Omaha is a Must-See Travel Destination

There was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to adore Omaha after doing just a smidgen of investigating. Trust me when I say the city is a hidden gem. 

My initial purpose was to explore the cobblestone streets of the Old Market; however, I quickly discovered Omaha offers an abundance of activities above and beyond this district.

Omaha is a marvelous destination for solo travelers, families, and everyone in between. The city offers fantastic eateries, charm, and top-notch entertainment. The vast amount of art in the city had me on cloud nine. 

Please check out my individual posts for the Joslyn Art Museum, Hot Shops Art Center, the Benson neighborhood and downtown area (which I define as a playground for adults).

Food and Drink
Krug Park - excellent tap list
Matsu Sushi
Flavors (Indian) - go for the lunch buffet
La Buvette
Le Quartier Baking Co. Dundee
Modern Love - This vegan eatery was so delectable I ate there twice in three days.

Nutjob Brown Ale by Scriptown

Matsu Sushi

Flavors

La Buvette

La Buvette's beautiful patio

Caramelized Cauliflower Sandwich at Le Quartier

Beet Tartare at Modern Love

Island Burger & Odell's Porter at Modern Love

Mac & Shews at Modern Love

Culture
Joslyn Art Museum 
Hot Shops Art Center
Street art in the Benson neighborhood 
Heartland of America Park
Gene Leahy Mall
Old Market
Joslyn Castle
St. Cecilia's Cathedral

St. Cecilia's Cathedral

Joslyn Castle

Old Market

Convention Center

 

I wanted to see the inside!

New shoes:)

Omaha O! guy

The mesmerizing fountain at Heartland of America Park

http://www.visitomaha.com/

The Joslyn Art Museum Stuns

I enjoy getting lost in a museum as much as the next guy; however, I rarely make it to one when I travel due to time constraints. That is, until I came to Omaha and caught a glimpse of the pink marble beauty otherwise known as the Joslyn Art Museum.

I carved out a couple of hours on my last day in town, and began swooning the minute I entered the grounds (can you blame me?).

There was even a group of folks gathered on the grass in the sculpture garden waiting for a yoga class to begin, and I was so wishing I had appropriate attire stowed in my suitcase.

I quickly got over it after stepping inside. The Joslyn Art Museum is a real knockout. Admission is free and you can store your large-size luggage at the information desk or use a locker for smaller items.

Grab a seat in Cafe Durham, located in the dreamy atrium, and nosh on some food while staring at the sky.

On your way out, be sure to browse the Hitchcock Museum Shop, where I purchased several unique gifts.
https://www.joslyn.org/

Omaha's Benson Neighborhood

Omaha Bicycle Co.

I asked the locals where I could find decent street art and craft beer, and did they ever point me in the right direction. That direction was north, namely to the Benson neighborhood. The adventure began on the wrong foot, as I shouldn't have walked. I believe I know what it feels like to walk through Death Valley.

I eventually made it to Krug Park, my destination for top-notch brews. Within 5 minutes, I knew the jaunt was worth it. Krug Park offers 60+ taps, phenomenal bartenders, and exposed brick with cool fixtures including "old timer" portraits. It was definitely time to fill er up!

I let my trusty bartender choose my first and it was a keeper.

Cutthroat Porter by Odell Brewing Co.

The second one was even tastier.

Vanilla Bean Blonde Ale by Infusion Brewing

I could have stayed for hours, tempted by more; however, my fear of dying of dehydration on the walk home took care of that. I was also on a mission to find the street art before dusk.

The quality and quantity of art exceeded my expectations, and see if you don't agree.

 

http://jfon-ne.org/

 

The Benson neighborhood is my kind of discovery when I travel - quirky, colorful, and laid back. I highly recommend checking it out - experiencebenson.com