Sin City 101: The Most Famous Casinos on the Strip in Vegas

Las Vegas has evolved quite a bit in the last two decades.

The city has flipped from a casino-centric desert oasis where anything goes to a more family-friendly, all-out entertainment destination. Along with gambling and nightlife, the Strip has pivoted to offer plenty in the way of luxury shopping, spas, entertainment, and even outdoor activities.

In short, Las Vegas isn’t the casino hub it once was.

That being said, the Strip remains one of the most iconic stretches in the United States—and it’s largely occupied by those iconic and larger-than-life casino-resorts. From the Bellagio to Caesars Palace to Luxor, the skyline is littered with famous brands and their multi-story casinos.

But how many can you actually name? And, if you had the chance to spend a weekend gambling at one, which would you choose?

Let’s dig into the history and reputation of the most famous casinos on the Strip in Vegas. First up: one of my favorite history lessons.

Famous casinos on the Strip: meet Kirk

The Vegas Strip first popped up in the 1940s and ‘50s. During that time, a casino magnate from Galveston, Texas, was looking to hit it big in the desert by attracting Hollywood bigwigs. So was Bugsy Siegel, a famed gangster from the mid-century. For two decades, casino ideas were fomenting in the Vegas area.

During that same period, a first-generation Armenian immigrant named Kirk Kerkorian conceived a slightly and slightly genius idea during WWII. Using his limited piloting experience, he proposed a shortened northern route that would let him deliver American supplies to the troops across the Atlantic even faster.

A local pilot liked the idea and lent Kerkorian his plane. Kerkorian’s idea paid off, and his northern route was a success. He flipped that early success into a business venture, eventually raising the funds to buy Trans International Airlines.

And where did he fly from his home in Los Angeles?

To Vegas. Again and again.

By 1969, Kerkorian had the funds to start buying property along the Strip. Eventually, he would buy part of Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer (MGM) Studios in Los Angeles, then start launching casino-resorts in Vegas under the same brand name.

Depending on who you ask, Kerkorian might have been a capitalist genius, a corporate raider, or a compulsive risk-taker.

The most famous casinos on the Strip in chronological order

Caesars Palace (1966)
The International Hotel (now Westgate), 1969
The Mirage (1989)
Excalibur (1990)
Luxor (1992)
MGM Grand (1993)
Treasure Island (1993)
Mandalay Bay (1999)
The Venetian (1999)
Bellagio (1998)
Wynn (2005)

The most famous casinos on the Strip in chronological order

Caesars Palace, 1966

Meet the first casino to launch Las Vegas’s obsession with fine Italian living. The goal in building Caesars Palace was to emulate the opulence of Rome—which aligns well with the casino’s goal of attracting high rollers. You might also know Caesars Palace for its famous performance venue, The Colosseum, or its cameos in famous films like The Hangover, Rocky III, and Ocean’s 11.

The International Hotel (now Westgate), 1969

I don’t personally find Westgate that iconic because its plain, white edifice doesn’t stand out on the Strip. (Although it was modeled after the UNESCO Headquarters, which I guess is cool.) However, it was Kerkorian’s first project on the Strip, and some consider it to be the very first mega-resort in the world. You might have seen it in the 2022 Baz Luhrmann Elvis biography.

The Mirage (soon to be the Hard Rock Casino), 1989

Like I said in the section above, some consider Westgate to be the original mega-resort. However, others agree that The Mirage was the world’s first true mega-resort, which was the world’s largest and most expensive resort when it was completed in 1989.

Its golden design elements are well-known, along with its shows. In 1990, they launched the Siegfried & Roy show—which ran until Horn was maimed by a tiger in 2003. The Mirage also hosted the first Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas in 1992, Nouvelle Experience. In 2022, The Mirage was sold to Hard Rock International; in 2024, it closed its doors for a three-year rebranding project.

Excalibur (1990)

Like something that tumbled out of a child’s toy box, Excalibur mimics King Arthur’s court and is one of the most iconic castle-casinos in the world. While I personally hate how it looks, it’s what’s on the inside that matters—and Excalibur has two Vegas shows that I’m dying to see.

