Friday April 21st Attractions

Hi, me and a friend are going to be in the Omaha area on Friday April 21%26#39;st. We were wondering what fun things there are to do for a couple of younger folks, age 21 and 20. My friend isn%26#39;t old enough to do any nightlife activities, and were getting in at around 5pm so were not able to go to the henry doorly zoo either. We were just wondering if anyone has some input on fun activities that a younger crowd might like?? Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

Friday April 21st Attractions

I am not sure exactly what your interests are, but I would definitely suggest walking around the Old Market and choosing somewhere around there to have dinner. A good casual place to eat is The Upstream (www.upstreambrewing.com). A little nicer with great inexpensive meals are Vivace%26#39;s (www.vivaceomaha.com) and M%26#39;s Pub (www.mspubomaha.com). Check out the cool shops and boutiques in the Old Market. If you enjoy music shows there is a great venue called Sokol Underground with an 18+ show that night. It is The Nadas with The Josh Davis Band. You can check them out at www.onepercentproductions.com. It is a cool, intimate venue with some great shows, if that is what you are into.

Another option is InPlay (www.inplayomaha.com) just north of the Old Market. Games, rock climbing and all sorts of things open until 2AM for those over 18. Hope this helps or if you are looking for something else I could find some other things to recommend.

Friday April 21st Attractions

I know some of the clubs used to open up after hours for dancing 18 and over and no alcohol is served. I don%26#39;t know if they still do this or not though. I agree with walking around the market though. It is a lot of fun and itis supposed to be nice this weekend. It is a great place to just sit also and people watch.

You may be a little to old but there is the Henry Doorly zoo. The second best zoo in the US. There%26#39;s also many places to go around it. But the College World Series might get in the way of that.

Staying in Lincoln for 2 months summer 2006

Hi

We (me, my 2 year old daughter and my fiace) are staying in Lincoln for the period from 25 July until 1 september 2006. Any suggestions on a nice furnished appartment we could rent for this period?

Staying in Lincoln for 2 months summer 2006

The Colony at Williamsburg has furnished apartments, but I%26#39;m not sure how much they are. This complex is on the south side of town and is near shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, and about a 15-minute drive from downtown Lincoln. CorporateHousing.com has some information on this one. Let me know if you have specific questions about Lincoln apartments. Enjoy your stay.

Staying in Lincoln for 2 months summer 2006

Norway ~ Lincoln is a fun, safe and friendly city. You should enjoy it. Lots of neat things to see and do and your two year old can fun at the zoo and the water park. HuskerFaithful gives you a great recommendation for an apartment. That would be a nice area of Lincoln to be in.

Norway, will you have access to a car while here?

If you do have access to a car while staying in Nebraska don%26#39;t miss the Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha. It is a wonderful zoo and is far better than any other zoo I have visited.

Hi

Tanks for all the advices (-;

Yes we are going to rent a car for our stay.

Anything else that is a ';must see'; in Lincoln or nerby?

1) I second the motion on Omaha%26#39;s Zoo - definitely worth a trip. While in town, shop around the area called The Old Market.

2) If you like aircraft, the Strategic Air %26amp; Space Museum (often called its old name, SAC Museum) is excellent. It%26#39;s right off the interstate between Lincoln %26amp; Omaha. Check out http://www.strategicairandspace.com/

3) The USA recently commemorated the 200th anniversary of the Lewis %26amp; Clark expedition that explored so much of the continent%26#39;s interior. Some sites are within easy reach of Lincoln. Surf to: http://www.lewisclark.net/

and

http://www.nps.gov/lecl/

for information.

4) You%26#39;re going to be staying in a sports-crazy town, and there%26#39;s no one they love more than the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. The visitors page on the university%26#39;s athletics site has quite a few links about the community:

(www.huskers.com/SportSelect.dbml…)

5) Speaking of sports, Lincoln is also home to the Saltdogs, a minor league (meaning lower-tier, developmental) professional baseball team. Their games at Haymarket Park are fun and affordable.

http://www.saltdogs.com/

6) And your 2-year-old might just like the Children%26#39;s Museum! http://www.lincolnchildrensmuseum.org/

Your daughter would also love to play at the Antelope Park playground. It%26#39;s a wonderful, huge outdoor playground.

go the zoo in lincoln, its not as big as omaha, which makes it perfect for a 2 year old. and its flat unlike the omaha zoo with hills. they have beautiful gardens inside and out of the zoo.

the childrens musuem is great fun.

also the musuem on unl campus with the dinosaur bones is interesting also. my 4 year old loves that place.

You should also go to some of the husker games. ;)

Try a Runza! I always have one or three when I go back home to visit.

road trip: Seattle to Nebraska

We are taking our first family road trip ever! We will be driving from the Seattle area to Lincoln, Nebraska. I would love any information on food, hotels, and fun stops along the way. Also any information on best roads, quickest, safest, etc. Any tips?

road trip: Seattle to Nebraska

In Grand Island, NE there is the Stuhr Mueum, just north of I-80. They have many different settings to duplicate a 1900%26#39;s farm, a small town on the prairie with its different stores, etc. Their web site is stuhrmuseum.org. On this site, it gives detailed information about the different acitivities they have planned for %26#39;06. In Lincoln, you can take a free tour of the capital to view the city from the dome. There are many mosaics which all have different meanings and lots of marble. It is located between 14th and 16th St. on K St. , just look for the brass sower on top of a brass ball in the downtown area. It can be seen for miles. Museum of Natural History is another fun stop at 15 and P and is only a few blocks north of the capital. Minden, Ne has the Harold Warp Pioneer Museum. The Arch at Kearney, NE isn%26#39;t worth the admission price. It is self-guided and the exhibits are just videos.

Where are you coming into Ne? If you want to see Mt. Rushmore you can come into NE at Chadron. If you are visiting the Badlands take the Badlands loop and go farther east to enter NE. Straight south of the Badlands is boring country and usually dry . In Lincoln, there a lot of hotels at the airport exit of I-80 and also on N. 27th St. Also, there is a brand new Holiday Inn Express at the very SE side of Lincoln that just opened.

Hope this helps.

You need to eat a Runza when you are in NE. There are quite a few Runza restaurants in Lincoln ,Omaha, Norfolk and other locations.

road trip: Seattle to Nebraska

tourist2,

Thanks for all the info. Quite familar, and antcipating, Runzas, Valentinos, Lee%26#39;s Chicken- and the like!

We have decided to take the most direct route to Lincoln, on I-80, trying to make the best of it and make it as quick as possible. We have lots and lots of family and friends patiently waiting for us.

We have almost decided to take the more ';scenic'; route, home.

Taking I-80, to Hwy 2, then 83 to Valentine and catching I-90 to Seattle. If you have any suggestions, keep them coming. I%26#39;m not sure what you mean by the ';loop';. Will we get to see some of the badlands if we stay on the interstate? Or is the loop , 240, off of I-90? We think we can make it to Rapid City, SD in about 10 hrs. and then stay there for the first night. Is there any other place that might be better to stay? Thanks so much, your help is greatly appreciated!

The loop I refer to is 240 off of I-80. This will take you into the Badlands and well worth your time. You can see very few of the Badlands from the interstate. In Murdo, is the interesting Pioneer Auto Museum.

Friendly correction to previous post:

The Badlands Loop (240) is off of I-90, not I-80.

You might stop by Culver%26#39;s (several locations around Omaha) for a butterburger and frozen custard. Yum!

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College world series?suggestions?????

What is the best hotel(clean and well maintained or relatively new)near the college world series.Any suggestions on how to get reserved seat tickets to the games?

Where do you suggest my wife and I go out to eat that has great food(not fancy or expensive)?Where is the best place for a great steak?

We have never been to Omaha before and would welcome suggestions.We are 50 and will not be travelung with children.Thanks for your help

P. G.

College world series?suggestions?????

Comfort Inn at the Zoo is relatively new, but I believe it is probably booked already. Embassy Suites and Hilton downtown are relatively new / clean, but may also be booked, not to mention they probably aren%26#39;t being sold at a discount right now.

Whatever you do, I%26#39;d book as soon as possible.

I%26#39;ll share some places to eat later, as I%26#39;m sure others will.

College world series?suggestions?????

I would bet that hotels near the stadium are already booked, they are reserved months in advance.

There are some hotels near the 72nd street exit off I-80, that is a direct drive to the stadium. I believe there is a double-tree and a holiday inn there (very large hotel).

I would recommend anything near the Interstate, that way you can just hop on and drive to the stadium. Although it may be recommended to take other routes, if you are not familiar with the city and leave early the interstate is a direct route.

One place you don%26#39;t want to stay is the Super 8 on 72nd, but there are lots of other hotels there. In March, we stayed at the Super 8 and lots of things broken.

My son in Omaha for almost 10 years, and now that he has left my Oregon State Beavs have gone twice.

We are from Portland OR and found Omaha freeways easier to use, than here.

Have you checked the casinos in Council Bluffs for space.??

2 or 3 adequate but not wunnerful motels in Bellevue, but decent access backway to field.

You can stay in almost any area of Omaha (not just near the stadium) and be close enough to get to the stadum easily. Don%26#39;t hesitate to stay on 72nd Street (Doubletree Suites for example) or farther away, it%26#39;s not a terribly far ride.

As far as restaurants go, try downtown at the Old Market, the Upstream Brewery, Bohemian Cafe and French Cafe to name a few. If you end up staying in the 72nd St area, try the Drover Steakhouse (right behind the Doubletree Suites) for great steak.

For a cheap lunch, try zio%26#39;s pizza. Another unique place to eat is Jazz, a new orleans style restaurant w/ live music (Weds - Sun ???). It%26#39;s relatively new, so might not be in the phone book yet. It%26#39;s on the SE corner of 15th and Farnam (I%26#39;m pretty sure).

