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City Cast Las Vegas

Rob Kachelriess

 where to find wildflowers by listening to 

 of City Cast Las Vegas 👍 The superbloom will be around for another week or two, so retrace my route for an efficient and effective day trip.

Set your GPS for the “Ashford Mill Ruins” — a two-hour route from Vegas that bypasses the park’s main entrance for the “back way.” You’ll cut through a corner of Pahrump and drive through Shoshone, a former mining town with a semi-historic saloon and diner (

 👀) was super cool, supplying a free map, advice, and time expectations. Check out the exhibits, including mammoth and mastodon bones, and leave some moolah in the donation box.

The bloom becomes more apparent between Jubilee Pass and Ashford Junction on CA-178. Here’s my advice: If it looks cool, pull over. Snap photos and enjoy the scenery. If you move on and keep driving, don’t panic. You’ll see more flowers in due time as the vast, mountainous landscape opens up. The crumbling remains of 

 and its office building date back to 1910. It’s a popular spot to see wildflowers and rare evidence of civilization in the park.

, the lowest point in North America. (During my visit, quite a bit of real water was on the flats — somewhat rare without rainy weather.) The official parking lot fills up quickly during wildflower season. Save time by parking safely on the side of the road and explore at your own pace. From there, detour to the jagged salt formations of 

, (easy to view without leaving the car) and 

, a nine-mile scenic route where the terrain takes on pastel color tones. You’ll see more purple wildflowers here, contrasting nicely with the more common yellow ones.

 is a historic property that’s been around almost 100 years. The 

 takes a break between lunch and dinner, but you can order food and drinks in the lounge, beginning at 3 p.m. Just a mile away, the 

 sells surprisingly good burgers as of 3 p.m. and the 

 has a full menu ready by 5 p.m. The ranch is near the 

, which has a free museum and the famous digital thermometer out front.

👀 If You’re Down for One More View …

, a short but steep roadside hill before exiting the park via CA-190. You’ll pass by Death Valley Junction (and the 

) before driving through Pahrump, where you can always stop for dinner — maybe at the new 

Cell phone service is spotty in Death Valley and the park’s 

 operates on a trust system — paid at the visitor center or at kiosks near Badwater Basin or the main entrance. Enforcement seems rare, but you could be fined if visiting the park without paying. I was warned about large crowds slowing down traffic during wildflower season, especially on weekends, but didn’t have too much trouble getting stuck behind other cars.

See the wildflower bloom, visit some of Death Valley's most popular destinations, and be back in Vegas by dinner. 

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

Get to know the natural side of Las Vegas: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Las Vegas Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

Is it a good time to get into the Vegas hospitality biz? Shifts are being 

. But don’t forget — leisure and hospitality is nearly a 

. The opportunities are still there. You just have to find ‘em.

). The school runs expedited programs in food service, kitchen work, bartending, and even housekeeping with the support and cooperation of the resort industry. If you’re short on funds, they’ll work it out. Nobody is turned away — and placement is a priority.

 is another top option for in-person and online courses for learning about service, kitchen, and bartending jobs.

 goes more in depth on wine, cocktails, and other drink categories with some of the most experienced people in the biz. If you want to be the best of the best, this helps 🍸

As for casino dealers, you can try your luck with the Sahara, which runs 

 (CEG), which has a history of working closely with Station Casinos for job placement.

Otherwise, use Google to shop around and compare options. Vegas has too many bartending and casino dealer schools to list here. For long-term education, 

 has programs for the culinary arts, food service, and management in hotels, gaming, and events.

You can’t just show up from Ohio with your suitcase and walk right into a service job. A 

 (for alcohol awareness) are required for serving food and drinks.

Some positions (like bartenders and casino dealers) require a 

 (work permit via Metro Police, possibly with an FBI background check), but that typically requires a referral after being accepted for a job.

Nobody wants to send out a resume cold. It’s best to have some kind of contact. Otherwise, the chances of getting your work experience past automated scanners can be slim. Whenever possible, hit a job fair. They happen in Vegas all the time. There’s one coming up on 

 with the likes of Caesars Entertainment, Station Casinos, Harry Reid International Airport, and dozens more in attendance.

