Mike.....Here's one that we get hit with from time to time. Who would ever raise a family (kids) in a town like Vegas? Duh.....They think Vegas is nothing but gambling, hookers and booze. OK for many tourist that is probably the case, but outside the Strip and Freemont Street, there is a normal life for us.

If it weren't for my kids activities keeping us busy, I'd probably be a broke, divorced, gambling, alcoholic fool, looking for love in all the wrong places. :rolleyes:

And a few of times when we have mentioned the Church that we go to, we have had some eyebrows raised and a response like, Churches in VEGAS!!!! Like they think they don't exist or the only thing they think of is the wedding chapels on the Strip.

Oh Well.....I just take it with a grain of salt and go about my own business.

It seems many of us have the same pattern. I don't go to any casinos, race tracks, etc. But I go to Las Vegas 4-6 times a year. I love everything about the place, that's why I go. If we had a problem you'd find us at the local casinos and race tracks, but it seems none of go to them.
Heck, I only spend a dollar on lottery tickets twice a week<G>

I think these people don't understand Las Vegas. They may have been there once or twice but they never got to know the city, so they do not understand why we go there so often.

Mike, i think it may all depend on who you're talking to. Some people have a one dimensional image of Vegas and because that image is gambling, they take the opportunity to actually feel they have a "license" to be rude.

Many other people, have some background knowledge and at the mere mention of Vegas, their eyes light up. If they haven't been to Vegas, they want to go and if they've been, want to go back.

Maybe as a tactic in dealing with these patronizing comments is to find out what these same people are interested in. If they vacation at a lake, tell them of the pristine beauty of lake mead. If it's national parks or fine dining, shows, even art galleries, you'll have plenty of ammunition. They may have a difficult time criticizing something they identify with.

Once you have them softened up, tell them about the great room rates, the spectacular view of the Rockies and Grand Canyon or the valley lighted up on a night flight.

...And as we all know, once they get out there and the Vegas Strip grabs them, end of problem. :-)

Ed,

Great idea!

Beth