To get an idea of the atmosphere and menu, check out the website www.jazzkitchen.com . Although they don%26#39;t list an Omaha location, this is the same chain.

If you%26#39;ve never had them before, try the crawdads. Messy, not the best thing I%26#39;ve ever eaten, but not the worst.

As far as reserved tickets go, I%26#39;d recommend just trying to get some scalped tickets before the game. It seems like there is always someone selling tickets out front of the stadium. Depending on the game, prices shouldn%26#39;t be much higher than face. As long as you aren%26#39;t buying from people that are only there to scalp tickets, people would just rather get what they paid for them.

Aside from the usual downtown locations for rooms.. The best and easiest place to get a room is Bellevue. The stadium is on 13th, just keep heading South on 13th until you run into Bellevue. Tons of great eating establishments.. plus lots of hotel rooms available.

Why go to West O? Bellevue is much closer.

As far as steak goes, there are so many choices in Omaha that you probably won%26#39;t go wrong as long as you avoid the chains. (i.e. Outback, Sizzler)

Warren Buffett%26#39;s favorite is Gorats at 46th %26amp; Center.

A classic is Johnny%26#39;s Cafe, though it%26#39;s a little pricey.

Any of the Caniglia family%26#39;s restaurants (Venice Inn, Mr. C%26#39;s) will probably be ok.

If you have the time to drive way out west, my personal favorite for steak is Farmer Browns in Waterloo, which is about a 40 minute drive from downtown.

A lesser known, albeit pricey, option for steak is the Drover at 72nd %26amp; Mercy.

Definetly go to the Bohemian Cafe it is a must. For steak I also would go to either Johnny%26#39;s Cafe or Farmer Browns. Johnny%26#39;s is much closer though. For lunch you should get a Runza. They are the best!

road trip

We are planning a road trip soon that may take us through here. Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?

road trip

DK Cafe in town , soon to be opened on Hwy 31 / 6

Sam and Louie%26#39;s Pizza on Hwy 370 just east of 31/ 6

Avoid the Sapp Bros and other truck stops.

If you take the Sapp Bros exit, across Hwy 50 to the east is a Fair Mexican place called Azteca and there is a Cracker Barrel as well.

road trip

Buddha Belly Chinese Cuisine and Sam %26amp; Louie%26#39;s New York Pizzeria are the two primary restaurants in town. If you%26#39;re interested in Chinese food, Buddha Belly is very good. The Gretna area also has a variety of fast food including Runza, Subway, McDonald%26#39;s, and Pizza Hut. Another recommendation is the buffet served at The Cookery, at the Flying J travel plaza.

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Drive from Sioux City to Valentine

We are headed from Sioux City to Badlands National Park. Which is the best route? We are thinking of taking route 20 instead of heading north to 90. We will be traveling with kids and we like to take day hikes. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Drive from Sioux City to Valentine

You might consider taking highway 12 instead of hwy 20 to Valentine. There are no large towns along the way, but the scenery is beautiful. Niobrara State Park near Niobrara would be one possible stop. Smith Falls State Park between Springview and Valentine is beautiful. Waterfalls are not one of the first things that come to mind when you think of Nebraska! This one can be reached after a short walk and crossing a wonderful old bridge. Also, stop just before getting to Valentine at Ft. Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge. Bison and elk should be plentiful. And although the fort is no longer there, there is another nice walk to a very pretty waterfall.

Drive from Sioux City to Valentine

Having travelled both 90 and route 20, I think route 20 is more scenic. Also route 20 parallels The Cowboy Trail which runs from Norfolk to Chadron, NE. I have not travelled route 12 but it sounds like an interesting alternative.

You might want to consider a side trip south of Naper, Ne to the White Horse Ranch. At the ranch, they have a guided tour of the museum, buildings, and white horses that are in the blood-line of the original herd. The only cost is a suggested donation. A campsite is available for campers or tents. I don%26#39;t know their hours, but their web site is carleyd@juno.com. Also, their is lots of room for hikes.

I%26#39;ve travelled routes 90, 20, and 12. 20 will get you there faster than 12, but 12 has scenery you won%26#39;t see from Highway 20. A couple of my favorite roadside stops include Smith Falls State Park (on 12) and Long Pine State Recreation Area (on 20). Long Pine especially seems like an oasis in the middle of the northern Sandhills. Keller Lakes (between 12 and 20 north of Ainsworth) is worth a stop too. If you travel west of Valentine on 20, enjoy the various creeks and rivers of the Upper Sandhills. The Snake River Falls are worth seeing, and if you can spare the time to camp one night, Steer Creek Campground south of Nenzel really gives the feel of being far away from civilization.

Thank you! I wish I had gotten your post before our trip but now you have given me an excuse to do route 12 again. We loved Nebraska and all of route 12 -- we did stop at Smith Falls State Park. We also fell in love with the Niobrara River and Niobrara State Park. We stayed in a cabin in the park that overlooked the river that is truly one of the most magnificent places I have ever been in my life.

cabin rentals?

Anyone know of any good cabin/cottage rentals in Nebraska other than the state parks? Preferably on a lake but not required.

Thanks.

cabin rentals?

Long Pine has various cabins on the Pine Creek. We have never stayed in them, but have driven by on our way to Ainsworth. That is a beautiful area along the creek and also you can trout fish. The cabins are listed on Long Pine%26#39;s web site on Dog Pile. I hopes this helps.

Housing

The company that I work for is relocating me to Cambridge to begin work on one of the new Ethanol plants. I am the office manager for TIC- The Industrial Company. We will be in the area for at least two years and I would like to rent a new or very nice house in the area. This would be for two people, the other also employed by TIC as a general foreman. We should be reaching Cambridge in mid August as we are in Denver now working on the pre construction of the job. If you have or know anyone that might be interested in leasing please contact me at 469-742-3549 and ask for Sherry or 512-300-5196 and ask for Mitch. We will also have others coming into the area that will need housing.

Thank you in advance for your consideration,

Sherry French

Housing

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Lincoln Hotels

Looking for inexpensive, clean %26amp; easy access from 1-80. Looking at the Days Inn %26amp; Suites at exit 396. Any reviews, and what is the American Breakfast-charges apply? Does that mean no continental as at other Days Inns, or that you can upgrade for a price at the restaraunt? Or would someone recommend another place?

Lincoln Hotels

I stayed once at the Settle Inn in Lincoln, which is right off I-80, and was very pleased. I remember it being reasonably priced for standard rooms, clean, well-decorated, and with a good continental breakfast.

Lincoln Hotels

Cornhusker is nice.

Cornhusker is nice.

The Cornhusker is nice, but can be very pricy. I would recommend a motel at the 27th st. exit or the airport exit (sorry don%26#39;t know exit numbers) Both have very easy access to interstate and both are located close to many restaurants. The prices would also be some of the most reasonable.

I stayed at the Americinn a few times, and it was perfect

I would recommend Country Inn %26amp; Suites (27th St Exit, Staybridge Suites (27th St Exit), Red Roof Inn and Settle Inn (27th St Exit) also.

Stayed at Fairfield Inn this month and I had no complaints. Modern, quiet, no road noise, spotless. Good value

North 27th Street (just off I-80) is building a few more motels so there should be even more choices soon. Glad to know about the Fairfield...thanks Vacationer.

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Message for FullSailMom

Hi FSM,

Just thought I%26#39;d do a Virtual Visit, as I%26#39;d tried your Magnifying Glass experiment, from about 2am through to 5am, and nothing. Does the sun need to be up for something to happen?

Message for FullSailMom

Oh my, dear friend!!!

Why yes Shaker, the sun NEEDS to be up for the magnifying glass experiement! It worked quite well today here in Nebraska with temps reaching 107 F. The dear son burned a whole in the rubber band that was holding the newspaper this morning, so I can attest that it actually works!!!

Whatever are you doing wandering around over here in Nebraska? Pretty funny!

Perhaps you are looking for a ride in a 1936 fire engine? We can accomodate you in Geneva!!!

I think I%26#39;ve booked Edinburgh for the nights of 7Feb through 9Feb. I%26#39;ll be posting soon on that forum.

You crack me up!!!

Message for FullSailMom

FSM,

Oh, so the Sun does need to be there, I%26#39;ll try that. %26lt;sound of receding footsteps..... long pause.... returning footsteps%26gt;

OK, I%26#39;ve just been outside, the Sun is up, and I held the Magnifying Glass up for ages. Nothing. I must be getting something wrong. I suppose you%26#39;ll tell me that I should be out of the shade next......

I%26#39;m here because I%26#39;ve just thought of a new idea. I will save huge amounts of money, by going on ';Virtual Holiday';, so I%26#39;m having a visit to Nebraska right now. Where should I go, apart from on the Fire Engine? Or is that like a Hop On - Hop Off Bus Tour? Just think, with this virtual touring, no Jet-Lag. (D%26#39;oh!, I%26#39;m not sure I could survive on virtual food and beer....)

Hmmm, where do I go next?

I could suggest somewhere for you to go, Shaker!

Why not visit the Antarctica forum, that would be cool!

Oh and if you really want to make the magnifying thing work - try holding the glass directly over your head and point it toward the Hubble Telescope. You have to be standing in the middle of the street at an intersection while you do this, because that%26#39;s the only place the Hubble can connect with your magnifying glass. Who said science wasn%26#39;t fun!

Virtual beer tastes rather bland, unless it%26#39;s Bud-Light beer and then the taste actually improves.

If you wish to travel to the great State of Nebraska, I suggest you start in our capital city of Lincoln, home of the National Roller Skating Museum.

FSM,

Hey, I tried that Hubble thing, but the glass got smudged when I pointed the handle at the telescope. Looks like it%26#39;s something that only works over there.

I went over to some place in Missouri after here, I see you were there too, but not recently.

