Melissa Akkaway's Las Vegas
What Vegas looks like to locals. Photo: Courtesy of Red Rock Canyon Interpretive Association.
Las Vegas native Melissa Akkaway opened the first outpost of her luxury retail store Beckley Boutique in Los Angeles in 2008, and soon followed up with a second shop at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in 2010. When she launched her private label collection, Beckley By Melissa, she added fashion designer to her many achievements. We got the lowdown on her favorite local spots.
Local breakfast spot: I love Rachel's Kitchen — especially their Energizer fresh, made-to-order juice.
Where you go when you need inspiration: I go for a run around the loop at Red Rock Canyon. The scenery is incredible!
Best spot for people-watching: Outside the windows of my store at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The Spanish Trail is the best thing about my neighborhood because I like to hike it and it's only 10 minutes from my house.
Favorite local institutions: The new Discovery Children's Museum and the Smith Center. It's elevating the culture of Vegas.
Beckley's Boutique interior. Photo: Courtesy of Beckley Boutique.
Your office is located: Inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in the back of my store.
You wish your office was located: On a beach in St. Barts!
Your preferred mode of travel around the city: You have to travel by car around the city. It's not that easy to travel on foot unless you are on the Strip.
The route for your favorite city stroll: I like to go Downtown to get back to my roots. It's where my family started in Vegas. We owned the Pioneer Club, which was the same location as the original Beckley's. The new Beckely Boutique is a re-invention of my family's first shop.
Where do you go when you want to be in the middle of it all? I love going to Body Heat to do the hot pilates class. It really keeps me centered and grounded.
Best place for an afternoon coffee: I love grabbing a flavored coffee at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
Favorite local shops: Of course Beckley Boutique!
Where do you go when you need an escape? I love to get a massage at Encore Spa at the Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Hotel. It really feels like an escape.
Luv-It Frozen Custard walk up window. Photo: Courtesy of Luv-It Frozen Custard.
Most underrated thing in your city: Luv-It Frozen Custard downtown. I used to go with my dad when I was younger. It really is the local secret spot.
You dream about your meal at: Barrymore. It's off the Strip and the most amazing all-American supper club.
Best movies based in your fair city: The Hangover and Casino.
Best way to pass an evening: Dinner at LBS Burger Joint and bowling after at Red Rock.
No trip to Las Vegas is complete without: A trip to the Strip, a show, a spa treatment, and shopping at Beckley.