801 S 10TH STREET | 402-444-5071 | DURHAMMUSEUM.ORG 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
plore, Come ex discover & unwind.
The NEW Raptor Woodland Refuge at Fontenelle Forest in Bellevue
Located just a few minutes south of Omaha, Sarpy County awaits with a wonderful mix of fun things to see and do. Tour a museum or gallery. Dine in an elegant restaurant. Spend a day at a family fun center. From great hotels, brewpubs and wineries to malls, specialty shops, and theatres, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your next getaway! For more info call us at 402-332-5771 or visit us online at gosarpy.com.
B E L L E V U E | G R E T N A | L A V I S TA | PA P I L L I O N | S P R I N G F I E L D | O F F U T T A F B | O M A H A M E T R O 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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1620 Dodge Street • Suite 1900 Omaha, NE 68102 402.444.4660 • 1.866.937.6824
Keith Backsen
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / PRESIDENT
Dean Miller
VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS
Michele Hayes
VISITOR SERVICES MANAGER
Jodie Smith
ACCOUNTING CLERK
Cindy Brickey
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Deborah Ward
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS
Jasmyn Goodwin
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING AND CONTENT
Tracie McPherson
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Erin O’Brien
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Amy Cunningham
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Lynn Mace
MARKETING COORDINATOR
Cathy Keller
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND SERVICES
Mark Rath
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Mattie Scheeter
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Matt Heck
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Kenzie Coleman
NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Bill Slovinski
TOURISM SALES MANAGER
Sue Chevalier
RESEARCH ANALYST
Janelle Armstrong
DIRECTOR OF CONVENTION SERVICES
Erin Brungardt
CONVENTION SERVICES AND HOUSING MANAGER
Kristin Beglin
NATIONAL SALES COORDINATOR
Kelsey McGreer
SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
Anabella Coenen
CONVENTION SERVICES COORDINATOR
OMAHA VISITOR GUIDE PRINTED BY:
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2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
WELCOME
Table of Contents WELCOME 6 Welcome/Visitors Center 7 Omaha by the Numbers 8 Traveling Around Omaha 9 About the Cover 10 Map of Omaha 12 Map of Downtown WHAT’S HAPPENING 14-23 Events in Omaha WHAT TO SEE AND DO 26 Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium 30 Bob the Bridge 32 The Durham Museum 34 Historic Attractions 36 Omaha’s Children Museum 38 Free Things to Do 39 Things to Do with Kids 40 Joslyn Art Museum 42 Artful Adventures 44 Lauritzen Gardens 46 Outdoor Recreation
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK 50 Legendary Steak 52 Raising Reuben 54 Breakfast and Brunch 55 Omaha Dives 56 Farm-to-Fork Fresh 58 Sweet Treats 60 Omaha Nightlife 62 Craft Brew WHERE TO SHOP 68 Shopping WHERE TO PLAY 72 Omaha Neighborhoods 74 Aksarben Village 76 Benson 78 Blackstone District 80 Dundee 82 Midtown Crossing 84 NoDo (North Downtown) 86 North Omaha and Florence 88 Old Market 90 South Omaha 92 Saunders County WHERE TO STAY 94 Lodging 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WELCOME
WELCOME TO Omaha Office of the Mayor 1819 Farnam Street, Suite 300 Omaha, Nebraska 68183-0300 Phone 402.444.5000 Fax 402.444.6059 cityofomaha.org/mayor City of Omaha
City of Omaha Jean Stothert, Mayor Jim Suttle, Mayor
Dear Visitors, I am very proud to serve as Mayor of Omaha, a city with a reputation as a great Dear Friends: place to live, work, play and visit!
of our citizens, welcome to On behalf of our residents, we invite you to discover all the cityOn hasbehalf to offer, from you to discover the world-renowned Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, exquisite museums, andour City’s incredible establishments. No matter what you great shops, to Omaha’s wonderful array of locally owned restaurants, beautiful parks, and unique entertainment venues. Enjoy your stay and be sure to come
You’ll find there is a lot to do here in Omaha. Enjoy your visit and come back often.
Kind regards.
Warmly,
Jean Stothert, Mayor City of Omaha
Omaha Visitors Center START HERE Make the Omaha Visitors Center your first stop. Talk one-on-one with friendly experts who will help customize your Omaha experience. Pick up maps, watch videos, and use the fun photo booth to create a special souvenir to send to family and friends. Located near Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District. Omaha Visitors Center 1001 Farnam Street Omaha, NE 68102 402-444-7762 6
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
WELCOME
Omaha BY THE NUMBERS DISTANCE BETWEEN OMAHA’S AIRPORT AND DOWNTOWN
952,018
4.7 miles
METRO OMAHA POPULATION
Most Omaha hotels offer complimentary shuttle service directly to and from their properties
Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska
3,000
ft. long
NON-STOP AIRLINE SERVICE TO
28 MAJOR AIRPORTS
BOB IS OMAHA’S ONE-OF-A-KIND SUSPENSION BRIDGE
and constantly growing...
with a larger-than-life personality
130 ACRES
FILLED WITH OVER
962 DIFFErENT
SPECIES
Omaha’s Zoo is considered one of the best in the world
OMAHA’S OLD MARKET ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT filled with unique boutiques, sweet shops, pubs and local restaurants
dates back
to 1800s
212 days of sunshine per year
if you count our sunny Midwestern disposition then it’s a year-round phenomenon Spring:
Highs in the mid 60ºs Lows in the 40ºs
Summer: Highs in the 80ºs Lows in the mid 60ºs
Fall:
Highs in the 70ºs Lows in the 50ºs
Winter:
Highs in the mid 30ºs Lows in the mid-teens
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WELCOME
Traveling to and Around Omaha Goodbye hassle, hello hospitality. Seattle Minneapolis
Portland
Milwaukee Salt Lake City
Detroit
New York City
Chicago Washington D.C.
San Francisco Oakland
Los Angeles San Diego
Denver
Philadelphia
St Louis
Las Vegas
Charlotte Atlanta
Phoenix Dallas
Omaha’s airport (OMA) is ranked #1 in customer service FLYING TO OMAHA Omaha’s Airport (OMA) serves 4.3 million passengers a year and offers non-stop service to more than 28 of the nation’s largest airports. Ranked #1 in customer service, you’ll find getting in and out of Omaha’s airport is quick and easy. The airport is conveniently located 4.7 miles from downtown Omaha, so if you’re renting a car, taking a cab or hopping in an Uber it will take you less than 10 minutes to get there.
Tampa Bay
Houston
GETTING AROUND With a Car: Omaha city streets are set up on a grid system and are easy to navigate. Dodge Street divides the city north and south, and numbered streets start at the Missouri River and increase as you drive west. Without a Car: Taxis, Ubers and Lyfts are available throughout the city. The majority of Omaha hotels offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the hotel as well as within a specific mile radius of their property.
Orlando Miami
DRIVING TO OMAHA Omaha is right in the middle of the U.S. and conveniently located at the junction of I-80 and I-29.
DOWNTOWN OMAHA HAS A WALKABILITY SCORE OF 85 DISTANCE FROM OTHER CITIES (IN MILES) Cheyenne, WY Chicago, IL Dallas, TX Denver, CO Des Moines, IA Kansas City, MO 8
498 469 663 540 135 184
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
Indianapolis, IN Minneapolis, MN Oklahoma City, OK Rapid City, SD St. Louis, MO Wichita, KS
608 379 461 525 436 307
WELCOME
About The Cover
This aerial photo of Omaha was taken by a drone looking west during a beautiful September sunset. Visitors from all across the country arrive via Interstate 80, cross the river and are welcomed to a cultural oasis on the plains. Known for steak, great farm-to-fork cuisine (hello, you’re in the heart of ag country), a world-renowned zoo, and as the home of the NCAA College World Series – Omaha is filled with exquisite museums, art galleries and performing art venues comparable to a city three times its size. Let this photo inspire you to travel the road to Omaha, and experience something new.
HELPFUL APPS Omaha Savings App - Download this app and receive exclusive discounts to top Omaha attraction, restaurants and shopping. The app is available for both Apple® and Android™ devices. Omaha 360° App - Experience the latest VR (virtual reality) technology and be transported instantly to some of Omaha’s hotspots. The app is available for both Apple® and Android™ devices. Omaha Craft Brew App - No downloading required. Just go to OmahaCraftBrew.com on your mobile phone and you’ll have access to everything you need to plan your own craft brew tour.
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WELCOME
Map of Omaha 36 Lake Cunningham Recreation Area
To Fremont via Hwy 36 and Hwy 275
HOTEL
North and South streets are numbered. East and West streets are named.
133 HOTEL
MILITARY
HOTEL
RD
Sorensen Park Plaza
Standing Bear Lake
Kelley Sports Complex
Recreation Area
M
FORT
IL
IT
AR
Tranquility Moylan HOTEL
Hefflinger Dog & BMX Park Westroads Mall
96TH
MAPLE 102ND
Roberts Skate Park
HOTEL
Old Mill
137TH
HOTEL
105TH
HOTEL
Regency Court & Borsheims
HOTEL
Countryside Village
PACIFIC 103RD
HOTEL
Westwood Shopping Center
HOTEL
HOTEL HOTEL
NC GE Y C RE
HOTELS
Bel Air Shopping Center
144TH
WEST OMAHA
114TH
Boys Town National Headquarters
Village Pointe
CASS
Cancer Survivor’s Park
ROSE B
DAVENPORT
REGENC Y
C IR
P K WY
HOTEL LE
Nebraska Jewish Historical Society
HOTEL
HOTEL
W. DODGE RD
78TH
HOTELS
HOTELS
90TH
DRIVING OMAHA... Omaha is divided North & South by Dodge St. (W. Dodge Rd.)
98TH
NICHOLAS
78TH
HOTEL
108TH
132ND
Koch Family Tennis Complex
120TH
144TH
156TH
168TH
NORTHW OMAHA
SPRAGUE HOTEL
W. MAPLE RD
One Pacific Place
HOTEL
HOTEL
Recreation Area
D
AR
E AV
L IL
M
HOTEL
Amazing Pizza Machine
HOTEL
“F” ST HOTEL HOTEL
HOTEL
HOTEL
“Q” ST
96TH
Millard Airport
R A
HOTEL
84TH
Zorinsky Lake
Montclair Shopping Center
90TH
132ND
RI AL
Westga Plaza
108TH
I OAK V
120TH
W DR
IN DU ST
Rockbrook Village
Oak View Mall
E
The Shops of Legacy Plaza
156TH
W. CENTER RD HOTELS
HOT
RALS
HOTEL
• Eugene T. Mahoney State Park • Strategic Air & Space Museum • Wildlife Safari
I-80 Exit 426
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LA V
PAPIL
WELCOME
Neale Woods N.P. Dodge Park & Marina
Mormon Bridge
Florence Mill
Ne
STATE
Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Cemetery
br
MA RT
HOTEL
Fort Omaha
SORENSEN PKWY
orensen ark Plaza
Historic Florence Bank & Depot Museum
Historic Florence
Mormon Trail Center
IN
E AV
as
ka JOHN J . PE RS HIN G
IL
Omaha Airport (OMA)
STORZ EXPY
IT
AR
Y
AV
E
ate Privport Air
al min Ter
M
General Crook House
ERGH PLZ LINDB DR
HOTELS
CENTER
Aksarben Village Baxter Arena
HOTELS
CENTRAL OMAHA
Coco Key Water Resort
HOTELS
16TH
10TH
24TH
Omaha Children’s Museum
N O
V
Council Bluffs
DR BO TT
AB
192
MARTHA
University of Nebraska Med Center
Union Pacific Museum
29
The Durham Museum
6
W. BROADWAY
Heartland of America Park and Fountain
Old Market
T
HOTELS
University of Nebraska Omaha
Gerald R. Ford Birthsite & Conservation Center
20TH
Elmwood Park
29
480
The Rose
Midtown Crossing
a
Marin
Lewis & Clark Landing
13TH
50TH
LVD
FARNAM
IN
Westgate Plaza
HOTEL
K RD PAR
Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge
Joslyn Art Museum
HOTEL
42ND
IN AV E
OM EED FR
HOTEL
HOTEL HOTEL
LEAVENWORTH
HOTEL
NTER RD
Joslyn Castle
HOTEL
HOTELS HOTEL
Creighton University
32ND
Nebraska Furniture Mart
HICKORY
HAMILTON
42ND
78TH
ntryside age
St. Cecilia’s Cathedral
SA DD LE CR EE K
MK
DODGE
HOTEL
PARKER
PY H
76TH
Memorial Park
LU ROSE B
HOTEL
OLL OW B
UNDERWOOD
CASS HOTEL
Prospect Hill Cemetery
HAP
L
DUNDEE
LOCUST
CenturyLink Center Omaha/ TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
LAKE
CUMING
69TH
78TH
Omaha Community Playhouse
LH WY NW RADIAL HWY
72ND
berts te k
Malcolm X Birthsite
Loves Jazz and Art Center
24TH
NW RA DI A
NORTH OMAHA
NORTH FRWY
BENSON MAPLE
FONTENELLE BLV D
ORTHWEST OMAHA
30TH
AMES AVE
Benson Park
Lauritzen Gardens
BANCROFT
80
29
HOTEL
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium
“F” ST
16TH
HOTEL
60TH
“C” ST
Ralston Arena
HOTEL
275
“L” ST SO
“Q” ST
HOTEL
RALSTON
El Museo Latino Horsemen’s Park
SOUTH OMAHA
Y
Historic South 24th Street
WY FR
Seymour Smith Park
ED NN KE
84TH
Fun Plex
U T H O M A HA
Mount Vernon Gardens
Iowa
75 HARRISON ST
LA VISTA PAPILLION
CORNHUSKER RD
Offutt A.F.B. STRATCOM Bellevue, NE
92
D ER DG BRI
Mis s
ou
iver ri R
READ AND SEED: For every tree’s worth of paper used to produce the 2018 Omaha Visitors Guide, a tree will be planted to help sustain forests across the globe. The Omaha Visitors Guide was produced and published in partnership with Omaha Publications and PrintReleaf. Once trees are planted, PrintReleaf administers an 8-year audit process to track the progress and survivability of the trees. 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WELCOME
Map of Downtown
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2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
Visit Historic Florence Mill
Originally
YOUR PLACE
built in
1846
JCPENNEY BED BATH & BEYOND
9102 N. 30th St., Omaha, NE
DICK’S SPORTING GOODS
Museum & ArtLoft Wed-Saturday 1-5 pm
LOFT ULTA MAURICES
Farmers Market 10-3 Sundays June through September
CARHARTT PIER 1 IMPORTS PETSMART OLD NAVY
Omaha North-Hills Pottery Tour 1st weekend in October
YANKEE CANDLE LANE BRYANT DRESSBARN T.J. MAXX VICTORIA’S SECRET SUPERCUTS MICHAELS BEST BUY OFFICE MAX OLD CHICAGO BUFFALO WILD WINGS RED ROBIN TEXAS ROADHOUSE MORE THAN 70 STORES, SERVICES AND RESTAURANTS
Agriculture, History & Art theflorencemill.org
Highway 370 & 72nd Street Papillion | 402.537.0046 Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-6pm ShadowLakeShopping.com
Stores featuring the latest trends and wardrobe essentials. Restaurants that serve culinary firsts and comforting favorites. You’ll find everything you need to shop, dine and indulge at Village Pointe – expect an experience.
