I am so glad that I discovered this business. I have always been interested in learning about how…read moreblown glass is fused and created. I reached out to this business and sadly learned that there are no places in town that teach this skill. This business does offer other classes working with fused glass so I decided to sign up for one. The cost for my class was only $40 which I thought was very reasonable. Although I am not in this part of town often, the studio was easy to find parking was plentiful in their lot. This business is broken into two areas. When you enter, you are in the gallery and there are various artists featured along with their pieces. Very impressive. In the back of the studio is where all the glass art is created. There are kilns, tools, workbenches etc. My friend and I signed up to create a colorful heart this past Saturday morning. We were warmly greeted by Don who checked us in and then we patiently waited for the class to begin. Barbara and Larry (owners) took us back into the working part of the studio and we all found our places around two tables. Since we were handling glass, we had to wear gloves for safety. The purpose of the class was to create a mosaic style heart/paperweight. There were two large trays at each table filled with colorful, fused glass. After trying various sizes of the glass, I was finally able to finish creating my design and considered my heart masterpiece completed. Larry was extremely informative and helpful throughout the class as was Barbara. I learned from Larry about their extensive involvement with our community. They had just recently held an event for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. I love a small business that gives back and it makes me want to support them even more. Both Barbara and Larry display a real passion for what they do and enjoy sharing it with others. Larry expressed to me how addicting creating this kind of art an be and I totally believe him. After our hearts were created, they would now be placed in the kiln for firing. Barbara advised all of us that as soon as our hearts were ready, we would be notified and able to pick them up. I have been looking for a creative outlet and I believe I will be back taking more classes and learning more about working with fused glass.

I recently attended a wonderful morning glass fusing and blowing class. We each made a piece that…read morewill later be fired and slumped. Can't wait to see it. Our instructor- Barbara (owner) - was fun, patient, creative, and helpful. And her husband Larry was a master of glass blowing, showing us how to create two gorgeous pieces. We didn't actually get to blow glass, but it was awesome to watch and listen to him talk through everything. This was a small corporate event, and worth every minute!

Everyone has a magical place to go to where negativity disappears. One of the magical places I go…read moreto is the Magic Tree in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area off of the River Mountains Loop Trail at Mile Marker 13. The Magic Tree is a tall cottonwood tree that got its name from it being magic that a tall cottonwood thrives in the desert. In an exaggerated way it reminds me of the Tree of Life in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom. Seeing it in proportion to the desert, the Magic Tree looks monumental. Then again, it isn't an exageration that the Magic Tree is The Tree of Life. When my spirit is dying and I have worries, this is a special spot where I leave the material world to open up my soul. This has been a place where I have prayed and spent time in reflection. If anything it has improved my quality of life. This is a magical place that is accessible by a 1.2 mile hike or bike ride on the precious River Mountains Loop Trail (abbreviated RMLT). To reach the parking lot from the Las Vegas Valley, you want to head eastbound on Lake Mead Parkway (Nevada Route 564) all the way to the boundary of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area border. Immediately before the Fee Station, you will turn right into the RMLT parking lot. This is a modern parking lot with sufficient parking spaces. From the parking lot you will head toward a kiosk. Here, you will see some useful information about the area. Beyond the kiosk is a short RMLT spur. At the T-intersection, turn left on the River Mountains Loop Trail. The paved trail starts off straight as it brings you into the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. At this point the trail transitions into a rural landscape with a parallel equestrian trail. The trail gains elevation as the 's-curves blend into the contours of the desert hills. The scenery improves with a scenic overlook of Lake Las Vegas and a vista of the rolling desert carpet reaching toward the mountains and Lake Mead. In the distance below, you could make out a Circle of green. This is the Magic Tree. The RMLT winds along another s-curve as it lowers back to the desert floor. It soon straightens out as it rejoins the equestrian trail. Near the mile marker 13, it will separate from the equestrian trail again. Now you want to keep right on the equestrian trail that will reach the Magic Tree in a short distance. The Magic Tree looks more like a savanna than a desert. It is an oasis. When you look at the Magic Tree you will notice a pipeline travelling horizontal in its shadow. This pipeline itself is interesting for the fact that it is one of the first water pipelines from Lake Mead. This very water is part of the soundtrack to a visit to the Magic Tree. If you close your eyes, it has that nice sound of a waterfall. To take in the Grand views of the Magic Tree, I suggest that you duck under the pipeline. This is the spot to spend time in reflection at the Magic Tree. Beyond the Magic Tree is a magical world of hiking trails. I call the trail originating from the Magic Tree toward the River Mountains foothills the Magic Tree Trail. It travels on a rocky topography through small canyons with slight elevation gains. In March, the wildflower bloom brings the desert to life. This is an area worthy of exploring. I give the Magic Tree five stars. How can I give a magical place any less?