The first is Thunder From Down Under, a male revue show that debuted in 2002 and helped inspire hits like Magic Mike. The second is the Tournament of Kings, a medieval-themed jousting and dinner show.

Luxor (1992)

Las Vegas was all about its themed casinos in the 1990s. Following the castle-fortress-casino of Excalibur came Luxor, which is the most identifiable building on the Strip skyline.

The massive pyramid is helmed by a light beam, which is the strongest man-made light in the world. In front sits a replica of the Great Sphinx of Giza, which is actually the entrance into the casino.

Treasure Island (1993)

King Arthur’s court, Ancient Egypt, and—the final coup—a pirate-themed casino. Treasure Island quickly became one of the most famous casinos on the Strip thanks to its large lagoons, where fake pirate battles on large ships took place until 2013.

Since then, the casino has shifted to focus on mid-range offers, such as two on-site franchise restaurants, making it one of the most affordable casinos on the Strip.

MGM Grand (1993)

The MGM Grand is the second project of the name from Kerkorian; the original was the MGM Grand Hotel, built in 1973 before being sold to Bally’s in 1986 and then rebranded again in 2022 as Horsehoe Casino.

Just know that this MGM Grand property, built in 1993 and modeled after Oz from The Wizard of Oz, is the more famous of the two.

You might know it for its famous boxing venue, the MGM Grand Garden Arena—famous for hosting title fights. Tupac Shakur famously left a fight at the venue shortly before being gunned down. One year later, in 1997, it was also where the infamous Mike Tyson Bite Fight took place.

Bellagio (1998)

When it comes to famous Italian-inspired casino-resorts, Bellagio is probably the most well-known thanks to its over-the-top, opulent features, designed to mimic the stately villas of Lake Como.

The most iconic is the Fountains of Bellagio, which uses over 1,200 spouts and 4,700 lights to put on a dazzling display. There’s also the famous Dale Chihuly glass piece in the lobby, titled Fiori di Como (the largest glass sculpture in the world), and the on-site art gallery with pieces from Picasso.

Mandalay Bay (1999)

Mandalay Bay, with its iconic gold accents and Polynesian flair, is one of the flashiest luxury hotels on the Strip. It’s also the only place to have a Four Seasons hotel on the grounds, which became Vegas’s first AAA Five Diamond stay when the casino opened. It’s home to a few well-known venues, including an 1,800-seat theatre venue and the famous Shark Reef aquarium attraction.

The Venetian (1999)

Caesar’s Palace offers a historic Roman theme, while Bellagio is all about opulence in the Lombardy province. The Venetian, by contrast, takes you into the classy, slightly mysterious world of Venice thanks to its long, winding canal that’s serviced by gondolas.

Despite all the allure, I have one slightly un-sexy revelation: The Venetian was built for convention-goers more than casino gamblers. Since 2007, it has operated as a sister casino to The Venetian Macao in China.

Wynn (2005)

At the start of the article, I introduced you to Kirk Kerkorian—but now is the time to introduce Steve Wynn. He launched a casino and hotel hospitality group, Mirage Resorts, and helped launch operations for casinos like Golden Nugget, The Mirage, Treasure Island, and, in 2005, the Wynn Las Vegas.

The Wynn was his chance to make his mark, introducing a new style of casino-resort. The Wynn is known for its lack of an overarching theme, instead opting for more modern and classic motifs, attractions, and venues. It’s also known for its upscale eateries, including a Michelin-star restaurant.

Guide to Different Types of Hotel Packages—Plus, the Ones You Can’t Pass Up

Hotel packages are one of my favorite types of travel bundles.

The idea is simple: hotels tack on added activities, services, and experiences based on your interests and needs. Flights might even be included, in some cases.

Sounds straightforward, right?

While the premise isn’t too complicated, different types of hotel packages all come with unique offers, drawbacks, and price tags.

In short, you need to know which to look for—especially if your trip has a theme, like celebrating an anniversary or giving you the chance to reset after a stressful period.

Hotel packages can turn your trip from good to let’s-go-back-as-soon-as-we-can status. Again, while the premise sounds pretty simple, hotel packages have started to get really interesting. In fact, some boutique and luxury resorts now use different types of hotel packages to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Ever heard of a cowboy concierge menu, for example? Or what about a B&B with almost ten tailored romance packages available? Or the chance to learn about falconry at the Palace of Versailles?

