We loosely defined the Centennial neighborhood as being north of W. Cheyenne Ave. and west of N. Decatur Blvd. This included the greater Northwest corner of the valley and Kyle Canyon.
Arts & Culture
Best suburban art space — Rita Deanin Abbey Art Museum
There’s a bona fide art museum deep in the wilds of Centennial Hills, and for a large semi-suburban compound, it’s as unassuming as it gets. But then you walk into the gallery, and the grandeur pulls your jaw downward. Rita Abbey loomed large as one of the first art professors at UNLV, but her legacy is vaunted by the indoor/ outdoor presentation of her multimedia collection — 175 of them, currently, from expressionist sculptures to widescreen stained-glass works to simple watercolor paintings. It’s astonishing in, yes, its scope of medium, but also its artistic distinction, sense of revelation, and enrichment of its dusty environs. MP | ritadeaninabbeymuseum.org
Best eclectic park — Trigono Hills Park
Right before the pandemic shutdown in 2020, Trigono Hills Park opened. Named for the Greek word for triangle, this isn’t your usual city park. Sure, there are grass fields, picnic areas, a splashpad and the like, but something about the rest of the design transports you into the future. There’s a “kinetic play zone” rather than a playground, an interpretive garden featuring local flora, some public workout equipment, a bike-repair station, and geological information posted along the walkways — not to mention the stunning cityscape view. KDS | lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Trigono-Hills
Family & Recreation
Best place to picnic — Floyd Lamb Park
Finding the perfect space to picnic in Las Vegas is a difficult feat. If you’re having trouble battling the natural desert elements, Floyd Lamb Park is your saving grace. The 680-acre area is lush with greenery, fishing ponds, and wildlife. This hidden marvel will transport you from city life during your visit and is well worth the $6 fee per vehicle. GR | lasvegasnevada.gov/Residents/Parks-Facilities/Floyd-Lamb-Park
Best golf courses — Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort
I’ve been golfing since the ripe old age of 10, meaning I grew up with a healthy respect for Pete Dye, the famed course designer whose name is code in the golfing sphere for superior 18-hole experiences. And Las Vegans are lucky: There are only three of his courses in the entire state, all operated by the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort, all equally fun. The Snow Mountain course’s draw is visually spectacular water hazards framed against a desert backdrop, while Sun Mountain’s rolling slopes and abundance of Dye’s iconic railroad tie bunkers make this one the more challenging of the two. The Wolf course, at 7,604 yards, is the longest in Nevada and features another Dye design hallmark: The 15th hole is an island and is the ultimate test of the accuracy we golfers brag about. AD | lvpaiutegolf.com
Best seasonal family activity — Gilcrease Orchard
The pick-your-own-produce farm not too far from Floyd Lamb Park operates seasonally, with different produce and flowers available throughout the year. In the fall, expect long lines on the weekend for the coveted apple cider donuts, then wander the orchard for autumn staples such as squash and apples. Don’t be surprised if you see a few flannel-clad family photoshoots. Founders Ted and Bill Gilcrease have both passed on, but the popular orchard lives on in their honor many years after its founding in 1977. KDS | thegilcreaseorchard.org
Best quiet hike — Buckskin Cliff Shadows
When the weather is a little cooler or the Red Rock Canyon hikes are too crowded, a little-known hiking area in the northwest valley may do the trick. At the very end of Buckskin Avenue, west of the 215 Beltway, there’s a parking lot for Buckskin Cliff Shadows Park, which marks the starting point for several hikes. The classic loop is 4.3 miles with about a 600-foot elevation gain. It’s open to hikers, bikers, trail runners, and even horseback riders. Watch out for snakes in the warmer months once you get deeper on the trail. KDS | alltrails.com/trail/us/nevada/buckskin-cliff-shadows
Food & Beverage
Best 24-hour tavern — The Standard Tavern
When it comes to finding a great 24-hour bar, consider a few things: good food, cold beer and friendly staff. The Standard Tavern has it all and then some. Whether it be a busy game night or just a weekday post-work stop-in, you can count on this bar to satisfy your cravings. GR | thestandardlv.com
Shops & Services
Best Animal Crawl
A perfect day for four-legged friends
Start your morning with a cup of tea with the kitties at Rescued Treasures Cat Café (palnv.org). Book an adoption session, and you can come home with a new four-legged friend.
Your dog will love endless playtime at Tails Pet Resort (tailsresorts.com). Just try not to take it too personally when your pooch doesn’t want to come home from doggy daycare.
And take the whole family away from the city to the Farm at Barn Buddies Rescue (thelasvegasfarm.com). Shop the Ole’ Time Farmers Market and let the kids interact with all sorts of animals. There are peacocks, turkeys, goats, and horses, just to name a few. BJ