Nice to know that your virtual touring is going well.

Sorry about the Hubble thing, perhaps you need to use a larger magnifying glass (like about 10ft x 10ft)

%26lt;%26lt;%26lt;%26lt; cheeky %26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;%26gt;

%26lt;ouch, ouch, ouch%26gt; This %26lt;ouch%26gt; typing hurts %26lt;ouch%26gt;, since that %26lt;ow%26gt; large magni%26lt;ouch%26gt;fying glass %26lt;ow%26gt; fell on %26lt;ow%26gt; me.

Do you hear the sound of violins playing ';My Heart Bleeds For You';? Maybe you should give up science and just stick to wit and sarcasm, that%26#39;s your forte!!! (tee hee)

BTW, I wandered over to Missouri and saw that you%26#39;d been virtually visiting there. Was it fun?

Oh yes.... Maybe I%26#39;ll go somewhere else, and you have to find where I am? (No cheating though!)

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Best Western Kelly Inn- Omaha

We are heading to Omaha July 20th and plan to stay at the Best Western Kelly Inn. I was wondering if this is a nice hotel and if the area its located in is safe? We are planning on going to the zoo and the children%26#39;s museum. Thanks!

Best Western Kelly Inn- Omaha

obtech4u ~ haven%26#39;t actually stayed at the BW, so I don%26#39;t know about the hotel, but it looks fine on the outside. The area around L Street is fine. Easy to get off the interstate and get to the hotel, lots of fast food places and restaurants, movie theaters and close to shopping. You are across town from the Zoo but it%26#39;s no big deal, because it%26#39;s a quick trip on the interstate. I think you should be fine.

Best Western Kelly Inn- Omaha

Forgot to add - it%26#39;s a safe area.

Thanks! According to the hotel the zoo is about a 15 min drive. If you have any other info about the area, I would appreciate it! We are also planning on going to the Children%26#39;s Museum and possibly Boys Town. Again, thanks for your help :)

A 15 min drive sounds about right, unless it%26#39;s during rush hour. What kinds of interests do you have? Omaha%26#39;s Joselyn Art Museum is wonderful and I think you%26#39;ll like the Children%26#39;s Museum too. It%26#39;s fun to walk around the Old Market area (lot%26#39;s of fun restaurants), and if you have any military buffs in your group they would probably enjoy visiting the SAC Air Museum which is located just outside of Omaha (to the west from where you are staying about 1/2 hr). I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ve researched the zoo itself, which IMHO is one of the finest in the country. The rain forest has no equal anywhere in the US. Boys Town is located straight up I-680 from where your hotel is and west on Dodge Street. There is also a new shopping center located a few miles on down Dodge Street from Boys Town. You%26#39;ll have a great time!

Thanks for all your advise!! Now if only the weather will cooperate...I just looked at the forecast on Fri there is a 50% chance of thunderstorms...Fri is the day we are planning on going to the zoo

:( I know its hard to predict, but what is the weather usually like? Rain all day or just a big storm for a couple hrs then its over?

It%26#39;s Nebraska, which means anything can happen. However, according to the local news we have only a 30% chance of thunderstorms, which means probably no rain at all. If there is a storm, it will probably blow over quickly. So I wouldn%26#39;t worry. Besides, if it starts to rain while you are there go into the rain forest, the desert dome, the aquarium or take in a movie at the IMAX and you%26#39;ll be fine.

Thank you soooo much for all your wonderful info. I will have 2 very disappointed little girls if it rains. We figured if all else, we would get a room on fri nite and just head to the zoo on sat. Do you have any other suggestions for hotels? I doubt we will stay at the BW Kelly Inn again...more like we will try and find a decent room for $55-75 per night. Again, I really appreciate all your wonderful advise! If you ever come to MO, I should be able to help you out. THANKS!

Obtech, don%26#39;t worry about rain, I honestly don%26#39;t think there%26#39;s much chance of it. And like I said, even if it is raining, their is SO much of the zoo that is indoors (and the best parts IMHO, like I said the Rainforest is absolutely outstanding there isn%26#39;t an equal to it anywhere!!) I%26#39;ve been to the San Diego Zoo%26#39;s rain forest and it isn%26#39;t anywhere near as cool as the one in Omaha.

As far as places to stay, if you stay someplace close off of I-80 anyplace is AOK. You can always go for more ';atmosphere'; by staying in the Old Market area, but if you are primarily interested in the zoo, then there%26#39;s no reason to go downtown. L Street hotels and those off of I-80/72nd St are just fine, go for the best price.

I%26#39;ll take you up on the Missouri offer! Thanks!! Hope you have a wonderful visit here! And the temps are supposed to be quite bearable by the weekend after hitting 107 F here today (in the 80%26#39;s by the weekend). Have Fun!!! And Welcome to Nebraska!!!

We are back! The hotel was EXCELLENT!!!!! I highly recommend this hotel to anyone, especially if you have kids...the pool is wonderful. If did rain a little on Friday morning but cleared off. Kids loved the zoo and the Childrens Museum. We are already thinking of planning another trip to the zoo later this year.

I%26#39;ve been wondering about your trip, obtech!!

SO glad you had a wonderful time. The zoo is great, isn%26#39;t it!! For you next trip, also do the drive through Wildlife Safari a few miles west of Omaha and the SAC Museum, they are well worth the effort and I%26#39;d be happy to help you with other suggestions next time. Sounds like the hotel was SUPER!

Message for FullSailMom

Hi FSM,

I made it to York, but where is the Minster? Where is the nearest Edinburgh?

Message for FullSailMom

Actually, there are several Ministers in York! You could try the New Life Church of the Nazarene or the New Heights Assembly of God or perhaps you%26#39;d rather check out the Minister of the Calvary Lutheran Church of Swede Home....lots of possibilities. And Eddie Burrow lives on a farm north of York, only a 5 hour drive.

Message for FullSailMom

Hi FSM,

A new place for me to visit, I wonnder if the PM lived here?

Message for FullSailMom

Why yes, I believe he did when he was a just out of school. He worked at the local McDonalds. But they had to let him go when he kept asking the customers, ';Do you want chips with that?'; instead of ';fries';.

Message for FullSailMom

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Holiday Inn Express Lincoln South (Amber Hill Court)

We are a family of 5 planning on coming to Omaha for a swim meet this weekend. This is one of the few hotels left with rooms. Has anyone stayed at this hotel? There is very little info about the hotel available except that it is new, has a pool and has king size beds. I have not been able to find any photos of it either. Thanks for your input.

Holiday Inn Express Lincoln South (Amber Hill Court)

Whoops. This is mellli. I ment to say we are travelling to Lincoln this weekend (July 28-30). Sorry, it%26#39;s late...

Holiday Inn Express Lincoln South (Amber Hill Court)

mellli,

That hotel is brand new (less than 3 months old) and it in the newest part of Lincoln (the southeast part). I%26#39;ve never stayed there but live very close to it and I%26#39;m sure its very nice. It is out on a fairly major highway (NE highway 2) but right across the street from one of the newest shopping centers in Lincoln with a Walmart and lots of restaurants. Your probably about an hour from Omaha since your on the southern end of Lincon. I would reccomend taking 84th street north and catching I-80 north to Omaha. Let me know if have any other questions.

-Dan

mellli,

That hotel is brand new (less than 3 months old) and it in the newest part of Lincoln (the southeast part). I%26#39;ve never stayed there but live very close to it and I%26#39;m sure its very nice. It is out on a fairly major highway (NE highway 2) but right across the street from one of the newest shopping centers in Lincoln with a Walmart and lots of restaurants. Your probably about an hour from Omaha since your on the southern end of Lincon. I would reccomend taking 84th street north and catching I-80 north to Omaha. Let me know if have any other questions.

-Dan

Agree with Dan, hotel should be just fine. Have fun and good luck at the swim meet!

I say you should stay here just for the fact that you can spend all weekend making smart alec comments followed up w/ ';no, but I did stay at a holiday inn express last night';.

Staying at Hilton Omaha. - Places of Interest

Hi! We are pretty excited to visit Omaha later this month and already have a reservation at the Hilton Omaha. We chose this hotel base of the glowing recommendations and reviews and also on the fact that it is located in the heart of downtown. Was wondering if anyone has any past experience staying there and also any tips/advise will be much appreciated.

We do not plan on driving since it seems that most of the attractions are within walking distance. We are from New York so walking is no big deal for us. But being unfamiliar with Omaha, we were wondering if the so called *blocks away* really means they are near fto each other, as in New York.

Also, what are the places that we should visit? Unfortunately, we are only styaing for 2 days/1 night and wouldn%26#39;t want to miss the best Omaha has to offer.

Thanks in advance!

Staying at Hilton Omaha. - Places of Interest

Best place within walking distance is the Old Market area. Area has shops and restaurants, brick streets, etc. Old Market is about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. Have not stayed at the hotel, but have heard rave reviews from others. The president was in town recently and he stayed there while he was here.

If you want to take a cab or bus, the Henry Doorly zoo is highly recommended. One of the best in the US.

Staying at Hilton Omaha. - Places of Interest

Bus11 ~ just have the hotel staff point you in the direction of the Old Market and you will find lots of neat shops and restaurants, especially Bohemian Cafe (food you%26#39;ve probably not had) , French Cafe (simply wonderful) and Upstream Brewery (nice microbrewery and good food). I

also agree with going to the Henry Doorly Zoo. It is truly one of the best in the country, absolutely the best rainforest ever devised (the zoo is extremely well endowed by the trust fund of an ex-Nebraskan), an incredible aquarium and the new desert dome. These areas are greater than those at the San Diego Zoo (by far).

