Before there was One Direction and the Jonas Brothers, there were The Backstreet Boys—and no “boy” was more recognizable than dimpled boy bander Nick Carter, a triple threat singer, dancer and actor. While continuing to record with BSB (their most recent album was 2013’s In a World Like This), Carter, now 37, found time to record three solo albums, script a film and place second on the 21st season of Dancing with the Stars.  He is currently appearing as a judge alongside Timbaland and Spice Girl Emma Bunton, with Rita Ora as host on ABC’s Boy Band—a new series where talented singers battle it out to become a member of the next big boy band (as a new format, viewers at home will be able to vote for their favorite five band members live)—and living part time in Las Vegas, where he and his fellow BSB members AJ McLean, Howie Dorough, Brian Littrell and Kevin Richardson have a headlining residency at Planet Hollywood with their show, Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life, which has just been extended for another run through February 2018. Because Carter spends as much time in Las Vegas as he does in Los Angeles these days (he’s a 15-year resident), we asked him to share his hot spots, his insider’s guide, to both of these summer-centric cities. In summary, he wants it that way… and so will you.

LOS ANGELES 

Photo Credit: Lucky-Photographer / Shutterstock.com

Where were you born: Jamestown, NY- In the same hospital as Lucille Ball.

How long in LA:15 years.

Neighborhood: I have lived in 3 different neighborhoods. Hidden Hills, Malibu and Beverly Hills.

Occupation: Singer/Songwriter/Recording Artist

Favorite Restaurant: Wally’s in Beverly Hills

Best Sushi: Roku (Sushi) in Santa Monica

Best Italian: Osteria Mozza

Best dessert: SusieCakes

Best place for a romantic date: Restaurants on the beach are always the best. Moonshadows in Malibu is one of my favorites.

Best Sunday brunch: Four Seasons Beverly Hills

Best place for a power business meeting: The Little Door

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Four Seasons in Beverly Hills

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: Macfield

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: XIV Karats

Best Spa: Montage Beverly Hills

Favorite Charity Event: Seth Rogen’s Alzheimer’s Event, Hilarity for Charity

Best Steakhouse: The Palms Restaurant in Downtown LA

Best Pizza: Anthony’s Pizza on Melrose

Best Lunch: Tatsu

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Gloveworx USA in Santa Monica with trainers Leyon Azubuike and Josue Louis

Best Limousine/Driving Service: Empire CLS

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Getty

Describe your city in three words: Fast, electrifying and fun.

All-around favorite spot in Los Angeles: The beach (Malibu is the best)

Best Aspect of Los Angeles:The weather!

LAS VEGAS

Photo Credit: Miune / Shutterstock.com

How Long in las Vegas: Since early 2017. I moved from LA for the Backstreet Boys: Larger Than Life residency at Planet Hollywood and I am loving Vegas.

Neighborhood: Southern Highlands

Favorite Restaurant: Michaels Las Vegas

Best Sushi: Nobu

Best Italian: Rao’s in Caesars Palace

Best dessert: Neilsen’s Custards

Best place for a romantic date: Mr. Chow

Best Sunday brunch: Giada

Best place for a power business meeting: The Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas 

If you have out of town guests, which hotel would you recommend? Planet Hollywood

Favorite shopping venue/boutique: John Varvatos

Favorite place to buy jewelry/watches: Cartier

Best Spa: Four Seasons in Las Vegas

Favorite Charity Event: The Animal Foundation

Best Steakhouse: The Palms at Caesars Palace

Best Pizza: Grimaldi’s

Best Lunch: ProteinHouse

Best Gym/Athletic Facility: Southern Highland Gym

Best Massage: Southern Highland Spa

Best Museum/Exhibit: The Discovery Museum

Describe your city in three words: Hot, Entertainment and Chaotic

All-around favorite spot in Las Vegas: HOME

Favorite historic place to explore: Zion National Park

Best Aspect of Las Vegas: Cultural Diversity

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