Downtown
When the first settlers set up camp on the western banks of the Missouri
River, the city of Omaha was born. What was once the site of these early
dirt roads and crude, makeshift buildings is now the bustling, urban area
known as Downtown. Just minutes from Eppley Airport, the popular .Old
Market area is a multi-block conglomeration of renovated brick warehouses
occupied by restaurants, shops, bars, apartments, condos and art
galleries. Quaint old-style lampposts, uneven brick streets, horse-drawn
carriages and street-side musicians make the area a favorite with locals
and tourists alike. Enjoy an intimate dinner at V. Mertz, down a cold brew
at Mr. Toad, shop for the latest fashions at Nouvelle Eve or stop by
Homer's Records and Tapes to browse through the largest collection of CDs
in the area. Downtown is also a haven for the arts -- visitors will find
the Joslyn Art Museum,
Orpheum Theater, Durham Western Heritage Museum, the
Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center, the Jackson Art Works, the Civic
Auditorium and more, all located in a 15 block area.
Central
Central Omaha has many distinct personalities. Omaha's older, established
neighborhoods include the Bemis, Gold Coast and Blackstone areas, all
listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Dundee area, a
charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets, quaint homes and a small
shopping district, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Dine on
contemporary Jamaican cuisine at
Bomba Dia, stroll down to the Dundee Dell for fish and chips, or, if
you're feeling 'a little Italian,' stop by
Trovato's/a> for a hot plate of pasta. The University of Nebraska at
Omaha, Elmwood Park, Memorial Park, the Omaha Community Playhouse and
Crossroads Mall make Central Omaha a cornucopia overflowing with exciting
things to do.
West Central
Known for big, expensive homes and abundant shopping centers, West Central
Omaha is 'home' to many of the city's well-to-do families. Shopping malls
are everywhere: One Pacific Place, Regency Court, Westroads Shopping
Center, Countryside Village and Rockbrook Village are located in this
well-traveled area. Sightseers shouldn't miss visiting Boys Town, the
world-renowned residential facility founded by Father Flannigan, which
provides family homes for over 500 troubled and disadvantaged youth from
across the nation. Excellent restaurants are everywhere: enjoy a leisurely
brunch at the
Market Basket, master the art of the chopstick at the
Imperial Palace or relish the Tex-Mex food and ambiance at Stokes Grill
and Bar.
North Omaha
Take a trip back in time in historic North Omaha. The
Mormon Cemetery and Visitors Center is located on the actual site where
the group camped during its cross-country trek in the mid-1800s. Fort
Omaha, originally built as a military post in 1878, is currently used as
the main campus for Metropolitan Community College. Straddling North Omaha
and Downtown is Creighton University, a well-respected Jesuit
university with medical, dental, law and liberal arts programs. Located
along the river is Freedom Park, a naval/military museum with an
impressive outdoor display of W.W.II ships, submarines and military
artifacts. NP Dodge Park offers picnicking, various sports fields, and a
large marina on the Missouri River. Travel a bit west to the North Hills
area and you'll find wide-open spaces, grazing horses and frolicking deer.
American Gramaphone Records, the recording label of Grammy Award-winning
musician and composer Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller is located in
this area. Lake Cunningham is a favorite boating and fishing spot. If all
this fresh air whets your appetite, swing by OJ's Cafe for some tasty
tacos, or journey to the Surfside Club where diners feast on fried chicken
and catfish with a scenic river view. And no trip to North Omaha would be
complete without a stop at
Mr. C's Steakhouse where it's Christmas all year round.
Northwest Omaha
Welcome to the fastest growing area in the city: the land of swing-sets
and mini-vans. Housing developments are springing up on every corner, and
shopping malls and business parks are keeping up the pace. The area in and
around 132nd and Maple Street is fast becoming the heart of the Northwest
area with many shopping, dining, recreational and residential options.
Catch the latest flick at the 20 Grand Theatre, linger over dinner at
Vincenzo's, or, if Thai food is your passion, try the Thai Spice. Golfers
will find The Champions Club, Eagle Run Golf Course, Benson Golf Course
and Indian Creek Golf Course in this area. Tranquility Park, where the
term 'soccer mom' surely originated, boasts a spectacular soccer complex
and indoor ice skating rinks. For a day in the sun, try Standing Bear
Lake, a beautiful park with fishing, boating and hiking trails.
South Omaha/Bellevue
If Omaha has a melting pot of ethnicity and culture, this is it! The
city's Polish, Italian, Hispanic and Czech populations have thrived here
for generations. Considered its own city until the early 1900s, many South
Omaha residents settled in the area because of its proximity to the main
source of business' meat-packing plants. Most of these plants are now gone,
replaced by bustling shopping centers and business parks. Some of Omaha's
most popular attractions are located here: the
Henry Doorly Zoo, Rosenblatt Stadium (home of the NCAA College World
Series and the Omaha Spikes baseball team), Sokol Auditorium and a Park
and Ice Arena. If Mexican food is what you're looking for, be sure to try
the enchiladas and Margaritas at El Alamo. Bellevue, Omaha's third largest
'city,' is located just south of South Omaha. Originally a riverside fur
trading post, today Bellevue is a thriving residential community and
business district. The U. S. Strategic Air Command located at Offutt Air
Force Base brings military families from all over the world to live in the
area. Tucked in the rolling hills is
Fontenelle Forest, a lush area filled with hiking and nature trails.
Southwest
Homes, homes and more homes...that's what Southwest Omaha is all about.
Housing developments, shopping centers, mega movie theaters, restaurants
and every other imaginable convenience are found around every corner.
Businesses thrive in the area, as well, with many major corporations
including Lucent Technologies, Oriental Trading Company, Omaha Steaks
operating here. Shoppers will find Oak View Mall, the city's newest
shopping attraction, irresistible. For some much needed R and R, try
Zorinsky Lake where hiking, biking, fishing and boating are at their best.
If you love seafood but aren't interested in catching it yourself, try
Charlie's on the Lake, a stylish eatery with an outstanding menu,
beautiful outdoor patio and a special Martini menu featuring over 100
yummy concoctions.
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