Secrets to Vegas: Shopping

We don't live in hotels. Not all Vegas women are showgirls. No one wants your kidneys. Now that we've dispelled those little misconceptions, find out more of what we locals know about the real Las Vegas.

Something substantial: Tired of setting your money on fire in the casino? There's an alternative. Go shopping at the Fashion Outlets in Primm , south of Vegas on the California/Nevada state line. Its circular layout is easy on the feet -- you don't have to backtrack -- and the crowds are invariably light. You can leave the high rent district of the Strip to dig through the racks at the Last Call-Neiman Marcus store, Banana Republic or the Williams-Sonoma Outlet. There are two outlet malls right in Vegas as well. Try the Las Vegas Outlet Center on the south end of the Strip or the Las Vegas Premium Outlets downtown.

Days of yore: Ah, old Vegas. Warms your heart just to think about it. Perhaps you can't watch Sammy, Dean or Frank on the Strip or make a deal with Bugsy, but if you manage to stop by on the on the right day, you may be able to pick up some nostalgia from the local Salvation Army or Catholic Charities thrift store. Check the phone book in your room for the closest location. You might find some old Sands or Dunes memorabilia or even something from one of the newer fancy-shmancy hotels (but lots cheaper). Antique stores are another place to hunt for Vegas memorabilia. The Red Rooster is especially good for locating these hidden treasures. If it's hip, vintage clothing you're after, The Attic is the place to go. Not only are the fashions funky but the store itself is designed in a distinctive retro look and feel. Map it . Call: (702) 388-4088.

Shanghai surprise: Although Las Vegas doesn't have a Chinatown to rival those in bigger cities such as New York or San Francisco, there is Chinatown Plaza, the largest collection of Asian businesses in Las Vegas, featuring several restaurants with authentic Asian cuisine. There also are gift shops and the only Chinese bookstore in Nevada. You'll also discover the largest Asian supermarket in the city, an herb shop, a jade store and a jewelry shop. Map it . Call: (702) 221-8448.

Souvenir central: You can't take a trip to Vegas and go home empty-handed. For some of the city's best keepsakes, head over to Bonanza , the self-proclaimed "World's Largest Gift Shop" or Gambler's General Store . You'll find everything from casino chip keychains to dice clocks.

Park like a rock star: The Forum Shops is one of Vegas' hottest malls, and if you're arriving by car, there is convenient valet parking available that allows you to bypass the hectic casino. Just follow the signs, drop off your car and head up the escalator directly into the mall. If you opt for the parking garage, cross the back access street and go in Door 11, which will take you through a back hallway near the restrooms and phones. You will soon find yourself in the mall near Cheesecake Factory. It doesn't get any easier than that.

Window shopping:The District at Green Valley Ranch in Henderson is a unique Vegas shopping experience, not to mention a great place to grab some delectable food. The heart of The District is its tree-lined "Main Street," flanked by more than 40 specialty retail stores and restaurants. Pedestrians can stroll along cobblestone sidewalks, relax on park benches or even bring Fido to one of the pet-friendly areas. Dining options include Lucille's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que and local favorite the Elephant Bar Restaurant .

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