Still No Place Like Vegas: A Return to Sin City

Having not been since 2019, I knew I was in for some newly built surprises along the Las Vegas strip when I came into town for my book signing at the Erotic Heritage Museum last week (see the PR about it, I posted here.)

What's NOT Happening in Sin City

Yes, what you've read about Las Vegas tourism is true; the tourist population did seem a little light during my visit this time. Speaking to professionals on the scene—from Lyft drivers to croupiers to some of my personal contacts—the city has been suffering this deficit for some time now, and everyone surely has their opinion on why this is. Professional sports might be a tonic to the downturn, with the A's coming into town, the Vegas Golden Knights pro hockey team, and the city's football Raiders. And the ubiquitous rock band residencies are firmly in place. There's even a new "Wizard of Oz" show at The Sphere, bringing folks into the massive round structure when a band isn't playing it. Although we heard that people were causing such a ruckus grabbing the red cotton "apples" that descend from the ceiling during one section of the show that the Oz producers had to stop dropping them.

Ah, the modern polite audience…

But what recovery is coming? If it will come? If it is needed? Who knows?

The Neon Museum & Meow Wolf

One can't help but be brought back to the decadently sexy (or is that sexually decadent?) times of showgirl shows, inexpensive hookers, and The Rat Pack when walking the tight alleys of the back lot-like area of The Neon Museum (also called "The Boneyard"). This two-acre spot off the Strip houses 250 retired signs (although the staff told us of much more stuck in warehouses looking for a new home) from casinos and businesses—some lit, some not. What's extra cool is the place's visitor center, located inside the former La Concha Hotel lobby, restored on the museum's grounds. A sure sight to see at night.

In an opposite direction off Fremont Street is the AREA15 complex. Housed here are a bunch of warehouses featuring various interactive visual installations, such as the famous Omega Mart created by American arts company Meow Wolf. A bright grocery store setting actually selling some products, beyond the bright neon colors of the products and shelves, there are displays one can walk into to get beyond the store to the full sci-fi-like environments behind it. All kinds of wonderful surprises await the curious explorer here.

The Erotic Heritage Museum

Through the many changes that have come to Las Vegas during its history, The Erotic Heritage Museum has stayed sexy strong since it opened in 2008. The 24,000 square feet of permanent and featured exhibits sits right under the shadow of the Trump hotel (ironically) and next to the "world's largest cannabis entertainment complex," Planet 13.

Harry Mohney's Erotic Heritage Museum is dedicated to the preservation of as much erotic heritage as is possible to display. Here one finds sexual artifacts, tableaux, and interactive exhibitions as well as one-of-a-kind lectures, the highly popular live show "Puppetry of the Penis," film festivals, burlesque shows, and more. My book signing was held in the EHM's massive lobby space and retail section. There is no place or people better when it comes to the free, healthy and positive exchange and display of our sexual heritage and the free flow of ideas that lead to sexual empowerment and evolution.

Final Thoughts

So, whether a Willy Wonka digital slot machine pays off, Vince Neil from Mötley Crüe passes you with a thumbs up after his band's show (which he did right after I won at old Willy Wonka), or it rains unexpectedly (something that indeed happened when I was in town last week), there is, indeed, still no place like Las Vegas. Long may it live!