168th & W Dodge Rd. VillagePointeShopping.com
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
events in omaha THIS IS YOUR ULTIMATE 2018 GUIDE TO EVENTS, EXHIBITS AND FESTIVALS HAPPENING IN OMAHA. FROM AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL SPORTING EVENTS TO BROADWAY HITS AND GLOBAL SUPERSTARS, OMAHA IS READY TO FILL YOUR CALENDAR FROM JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER WITH UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES.
Reclaimed Creations: Works by Sayaka Ganz and Aurora Robson January 20 – May 13, 2018 Lauritzen Gardens
Light
Through March 31, 2018 KANEKO
Artwork utilizing glass, sculpture and light showcase the beauty that light evokes aesthetically and thematically in this thought provoking exhibit. Gain insight into scientific topics like vision and optics, physiology of light energy, sustainability, light pollution and conservation. Free admission. Forever Forest
Through April 15, 2018 Omaha Children’s Museum
Families will learn how trees play a part in everyday life in this immersive national exhibit that includes a forest and campsite, treehouse and a mini town.
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Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The King & I January 16-21, 2018 Orpheum Theater
Set in 1860s Bangkok, this musical tells the story of the unconventional relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher whom the modernist king brings to Siam to teach his large family. Word/Play: Prints, Photographs and Paintings by Ed Ruscha February 3 – May 6, 2018 Joslyn Art Museum
Ed Ruscha’s use of the written word is a signature element of his work; see it demonstrated through prints, photographs, paintings and artist books dating from the 1960s through 2014 at the first major exhibition featuring Ruscha in his home state of Nebraska.
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
From birds to aquatic creatures to a massive vortex, see how beautiful reclaimed materials can be as locally found, recycled and reused plastic objects are presented through a mix of fine art and message of environmental stewardship. Falstaff
February 9 & 11, 2018 Orpheum Theater
Grandiose knight Sir John Falstaff attempts to woo two wealthy women who outsmart him at every turn in Shakespeare’s endearing rogue presented by Opera Omaha. An American in Paris February 13-18, 2018 Orpheum Theater
The new Tony Award®winning musical follows an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and a resilient European city, each craving a new beginning after the war.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Omaha Beer Week February 16-25, 2018 Various Locations
Ten beer-packed days celebrate Omaha’s craft beer scene with bars, breweries and retailers across the city hosting unique beery events. Asics Presidents’ Day Volleyball Classic
February 17-19, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha, Genesis Health Club & The Mark
Around 450 of the best Junior Olympic athletes from across the nation will compete in one of the country’s largest volleyball events.
Fighting for the Right to Fight: African-American Experiences in World War II
Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach
March 2-25, 2018 Omaha Community Playhouse
Riverdance
March 14 & 15, 2018 Orpheum Theater
After a huge peach grows in his garden, young orphan James discovers a world of magic and adventure full of friendly insects.
The international Irish dance phenomenon celebrates their 20th Anniversary World Tour. Marvel at all-new costumes, lighting and projections, and their new number, “Anna Livia.”
The Hot Sardines
American Adventure
Be transported to a whole other era as this NY-based ensemble returns to Omaha with their spicy blend of hot jazz, 1920s standards and New Orleans brass.
Your challenge: to survive the year as one of the original 1607 Jamestown colonists (only 38 of the 104 settlers survived). First, choose a unique identity, then track a series of life choices in health, wealth, food, and morale that must be maintained to “survive” this immersive exhibit.
February 17 – July 15, 2018 The Durham Museum
See, hear and learn about the wartime stories of service members who took part in WWII through a host of interactive experiences. Don’t leave without seeing the exhibit’s centerpiece – an original eight-minute video about the famed 332nd Fighter Group (the Tuskegee Airmen). Omaha Fashion Week
February 27 – March 4, 2018 Omaha Design Center
Come out for fashion, fun and pop-up shopping at the nation’s fifth largest fashion event, in its 11th year.
March 8, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Omaha Film Festival March 6-11, 2018 Village Pointe Cinema
Discover over 120 innovative new films and past masterworks of cinema in this event voted by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “25 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” Also enjoy panel discussions, celebrity guests and special events.
Miranda Lambert
March 8, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
March 17 – July 29, 2018 The Durham Museum
For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com
Grammy Award®-winning country singer brings her Livin’ Like Hippies Tour to Omaha with guest Jon Pardi. 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
events in omaha Harlem Globetrotters
April 6, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
The group known for their one-of-a-kind family entertainment brings their world tour to Omaha’s premier arena as they take on longtime rival, the Washington Generals. Junkstock
April 6-8, 2018 Sycamore Farms
Omaha-grown vintage festival featuring more than 200 “junk” vendors from across the country, along with live music, food and activities for the kiddos.
Nureyev’s Eyes
March 22 – April 15, 2018 Blue Barn Theater
This play imagines what encounters may have been like between painter Jamie Wyeth and legendary ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev. Wyeth did a series of studies and paintings in the ‘70s of Nureyev, who defected from Russia and revitalized western ballet.
Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure March 23 – April 8, 2018 The Rose Theater
Join Alice for a rockin’ good time and see Wonderland in a whole new way in this electrifying, contemporary re-imagining of the Lewis Carroll classic. Jeff Dunham
April 7, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
NCAA® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship
Record-breaking global comedy superstar and ventriloquist Jeff Dunham brings his cast of characters to Omaha on his Passively Aggressive Tour.
March 23 & 25, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
Check out NCAA Tournament basketball action again in Omaha as Creighton University hosts the Midwest Regional.
For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com
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Tribute to David Bowie
March 24, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Celebrate the late legend as a rock band, powerful singers and the Omaha Symphony perform all the iconic hits from his illustrious career.
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
ONE Festival
April 7-22, 2018 Various downtown locations
Opera Omaha’s inaugural celebration of opera spanning two weeks with numerous events at multiple venues blending music, theater, visual art, dance and film, and featuring high caliber artists and directors.
WHAT’S HAPPENING Jurassic Park
April 28, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Return to Isla Nublar for Steven Spielberg’s original dinosaur epic played live. Experience John Williams’ heart-pumping score with a larger-than- life experience complete with T. Rex, Velociraptor and Triceratops on the big screen.
The International Omaha Horse Competition April 12-15, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
It’s all about speed, execution and the competitive spirit of both rider and horse at this worldclass indoor horse jumping and dressage competition featuring a free expo and the InIt2WinIt Horse Speed Jumping Series finale.
Medea
April 20 & 22, 2018 Orpheum Theater
Opera Omaha’s portrayal of a powerful woman who enables Giasone of the Argonauts to steal the magical golden fleece, a betrayal that triggers a horrifying act of revenge as Medea destroys everything that binds them.
Proving Up
April 13-22, 2018 KANEKO
Cinco de Mayo
May 4-6, 2018 Historic South 24th Street
This vibrant family-friendly fiesta attracts over 100,000 people and is filled with authentic food, live music, colorful costumes and the Midwest’s largest parade of dancers, floats, marching bands and culture.
Set in the harsh early years of post-Civil War Nebraska, several families struggles to claim their land under the Homestead Act. Young Miles must bear the weight of the family’s pursuit of the American Dream in this new production of a world premiere opera. Shakespeare in Love
April 13 – May 6, 2018 Omaha Community Playhouse
At a time when government threatens to close all theaters, young Will Shakespeare suffers from writer’s block. However, Will’s love for his muse Viola quickly blossoms and inspires him to write his greatest masterpiece.
An Evening with David Sedaris
Kenny G
April 28, 2018 Orpheum Theater
Grammy Award®-winning saxophonist Kenny G brings his mix of R&B, pop, Latin and jazz spanning his 35-year solo career to Omaha.
May 7, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Master of satire and observant writer of human condition David Sedaris is one of America’s preeminent humor writers. Hear him live and be ready to laugh!
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
events in omaha
WICKED
May 16-June 3, 2018 Orpheum Theater
The Broadway sensation looks at what happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy arrives, as a smart, fiery young woman with emerald-green skin forms a friendship with a bubbly popular blonde…until the world decides to call one ”good” and the other “wicked.” Jessica Lang Dance May 10, 2018 Orpheum Theater
Choreographer Jessica Lang blends modern design elements and classical ballet to create emotionally moving performances in this spellbinding production.
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2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
Arturo Sandoval: The Dear Diz Tour
May 17, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Renowned trumpeter and 10 Grammy Award®-winner Arturo Sandoval celebrates legendary jazz master Dizzy Gillespie’s 100th birthday. Shania Twain
May 18, 2018 CenturyLink Center Omaha
The global superstar brings Now, one of the most anticipated tours of 2018, to Omaha in promotion of her first album in 15 years.
WHAT’S HAPPENING 2018 Big Ten Baseball Tournament
May 23-27, 2018 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
It’s baseball-palooza with this prequel to the CWS! Enjoy the legendary Big Ten and its historic rivalries as teams compete to return to Omaha for the NCAA College World Series, offering fans even more time to enjoy a city that knows how to play ball. Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles™: Secrets of the Sewer™
May 26 – September 2, 2018 Omaha Children’s Museum
Brothers Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and Donatello invite families to their New York City sewer lair to train together and learn about their strategies. Families will love being transported to the underground home of the crime-fighting heroes. The Beach Boys
June 1-3, 2018 Holland Performing Arts Center
Go on a surfin’ safari as the Omaha Symphony joins The Beach Boys to kick off summer with the world’s favorite soundtrack of the season, featuring hits from the iconic group. Disney’s Newsies June 1-17, 2018 The Rose Theater
Disney presents a fresh version of the empowering Tony Award-winning musical that highlights the newsboys strike of 1899.
Singin’ in the Rain
June 1-24, 2018 Omaha Community Playhouse
Treasures of British Art 1400-2000: The Berger Collection
Taste of Omaha
This exhibition features 50 masterworks from one of the most important private collections of British painting in the United States. View devotional images, history paintings, portraits, landscapes and sporting scenes by a slew of renowned artists.
This tale of a famous onscreen couple from the silent films who are ready to transition to the age of “talking pictures” combines the best of Hollywood and Broadway with music, dancing and special effects that will keep you smiling long after the curtain closes. June 1-3, 2018 Heartland of America Park
June 2 – September 9, 2018 Joslyn Art Museum
In its 21st year, this foodfilled festival features eats from nearly 50 restaurants, along with live music and entertainment along Omaha’s riverfront.
For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
events in omaha
Santa Lucia Italian Festival June 7-10, 2018 Lewis & Clark Landing
Experience the richness of Italian history and culture at this 94th annual event featuring carnival rides, authentic Italian foods, music and nightly entertainment. Summer Arts Festival June 8-10, 2018 Gene Leahy Mall
Over 135 fine artists from across the country demonstrate and showcase their work midst live entertainment and delicious food. Free admission. NCAA College World Series June 16-26/27, 2018 TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
Be a part of a cherished baseball tradition that has a place on many bucket lists. Tailgate with fans from across the country, watch the best in college baseball and check out Fan Fest, all while creating memories.
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Shakespeare on the Green
Zydeco Festival
Experience the power and beauty of classical theater in a tranquil outdoor setting with preshow entertainment, activities and food options. Free admission.
Enjoy a full day of Creoleand Cajun-style food, activities and music from treasured musical artists from throughout the New Orleans region. Free admission.
June – July Young Park – 60th & Dodge St.
June 23, 2018 Turner Park at Midtown Crossing
Tempo of Twilight
Omaha Beer Fest
An outdoor concert series that brings local entertainment to the garden for the perfect blend of music and nature. Bring chairs, food and the family.
Enjoy unlimited 2 oz. samples from a selection of hundreds of craft beers, ciders and meads from 60 participating breweries. Don’t miss Beer Academy Sessions and live music.
Tuesdays, June – August Lauritzen Gardens
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
July 6 & 7, 2018 Horsemen’s Park
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Railroad Days
Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival
July 14-15, 2018 Various Locations
All aboard for a fun-filled weekend that’s all about train and track, and Omaha’s rich railroad heritage. Five area cultural attractions join forces to offer activities and hands-on experiences at one special low price for families, with trolley transportation between venues.
August 10 & 11, 2018
Toast with award-winning Nebraska wines and enjoy the spectacular hot air balloon launch and glow at this family-friendly event. Pinnacle Bank Golf Championship
July 16-22, 2018 The Club at Indian Creek
The PGA tour is back in Omaha with the Web.com Tour’s championship, featuring 156 golfers and 72 holes at picturesque Indian Creek golf course. The top 25 money winners at the end of the Web.com Tour’s season advance to the PGA Tour. Greek Festival
Jazz on the Green
Thursdays, July & August Turner Park at Midtown Crossing 31st & Dodge Streets
The ultimate outdoor jam session featuring national, regional and local jazz musicians. Bring a picnic or indulge in Midtown Crossing’s array of restaurants with outdoor seating. Free admission. For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com
August 17-19, 2018 St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
Opa! Enjoy live authentic Greek music, folk dancing in full Greek dress, homemade Greek cuisine, a Greek boutique and more.
Omaha Fashion Week August 20-26, 2018 Omaha Design Center
The country’s fifth largest fashion event features more than 40 designers, 400 models and hundreds of creations. Maha Music Festival
August 2018 Stinson Park at Aksarben Village
Enjoy Omaha’s indie rock music festival featuring some of the industry’s hottest acts alongside notable local and regional musicians.
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WHAT’S HAPPENING
events in omaha
Antique & Garden Show September 20-23, 2018 Lauritzen Gardens
The 15th annual event celebrates antiques, gardening, art and design. Shop treasures from 30 national dealers, enjoy special expert presentations and attend intimate luncheons that will have you heading home inspired.
Omaha Restaurant Week September 14-23, 2018 Various Locations
A celebration of Omaha’s culinary scene as more than 50 participating restaurants offer exclusive fixed price, three-course meals at discounted prices during Omaha’s 10 tastiest days.
