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Travel guide for the Omaha area: Friday, September 5

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 9:07 GMT by KETV Omaha
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Discover Omaha: A Quick‑Start Guide to the Heart of Nebraska

On Friday, September 5, KETV’s “Travel Guide for the Omaha Area” launched a fresh, bite‑size overview of everything that makes the city a compelling stop for weekend wanderers, history buffs, and foodies alike. The piece—intentionally concise but surprisingly full of detail—offers a snapshot of the most iconic attractions, the best local eateries, and the free‑to‑explore events that bring the city’s culture to life. Below, we distill that guide into a handy 500‑plus‑word rundown, adding context where the original article linked to additional resources.

1. Historic Old Market – The “Oldest, Largest, and Most Vibrant” District

KETV opens with a sweeping look at the Old Market, a National Historic District that has earned the nickname “the most lively downtown area in the Midwest.” The article notes that the brick‑paved streets, Victorian‑era warehouses, and eclectic mix of shops make the Old Market a perfect start to a day of exploration. Within the guide, a hyperlink directs readers to the official Old Market Association website, where visitors can find event calendars, dining suggestions, and “history‑walk” maps. The guide emphasizes:

• Artisans & Boutiques – From handmade jewelry to locally‑made ceramics.
• Seasonal Pop‑Ups – Especially active during the “Omaha Artisan & Design Festival.”
• Dining – The article highlights the Mister Softee ice‑cream truck and a selection of micro‑breweries that are a must‑try for craft beer lovers.

2. Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium – “The Big Chill” on the South Side

The guide turns to the Henry Doorly Zoo, which is often ranked among the world’s top zoos. KETV’s piece stresses that the zoo’s indoor desert, rainforest, and polar bear exhibits make it a “must‑see” even for first‑time visitors. The linked “Zoo Experience” page offers ticket pricing, a parking map, and the newly added Oasis Trail—a guided walk that lets you spot native prairie species in a fenced off “Omaha Prairie” section.

Key take‑aways from the guide:

• Must‑See Exhibits – The Aquarium (with the world’s largest salt‑water aquarium), the Canyon of the Everglades, and the Polar Bear Desert.
• Family‑Friendly – Interactive “touch tanks” and a 4‑story “Safari” that lets kids meet animals up close.
• Special Events – The guide notes an upcoming “Night at the Zoo” program, where visitors can stroll through lit exhibit trails with complimentary audio guides.

3. Omaha’s Culinary Hot Spots – From Classic Corned Beef to Farm‑to‑Table

The KETV guide dedicates a full paragraph to Omaha’s food scene, offering a quick “cheat sheet” of local favorites. A link to the Omaha Food & Wine Festival site gives readers a schedule of the upcoming September tasting series. The highlighted restaurants are:

• The Renaissance Restaurant – Known for its “Omaha steak” (a cut unique to the region).
• Cedar Rapids Brewery – A flagship location for local craft beers, with a full menu of regional‑sourced dishes.
• The Tasting Room – A farm‑to‑table concept that features rotating seasonal menus and a curated wine list.

The article points out that many of these spots are within walking distance from each other, especially in the North Omaha area where the “North Omaha Cultural Corridor” has become a gastronomic hotspot.

4. Arts & Culture – Museums, Galleries, and Public Art

A segment of the guide is devoted to Omaha’s thriving arts scene, with a nod to the Joslyn Art Museum (link to its online gallery), the Cultural Arts Center, and the Omaha Contemporary Arts Center (OCA). KETV stresses:

• Permanent Collections – Highlighting the Joslyn’s collection of Asian art and its impressive collection of 20th‑century American paintings.
• Exhibition Highlights – A mention of the current “Omaha: The City of Bridges” exhibit, which showcases the city’s architectural heritage.
• Public Art – A short list of must‑see murals in the Midtown neighborhood, all accessible via the “Omaha Street Art Trail” link, a PDF guide that can be printed on the day of visit.

5. Parks & Outdoor Adventures

The travel guide lists a few of the city’s best green spaces, emphasizing their role in the local lifestyle. The linked Omaha Parks Department page provides maps, picnic areas, and trail routes. Highlights include:

• Lauritzen Gardens – A 100‑acre botanical garden, featuring a tropical conservatory and seasonal flower shows.
• Heartland Park – A community hub with a skate park, outdoor amphitheater, and a historic “Mural of the Year” competition.
• Missouri Riverfront – A scenic walkway that runs along the river, perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a sunset jog.

KETV underscores that the riverfront hosts a free “Omaha Riverfest” every month, featuring live music, food trucks, and a kite‑flying competition for children.

6. Nightlife & Entertainment – Music, Live Theater, and Night Markets

The guide’s last section gives a “night‑life snapshot.” It mentions the historic Bess’s Tavern (a 24‑hour dive bar known for its live blues shows) and the Omaha Theater District—with the Omaha Civic Theatre and the Renaissance Theatre hosting everything from Broadway touring productions to indie film screenings.

The article also notes the “Midnight Market” series that runs on the 20th and 27th of each month, featuring craft vendors, street food, and a DJ booth. A link to the Midnight Market website offers details on vendor lists and schedules.

Final Thoughts

KETV’s September 5 travel guide serves as a quick‑reference primer for both newcomers and seasoned Omaha residents. By weaving together historic districts, world‑class attractions, a dynamic food scene, and an active arts community, the guide paints a vivid picture of a city that is far more than just a midwestern dot on the map. Whether you’re looking to stroll the cobblestone lanes of the Old Market, marvel at the sprawling wildlife at the Henry Doorly Zoo, or sample farm‑fresh cuisine in North Omaha, the city has an itinerary for every interest—and it’s all just a click or a turn of the page away.