What to do in Omaha?
 

We'll be in Omaha May 5-8 attending a full-day meeting on May 6 at the Quest Convention Center. I read some old threads recommending restaurants and made reservation one night at Gorats and I would like to try the Indian Oven another night. Are there any restaurants serving healthy/organic cuisine, or grocers equivalent to Whole Foods, Wild Oats or Trader Joe's?
We enjoy outdoor activities - are there any hiking trails/bike or kayak rentals within short driving distance of Omaha?

Any input is appreciated.

The Old Market / Heartland Park / Central Park Mall is a area to walk around. You can also rent bikes to ride around the area.

You should also make some time to visit the Zoo.

Here's a good site to find more info on Omaha - http://visitomaha.com/

Specific to hiking and trails, this could help - http://visitomaha.com/vandr/Sports.a...EC&sn=visitors

And yes, there's a Whole Foods:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/list_NE.html

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Thank you, DullesFlyer! Very useful information.

Busybee

Definately the zoo. Its one of the best out there. Depending on your tastes, there are some casinos in Council Bluffs (just over the river into Iowa). There is also the SAC (Strategic Air Command) musuem which is about 20 minutes or so west of Omaha. Haven't done either of those, but from people who like that sort of thing, I have heard that they are pretty good. Not really outdoor activities though :)

Also, FWIW, I wouls stay near Haymarket or downtown. Some of the other hotels in Omaha are starting to show thier age.

I will look up some of the other resturants that are good out there, and post them when I get the names.

AJ

Thank you AJ, I will definitely visit the zoo and maybe the SAC museum, but casino is not my thing. All downtown hotels are fully booked for that weekend May 5-7 since more than 20,000 people will be swarming the Qwest Convention Center to listen to the "Oracle of Omaha" (myself included). I will be staying in the Residence Inn on Dodge Street which is more than 4 miles away from downtown. It's very kind of you to look up the restaurants, thanks again.

Busybee

Coincidentally, I think I have stayed at that Residence Inn. You will probably take 72nd to Dodge, and turn right onto Dodge. Once on Dodge get into the left lane, as the entrance for the Residence Inn isn't obvious. It will be after a small strip mall, and right before what I remember is a office supply store.

The staff there has always been very nice, but the property is showing its age. As far as the drive downtown, I would get directions, but it will probably take you longer to park than to get into the area.

As for restaurants... In the area there, there are quite a few chains, Applebees, Chicago Pizza, and a few others. If you want some nicer places, there is a place called Mahogany, which is a fairly pricey steak house. Right near it is place called Chester-something, which is a more reasonable place. Both have good food.

Also I haven't been there, but http://losolemio.com/index.htm is a highly recommended place from a friend of mine. In haymarket, there is a brewpub that is down the road from the Courtyard, which is pretty good.

Sorry the directions and names aren't great. I used to end up there a lot and drove by feel after a while... :)

All great tips, thanks again AJ!

In the event that anyone ever asks you, "hey, what fun things are there to do in Omaha," here's the answers...

FUN

There are two casinos in Council Bluffs (just over the river from Omaha), Ameristar and Harrahs.

The Zoo is supposedly excellent (again I didn't get to see it because of my work schedule), but it has been called the "second best zoo in America" behind San Diego. www.omahazoo.com


The aviation museum just west of town on I-80 is only open 9 - 5 daily, so I didn't see it, but I hear it is quite cool: Strategic Air and Space Museum

FOOD

In the old market, after walking around and doing some window shopping, hit M's pub. Good after work crowd, cold beer and good food. www.mspubomaha.com

Charlie's On the Lake is a nice place to take a romantic date. It's even alright to hang with coworkers.

I liked the wings at DJ's Dugout (114 and Dodge - 636 N. 114th Street). Plus I got to watch MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL. Yay for Football season!

There is a very interesting little German restaurant in Bellevue called Edelweiss. They can be found at 2211 Capehart Rd., or on the virtual road at www.edelweiss-restaurant.com.

We started with the potato pancakes, which were very good (especially with the Hefe-Weizen to wash it down). I followed with the Wurst Teller - a selection of the "best of the wurst." (Great pun, eh?). The Currywurst was especially good. My co-worker had the Veal Cordon Bleu, and like it alot. Portion sizes were HUGE! The bill was very reasonable.

I look forward to sampling "best of the wurst" at Edelweiss. Thanks for all the info.

FWIW, one of these either changed or a new casino was added, called the Horseshoe or something like that. Its either new or remodeled.