I grew up in Las Vegas. Here are 8 surprising things about living in the tourist hot spot.
  • People may not know what it is like to live in Las Vegas.

  • The local arts and food scene is already great, so many residents don't visit the Strip.

  • There are a lot of scenic hikes in the area.

Las Vegas is known for its casinos and glamour, but it is also where I grew up.

Here are some surprising things about living in this tourist hub.

Despite the incentives offered to them, locals tend to stay away from the Strip

One of the most recognizable parts of Vegas is the Strip, which was featured in The Hangover in 2009.

The Strip is too much for some locals. Unless you work in tourism, the area is not integrated into your daily life.

Many restaurants, clubs, and shows will offer discounts for residents, but the boom in local culture and entertainment has provided a sanctuary for those of us who want to relax and avoid resort fees and tourists.

Meow Wolf's Omega Mart is a local favorite — and I'm surprised more tourists don't check it out

The writer posing in tie-dye overalls in Omega Art, with colorful lights overhead
The writer posing in tie-dye overalls in Omega Art, with colorful lights overhead
Meow Wolf's Omega Mart is an interactive art installation.Katie Skinner

People who have traveled through Las Vegas will most likely have seen the billboards for the art installation.

I saw so much advertising that I thought it was too good to be true, but I have to experience it to believe it.

I think tourists should check out Omegamart, a local favorite located inside the AREA15 building. It is a hybrid of an art gallery, museum and escape room. It has indoor slides.

Gambling is also a part of local Vegas culture

Even if they stay away from the Strip, many locals still like to enjoy Vegas. Fine dining, shows, and other attractions are available at resorts in the city.

If you go to a mall, grocery store, or gas station, you will find a lot of slot machines. Locals still like to gamble.

Las Vegas has some fabulous hiking trails

The writer and another person posing on a cliff
The hiking trails are scenic.Katie Skinner

Local hikes in Las Vegas are a must-try for fans of the outdoors. They are friendly to people of all experience levels.

There are lots of pleasant walks with great scenic views if you are not looking to work up a sweat. Turtlehead Peak is a great option if you want to feel on top of the world or Mount Charleston if you want more shade.

The city has a good water-treatment and recycling infrastructure

Las Vegas seems like a city that produces a lot of waste with all of its gaudy gold pillars, fountains, and buffets. It makes an effort not to.

Most of the water in the hotels and pools is recycled, and the classic Bellagio fountain is one of them. Some of the food waste from downtown dining gets shipped to pig farms.

Las Vegas' grocery stores are impressively stocked

Las Vegas city planning is pretty amazing.

Considering the city is in the middle of the desert, the grocery stores have an impressive variety of produce.

During the most turbulent times of the Pandemic, the locals did not notice shortages of toilet paper, COVID-19 tests, and other groceries. Las Vegas worked hard to be tourist-friendly and keep the city stocked.

It's a hub for art fans, foodies, and live-music lovers

The writer in tie-dye overalls posing in front of a colorful mural
There are great murals in the Arts District.Katie Skinner

Even though Sin City has been known for its accommodations to tourists, the recent growth in local amenities has been a real treat for Las Vegas residents.

There are free concerts in the park, food-truck events, and the Arts District in the city, which are hidden off of the main tourist-trodden path.

The Arts District is one of my favorite places in Vegas. There are art galleries, trendy restaurants, and lots of gorgeous landscapes for photoshoots or events in this area.

The local food scene is diverse and impressive

The local food scene should not be ignored, as the Strip boasts some amazing food from famous chefs.

The local food scene in Sin City is diverse and exciting if you are vegan, all organic, or nothing at all.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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