Nevada

LAS VEGAS

Las Vegas continues to be a premier leisure and business destination recognized around the world. The city has evolved tremendously in recent years, and continues to capture the world's imagination as the one place where nearly anything is possible. Beyond the 24-hour-a-day casino excitement are some of the best restaurants, the most unique entertainment options, world-class shopping and fantastic golf - not to mention the greatest variety of meetings venues and resort accommodations in the world. Recognized as a safe and culturally diverse city, Las Vegas is on par with cities such as San Francisco, New York and Miami Beach in welcoming the gay community. In fact, according to research from Community Marketing, Inc., Las Vegas ranks as a top leisure destination in the country for LGBT travelers. With more options than ever before, it's no surprise that gays and lesbians are including Las Vegas in their travel plans. There are many elements that make Las Vegas such an attractive destination.

When it comes to accommodations, there are a wide range of hotels to choose from. Be swept away in romance at Paris Las Vegas. Revisit the Big Apple with a visit to Las Vegas' New York-New York Hotel & Casino. Check out the newly redesigned Luxor Hotel & Casino or enjoy Brazilian culture at The Rio All-Suite Resort and Casino. Be a part of the red carpet celebrity action at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Bask in luxury at Wynn or Encore Las Vegas, the only Las Vegas hotels with a staff of Pride Concierges. The recently remodeled Blue Moon Resort is a clothing-optional hotel. The city's first all-male gay resort has 45 luxury rooms and suites and a plethora of amenities within blocks of the famous Las Vegas Strip.

Year round, Las Vegas provides unmatched entertainment. Home to celebrity headliners Bette Midler and Cher, and Broadway favorites "THE LION KING," and "Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular," the entertainment scene continues to evolve and offer something for every taste. Cirque du Soleil produces six resident shows and has announced plans to debut its seventh this December with the opening of CityCenter. "Zumanity," the sensual side of Cirque du Soleil, is a seductive twist on reality, making the provocative playful and the forbidden electrifying. Leave all inhibitions at the door and let loose as this adult-themed production takes you on a sexy thrill ride full of sensational acrobatics and naughty fun at New York-New York Hotel and Casino. And, no visit to Las Vegas would be complete without taking in a showgirl classic such as "Jubilee!" or laughing along to a performance of "Blue Man Group." Or, check out "Magic is a Drag" at the Harmon Theater, starring Cashetta, the Queen of Magic, one of the few female impersonator magicians in the world.

While planning an evening of entertainment, look to the growing roster of gourmet restaurants offering unparalleled wine and food adventures in Las Vegas. To accompany its growing list of world-class chefs, Las Vegas has attracted more master sommeliers than any other U.S. city. A host of fine dining and lifestyle magazines - including Bon Appetit, Wine Spectator, Gourmet, Robb Report and Esquire - have honored the city for its fantastic fare and hailed individual restaurants for their exquisite cuisine, created by the likes of Joël Robuchon, Bradley Ogden, Hubert Keller, Alain Ducasse, Emeril Lagasse, and Wolfgang Puck. Why not dine at some of Las Vegas' world-renowned restaurants featuring beautiful views of The Strip and Las Vegas valley. Nove sits high atop the Fantasy Suite Tower at Palms and provides a sweeping panorama of the city, or check out the view from 64 floors up at miX in THEhotel at Mandalay Bay. Top of the World circles 360-degrees just below the observation deck at Stratosphere, while the Eiffel Tower Restaurant provides an excellent vantage point to take in the Bellagio fountains. If you prefer to dine with a little bit of seclusion, just 20 miles off-Strip, Lake Las Vegas offers an array of intimate and romantic dining options as do the restaurants surrounding the Lake of Dreams at Wynn Las Vegas.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, Jean Philippe Pâtisserie at Bellagio is home to an amazing selection of chocolates and delectable pastries, as well as the world's largest chocolate fountain. Chocolate-lovers will also find paradise at Payard Pâtisserie & Bistro inside Caesars Palace.

When it comes to shopping, Las Vegas has become one of the premium world-class shopping destinations in the U.S. Designers such as Harry Winston, Manolo Blahnik, Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo and Dolce and Gabbana now populate the Strip at Fashion Show, The Forum Shops at Caesars, Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian and Via Bellagio. In addition to high-end shopping, Las Vegas offers several premium outlet shopping centers featuring designer names for bargain prices. The new Town Square Las Vegas is an outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment venue located on the south end of Las Vegas Boulevard with more than 150 retail stores, 12 restaurants, a park and a movie theater.

One of the most attractive qualities of visiting Las Vegas is the destination's year-round sunshine. The warm temperatures make Las Vegas a favorite destination for golfing, swimming and myriad outdoor activities. Las Vegas is home to more than 60 golf courses designed by some of the best in the sport including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Pete Dye. In addition to golf, that famous desert dry heat can make lounging by the hotel pool for the day sound like paradise. It's no surprise, then, that the pools in Las Vegas are popular, but it's not just because they are a great way to beat the heat. Guests spend hours soaking up the sun simply because Las Vegas has some of the coolest pools in the world. Industry-PM and Luxor present the only LGBT pool party in Las Vegas, "Sunkissed" every Sunday. Featuring guest DJs, it's one of the hottest parties on the Strip that is guaranteed to keep you cool.

