Vegas is know to offer some exotic experiences so if you’re looking for an out of the ordinary trip experience in the notorious desert, then the lounge/bar experience in Las Vegas, give the Lady Silvia a try.

First thing you should know is that it can be hard to find. It’s north of downtown, in the Soho Lofts building, near Heritage Park. There’s no sign outside and even though the address says it’s on S. Las Vegas Blvd, the actual entrance is on Hoover Ave., going towards 4th St. You’ll find off-street parking at 4th and Hoover.

Inside, the decor resembles a library, complete with books on the wall. There are a few areas to sit, but the staff hates it when larger groups try to rearrange the furniture. I would say the whole place comes off as a prohibition-era speakeasy.

Music is provided nightly by a DJ with the sound leaning towards house, and they also sometimes hold special events like art and fashion shows.

This vibe extends to the bar menu. Basically, they do simple drinks like scotch on the rocks, classic martinis, Manhattans and the like. Surprisingly, the brew menu has quite a few microbrews, as well as a few of the usual suspects.

Prices are a bit on the high side, but no more than you’d find anywhere else on The Strip. You can save a bit by visiting during their daily happy hour, from 4pm-6pm, and their mid-week reverse happy hour (Tuesday through Thursday from 11pm-1am), when drinks are half-off.

Lady Silvia opens daily at 3pm and, in a rarity for Vegas, is smoke free.

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The Lady Silvia
900 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89101
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[Image courtesy of The Lady Silvia]

There is nothing new about musicians taking up residency at a Vegas hotel and performing a nightly show based on their career. Even now, people such as Garth Brooks and Celine Dion do it.

Pat DiNizio

But these shows are usually big huge productions with high ticket prices.

For those who are looking for a quality alternative, check out Confessions of a Rock Star, now playing at The Riviera Hotel and Casino. The production is a hybrid of a one-man show, rock concert and multimedia event covering The Smithereens’ Pat DiNizio’s 32-year career in rock and roll.

It starts with the hits that shaped DiNizio’s childhood, such as The Beatles and Buddy Holly, and progresses through to present day, including several hits from The Smithereens, like “Only a Memory” and “A Girl Like You.”

The show is well done and the intimacy of the smaller production lends a more personal quality to the delivery. The ticket price is right, too, costing just $29.95 – a steal compared to other shows on the Strip.

Showtimes are daily at 11pm, except Tuesday, when the show is dark. Tickets can be purchased at the Riviera box office, online or at 702-794-9433.

[Image courtesy of Riviera Hotel]

One of the newest hotspots on the Las Vegas lounge scene is Hyde at the Bellagio resort, which had its grand opening on December 31, 2011.

Formerly the Fontana Lounge, this indoor/outdoor ultra-lounge features an upscale decor by design icon Philippe Starck and a posh terrace overlooking the Fountains of Bellagio.

There are two bars and a roving cart providing liquid libations, as well as table service available via reservations. If you’re looking for an unusual drink, try The Love Unit, a mixture of Stolichnaya vanilla vodka, Thai basil, pressed lime, grapefruit, and hand-extracted bell pepper juices.

Hyde is open nightly at 5pm and features a small menu of items to nosh on from neighboring Circo restaurant. Later in the evening, entertainment is provided by a rotation of DJs, with the occasional live performance.

Fridays and Saturdays, Hyde is open until 4am, making it a great place to stop for a nightcap.

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Hyde at the Bellagio Resort
3600 Las Vegas Blvd South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: 888-987-6667
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[Image courtesy MGM Resorts International]

I’m always on the lookout for things to do for a fun night out that are unusual and I think I may have found the perfect thing for those with a lot of testosterone to burn off.

Set to open February 1, 2012, Machine Guns Vegas describes themselves as “where the ultra lounge meets the gun range.” Basically it’s a high end shooting range where you can experience the joys of real life guns.

Not just hand guns, either. They offer a wide range of guns from pistols to fully automated machine guns. The packages, with names like Femme Fatale, Mob and Seal Team VI, start at $89.95 and include a variety of guns and a certain number of rounds of ammo per gun.

Personally, I’m not sure it’d be something I’d want to do, but a few of my friends I’ve polled say it sounds interesting.

Located just off the Strip, on the west side of I-15, Machine Guns Vegas offers free pick-up service from certain hotels.

So I guess if you’ve had your fill of Cirque du Soleil shows and Vegas nightclubs, you could give Machine Guns Vegas a try. Hours are 10am to 8pm daily.

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Machine Guns Vegas
3501 Aldebaran Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89102
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[Image courtesy of Machine Guns Vegas]