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More details about things to do, places to go, etc. |
GETTING THERE: Most major airlines serve Omaha, though it can be difficult to find a direct flight from Washington. Midwest offers nonstop service from Reagan National; round-trip fares start at about $250, with restrictions.
WHERE TO STAY: Sadly, Omaha lacks a truly local or iconic hotel. The Doubletree downtown (1616 Dodge St., 800-222-TREE, www.doubletree.com; from $150 double) is in a stately highrise with glass elevators. Just a few miles up Dodge Street in Midtown is the Cornerstone Mansion Inn (140 N. 39th St., 888-883-7745, www.cornerstonemansion.com; from $85), a popular bed-and-breakfast converted from the private residences of one of Omaha's most prominent families, the Offutts. It's a short drive from the Old Market, the Henry Doorly Zoo and the Joslyn Art Museum.
WHERE TO EAT: Gorat's Steak House (4917 Center St.) is widely considered a cut above Omaha's many family-owned steak houses -- a view endorsed by Warren Buffett, who often holds court in this financially sensible establishment. Two can eat for less than $50 and choose from a wide range of pork or beef steak, chicken, Italian and seafood.
A close runner-up is Caniglia's Original Restaurant (1114 S. Seventh St.), owned by Omaha's first family of restaurateurs. This Italian steakhouse is among the region's best. Entrees are $10 to $22.
For international tastes, the French Cafe (1017 Howard St.), in the Old Market, evokes the stylized feel of a Parisian film noir. Equally impeccable is the menu: curry-dusted scallops, roasted pork tenderloin, filet mignon and more. A couple would be lucky to leave only $80 lighter.
WHAT TO DO: Omaha is at its best in June, during the NCAA College World Series, when an RV city rises from the Rosenblatt Stadium parking lot. Details: 402-444-4750, www.cwsomaha.com. Other attractions include:
INFORMATION: Greater Omaha Convention & Visitors Bureau, 866-YES-OMAHA, www.visitomaha.com.
Last revised July 22, 2004.