Travel

Walnut River Brewing Company: Naturally Better

June 21, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Walnut River Brewing hosted my visit to their location, but all opinions and photographs are my own.

Brewing beer is an art form, and Walnut River Brewing Company is definitely skilled at their craft. They make beer you want to drink.

The exciting part about living in Kansas is that I continue to discover unique places to visit that I wish I had found sooner. Walnut River Brewing Company, located at 111 W. Locust Avenue, is a hidden gem in south El Dorado. Their beer is approachable, and if you’re a craft beer fan, the microbrewery is worthy of a visit.

Founded by B.J. Hunt of Wichita and Rick Goehring of El Dorado, the microbrewery began from a passion for creating quality beer. What’s unique about the brewery’s early story is that the owners knew they were on to something special; something that would require real hustle to get it off the ground. They stayed patient as they scaled their business. The end result is a successful brewery business that serves quality product.

Why open a brewery in El Dorado? The water! Brewing beer in El Dorado promised to be naturally better since the water in the area is of superior quality in comparison to nearby Wichita.

Eventually, Walnut River Brewery Company expanded their initial physical space and added a tasting room and small kitchen. (Don’t forget to order lunch!) The brewery also operates a cannery allowing their beer to be accessible in liquor stores and area grocery stores.

Warbeard Irish Red remains one of their most requested flagship beers. I would also recommend the HighBeam IPA. Drinker’s who prefer a lighter brew will appreciate the Falconer’s Wheat and Teter Rock Kölsch. Also, they often do collabs with areas breweries likes Norton’s or Norseman, so you never know what new creation may be added to their lineup.

I appreciate that Walnut River Brewery Company continues to push the creative envelope. On my visit to the brewery, I enjoyed a barrel-aged American Wheat Ale called Carmine. Stored in red wine barrels for six months, the 8% ABV ale tastes of citrus, red berry, and vanilla. It was so delicious that I brought a bottle home to open on a special occasion.

Today, they operate the brewery and tasting room in El Dorado as well as the PourHouse ICT in downtown Wichita where patrons can expect to find 12 brews on tap and and an extensive restaurant menu (think gastropub-style grub). They knew Wichitans wouldn’t want to drink and then commute 30 minutes each way from the city, so they opened the PourHouse.

If you can’t make it to either location, it would be wise to follow their Facebook page to keep tabs on their participation upcoming tasting events. I’ve seen their beer served at large events like the Wichita RiverFest to downtown yoga sessions.

The brewery continues to expand. I’m exciting to watch their business continue to scale as they look to enlarge their El Dorado brewery into the now vacant building adjacent to their current location.

You won’t find nicer people serving beer than at Walnut River Brewing Company, and they truly care about the brewing process. Trust me, you’re going to want to visit the brewery’s tasting room first-hand. To view their El Dorado location business hours, visit their Facebook page. If in Wichita, stop by the PourHouse ICT for a pint, and be sure to order a basket of the fried cheese curds with it. Cheers!

Can’t get enough of craft beer? You may also want to check out my posts “5 Craft Beers You Need To Try” and “Upstate New York Brewery Tour Tips.”

Sun Palace: A Couples-Only Resort in Cancun, Mexico

May 25, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Exceeding a guest’s expectations is what all-inclusive resorts in Mexico do best. If you’re in search of a locale where the sunsets always wow you and the resort amenities are stunning, look no further than Sun Palace resort in Cancun, Mexico.

Having visited several all-inclusive resorts, Sun Palace resort sets itself apart because it prides itself on luxurious accommodations in a couples-only setting. From the moment you walk into the lobby, you are treated like their only guest, a feeling you quickly learn to appreciate.

Whether you’re a “I don’t want to leave the resort” kind of traveler or a “I like to adventure off the resort and return to luxury” kind of traveler, Sun Palace has everything you’re looking for and more. I prefer during a vacation to take each day at my own pace, and Sun Palace resort caters to that kind of whimsy.

LOCATION

Located along the resort strip overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea, the resort is a short 15 minute drive from Cancun International Airport. You can easily get to the resort by shuttle van, a much preferred method of transit versus taking a bus. The room’s balconies face the ocean so you’re perfectly poised for breathtaking views from your balcony or pool lounger.