Japanese Ambience Festival October 6 & 7, 2018 Lauritzen Gardens
El Grito de Independencia September 2018 South Omaha
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and Mexican Independence Day with rides, exhibitors, a parade, food and entertainment. German Day-Oktoberfest September 14 & 15, 2018 German-American Society of Omaha
Celebrate the German way with authentic food, folk dancing and the traditional “Tapping of the Keg.”
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Fort Omaha Intertribal Powwow September 2018 Fort Omaha Campus
Be immersed in the culture and traditions of Native Americans at this outdoor celebration featuring a traditional intertribal powwow accompanied by music, dancing, crafts and food.
Celebrate autumn and traditions of Japanese culture like calligraphy, origami, food and more in conjunction with the kickoff of the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show featuring 2,000 vibrant blooms. Heritage Days Festival October 6 & 7, 2018
The 1800s skills, trades and way of life are celebrated through hands-on learning demonstrations, military reenactments, traditional foods, music and even mustache contests. Additional community events include a parade and craft show.
For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Pattern and Purpose: American Quilts from the Shelburne Museum
October 6, 2018 – Jan. 6, 2019 Joslyn Art Museum
Throughout the history of quilt-making, the finest pieces were often made as art rather than for use, and linked family and community histories. Today, quilt-making is recognized as an art form “hidden in plain sight” – see marvelous examples in this exhibition.
Christmas at Union Station
Holiday Lights Festival
Soak up the best of the season with the region’s grandest indoor holiday tree, traditions from around the globe, visits from Santa and more special programming.
This five-week festival kicks off on Thanksgiving night with the traditional lighting of more than 40 blocks of dazzling lights, and continues through December with live music performances, special events and more. To ring in the New Year, gather in Gene Leahy Mall as the sky illuminates with a spectacular fireworks.
November 23 – January 6, 2019 The Durham Museum
NRG Energy Ice Rink
November – February 2019 The Capitol District
Junkstock
Enjoy an outdoor ice skating experience as holiday lights twinkle above and music fills the air in Omaha’s new Capitol District entertainment area.
November 22 – January 1, 2019 Various Locations
For more details and a complete list of events go to VisitOmaha.com
September 28-30, 2018 Sycamore Farms
The curated vintage, junk and artisan festival celebrates all things rusty, dusty and timeless. Come ready to shop for vintage finds, unique antiques, handmade artisan food and goods, and one of a kind repurposed relics.
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APRIL 6-22, 2018
Roam with the herd.
ONEFESTIVALOMAHA.ORG
www.wildlifesafaripark.com
General Crook House BAILEY LAUERMAN Omaha Zoological Society Roaming Ad Ohdz154737 Pub: 2016 Omaha Visitors Guide Color: 4-color Size: 2.667" x 2.2083"
Open 7 days a week Weekdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Weekends 1 - 4 p.m.
A beautifully restored Italianate General’s quarters built in 1879 on Historic Fort Omaha. 5730 N. 30th St. #11b Omaha, NE 68111 402-455-9990 www.DouglasCoHistory.org
place fun memories The
&
for
Most Visited Museum in Nebraska | 40,000 sq ft of Fun Award Winning Exhibits | Daily Programs & Shows
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2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
500 S. 20th Street WEST OF THE OLD MARKET
ocm.org
402-342-6164
FREE GENERAL ADMISSION (paid ticketed admission for select exhibitions)
THURSDAYS: Open ‘til 8 pm! ART WORKS: A Place for Curiosity Interactive space for all ages!
explore AT
NOW
Joslyn Art Museum features works from antiquity to the present with an emphasis on nineteenth- and twentiethcentury European and American art. A fun, educational, relaxing, and artful destination for the whole family.
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm. Just west of downtown Omaha. Café, Museum shop, and free parking. 2200 Dodge St. | Omaha, NE | (402) 342-3300 | www.joslyn.org
Witness a moment in the great “MORMON MIGRATION”
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS CALL 402.453.9372 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FREE ADMISSION Open Daily 9 A.M. to 9 P.M.
3215 State Street Omaha, NE 68112 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
welcome to zoo city, usa INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN AS ONE OF THE BEST ZOOS IN THE WORLD, OMAHA’S HENRY DOORLY ZOO & AQUARIUM IS MORE THAN A ZOO – IT’S A BIOLOGICAL PARK DEDICATED TO CONSERVATION AND FILLED WITH YEAR-ROUND WILD KINGDOM ADVENTURES.
From the African grasslands to the jungles of South America, get ready to experience an immersive animal world jam-packed with opportunities to engage with wildlife. The best part is every visit to Omaha’s Zoo means an animal, or even an entire species, may be saved through the zoo’s world-class conversation efforts. In 2018, be one of the first to experience phase one of the new $20 million Asian Highlands exhibit – an eight-acre journey from Northern India’s grasslands and the Himalayan Mountains to northeastern China’s boreal forests. Upon completion of this first phase, expect to see Indian rhino, tufted deer, crane and red panda.
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DESERT DOME Explore the world’s largest indoor desert under the world’s largest glazed geodesic dome, an Omaha landmark. The Desert Dome stands 13 stories tall and features plant and animal life from three deserts around the world: the Namib Desert of southern Africa, the Red Center of Australia, and the Sonoran Desert of the southwest United States. Scaling cliffs are rock hyraxes, klipspringers and meerkats. Within the desert caves live 21 reptile species, including venomous snakes.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
KINGDOMS OF THE NIGHT Underneath the dome, navigate nighttime in the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit filled with creatures that surface only after dark. Travel through a canyon, wind through a damp cave, travel through a bat cave and check out the world’s largest indoor swamp.
LIED JUNGLE Hike through North America’s largest indoor rainforest with roaring waterfalls and swinging gibbons in a tropical environment that will transport you to the jungles of South America, Asia and Africa. See more than 90 animal species in their natural habitats, from the forest floor to the highest jungle canopy. Don’t miss the swinging rope bridge, and take a picture from lookout peak with a full view of silvered leaf monkeys, ebony langurs, spotted-neck otters and pygmy hippos.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
AFRICAN GRASSLANDS Take a trip to Africa in this $73-million, 28-acre outdoor exhibit featuring breathtaking panoramic views and long vistas teeming with African wildlife like white rhinos, cheetahs, lions and elephants. North America’s largest herd room hosts elephants, zebras and impalas, and features interactive guest and keeper areas. Giraffe herd rooms have feeding platforms which provide eye-to-eye views and feeding experiences. Get up-close to lions for a great photo op on part of a ‘73 Land Rover, and feed and brush African pygmy goats. Tip: Ride the Skyfari for a spectacular unobstructed view of this exhibit.
SUZANNE AND WALTER SCOTT AQUARIUM Transverse the ocean floor and come nose-to-nose with sea turtles as large sand tiger, zebra and stingray sharks circle above. The 70-foot shark tunnel inside the Scott Aquarium provides a mesmerizing underwater experience. From the ocean depths to the frigid cold, the aquarium also features ocean birds, including more than 85 penguins. Up to 20 tons of man-made snow can be churned out in one day from four snow machines. 28
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE TRAILS This new, fully immersive outdoor exhibit is designed to allow little (and big) kids to run wild, learn and play the nature way. Its five acres include climbing areas, rafting races, underground tunnels and baby goats to pet and brush. Waterfalls, creeks and ponds are found throughout the trail, inviting kids to jump in, stay cool and hunt for treasure. Kids can climb a 40-foot-wide by three-story tall treehouse with a climbing net, bridge and monkeys scurrying above.
ALASKAN ADVENTURE Pack swimsuits for this wildlife adventure in the Alaskan wilderness. Kids will love this splashground featuring 100 water jets and over 75 bronze sculptures of jumping salmon, puffins, sea lions, orcas and brown bears, most to-scale. The centerpiece of the exhibit is a tremendous 18-foot humpback whale. This is a can’t-miss experience; open May through October.
OTHER EXHIBITS: · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·
Asian Highlands (Summer 2018) Alaskan Adventures Berniece Grewcock Butterfly and Insect Pavilion Cat Complex Durhams Bear Canyon Expedition Madagascar Garden of the Senses Hubbard Gorilla Valley Hubbard Orangutan Forest Lagoon Island Lozier IMAX® Theater Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Pavilion Owen Sea Lion Pavilion Red Barn Park Simmons Aviary Stingray Beach
A WILD DAY TRIP A quick 30-minute drive from the zoo is the Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park & Wildlife Safari. This four mile drivethrough zoo offers visitors a new way to get up close and personal with bears, wolves, eagles and more. Park the car and take a hike on nature trails surrounding the park’s lake.
RIDES: CAMEL RIDES: Saddle up humpback style aboard camels. SKYFARI: An open-air chairlift ride providing remarkable tree-top views of the zoo. SUE’S WILDLIFE CAROUSEL: 30 animals covered in brilliant enamel add to the charm of this American tradition. TRAIN: A steam locomotive ride featuring 11 open-air coaches and a caboose. TRAM: A comfortable way to travel through the zoo with 50 seats and four stops.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Bob the Bridge HI, I’M BOB. I’M A BRIDGE. I LIKE LONG WALKS (OR BIKE RIDES), GET ALONG GREAT WITH FOUR-LEGGED (AND TWO-WINGED) ANIMALS, AND POSSESS WHAT MOST FOLKS CALL THE “BOB-FACTOR.” WHY AM I OMAHA’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR? BECAUSE I’M THE HOTTEST THING ON TWO TOWERS... AND CURRENTLY OFFER THE HOTTEST WORKOUT PLAN SWEEPING THE NATION. My full name is Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, but my friends call me Bob. At first glance, I’m a pedestrian bridge welcoming everyone on foot, paw and wheel. An outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true, and a Fitbit user’s path to a successful 10,000 steps. I know what you’re thinking, “Bob, what’s the workout plan— please tell me your secrets!” Well you’ve heard of a 5k and a 10k, but what about a 0.9k? I’m 3,000 ft long which is 0.9k in marathon terms. So walk across me, take a photo, show it at the Omaha Visitors Center, and get an official marathon sticker to show your friends. Put it on your car to be really cool. Fun Fact: I also connect 150 miles of trails, so my over-achieving friends can keep going and going and going. I’m not just a curvy path to marathon glory, I’m also a magic trick! I majestically float over water by mere cables which allows me to softly sway over the Missouri River. No joke, you can actually feel me floating in the wind while you walk over water. Sure, I’ve got two 210-feet-tall towers that keep me grounded, but seriously, I’m all MAGIC! 30
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The magic continues when you reach the middle and “POOF” you’re standing in two states at the same time. Striking a pose and taking a pic while standing in two states at once – it’s called “Bobbing,” trust me it’s a thing. Seriously, get in on the strike-snap-share movement! Holding up the Tower of Pisa. Kissing the Blarney Stone. Going Bobbing. All selfie bucket-listers, and sharing is caring my friends. Tag your best Bobbing pics with #ItHappensOnBob. It’s a great way for me to remember our special time together.
Consider this an open invitation to visit me and stay a while. I offer a wide variety of entertainment. The fellas love me because I’m a cheap date (don’t worry ladies, I’ll literally have you floating on air). I’m always making new four-legged friends with plenty of space for walking, sniffing and networking. Learn all about me and find my vlog (video blog) at BobTheBridge.com or see how I hang every day on Twitter and Instagram (@BobTBridge).
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
The Durham Museum HOP ABOARD HISTORY AT THIS ART DECO TRAIN STATION TURNED HANDS-ON MUSEUM. Step back in time as you enter the museum’s Great Hall. Enjoy the same grandeur that millions of rail travelers did during the train station’s heyday from 1931-1971. From its terrazzo tile flooring to the ceiling’s $10,000 goldleaf decoration, the lobby is a sight to behold. Life-like bronze statues seem to come alive with travel stories of people who once passed through the station. Designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2017, this Omaha gem is filled with an extraordinary array of permanent exhibits including restored train cars, 1940s store fronts, numerous artifacts showing the history of the region and the Byron Reed collection, which includes some of the rarest coins and documents in the world. If you listen closely, you’ll hear the travel stories of people who may have once passed through the station from the life-like statues, ranging from couples to military men to children.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO THE HOLIDAYS
A magical way to celebrate the holiday season in Omaha is during Christmas at Union Station. In November and December, see the region’s largest indoor Christmas tree and enjoy special events like the annual tree lighting ceremony, Ethnic Holiday Festival, a concert series, family nights with Santa and Noon Year’s Eve.
Train enthusiasts and history buffs alike will delight in The Durham Museum’s offerings. Climb aboard and stroll through historic passenger trains from the 1940s and ‘50s and feel what it was like to travel back in the day. Learn about the fascinating culture of the Omaha Indian tribe by stepping into a rawhide tepee or sitting by the fire in a replica earth lodge. Peek into the attic, parlor, kitchen and bedroom of blue collar workers to experience the way families lived more than 100 years ago. Walk through the Buffett Grocery Store, a replica of the original grocery operated by three generations of the storied Buffett family from 1869 to 1969, and where Omaha native Warren Buffett garnered his famed business savvy, and earned the first of his billion dollar fortune. Satisfy your hunger for food and nostalgia at the train station’s original soda fountain. Enjoy a sandwich and an old-fashioned phosphate made with your favorite flavoring and soda water straight out of the fountain dispenser. Add some hand-scooped ice cream and it becomes a luscious ice cream float (root beer also available). Malts, shakes and sundaes are also among the many favorites. The retro candy shop offers a variety of nostalgic, hard-to-find candies along with fresh popped popcorn.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
historic attractions EXPLORE OMAHA’S RICH AND DIVERSE HISTORY THROUGH A UNIQUE BLEND OF MUSEUMS AND HISTORIC SITES. At Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, learn of the triumphs and tribulations of the great Mormon exodus of the 1800s. Experience their journey firsthand: tour a makeshift cabin, pull a handcart and “travel” by covered wagon. Optional guided tours; free admission.
Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
World-renowned Boys Town, a National Historic Landmark District, features chapels, statues and gardens, Hall of History museum, Father Flanagan’s House* and the visitors center – home to the world’s largest ball of stamps at 600 lbs. and 4,655,000 stamps. Take the QR code tour using your smartphone for instant access to info and media of top attractions throughout the campus. The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a Smithsonian affiliate and home to the nation’s largest collection of Cold War aircraft and artifacts. Its 300,000 square feet of exhibit, education, and event space features a flight simulator, children’s learning center, and an impressive collection of iconic aircrafeet Soak up Omaha’s rich jazz heritage at Love’s Jazz & Arts Center, the region’s only African-American-based art exhibit, performance and education center. Love’s calendar features live performances and special exhibits throughout the year. Boys Town
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO Get a glimpse into 19th century life at General Crook House Museum*. This living history museum is Omaha’s only authentic Italianate house. View period costumes, furnishings and decorative arts, and stroll the heirloom garden. Audio tours available.