Trust me—these experiences and offers are way more accessible and diverse than you might think.

Let’s explore the different types of hotel packages that can transform your trip. (Warning: I’m saving my favorite pick for last!)

Different types of hotel packages that you should have on your radar

Family-oriented packages

The more members you have in your family, the more little details you need to figure out before your big vacation. Welcome to the magic of family-oriented hotel packages. They usually include meal add-ons, like a breakfast buffet and dinner at an on-site restaurant, along with entry tickets to nearby entertainment venues, amusement parks, water parks, and more.

The goal is to simplify the amount of thinking Mom and Dad need to do while at their destination, while also providing some savings. Remember that family-oriented packages are (usually) available for multi-gen families, too.

Spa packages and multi-day programs

If you’re heading to a hotel with a quality, on-site spa, don’t skip out on the spa packages. This is how you can bundle in various treatments and save some money along the way. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re heading out to a spa resort, then there are probably tailored spa programs for you to join that come with tacked-on spa treatments and services.

For example, the spa resort might offer a digital detox-themed stay that comes with a few different spa treatments that are geared toward mindfulness, stress release, and relaxation.

Romance packages and experiences

I love a romantic escape. Usually, the coziest picks are small boutique hotels and B&Bs that cater to lovebirds. That means one thing: romance packages abound, and you can find them from many hotels. I’m not just talking about a package that lets you add on a few roses and chocolates—I’m talking about multi-day romance programs that pave the way for intimacy.

Last year, I shouted out one of my favorite picks for romance, Wolf Cove Inn in Poland, Maine. It’s cozy, located right on a lake, and has all the trappings for romance. They have add-ons, packages, special escapes, and more. While only a few of those offers are true hotel packages, it paints a pretty strong picture of just how moving a well-organized, tailored experience can be.

Adventure bundles at nearby attractions

There’s not much to say here except that if you’re traveling for an adrenaline-inducing experience or even just to forge into the outdoors, there’s probably a hotel in the vicinity with an adventure package for you.

For example, if you head to a place like Fayetteville, West Virginia, you’ll find hotels that offer packages for the popular New River Gorge white water rafting companies around town. You save on the experience by purchasing access to the experience with your room rate.

My favorite type of hotel package: cultural immersion

Courtesy of Jessica Rieke Photography via Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa

Up top, I mentioned that hotels have started to lean on packages in order to differentiate themselves from competitors and, most importantly, give guests an experience they won’t forget. If you’re anything like me and travel because you love to experience new cultures, that’s a pretty unbeatable promise.

And by unbeatable promise, I mean world-class immersion. Let’s take a look at two of my favorite examples.

The first is from the luxury, five-star Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This rugged destination draws in Americans who want a little taste of the cowboy life, which the Rusty Parrot delivers with its unique cowboy concierge offer.

It’s Cowboy Experiences Menu includes offers like a custom hat-making experience at a women-owned Jackson boutique, horseback rides through Grand Teton, and the chance to scoop up a Western belt buckle from the GM’s personal collection. That’s a pretty unbeatable promise from a chic, glamorous property that’s right on the edge of a wild frontier.

The second is from Airelles Château de Versailles, an over-the-top and ultra-lux stay that’s located on the grounds of the actual Palace. Yes, it comes with an opulent price tag—but with the price comes highly tailored and cultural excursions that fit the royal theme.

You can go horseback riding through the gardens, enjoy a high-class picnic, live a day in the life of Marie Antoinette, discover a dog agility class, or even take an introduction to falconry course. Again, this is all on the grounds of Versailles Palace, meaning they aren’t just experiences tacked onto a hotel package—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Two Months In, LAX’s FlyAway Shuttle is Saving Travelers $100s on Taxis

On June 6, 2025, the City of Los Angeles launched its new FlyAway program that offers travelers a free ticket to the airport.

Well, sort of.

Historically, travelers who wanted discounted and/or greener transportation to the airport could purchase a Metrolink ticket and take it to Union Station. There, they could purchase a separate ticket for the FlyAway shuttle bus.

