I better start with the place where I’ve spent the most time.. where I was born and raised: Omaha, NE

Alright, I’ll admit it, Nebraska is not the most exciting place in the world. But it’s home to me and I have found many things to do that I LOVE. I have to defend this great state because it truly has many hidden gems that people who have never been here would never realize we even had.

First off… NO, Nebraska is not 100% cornfields, cows, and tractors. Ok maybe 75% of it is.. but there is still so much more to see and do. I grew up in Elkhorn, NE (which was annexed by Omaha in 2005), so I will focus on things to do in Omaha with a few exceptions.

I’m going to start with my recommendations in Council Bluffs, IA.. yes I know its not Nebraska but bare with me. Maybe 10 minutes into the state of Iowa, there is a place called The Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook. This is definitely a must do because it has the most beautiful views of the city of Omaha. It ALSO has great views of Eppley Airfield so if you pack a lunch or dinner, head up to the monument in Iowa and watch the planes take off and land. I recommend going at sunset (the midwest has the BEST sunsets – I’m a little bias but you have to see them for yourself). Another great thing about this place is the fact that it has trails and little paths you can walk on. There are places that can get steep or narrow but if you have an adventurous attitude, you will LOVE IT. If you find yourself in the Iowa area, also take a trip to the Loess Hills. It’s the closest Nebraska gets to having Mountains but it’s worth the time to check it out. They have more hiking trails and more beautiful views.

Now back to Nebraska…
We have so many events and things to do, but some of them are seasonal, so plan accordingly.

I wouldn’t be a Nebraskan if I didn’t promote the Huskers. Football in the fall is a religion in Nebraska. Our Huskers are our pride and joy and whether we win or lose, our fanbase is incredible. I just need to brag at how amazing Nebraska fans are…

• Nebraska owns an NCAA record streak of 368 consecutive sellouts at Memorial Stadium
• Although the Huskers added more than 6,000 seats to the stadium before the start of the 2006 season, Nebraska received approximately 15,000 requests for the new seats, ensuring that the sellout streak would continue in the years to come with capacity crowds reaching more than 80,0000 at Memorial Stadium.
• Nebraska’s football fans have been given the distinguished title – “The Sea of Red” – as waves of red-clad Husker fans follow Nebraska at home and on the road. In fact, the entire state follows the Huskers, along with an ever-growing national fan base, packing Memorial Stadium for every game since 1962.
  
  *Above info comes from: https://huskers.com/news/2019/1/14/525198.aspx

If you find yourself in Nebraska in the Fall on a Saturday, head to Lincoln because the experience is unbelievable and so much fun for people of any age. Walking around in the “sea of red” and sitting in Memorial Stadium is something you will have to take my word for and experience for yourself because it’s honestly so much fun.

My Favorite time of the year is Summer because we host the College World Series at our fairly new stadium, TD Ameritrade Park. Even if you don’t like baseball, this is something everyone should experience. It’s a HUGE thing in Nebraska. There’s family-friendly events during the day, and in-between games. At night there are two main beer tents: The MAT and the Slowdown. The MAT has a younger crowd and usually a DJ – SUPER FUN! The Slowdown is known more for the older people who still have that young spirit to party all night. They often have live bands and sometimes will have a DJ. After 9PM its ages 21 and up at both the Slowdown and the MAT but both are so much fun and I like them both!

Ok so Nebraska isn’t all sports. We are also known as the beef state because of our amazing farmers and their ability to raise cows to supply the nation with delicious meat. If you have never had Omaha Steaks… you’re missing out.
If you’re feeling fancy and your wallet has some extra green in it, try a delicious meal at any of the following:
Brother Sebastian’s Steakhouse and Winery, 801 Chophouse, Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Mahogany Prime Steakhouse, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, 360 Steakhouse (AMAZING VIEWS)
If you’re feeling fancy but your wallet is a little more empty (like mine), these are comparable and just as delicious: (warning… still a little expensive)
Charleston’s Restaurant, Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, Johnny’s Italian Steakhouse, Block 16 (great for lunch, has weird hours of operation)

Another seasonal attraction is Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, open in September and October. Its slightly expensive to get in on the weekends and is usually crowded so I recommend trying to go on a weekday, Admission is almost half the price and its way less crowded.
Vala’s is also something you MUST experience. They have AMAZING food and its fun for people of any age (kids especially). As an adult, I still go and love every second. The best part: the food. Make sure you show up hungry because there is so much to try! My favorites: Turkey Legs, Potato Ribbons, kettle corn, and fresh chocolate chip cookies from the cookie coop. Try them all, you won’t be disappointed. They also have so many attractions that are entertaining and exciting. The pig races are my favorite but I also love the classic haunted house, hayrack ride, bounce pillows, bikes, and the Lost Pumpkin Mine. I could go on forever about Vala’s and how much I love it but you MUST experience it!

Oh and did I mention we have the World’s Best Zoo? Well in 2014… but in my eyes, it’s the most amazing zoo I have ever been to. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo is HUGE and offers so much for the visitors and animals. They are also always expanding and opening new exhibits which is so exciting! I’ve been countless times and am always excited to go. It’s definitely worth it to visit the zoo when in Nebraska.

More things to do:
Take a stroll in the Old Market (horse-drawn carriage rides are fun!)
Walk across the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge downtown (has the line that marks where Nebraska ends and Iowa begins)
Visit the Capital District at night for a range of bars/clubs. Also has an ice rink during the winter!

I’m not finished. but I’m tired so I’ll come back and finish this later 🙂

I’m not really a blogger – but I absolutely love to travel and discover new places and experience new things. I’ve had so many people ask me what I did when I went to *insert location* and figured I could write about all my trips and share them easily on this wonderful thing we call the internet.

A LITTLE ABOUT ME

I have been so lucky in my lifetime to be able to travel to many different countries around the world as well as the majority of the Unites States. I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with my Accounting degree and I was born and raised in Omaha, NE so I guess you could say I get my excitement from all my travels. Although I love my home state, theres are so many places out there that everyone needs to see because the world is truly breathtaking.

WHAT I WILL WRITE ABOUT

• Exactly what I did on my trips – What I liked/didn’t like
• Travel Tips and Reminders
• Places you MUST SEE
• Hidden Gems
• Food and Experience recommendations

So if you are thinking about going on a trip or are planning one, there is a lot of work that goes into it. I have done my fair share of research and won’t stop! I’m aware many people hate planning trips and want to just go and relax. I couldn’t be more opposite. When I go somewhere, I always look for the best things to do in the time I have for the cheapest cost. That way, I save money, experience incredible things, and have leftover money for my next adventure. Hopefully you can find helpful information in what I have to share and if you’re not sure if you want to take a trip or not JUST BOOK IT! Life is too short and this world is too beautiful not to experience.

Safe Travels,