RESOURCES DOWNTOWN LAS VEGAS
INFO
Las Vegas Pop Culture Tours, Tel: 800-979-3370. Both Babs Daitch and Richard Hooker are expert gay and lesbian tour guides who go out of their way to ensure that you leave loving their city. They offer extensive tours of Downtown. www.lasvegaspopculturetours.com
LV Wedding Connections, Tel: 702-236-8728. Joni Moss is your girl if you have an unusual wedding request or just want everything to go as smoothly as possible. www.lvweddingconnection.com
STAY
D Las Vegas, 301 Fremont St. Tel: 702-388-2400. One of the largest hotel’s Downtown, D Las Vegas underwent a major renovation in 2012, updating both its rooms and restaurants. www.thed.com
Downtown Grand, 206 N. 3rd St. Tel: 702-719-5100. Located in the heart of Downtown, this celebrated hotel attracts a young clientele who storm to the rooftop pool for libations and sun. www.downtowngrand.com
Delano, 3940 South Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 877-6325400. Although not located in Downtown this beautiful property gives guests the suite treatment. www.delano.com
SAHARA Las Vegas, 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-761-7000. www.saharalasvegas.com
SEE
18b Arts District, this 18-block district is home to a mind-numbing amount of creativity. From cool shops, street art, theaters, and, of course, the massive First Friday event, which features performances, food trucks, open studios, and shopping. www.18b.org
Neon Museum, 770 N Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702387-6366. Have some fun discovering the history of Las Vegas (including downtown) as you explore the neon relics of the Vegas of yesteryear. www.neonmuseum.org
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, 401 S Maryland Pkwy. Tel: 702-733-9800. The center has become the epicenter of gay life in Las Vegas, attracting LGBTQ citizens to the surrounding downtown area. Pop in to see the facilities and grab a vegan cookie and a coffee. www.thecenterlv.org
The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Ave. Tel: 702749-2012. Downtown is now home to Las Vegas’ largest cultural institute, with touring Broadway shows, ballet, and a symphony. www.thesmithcenter.com
Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, 1205 S Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-384-0771. As one of the first express wedding chapels in Vegas to perform a same-sex wedding, you’ll want to check it out for a photo op. www.vivallasvegasweddings.com
PLAY
Downtown Cocktail Room, 111 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-880-3696. Cozy up on a couch and drink one of the dozens of expertly crafted cocktails with the tech-heavy crowd. www.thedowntownlv.com
Gold Spike, 217 N. Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-4764923. This converted rundown casino is now the go-to spot to hear live music, have a drink, and play games. www.goldspike.com
Inspire, 107 Las Vegas Blvd. Tel: 702-489-9110. A combined coffeehouse, theater, movie house, bar, and rooftop lounge, this downtown playground is a staple for a good night. www.inspirelasvegas.com
EAT
Carson Kitchen, 124 S 6th St. Tel: 702-473-9523. It doesn’t take reservations, so get here early to snag a table at this en vogue new restaurant. www.carsonkitchen.com
Eat, 707 Carson. Tel: 702-534-1515. Lesbian chef Natalie has made quite the name for herself with this popular breakfast spot where people line up to eat at this “breakfast and lunch joint.” Now, she’ll be opening Chow, which will serve up Southern fried chicken and Chinese food—could there be a better late-night munchie combo? www.eatdtlv.com
Park on Fremont, 506 Fremont Street. Tel: 1702-834-3160. Try to snag a table outside in this trendy spot where, from brunch to dinner, a beautiful crowd eats comfort food like a chicken and waffle sandwich and chilaquiles. www.parkonfremont.com
SHOP
Container Park, 707 Fremont St. Tel: 702359-9982. With more than 35 small businesses, this creative outdoor shopping mall has loads of great gifts and great bites. www.downtowncontainerpark.com
