Could it be that Nevada is starting to get a few things right when it comes to health care? Consider: While many Republican governors rejected Medicaid expansion and balked at setting up state health exchanges as laid out in the Affordable Care Act, Gov. Sandoval has both approved Medicaid extension and led the effort to set up what some are calling a model exchange.

October means one thing to thirsty, beer-loving road-trippers: Oktoberfest! Sure, Las Vegas has its share of brew festivals, but if you’re looking to get out of town, a short drive to Southern California, with its thriving brewery scene, can satisfy your lust for suds and adventure. The fest: Lake Elsinore Oktoberfest, Oct.

Meet the Chinelos, raucous ambassadors to a Mexican protest tradition that’s brash, colorful — and very loud. Now jump!The burst of trumpets and trombones punctuated by a haughty tuba and a big bass drum bursts through the flimsy screen of a subwoofer and flirts with cacophony.

Our favorite recent dishes that have us coming back for seconds Kalua Pig Burrito at Braddah’s Island Style You’re probably used to building your own burrito, but not with sweet and smoky meats these. The newly arrived Braddah’s combines the convenience of your favorite fast, fresh Mexican-American eatery with traditional island flavors, so feel free to customize as you wish, but we can’t help ourselves when it comes to tender, shredded kalua pig.

Cocktail kegsThe past few years have been drenched in cocktails, so it’s fitting that the newest trend is tapping them. Unfortunately, the closest thing we may have to Negronis on tap may be the Ciroc that flows from the spigot at Radio City Pizza (508 E.

When the government tried to enforce Prohibition in Southern Nevada, it went down as smoothly as a slug of bootlegger’s bug wine.Revelers walking along Fremont Street with yard-long beers, Strip patio bars where tourists can watch the passing scene while indulging in a cocktail, bars and nightclubs featuring alcohol-fueled music and dancing until dawn.

1. The Kronos Quartet has classical chops but an untamed heart, choosing to explore and celebrate the work of experimental composers such as Philip Glass and Clint Mansell.

Don’t let our video poker bars and high-end mixology hot spots fool you: The Las Vegas libation scene is surprisingly diverse. For out-of-the-ordinary tastes, you just need to know where to look.

Calling Kershaw-Ryan State Park an oasis is an understatement. The small gorge, just south of Caliente, is green from canyon wall to canyon wall.

Spring Valley State Park is famous for being the best fishin’ hole within driving distance of Las Vegas. In fact, it’s so famous for fishing, most Southern Nevadans think it’s called Eagle Valley (the name of the park’s reservoir).