Las Vegas Arts District050

It's offbeat, definitely creative, and a tad edgy: The Las Vegas Arts District - also known as 18b because the district used to encompass 18 blocks - offers a cool alternative to the glitzy Strip and brings locals and visitors into a thriving cultural hub that even a few years ago was run-down. Today the neighborhood is home to the well-attended First Friday and ArtAbout events each month.

The Arts District houses several independent art galleries, antiques shops, and restaurants. the Arts Factory, a funky building that houses a collection of galleries, artist studios and architectural offices. The Arts Factory is a focal point in the neighborhood: It houses the Contemporary Arts Collective, an artist-run, non-profit gallery, which showcases both local and national artists. It also is home to the George L. Sturman Museum of Fine Art, which features works by famous twentieth century artists.

Many mixed-use (commerical plus residential) development projects are in the works, as well as civic improvement projects like better street lighting, public art, and wider sidewalks.