I know this article only scratches the surface of what it takes to find a job in Las Vegas. Don’t be afraid to start small with a less-than-ideal position before working your way up. It could open the door to some much-needed experience and contacts for better opportunities down the line 👍

Getting a job in Las Vegas isn't easy. But we have some ideas and guidance on where to start.

How to Get a Job in Las Vegas at Restaurants, Hotels and Casinos

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

What Las Vegans have been wondering. We break down why things in Las Vegas are the way they are and how they work.

Las Vegas, Explained

We ate, drank, and found the best food deals in Las Vegas. No press releases. No AI. Just the City Cast team munching and slurping our way through the valley, trying to save a few bucks.

 has the best lunch deal in Vegas right now. The 

 includes an appetizer (I went with the “green tartare” of veggies drenched in a pistachio vinaigrette) and a main entree like steak and fries, saffron risotto, or rigatoni with pork belly. I chose a perfectly pan-seared salmon with potatoes and a spicy aioli that proved the quality at lunch is just as strong as the dinner menu. The deal is available Monday-Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 just renovated its outdoor terrace and patio on the Strip at New York-New York. Enjoy the seasonal fresh air with $7 bites, including deviled eggs, sausage rolls, beer 'n’ cheese dip with country bread, fish 'n’ chips, pastrami sliders, and a mini shepherd’s pie — plus Guinness pints, Jameson shots, and other $5 drink specials. The deals were just extended through the end of the year.

 already has reasonably priced items on the regular menu, but the family-owned restaurant also has unadvertised four-course tasting menus for $49.99 a person that touch on all corners of the continent. The deal requires the whole table to participate, featuring options like Siberian-style beef and pork dumplings, Georgian cheese bread, and French beef bourguignon with potatoes.

The bar at Summer House gets busy between 3 and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for a little thing the restaurant calls Martini Hour. The deals help make up for the Sundry’s 

 across the street (R.I.P. 🪦), including $5 cheeseburgers, which I’d describe as “bigger than a slider,” and $10 bottomless truffle fries. The wines aren’t bad for five bucks and the $12 thin-crust pizzas are sliced into squares, Chicago-style, for easy sharing. My favorite deal is the “Triple B” — the aforementioned burger, plus a decadently rich house-baked brownie and a beer (in one recent case, the Silver State blonde ale by CraftHaus Brewery) for 12 bucks.

 is at Durango, which carries Stations Casinos’ 

The Suncoast casino, a favorite for Summerlin-area locals, is enjoying a new wave of renovations. (Hello bingo room 👋) Opened less than two years ago, 

 is one of the best bang-for-your-buck steak joints in Vegas. See for yourself with the $40 pan-roasted seafood tower during the twice-daily Tower Hour (4-6 p.m., and 8 to close) and on 

 when couples can share a 20 oz. Texas-bred domestic Wagyu ribeye, plus 

 in Las Vegas too 😀 [Hey Las Vegas ✍️]

Great food at great prices. It's the magic combination in Las Vegas right now.

The Best Las Vegas Restaurant Deals

The Best Restaurant Deals in Las Vegas Right Now

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Las Vegas. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Las Vegas Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Not too long ago, free parking was everywhere in Las Vegas 🤗 The Strip did away with the practice over the past decade, although there are still 

. Downtown is a bit different; long favoring cheaper rates and easy validation. (Some of us remember those do-it-yourself machines 💔) So, how does the parking scene in and around Fremont Street look today?

 for anyone actively gambling ($10 minimum buy-in or 5 points earned) or spending at least $10 at a bar, restaurant, or gift shop. Apache Hotel guests are charged $5 a day, but the fee is waived for those with a players card.

has free parking for hotel guests, plus rewards members who earn enough points gambling or have a tier status of Emerald or above.

has free parking for hotel guests and validates up to two hours at the Club One desk for those gambling.

 for hotel guests and anyone who spends at least $25 on dining, including Freedom Beat, Triple George Grill, and the Citrus Grand Pool Deck, plus any rewards member who earns 25 points in the casino.

 has free parking for hotel guests, VIP players, and seniors 65 and older.

 for hotel guests with a players club card. Otherwise, you can receive validation at an on-site restaurant or by earning at least five points while gambling.

 to hotel guests. Those who dine or gamble can get their ticket validated for up to four hours.

 for those with Gold or Silver level players rewards, anyone playing a Bingo session or a $25 Keno game, plus diners and drinkers at Oscar’s Steakhouse or the Sand Dollar Downtown.