The new program allows travelers to set their final destination as LAX when they purchase a Metrolink ticket. This adds a flat $12.75 to their total ticket price, allowing them to de-board their train at Union Station and then board the FlyAway bus without purchasing a separate, more expensive ticket.

It’s not a free shuttle by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s way more affordable than the $80-100 rideshare bill that residents in the city and visitors have been paying for years.

Wait, I thought the FlyAway shuttle bus to LAX was free?

When I first saw the news about the shuttle bus in early June, many reports said the FlyAway bus was free. In reality, it’s only free for Metrolink monthly pass holders. Monthly pass holders can head to Union Station and hop on the FlyAway bus as long as they have a boarding pass that proves their flight leaves that day.

The same in reverse. Monthly Metrolink pass holders can head to the lower level/arrivals floor and take the FlyAway bus that’s heading to Union Station. When you arrive, head to the FlyAway kiosk to show your pass and boarding pass from LAX.

Just keep in mind that the free pass only applies at FlyAway shuttles leaving to/from Union Station; Van Nuys is excluded.

I also want to point out that there might be some confusion over the free shuttles that LAX runs between its terminals. These are always free and available to passengers who are arriving/departing/connecting.

A closer look at the FlyAway shuttle

How can you use the FlyAway shuttle bus if you’re an average traveler and don’t have a monthly Metrolink pass?

Here’s what you need to know:

When you purchase your Metrolink ticket, add the $12.75 LAX transfer cost (you’ll be prompted before paying)
You can add-on a FlyAway shuttle bus ticket for one-way tickets, round-trip tickets, or one-way advance purchase tickets for a future date (valid up to one year)
Pay for your ticket and head to Union Station
At Union Station, look for the FlyAway shuttle bus, then board using the same Metrolink ticket

The 10 Grooviest Guided Tours in Portland, Oregon

In a city known for its alternative tastes, why not go all-in with an unusual, striking tour?

Sure, you can plan day trips to see the stunning Columbia Gorge Waterfalls, take a general downtown walking tour, or take a shuttle tour of the city and its suburbs.

But why wouldn’t you delve a little deeper into the city’s unique identity?

After all, Portland is regularly listed as one of the US’s cooler cities—but unless you’ve had experience on the ground at some of its trendier spots, you might not know exactly what makes Portland so iconic.

Ready to take a closer look at the grooviest guided tours in Portland, Oregon? Let’s dive in.

Top 10 guided tours in Portland for eclectic tastes

Grooviest guided tours in Portland, Oregon

Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour with Beer Tasting

Beneath Portland’s Chinatown district are crisscrossing tunnels, which were once used to lure in unsuspecting men before passing them off as indentured laborers on ships. Learn about this sordid side of the city’s history… then relax with a beer tasting session.

Ghost Tours: Punishment, Penance, & Poltergeists

While we’re on the subject of disturbing factoids, consider joining this popular ghost tour. Along with learning about local legends, you’ll hear about the city’s real-life history and how it led to ghostly tales.

Pink Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

I know, I know. I threw a little shade at general city bus tours in the introduction—but this one is a little different, I swear. First, it’s in a vintage, gorgeous trolley. Second, it’s painted pink. Third, it runs on a short downtown route that will deposit you at the ultra-lovely, must-visit Rose Test Garden.

Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

Wander across downtown Portland while you sample its most popular foodie spots, from well-known food trucks to secret cafes. Best of all, the tour focuses on locations that use fresh produce from the Portland area. I’m harking on the food tours because (along with coffee, as we’ll see below), it’s one of the best ways to get to know Portland’s multi-faceted and multi-cultural identity. In short, the city takes food seriously.

Guided Ice Cream Walking Tour with Tastings

While you might’ve heard a thing or two about famous donuts in Portland, did you know that the city also has an obsession with ice cream? This tour takes you to the city’s oddest indie ice cream shops. Make sure to come hungry—you’ll be sampling 12 flavors.

Downtown Coffee & Donut Tour

Did someone say donuts? Thanks to the famous Voodoo Donuts shop that popped up in the early 2000s, Portland has a reputation for donuts. You’ll get a lay of the (sugar-encrusted) land on this tour, along with an introduction to the city’s coffee culture. The latter is a lot more important, in my opinion—Portland’s cafes serve up delicious coffee with an expert touch.

