Las Vegas
Mp3 Placelists
2008 10Best Bet - Award Winners
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DOWNTOWN. Fremont Street is renowned for being one of the most interesting places in Vegas to simply sit and watch the world go by. If you get a hankering for good cheap food and laid-back atmosphere while you're doing just that, tuck into Binion's Original Coffee Shop. It's a little secluded, located in Binion's basement, but that lends it a cozy, out-of-the-way feeling that's much-appreciated by patrons.
NORTHWEST LAS VEGAS. Since parks are family-friendly places, they can sometimes get crowded and loud. But Bruce Trent Park, in the quiet, upscale neighborhood of Summerlin, always seems to have plenty of peaceful areas where you can settle down with a few good tunes – even on Wednesday afternoons, when it's home to the Las Vegas Farmers' Market.
EAST LAS VEGAS. Located on the UNLV campus, Donna Beam Gallery presents an ever-changing exhibition of contemporary artwork and showcases both nationally recognized and new, local artists. The gallery is a quiet space, and it has no admission fee, which makes it a prime spot for times when you want to soak up a bit of culture. (Plus, it's fun to match your music to the artwork you're looking at!)
SOUTH LAS VEGAS. When it seems like there's no other quiet place in the city – and let's face it, Vegas isn't the most peaceful metro in the world – you can always count on the silent haven of a library. A favorite retreat, Enterprise Library is among the city's quieter venues. It's almost never crowded, and you'll find free Wi-Fi, a wealth of books, and plenty of available seating to accommodate your needs.
THE STRIP. This retail enclave is a fantastic place for people-watching and music-listening. As shopping centers go, it's relatively quiet – no thumping music piped into the main thoroughfare – and the illuminated blue-sky ceiling mural lends it a rather peaceful air. Better yet, there are ample places to sit, not to mention an interesting array of passersby to privately scrutinize.
THE STRIP. The major thing that sets the Four Seasons apart from other Vegas hotels is its lack of gaming – no clanging, jangling slot machines! It's located within the Mandalay Bay complex, but it has its own separate entrance, and even the lobby is surprisingly quiet and mellow. If you're a guest staying here, take advantage of the peaceful pool and gardens.
THE STRIP. Listen to something classical as you marvel at the fine art that graces the walls of the Guggenheim Hermitage. There's no place like a museum to prod you to absorption in your own world and to let you escape outside distractions with a leisurely stroll through reverently silent corridors. Admission is a bit steep, but the exhibits – by masters like Rubens and Cezanne – are absolutely worth the price.
HENDERSON. If you've ever wanted to get lost by yourself in a quaint Italian village, then you can't get much closer to the real thing than at MonteLago Village at Lake Las Vegas. Cobblestone streets, benches that invite you to sit and watch bubbling fountains, intimate bistros and coffee shops, and a great view of the rippling lake make for a calm, relaxing place where you can easily spend an afternoon. Individual business hours vary.
OVERTON. It's not exactly in the middle of the city, but if you don't mind the drive (which is, in itself, a great opportunity for head-clearing thought), take your favorite tunes along to Valley of Fire State Park. Breathtaking desert scenery complements the vast, profound silence – there's no intrusive background noise to take away from your contemplative listening experience.
EAST OF THE STRIP. UNLV's Xeric Garden features a beautiful assortment of desert plants and composes a peaceful landscape in the heart of the city. Over 9,000 square feet of paved pathways, benches, arbors, and bridges means plenty of places to wander or just sit and enjoy the scenery. On the north side, check out Klinkhammer Bird Viewing Ramada, a refuge for many species of birds. Located at the entrance to Marjorie Barrick Museum. People often associate cities with special songs or styles of music. On Broadway in New York, try show tunes; in New Orleans' French Quarter, go for jazz. This list shares the best spots for listening, either as an activity in itself or as a backdrop to something else. People-watch at a coffee shop, browse fantastic art at a museum, and while away commuter time on public transportation. Plug into your favorites, or make a "placelist" based on our suggestions.
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People often associate cities with special songs or styles of music. On Broadway in New York, try show tunes; in New Orleans' French Quarter, go for jazz. This list shares the best spots for listening, either as an activity in itself or as a backdrop to something else. People-watch at a coffee shop, browse fantastic art at a museum, and while away commuter time on public transportation. Plug into your favorites, or make a "placelist" based on our suggestions.