You’ll find little wiggle room for the rates at 

 parking structure. There is no validation at parking garages for the 

 casino only has valet parking — and it’s free, but limited to registered hotel guests.

You might get lucky with free street parking farther away from the tourist areas — most notably near the 

. The Arts District is dominated by metered and lot parking these days, although free street parking can still be found north of Charleston. And we can confirm: the city is still honoring the 

The parking situation isn’t as loose as it used to be in Downtown, but you can still save a few bucks with valet or validation.

Free Parking on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas

Is There Any Free Parking Left on Fremont Street?

New York Governor Kathy Hochul called out Nevada’s “weak gun laws” after a Nevada man was identified as the suspect in a 

 in late July, but the state does have a number of so-called "red flag" laws that allows law enforcement to remove guns from people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. Here’s how Nevada’s red flag laws work and how the state is pushing for better education.

Prior to 2020, the Nevada Department of Public Safety processed background checks for gun sales through authorized dealers in the state to verify that the buyer was not prohibited from owning a firearm — Nevada residents can be prohibited from possessing a firearm for a number of reasons, including a felony conviction, a history of mental health issues, or use of a controlled substance. Background checks were not required for private sellers or private transfers until recently.

, expanding background checks to some private sales and transfers, with exceptions for law enforcement officers and immediate family members, 

. It was sponsored by Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui, who is a survivor of the 

 in 2017 and has become an advocate for gun safety. The law went into effect in 2020.

AB291 also created an avenue to temporarily revoke an individual’s right to possess any firearm if they pose a risk to themselves or others. A High Risk Protection Order 

 by anyone — including law enforcement — with knowledge of an individual who owns a gun and displays any of the following behavior:

An act or communication of imminent violence towards themselves or others

Violation of a protection order for domestic violence or sexual assault

Once a protection order is filed, a judge will hold a hearing within one day to determine if an individual in possession of a gun is indeed a danger. The court can then revoke the individual’s firearms for a short term of up to seven days, or 

Despite the new law, filings for High Risk Protection Orders in Nevada have rarely been used — the state received as many as 28 filings in 2024, only a fraction of the 5,370 filed in New York the same year. Assemblymember Sandra Jauregui thinks one of the reasons Nevada is seeing so few high-risk protection orders is simply because residents and law enforcement officers don’t know that is an option.

When we talked to Assemblymember Jauregui earlier this month, she told us that there have been positive results after trainings with law enforcement and wants to 

expand those education efforts to the general public

Here’s how Nevada’s red flag laws work and why the state is pushing for better education.

How Nevada’s 'Red Flag' Gun Laws Work

. To wrap things up, we have some advice on how to snap a photo of the evening skies — not from an influencer, but from Mig Ponce, president of the 

 from the land of light-pollution, Las Vegas.

“Most modern cell phones have the capability to do good low-light photography, and there are definitely some tricks to stack the deck in your favor. You will need to put your phone into night mode.”

“Get a small tripod for your phone. They're really inexpensive. It doesn't even have to be the kind that is chest high or eye height. You can get those little ones that are just six-to-eight inches tall. With any exposure more than a few seconds, your hand kind of jiggles, but one of those tripods can hold your phone still and get a decent picture.”

“Look for dark sky apps. There's one called 

. Those will help you do low-light, long-exposure images. If you have a Samsung phone, there is an app called 

 that has an astrophotography mode, so that's an option too. (Apple iPhone users may want to try 

.) For the most part, even with just a cell phone, if you’re able to put it on night mode and hold it really, really still, you should be able to capture some pretty neat stuff.”

