Best Las Vegas Travel Guides
Armed with a flashlight, tape recorder, and expandable baton, Citylife writer-editor Matthew O'Brien explored the black and grey underworld of the Las Vegas flood-control system for more than four years. And he learns how to make meth, that art is most beautiful where it's least expected, and that there are no pots of gold under the neon rainbow. After O'Brien and CityLife contributor Josh Ellis explored half a dozen storm drains, their adventures attracted such attention on the Internet that the publication's Web site scored a million hits in a day. Returning with a tape recorder and flashlight, he interviewed the storm-drain denizens, finding one sleeping in an elevated bed suspended above the watery floor, another residing in a plywood hut and some in the cool tunnels just to escape the heat. From retracing a murder's escape route and learning how to make meth from a tunnel dweller to partying naked with crackheads and dancing under the MGM Grand, this photo-filled account proves that the only place more surreal than the Vegas Strip is beneath it. From retracing a murder's escape route and learning how to make meth from a tunnel dweller to partying naked with crackheads and dancing under the MGM Grand, this photo-filled account proves that the only place more surreal than the Vegas Strip is beneath it.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"After seeing we had many mutual friends on Facebook, I added Matthew and he was extremely friendly and willing to answer any questions I had on the book, which made it even more fun to read...in the end I got to read an amazing book and made an amazing new friend!"
"What makes the stories that much more incredible is that it is all happening beneath a city where people squander millions of dollars each day. By going into the tunnels and talking with the people--not simply asking questions, but exploring the tunnels and practically living among the "residents"--O'Brien sheds light on these people that would otherwise remain ostracized and forgotten."
"I will never know why some people lack the drive and motivation to get themselves out of their situation and do something positive with their life instead of resigning to live like that."
"I also liked his wrinting style, the waythe flashbacks keep connection with the narration of the present time and especially enjoyed the historical facts about the use of tunnels, caves and their explorers throughout the history of mankind. O'Brien was able to uncover the real people that lives in the drains, and showed us that even if forgotten, ignored or simply at large, they are not the monsters that people think hide in the dark and humid corners of the undercity."
"Another excellent book where the author takes us transplants here to places we might not have known existed!"
"Author Matthew O'Brien has cleverly and insightfully captured the touch, sights, smells, and sounds of the Vegas tunnels. The next time you check into a Vegas hotel, remember this book and you might think twice before complaining about the meals, entertainment, or room service."
The book is loaded with personal recommendations and web addresses where you can get additional and current information to help make the most of your trip. There is a chapter devoted to shopping, another covering the best spas on the Strip and a chapter on several tours that will bring you up close and personal with the wonder and beauty of the Mojave desert. Las Vegas Travel Tips is the perfect companion for anyone visiting Sin City. Everything is based on Mike's 30 years experience in Las Vegas.The book covers planning ideas before the trip, information on finding discounts, the best shopping, the best spas and several outstanding tours that will bring you up close and personal with the wonder and beauty of the Mojave desert. Because it is Las Vegas there are chapters on entertainment, the author's pick of the must see attractions and of course dining out.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"We saw a lot of the attractions that were recommended and one of the shows. We packed a lot into our three days and came back tired but refreshed."
"If you like to gamble, I also highly recommend Mike Veaudry's other books on the subject (and no, I'm not related in any way or have any connection to the man, I just like his books!"
"Used this book alot on our vacation to Vegas."
"This book does a great job of covering all the highlights of things to do and see in Sin City."
"It made it easy to get the most current information on conventions, bus schedules and fares, coupons etc."
"worth the few $ to have everything consolidated in one easy to digest book."
"Enjoyed this book."
"Disappointing."
Eating Las Vegas triples the ante, offering reviews from three local food critics who hail from completely different backgrounds, lifestyles, and tastes--and who usually disagree on the merits of any particular restaurant. John Curtas is the restaurant critic for KNPR and KLAS radio stations; Max Jacobson writes about food for Seven Magazine, and Al Mancini pens a weekly dining column for the alt-weekly Citylife.
Reviews
Find Best Price at Amazon"Con: May need to be a recognized food critic to get the "good" food that these 3 authors did because the listed restaurants don't all deliver. I won't say that this would translate to the sit-down restaurant, but their croissants were as good as Costco's. We picked one more restaurant out from the book for our main dinner on Saturday night. The owner was great about it and comped our drinks and offered us a return visit on him (food was that bad and we actually couldn't eat it), but I'm not sure how this place made it into this book. But CAN'T believe this restaurant made it into the book. There are also another main "Celebrity Chef" restaurant in this book that I had been to about 3 years ago where I would rather have eaten at taco bell. Like I said, I enjoyed reading this book, but given the high recommendations by the 3 authors, I anticipated more from each restaurant and because of our short stay, each restaurant better deliver."
"Written by three food critics with varying backgrounds, extensive experiences and vastly different tastes, they sat down and argued over which 50 restaurants to list."
"If I could afford most of the restaurants listed..... maybe then I would have rated higher."
"With so many food choices in Las Vegas, as a vacationer with only a few days to eat you don't want to waste a single meal."
"This is mostly a rehash of the 2011 version, but for the Vegas foodie/fanatic, this is certainly worth picking up."
"I visit Las Vegas around 4 times a year, this is a great book to find out of the way places and deals on Happy Hours or Bar Menus."
"This is a must have eating out guide if you like to eat at great restaurants."
"I loved the way Curtas, Jacobson and Mancini made significant comments on each entry with wit and humor."