Viva Las Vegas

Way out in the desert lies a town that has many faces. Las Vegas is the bright lights and opulence of the many casinos and resorts, but is also a large city that has a varied economic base, schools, parks and everything else you wouldn't think about when talking about Vegas.

More than 1.4 million people call the Las Vegas area home on a full-time basis. More than 35 million people visit the city each year, however, and it is the casinos, nightlife and extravagances the city is most noted for.

Just as casinos go up daily in Las Vegas, the population there is going up just as quickly.

It is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and jobs are plentiful, thanks to a booming local economy and a pro-business environment. Taxes are low, the climate is great and there's always something to do. That's a big reason more than 50,000 people move to Vegas each year. While the heart of the Vegas economy is tourism, there are lots of other economic opportunities in Las Vegas.

But you don't usually think about Vegas as a permanent residence. You usually think about the Statue of Liberty outside the New York, New York Casino, the pyramids of the Luxor and the impressiveness of Caesar's Palace.

Ever since gambling was legalized in the 1930s, Las Vegas has been a Mecca for those looking to a make a quick buck.

The nightlife of Las Vegas is unrivaled anywhere in the world.

One night Elton John will be playing, the next night Billy Joel. Of course, Siegfried and Roy are there, and Wayne Newton is a Vegas standard. Lord of the Dance and other large stage shows take place nightly. Or if magic is what you are interested in, Lance Burton or Penn and Teller can dazzle and delight you.

Just when you thought you've seen everything in Vegas, NASCAR rolls into town for a Sunday race, like it will this March.

After a few days of hearing the clinging of coins in the slots, some relaxation may be in order. Las Vegas is home to some of the world's most prized golf courses. You may even run into Tiger Woods or Phil Mickelson, as pros routinely come to Vegas to play the courses there.

The Grand Canyon is a destination for some Las Vegas visitors, and the Hoover Dam is a must-see for all visitors.

Within a short distance from Las Vegas, you'll find the Colorado River and Lake Mead, the unusual sandstone rock formations at Red Rocks and the Valley of Fire and even Mount Charleston, which is just outside the city.

There are plenty of tours available, no matter what your interest is.

The easiest way to plan a Vegas vacation is to talk with a travel agent who can set you up with a package deal, including your hotel. The Internet is a good starting point, and you can find pretty good hotel deals online, but a travel agent can arrange your entire package, including all tours and excursions.