General Crook House Museum
Located in history-rich, culturally-diverse South Omaha, El Museo Latino* is one of only 17 Latino museums in the country. This intimate museum offers temporary and permanent exhibits along with educational programming and a lively events calendar. Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens features presidential mementos, an informational kiosk and a rose garden complete with a colonnade in honor of former First Lady Betty Ford. Another notable Omaha birthsite is that of Malcolm X*. The 14-acre developing memorial features a plaza with a historical marker commemorating where Malcolm X first lived with his family.
Gerald R. Ford Birthsite and Gardens
Head to nearby Council Bluffs for hands-on fun at the Union Pacific Railroad Museum*, Union Pacific’s only museum. Learn about the development of the transcontinental railroad, enjoy a passenger train experience, ride in a locomotive simulator and more. Free admission *Listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Union Pacific Railroad Museum
For more information go to VisitOmaha.com
Love’s Jazz & Arts Center
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Omaha Children’s Museum OMAHA’S IMAGINATION STATION WHERE CHILDREN CAN UNLEASH THEIR CREATIVITY AND BECOME INNOVATORS IN A WORLD BUILT ESPECIALLY FOR THEM. Ranked as one of the top children’s museums in the country, Omaha Children’s Museum makes learning a memorable adventure with more than 45,000 square feet of hands-on fun specifically designed with kids in mind. Open year-round with a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits, kids are invited to explore, play and learn. THINGS TO KNOW •
Children of all ages enjoy the old-fashioned carousel.
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See something new each visit thanks to two temporary exhibit spaces, one on each floor.
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A family resting room with tables, chairs and couches is available for quiet resting time.
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The Rainbow Café offers kid-friendly snacks on the second floor and there’s an accessible microwave in the dining area.
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The museum store offers science kits, games, books and more to keep learning at home.
A museum highlight is the mega Super Gravitron ball machine. Families love to drop in a ball, guess where it will land and track its path... leading up to a massive ball drop! Hurry to add more balls to the center before it dumps them out all over again. Parents and kids enjoy ongoing science demonstrations including The Amazing Bubble Show and the Whiz Bang Super Science Show. Hear the fizzle, pop and BANG as soda explodes and marvel at massive bubbles dancing in the air. 36
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO PERMANENT EXHIBITS • Imagination Playground – kid-friendly hospital, bank, barn, grocery store and more • Art Smart Center – colorful space for painting, dancing and creating •
Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center – tons of opportunities for experimentation and tinkering
• OCM Zooland – a colorful zoo of climbable animals • Sandy’s Splish Splash Garden – outdoor splash pad
TIPS FOR PARENTS WITH TODDLERS •
Make sure kids are wearing comfortable clothes. They will be climbing, playing and exploring.
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Plan for at least three hours to see the whole museum. Older kids might need more time. There is so much to see and do – don’t rush!
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When needing to nurse, give a bottle or simply have some calm time, visit the museum’s family room.
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Bring exact cash for the train and the carousel! Tickets can be purchased downstairs or at the kiosk.
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When potty training, the bathroom on the first floor has small potties with handles to flush (instead of the auto flush that can scare little ones). The front desk offers diapers in a variety of sizes.
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Fantastic Future Me – kids can combine interests and aspirations to create their future selves
• Walker Tire and Auto Service Center – work and play centered on car care • Tinker Lab – a maker-space suited for young kids
Tips provided by Stephanie Adams, author of the blog Moments That Take My Breath Away.
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Free Things to Do A TRIP TO OMAHA WON’T BREAK THE BANK THANKS TO FREE EXPERIENCES THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
• Joslyn Art Museum
• • • •
Gene Leahy Mall
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Heron Haven
• • • • Gene Leahy Mall
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View 11,000 works of art and explore kid-focused Art Works at Joslyn Art Museum. Marvel at 123 life-size bronze sculptures at First National’s Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks, an award-winning installation covering five city blocks. Be inspired by fresh art exhibitions, workshops and special programming at Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, KANEKO and The Union for Contemporary Art. Take in skyline views while strolling the 31-acre Heartland of America Park, punctuated by a large shooting fountain. Interact with more than 350 public art displays throughout the city. Step back in time at Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters, which depicts the 1846-1860 migration of 90,000 pioneers. Go for a ride down the giant slides in Gene Leahy Mall – all ages welcome. Witness railroad history at Kenefick Park, where two of the most powerful locomotives ever built greet travelers. Tour Boys Town’s Hall of History, Visitors Center and the Father Flanagan House for a past and present look inside the world-famous village. Learn about the 38th U.S. President, born in Omaha, at Gerald R. Ford Birth Site and Gardens. Unwind at Heron Haven, a spring-fed wetland sanctuary in the middle of the city.
Tour de Selfie in Omaha THEY SAY A PHOTO’S WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS, SO SHARE THE STORY OF YOUR OMAHA EXPERIENCE WITH SELFIES GALORE. A FEW IDEAS:
• • • • Big Blue Pin
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“Aha-Mo” sculpture: Sit on his hands or let him take a bite out of your head in Gene Leahy Mall. Bonus pic: Turn around for a prime skyline shot. Big Blue Pins: The pins “mark” top Omaha attractions. It’s a wide variety of selfie ops – collect all 15! “Illumina” art project: Colorful larger-than-life performers come to life in front of CenturyLink Center Omaha. Bobbing: When you stand in two states at once and snap a pic. Learn more on page 30.
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Things to Do with Kids IN OMAHA, AN ADVENTURE IS NEVER FAR AWAY. HERE ARE IDEAS TO GET YOU STARTED ON EXPLORING A CITY BUILT FOR FAMILY FUN AND MAKING MEMORIES:
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• • • • • • • • • • • • •
Fly high at Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum. Walk underneath, sit in the cockpit or peek your head into the open bomb bay of dozens of rare warplanes, ride a rollercoaster or fly a plane in a simulator, and explore interactive displays at the Children’s Learning Center.
Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum
Tubing & Adventures
Visit Joslyn Art Museum’s Art Works, a 1,500 square feet space with nine activity stations to pique curiosity, stimulate creativity and allow interaction with priceless works of art. After visiting “Bob the Bridge,” have a blast at the splash pad on the Omaha side. Float down the Elkhorn River with Tubing & Adventures. Get a backstage pass to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. See the aquarium from the other side of the glass, view the swamp exhibit in light or work side-by-side with animal keepers. Catch a kid-friendly performance at The Rose Theater, a fully-restored 1927 vaudeville palace-turned-theater showcasing interactive childhood favorites. Cruise the cobblestone streets of Omaha’s Old Market on a carriage ride with Magical Journey Carriages. Get up close and personal with hawks, owls and other birds of prey at Fontenelle Forest’s Raptor Woodland Refuge.
Fontenelle Forest
Rent Heartland B-cycles from one of 35 stations and go for a family ride (ages 12 and up). See the world’s largest ball of stamps at Boys Town, and pick out stamps from the “penny bin” to take home. Take a safari at Lee G. Simmons Conservation Park and Wildlife Safari, where a four mile North American wildlife adventure awaits. Watch G-scale model trains whiz by in Lauritzen Gardens’ large model railroad garden.
Boys Town
Get a taste of Venice, Italy with a gondola ride in Heartland of America Park, and marvel at the fountain’s 320 foot water jet. Eat, play, ride, repeat at The Amazing Pizza Machine, a 60,000 square feet indoor funhouse filled with rides, arcade games and pizza.
For more ideas go to www.VisitOmaha.com
Amazing Pizza Machine
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Joslyn Art Museum CULTURE LOVERS AND ART NOVICES WILL LOVE THIS PINK MARBLE MASTERPIECE WITH MORE THAN 11,000 WORKS OF ART INSIDE AND OUT. Joslyn Art Museum is a masterpiece serving as one of the country’s finest examples of Art Deco architecture. Its pink marble façade is made of 38 marbles from around the world. Inside, admire Dale Chihuly’s monumental glass sculpture on your way to the permanent collections of art ranging from ancient times to the present. View works by iconic artists Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Pollock, Renoir and more. Major temporary exhibitions are displayed throughout the year. Unleash your little (and inner) artist at ART WORKS, a 1,500 square feet interactive space complete with nine activity stations so you may create your own masterpieces like stop-motion animation and hi-tech paintings. Make your way outdoors to the garden galleries, notably the colorful Discovery Garden complete with 20 artworks. Joslyn offers free admission year-round as well as mobile and guided tours. First satisfy your appetite for art, then your hunger with lunch or a snack at the Café Durham located in the Joslyn’s atrium. Before leaving, stop in the Hitchcock Museum Shop and select from an array of distinctive gifts and souvenirs.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
MASTERPIECES
PERMANENT COLLECTIONS
CHIHULY: INSIDE & OUT BY DALE CHIHULY The artist’s impressive colored glass sculpture commissioned in 2000
ANCIENT - Antiquities from Egypt, Greece and Rome, including Greek pottery
GALAXY BY JACKSON POLLOCK The artists’ amazing 1947 canvas, centerpiece of the Modern and Contemporary Collection LITTLE DANCER, FOURTEEN YEARS OLD BY EDGAR DEGAS - Two plaster versions of Degas’ famed wax sculpture THE MEADOW BY CLAUDE MONET An excellent example of Impressionism art PORTRAIT OF DIRCK VAN OS BY REMBRANDT VAN RIJN - Painting of the prominent Dutch citizen; restored in 2014 EIGHT-PANEL SCREEN, ARTIST UNKNOWN An extraordinary eight-panel, carved red lacquer screen, a significant piece in the Asian Collection
AMERICAN - Paintings and furniture alongside sculpture and decorative arts AMERICAN INDIAN - Historic works of art by the native peoples of North America AMERICAN WEST - Includes watercolors, paintings and sculpture ASIAN - A 4,000-year overview of Asian civilization highlighting the cultures of China, Japan, Korea, India, Tibet and Southeast Asia EUROPEAN - 19th century works of European art LATIN AMERICA - Spanish colonial art from the 16th to 19th centuries MODERN & CONTEMPORARY - Major works by leading figures of the 20th and 21st centuries
YOUNG GIRLS AT THE PIANO BY PIERRE AUGUSTE RENOIR Selected for a government commission in 1892 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
KANEKO
Artful Adventures FROM WORLD-CLASS CREATIVE SPACES TO INNOVATIVE PUBLIC ART DISPLAYS, OMAHA IS AN ART DESTINATION. Omaha is home to an expansive selection of art and art-based centers – most of which offer free admission. For a space with a creative, open and urban feel, visit KANEKO. This downtown cultural space housed in three turn-of-the-century warehouses was founded by renowned artist Jun Kaneko and wife Ree. The venue operates its progressive programming by hosting innovative artists, exhibitions, performances and events. Find the organizations guiding principles, collaboration, innovation and uniqueness, in everything presented by KANEKO. The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts is another art heavy hitter. Founded by artists for artists, Bemis provides residency for creatives from around the globe. Visitors will find inspiration in the ever-changing art exhibitions featuring work from both new and seasoned artists, and innovative public programs. 42
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts
WHAT TO SEE AND DO For a memorable art experience, check out Hot Shops Art Center – named for “hot shops” featuring glass blowing, pottery and bronze casting. Over 80 studio artists welcome you to visit, explore and view this massive 92,000 square feet warehouse with displays that run the art form gamut. View evolving exhibitions at its four art galleries, create your own masterpiece at an ongoing class or workshop and attend one of their can’t-miss biannual open houses. Take a self-guided tour and discover amazing public art all throughout the city. Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks, one of the world’s largest collections of bronze and stainless steel, spans five city blocks downtown and features 123 pieces and installations depicting Omaha’s pioneer history. A quick walk away is the 32,000 square feet mural Fertile Ground, one of the country’s largest public murals. Head east to see Monument to Labor, the second largest labor monument in the United States. With more than 400 public art displays in Omaha, we haven’t scratched the surface of Omaha’s art scene.
Hot Shops Art Center
Colorful murals painted by local artists span the city, especially in Omaha’s historic neighborhoods. The South Omaha Mural Project murals depict the diversity of the area. A new mural in the Florence area pays homage to the area’s historic routes. See more street art in North Omaha, Downtown, North Downtown, Benson and more. Spirit of Nebraska’s Wilderness and Pioneer Courage Parks
For a complete list of artful adventures go to VisitOmaha.com Monument to Labor
South Omaha Art Mural
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Lauritzen Gardens 100 ACRES OF BOTANICAL BEAUTY IN THE CITY. Be inspired as you stroll through an urban oasis nestled in Omaha’s riverfront hills. Experience a living museum of four-season plant displays in this hidden sanctuary where nature is its brilliant, colorful star. Twenty themed gardens will rejuvenate and captivate, and extras like a conservatory, model trains and a guided tram ride will enhance your visit. Enjoy annual events like the Sweet Corn Festival, the Antique and Garden Show and the Holiday Poinsettia show, complete with a 20 feet tall poinsettia tree. MARJORIE K. DAUGHERTY CONSERVATORY Explore 17,500 square feet of gardens under glass in this all-seasons conservatory featuring panoramic views with flowers, unique plant life, and water features. One moment you’re in the tropical gardens filled with tall palms and colorful flowers, the next you’re in temperate gardens with moss-covered oak trees and azaleas. Thanks to a gradual 20-feet rise in elevation as you head north indoors, surprises await at every corner – such as a 10-feet high waterfall, a spectacular overlook of the conservatory and a pool with water lilies. At the end, sweet reward: an overlook of the Missouri River valley and entrance to the garden’s century-old bur oak forest. THEMED GARDENS: Arboretum and Bird Sanctuary Arrival and Parking Gardens Children’s Garden Conservation Discovery Garden English Perennial Border Festival Garden Founders’ Garden Garden in the Glen Garden of Memories Herb Garden Japanese Garden Rose Garden Song of the Lark Meadow Spring Flowering Walk Tree Peony Garden Victorian Garden Woodland Trail Woodland Waterfall
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LARGER THAN LIFE Union Pacific Railroad’s Centennial No. 6900 and Big Boy 4023, two of the most powerful locomotives ever built, greet visitors to Omaha at nearby Kenefick Park, perched on a hill overlooking Interstate 80.
