Las Vegas Through a Local’s Eye: Angela Christine
Photo by Sierra Gulde Photography.
When Angela Christine first moved to Vegas, she didn’t know what to expect.
She grew up on the East Coast, spent half a decade living in Japan and traveling throughout Asia, before settling down in San Francisco to get married and thrive in her career in the tech industry. She spent the last 7 years in the corporate world at Meta (Facebook, Instagram,+).
Moving to Vegas promised to be the start of a new adventure and Angela and her partner took the leap to plant their roots in the desert.
Being pregnant, with no family around, Angela turned to the Internet and started researching. She soon became an unofficial Las Vegas expert for everything from lactation consultants to doulas, doctors to dentists, mom’s clubs to gyms, kids activities to lessons, schools to childcare.
She looked for avenues to meet other moms, and in a very organic way, after about six months, found her network of amazing parent friends who not only help one another survive — but thrive — while raising their families in Vegas.
A network of helping hands, Angela wanted to share her community with other Las Vegas parents and created Las Vegas Parents Club, whose mission is to provide community and camaraderie for LV parents, as well as provide a trusted source to spotlight resources in a pinch.
From play dates to date nights, LVPC showcases the people, the eats, the shopping, the staycations, and the weekend getaways that your family will love… whether you live here, or are just passing through.
We caught up with LVPC’s Editor-in-Chief to ask her to share 7 things she loves in Vegas. She thinks everyone should check these out whether they are on vacation or a local exploring these for the first time. Many of her out of town friends had no idea any of this existed off the strip!
AREA15
AREA15 is my favorite off-strip location to bring visitors who are coming to town. You can spend multiple days here exploring immersive art and entertainment. There are two major attractions that everyone must experience. Number one is Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, which is fun for all ages. You will start your unexpected journey in a supermarket and explore hidden passages and surprises in another dimension for at least two hours. Number two is Lost Spirits Distillery which is an immersive burlesque-cirq, theater experience mingled with a rum distillery. They also offer a 16-course fine dining option which you will need to book far in advance. Entry to Area15’s main warehouse and outside lounge is free so this is a great stop, even on a budget.
Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area
I frequent Red Rock as often as I can to get outdoors and exercise. When I was pregnant and when I had a newborn, I went just for the scenery. I get the annual pass and almost always take visitors for the 13-mile scenic drive, which is great any time of year. My favorite stop-off is at Calico Hills where I prefer to rock scramble around the trailheads for stunning views and adventurous photo ops.
Chinatown’s Aburiya Raku
Aburiya Raku is hands-down my favorite off-strip dining experience because they serve authentic Japanese cuisine in beautifully decorated spaces. Their attention to detail is fascinating – everything from their food arrangements down to their themed bathrooms with fish tanks. I love everything on their menu and their omakase (chef’s choice set) is the way to go. In the same shopping complex is their sister restaurant, Sweets Raku with a limited seating dessert bar. They have a variety of delicate french/japanese treats, including tea and caviar.
Downtown Summerlin
Downtown Summerlin (DTS) is clean, walkable, and family-friendly. You know it’s safe when you often see local kids and teens hanging out on their own. There is shopping, dining, entertainment, and even seasonal parades. My favorite two places to eat here are True Food Kitchen for something refreshing and healthy and Jing for a fun date night with a high energy atmosphere.
Red Rock Climbing Center
Given that climbers from all around the world come here to Red Rock Canyon, it makes sense that we have an indoor climbing gym designed by two of the world’s top climbers. This is a family-friendly spot with climbers of all ages and abilities. I had never climbed before I came here so I took their 4 week “Learn to Climb Series” with a very knowledgeable instructor and learned a ton! They offer a variety of classes for group or private, hold birthday parties, events, and will even connect you to climbing guides for when you’re ready to hit the outdoors at Red Rock Canyon.
Thomas & Mack Center
The Thomas & Mack Center is a state of the art facility that hosts a variety of events, music festivals, and conventions. What really stands out to me is the type of events held here that you won’t find just anywhere. My two favorites have been the Monster Jam World Finals and the National Finals Rodeo, but you can also find anything from NBA All Star Games to Disney on Ice. It’s a thrill to watch 12,000 pound monster trucks like Gravedigger launch into the air and do backflips, just as it is with bull riding and steer wrestling during the rodeo.
Fergusons Downtown
Fergusons Downtown is a creative community-owned city block in the Art’s District where everyone can eat, shop, and gather. If you are looking for a diverse, artsy, small business community – this is it. There are poetry workshops, markets, movie nights, and sound baths. Mothership Coffee Roasters is a good place to start out and fuel up. I recommend their lavender latte!
