Notes from Las Vegas & Boulder City
 

Visited friends and family in Las Vegas mid May and had some spare time to be a tourist.

I made my first trip to Hoover Dam. I had read online that they consistently have elevator problems, so I knew a tour was questionable.
I arrived 7:30-8:00 am and wished I had gotten there earlier because the temperature was already rising. Going early on a weekday means no line at security check and very few people, which I like. I should have climbed up to Pat Tillman Bridge upon arrival, but I wanted to go look around the dam, so by the time I was ready to go back I decided it was too hot. The elevators were out of service for a few more weeks (they hope), so no tours. I still enjoyed seeing the view from the upper viewpoint, parking on the Arizona side and crossing the dam on both sides, and going through the visitors center and up to the observation area. I can't say the center was impressive, just informative.

The most interesting place I went in Vegas is the Neon Boneyard night tour. We took the 7:40pm tour, so started at dusk through dark on the one hour guided talk about the signs they have salvaged and viewing of the few that are lit. Afterwards we drove along the strip (and off) to see the saved signs now mounted in medians. I love architecture and history, so enjoyed it all. My friend who is not an enthusiast said she had fun. It's not fancy or large. We didn't go for the light/music show they put on in adjacent lot. (My niece who has lived in Vegas for 30 years said she would not be interested because she saw all the signs when they were in place. I'm not sure that is accurate, but it is not a destination that would appeal to all.)

Oops. Husband asked me to go out for a walk and I posted without finishing--Boulder City.

After Hoover Dam, I stopped in BC for lunch and hoped for an area with shops to browse, etc. because I wasn't meeting my friend in Las Vega until 5pm. I found lunch (my niece recommended the Coffee Cup. I didn't know it was shown on Diners, Dives and Drive-ins. It was basic interior and seats. Emphasis on breakfast and sandwiches. Had to search for healthy options. I got a chicken sandwich with cole slaw that was fine. I would like to try breakfast.
I was disappointed that only retail seemed to be a few antique stores and the hardware store (though I do like hardware stores). I perked up at the historic district signs, but not many of the original residential or commercial buildings remain in their original state.
So, it was OK for a lunch stop, but I wasn't able to turn it into a tourist visit for the afternoon.

Best food on the trip was a bakery - Cafe Breizh - on West side Fort Apache Rd near Spring Mountain Road. Fabulous baked goods.
www.cafebreizh.com/menu/