A visit to Hoover Dam, located about 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas, is a must. An engineering wonder, the dam was built in the 1930's to stop the flow of the Colorado River, which was wreaking havoc. The water was diverted to Lake Mead - now the largest man-made reservoir in the United States. Seventeen generators keep the dam going and you can choose from a couple of different guided tours to learn about the inner workings of the dam.

Showgirls are one of the first things that come to mind when I think of Las Vegas. So, on a recent visit I thought it would be best to immerse myself in the true culture of Sin City: adult entertainment. Since the talented Jubilee! dancers have been high-kicking for almost 30 years, it seemed like the perfect choice.

The first topless show to hit Vegas was Minsky's Follies in 1957. Since then, many adult shows have opened in Sin City, such as Folies Bergere at the Tropicana and Fantasy at the Luxor.

Once a Mecca for devotees of the game known as Blackjack over the last several years Las Vegas has become far less inviting for players. New rules imposed by the suits running the casinos have increased the house edge and made winning a few bucks even more difficult.

That said, low-level blackjack aficionados will tell you that while the game is fun in your local casino, it can be even better played at off-the-beaten-path Las Vegas casinos with better odds at winning and a fun environment.