shelter whenever we can, but our dark sunglasses often block out the blue skies of Southern Nevada. Sometimes it’s easy for us to forget that we live in a summer paradise with plenty of fun and unique ways to stay cool amid the sweltering temperatures.
Into the Pool
While some of the fancier resort pools in town may be off limits to those without a room key, you don’t need to spring for an expensive suite at the Bellagio to enjoy a day at the pool. Savvy south side sunbathers can drift off into a summer escape at Daydream, the pool club at the M Resort (www.themresort.com). Worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of daily Las Vegas life, Daydream offers all the amenities of a high-end day spa on the Strip with a laid back culture catering to 21-and-over locals. With just a $10 entry fee with a local ID, the price is right for young and old alike to pamper themselves. Sun yourself by the infinity-edge pool and spa, chill at the ice-railed bar or escape the heat in style with a cool cabana or daybed that will make you feel like a modern day sultan.
Looking for an upscale day club experience that will still soothe your nerves from daily stress? The Pond at Green Valley Ranch (www.greenvalleyranchresort.com) has got just what you’re looking for. A perfect spot for sun worshipping secluded among towering palms, this 21 and over hideaway charges a $20 cover, but it’s a small price to pay for a slice of heaven on a summer afternoon. Work on your tan, stake out a table in the shade, kick back in a lounge chair or take a relaxing dip in the private pool, complete with its own waterfall. The secluded vibe is more laid-back, spoil-yourself vacation getaway than happening desert dance party, ideal for those seeking to avoid a big hubbub or the swarms of tourists at more congested hotspots. With friends or on your own, The Pond is a great summer escape.
Altitude Adjustment
If chilling out by the water isn’t your thing, don’t hide indoors when the temperature soars. You can always escape to the mountains instead. Run away for a day to Mt. Charleston’s cool climes and share in a tradition of local leisure. Just because the slopes are bare doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun at the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (www.skilasvegas.com). Pack some snacks and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the mountain, taking in the picturesque green scenery and fresh mountain air. For an even better view, cuddle up next to your loved one for a scenic chairlift ride or get some high altitude exercise with a game of disc golf, a variation on the classic outdoor game that’s played with a Frisbee. Not only do you get to stay cool, you can enjoy a relaxing break from the distracting sounds of the city.
For more summer fun on the mountain, check out the return of the Music on the Mountain outdoor concert series. Held one Saturday a month all summer long, this showcase features a wide range of styles, including blues, bluegrass, classic rock, folk and more. August 18th will feature the rockabilly and zydeco sounds of performers such as the Howlin’ Hounds, Blues Storm and the Mike Vaughan Band, while “Women of Da Blues” will take place on September 8th, featuring Janiva Magness, the Sheryl Justice Band and Kelly Sheehan and Friends. At just $15 for an adult ticket, the prices can’t be beat; even better, you get to spread out on a nice blanket under towering pine trees for quality time with friends and family instead of wedging yourself into cramped seats in a noisy, smoke-filled Strip venue.
One Scoop, Two Scoop
Once you’re off the mountain, things will heat up again, so cool down with a tasty treat! You remember those childhood trips to the country fair, when there was no better way to cool off than munching on a tasty snowcone. Purple Penguin Snowcone Shack (www.purplepenguinsnow.com) can bring back some of those good old days and help you keep the tradition alive with your own young ones. Whether you’re 5 or 55, grab yourself one of these smooth snowy treats in any one of 40 delicious flavors and you’ll have it made in the shade. Not only does it taste great, but the memories will help keep you young.
You may have had ice cream in a cone or a cup… but have you ever had it wrapped in a crepe? If not, you’re missing out on one of the most unique desserts around, and you can experience it at Crepe Shack & Waffles (www.crepeshackandwaffles.com). Already a smash hit up and down the west coast, these distinctive Japanese-style crepes will have you looking at dessert in a whole new light. Pile some fresh cut fruit, ice cream, syrup and toppings into a delectable crepe that fits perfectly in your hand and you’re off on a new adventure that brings a fun dose of summer style to a one-of-a-kind treat. It’s like breakfast and dessert all wrapped into one creative little package. Perfect for a warm summer evening!
Summertime in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be a sweat-soaked trial that leaves you begging for fall. Kick back by the pool, take a trip up the mountain or indulge in a soothing dessert in the desert, and you’ll soon find yourself wishing summer would last forever… Or at least long enough for one more scoop.
