May is tick-tick-ticking away, and with it, dozens of ways to celebrate Las Vegas' 100th birthday Downtown.
Brace yourself for the creation of the world's largest birthday cakes at Cashman Center, the Arts District's First Friday "100 Years/100 Artists" spilling over to Saturday for the first time, a walk or run with the folks from the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, a Helldorado parade, the Cultural Corridor's Second Saturdays–the list could go on and on.
Of course, this means thousands of potential shoppers roaming Downtown en masse.
We've already talked about the better stores of the bunch: Rainbow Feather Dyeing Co. on Main; William's Costume Shop on Third; D'Loe's House of Style and Modify on Charleston; the shops on Antique Avenue, also known as Colorado Avenue at Casino Center; New Rock Boots on Las Vegas Boulevard South; and the perpetually packed Premium Outlets on Grand Central Parkway.
But we haven't talked about Ray's Beaver Bag, which is more than a place with a funny name. It's a longtime Las Vegas Boulevard South staple that caters to those truly true-grit types, with a selection of knives, tools and accessories for outdoor survival.
Up on Main, near the now-under-new-management Ice House lives Gambler's General Store, one of the only places in town that sells vintage slot machines alongside a large selection of gaming accessories like chips, dice and felt. It also carries a nice selection of how-to books and collector items. If the owner would remove the junk obstructing the windows, someone might actually be able to see something worth coveting.
Valentino's Zoot Suit Connection is a great place to find other vintage treasures that remain popular with some. Look for Lilli Ann suits that go along with the wing-tips and the perfect tie pin to complete the look.
Lastly, there's a coupling of retail stores in the glorious Holsum Lofts on Charleston. Home Expressions and Mist Harbor appeal to the homemaker in us all, with strong selections of decorative accents, gifts and other objects d'arte.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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