‘Jersey Boys’ star Natalie Gallo: My 10 favorite things about living in Las Vegas
Actress Natalie Gallo has called Las Vegas home for the last 13 months while performing in the longest-running Broadway show on the Las Vegas Strip, JERSEY BOYS at Paris Las Vegas. She’s been with three companies of the Frankie Valli hit musical and now gets ready for its closing here Sept. 18.
During her time here, she’s developed her Top 10 favorite things about Las Vegas, and I invited her to share them with us:
My family and I have always loved vacationing in Las Vegas, so when I learned that I was going to have the opportunity to work and live in this city, you can imagine how thrilled I was. I’ve been traveling the world since I was 19, and I always look forward to seeing what each country, state or city has to offer.
We all know Sin City is known for its gambling, nightlife and everything you crave while on vacation, but as a local, you desire something more. Here is this Jersey Girl’s Top 10 favorite things about living in Las Vegas.
10) Sambalatte: I love a good coffee shop. This place is modern and industrial, yet also has that quaint cafe feel to it. There’s a new type of drink in town called The Rainbow Latte, which Sambalatte has become famous for. Seriously, it looks like a unicorn plopped down in your cup and created magic.
9) The Arts District: Talk about a perfect spot for an Instagram photo shoot. The Arts District is filled with murals and beautifully crafted graffiti on every block. If you’re into cool street vendors and local entertainment, check out the First Friday Art Walk on the first Friday of every month.
8) The Mob Museum: I learned more about the city of Las Vegas on my first trip to The Mob Museum than I ever expected. I spent hours intrigued by the stories provided by past mobsters and the people who knew them. You even get the chance to sit in a courtroom where trials took place.
7) The High Roller: Who wouldn’t want to take a ride onboard the world’s tallest observation wheel? The views are incredible, especially if you get to see the Fountains of Bellagio in action. The High Roller provides a nice local discount, so go twice and check out the city in different lights.
6) Sunset Park: If it weren’t for my dog, I probably would’ve never realized that this existed. Not only are there a number of different trails to explore, but the park also has the most adorable pond where you can fish, feed birds or just take in the scenery. It’s also home to my favorite dog park.
5) Hiking: When I think desert, hiking doesn’t really come to mind. Well, lucky for this town, there are tons of gorgeous spots to catch a glimpse of a fiery sunset. Whether you choose Red Rock Canyon’s impressive red cliffs or Mt. Charleston’s dazzling waterfalls, you’re in for a real treat.
4) All-you-can-eat sushi: When I first arrived in Las Vegas and noticed these signs everywhere, I felt like I hit the jackpot. My ultimate favorite spot: Sushi Kaya in Chinatown. If you enjoy crab and warm melted cheese, then you must order the Tornado Roll.
3) Location: I’ve taken many day trips since moving here, and the possibilities seem endless. Las Vegas is a hop, skip and jump to Hoover Dam, The Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Disneyland; the list goes on and on. The perfect location to help you check off your bucket list.
2) Entertainment: ABSINTHE, STEVE WYNN’S SHOWSTOPPERS, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET and KA; four completely different shows with casts of completely different skills. I am from New York City, known for being the pinnacle of stage performing, and I must say that Las Vegas has found some of the most dynamic and talented performers I’ve ever seen.
1) My job: I’ve been lucky enough to be part of three companies of JERSEY BOYS, and now after 13 months, I’ll be able to say I was part of the closing cast of the longest-running Broadway show on the Strip. We are so thankful for what this show has done for us, as well as what it has done for the city. We thrive when theater thrives, so please join us at Paris Las Vegas leading up to our final hurrah Sept. 18.
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Check out our Red Carpet Report today brimful of gold medal stories and film news of a heroic boxing champion. Be sure to also read our other guest columnist today from self-confessed adrenaline junkie Brian Doleshal, who is all about high speed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
On Thursday, we’ll meet up with rising hometown country singer Sierra Black and producer Seth Yudof, who has provocative thoughts about the once-upon-a-time hotbed of new music in Las Vegas and if it can ever launch new artists again.