Bus 11, just finished a stay there this past weekend. EXCELLENT! A new hotel (opened 4/1/04) and well appointed and maintained. The staff is very friendly too but as this was my first trip to Nebraska maybe this is typical of all Nebraskans (I am from NJ)

Also 11, recommend Rick%26#39;s Riverfront Restaurant down by the water for dinner. Very nice indeed! I also recommend visiting the Durham Western Heritage Museum and Old Market. I also hit Boystown in West Omaha and the Lewis %26amp; Clark Monument in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Agree Jersey - Rick%26#39;s by the river is a wonderful restaurant and if you are there at the right time, you get to see big paddlewheel riverboat go by. And the Western Heritage Museum is wonderful. Also highly recommend Omaha%26#39;s first rate zoo - it%26#39;s very unusual and unique, with probably the finest rainforest environment in the country.

And yes, most all of us are very friendly, always!

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get time from datetime

Rental cars

Hi,

I%26#39;ve checked online and can get a very good rate on a Thrifty full-size car from the Omaha airport, considerably less than other companies. Also, I looked into mini-vans (not sure which I want to rent yet), and Alamo seems to be the least expensive way to go. Has anyone had any BAD experiences with with either of these companies? If not, I%26#39;ll go with the cheapest company.

Thanks

Rental cars

Used %26#39;em both from Omaha Airport -- had no probs with either. I%26#39;d say find the best price, and also check any frequent-flyer programs you belong to %26amp; see what partner benefits they have. It might clinch it for one rental vs. the other.

Rental cars

Living close to Omaha my family has used both of the companies numerous times. We have never had any issues with either company.

Just returned from vacation - we rented with Alamo. In case anyone reads this, I just wanted to give a heads up. We picked the car up at the airport (a pontiac montana??) . The car was filthy. It had not been washed on the outside. You could barely see out of the windshield because of all the dead bugs on it. There was no windshield wiper fluid at all. The inside was dirty as well. It was very dusty, and there were empty soda cans and water bottles left from the previous renter. There were straws/wrappers on the passenger front seat. I don%26#39;t know if this is representative of the company, or the fact that it was picked up at the airport, or just a fluke, but I would think twice about renting from Alama again.

That is just gross Hershey. Unsanitary to say the least. Sorry you had such a crappy experience. Hope the rest of your trip was better than the car rental!

We had an awsome trip, thanks! We actually drove from Omaha to the Black Hills of South Dakota. By flying into Omaha, we saved a total of $800 in airfare verses flying into Rapid City. It would have been nice if the car could have been clean since we spent so much time in it (put just under 2000 miles on the car), but, oh well, we got over it and it was a fantastic trip!!

Do not rent from Thrifty in Omaha airport. I recently reserved a car there and my flight arrived four hours late. They would no longer honor the reservation and charged me an extra ten dollars a day for a different class car since they ';didn%26#39;t have any more compact cars available'; The man at the counter admitted it was a real customer rip-off that they often used, said he was sorry, but couldn%26#39;t do anything about it. I tried going to a manager and he refused to do anything about it.

how far?

Can anyone tell me how far the zoo is from the airport?

how far?

It%26#39;s not very far. Just go west across the river, turn south on 13th street. I%26#39;m not exactly sure on the miles, but stay on 13th street and I%26#39;ll probably take you 10 minutes

road trip

We are planning a road trip that might take us through here. Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?

road trip

Sorry I saw this so late but hope this is helpful to you. Be sure to eat a meal at Helen%26#39;s. The hash browns are some the best I%26#39;ve ever had at any restaurant! We ate dinner there 2 nights in a row and both times the hash browns were great! Also, it%26#39;s one of the few places around that has broasted chicken (at least I hope it still does!). If I%26#39;m ever in Chadron again, you can be sure I%26#39;ll go to Helen%26#39;s!

road trip

I know this is very late... but maybe someone else might get some info from this... but I use to go to school in Chadron and I Loved eating at Angela%26#39;s Mexican Cafe.... it%26#39;s really good mexican food.

We spent the night in Chadron in August, 2006. Definitely eat at Helen%26#39;s! We had breakfast there. The asparagus omlette was great!

It is a cozy little college town on the high plains. I%26#39;m considering retiring there someday. (smile)

(SE) Neb. Farm Wife

Upstream Brewing Company

Hi all,

We%26#39;re thinking about grabbing a bite at the Upstream Brewing Company, but which of the 2 locations would you recommend? Old Market or Legacy?

thank you!

Upstream Brewing Company

They%26#39;re both very nice locations.

I prefer the Old Market location, mainly because I hate urban sprawl so much. Parking won%26#39;t be easy in the Old Market, but I wouldn%26#39;t consider it ';bad'; by any means. You%26#39;ll find more atmosphere in the Old Market. Also, if you plan to have dessert or additional drinks after dinner, you%26#39;ll find options within walking distance if you%26#39;re at the Old Market location.

If your work / hotel / friends are out west, that location would be more convenient. Also, they did a decent job of giving the new west omaha location character compared to many ';urban sprawl restaurants';.

Upstream Brewing Company

Just tremendous food! Loved my lunch here!

Glad you liked it Jersey, I%26#39;ve always had good food and beer there. What did you think about the Old Market area? It%26#39;s lots of fun.

The food is great.. and the beer is fabulous. Does the West O location brew the beer right there as well? Never been to that one.

I suggest the Legacy / West location. Food is the same or better, the place is bigger.

If you want to walk and shop afterwards go to Village Pointe at 168 + Dodge afterwards - good shops, they have good free concerts at times and will not find the beggars , shiftless teens and wierdo%26#39;s hanging around like you see at the OM. And parking is free !

The Old Market is just too funky for us , we went down there again Sunday - half the places to eat were closed, nothing much going on. The shops sell mostly strange junk. I am sure thats what some folks like though. I think we can wait a few more years to bother goign down there again. We did stop in to USB for a brew though.

FullSail, Iloved Old Market. You know what was nice about Omaha..there wasn%26#39;t too much to do.. I didn%26#39;t feel (like I did in some other places) that I had to run around and go bonkers trying to squeeze everything into a weekend. The Old Market area was very manageable!

Hi JerseyDewd! So glad you had a great time....Omaha is a nice place and you are so correct in your assessment, that you don%26#39;t have to run around ';like bonkers'; to get everything done! And the Old Market is just a great hangout place!

I do hope to return soon. The other thing I did which I greatly enjoyed was visiting the Lewis %26amp; Clark monument on the other side of the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Although there wasn%26#39;t much to see I really enjoyed, on a beautiful Friday late afternoon, looking out from the bluffs at the airport across the river and smoking some fine cigars!

It sounds to me as if you fit right in to Nebraska lifestyle, JerseyDewd! Sit back.....relax......smoke some cigars....contemplate life and relax.....our way of life!

You know I think I would. I come from South Jersey (as I say the part without attitudes or accents) as most people conjure up images of New Jersey watching the Sopranos. My relatives came from Rochester NY which has more of a Midwest influence due to the trade patterns which took place before the Erie Canal. So you are right on the money! I am an easygoing guy that enjoys the Midwest. Hey, I supported Bob Kerrey in 92!

Looking for Atomic Age, Classic Neon Motel/Hotels

My sweetie and I are taking a cross-country road trip next August and we%26#39;d like to stay in hotels or motels that have that real vintage vibe. We don%26#39;t have the trip mapped out yet so all towns will be considered.

I love the Safari Inn, in Burbank California. Sweet Motel with pool and vintage neon but modern facilities.

coasthotels.com/home/…

It%26#39;s easy to find pictures on the web or in books of classic neon signs but we want to stay the night in a place that looks straight out of the 50s (or 30s, 40s, 60s) but isn%26#39;t a rundown dump.

If you have a recommendation of someplace unusual, that works too.

Thanks for any help!

Looking for Atomic Age, Classic Neon Motel/Hotels

In Omaha there is the Satellite Motel, it doesn%26#39;t seem to advertise on the major sites, but I looked at yahoo which had a couple of positive reviews, and the rates were $38-$54. It%26#39;s on 60th and L, which isn%26#39;t far from the interstate.

I haven%26#39;t stayed there, but I%26#39;ve never heard of any problems associated with the place.

It%26#39;s definitely from the atomic, space-age era of the 50%26#39;s, I don%26#39;t think you could get any more kitsch.

Looking for Atomic Age, Classic Neon Motel/Hotels

http://www.pioneervillage.org/

This is another oldie that goes back to the beginning of “plastics”. The museum contains everything you could ever imagine from the dates going back into the 60,50,40,30’s and more. You’d have to stay a day or two just to see part of it, and you’d still miss a lot. They have a motel that I’ve never stayed in, but it’s from back in the 50’s period of time if I remember correctly. I’m sure you can google some reviews on the motel and get more info then I could give you.

Enjoy and drive safely ;-)

howtofalloutoflovewithsomeone

brunch

I was just wondering if anyone knew of a good brunch in Omaha. We are looking for a classier place to celebrate a special event.

brunch

Was there a particular area of Omaha you plan on being in? There are so many good places to eat here, please help me narrow it down and let me know what type of food you are also looking for.

Was in your city this last June - loved it!

brunch

Charlie%26#39;s on the Lake is a nice place if you are out west - 144th st.

Web:

http://www.charliesonthelake.net

Several very nice places in the “old market area” of down town Omaha.

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Park n fly lodging recommendations.

We will flying out of Omaha next month and are considering finding a hotel where we can do the park n fly. We would like some place that has a free airport shuttle, is in a safe neighborhood, where we can park for free while we are gone, and is reasonably priced. Any suggestions?

Park n fly lodging recommendations.

Holiday Inn Omaha, 3321 S. 72nd st. (I-80 %26amp; 72nd)

Baymont Inn Omaha, 3301 S. 72nd st (I-80 %26amp; 72nd)

Howard Johnson Inn 3650 S. 72nd st (I-80 %26amp; 72nd)

This looks the best of the deals.