MODEL RAILROAD GARDEN Listen closely while in the gardens to hear the clickety-clack of tiny trains traveling twiggy trestles. This handcrafted garden is made of all natural materials like twigs, berries, pinecones and cinnamon sticks. It is punctuated with reproductions of landmarks and countrysides.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Zorinsky Lake + Park
Outdoor Recreation
Mahoney State Park
OMAHA IS A HAVEN FOR OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS. Plan for plenty of rejuvenating fresh-air experiences across the city thanks to miles and miles of tree-lined walking and biking trails, five area lakes and two rivers, and an array of parks, gardens and green spaces. Stop and Stay a While Omaha campgrounds and RV parks are conveniently located close to major interstates, highways and on the outskirts of the city near rivers and lakes. Each one promises a peaceful and picturesque place to spend the night. Give Your Fitbit a Workout, Too Recharge while taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Fontenelle Forest, a National Natural Landmark and a National Historic District, offers 19 miles of walking trails and 1,400 acres of more than 600 unique species of plants and animals. Visit its Raptor Wildlife Refuge and get up close and personal with hawks, owls, falcons and other birds of prey, and transverse swinging bridges – all 30 feet above the forest floor. Sunrise and sunset canoe rides offer a fabulous way to soak up the seasons. In the winter, rent snowshoes on site and discover a nature wonderland filled with furry creatures. More than 85 miles of paved, interconnected trails make it easy for the active traveler to transverse the city. If scenery is important, find solace at trails around Zorinsky, Carter and Glenn Cunningham Lakes. 46
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Mt. Crescent Ski Area
Bryson Airboat Tours
WHAT TO SEE AND DO Thrill seekers should head to Mount Crescent Ski Area. In the winter, hit the slopes reaching up to 2,400 feet in length; sledders, snowboarders and spectators are welcome. In the summer and fall, zip down one of the country’s longest ziplines, the Screaming Eagle. Find year round fun for the entire family in a lush setting at Eugene T. Mahoney State Park. Nestled along the Platte River, the 700-acre park offers warm weather activities like miniature golf and driving range, tennis, horseback riding, hiking, paddle boating and fishing, along with cold weather fun like cross-country skiing, sledding and tobogganing, ice skating and ice fishing. Leave the Boat at Home Water’s never far in Omaha. Check out Driftwood Paddleboard Adventures and its stand-up paddleboard tours, which are a fun way to explore Omaha lakes in a more active way. For a more leisurely experience, try tubing or tanking down the Elkhorn River. To figure out which way to float, first determine how wet you’re willing to get. Tanking entails riding in an 8-feet diameter stock tank complete with custom made picnic tables, while tubing is more of an all-in experience involving sitting in a commercial grade inner tube. Or hop aboard one of the Bryson Airboat Tours and take off on a 60 mph wind-inyour-hair trip down the river. A Birdwatching Paradise Located along the wooded Missouri River Valley and along a main migratory path, Omaha is a birding hotspot. Spring and fall are peak birding seasons, but because the area offers diverse birding habitat – lakes, prairies, woodlands and riverbanks – a variety of bird species can be found most any time of year. Fontenelle Forest, Omaha’s lakes, and Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge north of Omaha are great places to bring the binoculars for birding.
GOLF Rolling hills and tree lined fairways punctuated with water hazards and sand traps ensure each course has its own character and competitive challenges. From executive style to championship courses, swing your way through Omaha’s unique golf landscape. 27-HOLE GOLF COURSES • Indian Creek Par 72 • Stone Creek Par 72 • Tiburon Par 72 (Semi-Private)
18-HOLE GOLF COURSES
• Benson Championship Par 72 • Elmwood Park Par 68 • Johnny Goodman Championship Par 72 • Knolls Par 72 • Miracle Hills Par 70 • Pacific Springs Par 70 • Pines Country Club Par 72 (Semi-Private)
9-HOLE GOLF COURSES • • • • • • •
Eagle Run Par 32 Elkhorn Ridge Par 27 Milt’s Par 27 Spring Lake Par 33 Steve Hogan Par 27 Warren Swigart Par 27 Westwood Par 27
For a complete list of outdoor activities go to VisitOmaha.com
Fontenelle Forest
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WELCOME TO OUR CAMPUS (otherwise known as Omaha)
To learn more about UNO, visit know.unomaha.edu
The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0262ADUC1017
1 university in the Midwest 15 years in a row. #
7051 Ames Ave. 68104 | 402.991.9400
Great things for the whole family, and mom too! Conveniently located just off the interstate 8487 Frederick Street
www.customgemsomaha.com
402-397-9606
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Legendary Steak ENJOY A MARBLED SLICE OF DECADENCE, A CUT OF BEEF THAT YOU’LL REMEMBER LIKE IT WAS A BIRTHDAY GIFT. Steak is in Omaha’s DNA and calls all carnivores to make the pilgrimage for a legendary cut of beef. With an industry dating back to the 1880s, Omaha’s cow know-how is evident by the passion and dedication of the city’s many established steakhouses.
Spencer’s Gorat’s
It’s tempting to believe steak is inherently delicious, but there’s more to a cut of meat than just the quality. Preparation is key, and this city takes it seriously. Flame broiled, whiskey doused and wood fire-grilled – all delicious, and all techniques Omaha has used to perfect the steak. The right grill times and temperatures are also crucial. Well-done and medium are options, but true steak connoisseurs know to go medium-rare or rare. For years, the Great Omaha Steak Debate has kept visitors and locals discussing where to find the most mouth-watering steak. With plenty of restaurants offering a succulent variety of the beloved meat, everyone enjoys the hunt. So who serves up the best steak? It’s your pilgrimage to make, but here are a couple of the classics.
Tavern 180
The Drover is a landmark chophouse and home to whiskeymarinated certified Angus beef steak. After enjoying a bourbon at the bar, savor your meal in the cozy dining area complete with candlelight and fireplace.
The Grey Plume
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The Drover
Omaha Prime is one of the few restaurants in the country to serve only the best USDA Prime steaks and chops selected based on marbling, quality and flavor. Steak and red wine are fine culinary complements; enhance dinner with a glass of vino from their impressive selection.
LOCALLY-OWNED STEAKHOUSES
It’s only appropriate that Warren Buffett is a steak-eater. At Gorat’s, an Omaha institution of more than 70 years, look to a neighboring table and you may just see the Omaha billionaire savoring a steak, too.
• Brother Sebastian’s
At Anthony’s Steakhouse, each in-house cut and prepared premium Black Angus beef steak is aged for at least 21 days, guaranteeing tender and flavorful perfection. For a complete list of Omaha Steakhouses go to VisitOmaha.com
• 801 Chophouse at the Paxton • Anthony’s Steakhouse
• Cascio’s Steak House • The Drover • Farmer Brown’s Steakhouse • Gorat’s • The Grey Plume • J’s on Jackson • Jerico’s Restaurant • Johnny’s Cafe • Omaha Prime • Tavern 180
ALL ABOUT BEEF
Here’s something to chew on: All cuts of beef are not created equal. Learn your beef with the diagram at left, and see where not only your T-bone or sirloin steak originate, but ground beef, short ribs and skirt steak too. 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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Crescent Moon
raising Reuben OMAHA HAS BEEN RAISING REUBEN SINCE THE BEGINNING. THAT’S RIGHT, THE SANDWICH WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE WAS BORN RIGHT HERE. We don’t care what New Yorkers say – the Reuben sandwich was created in Omaha and that’s not up for debate. During a late-night poker game at the Blackstone Hotel, a local grocer was asked to “ante up” and create a new dish. The ingredients he had on hand resulted in an American menu staple. How do you create a national treasure? You start with two pieces of grilled marble rye and stuff it with slow cooked corned beef topped with sauerkraut, bubbly Swiss cheese and creamy Russian or Thousand Island dressing. Omaha continues to perfect the classic while local restaurants add their own unique spin. Old Mattress Factory
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK A FEW TASTY TAKES ON THIS OMAHA CLASSIC: Brazen Head Irish Pub’s Rachel Reuben is made with tender smoked turkey, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing and Havarti cheese all between the traditional marble rye. Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill takes the classic approach of corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Thousand Island dressing on grilled rye. Goldberg’s in Dundee’s Montana Reuben uses oven roasted turkey topped with Swiss cheese and creamy coleslaw as a fun twist. The Drover’s Reuben swaps out the corned beef for a mound of slow roasted prime rib covered in melted Swiss cheese, creamy dressing and sauerkraut. Across the street from the Blackstone Hotel is the Crescent Moon, a local favorite still serving the original recipe. The Reuben has been a menu staple at the Dundee Dell since 1934. Choose from corned beef or turkey and taste test their super-secret sauce. Get a bigger bite of Omaha’s Reuben scene at VisitOmaha.com
REUBEN HOT SPOTS • Barrett’s Barleycorn Pub & Grill • Brazen Head Irish Pub • Crescent Moon • The Diner • The Drover
Black Oak Grill
• Dundee Dell • Goldberg’s Bar & Grill • Goldbergs In Dundee • Jackson Street Tavern • Marks Bistro • Razzy’s Deli • Report In Pub • Wilson & Washburn
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK Harold’s Koffee House
BREAKFAST & BRUNCH RISE AND SHINE IN OMAHA WITH BREAKFAST OPTIONS THAT WILL HAVE YOU CRAVING MORE MORNING GRUB ALL DAY LONG. Whether rooted in nostalgia or loved simply for its hearty nature, classic breakfast fare holds a special place in everyone’s hearts. Prepare to make food memories in Omaha.
Lisa’s Radial Café
Harold’s Koffee House is known for homemade doughnuts and the Suzi Special – a plate overflowing with grilled onions, hash browns and two scrambled eggs (locals recommend adding cheese and gravy). Float into foodie heaven with hash browns, eggs and biscuits smothered in creamy sausage gravy with Lisa’s Radial Café’s signature breakfast dish, The Rafeet Meanwhile, 11-Worth Café serves up large portions of fluffy omelets and hash browns cooked to golden perfection. Sure, steak’s in Omaha’s DNA, but we also celebrate all things pork. FACT: Breakfast is better with bacon. Two Omaha favorites claim to serve the best – you be the judge. The Diner is a ‘50s style eatery slinging morning grub and thick-cut bacon slathered in a secret maple brown sugar rub (which they also sell in-house). Bailey’s specialties include an array of eggs benedict dishes and fresh, crispy bacon. Brunch is more than a meal – it’s an experience. So grab your friends, come hungry and keep the mimosas coming.
The Diner
Over Easy
Brunch menus get a chef’s touch in Omaha. Railcar Modern American Kitchen has perfected dishes both sweet and savory, from lemon ricotta pancakes with zest to prime rib and artichoke potato pancakes. Over Easy whips up farmfresh favs with artistic flair, including homemade pop tarts and an elevated take on chicken and waffles – chicken with rosemary and garlic waffles topped with coriander honey. Shake up your Sunday at Le Bouillon, whose abbreviated brunch menu includes house pastries, Wagyu steak and eggs and German pancakes. One of the best parts about brunch is the libations. Mantra understands the importance of drinks before noon with the Nutty Irishman (Bailey’s and Frengelico with coffee) and Peach Bellintini (peach schnapps and vodka and champagne). Take in Baela Rose’s cool, historic wood interiors as you sip Iced Irish Coffee and bottomless mimosas. Across the river in Council Bluffs, Caddy’s Grill serves up a Meal in a Mug Bloody Mary complete with a slider, hard-boiled egg, bacon, chicken wings, beef jerky and more. Find more breakfast options at VisitOmaha.com
Caddy’s Riverside Grill
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK Alpine Inn
Dives IN OMAHA, BEING A DIVE IS A BADGE OF HONOR. Foodies can answer the call of the wild at Alpine Inn, where the fried chicken is loved by everyone. Evening diners (okay, raccoons) sit outside the restaurant’s windows feasting on chicken scraps – now that’s what we call entertainment. California Tacos and More is a beloved college joint featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. “Cali Taco” is known for its signature tacos (housemade fried, puffy taco shells stuffed with meet and fixings) and entrees with Mexican flair. Big Mama’s Kitchen is another Diners, Drive-ins and Dives alumnus and was featured on the Travel Channel’s 101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down. Omaha’s soul food queen, Big Mama, is known for dishes like the Afro Burger, Pig Ear Sandwich, oven-fried chicken and sweet potato pie ice cream. Food trucks are sprinkled throughout the city and offer a variety of portable eats, from casual to chef-driven. Quick and convenient is great, but some dishes need to be conquered. Stella’s Bar & Grill’s Stellanator, weighing in at 4.5 lbs. and 4,900 calories, includes six burger patties, six fried eggs, six pieces of cheese, 12 pieces of bacon, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, pickles, jalapeños and peanut butter. Defeat the Stellanator in 45 minutes, and pay nothing for it. Stella’s has only seen 28 successful takedowns (587 have lost) – that’s a 4 percent success rate. Bring on the meat sweats! A saucy challenge awaits at Fat BBQ Shack. “The Shack” is known for a variety of smoked and barbecued meats, but perhaps the most challenging dish is the Shack Attack: layers of fresh cut fries loaded with your choice of toppings.
Stella’s Bar & Grill The Surfside Club
A less challenging but equally delicious meal can be found at The Surfside Club. Here’s the short and sweet menu: chicken, pork tenderloin, catfish, and corn fritters – all fried, and all delicious. Located 25 feet from the Missouri River, Surfside offers a relaxing atmosphere fit for casual food feasting. Stop for a cozy and portable runza, aka “a meal in a bunza” at Runza. A local favorite and Nebraska invention, the runza is a pocket of dough filled with beef, cabbage, seasonings, and sometimes cheese. They’re so popular, out-of-towners order them by the case and take them home. Bronco’s, another Omaha fast-food tradition, opened nearly 60 years ago when “fast food” was still a new concept. Known for its 100 percent ground beef burgers, Bronco’s still makes its French fries daily from fresh whole potatoes.
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK
Farm-to-Fork Fresh WELCOME TO FARM COUNTY, ENJOY FOOD SO FRESH YOU CAN TASTE THE SUNSHINE. When thinking about Omaha’s agricultural background and central location, it makes sense that the city would be on the forefront of a fresh food movement. New and classic Omaha restaurants have dedicated their kitchens and menus to showcasing the best meat and produce from local farms.
Baela Rose
At Omaha’s Kitchen Table visitors are treated to culinary concoctions such as the Focaccia pizza topped with roasted broccoli, fresh mozzarella and a creamy vodka sauce. Friendly owners Colin and Jessica will proudly tell you about each locally sourced ingredient. Known for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza bursting with local flavor, Dante’s Ristorante is a true experience with a full menu of rustic Italian faire and perfectly paired vinos. Considered one of the greenest restaurants in the country, The Grey Plume’s award-winning chef and owner Clayton Chapman maintains the vision of a fine dining experience where food is art – even the plates are created by local artists.
Kitchen Table
The Boiler Room, located in a refurbished industrial space in Omaha’s Old Market Entertainment District, features farm-fresh foods in a unique presentation that makes for a distinct culinary experience. Modern Love inspires vegans from across the country to plan their foodie excursions to Omaha. Popular vegan cooking personality Isa Chandra Moskowitz leads with the focus of providing “swanky vegan comfort food” made with local ingredients.