It's a great week to see shooting stars, but if you didn't take a pic ... did it really happen?

How to Take Night Photos with iPhone and Android

How to Photograph Dark Skies with Your Phone

Tips and tricks for living your best Las Vegas life, by locals, for locals.

Las Vegas Life Hacks

Valentine’s Day is coming up on Friday, February 14 — and the pressure’s on to plan the perfect date with someone special. But you don’t have to break the bank to express your love. We have a lineup of great date ideas that are absolutely free — and so good, they won’t make you look like a cheapskate 👍

 follows the same 3.7-mile route that trains took to deliver supplies to Hoover Dam workers. It’s a gorgeous walk, overlooking Lake Mead and passing through five tunnels carved from volcanic rock. You can park at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area parking lot, 

 the main gate — so no entrance fee. There’s also an entrance and trailhead from the Hoover Dam Casino parking lot. The hike ends at Hoover Dam, where you can snap awesome photos. No tour required.

This is a good one to pair with the above suggestion, since both are in the Boulder City area. 

 is right next to foothills, attracting Desert Bighorn Sheep who love to munch on the grass. The animals get surprisingly close. Don’t try to pet or feed them. Just enjoy the atmosphere, companionship, and views of Lake Mead.

 is a map of 16 historical sites within the Downtown area. Go for a drive and you’ll see the old home of casino mogul Benny Binion, Harrison’s Guest House (which hosted Black entertainers in the ‘40s and ‘50s), Biltmore Village (military housing from the ‘40s 

), and more. If you want to pull over and explore, the Springs Preserve and the Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort require a small entrance fee.

 never get old, especially at night when shows take place every 15 minutes, weather permitting. Step inside the resort and snap photos at another free attraction, the 

, which is currently hosting a Lunar New Year exhibit.

 is a nonprofit museum with free admission. Walking the aisles is like a trip through pop-culture history. Bring a few quarters if you want to actually play the machines — and shift your date into “almost free” territory. 

The Pinball Hall of Fame is steps away from the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, giving you a chance to “play tourist” and take some pics while pretending to be spontaneous (and not at all cheap) about it.

Usually, you’d pay an entrance fee to visit Red Rock Canyon — but just like Microsoft Office, there’s a free version available. Follow Calico Basin Road to the Red Springs picnic area for an 

 with plenty of gorgeous scenery. Don’t forget the picnic basket.

This one only applies to Valentine’s Day. The 

 celebrates its 13th anniversary on February 14, which also happens to mark 96 years since the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. Locals get 

 to actually spend some cash, go ahead and book a reservation at one of the most 

Don’t panic. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be expensive — or cost a penny. 

Free Date Ideas Las Vegas

Free Las Vegas Date Ideas that Won’t Make You Look Cheap

Find the best of everything that Las Vegas has to offer.

Las Vegas’s Best

Las Vegas' Best

Now that holiday excitement is beginning to turn into “new year, new me” energy, an important question remains: What should you do with all that torn up wrapping paper? And what about the Christmas tree that’s been dropping pine needles over your rug? Here are some tips for recycling and responsibly disposing of holiday waste.

The short answer: Probably not. Most of the gift wrapping paper on the market is nonrecyclable. Putting it in the recycling bin can contaminate the rest of the load, meaning that all the contents will go to the landfill. The same goes for items like ribbons, holiday cards, and 

 will pick up Christmas trees (natural or artificial) on bulk pickup days. However, the 

 (through Jan. 16) all have tree recycling programs. You can also drop off your tree at 

 for recycling the week following Christmas. 

 offers tree removal and recycling services too. Most trees are turned into wood chips, mulch, or compost, so be sure to prep your tree for recycling by removing any decor, lights, and nonorganic items. You can also get creative and 

repurpose your tree for other home projects

 If the tree is in decent condition, and you’re just ready for a new one, consider donating it to a local organization or charity. 

 also accepts tree and decoration donations to distribute to families in need around the world.

If you have unusable decorations or holiday lights, recycle them at one of the city’s drop-off locations. Some 

 locations will take your faulty holiday lights and recycle them for you. Are your decorations in good working order? Give them a new life by donating them to a local organization, a thrift store, or hardware store.

