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Credits:

Photographs, research and writing by Matthew Falcus

Las Vegas

Nevada,
USA

Introduction to Las Vegas

Gambling. Lights. Desert. Sun. Alcohol. Hotels that cram 6,000 rooms in. Las Vegas is truly "America's Playground"

Las Vegas has grown at an outstanding pace, from a tiny shack in an unspoilt desert, to one of the USA's busiest tourist destinations. People flock from all over the world to sample the delights of legalised gambling and to see constructions they never thought possible. Walking from one end of the famous Strip to the other, you will witness an Egyptian pyramid, King Arthur's Castle, New York City's Skyline, the Eiffel Tower, a roaring volcano and the canals of Venice. Those are just the more prominent examples!

The massive expansion and demand of room space in the town has meant every year new hotels being built, and each trying to out do their counterparts. Each has a theme (other than gambling), and each has enough casino floor space to fill a small country.

Las Vegas' old town still battles head-to-head with the modern Strip, with its famous Golden Nugget and Glitter Gulch casinos. It now also boasts a fantastic light show called the Freemont Street Experience. Also nearby you can ride the world's highest rollercoaster atop the Stratosphere Tower (incidentally America's tallest freestanding tower).

Set in the backdrop of the Nevada desert, nearby attractions make for a nice day out and escape from the constant hum of slot machines. The Hoover Dam is a wonder of the modern world, holding back the mighty Colorado River, and forming the extensive and beautiful Lake Mead. On the other side of town the unspoilt remains of the last Ice Age form Red Rock Canyon.

This town is big. It is loud. Gambling is life here. Yet kids are welcome outside of the casinos and families can find things to do. Read on to get the lowdown.