Boulder City - Almost Missed

And to think we almost missed it. Boulder City, Nevada that is. Have sold Las Vegas travel for years thru the travel agency, tour company and meeting planning businesses of Maitland and Associates Inc. Have been invited to speak in Vegas as well for many functions, but there was only a day before or after event to enjoy all the shows, good food and shopping of Vegas.

That changed with the unveiling of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. During site inspections for packaging the NASCAR race, we rented a car and decided to drive to the Hoover Dam. The biggest surprise was how close Boulder City was to Vegas and how totally different the experience is. The first thing we noticed as we approached the area was the signboard announcing all the events that would take place. Wow! There was something for everyone and these events were different from ones that a traveler usually finds.

The Y in the road was confusing as to which road we should take to see the Dam so we followed the signs leading to the dam and actually missed the historic town of Boulder City the first time. The Hoover Dam tour was spectacular. The scenery was just breathtaking. The history of the building of the dam and now watching the construction of the bypass under the height conditions is fascinating. We came back with a stop at Lake Mead Harbor and as I looked at that beautiful lake I remembered Ginny from Lake Mead Cruises telling me all about the cruise during our appointment at the National Tour Association convention. I did take the cruise and this is a “do not miss” part of a vacation or business event. Check out the strippers and the ducks while visiting the harbor. (My husband just asked if I spelled that right?) Following the short tour of the Lake Mead, we decided to take the “other road” of the “Y” back to Vegas. This road, complimented by a Visitors Center, was a gradual climb to the summit where the view is a photographer’s dream. There were many visitors from all over the world voicing the same ooohs and awes we were uttering. What a shame it would have been to have missed this.

We continued driving by historic homes that generated many questions and as the road became straight the town of Boulder City was unveiled. Oh my we had to stop and get out and walk! As a tour planner, the first stop always is the Chamber Office. I found the greeters at the Chamber, who must have lived there for years, were just an enthusiastic as I was with Boulder City. They pointed out the highlights of places to visit. I knew instantly that a short stop would not do it. I needed time in Boulder City. First stop was the Boulder City Hotel and the museum. Now the previous sights were falling into place. The historic houses we drove by were built for the workers who constructed the Hoover Dam and more history flowed in the same abundance as the water in the spillway at the Dam after the visit to the museum. I bought a book about the hotel’s history etc. Food must accompany all this investigation. Half the fun is just finding that special place to eat and we had such a variety to choose from that I knew then we needed to return here again and again. The wait staff in the restaurant was more than patient with my many questions and their enthusiasm was infectious as they suggested “do not miss” places. Of course, no trip is complete without shopping and I found a necklace that even now other travelers are asking where I bought it as I travel throughout the world.

We have just begun to understand this sweet community. There is something to do all the time. It certainly supports the motto that one can sit at home and let life go by or get out there and let life happen. The happenings are in Boulder City less than 25 minutes from Las Vegas.

Get there by flying commercial into McCarran Airport in Las Vegas or flying private into Boulder City. The new terminal is almost complete. Major driving routes from all directions include many 4 lane roads or country highways thru scenic byways. Rental cars, once at McCarran, are all located in one off premise area near the airport. RV rentals are also available. Groups have a choice of mini, midsize and large motor coaches. Hotels and nice clean motels plus the historical Boulder City Hotel are great for staying in the Boulder City area. A new hotel will be built by the golf course during the next year. Nearby Henderson and Vegas offer alternative lodging. Laughlin would be an option further south within a 2 hour ride.

Atten: Tour operators Boulder City can be part of a hub and spoke tour from Vegas, Green Valley, Henderson etc. Las Vegas CVA has a list of receptive tour operators, NTA and ABA operators and Destination Management Companies for step on guide service etc.
Boulder City offers a great opportunity for “Vacations You Create” allowing your guests options that can be booked ahead of the tour such as 18 holes golf, fishing charter, historic tour, flightlines tour or historic tour as examples that can be organized with transportation drop off for ½ day with lunch or entire day with lunch at virtually the same price for all. Tour takers like flexibility and choices and Boulder City is perfect for mix and match.

For assistance in booking please contact the Boulder City Chamber, Jill Rowland Lagan, CEO , 702-293-2034, info@bouldercitychamber.com, www.boulder-city-chamber.com , or you may call me for volunteer assistance 406-837-7280 or 406-249-5184.

Just a few activities that could be included:
THINGS TO DO
IN BOULDER CITY

1. Visit the Boulder City Hoover Dam
Museum at the Boulder Dam Hotel 294-1988

2. Meditation Gardens on Colorado Street

3. Cruise the lake with Lake Mead Cruises 293-6180

4. Bootleg Canyon premier bike trails 204-7810

5. Take a raft ride with Black
Canyon/Willow Beach Adventures 294-1414

6. Visit Veteran’s Memorial Park located
at the end of Buchanan Boulevard, with many 293-9256
activities for kids including,
A. Fishing Pond
B. Splash Park
C. BMX Track
D. Remote Control Boat Pond

7. Play Golf at the B.C. Municipal Course 293-9236

8. Play Golf at Boulder Creek Golf Course 294-6534

9. Visit 1 of 19 parks in Boulder City 293-2034

10. Visit Hemenway Park in the morning and at
Dusk to see Bighorn Sheep feeding

11. Visit the Fine Arts Gallery at the
Boulder Dam Hotel 293-2138

12. Visit one of our many restaurants

13. Visit the Parks and Rec. Center for more
fun family activities on Arizona St. 293-9256

14. Horsemen’s Association on San Felipe 294-9984

15. Visit the new Library on Adams Blvd. 293-1281

16. Visit the Historic Boulder Dam Hotel 293-3510

17. Lake Mead National Recreation Area 293-8907

18. Go hiking the Railroad Tunnel Trails 293-8990

19. Go hiking the River Mountain Trail

20. Ride the Nevada Southern Railway 486-2423
486-5933

21. Walk the Labyrinth at St. Andrews Church 293-7500

22. Shoot targets at the Rifle Range 293-1885


23. Eldorado Canyon Mine Tours at the
Techatticup Mine 291-0026

24. St. Judes Car Museum 294-7100

25. Activities and Lunch at the Senior Center 293-3320

26. Stroll the Historic District , visit many of our
Antique Shops and Retail Locations. Historic
Walking tour maps available at the Chamber Office.

27. Boulder Bowl 293-2368

28. Boulder City Outfitters 293-1190
Kayaking, Hiking & Mountain Biking

29. Bootleg Canyon Flightline-Zipline 508-7269

30. Motocross Track-ATV Riders
Eldorado Valley

31. Gun Club-Trap/Skeet Shooting 294-0029
Desert Lake Shooting Club

32. Desert Tortoise Oasis at Martha P King
Elementary School 799-8260

33. Public Art Sculptures in Historic District
Boulder City Public Art Scape 293-7731

34. Bootleg Canyon Park-Xeriscape/Rock
Structures 204-7810

35. Enjoy a Movie at B C Cinemas located in
The Hacienda Hotel & Casino 293-5000
36. Papillion Helicopters

Travel Planners: when you are interested in a site inspection or FAM please call because I do not want you to miss Clean, Green, Boulder City either. `

Dottie Maitland CTP
Maitland & Associates Inc.
www.justaskdottie.com
dmoto@earthlink.net
406-837-7280