THE STRIP. The shrine of luck! This enormous, beautiful structure gets special prominence with a position just outside of Caesars Palace. Donated by a casino patron in 1984, the edifice is supposed to bring luck to gamblers. By paying homage at the shrine, those who toy with chance are believed to gain good fortune in the casinos. Background lore also suggests that the person who financed the shrine was trying to court Lady Luck on his own terms!

WEST OF THE STRIP. Far from the typical sort of Chinatown found in many American cities, this version is set up as a display, housing busy stores while also serving as an attraction. Traditionally-styled buildings are capped with shiny roofs and ever-popular golden dragons. The entire area also serves as a small cultural exhibit, and signs scattered throughout contain factual information about Chinese art and history. Establishments carry apparel, foodstuffs, jewelry, jade, plants, furniture, CDs, accessories and more.

EAST OF THE STRIP. This Elvis shrine is a must for any fan of "The King." It gives credence to the fact that Elvis has not left the building ­ and never will if this bronze statue is any indication. Elvis always has a decorated shrine here, just as Las Vegas always has a corps of look-alikes ­ several hundred regularly perform wedding ceremonies and sing his most memorable tunes. If you're not looking for love, get Elvis as your personal guide on the strip. That way you too can tool around in a pink Cadillac and sing "Love Me Tender."

THE STRIP. Stand on the promenade overlooking beautiful Lake Bellagio and the stunning hotel and casino of the same name behind it. The music starts and the fountains rise from still waters. The water dance is magical, whether it be a soft shoe or a rambunctious high-spirited number. The compelling routines vary widely and are worth seeing over and over. The water is propelled several stories in the air in time to the music in gracefully choreographed configurations. This is an experience that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your head.

DOWNTOWN. Occupying the portion of downtown Vegas where the city began, this pedestrian mall is more than just shopping or a simple nod to the past. The attraction in the heart of Old Vegas presents a goodly array of retail venues, restaurants, casinos, and performance stages, all of which provide welcome distraction throughout the day and night. The real draw, however, is an LED screen canopy stretched overhead the length of five football fields, 90 feet above visitors. Once twilight falls, shows and videos are broadcast larger-than-life on the screen, granting folks below a variety of entertainments that riff on the American experience, marine creatures, extraterrestrial life, and more. Music, sound, and light engulf you during the shows, which beautifully unite spectacle and technology. They take place on the hour and are absolutely free.