Emmy-nominated reporter Calvert Collins has been a lot of places in her life. Originally from Dallas, Collins relocated to Las Vegas in November 2007 as a general assignment reporter for the 8 News NOW Team from Omaha, Nebraska’s KPTM Fox 42. Before that, Collins was a reporter and anchor for KOMU TV 8 in Columbia, Missouri.
Before her days in front of the camera, Collins traveled extensively, having studied abroad in Madrid and London, where she interned for CNN International.
Today’s Las Vegas File takes you into the popular reporter’s Las Vegas favorites and beyond.
One Travel: You relocated from Omaha, Neb. to Las Vegas in 2007. How is Las Vegas different from the last town you called "home"? Calvert Collins: Talk about culture shock?! Omaha was a good ol' town where everyone knew each other, people spent their whole lives there, and there was only one team: the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers! I lived in an old Ford warehouse converted into lofts, and the city was undergoing an urban renewal where public money was being used to restore old buildings downtown. I really did love living there, almost as much as I do living here! We have world-class entertainment and restaurants here, so that's pretty tough to beat! OT: You're originally from Dallas. What's your favorite place to visit while you are there? Collins: That's a tough one. I should say my favorite place to visit is my parents' house, but I do LOVE a few places: Mustang Donuts across from SMU (they're the world's best), Bubba's Cafe (which has killer fried chicken and cinnamon rolls), and Jack's Hamburgers. They remind me of high school, and always bring a smile to my face! OT: Now that you live in Las Vegas, where do you enjoy spending time when you're not reporting on the latest news in town? Collins: My husband and I live right off the Strip, so naturally, we spend a lot of time ON the Strip. We LOVE The Barrymore [located inside the Royal Resort], so we eat there at least once a month. We went to Thailand on our honeymoon, and spent a lot of nights at Lotus of Siam and Komol Thai preparing for it, so those are other staples. My favorite drink is the Pink Pussycat at Nove Italiano ... those blood orange ice cubes make me a happy camper! OT: If you could eat at one restaurant in Las Vegas for the rest of your time here, which would it be? Collins: Wow that's tough. Being a woman, I change my mind every 10 seconds, so I'd probably have to say the Wynn Buffet only because I love all the options and beautiful decor. Woman's prerogative, I guess! OT: What 2012 opening in Las Vegas are you most looking forward to? Collins: The Smith Center for the Performing Arts without a doubt. I think it will be the best thing to happen to Las Vegas in a long time. Now, we'll be able to compete with Disney Hall in LA and other impressive centers across the country. I love that The Smith Center's architecture incorporates Las Vegas' history starting with the Hoover Dam, and its concert lineup is well-rounded and interesting. OT: You've traveled pretty extensively. Where is the one place you have visited you would return to again and again, and why? Collins: I lived in London, and it's my absolute favorite city in the world, so I'd return tomorrow if I could. I'm definitely a Europhile, so anywhere in France, Italy or Greece would be at the top of my list for a return visit. OT: Where is a favorite place to visit on-Strip? Collins: I'm not sure I can narrow it down to one, so here are my top favorites: Le Cirque (Bellagio), Wazuzu (Encore), Olives (Bellagio), Nove Italiano (Palms) and Alize (Palms). OT: What are your favorites Off-Strip? Collins: My all-time favorites are: The Barrymore, Vintner Grill, Agave, Leticia's Cocina and La Scala. OT: Where do you go for your moments of zen? Collins: My bed! OT: I love Las Vegas because ... Collins: It's the city that truly never sleeps! I love the energy of this city, the incredible culinary, entertainment, and intellectual talent we have in this city. We're still young and have a lot of growing up to do, but I love witnessing it from a personal and professional standpoint. My husband is a native, and I love hearing how much it's grown over such a short amount of time. I look forward to watching the city expand in many capacities!
Flickr Photo Credit: xiquinhosilva
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