ACCOMODATIONS

The rooms defy your expectations. Blonde marble floors stretch from wall-to-wall accented by dark wood finishes. Every room comes with a complimentary full bar (liquor included!), jacuzzi spa, walk-in shower, and a spacious balcony. There’s no need to pack extra toiletries or hair styling tools since the bathroom is stocked with everything you need. The closets are large and come with two, plush robes and slippers. Need to lock away your passport, cash or jewelry? You can use the secure safe located inside the closet.

We were pleased to find our Deluxe Ocean View room decorated especially for us as we were celebrating our 10 year anniversary. Heart-shaped balloons adorned our room and rose petals were strewn along on our bed. A bottle of chilled champagne, two glasses, and chocolates awaited our arrival! At Sun Palace, you can expect to be treated like every day is a celebration.

Take my advice. Upgrade your room. The accommodations of a deluxe or presidential suite are definitely worth the extra charge. Our room was a large as a small apartment, and the view was unmatched by any that I’ve seen in Mexico thus far. You’ll find that your pace slows down upon arrival to paradise. There’s no rush to make it to anywhere. Pull up a front row seat to the best sunrise you’ve ever seen.

As far as amenities, the room comes with a small kitchenette space that include a fully stocked refrigerator, snack drawer, liquor bottle dispensers, and coffeemaker. It’s all included so enjoy it! Should you crave a snack that your room doesn’t include, simply call room service.

Do you love to unwind with a spa treatment? Look no further than your own jacuzzi tub in the middle of your room. Open the complimentary red wine and enjoy the bubbles.

Note: The resort has been undergoing renovations to improve its luxurious offerings. There was some painting taking place on the grounds, but it did not take away from our experience.

DINING

I can’t stress enough how impressed I was with the dining options at Sun Palace. The menu options, the flavors, and the presentation were top-notch! This resort doesn’t just provide a buffet where tourists gather every day for breakfast and lunch (Aurora Resturant), but it includes multiple reservation-only restaurants on the premises such as Thai, Feugo, La Tratto. Expect your dining experience to take one to two hours. Be sure to also make a stop at the lobby cafe. You can order ice cream or crepes there any time.

Available 24 hours a day, the resort promptly delivers exceptional room service. We ordered breakfast to our room nearly every morning so we could watch the sun come up over the ocean while enjoying plates of bagels and lox and steak and eggs. You can even order from a late night menu that includes all of the foods you crave from nachos to sandwiches. Sometimes when you visit an all-inclusive resort in Mexico, some foods and condiments don’t taste quite the same as they do in the States. That is not the case at Sun Palace! We were quite impressed.

Should you get hungry while lounging poolside, simply walk over to grab lunch from the taco cart (a popular choice!) or order a sandwich or small pizza at the Snack Bar. If visiting the Bar at Sun Palace indoors, a comfy spot for happy hour, you can order tapas and appetizers to nibble on while waiting for your dinner reservation. The bartender will make you anything you want from their full bar.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you want to unwind with a spa treatment or leave the resort for an ocean excursion or seaside adventure, there is more than enough to do! We reserved a couples massage at Awe Spa where we had access to cold and hot plunge pools, herbal steam rooms, and comfortable lounge beds before and after our spa appointments. Oh, and don’t forget to use your resort credits when booking spa treatments!

If you’re an adventure seeker, simply visit the concierge desk to discuss the off-resort options from scuba diving excursions to sailing. We took a catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres via Cancun Sailing, which I recommend if you’re comfortable at sea and want to take in the view while someone else captains the boat. Our experience included adult beverages and lunch.

Once back at the resort, you have a multitude of entertainment options. The staff hosts various nightly activities from trivia nights to musical performances. The Bar at Sun Palace is the place to be every night if you want to participate in group games or just kick back and relax and watch others interact. Don’t forget to tip your bartender! I recommend bringing at least $40-50 in single bills to have on hand depending on the length of your stay. (I learned that the bartenders rotate the property every couple of weeks, so they share in the heavier foot traffic in different areas of the resort.)

