Going to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada can be a memorable, but expensive trip for some. Those that don’t like gambling might feel left out, but there are plenty of things to do that don’t involve it.

Here are a list of activities that don’t require gambling at a casino:

A Las Vegas classic and one of the best things to see in the city that doesn’t cost any money. They’re hard to miss, but worthing taking the time out to get a good viewing in person.

The one-of-a-kind venue has plenty of different experiences from axe throwing, a flight simulator and more. The viral Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart offers ‘alternate dimension’ items for purchase that are not what they seem to be.

The classic museum full of wax figure replicas of some of the biggest celebrities of all time. It’s located at the Venetian Las Vegas Casino.

Walking the strip by itself can be one of the most fun things to do for those that love to sight see and people watch, plus it’s free. The illuminated buildings are something to behold.

Speaking of the lit-up Vegas strip, a ride on this roller coaster is one of the best ways to get an unforgettable view of the city.

One of the most famous residency shows offered, catch a show to experience the weird and wonderful.

For the thrill-seekers, a ride on one of the intense roller coasters can scare and excite. There are both traditional roller coasters and drop coasters for those that want an extra rush.

While there are bars aplenty across the city, this one is unique in that it’s completely made of ice, making it a bar that’s actually worth visiting.

The city of Vegas is known for it’s long history with the mob and this is a museum that goes through that history to educate visitors.

Technically it’s about 30 minutes outside of the city, but it’s either a quick drive or many companies offer trips to see the Dam. It’s a interesting and unqiue structure.

There are plenty of different companies that offer it, but indoor skydiving gives the thrill of the act but is much safer.

Connect with a trip to nature with a 20-minute drive outside of the city. The beautiful red sandstone peaks make it well worth the detour. Be careful with the heat but there are some wonderful hiking opportunities available.

Nevada scored back-to-back touchdowns in the second half, then held on in the closing minutes for a 28-26 victory over Troy on Saturday night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The Trojans trailed 28-17 with less than seven minutes remaining, but got Scott Taylor Renfroe’s 19-yard field goal and Goose Crowder’s 16-yard touchdown pass to Devonte Ross to pull within two with 19 seconds left. That set up a 2-point attempt for the tie.

Troy quarterback Goose Crowder was hit from behind and fumbled, but running back Damien Taylor scooped up the ball and scrambled just to get off an incomplete pass. The Trojans then failed on an onside kick, and Nevada (1-1) ran out the clock.

“You tip your hat to Nevada,” first-year Troy coach Gerad Parker said. “Coach had his guys ready to go. They came out here on the road, traveled across the country and were ready to play, certainly at the end of the first half as well as going into the second half. It was just too much for us in the third quarter to overcome, so I tip the hat.”

The loss was Troy’s first in a home non-conference since a 21-13 loss to Liberty on Sept. 11, 2021. It was also just the Trojans’ second at home since that same 2021 season.

Crowder passed for 201 yards and a touchdown in a losing effort for Troy (0-1), while Taylor ran for 103 yards and a touchdown. However, Taylor was called for targeting on the late onside kick, meaning he will sit out the first half of next week’s game at Memphis.

Brendon Lewis threw two touchdown passes and Patrick Garwo ran for two for Nevada, which unlike Troy was playing its second game of the season. The Wolf Pack lost 29-24 at home to SMU last week.

Taylor’s 25-yard touchdown run and Gerald Green’s 16-yarder gave Troy a 14-0 lead late in the first half, but Nevada got on the board on Lewis’ 17-yard touchdown pass to Jace Henry with 25 seconds left in the half. The point-after failed, however, and the Trojans took a 14-6 lead to the locker room.

The Wolf Pack scored in just three plays to begin the second half, with Savion Red running 69 yards to the Troy 5 on the first snap. Two plays later, Garwo ran in from a yard out and Lewis hit Jaden Smith for 2 points and 14-14 tie with 13:55 left in the third.

Renfroe’s 30-yard field goal put Troy up 17-14 midway through the third, but Nevada scored on Garwo’s 22-yard run to take a 21-17 lead after three. After forcing a Trojans punt, the Wolf Pack drove for Lewis’ 7-yard TD pass to Marcus Bellon and 28-17 advantage with 12:56 remaining.

