A note from “Odyssey through Nebraska”:  While I make it to Omaha a few times a year, I do not make it there as often as I would like.  Our family has a few favorite places to go and things to do, and we can get “stuck in a rut” just doing those things.  Kim from OhMy! Omaha is helping me to change that.  Her blog features fresh ideas on experiencing Omaha.  She graciously agreed to guest blog for me and share some of her favorite outings.  

If you’ve visited Omaha before, there’s a good chance you’ve checked out the huge zoo, one of the many family-friendly museums and the charming Old Market. If you haven’t, put that on your itinerary.

For those looking for something more to do in Omaha, I have a few ideas. Whenever I travel, I make plans according to where I can eat. You can’t enjoy vacation if you’re “hangry,” am I right or am I right?

So, to avoid “hangry” visitors in Omaha, here are a few pairings of Omaha restaurants and activities to consider.  You will have a fun time that is as easy as one, two, three.

One …  Lauritzen Gardens: This place at 100 Bancroft St. is billed as an oasis in the city and I’d have to agree. When the weather is warm,it’s fun to explore the various gardens (I particularly like the Victorian Garden, but the kids like the outdoor trains). The end of November through the start of the new year, you can still enjoy a visit to Lauritzen because of gorgeous (and indoor) Holiday Poinsettia Show. The trains come inside – which is how you hook my kids – and the decorations are charming. Several holiday events are planned through the run of the show, many with live music. http://www.lauritzengardens.org/Visit/Events_and_Exhibits/Holiday_Poinsettia_Show/

Photograph Courtesy of Nebraska Tourism

Ted & Wally’s: This cool ice cream shop at 1120 Jackson St. has been an Old Market staple for decades. It’s a little more than 2 miles from Lauritzen. Stop here for a snack, but be sure to taste a few of the concoctions before committing. Sampling is half the fun. http://tedandwallys.com/

Two … Hot Shops Art Center: North downtown Omaha has been experiencing a bit of a renaissance with the new baseball stadium and hotels and shops that have popped up around it. Hot Shops, 1301 Nicholas St., has been a destination in that neighborhood long before it was up-and-coming. Artists of all ilk have studios in the multi-story building and you’re welcome to walk around, poke your head in and see the creative process. It’s free to visit. There are two open houses each year and they are incredibly popular. The next one is Dec. 7 and 8, just in time for some Christmas shopping.

http://www.hotshopsartcenter.com/

The Blatt: A half-mile from Hot Shops is this great burger and beer spot at 610 N, 12th St. On game days, you can sit on the rooftop and soak up the energy from TDAmeritrade Park. Now, you may think because it offers upscale pub food and a good variety of beers, that this isn’t a place to bring your kiddos. Not so. We’ve brought our two a few times now and the staff is always gracious (no kids menu, but we order the Blat Mac appetizer and split it). As a bonus for young families, there is a changing table. http://www.blattbeer.com/

Three … Boulder Creek Putt Putt: Now this is pretty much all outdoors so plan accordingly. This is a well-kept mini golf spot in West Omaha (14208 S St. to be exact). They also have a rock climbing wall, a few games that involve trampolines and batting cages. It’s a fun active family outing. http://bouldercreekminigolf.net/

Photo courtesy of the Boulder Creek Putt Putt Website

Sgt. Peffer’s Italian: I’m more of a fan of their baked dishes than pizza, but order what you want. One problem with dining here is that you’re going to have a very hard sticking to any diet. So, you’ve been warned. It’s located at 13760 Millard Ave., about a half-mile from Boulder Creek.

http://www.sgtpeffers.com/ordereze/default.aspx

P.S. Thanks, Kim!  A hint from Odyssey through Nebraska again … this is the time to check out the OhMy! Omaha blog.  She is celebrating her six month anniversary as a blogger except instead of getting the gifts, she is giving them.  You don’t want to miss out on the fun!

Author: neodyssey