So far in this series we’ve introduced Las Vegas, covered what to pack and how to get around the city, and suggested what to do for entertainment and what conventions might be of interest, especially for geeks.

Las Vegas is a great city for entertainment and conventions! The two biggest reasons a geek would want to travel to Las Vegas are the two uber-geek computer security conventions, BlackHat and Defcon.

[](http://kendallgiles.4orion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/vegas_new_york_day_roller_coaster.jpg)(PHOTO: Las Vegas: New York New York) In general, it’s best to pack light.

[](http://kendallgiles.4orion.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/vegas_paris_street_view.jpg)(PHOTO: Las Vegas: Paris street view) While you might not initially think of Las Vegas as a Mecca for geeks, this city actually does offer some hidden gems to make your trip worth your while.

Each evening at a Stonecoast residency is devoted to enrichment and learning across all genres of expression.

A Stonecoast residency is very intense. After five days of catching the bus at 7:45AM each morning and ending programmed activities each evening around 10:00PM or so, not counting extra workshop assignments, catching up on laundry, email, and phone calls to home, the intense work ethic and lack of sleep does take its tole.