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But it's our heat

Summer in Las Vegas isn’t like summer in other places. That’s palm-to-face obvious in some ways — take the momentous heat that sweeps in and lays imperious claim to the valley for three months. But the heat has interesting side effects. It gives our summers the flavor of a challenge, a communal trial, maybe even a shared rite, and we’re asked to adapt with composure and ingenuity. It would be easy enough to shutter the blinds and shelter in place with the a/c cranked up until September, but where’s the Vegas spirit in that? Our summer dining feature on p. 53 affirms — or at least doesn’t shrink from — the reality of the Vegas summer by embracing the season’s culinary customs that take us outside: grilling, patio dining and drinking, and picnicking. We cover the best barbecue joints, stylish and sun-dappled restaurants, summer cocktails, and great parks for planting a blanket and a basket. In fact, our table overflows: Visit desertcompanion.vegas for plenty of additional summer dining content.

This July also marks a year since recreational marijuana was legalized in Nevada. When that happened, not all of us immediately zipped into line at the neighborhood dispensary. Perhaps, like me, you were initially perplexed by the culture and protocol of this new industry that seemed to spring up overnight — not to mention bewildered by the dizzying array of cannabis products and forms. Our second feature package on p. 63, “So You Want to Go to a Dispensary,” is for you. It’s equal parts introduction, overview, cheat sheet, and matching service for exploring the wide of world of cannabis for both wellness and enjoyment. Whatever your pleasure, our July issue will help make this a summer of discovery.

As a longtime journalist in Southern Nevada, native Las Vegan Andrew Kiraly has served as a reporter covering topics as diverse as health, sports, politics, the gaming industry and conservation. He joined Desert Companion in 2010, where he has helped steward the magazine to become a vibrant monthly publication that has won numerous honors for its journalism, photography and design, including several Maggie Awards.