Keeping Cool During a Las Vegas Summer

7 Ways to Beat the Heat

For some people, the worst part about Las Vegas is the brutally hot summers. With temperatures regularly exceeding 110 degrees in the summer months, its no wonder why people will do anything to cool off. Normally, this is the time where community pools and waterparks would come in to give a quick way to cool off. Both Wet N' Wild and Cowabunga Bay are open again to the public, and many communities are reopening their pools. However, some people may be uncomfortable going back out to these places with the pandemic so fresh in our minds. If that's the case, here are 7 ways to beat the summer heat while at home!


Block the Sun:
The easiest way to keep you (and your house) cool is to keep as much heat out as possible. One of the most effective ways to do this is by simply closing curtains and/or blinds during the day when the sun is at its strongest. This can be further improved upon by using curtains that are white on the window-facing side. This can reflect light and further reduce the amount of heat trying to get in your home.


DIY A/C:
Air conditioning units typically run nonstop during the summer in Vegas, but sometimes that isn't enough. If you need some additional cooling in a small area make a DIY A/C by putting a bowl of ice in front of a fan. As the ice melts and evaporates, it will cool the air being blown by the fan.


Fans:
Speaking of fans, they also help keep you cool without using a lot of power or using an expensive cooling system. In the summer, ceiling fans should rotate counter-clockwise. When they rotate this way, they push air down, creating a cooling breeze. Standing fans are also helpful as they help circulate air. The circulation helps keep things relatively cool.


Turn Off Appliances:
Electrical appliances that are left on generate heat that most people may not even be aware of! When you leave a computer, laptop, TV, game console, or any other moderately sized appliances on, they produce heat that will make it harder to keep your house cool.


Stay Hydrated:
One of the biggest tricks the desert plays is making you realize you aren't sweating. Especially when exploring the Strip or hiking through Red Rock during the hot summer months. Whenever you venture out, or even when staying inside, staying hydrated helps your body keep itself cool.


Eat Light:
What is put into your body has a very large impact on the way you feel. Obviously, drinking and eating cold foods helps keep you cool, but also the kind of food is important as well. If trying to stay cool, stay away from heavy, fatty foods such as fast food. Instead, try to eat fruits and veggies, along with other food items that contain large amounts of water. These foods will refresh you, hydrate you, and most importantly, keep you feeling cool.


Think Cool:
While it may sound silly, thinking about colder climes, reading books or watching movies set in snowy environments, and other "cold thoughts" have been scientifically proven to help reduce the feeling of heat/warmth. Just by taking your mind off the sizzling asphalt and the heat-wave mirages you see over the desert, your body will feel cooler.

So... You Think You’re Gonna Walk Around Las Vegas? Think Again.

August 12, 2025
Ah, Las Vegas. The land of neon lights, endless buffets, and Elvis impersonators. You’ve just arrived, ready to strut down the Strip like a movie star. “We’ll just walk everywhere!” you say confidently. Let’s get one thing straight: Las Vegas is not a walkable city. It pretends to be. The hotels look close together on the map, but in reality? That “quick 5-minute walk” from your hotel to the next casino is actually a 30-minute expedition involving escalators, pedestrian bridges, confusing hotel lobbies, and at least one wrong turn through a souvenir shop. And don’t even get us started on the heat. If you're visiting anytime between May and...well, October, you’re basically walking on the surface of the sun. There's no shade, your flip-flops will melt to the sidewalk, and you’ll start questioning every life decision that led you to this moment. This city is designed for cars, not your poor aching feet.  Pro tips: - Use the monorail (yes, it exists!) - Embrace the rideshare life - Don’t trust "just a block away"—Vegas blocks are a lie. Sure, Las Vegas is magical—but it’s best explored with a good plan, some wheels, and the understanding that walking everywhere might just walk you straight into heat exhaustion.

The Writer’s Block: An Independent Bookstore in Downtown Las Vegas

August 4, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Writer’s Block is more than just a bookstore, a creative refuge in a city better known for neon lights and roulette wheels. Since opening its doors in 2014, this independent shop has built a reputation as a literary hub for locals and visitors alike. Located at 519 S. 6th Street in the artsy Fremont East district, The Writer’s Block blends the charm of a classic indie bookstore with a splash of Vegas flair. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of new books spanning every genre, an espresso bar for your reading fuel, and perhaps most charming of all—a whimsical artificial bird sanctuary that hovers overhead. But The Writer’s Block isn’t just about browsing books. It's also a community builder. The shop regularly hosts readings, writing workshops, and book clubs, offering something for readers and writers of all ages. Housed within The Lucy—a nonprofit arts and culture center funded by the Rogers Foundation—the bookstore doubles as a place where creative minds can gather, collaborate, and grow. Whether you're picking up your next great read, sipping a latte while drafting a screenplay, or just popping in to say hi to the resident rabbit (yes, there’s a rabbit too), The Writer’s Block is a welcome literary escape in the middle of the desert. In a city full of distractions, it’s a reminder that quiet, thoughtful spaces still exist—and they matter. 

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)