Las Vegas isn’t really known for its suburbs and the primary reason for that is there really aren’t any. But located to the southeast of Las Vegas proper is Henderson, and in Henderson is MonteLago Village Resort, a classy lake getaway surrounded by the Nevada desert. It encompasses a huge, well-manicured community, 320-acre private lake, rolling golf course, casino and hotel. It really is a spectacular change from the casino resorts stacked on top of one another down Las Vegas Boulevard.
But this post isn’t about MonteLago Village Resort. Rather it focuses on just one piece of this community-within-a-community.
The Village at Lake Las Vegas is a quaint shopping and dining experience, reminiscent of wandering the cobblestone streets of charming, artistic roadside towns tucked off the main highway. The sidewalks wander around the village, through plazas, down the pier and past boutiques, galleries and restaurants.
Shopping at The Village is no ordinary “mall” experience. Don’t expect to find a GAP or Old Navy on these street corners. The Village at Lake Las Vegas is home to one-of-a-kind specialty shops selling boutique apparel and accessories, jewelry, home furnishings and art. My favorite store is Flights of Fancy, which sells all things wind-oriented: kites, chimes, bells and windsocks. Even the bookstore—Sixth Sense Bookstore— has a niche: It only sells books and gifts related to new age, but live psychic readings are also available.
Dining options are plentiful and range from Mexican cuisine served lakeside to the upbeat and authentic Irish pub, Auld Dubliner. For those looking for a more casual meal, Cafe Tenuta offers up a menu of sandwiches and salads—and even serves breakfast. The tastiest treats at The Village are found in the shops specializing in authentic desserts. Tutti Gelati and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are two to check out.
While The Village has the opportunity to be a bit pretentious with its upscale shopping and dining, it actually maintains a rather low-key and relaxed atmosphere. Artisans spread out their easels and welcome passersby to watch them work. Festivals and wine tastings are frequently held here, and every Friday night visitors can chill by the lakeside to sounds of live music.
For the person hoping to escape the bells and whistles of the adrenaline-charged Las Vegas Strip, the background sound of a strumming acoustic guitar complete with a glass of red wine and a gentle lake breeze can be a very welcome retreat indeed.
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Gray
I’ve got to get out there one of these days. I’ve only seen it from helicopter, but it’s beautiful. What were the visitor numbers like when you were there? I ask because I heard earlier this year that Lake Las Vegas was heading toward bankruptcy. I haven’t heard much since. It would be a shame if it wound up a ghost town. I hope they can ride out the downturn in the economy.
October 13, 2009 at 6:09 pm
Blakesjourney
I love the specialty shoppes! I guess I’m a bit girly in that regard. he he. I would totally love to be wandering about that Gap-less market, with a kite in hand, munching on some hand made nutty fudge. LOVE IT!!
There’s something cool about kites; Its like the embodiment of freedom in the form of a child’s toy. I think if there were more kites and less violent weapons, this world would be a better place. But on the other hand, I guess a kite can be a violent weapon (hello, Kite Runner lol).
I think you’ve given me a totally un-sinnful reason to visit Las Vegas, but I’ll still probably pay a visit to the old one-armed-bandit!
Blakesjourney / TBD
October 14, 2009 at 5:14 am
JoAnna
@Gray We were last there during a craft brew festival, and there were a ton of people there plus a wedding! It looks like it’s doing okay, and I didn’t see any sign of shabbiness or carelessness in keeping The Village clean or in tip-top shape.
@Blakesjourney There’s definitely still a casino on site, but it’s easy to walk right by and forget about it if you’re so inclined.
October 14, 2009 at 6:26 am
neha
It’s nice to read about another side of Las Vegas. This sounds like a fabulous trip.
Also if you like tags, I’ve left you one on my page
October 16, 2009 at 2:19 am
Everywhereist
When some friends told us they were getting married at someplace called “Lake Las Vegas”, we were both confused (“How is there a lake in Vegas?”) and horrified (“Please, not Vegas”). Turns out it was stunningly beautiful and an amazing venue for a wedding. Definitely a different side of Vegas.
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