This History of the Strip
How did the Strip begin?
Las Vegas Boulevard was nicknamed “The Strip” because it reminded former LA police captain Guy McAfee of the Sunset Strip. McAfee moved to Las Vegas in 1938, after being obliged to resign because he controlled a string of illegal gambling joints, and took over the boulevard’s first casin, the Pair-O-Dice Club. Over the next ten years, it was joined on the Strip by El Rancho in 1941, the Last Frontier in 1942, Bugsy Siegel‘s legendary Flamingo in 1946 and the Thunderbird in 1948.
For casino owners, much of the appeal of the Strip was that it lay outside city limits in Clark County, where they could dominate what little political life there was, sparing themselves the scrutiny suffered by their rivals downtown. By not being under the jurisdiction of the city authorities, they’ve been free to pursue their own development agendas ever since.
How did the Welcome to Las Vegas sign come about?
This iconic sign stands in the centre of the median Strip, nearly one kilometre south of Mandalay Bay and it one of the first things to greet you as you make your way from McCarran Airport into the city or as you drive in from Los Angeles. It now has its own parking lot in the central median – only accessible to drivers heading south – so visitors eager to pose for pics no longer have to dash through the traffic to reach it. Interestingly, the sign is actually 6.5 kilometres south of the official city line; at this point, you’re still in Paradise Nevada.
The sign was designed by Betty Willis in 1959.
Las Vegas Wedding Adventure Package…………..
Are you looking for that perfect package? The ones that you don’t need to think too much about it – you look at it and you just know that it is EXACTLY what you want for your perfect day. I have put together a few packages that include EVERYTHING – read through our Adventure package to see if this is what you are looking or if not an adventure package, there is romantic package too – the only problem will be choosing which one:-
Start your day with our HAIR & MAKE UP Session.
A Stylist will visit you in your room for your hair and make-up session, any length, any style there are no limitations to your choice on the day. What I love about this is you don;t need to leave your room, you don’t need to run around Vegas (sometimes in the heat) getting from one appointment to another. I only use professional stylists that come to you. Up until your special day you can email me as many pictures of your hair and make up and I shall forward them onto the girls who will be well prepared for your day.
Not only can we organise your perfect day with the perfect venue but we can also organise for a hair and make up artist to come to your hotel or you and your bridal party can be pampered in their salon. Our expert hair and make up artists are professionals and wedding hair and make up are their specialty.
Bridal hair and make up packages are as follows in USD:
- Hair $95
- Airbrush Makeup $95
- Makeup $85
- Hair and airbrush makeup $160
- Hair and makeup $145
- Lashes $10
- Mens style $50
- Spray Tan $85
Other services include shampoo, blowdry, highlights, mens and women’s cuts, treatments, manicures, pedicures, waxing, extensions and all that a full service salon provides.
These packages are unique to Pure Travel and Las Vegas Weddings – so contact us today to plan absolutely everything to do with your special day.
Other Services
BAR AT TIMES SQUARE
THE ULTIMATE NEIGHBORHOOD BAR
It’s like the ultimate neighborhood bar, complete with the No. 1-rated dueling piano show in Las Vegas. Come Thirsty, Be Loud, Stay Late!
The Bar at Times Square is like your old college hangout where you can grab a beer and sing along to Billy Joel songs with a couple hundred of your closest friends.
The New York-style pub features a popular dueling piano show nightly where you’ll hear all of the crowd pleasers like songs from Elton John and of course, “Sweet Caroline” from Neil Diamond.
There’s a happy hour Monday – Friday from 3 – 7 p.m. with drink specials to help you lose your inhibitions before the singing starts.
FREEMONT STREET EXPERIENCE
The free Viva Vision light shows at Fremont Street Experience are a must-see in Las Vegas.
One of the most spectacular ways to see the lights of Fremont Street is by flying on the SlotZilla Zip Line! Flying under the Viva Vision screen is a thrill for the senses, to say the least.
The Viva Vision video screen is 1,500 feet long, 90 feet wide and suspended 90 feet above Fremont Street’s renowned pedestrian mall, lined by some of the world’s most iconic casinos and hotels.
Guests can enjoy a variety of light shows with dazzling, high-resolution imagery and state-of-the-art, 550,000-watt, concert-quality sound. The Viva Vision screen is made up of 12.5 million energy-efficient LED lamps.
Viva Vision shows last about six minutes, and run every hour, beginning at dusk (between 6:00 p.m and 8:00 p.m., based upon the season). Shows typically end at midnight (in the summer, shows run until 1:00 a.m.).
Light shows currently include Heart, The Who, The Doors, Bon Jovi and others. Check the monthly calendar to see which Viva Vision show plays when.
More than 17 million Las Vegas visitors a year take in the Viva Vision light shows at Fremont Street Experience.
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ‘O’
Experience an Aquatic Masterpiece
Weaving a tapestry of artistry, surrealism and theatrical romance, ‘O’ pays tribute to the beauty of theatre. Inspired by the concept of infinity and the elegance of water, world-class acrobats, synchronized swimmers and divers create a breathtaking experience. Only at Bellagio, Las Vegas.
Aerial Hoops
Dizzying choreography and powerful gymnastics in the air and on the water.
Bateau
A ghostly ship emerges from the mist. Flyers and catchers display incredible timing.
Cadre
A herd of aquatic zebras swoop and swing on a giant frame in a surreal water dance.
Fire
The rage of fire and the purification of water are blended into one – and then displayed in this brilliantly visual act.
High Dive
A group of three world class high divers leap 60 feet from the grid level to a small exposed section of the pool, without any fear or hesitation.
Underwater
LAS VEGAS ATV’S
Motorised Scenic Tour – Lake Mead National Park!
Enjoy a 3 hour ATV Ride through Lake Mead National Park to the Colorado River
Photo opportunity at the Hoover Dam
Swim in the Colorado River (if you go in Summer, trust me you’ll want too)
6 person vehicles
‘The All American World Famous Burger’ with fresh cut fries and a soft drink
Complimentary round trip (shuttle) transportation from any Las Vegas Hotel
All of this for USD$199 (taxes and gratuities not included)
