In the first part of this travel series, I posed the question, “What do you really know about Vegas?” I went on to say that although most people are at least somewhat familiar with Las Vegas’ tawdry, gangster-dominated early history and many of its monikers, including “Sin City,” “Glitter Gulch,” and “the Gambling Capital of the World,” there’s much more to it than that.

THE SOFTER SIDE OF VEGAS

I initially thought I was being quite clever in deciding to look for and write about “the softer side of Vegas,” but I soon learned that I was by far not the only one with this same idea. In fact, there were many great “softer” Las Vegas finds dotted around the area, such as the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, a brilliant, indoor explosion of colorful flowers, plants and trees artfully and theatrically arranged around seasonally inspired gazebos, water features, ponds, bridges and other garden themed elements, and the Wildlife Habitat at the Flamingo, overflowing with exotic birds, swans, ducks, fish, pelicans, turtles, and the highlight of the habitat, a huge flock of spectacular Chilean flamingos (both of which, by the way, are free).

There’s also the Arts Factory, a 50-year-old traditional bowstring truss architecture commercial warehouse serving as the centerpiece of the 18b Las Vegas Arts District, where visitors can enjoy a wide array of cultural activities, including First Fridays Art Walks, poetry readings, concerts, live theatrical performances and more.

A little bit outside of the city you’ll find Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, a 195,819-acre expanse encompassing over 30 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing and a 13-mile scenic drive, as well as the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary, providing a safe haven for a bevy of animals, ranging from giant tortoises to Peking ducks, donkeys, parakeets, emus, ostriches, geese, pigs, swans and miniature horses, just to name a few.

But there were two attractions that showed up repeatedly in my search as true Las Vegas gems: the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum.

THE MOB MUSEUM

The Mob Museum can best be described as an interactive journey through one of the most time-enduring aspects of American history. The “Case Files” here are divided into a variety of exciting and intriguing exhibits, artifacts, historic timelines, notable names and pop culture elements far more than a simple exploration of the life and crimes of folks such as Al Capone, John Gotti, Sam Giancana or Frank Costello. Instead, you’ll find a uniquely integrated, multi-sensory, unparalleled and revealing insight and understanding of the history of organized crime and law enforcement from its inception up until today and of the role it has played in many areas of our cultural landscape.

You could literally spend hours here immersing yourself in exhibits such as “Prohibition, Hollywood and the Mob,” “The Feds Fight Back” and “Open City,” coupled with a wealth of awe-inspiring artifacts, including wiretap recordings, a Tommy gun, a 1919 World Series ticket (that’s a story in itself!) and items from the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Wall, among others.

It is an amazing, world-class attraction that draws thousands of visitors from all over the world every year, and it should definitely be included on any Vegas itinerary.

THE NEON MUSEUM

Everyone the world over is familiar with the most famous sign in town—“Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas”–designed by Betty Willis in 1959. But what became of the numerous iconic signs and marquees that once graced long-gone hotels, business establishments and other historic Vegas spots? You’ll find them, and the rich history that made them famous, at the Neon Museum.

Dedicated to “collecting, preserving, studying and exhibiting iconic Las Vegas signs for educational, historic, arts and cultural enrichment,” the Neon Museum is a true Las Vegas treasure, its visitor center an iconic piece of history itself, housed inside the former lobby of the famous La Concha Motel, originally built in 1961.

But the real treasures here are located outside in “the Neon Boneyard,” a celebratory final resting place for some 150 glorious artistic artifacts chronicling decades of Las Vegas history, growth and community rescued from the wrecking ball.

Unlike most museum environments, perusing the collection here is only via one-hour guided tours, during which the docents regale visitors with more fascinating, introspective facts, stories and personal insights that one could possibly glean from reading explanatory signage on their own.

While meandering through the Boneyard, you’ll learn about the signs that once graced the facade of the Sahara Hotel, the Green Shack restaurant, Binion Horseshoe Club, Landmark and 5th Street Liquors, the Moulin Rouge, Society Cleaners and Ann Meyers Queen of Hearts Hotel, just to name a few.

Tours runs all day, but the best time to visit is at night (the last tour starts at 8:30 p.m.), when the signs and marquees are illuminated in all their glory—another “softer” way to trip the light fantastic in Vegas!

Note: Visitors can purchase a Mob Museum/Neon Museum combo ticket to enjoy two great attractions at one low price.

Coming up last, but certainly not least, we take a peek behind the curtain at Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson One.”

Lysa Allman Baldwin is a freelance writer and the publisher and editor of Amazing Escapades, featuring “adventures for the mind, bod and belly” (www.amazingescapades.com).