New Book Uncovers Hidden Gems Beyond Las Vegas Strip

111 Places in Las Vegas That You Shouldn't Miss highlights overlooked sites, stories, and people that shape the city's identity.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A new guidebook titled "111 Places in Las Vegas That You Shouldn't Miss" explores the lesser-known side of Las Vegas, featuring historic, quirky, and overlooked sites, stories, and people that make up the city beyond the neon lights of the Strip. The book was created through extensive research and collaboration with local historians and residents to surface hidden gems that are often left out of traditional Las Vegas narratives.

Why it matters

While Las Vegas is renowned for its iconic Strip, the city has a rich history and culture that extends far beyond the resort casinos and entertainment district. This book aims to showcase the diverse tapestry of Las Vegas, highlighting the people, places, and stories that give the city its unique identity and heartbeat.

The details

The book features a wide range of discoveries, from concrete desert arrows used to guide airmail planes, to bronze-tinged Rat Pack footprints, to a section of the Berlin Wall tucked inside a casino bathroom. It also delves into Las Vegas' food history, including the famous downtown shrimp cocktail that originated at the Golden Gate Hotel. The collaborative effort between author Mackenzie Jervis and photographer Kaitlyn Kelsey, who both hail from Buffalo, New York, uncovered unexpected personal connections as well.

  • The book "111 Places in Las Vegas That You Shouldn't Miss" will be available starting February 10, 2026.

The players

Mackenzie Jervis

The author of the book "111 Places in Las Vegas That You Shouldn't Miss", who collaborated extensively with local historians and residents to uncover the hidden gems featured in the guidebook.

Kaitlyn Kelsey

The photographer who collaborated with Jervis on the book, capturing a range of classic Vegas scenes as well as abandoned and unusual spaces featured in the guidebook.

Adam Raines

A bartender at the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas, featured in one of Kelsey's photographs lighting a drink on fire, showcasing the "Vegas flair" that the book aims to highlight.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of history books, a lot of local books, reaching out to the locals… a lot of the places they would say, have you heard of this, this place you have to go visit.”

— Mackenzie Jervis, Author (x1075lasvegas.com)

“We actually have the shrimp cocktail that's now in Saginaw's. It's not 99 cents anymore, but they're still using the original recipe that was at the Golden Gate Hotel.”

— Mackenzie Jervis, Author (x1075lasvegas.com)

“Our parents were like, actually, we have baby pictures of you guys together, which is really crazy to think about.”

— Kaitlyn Kelsey, Photographer (x1075lasvegas.com)

“Coming from a small town most of my life and then coming here, I think it's easy to get swept up in the glitz and the glamour of Vegas and forget that there's a heartbeat to the city too that is completely separate from the Strip.”

— Kaitlyn Kelsey, Photographer (x1075lasvegas.com)

“I think there's a little bit for everybody.”

— Mackenzie Jervis, Author (x1075lasvegas.com)

What’s next

The book "111 Places in Las Vegas That You Shouldn't Miss" will be available for purchase through major online retailers, including Amazon, as well as at local bookstores starting February 10, 2026.

The takeaway

This new guidebook offers a fresh perspective on Las Vegas, showcasing the city's rich history, culture, and diverse identity beyond the glitz and glamour of the Strip. By highlighting overlooked sites, stories, and people, the book aims to provide both locals and curious visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation for the heartbeat of Las Vegas.