Omaha Travelodge 7101 Grover (I-80 %26amp; 72nd)

I understand that you only want a place to stay the night and fly out of town, and leave your car parked at the hotel. I would advise that you check with these places, call them locally and talk with the manager at the hotel. Let him know how long you will be out of town and ask if you can leave the car parked in their lot – pickup when you return.

The list I found were from those on the TripAdvisor – you can check there prices but these are the lower end of the hotels but give you an area of town that should be easy to commute to and from. You will need to ask them if they have a shuttle to the airport!

Park n fly lodging recommendations.

Country Inn and Suites Airport

2210 ABBOTT DRIVE

CARTER LAKE, IA 51510

(712) 347-5600

offers free airport shuttle

La Quinta Inn and Suites

1201 AVENUE H

Carter Lake, IA 51510

Phone: (712)347-6595

offers free airport shuttle

Carter Lake is adjacent to the airport, so it%26#39;s very convenient. I stayed at a Super 8 (?) in Carter Lake once and took their airport shuttle; it worked very well.

Restaurants near Omaha Airport

Going to Omaha in February for a very, very large volleyball tournament at Qwest Center. Staying at Country Inn near airport. I%26#39;m looking for restaurants around Highway 75 %26amp; Sorenson Pkwy/Storz Expressway which can feed 20 people. Would love to find places which take reservations (but not mandatory). Would like to stay away from downtown area which will be packed. I%26#39;m also interested in restaurants which cater/deliver. Thanks.

Restaurants near Omaha Airport

';Mr C%26#39;s'; is a steak house just a few miles from there. It%26#39;s the other direction from Downtown on Sorenson and 30th St. so the Quest crowd will not be a factor.

Kind of a different attmosphere, but a old stand by in Omaha.

They will take reservations, and can accomodate your group.

Restaurants near Omaha Airport

I have to agree with Mr C’s steak house. Skerlarry – is correct with the info provided. Whenever we go to Omaha we always enjoy making a trip to Mr. C’s.

Also there is Cascio’s Steak House, 1620 S. 10th street. %26amp; Gorat’s Steak House, 4917 Center St. They too can accommodate your group and are GREAT places to eat as well.

Gorats is a great choice too. A little farther away from the Airport, but hey, you might run into Warren Buffet.

Good hotel for family get-together

My family is currently looking for a place to stay in Omaha around Thanksgiving. I live in Omaha but finding the right hotel is a pain. The hotel needs to have a pool, a place for the family and relatives to hang out, and can%26#39;t be too expensive. Does anybody have any suggestions?

Good hotel for family get-together

We used to always stay at the Holiday Inn On 72nd. It has the holidome that has plenty of room for gatherings around the pool. It used to have mini golf too, but not sure if it still does. Its been a while since we have stayed there. It is pretty centrally located though and right off the interstate. I am sure there are other great hotels. Anyone else have an idea?

road trip

We are planning a road trip soon that may take us through here. Can anyone recommend a good place to eat?

road trip

I am sure your trip is long over with but if you ever get back this way again you must eat at The Grainary. It is relatively inexpensive and the food is awesome to say the least. By far one of the best restaraunts in Norfolk and beats out Prenger%26#39;s and some of the other fancier restaraunts easily.

road trip

I heartily concur with the previous poster. The Granary is the place to eat. Excellent hearty food and very friendly service. I was there in October 2006 and had a couple of excellent meals there. Very welcoming and very affordable. I had a breakfast big enough for 2 people for less than $5.

Name for a black cat

Is this still there?

I once read about Carhenge. Is it still around in Nebraska?

Is this still there?

Why yes it is, Shaker.

And the resemblance to the real Stonehenge is absolutely uncanny. In fact, it also sits on a plain, just like Stonehenge and the cars are grey - just like the stones. Anything else you%26#39;d like to know about it?

Is this still there?

Yes please FSM, Is it far from where you live? I am thinking about a Road Trip, and would like to spend some time looking at unusual sights, this seems something worth a visit. What else is there to see in Nebraska?

It%26#39;s not too far from where I live.....about an 11hour drive, but part of that is on the Interstate and if you push it, you might get there in 10 1/2 hours.

Lots of fun things to see in Nebraska. Omaha has a world class zoo - the best indoor rainforest in the world, aquarium %26amp; desert dome. You can see the Strategic Air Command Museum full of WWII and later airplanes. Lincoln is home to the National Roller Skating Museum and one of the finest state capitals in the country. If you come to Nebraska at the right time of year, you can view the annual sandhill crane migration (people come from all over the world to see it). Then there is the annual Wilber Czech Festival in August, where you can eat kolaches %26amp; drink beer (not ale). That is only 30minutes from me.

Carhenge is in northwestern Nebraska, near Alliance. Also in northwestern Nebraska are Scottbluff National Monument, the wildcat hills, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Eve Bowring State Sandhills Ranch, Pine Ridge, Fort Robinson (where Crazy Horse was killed) Chadron State Park, Fur Trade Museum, and Toadstool Park. Toadstool Park is an amazing area of geographic formations. All these are just an hour or so south of the Black Hills and Badlands of southwestern South Dakota. Western Nebraska is about history and geography (and cattle ranching). Fascinating.

I live in Nebraska and have never been to Carhenge!! Someday hope to see Stonehenge!! But with all the listings of things to see in Nebraska...Pioneer Village in Minden was omitted. If you%26#39;re interested in ';How the West was won';...it isn%26#39;t expensive and there is a lot to see.

It sure is. Ted Turner owns that land, and it is harder to go and see it now, but it is still there.

It sure is. Ted Turner owns that land, and it is harder to go and see it now, but it is still there.

running routes

We%26#39;ll be in Omaha for a couple of days in January and just wondering if anyone knows of any could running routes that are 5-10kms long?

running routes

JBECKP, it depends on where you are staying.

Omaha has a great system of trails that runs along a creek. It has numerous sections all over town, and you are never far from any of them.

Try www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks/trails/trailmain.htm for a map and distances,

Keep in mind though that Omaha in January can be anywhere from +40 F to -10 F on any given day.

running routes

I am not sure about KM but we are out on the west side and we enjoy using the paths / trails around Chalco Lake ( 6 mile loop ) and Zorinsky Lake ( both sides just short of 8 miles ) . There is a nice trail around Standing Bear Lake but right now they tore up the paving so it is just dirt and its bound to be muddy or just ice during January.

There is a system of trails along Papio creek - there is a parking lot at 159th and Pacific street and you can go south all the way to Zorinsky or north a few miles on paved trail from there.

Walnut Creek lake at Schram Road between 96th and 102 st has nice trails if you are in Sarpy county ( south ) .

Here is a web link to some local trails

www.ci.omaha.ne.us/parks/trails/trailmain.htm

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Need Help

I will be traveling across the US with my husband this coming summer. He’s a long haul truck driver and me and my son plan to join him for a few weeks every now and then. I have no clue where well end up stopping in your state so I was hoping you could all help me by telling me cool kid friendly places to see. I know there will be times where we’ll be waiting a day or so to pick up or drop off and I’d love to use that free time to explore areas. I’m the kind of person who likes to plan as much as possible. So any and all recommendations of places to stop and see would be greatly appreciated

Thanks so much for all your help

Lisa

Need Help

If you’re in Omaha you will enjoy the Zoo located just off I-80 near 13th street. This is one of the best things Omaha has to offer for sites to see. It can talk all day to visit.

There is also a SAC Air Force Museum west of Omaha near Ashland.

Out in the middle of the state near Kearney – Minden Ne has a Pioneer Village that is great. Some of it is outdoors and some inside so a rainy day or cold snowy one this will workout ok

Need Help

Several places in central and western part of the state off the interstate. In Paxton is Ollie%26#39;s Big Game Restaurant has a lot of stuffed trophy animals from around the world plus many pictures of some well known people even have some stuffed jackalopes.

The sandhills has the Scotts Bluff Monument, Chimney Rock, Ft Robinson, Toadstool State Park. Another couple of things around the Kearney-Grand Island area are the Archway museum that crosses the interstate tells the history of the area and the Oregon Trail that the highway parallels. Also the Sturh Museum in Grand Island has some hands on things for kids to try out plus many Native American artifacts.

For some relaxation and activities Mahonney State Park is just before the SAC Museum the other person mentioned. They have horseback riding a water park with slides many hiking trails a lookout tower that overlooks the Platte River valley a lodge with rooms and a restaurant plus cabins for rent.

You might enjoy Fort Robinson, up in the NW part of Neb. near Chadron/Crawford

I enjoy visiting Chimney Rock near Bayard in Western Neb %26amp; I think a young person would enjoy it.

If you Google wagon train, there are some companies out in Western Neb that do 24-hour wagon train rides and longer ones.

A bit strange, but I think a kid would enjoy the Arch that goes over Interstate-80 at Kearney in mid Neb. I enjoyed it.

You can always stop at the nice giant Cabelas store in Sydney - good shopping of outdoorsy clothes, hunting, camping supplies and lots of preserved animals%26amp; live fish; unless of course you%26#39;re a vegan and not into that!! And I second the stop at Olie%26#39;s in Paxton - nothing fancy, but an interesting place of taxidermied animals from the world over.

They have can-can dancing girls at the Front Street Restaurant/Bar in Ogallala, but don%26#39;t know the schedule. That%26#39;s on I-80 in SW Neb. Husband would probably like that the best, lol! Nebraska really has a lot of little attractions-nothing earth-shattering or mind-blowing but one learns to appreciate the little things when you live out here. Oh, forgot Ash Hollow State Park not too far off the beaten path northwest of Ogallala. That%26#39;s interesting.

Fort Robinson as Home Base??

We are planning a family trip to NW Nebraska %26amp; South Dakota this summer. (2 kids) Is it realistic to use the lodge at Fort Robinson State Park as a home base to explore the area, as well as visit Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse monument?

