Seeing the Real Vegas for the First Time During WVC

For many attendees, WVC Vegas means long conference days followed by familiar Strip routines. But for Caitlin Palmer, TikTok creator, veterinary receptionist turned comedian and one of four Vet Candy WVC Vegas 2026 Ambassadors, this year’s trip is about something different.

“This is my first time in Vegas, and I already know I don’t want my entire experience to be conference rooms and casinos,” Palmer says.

Instead of treating Las Vegas as a backdrop, she has been intentionally looking for places that show the city beyond the Strip. What stood out most in her research and conversations with locals was how often the same neighborhoods and names came up.

“Everyone keeps telling me that if I want to understand Vegas, I need to go downtown,” she says.

Downtown Las Vegas, especially Fremont Street, has a reputation for being louder, older, and more personal than the polished Strip. It is also where many of the city’s hidden gems live. One spot that kept appearing in recommendations was The Laundry Room, a small speakeasy hidden behind an unmarked door.

“The fact that it’s tiny and requires a password makes it feel like something special, even if you’ve never been there before,” Palmer says.

Another location on her must see list is The Underground Speakeasy inside the Mob Museum. While it is technically part of a tourist destination, locals describe it as a place that feels removed from the typical Vegas experience.

“I like places that feel like you accidentally stumbled into them,” she says. “That feels more memorable than something that’s trying really hard to impress you.”

Outside of downtown, Palmer is especially drawn to the Arts District. Known for its murals, vintage shops, and laid back bars, it offers a slower pace that contrasts sharply with the Strip.

“From everything I’ve heard, the Arts District feels more relaxed and creative,” she says. “It sounds like a place where people actually hang out.”

Bars like Velveteen Rabbit and Horse Trailer Hideout made her list because they feel approachable and unpretentious.

“I don’t need a scene,” Palmer says. “I just want somewhere I can sit, talk, and decompress after a long day.”

Food is also part of her first time strategy. Conference schedules are demanding, and Palmer is prioritizing spots that locals genuinely recommend.

“When people tell me they actually eat somewhere regularly, that’s when I listen,” she says.

AmeriBrunch Cafe is on her list for mornings, while Esther’s Kitchen stands out as a dinner destination that feels intentional rather than flashy. Even classic spots like the Peppermill earned a place.

“Some things are iconic for a reason,” Palmer says. “Sometimes you just lean into it.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise for Palmer has been learning how many non casino spaces exist in Las Vegas. The Neon Museum, Springs Preserve, and Seven Magic Mountains all made her first time itinerary.

“I didn’t expect Vegas to have so many places where you can slow down,” she says. “That’s what I’m most excited about.”

As WVC brings thousands of veterinary professionals to the city, Palmer hopes others will take the opportunity to explore beyond the obvious.

“The Strip isn’t going anywhere,” she says. “If this is your first time too, you might as well see the parts of Vegas that feel real.”