Nevada
There is nothing more unique in Nevada than Las Vegas. The city was literally constructed out of the desert in the mid-1900s. Entrepreneur and alleged gangster, Bugsy Siegel was instrumental in the development of the early Las Vegas Strip. His hotel, The Flamingo, was built in 1946. Gambling is legal almost everywhere and even McCarren International Airportthe one near Las Vegasfeatures a large variety of slot machines near the flight gates.
Outside of Las Vegas and gambling, Nevada is well known for its legalized prostitution. In contrast, the state is one of the last remaining that doles out punishments for drug crimes based on the practice of mandatory sentences. An unusual Nevada event is the annual Burning Man festival. This unique celebration features a large image of a wooden man that is set ablaze. The burning effigy flames for hours. The event began in the mid-80s among a group of friends. Today the event draws thousands of visitors and now takes place in the Black Rock Desert.
For more information, please visit http://www.nv.gov
