Las Vegas Vacation Outside the Casinos, By Robin Cooper: Millions of people flock to Vegas for the express purpose of sitting in front of slot machines or pulling up stools to the poker tables, and yet there are so many other offerings in the city. A Las Vegas vacation does not have to center on gambling, though many people are unaware of the Vegas beyond the Strip.

Millions of people flock to Vegas for the express purpose of sitting in front of slot machines or pulling up stools to the poker tables, and yet there are so many other offerings in the city. A Las Vegas vacation does not have to center on gambling, though many people are unaware of the Vegas beyond the Strip.

First and foremost, there are the shows. Entertainment that does not require you to gamble away your hard earned cash is easy to find in Vegas, for there are multiple unique shows for your viewing pleasure. From magicians to concerts to illumination spectaculars, there are a number of programs that will amaze and delight even the most discerning viewer. But that is not the only option for the conservative traveler.

Your Las Vegas vacation could possibly include visits to the Nevada State Museum, where you can learn all about the history of this state from pre-history to the modern day. Located right in Vegas, this museum, which costs very little in the way of admission, offers a unique and thought-provoking look at the origins and development of Nevada. There are also art museums, the neon museum, and children's museums, just to name a few. Take a meander through the Atomic Testing Museum, which chronicles Nevada's place in the history of nuclear testing and bombing, or dance on into the Liberace Museum. Truly, there are many places to visit as you plan your Las Vegas vacation.

If museums are not exactly your thing, and you were hoping for a little more excitement, check out the Mario Andretti race rides, or the Richard Petty Driving Experience. These attractions are an important part of Nevada and NASCAR history, so for the racing fans, they are sure bets for entertainment and memorable experiences. Also in Vegas, you'll find the American Racing Academy, where driving courses, geared toward those individuals willing and able to spend close to a thousand dollars and several days learning all about street racing, Formula One, and so on.

Other options are still out there, like the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, Neonopolis, the Fremont Street Experience, and the Zoological-Botanical Park. There are also the Old Mormon Fort for history buffs and the Planetarium and Observatory for budding astronomers. A Las Vegas vacation can include any mix of these options, all located off the Strip but still in the heart of Las Vegas. So if you want to go but don't want to gamble away your time, don't despair, a Las Vegas vacation free from casinos awaits.