Also, we are interetsed in fossil hunting, and heard about a site in Denver/Utah. Any advice on travel in Neb/S. Dak area is appreciated!

thanks

Fort Robinson as Home Base??

I wouldn%26#39;t want to go back and forth from Ft. Rob to the Hills many times, but a couple times would be fine; it%26#39;s over an hour drive. Make sure you see Toadstool Park while you%26#39;re at Ft. Rob. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is worth the drive, too, if you%26#39;re fine with short drives. Also, Chadron State Park is good for hiking. It%26#39;s not too far from Scottsbluff , the Wildcat Hills, or Chimney Rock. In other words, if you%26#39;re seeing NW Nebraska and the Black Hills/Badlands, Ft. Rob is an excellent place to make home base. If you%26#39;re planning on spending most of your time in the Black Hills, it%26#39;s not so handy.

HOTELS by the Henry Doorly ZOO??

Comfort Inn at the Zoo hotel is booked for the dates that I want to visit Omaha. What other hotels are CLOSE to the zoo? I looked on a map and they all look so far?? Please recommend!

HOTELS by the Henry Doorly ZOO??

Look at the large assortment of hotels just north of the inter-state on 72nd St. It looks like a long way on the map, but it is very easy to get to and get back to the zoo. The zoo is right off the inter-state on 13th St. Unless there is an accident on the inter-state, you won%26#39;t have a very long commute time. We have stayed in several hotels there and liked them all, except the Super 8 which is very dated. The Henry Doorly zoo is great with the Desert Done, Lied Jungle, the cat complex, the orangutan forest, and gorilla valley.

HOTELS by the Henry Doorly ZOO??

I agree that any of the hotels on I-80 and 72nd street will get you to the zoo within 5 minutes.

There is a Homewood Suites at 7010 Hascall, a Super 8 at 7111 Spring, a Comfort Inn at 7007 Grover and also a Travelodge in the area. There is a dated Holiday Inn with a holidome as well.

If you prefer to stay closer to downtown there is a beautiful Hilton, Embassy Suites, and Courtyard. The downtown hotels would be within walking distance of the Old Market ans about 5-10 minutes from the zoo, but they will be more expensive. Hope this helps!

This helps a lot! Thank you very much!

Even easier than that.. Head straight south on 13th st to Bellevue. Tons of hotels. Take your pick. Much easier.

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Safe Places to LIVE in Omaha

My family is looking at buying a home in Omaha. It has been suggested by many to avoid anything north of the radial. The thing is, we don%26#39;t desire to be in western suburbia either. We love the old homes midtown and we love being near the arts, music, downtown area and our church. There%26#39;s a great neighborhood we found about 5 blocks north of the radial (48th, 49th st area). Beautiful. Well kept. We%26#39;re just a young family so the price range is perfect. I grew up in NYC %26amp; loved it. I guess I%26#39;m not sure if some things were just a little exaggerated about Omaha. Then again, I don%26#39;t want to put my family in jeopardy. Any thoughts?

Safe Places to LIVE in Omaha

Having just moved here about 6 months ago...I can tell you there is a perception that most of the crime in Omaha happens east of 72nd street, and it appears to me to be accurate. That being said, I know many folks that live in midtown and they love it. I am not sure what you mean by the ';radial.'; When we were looking for houses here, we liked the same areas (older homes, charming neighborhoods, no urban sprawl) but ultimately decided on the district 66 area, because of the westside school district. My spouse has since been employed by the Omaha Public School district and we would both strongly encourage you to put your children in a private school or try to transfer out of the OPS system. Other than that, Omaha is a pretty nice place, low cost of living, nice people, and lively art and music scene. Good luck!

Safe Places to LIVE in Omaha

You don%26#39;t want to live in North Omaha (I used to live in Boston in some not-so-nice areas and I wouldn%26#39;t live in N. O.). Even though you don%26#39;t want to live out West, you might check out Millard. It%26#39;s really not that long of a drive downtown. I suppose in the long run I don%26#39;t consider downtown Omaha to be a draw at all. I don%26#39;t care for the Old Market (it%26#39;s WAY too overhyped, mostly by people who have never been anywhere but Nebraska), and there doesn%26#39;t seem to be anything else to do downtown.

I believe the radial being spoken of is the Northwest Radial Highway. And, yes, there are some of those neighborhoods in the area north of downtown I would not consider safe. However, there are a lot of nice and safe midtown neighborhoods east of 72 Street, and also in the general area of 90th and Center that have lovely homes, large lots and a lot of character.

I really don’t know what piercec2000 was talking about as far as nothing to do downtown, or nearby.

A quick list:

The Children’s Museum

Joselyn Art Museum

Durham Western Heritage Museum

Henry Doorly Zoo

The Qwest Center (basketball, hockey, concerts, exhibitions, etc.)

The Rose (live children’s entertainment)

The Orpheum Theater (Broadway type shows, comedians, ballet, concerts)

The Holland Performing Arts Center (symphony, pops, singers… all kinds of musical arts and one of the best theaters, acoustically, in the country.

The Blue Barn Theater

Lauritzen Gardens Botanical Center

Rosenblatt Baseball Stadium

Free outdoor summer concerts (various locations)

Gene Leahy Mall/Heartland of America Park (downtown areas with green space and trails)

Farmers Market (summer)

Art Galleries (Bemis Center, Artists Coop Gallery, etc.

Old Market - maybe not a favorite of our previous poster, but it does have a lot of shops, restaurants, and it’s own charm. All the buildings, streets, sidewalks, etc. are original and old.

JerzRunner, you may have already moved to Omaha, but in the event someone else is picking up on this thread for info, the last post by dekes was right, great things happening.

I have lived and worked in SEVERAL parts of Omaha. I currently reside in the Dundee/Elmwood area, at about 55th and Leavenworth. My favorite place by far. Wonderful neighbors, great culture and attitude. I feel the population in this area is a bit more openminded. This is a very historic, beautiful area. Many homes just south of here as well are a good value and a little less ';suburban'; than West O. There are a few pockets of Omaha I%26#39;ve discovered in my life here in Omaha I%26#39;ll share:

South Omaha: some areas are a little rough- but on about 38th Street just south of %26#39;Q%26#39;, there is a quiet, friendly neighborhood.

Midtown- almost all the neighborhoods around Happy Hollow Blvd., Underwood, and north to NW Radial Hwy are GORGEOUS- large, beautiful houses, cute little Tudor homes up and down 52nd St. from Dodge to NW Radial (one of my favorite drives).

Also, there are some smaller, but nice homes at about 45th and Pacific/Woolworth. Many of these are great to start with as they are a little lower cost, but are still charming homes.

FYI- if you are moving and ok with living in Iowa, there are many new homes going up in the Council Bluffs area, as well as some existing homes that are a better value for the price, and the major bonus of living in Iowa is that taxes on automobilies, and homes are MUCH cheaper. NE auto tax on $22,000 car approx. $1300, In IA it is less than $100. Council Bluffs is closer to downtown Omaha than Millard or West O, and about the same distance to midtown. Plus you still have all the conveniences that are right there in Council Bluffs.

Anyway, I%26#39;m done, just thought I%26#39;d share a little for those interested. ~Jairren

I feel the population in this area is a bit more openminded.

Jairren,

Open minded about what ? Compared to what other neighborhoods?

Scott's Bluff, Chimney Rock

Some help please, I will be driving back to PA through Nebraska, will have spent about 3 weeks seeing mesas, arches, canyons in Utah and the Rockies in Colorado. Just wondering if Scott%26#39;s Bluff and Chimney Rock are worth about 100 to 125 miles out of the way to make a stop.

Thank you for your comments

Scott's Bluff, Chimney Rock

I would say yes, but it%26#39;s a tough call. I%26#39;m from Nebraska and really love the western part of the state. If you are into history, then it%26#39;s a resounding YES. Scott%26#39;s Bluff takes about an hour or 2 to see, including walking the trail to the top (definitely do if you do stop). Chimney Rock usually doesn%26#39;t even take that long. When we were there, we couldn%26#39;t get to the formation itself, just viewed from the Visitor Center. The deciding factor should probably be if you%26#39;re into the history of the settlement of the western United States. These were MAJOR landmarks on the Oregon Trail. Another stop would be at Ash Hollow, also just an hour or so. If you%26#39;re looking for something along the lines of the stunning scenery you have just come from, it%26#39;s probably not going to happen. The scenery in Utah and Colorado is spectular, stunning. The scenery in western Nebraska just kind of draws you in. It%26#39;s so different. I am awestruck when I realize what the travelers went through 150 years ago in covered wagons. Glad I don%26#39;t have to do that now.

Would I do it? Probably. Should you? Depends on how much of a hurry you%26#39;re in and if you appreciate the subtle beauty of western Nebraska along with its history.

Scott's Bluff, Chimney Rock

Thank you for your response, candid and concise and gives me the info I will need to ponder. After reading your response, I think it will come down to how anxious we are to get home at that point, we will have been on the road about a month or so. I did not consider the historic aspects but more the physical beauty, I need to re-think my reason for stopping.

Thank you, your comments are appreciated

My family came west on oregon Trail in 1852. I drove that route 8 or so years ago from son%26#39;s home in Omaha, Very interesting to me.

But certainlly does not compare to Arches for scenery, but it better than I-80

Chicago to Mount Rushmore Help

Following 6 days of ballgames from Minnisota to Milwaukee and Milwaukee to Chicago, the hubby and I have 8 free days and want to get to Mount Rushmore. Looking for thoughts on routes to take, towns to visit, restaurants that are a must, town fairs, cookoffs or any other hightlights you may have. Our trip is during the 2nd and 3rd week of May. Many thanks

Chicago to Mount Rushmore Help

Stop in Omaha for a day at the zoo. It truly is a national treasure. One of the best in the world.

makeup base

La Quinta Inn- is this a good neighborhood?

