1

The Strip is not really in Las Vegas

Image: Stephen Leonardi

The Strip is probably the most iconic attraction in Las Vegas. It stretches approximately 4.2 miles along Las Vegas Boulevard and is the vibrant heart of the city , attracting millions of tourists to experience a unique combination of entertainment and luxury. However, did you know that The Strip is not in Vegas?

Well, it's a technicality. The Strip is located south of the city of Las Vegas, more specifically in Clark County, Nevada, in the unincorporated towns of Paradise and Winchester. In any case, this area is one of the most filmed and photographed in the United States. It is also home to many of the world's largest hotels, casinos, and resorts, such as The Mirage, the Caesars Palace, and The Bellagio.

2

There’s more than one Vegas

Image: Jim Witkowski

Although Las Vegas, Nevada is the most famous of them all, it is not the only one. In New Mexico, just a few miles from Santa Fe and Albuquerque, there is another city called Las Vegas. Founded in 1835, it was one of the main stops on the Santa Fe Trail.

Being part of this trail and preserving the Spanish Colonial style of its buildings has earned this town the right to have up to 900 of its buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. And it is the only place in the United States to reach that number!

Like its big sister in Nevada, Las Vegas, New Mexico is now a major film and television set. Series like House of Cards and movies like No Country for Old Men and Wyatt Earp have been filmed here. Who would have guessed?

3

The Great Sphinx is bigger than the original

Image: lindsayascott

The Great Sphinx of Giza is one of the most beautiful and emblematic monuments ever erected in the history of mankind. So, of course, Sin City had to have one of its own. This replica is located in Luxor Las Vegas, a casino following the theme of Ancient Egypt on The Strip.

Interestingly, however, the Luxor Las Vegas Sphinx is much larger than the Egyptian Sphinx at Giza. The original statue is only 66 feet tall, while the Las Vegas version is over 110 feet tall. What’s more accurate is the massive Luxor Pyramid making up the main building of the casino, it is as large as the Red and Bent Pyramids of Egypt.

4

One bright city

Image: Isaac Davis

Las Vegas is famous for its spectacular nighttime lights. In fact, it is considered one of the brightest cities in the world. But can you see it from space? The answer is yes! Las Vegas can be seen from space, as confirmed by NASA and images taken aboard the International Space Station.

In 2021, astronaut Shane Kimbrough tweeted an aerial photograph of the city taken 250 miles above Earth. In it, you can spot clearly a brighter band where The Strip is located. This is due to the high concentration of lights from casinos, hotels, and other attractions in this famous area. It is estimated that approximately 12,000,000 lights are turned on every night on the Las Vegas Strip!

5

Some hotels are missing a floor

Image: jaygeorge

Americans are used to hotels with no 13th floor, but why do some Las Vegas casinos lack 4th floors? Las Vegas hotels avoid numbering floors with a four to ward off any superstition associated with death.

Fear of the number four, called tetraphobia, is common in many Asian countries, especially China. The word death sounds eerily similar to the number four in Chinese and Japanese. Given that Las Vegas receives a large number of Asian tourists each year, it makes sense that so many casino owners want to avoid making them uncomfortable. In fact, many hotels such as the Aria, the Wynn, and the Elara don't even have floors 40 through 49.

6

More than 200 weddings a day

Image: Pexels

Las Vegas is where reality becomes fantasy, where the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian pyramids, and medieval castles shine away on a glamorous desert strip. It's no wonder, then, that Sin City remains a popular wedding destination.

In September 2023, Las Vegas celebrated its 70th anniversary as the "Wedding Capital of the World." There are about 100 chapels in the city issuing more than 200 licenses a day for couples looking for a simple, quick, and —why not?— themed wedding. Throughout history, lots of couples have tied the knot in the city, including celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, and Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu.

7

A ghost town below Lake Mead

Image: Nikola Majksner

Located 24 miles from the city of Las Vegas, Lake Mead is one of the most important tourist attractions in the state of Nevada. It is the largest lake and reservoir in the United States and is a great destination for water activities and fishing.

However, this place holds a big secret. A few years ago, the lake's low water level revealed the ruins of the abandoned city of St. Thomas, approximately 18 meters below the surface. St. Thomas, founded in 1865 by Mormons, was one of the communities directly affected by the construction of the Hoover Dam.

Today, its gloomy structures have become an attraction for those who want to see the remains of a town that once housed 500 people. The foundations of what was originally a school, a post office, a supermarket, and a church make it a true ghost town.

8

A mecca for antique collectors

Image: Kenny Eliason

There's so much more to do in Sin City besides gambling! Did you know that there is an impressive number of antique stores in Las Vegas? These second-hand shops are a favorite among locals and tourists alike and have been in the area for decades.

For example, Downtown Las Vegas, the city’s historic center, is the best place to find bargains, one-of-a-kind items, collectibles, vintage fashion, and unique pieces of jewelry. If you are visiting the city and, at some point, you get tired of the slots, you can go thrifting and take home a piece of the city's history.