Somewhat mystifying, larger-than-life, and a Free attraction is Seven Magic Mountains by artist Ugo…read moreRondinone. These seven neon colored stacked boulder towers (each boulder between 10 and 25 tons) are located in the middle of nowhere. This art installation symbolizes the meeting between nature and the artificial. Stacked like stone cairns, these shouldn't be as captivating as they are, but it brings out a childlike wonder, and everyone who sees them marvels at them. These have faded somewhat (I was also here in 2019 so I posted some of those pictures too). This work was supposed to be relocated in 2024 but I think now it will become permanent. You will need a car/transportation to view this. There was a food truck nearby but otherwise no facilities.

About a 30-minute drive from the Strip, Seven Magic Mountains is definitely worth a quick stop. The…read morecolorful rock formations are really cool to see up close, and it's impressive how they're stacked and balanced on each other. When we visited now, it wasn't too busy compared to September, when the crowds were a lot bigger. The only downside was seeing graffiti on one of the rocks -- it's frustrating that people feel the need to ruin something so unique. Overall, still a great spot for photos and a short scenic visit while in Vegas.

Sightseeing in Las Vegas, Nevada…read more.. While browsing through my Yelp app under "Local Flavor", I remembered seeing "The Wishing Tree", but didn't pay attention to the location because I didn't think we would be in the vicinity. Lo and behold... My friends and I happened to be walking through the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian when I spotted The Wishing Tree! I was so shocked... I forgot about trying to scan the QR code and making a wish. Shucks!!! I guess we'll need to return and try it out!

No one knows exactly why this is called The Wishing Tree. You'll find it on the second floor in The…read moreShoppes at The Palazzo, near Sushisamba. They have cushioned seats around the tree and four charging outlets which is nice! Personally, I think this tree is more like a time-saving compass. From the elevator, I can see the tree. If I go right, the path leads to Sushisamba. If I go left, the path leads to The Venetian Grand Canal Shoppes. But if I keep going straight, that pathway goes through all the designer boutiques and accessories, and I end up shopping!

This is near the center at Crystals. They have different size water vortexes that fill with water…read moreand change colors. It's interesting to watch.

In Las Vegas, amongst the glitz, lights, night life, booze, gambling and shopping (don't get me…read morewrong, these are all pretty fantastic in this 2 mile block of Southern Nevada along the world famous Vegas Strip!), art can often be an after thought. A moment in which in your burry eyed, foggy state of boarding your return flight home, you might vaguely remember a giant thing with tumbling numbers or a giant tree house looking thing you thought was a restaurant. But make no mistake, those items (which are indeed public art) have been placed there for you to see, experience, be mesmerized by and enjoy....whether you actually knew it or not. Crystals and the City Center area that surrounds it, is a treasure trove of some of the city's greatest contemporary, cool art installations. From the cool Mihajima Marks U.S debuted piece that went in to Crystals last year, to the funky cool tree house that houses Maestros designed by David Rockwell or James Turrell's Akhob located inside Louis Vuitton (appointments required, so call well in advance)...great art is everywhere at Crystals! Look up City Center Art Collection before you visit, for if art is your thing, this is a fun scavenger hunt around City Center, in addition to Crystals (the shopping entity at City Center). Most of the pieces are large and can make you travel around the entire site to discover. The art at Crystals can rotate from time to time, so keep your eyes peeled for new stuff during each visit.

