Ten Very Vegas things to do

It isn’t too late to hit Vegas’ hot spots and highlights before the year ends.  While a few shows have closed since I first posted my Very Vegas list, new ones have opened, as well.  Let me know your favorite Very Vegas venues.

Brian May Jams at a Show Opening Party

1. Catch Bette Midler’s local show, a classic broad who celebrates life through bawdy humor, exquisite singing and heartfelt stories that have made her the favorite superstar for a legion of loyal fans (that would be me!) (map it)
2. Attend a Flair Bar, where bartenders practice the ancient art of high energy juggling mixology. Shaken, not stirred, by definition. Check out The Red Room Saloon (map it), a local bar with world class flair artists, reasonably priced drinks, a VERY eclectic mix of patrons, great dancing and no pretentiousness.
3. Do some guided rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area (map it). One of the premier rock climbing destinations in the Southwest, Red Rock is only 15 minutes from the Strip, yet, as they say, a world away.
4. Compete in the annual Las Vegas Marathon or Half Marathon – or at least be there to provide water.
5. Go fishing at Lake Mead National Recreation Area, or bird watching at the Las Vegas Wash (map it).
6. Book your hotel room in Death Valley during the hottest week of the year to see how a turkey feels on Thanksgiving day or how the most extreme of extreme sports participants feel when running 135 miles in breath-stealing heat in AdventureCORPS 32^nd Annual Badwater Ultramarathon (map it). (The rooms fill up fast.)
7. Attend at least one exhibit of the Atomic Testing Museum (map it) that explores the history and culture of the atom bomb.
8. Save my pennies to eat at Picasso (map it), still considered one of the top restaurants in Vegas (as well as one of the priciest in a pricy town).
9. Make it to Penn and Teller — finally (map it).
10. Follow that favorite local band.