The Grey Plume
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Le Bouillon
FRESH FORK FACTS • Coneflower Creamery is known for crafting homemade ice cream with creativity and a love of local ingredients.
FARM-TO-FORK FAN FAVS • Baela Rose
• Dante Ristorante Pizzeria serves farm-to-table rustic Italian cuisine.
• The Boiler Room
• Dining at Lot 2 is an international culinary journey using produce from Omaha farms.
• Block 16
• J. Coco’s creations start with local, organic and natural ingredients. The restaurant uses the fresh herbs and vegetables from their on-site garden. It’s doesn’t get any fresher then that! • Kitchen Table’s daily specials mean a rotating menu bursting with local flavor. • Block 16 serves up a craveable burger and fries combo with a side of secret sauce. Taste the freshness of tomatoes picked from the owner’s garden. • Omaha farmers markets offer farm-fresh produce and everything from cooking demonstrations to pet-friendly treats. • Stirnella is inspired by local and seasonal ingredients and can even share from which local farm the meat and seasonal vegetables were sourced.
For more Farm-to-Fork options go to VisitOmaha.com
• Coneflower Creamery • Dante Ristorante Pizzeria • J. Coco • Kitchen Table • Le Bouillion • Lot 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar • Modern Love • Paragon Dundee • Stirnella • The Grey Plume
Stirnella
Farmers Market
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WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK Della Costa
sweet treats SOMETIMES ALL YOU NEED IS A LITTLE SUGAR. When there’s nothing else but sugar that will do the trick, Omaha has a lineup of crave-worthy treats that are baked, churned and concocted throughout the city. Locals rave about Lithuanian Bakery’s Napoleon torte, a three-day labor of love built of 17 layers of wafer, and vanilla and lemon buttercreams met with a delectable apricot surprise at its center. Cake fans will find their match at Cupcake Wars contestant Jones Bros. Cupcakes, where quality ingredients like Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla and Vermont Butter are mainstay. Doughnut enthusiasts will love the thrill of the chase as Scratch Baking Co. sells their goods pop-up style in historic buildings and small businesses across the city.
Pasta Amore
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Jones Bros. Cupcakes
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK OMAHA SIGNATURE DESSERTS BREAD PUDDING Goldbergs in Dundee
CHOCOLATE-COVERED CHERRIES The Cordial Cherry Le Petit Paris
Culprit Café
Specialty ice cream is popular, no matter the season. Coneflower Creamery crafts their artisanal ice cream and cold treats from locally sourced milk, cream and fruit, with nearly all else (down to the sprinkles) made in-house. Ted & Wally’s slow churns super-premium made from scratch ice cream with 18 percent butterfat and all-natural ingredients for fresh seasonal flavors made daily. Mail order favorite eCreamery serves 16 staple flavors of specialty ice cream, gelato and dairy-free sorbet in-store; customize your own flavor from home at eCreamery.com. Tip: Chocolate’s an excellent souvenir. Old Market Candy Shop whips up an array of chocolate confections, much to onlookers’ delight, including “mud ball” truffles, “chicken legs,” and fudge made with housemade cream and butter. Find whimsical chocolate covered cherries at The Cordial Cherry, where artwork has never looked (nor tasted) so delicious. Hollywood Candy will thrill the kid at heart with retro candies, homemade fudge and chocolates, an authentic soda fountain, and savory sweet snacks like chocolate covered bacon and potato chips. Sample even more sweets at VisitOmaha.com
PAIN AU CHOCOLAT Le Petit Paris - French Bakery
GOURMET DOUGHNUTS Culprit Café
APPLE STRUDEL Gerda’s German Restaurant & Bakery
OLD-FASHIONED PHOSPHATE The Durham Museum
SPAGHETTI & SWEET BALLS ICE CREAM SUNDAE Dolci Ice Cream & Desserts
DUCK FAT DONUT & ICE CREAM The Grey Plume
NAPOLEON TORTE Lithuanian Bakery
S’MORE SUNDAE Coneflower Creamery
VEGAN PEANUT BUTTER CUP TART Modern Love
MUD BALLS Old Market Candy Shop
SORBET Della Costa
HOMEMADE CANNOLI Pasta Amore
Scratch Baking Co. The Cordial Cherry
Lithuanian Bakery
Old Market Candy Shop
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Laka Lono Rum Club
omaha nightlife
Berry & Rye
WHETHER YOU PREFER A FROSTY BEER, A DRY WINE OR A QUIRKY CRAFT COCKTAIL, OMAHA’S NIGHTLIFE SCENE HEATS UP WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN. What do you get when you mix Caribbean, African, Southeast Asian, rockabilly, Hollywood, funk and surfer cultures? Laka Lono Rum Club, a colorful tiki bar ripped right out of the quirkiest corner of your imagination. The menu is sprinkled with classic tiki cocktails (think Mai Tai, Rum Old Fashioned and Hurricanes). But crafty drinkers order up a Laka Lono Original, each mixed with an assortment of carefully curated spirits. The Wicked Rabbit takes guests through the looking glass into a wonderland-themed speakeasy serving high-end craft cocktails. Watch the bartenders and servers, rocking brightly colored wigs and clothes, shake and serve extravagant drinks perfect for the mad at heart. Berry & Rye serves cocktails inspired by pre-Prohibition era drinks with an experimental, contemporary and culinary perspective. Berry & Rye uses a reverse osmosis water system that ensures the purest water possible for its craft ice program, alongside the sodas, syrups and bitters made in-house. Other popular spots for craft cocktails are Wilson & Washburn, The Boiler Room and Nite Owl. The Boiler Room
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Brad Williams Photography
Omaha Patio Ride
Nite Owl
A fun night out should really get the heart pumping… in a good way. The Omaha Patio Ride is a giant party bike for up to 16 adults. Everyone pedals and the driver steers and guides the group from bar to bar in the Old Market Entertainment District. It’s bar hopping for an active lifestyle! The Max is Omaha’s high-energy gay bar and dance club. The 12,000-square-foot multiplex consists of a main disco dance floor, glass-encased upper-level lounge, a lively show floor and an expansive outdoor patio. Regular themed parties promise a new experience every night. The heart pumping and head thumping gets kicked into high gear at Omaha’s various escape room experiences. Entrap Games, The Escape Omaha, House of Conundrum and Get Out: Omaha invite guests to race against the clock, solve the mystery and unlock the door to freedom. Each location offers several different themes and mysteries. For more Nightlife experiences go to VisitOmaha.com The Wicked Rabbit
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omaha craft brew NAMED ONE OF THE TOP 10 BEER CITIES BY THE TRAVEL CHANNEL, OMAHA’S CRAFT BREW SCENE IS DEFINITELY WORTH ALL THE BUZZ. In Omaha, we believe “a penny saved is a pint earned” and out-of-town visitors can savor the savings with the Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack. Request a free Omaha Craft Brew Penny Pack and enjoy “Buy 1 Get 1 for a Penny” coupons at 12 featured breweries. CRAFT BREW PENNY PACK PARTNERS Benson Brewery Cozy neighborhood brew-pub with a full American menu.
Nebraska Brewing Co. Boasts a broad portfolio of incredible handcrafted ales.
Brickway Brewery Classic brewery with old craftsman values.
Pint 9 Brewing Focuses on aroma driven American ales and complex Belgian beers.
Farnam House Brewery Specializes in artisan farmhouse ales and American sour ales.
Scriptown Brewing Co. Specializes in traditional beer styles with an emphasis on session-strength beers.
Infusion Brewing Co. Home of the Vanilla Bean Blonde, Radial IPA and other popular brews.
Soaring Wings Vineyard & Brewing Hand-crafted wine and beer with stunning views.
Kros Strain Brewing Experts in high quality hop forward IPAs as well as traditional lager styles.
Upstream Brewing Co. Fresh-brewed draught beers, cask-conditioned and barrel-aged beers.
Lucky Bucket Brewery Known for real brews any beer drinker can enjoy.
Vis Major Brewing Complex recipes for a variety of ales, IPAs and stouts.
Go to VisitOmaha.com/craftbrew to request your Penny Pack.
Lucky Bucket Brewing Company
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Upstream Brewing Co.
Soaring Wines Vineyard & Brewing
Friendly. Local. Delicious. LUNCH
|
DINNER
|
SUNDAY BRUNCH
9229 Mormon Bridge Plaza 402-884-2288 TusseysCasualGrill.com
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at SG ROI Tobacconist.
The Downtown District
chip goes here
We offer the finest selection of premium cigars, imported cigarettes, pipe tobaccos and hookah shisha tobacco. We also carry a wide variety of humidors, gifts, products and accessories for the distinguished smoker.
SG ROI
Tobacconist
Nebraska’s premier If we don’t have it, you don cigar store. need it.
★ Premium Cigars ★ Pipe Tobaccos ★ Accessories 503 S. 11TH ST. 1021 Galvin Rd. S. (402) 341-9264 Old Market 503 S. 11th St. (402)341-9264
(402) 504-3991
sgroitobacconist.com
Voted Best of Omaha 7 Years in a Row. 1008 Howard Street 9784-2017 UBC Omaha CVB Ad-2.665x2.208.pdf
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LOCALLY CRAFTED
BEER AND SPIRITS
1116 Jackson Street • Old Market
drinkbrickway.com
6 OMAHA AREA LOCATIONS
DOWNTOWN
10th & Capitol | 402-763-9974
DJSDUGOUT.COM OMAHA’S MOST BELOVE D RESTAUR ANT IS BACK! Contemporary American Cuisine
M’s Pub
M - S A T 11 a m - 1 a m / S U N 5 p m - 1 a m 4 2 2 S . 11 t h S t / 4 0 2. 3 4 2. 2 5 5 0 MsPubOmaha.com Reser vations Recommended
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ErnEst richardson rEsidEnt conductor omaha symphony
Engage. Participate. Subscribe. omahamagazine.com/subscribe
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UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD MUSEUM
Trace the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad Discover artifacts from President Abraham Lincoln’s life and railroad legacy • Immerse yourself in the height of Union Pacific’s passenger service • Explore the technology used by today’s railroad • •
Visit today! Admission is free. 200 Pearl Street • Council Bluffs, IA 51503 • (712) 329-8307 Open Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • www.uprrmuseum.org
Locally owned since 1982 Midtown’s original neighborhood bar & grill 402.554.5821 | 2007 N. 72nd St. | dannysbaromaha.com
Omaha’s Only
Authentic German Restaurant Locally Owned Since 1976
Homemade German Schnitzel, Sauerkraut & Spaetzle Homemade bakery items include strudel, donuts & cakes 10 mins from Downtown Omaha 5180 Leavenworth 402.553.6774 gerdasgermanrestaurant.com 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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WHERE TO SHOP
The Shops of Legacy
Flying Worm Vintage
shopping IN OMAHA SHOPPING IS A SPORT, SO GET READY TO GO THE DISTANCE. Check out unique boutiques you won’t find anywhere else, indoor and outdoor malls, and quaint shopping centers that cater to the shopaholic in all of us. UNIQUE BOUTIQUES Fashionistas will get their fix at the wide array of boutiques located throughout the city. Charming pieces from emerging designers fill the racks at Hello Holiday in the Dundee neighborhood. Find just the right fit among well-known premium denim at Denim Saloon in Aksarben Village. Discover the meaning of panache at boutiques like The Four Sisters and The Fold in Rockbrook Village.
The Shops of Legacy offers a stylish variety at shops like Mesh, Katina’s Couture, Togs, Jade Love and more. Find vintage and vintage-inspired apparel at Lion’s Mane in Benson and at Flying Worm Vintage in the Old Market. Other Old Market boutiques include Pretty in Patina, a designer-lover’s dream offering secondhand pieces from Chanel and Louis Vuitton, and for men, the team at McLovin can recommend the latest trends in menswear for the board room or happy hour. In the western part of the city, Grae is a place where a guy can stop-in, have a drink and buy clothes, does it really get any better than that?
Go to VisitOmaha.com for a complete list of Omaha shopping options.
Village Pointe Shopping Center
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WHERE TO SHOP
Lion’s Mane Vintage
Hutch
Pretty in Patina
ARTSY EMPORIUMS Art lovers and antique collectors can bring home a piece of Omaha with unique works from local galleries. Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery in the Old Market offers exquisite limited edition photographs, and Old Market Artists Gallery features work by over a dozen artists. For a broad range of contemporary and fine art prints, stop by Gallery 72 in the historic Vinton Street neighborhood of South Omaha.
SHOPPING LIST
SPECIALTY SHOPS Owned by Omaha billionaire Warren Buffett, and considered the nation’s largest independent jewelry store, Borsheims is where Bill Gates purchased his wife’s engagement ring, so it’s worth a visit. Another Buffett retailer, Nebraska Furniture Mart is the country’s largest (450,000 square feet) home furnishing store, another can’t miss. Hutch in Midtown Crossing offers shoppers original mixes of modern, local and vintage furnishings. Found-Vintage Market in Benson is all about making the old new again.
• Old Market
MALL MADNESS For the familiar, find favorite brands at Village Pointe Shopping Center. Village Pointe is home to more than 60 specialty stores like J. Crew, Apple, Banana Republic, Sephora and Coach. Indoors at Westroads Shopping Mall, peruse over 135 stores.
• Aksarben Village • Countryside Village • Midtown Crossing • Nebraska Crossing Outlets • Oak View Mall
• One Pacific Place • Regency Court • Rockbrook Village • Shadow Lake Towne Center • The Shops Of Legacy • Village Pointe • Westroads Mall
ODDITIES City Limits - Stocked with funky paper products and gifts, and even has a corner dedicated to bacon-inspired items. Hollywood Candy - A specialty shop with retro candies, a PEZ collection like no other and an authentic soda fountain.
Nebraska Furniture Mart
Imaginarium - Antiquers and collectors have an opportunity to happily get lost among the many treasures that can be found in Imaginarium. Jackson Street Booksellers - This bibliophile’s dream is stocked floor to ceiling with used, rare and out of print books. Little Scandinavia - Enjoy complimentary ginger snaps and coffee while shopping for the Scandinavian in your life at Little Scandinavia. Moksha - Beautiful handcrafted gifts from India. Includes jewelry, clothing, silk scarves, leather goods and more.
