Traditional crafts and modern art co-exist in shops all over town with a concentration of such stores in the Bridge Street/Plaza Historic District. There you will find shops and galleries with everything from antiques to unique original furniture, paintings and art objects, clothing, weavings and jewelry.

     Hospitality is as much a part of the town’s character as Hermit’s Peak, a distinctive landmark in the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains. At the crossroads of El Camino Real and the Santa Fe Trail, Las Vegas has long been a stop-over for traders, travelers and entrepreneurs.

     Cultural diversity and a colorful history make Las Vegas a good place to explore the blended traditions that have shaped Northern New Mexico. Throughout the year there are activities and events that celebrate, in colorful and exciting ways, the people whose varied experiences have made Las Vegas a popular place to visit.

     The Fourth of July Fiesta splashes onto the summer scene with pageantry, lively music and traditional foods. The three-day event begins with a parade and winds up with a spectacular fireworks display.

     The Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation shows off selected historic properties each year during its Places With a Past Tour in mid-August. Guided tours are given by docents who talk about both the architecture of the properties and the people who lived there.

     Also in August, the People’s Fair, a folk art festival, brings musicians, artisans, storytellers and ethnic food booths together in a day-long event at Carnegie Library Park. All of the crafts sold at the Faire are original and handmade. The entertainment, which goes on throughout the day, is suitable for all ages.

     September 15 features the Harvest Fair, located in Lincoln Park, which has the local Tri-County Farmer's Market with their organic fruits, nuts, vegetables, jams and many different types of arts and crafts booths along with food booths manned by area restaurants, also there are local entertainment that consists of flamenco dancers, spanish and western singers.

     The first weekend in December features one of the year’s most loved activities. The Electric Light Parade winds its way through the historic districts just after dark with floats, animals and people decked out with hundreds of colorful Christmas lights.

     In the surrounding area there are wonderful places for sports and sightseeing. Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge and MacAlister Lake are about 10 miles from Las Vegas off SR104. Open seasonally, the refuge is home to a stunning variety of birds, wildlife and flora. Storrie Lake offers sport fishing, boating, wind surfing, water skiing and camping. Wintertime finds Las Vegas in a position to serve 3 ski areas, Santa Fe, Sipapu, and Angel Fire at very reasonable rates. All of which are only a little more than an hours drive through some of the most beautiful country in the world

     The United World College of the American West, one of the most unique schools around. This is one of ten UWC campuses around the world, and the only one in the U.S. It is home to about 200 students from 40+ countries, located in Montezuma on the outskirts of Las Vegas and here you will find the restored Montezuma Castle, a railroad era hotel. New Mexico Highlands University, in the heart of Las Vegas, has been part of the educational system for more than 100 years. Luna Community College, a two-year technical and junior college, is at a site formerly used as a military base.

     Fort Union National Monument, located about 25 miles north of Las Vegas, is the remainder of fort buildings that attract thousands of people each year. Pecos National Monument, about 30 miles southwest of Las Vegas, is a monument museum that pays tribute to Native Americans who lived in the area in the 1500s. Las Vegas City Museum and Rough Rider Memorial brings the past into the present with its eclectic collections acquired from the families of men led by Teddy Roosevelt as well as from locals who wanted to help preserve the multi-cultural traditions and history of Las Vegas.

      An observant guest may be fortunate enough to sit in a booth at a restaurant next to one of the present day rough rider equals that has come to town for a meal or coffee break, who work the ranches and farms in the surrounding area. Some of their conversation will be the same as it was 100 years ago, horses, cattle, and weather, but there may be talk concerning, video and internet livestock markets, computers, and web sites. Well, this web site was rounded up and branded by someone in the farm and ranch business.