Of course, you’re going to want to take a dip in one of two pools (or both) when you’re not sitting near the ocean taking in the sound of the waves. The service is prompt no matter where you claim your beach chairs. I recommend grabbing a couple of magazines or towels of your own to claim chairs before breakfast time. Make sure to check which areas are available to you based on the color of your wristband, which is most of the resort even if you don’t have diamond status.

2 for 1 in Paradise at Moon Palace Jamaica.

SISTER RESORTS

Take advantage of your ability to visit sister resorts of Sun Palace during your stay. We took a resort shuttle to M oon Palace so the guys could play a round of golf while I lounged by the pool. A family-friendly resort, expect to see areas dedicated to kids including a wave pool and playroom. I thoroughly enjoyed getting a new perspective on the resort life while relaxing poolside. Moon Palace caters to your every need. Other sister resorts to visit include Beach Palace and The Grand at Moon Palace. However, check with the front desk clerk to discuss which ones you can visit with your wrist band status. When visiting the other sister resorts, you’re able to eat and drink at any restaurant or bar.

I have no doubt that you’re going to enjoy your stay at Sun Place. From the moment you step inside the lobby, prepare to be transformed to paradise. Let the future travel planning begin!

Of all of the resorts I’ve stayed out in Mexico, this one is my favorite thus far. If you love traveling to all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, you will also appreciate staying at Barcelo Premium in Puerto Vallarta. Be sure to click on this link to learn more from one of my past travels to the resort!

BOGO to Paradise! Buy one room, get one room free at Palace Resorts.

Going Underground in Historic Ellinwood, Kansas

February 10, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside 14 Comments

The best part about saying “yes!” to adventure is discovering a destination you didn’t know existed. That was my experience after visiting Ellinwood, Kansas to tour the town’s underground tunnels and The Historic Wolf Hotel. Make sure you add Ellinwood to your central Kansas trip itinerary.

Established by German immigrants in 1870 along the Sante Fe Trail, the town was designed to include two blocks of main street stores with stairs leading underground to additional retail spaces, saloons, brothels, bath house, and an authentic barber shop. Early residents of the town made their income from farming wheat and producing flour. References to wheat can be seen everywhere in the centrally located Kansas town that is located ten miles outside of Great Bend and less than a half hour drive from Lyons.

Ellinwood’s Underground Tunnels allow visitors to walk some of the original passageways while tour guides share stories of early prohibition and entrepreneurship in the area. I was enthralled by the antique relics of the past found deep within the tunnels. The town’s early residents used the tunnels for refuge during WWI, to possibly bootleg alcohol during Prohibition, and to support cowboys and families traveling through the area by providing services to them.

A manhole cover seen from below the town of Ellinwood’s sidewalk along Main Street, the colored glass is illuminated by the afternoon sun.

The best part of the tunnels? They have remained nearly untouched! During your tour, you will see items sitting exactly where they were left before the tunnels were abandoned in the 1940s. Much of what you see in these photos is authentic to the space.

Make your way down this hallway to discover a barber shop, brothel, and bath house. Hot Baths 15 cents, Used Water Baths 5 cents.

Why build tunnels under the town? Imagine how hot the dry summers were in Kansas thanks to open plains and midwestern heat! The underground tunnels were much cooler in temperature and visitors could escape the blustery Kansas wind.

Tom Drake’s Harness Shop established sometime between 1890-1900.

While walking the long, dusty hallways into rooms where turn of the century shopkeepers ran their business, you begin to wonder if you’re being watched by the ghosts of Ellinwood’s past. According to our tour guide, the underground tunnels were active from 1887-1920.

William Young’s Barber Shop. Ask about the medical instruments in the case, and don’t leave the room without looking for the bullet holes.

No longer accessible, this stairway once connected to The Wolf Hotel’s tunnels across the street.

If you want to tour of the underground tunnels and The Historic Wolf Hotel, the admission is $10 per person. The first leg of our tour was led by Ellinwood Emporium owner, Richard Casagrande, and the final leg of the tour took us back to the hotel for a tour led by Chris McCord. Additionally, I highly recommend making a reservation at The Sunflower Room for a country-style lunch of fried chicken and homemade side dishes followed by a slice of pie.

