The History Of Naked City In Las Vegas: Nude Sunbathers

The Annual Scale the Strat event took place in Las Vegas. this past weekend. A lot of money was raised for the American Lung Association, by hundreds of people climbing to the top. Some in record time, others just wanting to do do it, and finish.

I'm a Las Vegas local, who really likes the Stratosphere. I watched it being built, by the late - and oddly legendary owner - Bob Stupak. He had an interesting past. Hard to find one particular writing that covers the Stupak spectrum. But Stupak's Vegas World eventually became The Stratosphere.  And Stupak actually helped turn the Strat into what is today.

Everytime I go to the Strat, I love it - until I leave. And sadly run into someone shooting up, or someone peeing on the sidewalk. Yes, I've seen both - and more - anytime I've left the Strat.

The neighborhood surrounding the Strat in Las Vegas, is called Naked City. How exactly did it get its name?

My dad was an entertainer, and his band worked on the Las Vegas strip for decades. He and his entertainer pals used to say that legend had it, it was named Naked City because many showgirls lived in that area. And they would sunbathe nude. Many of them worked nude in shows, and reviews, and you didn't want tan lines. And. no tanning booths back then. So - au naturale, as they say in France

In the 50's and 60' it was where many strip employees lived. Krista Diamond wrote an interesting piece in Sprylit, on her time in Las Vegas, living in Naked City. A fun time, and a fun memory to read about.

Others say it carries the Naked City name, because of the crime, and the danger in the area. Sadly, Naked City is only known as a crime hub now, and people just try to stay away from the area.

As I drove to the Strat, I noticed Atomic Golf going up, and opening soon. And the Las Vegas Review Journal reported last year that the first residential development in decades is being built. Developers are hoping this will turn into a nice area to live, for strip employees, once again.

As a resident of Las Vegas, I am hopeful, as well. I like going to the Strat, and the Sahara. And the area actually holds a little bit of history. I don't know that there will be naked, sunbathing showgirls anymore, but it is Las Vegas. So I guess you never know...

With the Big Game just a week away, Las Vegas is buzzing with excitement. The week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII is going to bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to Las Vegas. And they are going to want to eat.

When I go on vacation, I like to eat where locals eat. But I also like trying some of the cool places that are highlighted on The Food Network.

Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has visited Las Vegas on more than one occasion. Many times, as a matter of fact. Guy Fieri seems to like Las Vegas. So much so, that he opened his own restaurant: Guy Fieri's Vegas Kitchen and Bar.

If you are heading to Las Vegas for the big game - or any other time - and you're a fan of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, there are a few places you might want to visit while you are in our fair city.

Fieri has dined on some great food, at some cool - and very local - restaurants. From New Orleans style crawfish, to Mediterranean, to Vegan eats, to everyone's favorite -pizza! There is definitely something for everyone's taste buds at Guy Fieri's Las Vegas stops.

And while you're in Las Vegas, you might want to stop at Guy's restaurant at The Linq. He put some tasty twists on some of your favorite comfort foods. And the food is as tatted up, and spiky as he is.

If you're at The Linq, you might as well ride the High Roller. You'll get what is probably the best, and most beautiful view of the Las Vegas strip. It's an amazing sight to see, and feel, as you slowly (it take 30 minutes) go to the top and take it in. It's truly breathtaking. Feeling more daring? Then do the Fly Linq Zipline. Ten side by side lines - it's a lot of fun!

Most important - enjoy of of these Diners, Drive-Ins and Dive restaurants while you're in Las Vegas. I've tried all of them, and I recommend them highly.

It's always Mardi Gras, and every day is Fat Tuesday at Lola's. As they say in New Orleans: "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez." Let the good times roll! Jambalaya, Po Boys, Creole, Gumbo, Etouffee, Catfish, Shrimp - or anything else - and grits. Then finish it off with bread pudding, or sweet potato pecan pie!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/8g3iN5yn8RSrKeB97

Chickpeas is a a great Mediterranean stop, and it is fabulous! Any kabob your heart desires, they have it. Wraps, bowl, and even pizza. Keep it Mediterranean with the spinach and feta pizza, or the lamb pizza. Order up, or do the buffet. Either way you will absolutely enjoy Chickpeas!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/FitJdpf5VEapUPNp8

Vegans, you will love No butcher. My other half is vegan, and even living in Las Vegas, Fieri led her to this place. Pulled no pork sandwich, no egg tofu salad sandwich, Aloha no rib sandwich. The choices are endless. How about a cajun no pork po boy? Or a traditional no pastrami sandwich. You can also pay it forward. For $7.90, you can buy a sandwich for someone who can't afford it. It's discounted, and they can take it with them.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/WLuMbiLAX7CP8EX26

Those Guys Pies offers up pizza - of course - and cheesesteaks, wings, and other hot sandwiches. But how about some cheesesteak fries? Yep, a cheesesteak sandwich - on your fries. Buffalo fries, Maui wowie fries, and diablo fries - almost anything on fries! Great food, and a bit decadent. Guy loves it, and you will too.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r1GGwtvJDH9K2qy26

Honestly, it's hard to say anything but this, about Crepe Expectations: Every crepe imaginable! Savory - the Caprese, the Little Italy, Big Lou's BBQ. Sweet - the Avalon, with buttered pears. The Perfect Combinations, with strawberries and chocolate drizzle. Pair any with a Mimosa trio sampler. The place is so damn good!

https://maps.app.goo.gl/QEG7ApYRe4mzefbo9