9

FedEx wouldn’t exist without Sin City

Image: Michał Parzuchowski

Today FedEx is one of the best-known companies in the United States. With a large fleet of planes and trucks, the company delivers 16.5 million packages daily to 220 countries and territories. However, the delivery giant had a rocky start and there was a moment, five decades ago when it was close to disappearing.

In the mid-1970s, the oil crisis increased the company's operating costs. Overwhelmed by debt, founder Frederick W. Smith withdrew the last US$5,000 and spent a weekend gambling in the famous Las Vegas casinos. Fortunately, luck was on his side and today we can enjoy this service that changed the postal system forever.

10

The largest bronze sculpture in the U.S.

Image: Wadems, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As we’ve seen, everything in Las Vegas is grandiose and monumental. So it's no wonder that this city is home to the largest bronze sculpture in the United States. The iconic MGM Grand lion weighs a staggering 90,000 pounds and stands 45 feet tall.

This sculpture was placed at the entrance of the hotel in 1998 to replace a cartoon-like giant lion head made of fiberglass. The thing is, record-breaking has been at the heart of the MGM Grand since its beginnings: It was the largest hotel in the world at the time of its opening. Now, it is the largest single hotel in the country, with 5,124 rooms in one building.

1

The numbers behind it

Image: Melo Liu

One could say the White House is a home, but a more accurate description would be "small city." With 132 rooms, 32 bathrooms, and six levels, it accommodates everyone from the First Family to visiting dignitaries.

As if that wasn’t enough in terms of numbers, add 412 doors, 147 windows, 28 fireplaces, seven staircases, and three elevators, and you’ve got a place that’s as grand as it is functional. The only number left to wonder about is how many people it takes to clean it! With so much going on, it’s safe to say the White House is always buzzing.

2

From "President’s House" to "The White House"

Image: Saul Rodriguez

Did you know the White House wasn’t always called that? Over the years, it’s been referred to as the "President’s Palace," the "President’s House," and the "Executive Mansion."

But it wasn’t until 1901 that President Theodore Roosevelt made "The White House" the official name. The change reflected a more democratic image, distancing the building from European-style palaces.

3

6,000 visitors a day: A popular destination

Image: Saul Rodriguez

You have probably toured the White House at least once, haven’t you? Well, on any given day, the White House welcomes around 6,000 visitors.

From local and foreign tourists on a guided tour, diplomats, to school groups, the building sees a steady stream of guests. That’s a lot of handshakes, selfies, and security checks! More than power and politics, the charm of the White House lies in the national history it holds.

4

Presidential firsts: Planes, photos, and more

Image: Jainam Sheth

Every president brings something new to the White House, but some have achieved truly historic "firsts."

For example, John Tyler was the first to have his photograph taken. Theodore Roosevelt rode in the first presidential car and became the first president to travel abroad, to Panama. Franklin Roosevelt added air travel to the mix as the first president to fly.

You may be wondering who the first president to live there was, but we’ll cover that fact later in this article!

5

A kitchen built for a crowd

Image: Odiseo Castrejon

We may not know about the cleaning crew, but we do have some facts about the chefs!

There are five full-time chefs in the White House, so the kitchen is ready for any occasion. It can serve dinner to 140 guests or hors d’oeuvres to more than 1,000 people at a time. From state dinners to casual family meals, the kitchen staff handles it all with finesse. Five stars for them, please!

6

Painting the town (or the House) White

Image: Steve Johnson

Keeping the White House pristine is no small task: Can you guess how much paint it takes to cover it? Here’s the answer: It takes a whopping 570 gallons of paint to cover its iconic exterior. This monumental paint job ensures the building remains the picture of elegance and charm. Over the years, this white coat has become a symbol of the presidency itself. Who knew painting could carry so much historical weight? Fun fact: ours is not the only presidential home with a trademark color!

7

Fun and games at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

Image: Jay Wennington

When you think of the Executive Mansion, you probably picture people in suits going from one point to another, solving national and international matters, right? Well, that may be true, but the White House isn’t all business; there are some recreational rooms, too.

Residents (which range from the presidential family to diplomats to staff) enjoy a tennis court, jogging track, swimming pool, movie theater, billiard room, and even a bowling lane. Talk about a house with some serious amenities, huh?

8

George Washington never slept here

Image: Kenny Eliason

While George Washington oversaw the creation of the White House, he never got to live in it. The mansion wasn’t completed until 1800, a year after Washington’s death.

So, to answer the question from the "presidential firsts" section, John Adams became the first president to move in, and it’s been the home of every president since. Washington’s influence is still felt, but don’t expect to see his ghost wandering the halls.

9

The White House has survived two fires

Image: Cullan Smith

Well, the title pretty much covers it, right? The White House has faced fire twice in its history.