Best Chocolate and Coffee Walking Tour

Prefer chocolate to donuts? Don’t worry—Portland has a booming chocolate scene, too. On this tour, you’ll cruise through some of Portland’s most popular foodie spots to sample its well-known cafes, chocolatiers, and more secret spots, too.

Grilling Techniques Class in Portland

There’s a grill master in Portland—and if you like the art of perfectly roasting red meats, you can’t miss out on his tour. He’s spent twenty years learning the fine art of grilling in South Korea, Thailand, Argentina, Spain, and France. Now, he’s taking that experience to teach you how to prepare the very best grilled meats Portland has to offer.

Bike Portland: Bridges, Neighborhoods, Poetry, & Roses

The title of this tour says it all. Expect to cross Portland’s famous bridges as you explore its most charming neighborhoods. Along the way, your guide will point out some of the city’s most iconic and beloved art galleries, bookstores, parks, cafes, and—of course—its famous rose garden.

Personally, I hate cycling, but I also think it’s an important factor here given Portland’s proclivity for green transportation. Also, the city is very bike-friendly. Even if you hate cycling, like me, this is probably the place to try it out, anyway.

Beginner’s Glass Blowing Lessons

Head into a master’s fireworking studio and start learning how to melt, forge, and blow glass. All participants get to learn the basics, then actually try their hand at glass blowing. Expect to leave with a few hand-crafted (or mouth-crafted?) souvenirs.

TSA Launches Family-Only Security Lines—Where Are They Live?

The TSA has been sweeping travel headlines for well over a month.

First, by announcing that the no-shoes rule, in effect for two decades, would be lifted. Second, with the potential news that the limited liquids rule might also be slashed. Third, by announcing updates to international security screenings, which will prevent passengers from being double-screened. Even the ATC is getting a much-needed boost.

It’s a resounding win for American passengers, along with visitors who have felt the pressure at our largest international airports.

There’s a new announcement you might want to celebrate: the TSA is organizing family security lines with a new ‘Families on the Fly’ program, and some are already live.

TSA launches family-friendly security lines

Families on the Fly is designed to streamline security protocols for families with little ones of all ages and special equipment, from strollers to large diaper bags. The program includes dedicated family lanes at select airports, TSA PreCheck discounts for families that join, and special TSA PreCheck lanes for service members and their families.

Currently, Families on the Fly programs are live at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), with new programs set to launch at John Wayne Orange County Airport and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.

The TSA also hopes to offer Families on the Fly programs at airports in Tampa, San Jose, Jacksonville, Providence, and Charleston in the coming months.

What’s with all the TSA updates?

The TSA has announced a whirlwind of updates this year. Piggybacking on added ATC funding, the updates are the result of longstanding efforts to improve airport operations with strategic tech and passenger-first programs. Given the importance of maintaining air travel safety standards, the TSA has the right to update its policies as needed.

But let’s not forget that the US is expected to welcome six to eight million visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup… and then another two to three million for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In short, it’s the perfect time for the TSA to launch programs aimed at improving and streamlining the passenger experience.

Need Tips on the Best Places to Go on the Jersey Shore? Start Here

Fist-pumping, laundry days, and suspiciously fuzzy, knee-high boots aren’t the end-all of the famous (or should I say infamous?) New Jersey Shore.

As someone who was coming of age during the run of MTV’s Jersey Shore reality show, I assumed the Jersey Shore was a small area with one or two connected beach towns.

To be fair, I didn’t think much about geography—I was all-in on the Ron-Sam drama.

Later on, my first experience in Seaside Heights, where Jersey Shore was filmed, didn’t exactly detract from the show’s theme. I managed to sneak my friends onto the main beach by flirting with the kiosk attendant. Less than thirty minutes later, we got booted for not having proof of payment. And also smoking cigars. (I was in my early twenties, let’s not judge.)

I don’t think the reality TV show or my experience offers a fair or balanced view of the Jersey Shore. They’re both casual case studies in how to get in trouble in Seaside Heights—and don’t reflect the historic, family-friendly towns you can find lining the 130-mile stretch between Sandy Hook and Cape May.