Golden Goose Tourist Attraction is an iconic statue in Downtown Las Vegas. You'll find it on the…read morecorner of Fremont and 10th street, right across from The Kitchen at Atomic. The story of the statue dates back to when it was the mascot of the short-lived Golden Goose Casino (April 1974-1980), which was located at 20 Fremont Street and owned by Herb Pastor. The casino was later converted into a gentleman's club called "The Girls of Glitter Gulch." Today, the whole section of Fremont Street have tremendously changed. It's fantastic that the Golden Goose statue was saved. Many of her eggs had been damaged and broken over the decades. It was restored with fresh paint and installed back on Fremont Street in November 2019. It's amazing how it looks at night! The Golden Goose is seen spinning on top of a small purple shipping container. It's wearing a cowboy hat and neckerchief, sitting on a nest of eggs, while holding one golden egg, and sparkling in the night.

A funny little pitstop to grab a quick picture. Just randomly placed around downtown Las Vegas. I…read morebelieve that there is some history in it but I thought it was pretty funny when I was walking back from a nearby coffee shop.

Fun holiday experience! Be sure to add ax throwing into your holiday experience!…read more Lots of Instagram opportunities. Each photo angle gives you a different holiday look. Great fun for adults and kids.

It's so nice to have a lit neighborhood near us to enjoy holiday lights. I only learned about this…read morestreet recently and, yes, mostly every house is decorated for Christmas. This particular street doesn't allow street parking nor does it have sidewalks so you can only drive up and down the street. My favorite house was the Star Wars-themed one--epic! I love that there are still neighborhoods full of holiday cheer for others to enjoy. One house sells hot chocolate and cookies if you are in the mood for a snack, plus their light display is terrific! Merry merry!

Everything!!! Lights galore!!! Beautiful scenery....great participation on everyone's part!! Can't…read morewait for next year!! YASSSSSSS!!!!!

Okay, wife was not happy at all with this detour at all. She basically kept looking at me with a…read moreWTF look the last 1 1/2 miles. The journey to view the journey was around 7 miles off route 93. The last part was rock and dirt, and I do not recommend low clearance vehicles despite what I read. No cell service, so don't break down or you are walking back to Chloride. I have FOMO (fear of missing out), so it was worth it for me, but maybe not the backlash from the wife-LOL. The murals were cool and have withstand the test of time pretty well. The history behind them make them more interesting. Google it (Roy Purcell). For us FOMO peeps, cool stop, anyone else you can probably skip and not feel like u missed out. Visitor center had two great ladies who explained how to get there (watch for arrows) and informed me about the petroglyphs.

The Roy Purcell Murals in Chloride, Arizona, are a unique roadside stop worth checking out if…read moreyou're exploring the area. Located just off Route 93 about 23 miles from Kingman, Chloride is considered the oldest continuously populated mining town in the state. The town itself is small but has a few places to grab a drink, browse for Arizona-themed souvenirs, and see some quirky roadside features--like an old bullet-riddled car. The murals are located just outside of town and can be reached via a rough, unpaved road. A truck or vehicle with good clearance is strongly recommended, and 4-wheel drive can be helpful. Trailers are not advised due to the condition of the road. Look for painted arrows on rocks to help guide you along the way. Once you reach the site, the murals are impressive and the surrounding desert view adds to the atmosphere. It's a quiet and remote area, and you may find yourself the only one there. Overall, it's a nice off-the-beaten-path spot that gives you a taste of Arizona's artistic and historical side.