Visiting Las Vegas and Southern Nevada

Las Vegas, famous as the gaming capital of the world, is not the only game going on in Southern Nevada. Rich in history and home to a diverse population, attractions, events and activities abound beyond the lights of Las Vegas.

The 22nd Annual Piaute Snow Mountain Pow Wow, over Memorial Day weekend, is a rich cultural display of Native American traditions. The Pow Wow is a social meeting for Native Americans, featuring dances and singing to renew the spirit of their heritage, and perpetuate the culture. Everyone is welcome and there is a Master of Ceremonies guiding participants and audiences through the event. The Snow Mountain Pow Wow is not a contest, but a social gathering. Prizes will be awarded based on a lottery and drawing system. A beautiful event to witness as dancers from tiny tots to golden-agers, perform and participate.

Golf Mesquite Nevada is hosting a five day amateur golf championship May 31st – June 4th. The 8th Annual Mesquite Amateur is a showcase for the Virgin River Valley with Mesquite as its centerpiece. There will three days of net stroke play with top scorers moving to the final championship event. There are lots of events, even if you don't compete. Tours of local sights, dinners and lunches and a poker tournament have been featured in past years. The spring weather will be perfect to golf, watch or venture out on a hike or bike ride.

Sound good to head out of town for the 4th of July? Boulder City holds its 62nd annual Damboree Celebration this year. The 2010 theme is “A Blast from the Past”, to honor the forefathers who built Hoover Dan and Boulder City. Begin your holiday with a pancake breakfast in the park followed by the parade. Fair warning – The Boulder City Veteran's flying group will do a flyover at 9:05 am. Head to Broadbent Memorial Park after the parade for the ongoing festivities and entertainment. If kids are in the group be sure to break for the pool before 1pm, there is a coin toss they won't want to miss. Evening brings a concert by Red Mountain Music Company. Festivities continue at the park on Sunday ending with a Fireworks show after dark. Sounds like the perfect way to spend the 4th of July.

Film Buffs put Pahrump, Nevada on your list – sight of the Fifth Annual High Desert Shorts International Film and Music Festival. May 27 – 30, this is four days of music and vendors outdoors, with movie screenings Friday – Sunday evening. The event has drawn short films from across the globe and is drawing increasing attention each year.

Overton is a gate way to Lake Mead for boaters and fisherman it is a good stop for provisions living up to its origins as site of the regions first grocery store. Don't miss the Lost City Museum, just south of town. Museum Day is May 21st and admission is free. Fascinating itself, the building was built of adobe bricks with the purpose of housing Anasazi Indian artifacts threatened by the waters of Lake Mead. It continues its archeological research today and is an important asset for the education of the community and visitors.

Best Western Hotels in Las Vegas and the surrounding communities are ready to welcome you whether you are on vacation or passing through. Convenient locations make traveling across the area easy and trouble free. Affordable accommodations also make any trip easier. Choose Best Western Hotels when you are in Southern Nevada.