I’ll leave you with one last tip for the overachievers out there: Take notes on 

how to reduce your holiday waste next year

Is holiday wrapping recyclable? And what should you do with that Christmas tree? 

Can You Recycle Holiday Gift Wrap?

How to Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste in Las Vegas

When looking back on the best City Cast Las Vegas podcast episodes of the year, we all agreed that co-host Sarah Lohman’s 

 gentlemen's club — was one of our favorites. It was an eye-opening look at an often misunderstood profession. Here’s a little bit of what we learned.

Some clubs — but not all — pressure performers to not gain weight, expecting a certain standard for body types that aren’t common in everyday life.

There’s no shame in using singles when reliving your favorite rap video and “making it rain” in real life. That time will fly by in seconds. Don’t blow your money all at once.

“We’re like therapists,” Misdom said. You still gotta tip.

General rule of thumb: Keep your hands off private areas when receiving a lap dance. Some dancers are more lenient than others, but there’s always limits. Whenever in doubt, ask first.

“It took me a long time to do my makeup,” Misdom pointed out. “Don't touch my face.” While you’re at it, don’t touch the hair and don’t even think about a kiss on the cheek.

Those drivers receive kickbacks for bringing customers to specific clubs, and you’ll be charged the full admission fee to help make up for it. Most strip clubs have their own free shuttle. Use it and you’ll typically get in for free.

Understand the business. The performers have expenses as independent contractors, from a service card and business license to clothes, shoes, and makeup. Health coverage is usually paid out of pocket and it costs a performer a house fee (typically around $150) just to show up. So even if you’re just talking to a dancer, make sure to tip.

”I really do love this job,” Misdom told us. “I learned so much about people and respect. It’s definitely changed my whole life.”

 in Las Vegas. [City Cast Las Vegas 🎧]

An exotic dancer shares some advice on what you need to know before visiting a Las Vegas strip club. 

An Inside Look at Las Vegas Strip Clubs

Las Vegas Strip Club Tips and Etiquette: What You Need To Know as a Customer

If you’re sick of hearing about the election — the junk mail, texts, TV ads, and everything else that comes with it — welcome the relief of knowing it's almost over. Kinda. At least until the recounts end and the litigation begins.

So don’t be mad or sad. Be glad we’re a democracy and that each of us has a say in who runs the government. And as 

Between mail ballots and early voting, Nevada makes the election process incredibly easy. But today is officially Election Day. Your last chance. Last call. No excuses.

. Just bring your Nevada ID or driver's license to a 

. If you need further assistance to register, the DMV 

 until 6 p.m today. You’ll leave with an interim document to bring to a polling location.

You can vote from anywhere. The days of having one specific polling place for your address are gone. Clark County now has 

. You’ll be allowed to vote at any of ‘em between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

My wife has been a nurse for more than 10 years. She told me that for the first time in her career, a patient asked about voting from a hospital bed. As it turns out, 

And if you have a long shift at work, Nevada law requires employers to 

give employees sufficient time off to vote

Cast your ballot and show your "I Voted" sticker for free stuff on Election Day.

local life hacks

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

The Best Restaurant Deals in Las Vegas Right Now

Latest articles

How to See Death Valley Wildflowers: Your Day Trip Itinerary

How to Get a Hospitality Job in Las Vegas

The Best Restaurant Deals in Las Vegas Right Now

Is There Any Free Parking Left on Fremont Street?

How Nevada’s 'Red Flag' Gun Laws Work

How to Photograph Dark Skies with Your Phone

Free Las Vegas Date Ideas that Won’t Make You Look Cheap

Latest articles

Is There Any Free Parking Left on Fremont Street?

How Nevada’s 'Red Flag' Gun Laws Work

How to Photograph Dark Skies with Your Phone

Free Las Vegas Date Ideas that Won’t Make You Look Cheap

How to Responsibly Dispose of Holiday Waste in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Strip Club Tips and Etiquette: What You Need To Know as a Customer

Election Day Freebies and Voting Guide