Las Vegas Insider: Where to Nosh, Nightlife and Nod

Andr� C. Wade may be new to his role as executive director of The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada, but as a native he knows the ins and outs of Las Vegas better than anyone. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with a public administration master's degree, Wade spent a few years in a D.C. think tank working to end homelessness, but more recently served as the Center's director of operations.

Founded in 1992, the Center has grown with the city, and now provides free HIV and STD testing and counseling, no-charge vaccinations and a cyber center with complimentary computer use from its state-of-the-art digs. The Center also offers resources like an LGBTQ library, performance spaces and a cafe.

Vegas visitors might want to hit it up for a cup o' joe and some camaraderie before heading off to some of the following hotspots Wade recommends.

Best Bites

While the Strip boasts enough culinary delights travelers might never feel the need to stray from its sidewalks, one of Wade's favorite spots for brunch is located in southwest Vegas. Gay-owned DW Bistro serves up killer Bloody Marys and mimosas and, says Wade, "It has a great scene on Sundays. You'll see people from the LGBTQ community there. For us locals, we'll run into friends, have a few laughs -- it's nice and energetic."

If luxe surroundings with a decadent vibe appeal, head to MINGO Kitchen and Lounge in the downtown Arts District. Black leather booths and swanky chandeliers don't overwhelm the Mexican-American comfort food or craft cocktails, like Saints and Ginners -- a gin-based drink splashed with Tabasco. The patio is as fun as the interior, and MINGO's happy hour, which draws locals looking to unwind after a long day, is one of the city's best.

Into the Night

Mainstays of the Vegas scene, Piranha Nightclub and 8 1/2 Ultra Lounge are really two clubs in one. "The front half is 8 1/2, which is more hip-hop and urban," explains Wade. "The back half is Piranha, which is more of your dance music. Depending on the kind of vibe you're going for, you can just float back and forth between them. And then they recently opened up a more lounge-y area that leads out onto a patio." Piranha and 8 1/2 are also ensconced within the "Fruit Loop," so there are plenty of other clubbing options within walking distance -- if you can tear yourself away from the go-go dancers.

Stay and Play: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Home in recent years to the Center's and HRC's annual galas, The Cosmopolitan is an ultra-plush, uber-modern treat that boasts a spectacular three-level bar adored by locals and visitors for the massive chandelier that dominates the space. This year's HRC gala is on May 7 and will honor: Phyllis James, MGM Resorts (Equality Award); Jerry Nadal, Cirque du Soleil (Equality Award); and John Saksa and Scott Ramer, Findlay Cadillac/Honda (Community Leadership Award).

Upscale retail therapy is within shouting distance from The Cosmopolitan, thanks to The Shops at Crystals, which include Tom Ford, Gucci and a brand new DSquared2.

Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino

When he's looking to staycation off the Strip, Wade heads to the Red Rock Resort Spa and Casino. "It has a lot of great restaurants," he notes, "and an adult pool pumping music. The rooms are chic and fun, and they also have a great center bar, where people just kind of go and chill out."

For nature lovers, the Red Rock Resort is not far from the Red Rock National Conservation Area, where Wade says locals love to take advantage of superb hiking on 19 marked trails.