Resort at a Glance: Green Valley Ranch

Less than 15 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Green Valley Ranch cuts an imposing figure, with Spanish-style architecture, tiled roofs, and grounds covered with towering palms. There’s a lot to do at Green Valley Ranch, too—you’ll find restaurants, pools, a movie theater, and a casino with exposed stone columns that support towering arches and a vaulted ceiling. Frommer’s calls the AAA Four Diamond property “flat-out fabulous,” noting that “you can stay here with your parents or your kids, and every age group should be happy.”

• Skip the parking headaches thanks to a free shuttle that makes stops to the Vegas Strip four times a day (it also goes to the airport). Complimentary valet and self-parking is also available at the resort.
• Ask Lady Luck for her blessing at the upscale casino, which boasts 2,200 slot and video-poker machines, more than 55 table games, a poker room, and full-service race and sports book area.
• Eat, drink, and be merry at one of several onsite restaurants, including Hank’s Fine Steaks & Martinis and Tides Seafood and Sushi Bar. Other options include the newly opened Bottiglia—a rustic Italian restaurant with a robust wine selection—and Borracha, which centers on Mexican-inspired dishes and fine tequila. This Groupon includes two complimentary Feast Buffet breakfast vouchers per stay and BOGO drink at Pool Bar.
• Get some fresh air at the resort’s outdoor recreation area, which stretches across more than 8 acres dotted with manicured lawns, private cabanas, and infinity-edge dipping pools.
• Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or mani-pedi at the onsite spa, which was named one of the city’s best hotel spas in a poll of Las Vegas Review-Journal readers. Up to 30% off select spa services.
• Grab a drink or nightcap at one of the resort’s lounges or bars.

Henderson, Nevada: Thriving Suburb Close to the Vegas Strip

A Las Vegas suburb, Henderson is conveniently close to the Strip but also far enough away to be an escape from the bustle. Livability.com named it a top family vacation destination, highlighting the city’s culture scene, which includes area art galleries and outdoor symphony concerts. At the Clark County Museum, visitors can trace southern Nevada’s history via a timeline exhibit. The museum campus also has several historic buildings—including a decades-old barn and a wedding chapel—as well as a walk-in mining trail.

You’ll find the Hoover Dam, one of America’s Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders, about 20 miles east of town. Take the guided tour if you want to learn more about the dam’s history and get a look at the inner passageways. Nearby Lake Mead hosts all sorts of watersports, including kayaking and fishing, but the bulk of the lake’s recreation area consists of mountains and valley with trails for hiking.

Henderson’s shopping scene is another draw: the town features one of the most popular malls off the Strip, Galleria at Sunset. The two-level shopping center houses more than 140 shops and five department stores. But Galleria really stands out because of its Southwestern-themed decor, including fountains, palm trees, and a topiary of animals in the food court. Alternatively, The District at Green Valley Ranch offers an outdoor shopping experience with a pedestrian-friendly promenade that’s lined with boutiques and restaurants. There are also ample opportunities to relax here with a lushly landscaped central park and a grassy courtyard where musicians play live on Friday and Saturday nights from May through October.

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