I too have read there are some areas of Omaha to avoid. We just need to stay one night on our way to a wedding and found a good price at the La Quinta Inn Northwest at 3330 North 104th Ave. Is this okay? Thanks!

La Quinta Inn- is this a good neighborhood?

That part of town is fine (I live not far from it). You%26#39;ll be pretty close to the Westroads shopping mall and there are good restaurants (Cheesecake Factory, P.F.Changs, Macaroni Grill and others) surrounding it I would not hesitate to stay at that La Quinta.

La Quinta Inn- is this a good neighborhood?

I also live near this area. It is very close to interstate 680 and convenient. Very safe, rather dated and could use some freshening but it%26#39;s clean, and close to many fast food restaurants. It is behind a Burger King and up a long service type road. Tricky to find, so you may want to map quest it.

Yes, The area is fine. I stayed at that La Quinta Inn before and had been in that neighborhood for business travel several times. I will be there and stay at a hotel next to it this weekend.

Could someone please tell me which the best hotel (price is not an issue) in Omaha.

I haven%26#39;t stayed at many hotels in Omaha.. but my guess would be either the Marriot, the Hilton, the Doubletree.. or the new one by the Qwest center.. I don%26#39;t remember the name of that one.

freemont forum

Any way to get from the LA airport to Fremont? Is there any bus or train to get there? Thanks

freemont forum

Do you mean the Los Angeles airport in California? To Fremont, Nebraska?

I%26#39;m sure there would be no problem catching a Greyhound bus.. or a train.. but why don%26#39;t you fly to Omaha?

benefits of using

Doubletree Guest Suites Omaha

Has anyone stayed here recently? We%26#39;re bringing my grandson to the Children%26#39;s Hospital in early June. The website indicates that the hotel is currently undergoing renovation with an anticipated completion of early Summer 2007.

Doubletree Guest Suites Omaha

Do you know which doubletree? You might also want to look at hotels in the ';Regency'; area, which are relatively close to Childrens and local shopping/eating. One is the Regency Marriott, and another is the Regency Lodge. There is also a Hampton Inn on 97th and Dodge Street which is very close and a Comfort Inn relatively close. I would suspect that the doubletree or Regency Mariott would be the nicest in terms of accomodations.

Gasoline Prices in North Platte

What%26#39;s with some of the service stations south of I-80 in North Platte? We drive through once a year on the way to vacation in the west. The pump price never seems to be quite as low as the sign price - and I see one station warning about the pricing of another station. I%26#39;d say be careful in this town if you are passing through on the interstate and need fuel.

Gasoline Prices in North Platte

When we have traveled through NE the North Platte gas stations here always are more expensive than other parts of NE.

Hotel - For Overnight Near Airport in Omaha

4/17/07

I guess I am interested in any suggestions for an overnight (or the best overnight) within say 5 miles of the airport for end of May...thinking about Ramada or Holiday but appreciate any suggestions.

Thanks

Hotel - For Overnight Near Airport in Omaha

I haven%26#39;t stayed at any of the hotels near the airport, but downtown Omaha is within your 5 mile criteria. Try priceline for a downtown hotel. The Doubletree isn%26#39;t too bad, but the Hilton is probably tops.

Here%26#39;s a forum that posts winning priceline bids that may help.

p070.ezboard.com/bpricelineandexpediabidding

Hotel - For Overnight Near Airport in Omaha

Try the Candlewood Suites - its on Abbott Plaza close to the airport.

402-342-2500

Gas station nearest Airport?

Will be coming from Iowa to drop off my rental car at OMA. I do not want to be charged for gas because I think it will be cheaper to fill it myself. However, if there are no gas stations near the airport, I might reconsider.

Any gas stations close to the airport?

thanks!

Gas station nearest Airport?

There is at least one on Locust. Locust is the first major intersection to the south of the airport on abbott drive. When you get to that intersection, head west. I believe the first you%26#39;ll hit is a kwik shop on your right.

It%26#39;s probably just over a mile from there to your rental return.

makeup base

Picnic spot

Where in Omaha is the best place/park for a picnic?

Picnic spot

There are tons of nice places.. I guess it kinda depends on where you are staying at. Just pick a park that is close.

I always like parks that are on water.. like a park with a lake or a park by the river.

Picnic spot

Wherspann Lake / Chalco Hills recreation area is nice - just off I-80 1/2 mile west on Hwy 370. Actually the north entrance off of Giles Road

will take you to the nicest places to set up. There is a nice 6 mile paved path around the lake. Not too crowded. This is actually a bit south of Omaha outside the city limits.

On the north side of Omaha , Standing Bear Lake is nice - Between 132nd and 144 Street near Fort.

Lake Zorinsky at around 168th and F is a nice spot too for a picnic a little fishing and a ball game.

Skip Cunningham Lake - it is closed for dredging.

Or Hayworth park in Bellevue.. right on the river. Nice spot.

dwight howard advice

Pet friendly and kid friendly hotel/motel in Lincoln

Can anyone recommend a nice hotel/motel in Lincoln that is pet friendly and kid friendly. We will be there the end of March for a conference and will have our two small dogs as well as my 3 yo. I have family in Lincoln that we usually stay with but want to make our trip into more of a vacation weekend and go to the children%26#39;s museum, Haymarket, maybe the zoo. The conference is close to 27th and Superior. Any suggestions?

Pet friendly and kid friendly hotel/motel in Lincoln

The following list of hotels are pet-friendly according to Priceline.com. I would definitely call to find out for sure and to find out if there are any fees associated with having a pet.

Chase Suite Hotel Lincoln

200 South 68Th Place

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68510

Comfort Inn Of Lincoln

2940 N W 12Th St

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68521

Comfort Suites Lincoln

4231 Industrial Avenue

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68504

Econo Lodge Lincoln

1140 West Cornhusker Highway

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68521

Lincoln Days Inn

1110 Calvert Street

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68502

Quality Suites Lincoln

216 N. 48Th Street

Lincoln, Nebraska, United States, 68504

Pet friendly and kid friendly hotel/motel in Lincoln

I looked for motels and hotels around your 27th preference.

The Staybridge Suites at exit 403 2701 Fletcher Ave. 438-7829 charges $25.00 per visit (up to 5 days) for pets, but no indoor pool

Country Inn and Suites by Carlson 5353 N. 27th 1-800-456-4000 charges $10.00 additional fee per night and per pet has indoor pool

Holiday Inn Express 435-0200 1133 Belmont Ave. 11th and Cornhusker. no charge for pets has indoor pool

The Holiday Inn Express on N. 26th is not pet friendly.

Microtel Inn and Suites 476-2591 2505 Fairfield $4.00 per pet per night has indoor pool

I know that the Chase Suites at 68th %26amp; O only charges $5 per night for a pet.... Plus it is a great hotel!!!

Cheap accomodation in Lincoln

Hi to all,

I am staying in lincoln for a month in nebraska, to study in the University of Nebraska. I%26#39;m on a short budget, so i can%26#39;t afford really nice hotels. However, as i never been in USA, i would really appreciate that the hotel was near the university.

Surfing the web i%26#39;ve found a Hostelling International hostel that is located inside the university campus. That%26#39;s just perfect! But their web site declares this hostel is %26#39;temporarily closed%26#39;. Last actualisation of this web site was May, 2006. I%26#39;ve tried to reach the hostel staff by mail, but no luck there.

Could you help me? Is this hostel active? And will it be active in October 2007?

Any help is welcome.

Regards,

Silvana

Cheap accomodation in Lincoln

Silvana, in case you didn%26#39;t receive my response via email I just wanted to post here that this hostel is indeed closed right now and now timetable on when/if it will reopen. I would think the University of Nebraska would have some short-term housing available. Have you tried contacting them? Let me know if I can help you.

Jon

Cheap accomodation in Lincoln

I was told that you could check with the university%26#39; housing department in late July and if the dorms aren%26#39;t all full they will rent a room by the month. The number is 402-472-1498. Also, you could check the university%26#39;s web site www.unl.edu, but I don%26#39;t know if you can check availability of on-campus housing. There are apartments available to rent, offered by people other than the university and some are furnished, but please ask before you rent as some are in unsafe neighborhoods. I mean to post again before you rent as the landlords won%26#39;t tell you that it is in an unsafe neighborhood. The best option would be a dorm room either on main or east campus. There are free shuttle buses for students that run between the two campus. You can ride any of the city buses for free with a university id.

Thank you very much for your helpful responses. I%26#39;ll follow your advice, and I will let you know if I had any luck in July with unl lodging on campus. Wish me luck!

You should try the Chase Suite hotel.... (402-483-4900)... I stayed there for a month while I took a master%26#39;s course during the summer and it was great... They have a great breakfast, a social hour, a courtyard with basketball, and a pool. Plus the rooms are big and have a full kitchen even with all the pots and everything. It%26#39;s great and I highly recommend it!

Highlights of NE

I have had a goal of visiting each of the 50 states to see what each state has to offer that is unique and what the local culture is like. I haven%26#39;t been to Nebraska yet, and recently have spotted some cheap fares to Omaha. However, besides that postings I have seen on the board about Omaha%26#39;s zoo and Old Market, what else would anyone recommend to see that best captures the feel of the state? Any advice would be appreciated, thanks. We would be looking to go in the fall (Oct - Nov) and are generally interested in unique local attractions and nature (we enjoy hiking) , we would be travelling as a young couple so anything romantic would be wonderful too!

Highlights of NE

Rent a car. Go to the stadium in Lincon on a football Saturday for Nebraska. On second thought, don%26#39;t; the traffic will be terrific. But the stadium becomes the (second) largest city in Nebraska on game days!

