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Athlete (pro)

Nomar Garciaparra

He’s made more errors than the Yankees’ Derek Jeter this year, and he’s hit fewer homers than the Mariners’ Alex Rodriguez. But when the God who invented Michael Jordan decided to design the perfect shortstop, He delivered Nomar-and lifted the curse of the Bambino. Then again, tell that to the Yankees this year. Continue reading →

Albion Books 2466 E. Desert Inn Rd., 702/792-9554. The piano bar in the corner may be gone, but it’s still no contest - Albion Books remains the best used-book store in town. Volumes of volumes, plenty of turnover in the titles and a collection of first editions that can’t be beat. From Amis to Zola, you’ll find books by the Great Big Authors you’d expect, plus plenty of offbeat books by good writers you’ve never heard of, along with books you had no idea you couldn’t do without. E.B. White’s The Wild Flag, anyone? Plus, the prices are low and they wrap your purchases in classy brown paper bundles. Indispensable. Continue reading →

Big B’s CDs & Records 4761 S. Maryland Pkwy.(in Univeristy Square Plaza), 702/732-4433. The coolest record store in Las Vegas, that’s all. Finding what you want is easy: every CD — new and used — sits in neatly labeled sections, divided and sub-divided (within “Country” lies “Americana”). Their stack of vinyl is eclectic in the extreme, mixing new DJ promos with classic Blue Note. Used discs are priced according to popularity in a graduated scale - that old Soundgarden will cost less than that new Chenical Brothers - and a listening station is thoughtfully provided. The terrific staff actually knows what the hell they’re talking about, and are more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for — a refreshing change from the standard point-and-grunt method employed by most record store employees. Continue reading →

Brewed Awakening 2305 E. Sahara Ave., 702/457-7050. Nearly hidden in a gargantuan strip mall, this is the tiny coffeehouse that could. The coffee is good, the staff effervescent and the selection of pastries and baked goods sensational, making Brewed Awakening a great place for Sunday morning brunch. Live acoustic and jazz on weekends. Note: although they have a Sahara address, the café actually faces Eastern. Continue reading →

The Adventuredome 2880 Las Vegas Blvd. South (inside Circus Circus), 702/794-3939. Despite its freakish shape, Circus Circus’ Adventuredome gets our nod of approval—how can you go wrong with a roller coaster as cool and smooth as the Canyon Blaster? While not quite as terrifying as the Desperado at Buffalo Bill’s, the Blaster does the job with a few crazy loops and enough low clearances to put the fear of decapitation in you. The rest of the thrills inside this big purple teat aren’t half-bad, either, if a bit overpriced. Back in the old days, this park wouldn’t have cost a dime, completely subsidized by gambling revenue—then again, in the old days, nobody needed a roller coaster to get that nauseous feeling. Continue reading →

The Attic 1018 S. Main St., 702/ 388-4088. Riding high on a VISA commercial that debuted during the final episode of “Seinfeld,” The Attic continues to be the most popular vintage boutique in Vegas. Beaded curtains, zebra-print carpeting and freaky mannequins in club gear all create a whimsical time-warp atmosphere. The Attic’s selection of merchandise is overwhelming; displayed throughout the two-level store is clothing, shoes and accessories for men and women, furniture and housewares, and a coffee shop. For women, there is no lack of sequins, feathers, velvet, tie-dye and polyester. The Attic carries the hot fashion items of the moment, but not without equally trendy prices: a vintage cardigan with intricate beading is $84.95, a 1950′s style black lace cocktail dress is $41.95, and the ubiquitous men 1970′s polyester shirt is $26.95. A $1 admission fee is charged at the door - what is this, VintageLand? But folks don’t seem to mind much. Remember to hold on to that postcard they give you at the door-it’s your lifetime pass to vintage chic. Continue reading →

Historic Districts

Downtown: The corner of Main Street and Fremont marks the point of origin for the whistle-stop village of Las Vegas. Since the railroad auctioned it off in 1905, however, this intersection has become a little too crusted over with signs, facades and multimillion-dollar-canopies-of-lights to have retained much of a “historical” atmosphere. The mission-style Victory Hotel, about a block south on Main Street, can give you a taste of what the entire commercial district once looked like. Continue reading →