The Fold
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Famous Omaha STEAKHOUSES
A MODERN STEAKHOUSE Dry-Aged Meats of e Grasslands 402.933.7437
www.OmahaSteaks.com 1-800-228-9055
7220 F. Street • Omaha, NE 68127 402.331.7575 • anthonyssteakhouse.com 70
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96th & “J” Street North of “L” St. 402-593-4223
Eppley Airfield Kiosks 402-346-9151
Lakeside Plaza 17390 W. Center 402-330-2260
Tower Plaza 78th & Dodge 402-392-1290
Prime Steak Fine Wine Premium Service
13665 California Street | Omaha, Nebraska 402.445.4380 | www.mahoganyprime.com
402.342.0077 222 S. 15th Street Omaha, NE 68102
SULLIVANSSTEAKHOUSE.COM Top 100 Restaurants in America
The Original Whiskey Steak 2121 S. 73 St. (402) 391-7440 www.droverrestaurant.com
6 years in a row
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WHERE TO PLAY
Omaha Neighborhoods WELCOME TO A CITY PEPPERED WITH ENTERTAINING NEIGHBORHOODS RANGING FROM HISTORIC AND URBAN CHIC TO DELICIOUS AND ULTRA-HIP. Use the map above and the corresponding information below to get a feel for different parts of the city, then explore the pages that follow for more details on the unique neighborhoods that add pops of color to the city’s landscape. Downtown Omaha
Benson
North Omaha
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Downtown Omaha is a business person, culture lover and energetic sports fan. It’s the central hub of entertainment in the city, pulsating with live music, art, history and sporting events. Hot spots include: CenturyLink Center Omaha, the city’s convention center and arena; TD Ameritrade Park, Omaha’s 24,000-seat downtown stadium; and the historic Old Market Entertainment District with cobblestone streets lined with unique boutiques, galleries, home-grown restaurants, pubs and street performers. Central Omaha is the hip, edgy kid with creative flair and a discerning palate. From the Benson neighborhood and its indie rock club to the Dundee District known for its culinary delights, this part of the city fuses old and new. Further west is Aksarben Village, filled with live entertainment throughout the year. North Omaha is the history buff who wants to experience the past. Home to Omaha’s oldest community, Florence, this area pays tribute to the city’s pioneer days and the Mormon migration of the 1800s. North Omaha is also the place to catch the heritage of jazz, where Duke Ellington, Count Basie and other great jazz artists once played.
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WHERE TO PLAY Midtown Crossing
Standing Bear Lake
Midtown Omaha is relaxed, chill and always ready to make a new friend. Lovers of beer, whiskey, wine, pizza and chocolate will especially feel right at home. Midtown Crossing is a fun spot to unwind with outdoor live entertainment, unique shops and a variety of restaurants. Proof offers a unique tasting experience for whiskey. A few blocks west are Beer Corner USA and the Blackstone District, each filled with cozy bars, great grub and plenty of brew. Northwest Omaha is an outdoorsy adventure-seeker looking to connect with nature. Standing Bear Lake is surrounded by 396 acres of land with hiking and bicycling trails, a field for radio-controlled model airplanes and paddle boarding opportunities. Glenn Cunningham Lake offers no-wake boating, fishing and space for picnicking. Golfers can catch a tee time at Miracle Hill Golf and Tennis Center, Eagle Run Public Golf Course, Knolls Public Golf Course and Champions Run. South Omaha is the culturally curious friend looking for an international experience. Visit in and around South 24th Street and feel the multicultural influence. From colorful murals that paint a picture of history, to the intricately tiled sidewalks and authentic cuisine, South Omaha is filled with distinct flavor. Southwest Omaha is a fun-loving, free spirit with a keen sense of style. Avid shoppers are encouraged to bring an extra suitcase and a pair of comfy walking shoes. The Shops of Legacy is a collection of eclectic Omaha exclusive shops and restaurants. Ranging from upscale to casual, Legacy is a must-see (and shop… and eat) spot. Slow down and unwind at Zorinsky Lake – offering fishing, boating, paddleboard yoga and recreational activities all year long. Zorinsky Lake + Park
South Omaha
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Aksarben Village ONCE A HORSE TRACK, NOW A VIBRANT SHOPPING, DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Aksarben Village is a distinctive mixed-use development marrying urban space with special events, entertainment, dining and shopping options in the heart of the city. Bring your appetite for food and drink to the village. From DJ’s Dugout and its dueling pianos to Jones Bros and its Cupcake War-worthy assortment of unique treats, there’s no shortage of casual restaurants and bars to enjoy. Try the braided crust pizza at Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern, the mango crab rangoon at Mai Thai, and tacos stuffed with shrimp, brisket or even alligator at Voodoo Taco. Grab a locally or nationally brewed beer at the bar at Aksarben Cinema before catching the latest flick, and drop into Spirit World for that rare bottle of wine or maybe even a gourmet sandwich and glass of whiskey. Stinson Park is adjacent to Aksarben Village and offers a variety of live concerts and entertainment events throughout the year. North of the retail area you’ll find the Omaha Farmers Market from May through October. Active folks will be tempted to hop on a B-Cycle bicycle to explore the nearby trails.
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WHERE TO PLAY
MaHa Music Festival
Take a breather from all the fun and indulge in area history. Aksarben Village stands where the bustling Ak-Sar-Ben Race Track (1919-1995) and Coliseum once did. Its celebrated history is punctuated in Stinson Park with a bronze figure marking the grave of Omaha, the 1935 Triple Crown winner. FUN FACT: Aksarben is “Nebraska” spelled backwards.
STOPS IN THE VILLAGE • Aksarben Cinema • Backwoods Outdoor • Beacon Hills • Denim Saloon • Dickey’s Barbeque Pit • Dj’s Dugout
ANNUAL EVENTS
• Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern
Saturdays @ Stinson Concert Series: May-August Free local music concert series every Saturday night with food, drink and activities for the kids. Farmers Market: May-October Carry home fresh produce or homemade crafts and baked goods every Sunday morning.
• Eat Fit Go Healthy Foods • Freshii • Godfather’s Pizza • Herbe Sainte • Jones Bros. Cupcakes • Juice Stop • Liv Lounge
Get Fit in the Park: May-October Enjoy morning market yoga or Zumba Sunday morning in Stinson Park.
• Luvbird Boutique
Lights of Aksarben: November and December Holiday fun with carriage rides, lights, cookies and cocoa, live music, children’s activities and a visit from Santa.
• Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
• Mai Thai Restaurant • Pauli’s Lounge • Ponzu Sushi & Grill • Roast Coffeehouse • Spirit World • Togs Boutique
Find more things to do in Aksarben Village at VisitOmaha.com
• Voodoo Taco
Dudley’s Pizza & Tavern
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Benson BENSON’S HIP AND QUIRKY VIBE CREATES A HOT NIGHTLIFE DISTRICT KNOWN FOR FROSTY CRAFT BEER, MUSIC AND A COUPLE OF SERIOUS PARTY ANIMALS.
Krug Park
Don’t miss this trendy, historic neighborhood always buzzing with activity… especially at night. Walking up and down the Benson “strip” is energizing with live music pouring out of The Waiting Room – a nationally recognized indie rock club. Benson’s cool vibe is mirrored inside the club as it hosts national, regional and local artists. For a more intimate venue, stop by Reverb Lounge, known for live music and a host of tiki drinks. Krug Park will spice up the night with a dozen Bloody Mary concoctions and an array of craft cocktails. A strong contender in the battle for the best Bloody Mary can be found across the street at
Beercade
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The Slowdown
Jake’s Cigars & Spirits. Known for strong drinks and an inclusive humidor, Jake’s is the epitome of the friendly, neighborhood bar. Benson is a well-rounded and not-so-mild mannered entertainment district with a cool atmosphere… so cool even animals get in on the fun. Benson regulars keep an eye out for Shooter, the Benson bar cat. Shooter can be seen sauntering in and out of the neighborhood bars greeting patrons and nuzzling bartenders. Benson’s other party animal is Sam, the beloved party dog of Burke’s Pub. The friendly Great Dane entertains patrons and adds to the bar’s carefree vibe.
WHERE TO PLAY BENSON TIPS On nice days, visitors enjoy the rooftop patios at 1912 and Benson Brewery. Watch the strip come to life while sipping a craft cocktail and enjoying gourmet bar menus.
The Imaginarium
Infusion Brewing Company
NEIGHBORHOOD BARS • 1912: Craft cocktails, full menu • Barley St. Tavern: Live music, neighborhood bar • Beercade: Arcade games, craft beer • Benson Brewery: Craft brew • Burke’s Pub: Known for the Apple Pie shot
Benson Brewery
• Full House Bar: Friendly neighborhood bar • Infusion Brewing Company: Craft brew • Jake’s Cigars & Spirits: Bloody Marys • Krug Park: Bloody Marys, craft cocktails • The Sydney Bar & Lounge: Funky • Bärchen: German, Belgian and American craft brew
The streets light up during Benson First Fridays. Artists and art enthusiasts enjoy live music, spoken word, street performances, visual art and more. Benson’s boutiques and shops range from classic vintage and local art, to health and wellness. Beercade is every fanboy’s dream come true. Enjoy craft beer and wall-to-wall classic arcade games such as Skeeball, Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat. An array of dining options can be found on the strip. IKA Ramen and Izakaya is known for mixing noodles with gangster rap. Lot 2 Restaurant and Wine Bar serves locally-sourced dishes and wines from around the world. Au Courant Regional Kitchen is a fine dining experience with European-influenced meals.
Find more things to do in Benson at VisitOmaha.com
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Blackstone District
Farnam House Brewing
BIRTHPLACE OF THE REUBEN SANDWICH, THIS HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOOD IS HOME TO OTHER INNOVATIVE CULINARY AND CRAFT BREW CONCOCTIONS. Yes, the Reuben sandwich was originally created in the Blackstone District back in the 1920s, and visitors can taste the original recipe at Crescent Moon. Consistently ranked one of the top beer bars in the country by DRAFT Magazine, “The Moon” is located above Huber Haus, an authentic German beer hall serving up bier, brats and the famous Das Boot! Both are friendly neighbors to Beertopia, Omaha’s premier beer emporium offering nearly 600 international specialty beers.
Crescent Moon
Along with its rich history, Blackstone District offers some new local favorites. Two craft breweries, Farnam House Brewing and Scriptown Brewery, have added to Omaha’s growing reputation as a craft beer city, and each offer a unique experience. Not to be ignored, Corkscrew Wine & Cheese serves a variety of vino for every palate. Coneflower Creamery offers farm-to-cone ice cream in out-of-this-world flavors. A typical order consists of two scoops, and some visitors may be tempted to “be good” and only order one. We know from experience... everyone wants the second scoop. Coneflower Creamery
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WHERE TO PLAY
Mula
Dante Ristorante Pizzeria
Scriptown Brewing Company
Nite Owl is the quirky, cool craft cocktail bar with a late night food menu featuring thick burgers, salty fries and fresh salads until 2 a.m. Blackstone Meatball takes an ItalianAmerican classic and adds locally-sourced twists… these aren’t your mamma’s meatballs. Mula is Blackstone’s ultratrendy Mexican restaurant and certified tequileria. Noli’s Pizzeria and Dante Ristorante Pizzeria serve up fresh New York-style and wood-fire pizzas, respectively. Stirnella and Early Bird are new to the neighborhood. Stirnella offers a chef-driven farm to fork menu, and Early Bird only does brunch, but they do it every day, in a not so every day way. Find more things to do in Blackstone at VisitOmaha.com
Huber Haus
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Dundee UNIQUE SHOPS, COZY RESTAURANTS AND SOME WELL-KNOWN CUSTOMERS MAKE THIS IDYLLIC NEIGHBORHOOD A MUST STOP.
Dundee Dell
Enjoy a meal at your choice of chef-based restaurants. Indulge in coal-fire pizza at Pitch Pizzeria, Northern Italian fare at Avoli Osteria, and a mixture of European cuisines at Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob, Dario’s Brasserie, and Marks Bistro. Baela Rose and Paragon Dundee each put their unique spin on classic comfort food. Cap off dinner with ice cream at eCreamery (one of Oprah’s favorites), stop in to the Dundee Dell for a drink from one of the nation’s largest single malt Scotch whisky collections, and take in an intimate live jazz performance five nights a week at Dundee’s newest resident, Jambo Cat, specializing in inventive libations featuring house-made juices, infusions and ingredients.
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While dining, here’s an interesting fact to share with culinary comrades: Dundee is home to a national cartoon artist, a successful romance novelist and billionaire Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world. You never know who could be dining next to you in this fabled neighborhood. (Beatles Icon Paul McCartney was spotted here eating ice cream with Buffett a few years ago). After dinner tip: Burn off post-meal calories and find unique souvenirs at Hello Holiday, Denim Saloon and Scout.
WHERE TO PLAY
Pitch Pizzeria eCreamery
Dario’s Brasserie Avoli Osteria
Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob
DUNDEE DINING • Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob: European-style street food • Avoli Osteria: Northern Italian • Baela Rose: Locally sourced comfort food • Dario’s Brasserie: Belgian fare infused with European flair • Dundee Dell: Fish, chips and lots of scotch • eCreamery: Unique ice cream flavors • Goldbergs in Dundee: Burgers, beers and Bloody Marys • Hoppy Taco: Street tacos and craft brew
Marks Bistro
• Le Quartier Dundee: Fine artisan breads, pastries and desserts • Marks Bistro: Farm-to-table American cuisine • Paragon Dundee: Revolving menu with seasonal ingredients • Pitch Coal-Fire Pizzeria: The name says it all!
Find more things to do in Dundee at VisitOmaha.com
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Jazz on the Green
Midtown Crossing CLOSE TO THE DOWNTOWN CORRIDOR, THIS VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD OFFERS ENTERTAINING OPTIONS INDOORS AND OUT, 365 DAYS A YEAR. Midtown Crossing’s epicenter is Turner Park, hosting a variety of free events throughout the year. Keep centered with yoga in the park sessions on select Sundays in the spring, and kick off the week with movie screenings that will keep the entire family entertained in both spring and summer. Live jazz music fills Midtown and offers a relaxing way to spend a Thursday summer evening. Once the leaves start to turn, it’s fall festival time, and dazzling entertainment lights up the holiday season. Find plenty of food options ranging from upscale Mexican food at Cantina Laredo and contemporary cuisine at Crave, to fast-casual at Chicago Dawg House and coastal Mediterranean fare at Della Costa. Finish off your meal with delectable treats and gourmet coffee at Delice European Bakery & Cafe. Thirsty? Indulge in a trendy treat at Thirst-Tea, a tea-drinkers candy store with a variety of flavor-infused teas made customizable with a number of “toppings.” 82
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Thrist-Tea
Della Costa
WHERE TO PLAY Enjoy acclaimed farm-to-table freshness at The Grey Plume, one of the nation’s greenest restaurants. Then, shop their house-made charcuterie, jams, coffee and more at Provisions by The Grey Plume. After shopping for fresh food favorites, stay for a cooking class. Classes range from basic knife skills and artisan bread baking, to chocolate production and turducken cooking. Take your culinary creations home to enjoy them later! Proof offers hundreds of whiskies from around the world, along with hand-crafted cocktails and an impressive spirits list.
