Recently we returned from a long weekend trip to Las Vegas, Nevada. This time we did not stay on “The Strip” (the Las Vegas Strip where the major hotels, shows and attractions are located), instead we stayed in the section of downtown Las Vegas know as Freemont, or the “Freemont Experience“.
Freemont is older and grittier than the Vegas Strip and definitely filled with colorful characters. Initially I took photos in color but then I thought it would be fun to take a series of photos in Black & White and share them with you as part of my ongoing blog post series – Life in B&W.

One morning I went wandering and there were a few interesting metal art installation in downtown Vegas including a heart filled with locks and keys; and a very large praying mantis:


You’ll see the sun in some of the photos – it was only 9:00 am but it was already very hot (eventually climbing to 100 degrees F/38 degrees C) and the sun was definitely part of my walk.
Here are some buildings and street scenes that caught my eye:




Here is a little of the actual “Freemont Experience” section of downtown Vegas:



My favorite discovery during my wander in downtown Vegas was the street art on some of the buildings:



And here was my favorite:
Be a Maker! Not a Taker!
So awesome!
Oh and in case you are wondering – I donated a little money to the slot machines and called it good. I am not much of a gambler. We did take the bus and spend part of one day of the trip on the Vegas Strip and had some wonderful meals at a couple favorite eateries on the Vegas Strip: Eataly and Din Tai Fung.
We didn’t catch any shows this time but we had a lot of fun lounging at the amazing pool at our hotel (Golden Nugget) that had an aquarium in the center.
My partner John was brave and did the water slide that takes you through the aquarium. I stayed poolside sipping on my frozen cocktail!
You are just a traveling fiend lately! I love how the black and white photos make it look like “old” Vegas from the 1950s. I half expect to see Frank Sinatra in the background 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was wandering behind me with the rest of the “Rat Pack” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh nice! I hope they were singing….and likely wondering how your camera could be so small 😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are a great photographer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are too kind – thank you 🙂
LikeLike
I was in that same area earlier this year and the street art is amazing. Seeing it in black and white it is just beautiful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much glad you enjoyed it 🙂
LikeLike
These black and whites are awesome. That pool and aquarium is also cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much and the pool was so fun (but it got pretty crowded after a while, the trick is to go as soon as it opens.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exceptional photo’s. Yes reminds me of years gone by!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much 🙂
LikeLike
It always amazes me how cool b&w pictures can be!! I went to Vegas once on a business trip so I didn’t get to spend much time wandering around. If I go again, we’ll definitely do the Freemont experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know, it always surprises me too!
I recommend a Freemont Experience but warning there are a bit more homeless people than you will see on the strip and at night it is like major party central. They having ongoing concerts and DJs right in the center of it and lots of street bars where you walk up and get your booze on. It is a college kid’s dream, ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah! good to know about the Freemont area…we’ll definitely avoid it at night 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like such fun! Not much of a gambler either but when I do it is roulette. Being a math nerd, I like the odds best and have always been in the positive. Love the photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was fun and yes on many casino games the odds are usually in the favor of the casino. Roulette sounds fun! John reminded me that if you keep playing too long the ” house always wins”!
LikeLike
The house does win!
LikeLike
Freemont is the perfect subject for B&W! I haven’t been to Las Vegas in years (husband declines to come along), but always thought of it as Disneyland for Adults.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much! I think it is a sort of Disneyland, but one where your pockets can be drained even more than Disney – ha!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow. What a trip. It must have been very bright with that hot sun. No wonder they serve frozen cocktails
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes it was very bright and very hot! The frozen cocktails helped😀🍸
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very cool! Sounds like a great trip 🙂 I love your photos! So much of Vegas is color and lights and things flashing – B&W really strips that away and shows the lines of the buildings and light displays and so on. Thanks for sharing your trip!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much for checking out the post! 😀😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person