Go to an area around Grand Island to see the migration of the Sandhill Cranes.

Visit the Archway Monument near Kearney.

Visit the Harold Warp Pioneer Village at Minden.

Before going, rent and watch ';About Schmidt.'; Much of it was filmed in Omaha, including the exterior for the restaurant for the rehearsal dinner set in Denver!

Visit Girls and Boys Town. Originally named Boys Town, it was a rural setting to help troubled boys. Now the city%26#39;s grown out to it, and it%26#39;s changed a lot over the years.

Dine at Gorat%26#39;s in Omaha and see if you spot Warren Buffett. For the best whiskey filet, go to The Drover in Omaha. Maybe not such a good recommendation for a vegan, but the foodie would love it!

Visit the Joslyn Art Museum for some wonderful exhibits.

Visit the Durham Western Heritage Museum.

Go to Rosenblatt Stadium where the College World Series is played and view the sculpture, ';The Road to Omaha.'; Rosenblatt is right next door to the Henry Doorly Zoo.

This should give you a good start for planning!

Highlights of NE

If you want to drive out to Minden Ne. you can visit the Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village. This is an excellent place to view “everything” that is history in Nebraska. You can google Harold Warp’s Pioneer Village to get several links on this. If you go out there be prepared to stay overnight, it will take you more then a day to visit, check with them at the village and they can fill you in on many of the important items to know about.

Also a shorter drive is to visit Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City just south of Omaha.

Zoey has some great ideas. Boys Town good visit, long history in Omaha.

If you want to see Nebraska get off the freeway. One of our several trips there to see son headed south from Lincoln for Beatrice. then south to Odell. Friend in Oregon was from there and I thought I should see it. Sure it is like a lot of other small Nebraska towns. and many likely closer to Omaha.

Probably a loop to Nebraska City and then to Lincoln and some rural road back to Omaha could do that easier. Nebraska City nice looking town. and a bit unique to me.

Our son was transferred from Omaha and I miss our annual fall and spring trips there.

I know you mentioned zoo, but to me one of best i have seen, don%26#39;t miss it. Plus you can walk across street and see where our OSU Beavers won College World Series,

How close are you to 50? three years ago we made Alabama for 50.

Definetly go to the zoo, it is the best around. Go in the morning and then have lunch at the Bohemian Cafe, it is an Omaha must in my opinion. I always order the same thing everytime I go. Sauer braten (svickova) with sweet cabbage, dumplings and liver dumpling soup. I am making myself hungry just thinking about it! Trust me it is really good.

www.bohemiancafe.net

If you want romantic then go to Brother Sebastions for dinner and order the Chateaubriand (for two) with Flaming Baked Alaska.

www.brothersebastians.com

If you want to do some great hiking then I would go to the Wildcat Hills State Recreation Area. The drive across the flat lands is long but worth it. Lots fo charming towns along the way.

westnebraska.com/Area_Attractions/Scotts_Blu…

To really get a sense of Nebraska, try driving highway 2 through the sandhills. The drive is long, very small towns about every 10 miles. Another good alternative is to angle northwest off the interstate at Ogallala towards Scottsbluff. Beautiful drive and follows the Oregon Trail. There is so much history in Nebraska. This drive should include stops at Courthouse Rock, Jail Rock, Chimney Rock and Scott%26#39;s Bluff Monument.

One stop could be Stuhr Museum in Grand Island (Railroad Town is open from May 1 through the first weekend in October.)

Another suggestion would include Buffalo Bill%26#39;s Scout%26#39;s Rest Ranch near North Platte.

Niobrara River Valley in the northern part of the state, especially around Smith Falls and Valentine is something unique in the state.

I agree with Gibby 2.

Omaha is a nice place to visit, but it won%26#39;t get you ';the real'; Nebraska like the rest of the state can. Highway 2 is a great drive, as is heading North from Ogallala to the Northwest part of the state. The Chadron/Crawford area is really beautiful, and you can visit Fort Robinson State Park while there. To get out to this part of the state, you will need to be prepared to drive though. I%26#39;m guessing it would be about 10 hours using the interstate and quite a bit more using the highways, but the interstate is such a boring drive through Nebraska. It is the reason people think our state is completely flat, because along I-80 it is. The central part of the state has some river valley%26#39;s and wooded areas that make for some great scenery and good hiking.

This is what I would recommend: Head out of Omaha and start going West. Use highways instead of the interstate, but don%26#39;t be afraid to get off the highways as well. Most gravel roads are very well maintained in this state, and as long as they don%26#39;t say Dead End they should come out somewhere! Of course use common sense, and if the sign says Minimum Maintenance, it means it... sometimes just two tire paths in a pasture. But, if you have a rental... go for it! I would also stop in some of the little towns around noon and look for the building with the most trucks around it. This will undoubtably be the best place (maybe the only place) to eat in the town, and it will get you a glimpse of ';real Nebraska';.

Lastly, I would pack a blanket and a lunch and start cruising the back roads for a beautiful place to hike. If there is a farm/ranch nearby, you could stop in and ask permission to hike or see if they could point you in the right direction to find the land owners to ask them. If that isn%26#39;t your cup of tea or there is no farm/ranch nearby, just park your vehicle (it will be fine) and start hiking. Just be respectful... if you open any gates, close them, pick up after your done, etc. If someone happens to see you and asks what you%26#39;re doing, just tell them and I%26#39;m almost 100% positive they will say ';have a good time';.

Now, what could a young couple do that is romantic out in a secluded pasture... I guess I%26#39;ll leave that up to you two!

Do you have to fly into Omaha? I grew up in Western Nebraska, so I%26#39;m biased, but I think going to the Sand Hills or the Chadron/Fort Robinson area would be more unique than Omaha. And how long do you have? There are other airports you could fly to that would be closer to that part of the state (Rapid City, SD; Cheyenne, WY; even Denver).

The Niobrara River was listed on National Geographic%26#39;s top 100 adventures and would make a fun day trip. Most people canoe around Valentine, but you can canoe on it further west as well.

If you are into history, check out Fort Robinson or some of the other sites in the area (Fur Trade Museum in Chadron).

There are a lot of small lakes/ponds in the Sand Hills that would provide nice places to hike/walk.

I have had several friends who grew up on the coasts visit me in Western Nebraska and they just can%26#39;t get over it .... the isolation, the small towns, ';how big everything'; is, etc. I think it would certainly be a unique area to experience.

Living close to the KS/NE border and being a person who loves to take road trips to enjoy local ';culture';, let me suggest some things I think you might like to give you a ';taste'; of NE as I like to see it...

Much of America%26#39;s food comes from Nebraska as it is one of the nation%26#39;s largest Agricultural producers and packagers. Farmland foods corporation is based in Nebraska. Nebraska is a leader in the production of beef, pork, corn, and soy beans. Driving any roads through Nebraska will be evident of this strong agricultural base...Nebraska was also one of the earlier states to offer reduced prices for ethanol-based gas....

These agricultural products have to be shipped so you will find one of the worlds largest train yards in North Platte, NE. The Bailey train yards boast the largest yards. There is a small viewing stand. Unfortunately, this is not the nicest viewing platform, but the town of North Platte has ALOT of other things to offer as it is the home of Buffalo Bill. Nebraskaland days is based in North Platte. Although ';touristy'; North Platte toutes a ';Wild West'; feel--but being a rancher and from Kansas I often find that almost anything labled wild west is ';touristy'; and ';hokey';--but this is after all Buffalo Bill%26#39;s Wild West and it was ';entertainment'; and the ';greatest show'; as billed by Buffalo Bill himself.

You will find that rodeo is a big sport in Nebraska. I have found that many small towns in southern Nebraska host rodeos.

The south central town of Fairbury is an iconic town with a wonderful town park. The park boasts a ';modern'; swimming pool, a dragon, a wooden village playground, a huge fountain, a tank, a WPA built girl scout cabin (of course built in the 1930%26#39;s) and is a nice oasis on a hot day with it%26#39;s large shaded area by very old, mature trees. The park is also home to a campground and Quinn Baseball Field--home of the 1922 minor league pennant winners.

The Platte River sweeps across southern Nebraska and has been a huge impact on this area since prehistoric times. It is the migration stopping place for many birds, but is notably known for it%26#39;s large transient Sandhill crane migration. This is something that should not be missed if you are any where near Nebraska in late February to early April. Kearney to Grand Island has many areas along the river where you can view these birds, although just driving around the country roads you will find the fields full of the birds while they are feeding during the day. Check out the Nebraska tourism website for more details and some great pictures! (http://www. visitnebraska.org) Even if it is not during the sandhill crane migration, these river boardwalks and viewing areas are a nice place to visit.

I also enjoy the central and northwest area of the state called the sandhill region. Beautiful scenery with clear running rivers. I would suggest a canoe trip on the Loupe river. There actually three branches, the North Loupe, Middle Loupe, and South Loupe rivers that flow east and then join to form the Loupe river. There are canoe ';trails'; on these rivers. You can get information about these canoe ';trails'; on line at ngpc.state.ne.us/boating/guides/canoetrails

The best time to canoe, though is in the spring and fall because summer there is alot of water drawn from these rivers for irrigation.

Nebraska is a great place to ';stop and smell the roses';. If is full of unique sights and activities. Southeast Nebraska is a great place to experience a river port culture such as Nebraska City. The anniversary of Lewis Clark has created improvements in the Lewis Clark trail system and this is a GREAT place to experience that kind of history. Check out the nebraska tourism site http://www.visitnebraska.org and look under senic byways for the Lewis and Clark trip as well as many other great trips to take.

You will find that the nebraska tourism website is very usable and helpful for many flavors of nebraska visits. They will also send you a free tourism packet that I would recommend. Again...you can visit this website at http://www.visitnebraska.org

Have fun!!!