Ch 13. The Intermontane West

http://www.imusgeographics.com/map-of-united-states

     The Intermontane West is located between the two major mountain ranges: the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada and Cascades. It covers all or parts of Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona. This region is characterized by mining and agriculture in terms of economic activities rather than manufacture, due to its high transportation costs, lack of water, rugged typography, and a relatively small labor force (Hardwick 258). 

http://www.visitingdc.com/las-vegas/las-vegas-skyline.asp

     However, like Solvang, the Intermontane West also boasts popular tourist destinations due to its scenic beauty. One of these places are Las Vegas, the paradise of casinos! Since Las Vegas is itself a city based almost entirely on entertainment, it is safe to safe that the Intermontane West is highly influenced the the tourism sector of the economy. Although Solvang does not have any casinos and if relatively small compared to Vegas, the two are well-known tourist attractions that bring in millions of tourist every year. Both places are very similar in that they are dedicated to living off of profit generated by tourists. 

     

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hsupafly/7729370586/lightbox/

     When I visited Solvang, it didn't feel like it was a place for someone to grow up, attend school, and get a job in. The streets were full of gift shops and inns that were clearly targeting a specific group of people: tourists. Also, Las Vegas and Solvang both have strong, clear themes. Las Vegas is all about entertainment and gambling and Solvang is about experiencing the Danish community.