Wayne's World

With its star-powered shows and beautiful lakefront, there's no place like Las Vegas for this legendary entertainer.

The first time Wayne Newton played in Las Vegas, he was just 15 years old. He did six shows a night, six days a week at the Fremont Hotel. Over the next 40 years, the entertainer known for his gleaming white teeth and perfect hair performed more than 30,000 solo shows in the neon-lit city, earning the nickname "Mr. Las Vegas." Today, you can find Newton on his 52-acre ranch in the southeast part of the city, where he raises Arabian horses and keeps everything from penguins and peacocks to wallabies and a marmoset monkey.

Who first called you "Mr. Las Vegas"? "I believe it was a writer from a Dallas newspaper. I think he was referring to the fact that I was doing about 36 weeks a year. He ended [the article] with, 'If Frank Sinatra is the matinee idol then Wayne Newton would be the midnight idol.'"

You still perform at the Hollywood Theater in the MGM Grand. What's the showroom like?
"It truly is one of the very few that is still reminiscent of what built Las Vegas. You can still have a drink. You can still sit in a booth. It's not theater seating, which most of the showrooms have gone to. Being the saloon singer I've been my whole life, I love that nightclub atmosphere. I love to be able to sit at a table and have a drink and watch a good show if I want to."

What are a few of your favorite shows to watch?
"Cher (www.cherlasvegas.com) at Caesars Palace is a terrific show. She's a tremendous talent. [I love] Bette Midler, also at Caesars, and O (www.cirquedusoleil.com) at the Bellagio. I must tell you, though, I think that by and large I really do lean toward star-led shows as opposed to production-led shows."

Where do you like to go for a pre- or post-show meal?
"I go to Piero's (www.pieroscuisine.com; 702-369-2305), a hangout for me longer than I care to talk about. The food is incredible. The ambience is nice and not so formal. I think that's the best of both worlds for me. I also go to Tony Marnell's place off Sunset, Panevino (www.panevinolasvegas.com; 702-222-2400)."

Where is the best place to see the neon lights of the city?
"I'm a helicopter pilot, so my absolute favorite would be from the helicopter; there are a few local tour companies you can book. And the Foundation Room at the top of Mandalay Bay (www.mandalaybay.com) has a tremendous view of the city."

What is Las Vegas' best-kept secret?
"Most people don't know that Lake Mead exists, much less realize that it has 1,500 miles of shoreline. We own two boats on Lake Mead, the Summer Wind and the Rendezvous, but most of the marinas supply rental boats. Mt. Charleston, 35 minutes from the Strip, is pretty phenomenal; it's nice and cool among the pine trees. Mt. Charleston Lodge (www.mtcharlestonlodge.com) is at the top, which has log cabins and a restaurant. I love the Valley of Fire (www.parks.nv.gov/vf.htm). There are many times that I've taken my daughter in the helicopter and we just go right on top of a plateau and have lunch. The outdoor facet of Las Vegas is the most underrated and little-known part of the city."