Troy had first-and-goal from the Nevada 5 on its next drive, but could not punch the ball in. After Green was stopped for no gain on third down from the 1, Parker elected to have Renfroe kick a short field goal with 6:12 left rather than go for it.

Nevada then got the ball to midfield, but punted with 2:17 to play. The Trojans converted two third downs on the way to Crowder’s TD pass, but could not finish off the comeback.

“I’m proud of our guys,” Parker said. “They battled to the end and played football to the last chance to tie that game up with the two-point play. We just didn’t have enough. I hold myself responsible for everything that happened. We will look at this as we always do with a critical eye to see where we are, see where our personnel is and our schemes and put ourselves in a position to go win a game next week. That’s all we can do.

“We’ve been at this for a long time. This stings. It hurts, and losing is not acceptable here, and we know that. We’ll do everything in our power to make this football team where we want it to be.”

Lewis completed 17 of 20 passes for 158 yards for Nevada, while Red ran for 135 yards on 11 carries and Garwo added 53 yards and the two scores on nine attempts. Nevada outgained Troy 393 yards to 391, but neither team turned the ball over.

Troy’s game at Memphis next Saturday kicks off at 11 a.m. on ESPNU.

Public health and harm reduction experts came together in Las Vegas Saturday to mark the global day of spreading overdose awareness and advocating for prevention.

The Southern Nevada Harm Reduction Alliance hosted its 8th Annual International Overdose Awareness Day event, which took place at The Center, a Las Vegas nonprofit organization focused on serving the LGBTQ+ community.

The event marked International Overdose Awareness Day, which is observed yearly on Aug. 31, and was intended to honor those who have been lost to overdose, said Chris Reynolds, president of the Southern Nevada Health Consortium.

Robert Schomer hosted a training session on how to use naloxone, a nasal spray that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Schomer is the employment program coordinator for Foundation for Recovery, an addiction treatment center in Las Vegas.

“Naloxone is an effective antagonist against any type of opioid,” said Schomer. Naloxone typically comes in the form of a nasal spray that can be administered to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

Harm reduction

With naloxone training, the goal is to reduce harm, said Schomer. A strategy that prioritizes harm reduction helps addicts take small steps towards recovery, Schomer explained.

“There’s a difference between quitting cold turkey and harm reduction,” said Schomer, “Harm reduction is acknowledging that you are willing to take steps to mitigate consequences.”

For example, moving from injecting drugs to smoking instead is one of those steps, Schomer said. With injecting, there’s a higher likelihood of overdosing compared to other methods.

Schomer recalled a time where he was running a meeting and one of the attendees overdosed in front of him.

“We never know when we might unintentionally be the first responder in an overdose situation,” Schomer reflected, “Even though I do this training, its still a scary situation to be in.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 79,770 drug overdose deaths in 2022, which is more than the seating capacity of Allegiant Stadium, said Schomer.

“We have trainings every year and there’s always people who’ve been through the trainings that have saved lives because of it,” Reynolds said.

‘Meet them where they’re at’

Reynolds urges people to always carry naloxone because they never know when someone may overdose.

Another aspect of harm reduction is making sure people can use safe needles, said Michele Jorge, the HIV outreach and linkage coordinator for Trac B Exchange.

Trac B Exchange, based in Las Vegas, exchanges dirty needles for clean ones and links people with housing and addiction resources when they’re ready for care.

“It’s all about keeping clients safe and healthy until they’re ready for change. We have to meet them where they’re at,” Jorge elaborated.

Another organization present at the event was the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, where the aim is to normalize the conversation around suicide, said volunteer Dani Eicher.

“The more the conversation is normalized, the more we prevention we can have,” Eicher explained.

“This gives them the opportunity and the space to work through their emotions,” said Eicher. “Sometimes, there’s guilt and shame associated with it, but we have to remind people that they’re not alone.”

If you’re thinking about suicide, or are worried about a loved one or friend, help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the Lifeline network at 988. Live chat is available at 988lifeline.org.

Contact Annie Vong at avong@reviewjournal.com.