Crave
Four-legged family members are welcome on a handful of pet-friendly patios, with pet-centric events like the Patio “Pup” Crawl to Halloween Tricks for Treats offering more fun for the furry. Make your own succulent arrangement and find locally-made accessories, décor and furniture at Hutch. Element Hotel invites patrons to recharge and find balance, making a stay in Midtown Crossing its own rejuvenating experience.
Find more things to do in Midtown Crossing at VisitOmaha.com
Hutch
The Grey Plume
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NODO (North downtown) JUST NORTH OF DOWNTOWN, HENCE ITS NICKNAME, THIS URBAN NEIGHBORHOOD IS HOME TO BIG SPORTS, BIG MUSIC AND BIG STYLE… AND IT’S GROWING. The new kid on the block is The Capitol District, which offers guests a modern twist on the traditional town square. More than a dozen restaurants, nightlife options and entertainment venues will make for an easy night of walking and unwinding.
CenturyLink Center Omaha
Across the street, the awardwinning CenturyLink Center Omaha attracts the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment—making Omaha a key tour stop. The CenturyLink Center also plays host to major sporting events transforming into any type of court, rink or pool needed to get fans on their feet cheering. A short walk out the door is TD Ameritrade Park Omaha, home of the NCAA Men’s College World Series. This summer tradition creates an electrifying atmosphere that fills the NoDo area and has everyone ready to play ball. Cutting-edge art adds a hip side to NoDo with Hot Shops Art Center. Watch as more than 80 artists create works ranging from metal forging and glass blowing, to hand-crafted jewelry and photography. NoDo’s creativity continues at the Omaha Design Center, a stunning, sleek venue serving as home of Omaha Fashion Week, one of the country’s largest celebrations of style and fashion. Twice a year the season’s hottest trends rip the runway and offer fashionistas the chance to snag looks before they hit the stores.
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Hot Shops Art Center
Omaha Fashion Week
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WHERE TO PLAY
Film Streams
The Slowdown
Hook & Lime
MORE NODO MUST-SEES The Slowdown - Catch some of the hottest rock shows at one of the hottest music venues in the nation. Film Streams at Ruth Sokolof Theater - Watch a first run independent film or documentary at this intimate cinema arthouse. Hook and Lime - Specializing in tacos and tequila, go for the fresh, house margaritas, stay for the flavorful small plates. Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge
The Trap Room - A quirky, retro bar (think “Mad Men”) with a serious cocktail menu built for the craft-curious. DJ’s Dugout Sports Bar - The perfect pre- and post-game spot with drink and food specials. Nosh Restaurant and Wine Lounge - More than 100 wines available to explore and expert servers ready to match you with your perfect pinot.
Goodnights Pizza Bar and Patio
For things to do in NoDo, go to VisitOmaha.com
TD Ameritrade Park Omaha
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North Omaha and Florence CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL PIONEERS MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON THIS LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOOD.
Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters
The North Omaha neighborhood where jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Count Basie and others once played. Today, the notes from live jazz performances still float through air from Love’s Jazz and Arts Center, dedicated to preserving and showcasing all types of AfricanAmerican art. The Union for Contemporary Arts is another opportunity to enjoy modern art in many forms. Civil Rights leader Malcolm X was born in Omaha; his birth site includes a historic marker and an events plaza. For soul food, check out Big Mama’s Kitchen and order up a pig ear sandwich and sweet potato pie ice cream. Big Mama’s has become a television culinary staple, featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Sundance Channel’s Ludo Bites America and Travel Florence Mill
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Big Mama’s Kitchen
WHERE TO PLAY Channel’s 101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down. Fair Deal Cafe offers southern soul food favorites like smothered chicken, beans and rice, and homemade cornbread. Another soul food home run is the Omaha Rockets Kanteen, known for pitching delicious and healthy variations on classic Southern “comfort” food. The Omaha eatery also pays homage to the AfricanAmerican players of the Omaha Rockets independent baseball team. History buffs will spend hours exploring the historic Florence neighborhood and touching American history. Experience firsthand the Mormon migration of the 1840s at the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters. Pull a handcart like pioneers did all those years ago, and see what it was like to live in a makeshift cabin and travel by covered wagon. A bit north is the Florence Mill, constructed in 1846 as Mormon pioneers made their westward trek. Today it is home to a non-profit Winter Quarters Mill Museum, ArtLoft gallery, and a Sunday farmers market. Open spring through fall.
Love’s Jazz and Arts Center
Florence Mill
Harold’s Koffee House
Enzo’s Italian
The Union for Contemporary Arts
Fitting in the culinary theme of the rest of the city, the Florence neighborhood serves up major comfort food with local favorites such as Harold’s Koffee House, Enzo’s Italian and Tussey’s Casual Grill.
Find more things to do in North Omaha at VisitOmaha.com 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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The Old Market Passageway
Old Market THIS LIVELY 20-SQUARE BLOCK AREA IS UNIQUELY OMAHA AND FILLED WITH NOSTALGIA AND INNOVATION. Cobblestone streets lined with unique boutiques, antique emporiums, innovative restaurants, local pubs and tasty sweet shops create the magic of the Old Market Entertainment District. The Old Market and its red brick warehouses were the epicenter of activity back in the 1880s, bustling with produce dealers, buyers and traders, until the late 1950s when the area was threatened with building condemnation. But Sam Mercer, the son of a prominent physician and landowner, wanted to renovate the old buildings for new uses. At the time, Mercer’s idea was said to be foolish; today he is considered a visionary. See a true merging of old and new, like a brew pub inside a 1903 firehouse and a contemporary art center inside a former grocery warehouse. Tip: Most of downtown Omaha hotels are within walking distance and offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the Old Market.
Hollywood Candy
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Carriage Rides
Old Market Candy Shop
WHERE TO PLAY OLD MARKET GEMS & EXPERIENCES Mud Balls: Bet you can’t eat just one of these delicious chocolate-coated cookie and cream cheese truffles at the Old Market Candy Shop. Pez: One of the largest Pez candy dispenser collections known to man can be found at Hollywood Candy. Carriage Rides: Take a nostalgic ride in and around the Old Market on a horse-drawn carriage. Rides range from 10 minutes to one hour. Pretty in Patina
Taste of Tiki: Laka Lona Rum Club welcomes patrons to paradise with a playful atmosphere and over-the-top fun craft cocktails. Passion for Fashion: Pretty in Patina stocks new and gently loved vintage merchandise. Christian Louboutin shoes and Louis Vuitton bag, anyone? Cheesecake by the Inch: Turtle fudge, cherry and key lime are just a few of the fabulous flavors of cheesecake you can order by the inch at Wheatfields Eatery & Bakery. Christmas 24/7: Check out Tannenbaum Christmas Shop, where every day is Christmas. #1 Bacon: The Diner serves up thick-cut bacon cooked with a secret brown sugar glaze.
Jackson Street Booksellers
Live Entertainment: Street musicians and artists add to the Old Market experience. Enjoy the ambiance while shopping or sipping a drink on a patio. Books Galore: Jackson Street Booksellers’ floor-to-ceiling books will delight your inner bibliophile. Outdoor Dining: Several Old Market restaurants offer al fresco dining and imbibing options to soak up the sun, music and atmosphere. Homemade Ice Cream: Find unique ice cream flavors at Ted & Wally’s, where premium ice cream is made from scratch. Sure, they have the classics, but live on the wild side and try something like White Mint Mountain, Monster Cookie or Apple Pomegranate Crisp.
Tannenbaum Christmas Shop
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WHERE TO PLAY
South Omaha HOME TO ETHNIC CULTURES FROM ACROSS THE GLOBE, SOUTH OMAHA IS A MELTING POT OF RICH HISTORY, FOOD AND ART. From folk art and hand-painted murals to authentic cuisine and local shops, South Omaha offers big doses of Polish, Czech, German and Mexican culture at every turn. At its heart is Historic South 24th Street, filled with Mexican traditions. Dozens of family-owned restaurants line the intricately tiled sidewalks of South 24th Street. Enjoy savory slow-cooked chicken enchiladas, fiery roasted jalapeños and carne asada (marinated and grilled thinly sliced steak) at a handful of eateries. Afterwards, grab a yo-yo (a traditional Latino pastry) or artisan bread at the International Bakery. Don’t forget about margaritas; El Alamo, Gauca Maya and elsewhere in “South O,” are known for serving up a mean cocktail. El Museo Latino celebrates the area’s rich diversity with exhibits and programs, where special events include performances by “CHOMARI” Ballet Folklorico Mexicano. Apollon Art Space is Omaha’s multi-genre arts and entertainment venue offering locally produced art exhibits, improv shows and “Drink ‘n Draw” classes. Don’t miss the themed, interactive dinners allowing the audience to get into character and join in the fun. South Omaha Museum works to preserve and display the past and present of the “Magic City” with rotating exhibits on the area’s stockyard history, Cinco de Mayo, architecture and more.
Cinco de Mayo
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International Bakery
WHERE TO PLAY
El Museo Latino
South Omaha offers tried-and-true dishes made from old-world family recipes, and Lithuanian Bakery’s Napoloen Torte is a shining example. Joe Tess Place has been an area staple since the 1930s, serving quality fresh fish and their famous fish sandwich; it’s also been featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Don’t let the hole-in-the-wall ambiance fool you; the meatball sub and Italian sausage sandwich at Ethnic Sandwich Shop, which has been making Italian food fast since 1977, will haunt you. Find more things to do in South Omaha at VisitOmaha.com Howard’s Charro Café
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Memphis State Recreation Area
saunders county A SHORT DRIVE WEST OF OMAHA, FIND PEACEFUL TRANQUILITY NESTLED IN THIS PICTURESQUE PART OF THE STATE. Rural in nature and peppered with Main Street appeal, history and surprises seem to pop out of nowhere. More than 30 unique cities, villages and townships make up Saunders County. Reconnect with friends, family and nature in acres of beauty. The Memphis State Recreation Area offers 163 peaceful acres for primitive camping and hiking, and a sparkling lake primed for fishing and boating. Lake Wanahoo is another popular spot for boating, fishing and camping. Plenty of wildlife watching, hiking and picnicking opportunities can be found at the Czeckland Lake Recreation Area. Travel back in time at the Saunders County Historical Museum and visit a log home, one room schoolhouse, county church and the smallest post office in Nebraska. Learn about famous athletes, motion picture pioneers and other historic figures.
Saunders County Historical Museum
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Iron Horse Golf Club
Saunders County should be on every golfer’s bucket list. Iron Horse Golf Club is an award-winning course that Golf Digest considers one of the best, and Quarry Oaks offers a course so challenging that only golfers with intense discipline and talent can find victory. Check out the amazingly eclectic gift shop, Our Corner Cottage, filled wall-to-wall with unique gifts, candles, quilts, scrumptious tarts and waffle bars. It’s located in the middle of a cornfield so make sure to look for the sign on Highway 92 or you might miss this gem. More shopping can be discovered in downtown Ashland – gift shops, galleries and an old-fashioned ice cream parlor line the main street. Pick up an out-of-the-box souvenir at the Wahoo Meat Locker, known for their award-winning recipes and the famous Wahoo Wiener. A favorite throughout the state, these meats keep carnivores coming back for more.
Our Corner Cottage
Just 20 minutes from downtown Omaha, Saunders County offers a peaceful day full of discovery. Learn more at VisitOmaha.com. Wahoo Meat Locker
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WHERE TO STAY
Lodging WITH MORE THAN 15,000 HOTEL ROOMS IN THE OMAHA AREA, THERE ARE A VARIETY OF OPTIONS FOR YOUR STAY. From boutique hotels and Four Diamond properties to water parks and suite-style lodging, Omaha offers comfort and class along with a heavy dose of hospitality. Wherever you stay, you’ll find restaurants, shopping and fun things to do conveniently located nearby. For a full list of Omaha hotels with TripAdvisor reviews go to VisitOmaha.com Here’s a helpful tip: Check out the Book A Room section on VisitOmaha.com. You can search a variety of Omaha hotel options all at once and book directly with the hotel of your choice. You can also view hotel availability two months at a time and compare rates surrounding your selected dates.
BOOK A ROOM
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Warmest Welcome in Omaha! It starts with the warm welcome of our signature chocolate chip cookie. And that’s just the beginning of your stay with us. Whether your travels are business or pleasure, the can-do attitude of every member of our staff ensures an enjoyable stay.
DoubleTree by Hilton. Where the little things mean everything. TM
402.346.7600 . 1616 Dodge St. Omaha, NE 68102 OmahaDowntown.DoubleTree.com
• Conveniently located just off of 72nd & I-80 • 172 Guest Rooms • 6000 square feet of event or meeting space • Full service banquet and catering available • Complimentary Shuttle Service Available • Designated Pet Floor • Firewater Grille • Fitness room / heated indoor pool • Complimentary Guest Parking including tour buses • Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast
402.934.4900 . omahacomfortinn.com 7007 Grover Street Omaha, NE 68106 96
2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and Historic Hotels of America
NEBRASKA’S ONLY AAA FOUR DIAMOND LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL
• Complimentary luxury car service within a 3-mile radius
SM
IT’S A NEW STAY.
COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT AKSARBEN VILLAGE 1625 S 67TH STREET | OMAHA, NE 68106 402.951.4300 |www.marriott.com/omawt
• Complimentary airport transportation • Complimentary high speed WiFi internet
A PRODUCTIVE STAY NEVER FELT SO RELAXING
• Complimentary European Continental Breakfast • Pet Friendly
Adjacent to the Historic Old Market District 402.991.4981
1504 Harney Street Omaha, NE 68102 HotelDecoOmaha.com
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT AKSARBEN VILLAGE 1717 S 67TH STREET | OMAHA, NE 68106 402.551.8000 |www.marriott.com/omakv 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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PLAN YOUR NEXT EVENT WHERE YOU ARE
THE CENTER OF ATTENTION
For a list of upcoming events visit WWW.C ENTURY L INK C ENTER O MAHA .COM 455 N. 10th Street | Omaha, NE 68102 | 402.341.1500 2018 VISITORS GUIDE | VISITOMAHA.COM
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FROM THE PLAINS TO PARADISE, DISCOVER THE TREASURES OF THE PLANT WORLD
Explore 100 acres of inspiring indoor and outdoor horticultural displays. Café • Gift shop • Library • Seasonal Tram Tours OPEN YEAR-ROUND • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Off Interstate 80 at 100 Bancroft Street (402) 346-4002 • www.lauritzengardens.org