If you’re anything like me, you might need a little crash course on the Jersey Shore and its most visitable towns.

Ready to take a look at the best places to go on the Jersey Shore—beyond Seaside Heights? You’re in store for a slew of classic American beach escapes, plus a few other twists, depending on where you go.

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore

Point Pleasant
Wildwood
Asbury Park
Cape May
Beach Haven
Sea Girt
Stone Harbor
Margate City
Belmar
Surf City

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore

Point Pleasant

Easily accessible by train or bus, Point Pleasant is one of the most bustling places to go on the Jersey Shore. The beaches are clean and great for swimming or sunbathing, and are serviced by lifeguards until 5 pm. Plus, the town is rich in history, letting you explore sites that date back to the 1700s. Don’t miss out on its charming downtown district, either, which comes alive during annual festivals like the Seafood Fest.

Wildwood

Almost all of the best places to go on the Jersey Shore have a solid boardwalk—but Wildwood’s is pretty iconic. It looks like something out of a summer of love Americana flick, offering amusement parks and drink and food venues.

The town is known for its ‘doo wop’ or ‘googie’ architecture, which covers stylish, 70s-style buildings; the TWA Hotel is a classic example of this design. Wildwood is also one of the most family-oriented spots on this list, making it ideal for families with small kids.

Asbury Park

Asbury Park is renowned for its welcoming and artsy atmosphere, along with its musical venues and history. It’s where Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi famously got their starts.

Today, that music history is alive and well across Asbury Park’s venues, including the Paramount Theatre. But it also has a classic boardwalk that runs along a wide, sandy beach, letting you skip out on the shows to sunbathe at your leisure.

Cape May

Many people argue that the best place to go on the Jersey Shore is Cape May—and I’m apt to agree. This charming small town is renowned for its Victorian architecture, which can turn a nightly stroll into an inspiring passeggiata.

And many of those Victorian buildings sit right on the sand, leading to the Atlantic Ocean. It’s one of the most romantic destinations in New England, but one that comes at a range of price points, from budget to luxury.

Beach Haven

Like the name suggests, Beach Haven’s best activities revolve around the beach, as it’s located on the Long Beach barrier island. The town comes alive as a resort destination in summer, catering to families who want water activities. There’s also an amusement park, along with a water park. There’s even a cute historic district where you can see Edwardian and Victorian houses.

Sea Girt

If you’re looking for a tiny escape, head to Sea Girt. It’s one of the best places to go on the Jersey Shore to soak up that small-town feel. Along with the beach and the boardwalk, you can enjoy activities like hiking, exploring public areas like Crescent Park, and even learning about history at the National Guard Militia Museum.

Stone Harbor

Don’t want to battle the waves while you unwind at a Jersey Shore beach? Stone Harbor is known for its calm waters, which let you tackle activities like surfing, kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also plenty to do in the way of shopping, with plenty of beachy and coastal motifs. Lastly, don’t forget about the Wetlands Institute, a gorgeous conservation area that offers daily tours.

Margate City

Similar to Stone Harbor and Point Pleasant, Margate City isn’t exactly a well-kept Jersey Shore destination. You might already know it thanks to its iconic Lucy the Elephant landmark, which is a 65-foot wooden sculpture that’s now a National Historic Landmark.

The town is known for its lovely beaches and bay, along with the close-knit community atmosphere. Families are more than welcome—you’ll find plenty of establishments that cater to kids of all ages.

Belmar

Home to big beaches with plenty of space to roam, you won’t be faced with the hustle and bustle of more popular boardwalks. That’s not because Belmar is off the map—instead, there’s a strong community focus on keeping the beach clean and accessible.

Expect a gorgeous and long boardwalk beside wide, sandy beaches, plus all the other elements of a great Jersey Shore vacation, like shops and restaurants geared toward summer fun.

Best places to go on the Jersey Shore, last pick: Surf City

Beachfront wooden houses in Surf City, New Jersey, USA

Walkable and known for being dog-friendly, Surf City makes it easy to unwind on the Jersey Shore. The community is welcoming and laidback, while beautiful beach and bay views wait around every corner. Plus, it’s home to unique finds like art galleries and mom-and-pop studios.