When you're not winning in the casino, lounging by the pool or savoring delicious cuisine, you'll find that Las Vegas has a variety of must-see attractions and entertainment options to keep you occupied. From thrilling roller coasters to exotic animal exhibits and erupting volcanoes to wax museums, Las Vegas' attractions appeal to people of all ages, interests and budgets. One of the newest attractions is The Mirage's reinvented volcano featuring a state-of-the-art sound system and pyrotechnic effects complete with fire shooters. For some culture - complete with feathers and rhinestones - check out the Liberace Museum to see the collection of memorabilia - from costumes to pianos to exotic cars - that encapsulates the glamour and style of one of history's most flamboyant entertainers.

Why not make it a trip to remember with a Vegas-style commitment ceremony? Las Vegas is recognized as the "Wedding Capital of the World" and services range from traditional to over-the-top. From a union officiated by Elvis at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel, the only gay-owned wedding chapel in Las Vegas, to a ceremony overlooking the scenic Bellagio fountains or an adventure hike in Red Rock Canyon-every event can be customized to the couples' unique tastes and interests.

Heat up the night with a visit to any of Las Vegas' elaborately themed nightclubs that stay open until dawn or the new wave of trendy, ultra-chic lounges sweeping the Strip. Visitors know when they step out in Las Vegas for the night it will be an experience they won't forget. For nightlife, Krave, located inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, bills itself as the "only alternative club on the Strip." The 17,000-square-foot nightclub features elaborate entertainment and special events. CatHouse at Luxor, in collaboration with LocalitesMan.com and hosted by Reichen Lehmkuhl and Jeffrey Sanker has a weekly event called Closet Sundays, a fashion affair fully loaded with models, clothing companies and fashion shows.

Located just off the Las Vegas Strip, on Paradise Road, is an area dubbed "The Fruit Loop," which boasts numerous hotspots including Suede, a piano bar and restaurant, and Gipsy, the city's original gay dance club. Popular among celebrities, Piranha Nightclub and 8 ½ Ultra Lounge feature a second floor with a beautiful view of the Strip, VIP cabanas and skyboxes and a private bar. You'll also discover Freezone and, as the name implies, there is never a cover at this popular bar and nightclub. A favorite among lesbian visitors, Freezone offers daily drink specials, good times and an ever-friendly staff. At XS, the new nightclub at Encore, after-dark impresario Victor Drai combines an outdoor pool environment with the sizzling club atmosphere. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino has opened the rock lounge Wasted Space representing the ultimate depiction of the decadent rock 'n roll lifestyle.

After a night at the clubs, rejuvenate at one of more than 45 luxury spas. From massages and facials to body wraps and aromatherapy, Las Vegas spas provide a truly unique and ultra relaxing experience. Introducing the concept of "Social Spa-ing," Qua Spa at Caesars Palace offers communal areas such as the Laconium Room (providing ultra-heat therapy), the Arctic Ice Room (complete with snow falling from above), and a tea room staffed by a sommelier skilled at pairing teas with treatments offered. Adventurous couples can explore the desert landscape of the Southwest through the Adventure Spa at Red Rock Resort. Enjoy activities such as kayaking at Lake Mead, mountain biking at Red Rock Canyon, or a sunrise horseback ride. Then, follow your heart-pumping recreational activity with an indulgent therapeutic massage or aromatherapy session.

Besides being the "Entertainment Capital of the World" and a place where anything goes, Las Vegas is also a city that offers a variety of events and support services for the LGBT demographic. Las Vegas Pride Week is an annual ten-day celebration that draws visitors from across the country. Activities include a Pride Night Parade and Festival as well as art shows, picnics and contests--more than 14 events in all. Nevada Gay Rodeo Association is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the western lifestyle and producing gay rodeos with a commitment to raise funds for charitable organizations. Golden Rainbow provides housing and direct financial assistance to men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada. The annual "Ribbon of Life," "Beaux Arts Ball" and "Naked Hearts" events serve to raise money for this worthy cause. Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN) provides direct client service programs, food programs, prevention and education programs, and community outreach. The organization hosts an annual AIDS Walk and Black & White Party to generate awareness and raise funds for its services. Founded in 1984, AFAN is the oldest and largest AIDS service organization in the state of Nevada. The Gay and Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada is a community-based organization which supports and promotes activities directed at furthering the well being and human rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and its allies in Southern Nevada.

Whether your visit to Las Vegas is for pampering and relaxation or for adventure and excitement, Las Vegas offers something for everyone. For more information and to plan your getaway, check out www.VisitLasVegas.com/gaytravel.

Click here to learn more about Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority.