Welcome to Roadside Peek's Las Vegas section. From it's
origins as a desert oasis, Vegas has been known for its gambling, glitz,
and entertainment. During this time, hotels have come and gone, while
some have remained (after undergoing many renovations). For the mobile
traveler, motels and roadside inns have always been prevalent throughout
the Las Vegas area. With competition fierce, what was a small time motel
to do to attract attention? Their big brother hotel/resort complexes had
other means to attract the fickle tourist/gambler. What could a small
motel offer?
Welcome to Las Vegas
Photo courtesy Don Whitten
Unique marquees. Yes, many motels were able to capture the eye of the
wayward traveler and snag them for a night or two due to a unique, colorful,
and sometime outright snazzy sign out front. Various themes developed.
The common tiki names (Trade Winds, Hialeah) to the astro
themed (Starview, Star) as well as gambling themes (Vegas, Par-A-Dice) popped
up all over the desert. Stop here for a rest stop at Roadside Peek'sLas Vegas Motels.
Another view of these motewls would be at night, with neon a-glittering.
Check out Vegas Motel Neon for a lit-up
look. Unfortunately, many of these roadside gems have disappeared and replaced big square box retail and drug stores.
La Concha Motel Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
Googie architecture also became popular in the mid-century, as Vegas
continued to boast of its individualism and uniqueness. From the space
orb of the old Stardust Hotel to the Sand Hotel marquee, Vegas
rivaled Southern California for its mobile landscape. Although much of
the googie is now gone, some signs of the past still remain. Still in
business, (though just "barely" by the looks of things), is
the La Concha Motel on the Strip as well a recently converted Korean BBQ
joint. Yes, just a bit of what Alan Hess coined as "googie"
remains out here in the desert. And you can see it here at Roadside
Peek'sGoogie Architecture. See more at Roadside
Peek'sVegas Architecture.
Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
If you enter Vegas via the Interstate 15 from California at night, your
heart may skip a beat when you reach
the straightaway just before Vegas. No matter how many times you've passed
down this path before, a "wow" will escape your lips. Yes, Vegas
and neon. Neon and Vegas. One and the same. Here at Roadside Peek'sLas Vegas Neon, you can see up close many
of the various neon attractions in this land of wonderment. So strap on
in.
Photo courtesy Georg Balandran
Many sights await your eyes as you travel up the Strip and the Vegas outskirts.
Looking for a quick hitch? What? You've never heard of Cupid's or the
Silver Bell? Stop by one of many Vegas wedding chapels. Or interested
in an open air movie? Stop by the Las Vegas Drive-in. Too lazy to leave
the comforts of your home? Then check into Roadside Peek'sRoadside
Signage Las Vegas.
Photo courtesy Kelly Coalier
Old Vegas Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist
New to Roadside Peek Las Vegas is Roadside
Americana Las Vegas. Check out the roadside attractions of Sin City, including this famous frontier fort, and all the eye-catching sights from around the area.
Las Vegas Theatre Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Looking for an open-air theatre while in Vegas? While there's just one
left, see others here at Roadside Peek's Drive-in
Theatres Vegas.
Dunes Hotel Photo courtesy Paul Bauke
Las Vegas is known for rebuilding itself on a constant basis. So catch some of the shots from the Vegas yesteryear before they pass into history for good. See the old classics here at Roadside Peek'sRetrolook Vegas.
Charleston Auto Parts Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist
Vegas is home to some auto dealership and themed favorites. See them here at Roadside Peek'sAutomobile Alley Vegas.
Hacienda Photo courtesy Allen Sandquist
How about some shots of the Vegas casinos, both old and new. See them here at Roadside Peek'sCasino Alley Vegas.
Green Shack Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Hungry for some grub while traveling through the sights in Vegas. See some of the old roadside favorites, both open and closed, of Sin City here at Roadside Peek'sRoadside Eateries Vegas.
Huntridge Theatre
Las Vegas, NV Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The Huntridge Theatre is a classic movie palace located off of E. Charleston Blvd in Las Vegas. For more roadside theatre classics in Las Vegas, see Roadside Peek'sGrand Theatre.