In 1814, British forces burned it during the War of 1812, though some exterior walls and the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of George Washington were saved. Then, on Christmas Eve in 1929, a chimney flue sparked a blaze that gutted parts of the West Wing. President Herbert Hoover even directed firefighting efforts during the chaos. Now, this is proof of its true Americanness: It only came back stronger and taller!

10

Teddy Roosevelt built the West Wing

Image: Srikanta H. U

Teddy Roosevelt is the man behind the West Wing. In 1902, he expanded the White House by adding this now-famous section to house presidential offices.

The project replaced some old conservatories and introduced the colonnaded gallery that connects it to the main residence. Later presidents, like Taft and Franklin Roosevelt, expanded the West Wing further, but it all started with Teddy’s vision. Today, the West Wing is the spinal cord of the presidency as it holds the Oval Office.

1

"I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston

Image: Ransford Quaye

This legendary ballad was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton in 1973. When the song was selected for the The Bodyguard soundtrack , the producers were initially hesitant. They were about to choose a different song for Whitney Houston, but everything changed in a second. Once they heard her sing it, they knew they couldn't pass it up. Today, it's considered one of her most iconic performances!

2

"Purple Rain" by Prince

Image: Doyoun Seo

While we can't imagine a world without the iconic "Purple Rain," it almost wasn't released! At first, Prince conceived the song as a duet with Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks, but she turned it down, saying the piece felt too overwhelming. Prince then trimmed the original version (the final still runs over 8 minutes) as the theme was considered too complex and extensive. Fortunately, after those arrangements, it was released on the album of the same name in 1984 and became one of his most legendary works.

3

"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson

Image: Mathew Browne

The Thriller album wouldn’t be the same without the incomparable "Billie Jean"! But did you know that it almost didn't make the cut? Believe it or not, the album's producer didn't like the song and thought the title might confuse people, especially due to its similarity to tennis player Billie Jean King's name. He even suggested changing not just the title, but also the iconic bass intro. Fortunately, Jackson stood his ground, and the song became a turning point in his career!

4

"Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica

Image: Yurii Stupen

Metallica gave us the incredible ballad "Nothing Else Matters," later covered by multiple artists and bands around the world. But vocalist James Hetfield almost deprived us of this beautiful work! As he tells it, he composed the ballad on the road while missing his home and family. However, when his spirits lifted, Hetfield worried that the song might be too personal, and perhaps too soft for Metallica's heavy metal vibe. Fortunately, when the band members heard it, they loved it and convinced him to include it on The Black Album .

5

"Livin' on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi

Image: andre mosele

Who hasn't sung " Whoaaaa, we're halfway there, whoa-ooooh, livin' on a prayer " at the top of their lungs? We certainly have! But, strangely enough, Jon Bon Jovi almost kept this anthem a secret . When he first heard the full version of the song, he wasn’t convinced—he thought it was too simplistic and might not resonate with fans. Thankfully, his bandmates saw something special in it and convinced him to give it a chance.

6

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana

Image: Jurian Kersten

The legendary Kurt Cobain wrote "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as a protest against the polished pop hits dominating the music scene—but the result didn’t convince him. He was worried that the song would become too mainstream, given its commercial appeal. After some debate, the producer and the band convinced him to record it. To this day, it's one of the band's most iconic tracks and a defining anthem of the entire grunge movement!

7

"Like a Prayer" by Madonna

Image: Jonathan J. Castellon

"Like a Prayer" by Madonna is one of the most famous hits in pop music history. But the religious imagery in both the song and its music video raised concerns among her producers and record label executives, who feared an intense backlash that could affect the singer's career. Although it’s said that Madonna herself was initially hesitant as well, the song was not only released but also became one of her defining anthems.

8

"Sweet Child O’ Mine" by Guns N’ Roses

Image: Simon Weisser

Although it may be hard to believe, a record company once considered "Sweet Child O' Mine" unrepresentative of Guns N’ Roses’ sound. In fact, it’s said that Slash’s now-iconic guitar riff started out as an ironic joke! When the rest of the band heard it and wanted to build a song around it, he flatly refused. Luckily for the fans, the song did come out, and it also became the band's only number-one hit on the US Billboard Hot 100!

9

"1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins

Image: Francisco Moreno

Although many of us love "1979" by The Smashing Pumpkins, it was almost left off their album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness . The song, written by lead singer Billy Corgan, was initially rejected by the band because they felt it didn't fit with the overall vibe of the album. Fortunately, after hearing the completed track, they realized how unique it was and decided to include it.

10

"What’s Going On" by Marvin Gaye

Image: Caio Silva

One of the most iconic songs in American music history, "What's Going On," almost didn't see the light of day. When Marvin Gaye brought the track to Motown founder Berry Gordy, he was met with resistance. Gordy felt the song’s social and political themes were too risky and potentially controversial. But Gaye was determined. He pushed forward and recorded it anyway—and thanks to that decision, we have this timeless masterpiece today.