We have always wanted to go to Omaha, Nebraska, and we always receive the same comment back… Why? On a rainy two days in New York, we had the opportunity to escape to our city from LaGuardia Airport. The weather was forecast to be clear in the low 80s on both days in Omaha. We were so impressed with the renovation of the new LaGuardia Airport. We previously traveled out of LGA when it was considered a “third-world country.” Delta Air Lines flies three nonstop flights daily to Omaha, and now we understand why.
We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn, a few blocks from the well-known Old Market District. The airport is only four miles from the central city, and most hotels have free shuttle vans to and from the OMA airport. It is very interesting that when you travel from the airport to the central city, you must travel through Iowa. The airport is currently under major construction, which will double its size when completed.
We arrived late in the day and decided to walk around the Old Market District and then have dinner. This district has many restaurants, cafes, and pubs that serve patrons outside, weather permitting. This area is quaint and one of Omaha’s most photogenic neighborhoods with cobblestone streets. There are also many interesting shops, art galleries, and ice cream parlors. We ate at a well-known restaurant named M’s Pub. (M stands for Mary, the original owner). The menu had very different items, and we decided to experience their famous Lavosh with assorted toppings. Lavosh is a traditional Armenian unleavened flatbread made in a special oven. The portion was huge and completely covered a large plate.
After dinner, we walked to the Capital District in the northern section of the downtown. This area is home to the Charles Schwab Field Omaha, where the annual NCAA Men’s College World Series occurs. The CHI Health Center Omaha is across from the stadium, as well as a convention center and arena.
On our last day, we walked to the Riverfront, which is in the heart of downtown. It offers 72 acres of recreational and relaxation possibilities. There are three parks, Gene Leahy Mall, Heartland of America Park, and Lewis and Clark Landing, all connected with many scenic views and gardens. The Lewis and Clark Landing is along the Missouri River, and Iowa views are visible across the river.
After this, we proceeded to one of Omaha’s most unique treasures, Union Station, now home to the Durham Museum, where we walked through restored train cars and stations; the building has been designated a National Historic Landmark.
One attraction that we didn’t have enough time to see was the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium. This zoo is rated the number one in the United States and maybe one of the world’s best. We have been told it will take at least one full day and possibly two days to see the entire zoo, which is 130 acres. Nearly everyone we spoke to during our visit to this city is extremely proud of their zoo. Also, everyone is so excited that Warren Buffet is considered the “Oracle of Omaha” and its proud son.
We will definitely return to Nebraska; it is clean, modern, and filled with the charm you would expect in a much larger city.
