Beyond the Neon: Unveiling the Hidden Gems of the Las Vegas Strip | Ken Hulsey Photographer

The world-famous Las Vegas Strip is known for its casinos, restaurants, bars, concerts, nightclubs, and extravagant shows. What many people don't realize is that the most sinful part of Sin City is also a showcase of unparalleled beauty, if you take the time to look around. Just beyond the view of gamblers parked in front of flashing slot machines and tourists mulling about on the street, there are amazing statues, fountains, and near-perfect recreations of some of the world's wonders. A traveler can experience the sights of Paris, Venice, New York City, and Ancient Greece all in one afternoon. And that's just the beginning—there is so much more to see and experience.

Sadly, almost everyone who travels to Vegas takes all of this for granted.

Several years ago, my family took a "turnaround" trip to Las Vegas, and I made it a point to capture some of the amazing sights that gamblers and show patrons rarely stop to appreciate. 

For those who don't know what a "turnaround" is, it’s a California term for driving from Los Angeles to Vegas on a Saturday morning, spending the afternoon and evening having fun, staying overnight, enjoying a good breakfast, and then heading back home around noon on Sunday. This ritual usually also includes lunch and shopping at the outlet malls or casinos on the Nevada side of the state line on the trip back.

Here are some of the sights that you may have missed on your Vegas vacation:





























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