Tourists who appreciate learning the rich history of the area will love the renovated The Historic Wolf Hotel, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1894 by John Wolf at the corner of Sante Fe and Main Street to be a grand focal point of downtown Ellinwood. (The total cost of building it was $10,000.) Today, it serves as a bed and breakfast and event center. However, you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy its restaurant, The Sunflower Dining Room, or “The Underground” restored saloon.

Ellinwood native, Christopher McCord, purchased the brick and limestone building in 2013 to restore it.

The Sunflower Dining Room opened Easter Sunday 1924 with a live orchestra playing for visitors to enjoy.

When not serving guests a meal on Sundays, the dining room doubles as a reservable event space for meetings, private parties, and weddings. From its original flooring and windows to the decorative columns, the room is rich in architectural history and well restored.

During Sunday Bunch dining service, the place setting above is set for Bernard Millit. I don’t want to ruin the tour for you by telling you why, so be sure to as your tour guide the story behind it — and don’t forget to look up to the ceiling.

These beautiful stained glass doors were photographed from inside The Wolf Hotel in an area that was once a bank.

If you’re someone who appreciates learning the historic roots of a town and about the hardworking people who established it, many of which were immigrants to the area, then I recommend taking a step back in time and visiting Ellinwood, Kansas. Want to discover more about the early construction of The Historic Wolf Hotel and the surrounding area? Read this document available from the National Register of Historic Places.

My time in Ellinwood concluded with a photo sitting upon an antique shoe shiner’s station, and by the looks of my dusty boots, I could use one.

Love learning about Kansas history? Learn more about Abilene, Kansas, the boyhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit

November 10, 2019 by Vanessa 4 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you. Please read my disclosure for information.

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite towns — Weston, Missouri! This charming town, located northwest of Kansas City and only 20 minutes from Leavenworth, Kansas, has been voted The #1 Best Day Trip by Ingram’s Magazine 15 years running. I love Weston for its abundance of shops and attractions including a brewery, winery, and seasonal entertainment!

During a fall weekend, I spent as much time as I could in Weston soaking up sunny days strolling Main Street shopping unique boutiques. From home decor stores with shelves lined with candles and specialty food items to one of a kind shops stocked with artwork or antique cameras, Weston has it all!

The town was established in Northwest Missouri in 1837 and sits nearby Weston State Park, a must-stop for those who prefer to opt outside and enjoy tree covered trails for walking or biking, overnight camping areas or an off-leash dog park.

The shops are the main attraction in Weston’s historic district. People travel to the area to visit the locally-owned boutiques and artists’ spaces. It’s not uncommon to walk into a shop and find an artist at work on their craft. View the town’s store directory here.

Weston Brewery Company

On our last visit to Weston, we skipped the brewery because we were short on time and the annual Irish Fest was underway — the area was crawling with tourists! I wasn’t going to miss experiencing the brewery and restaurant this time around.

Although we didn’t reserve a tour, which is not necessary but recommended, we did convince a very nice employee to give us a short walk-thru tour of the O’Mally’s 1842 Pub. (Brewery tours are available at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm on Saturdays. Expect a one hour tour of the brewery, underground cellars, the secret 4th cellar, and tasting. Tickets are $5 for anyone over 14, and younger visitors are free.)

Established by German immigrants, Weston Brewing Company has been operating since 1842. The walls are covered in black and white photos of the past. It’s tough not to be in awe of the operation’s historical roots.

Can you see me? This is the hallway that leads into O’Mally’s 1842 Pub, an underground space where they host Celtic bands. You must experience it!

If you love visiting museum and enjoying a craft beer or cocktail, you’ll definitely appreciate visiting the underground pub. Just sitting there while gazing at the stone walls covered in historic memorabilia, I felt like I had transported by to 1842 when the brewery was established.

The cellar pub originally used to make lager beer and was built six stories underground. It was closed during Prohibition, and remains the second oldest brewery west of the Hudson River.

American Bowman Restaurant

After enjoying our refreshing craft beers, we headed back upstairs to the American Bowman Restaurant for a bite to eat for lunch. Although I was a bit disappointed to learn the restaurant was out of Hand Rolled Soft Pretzels (they must have been hoarding them for the Irish Fest the next day?), we thoroughly enjoyed the Sausage Sampler and Irish Eggrolls.

This is the restaurant menu, which looks like a newspaper, and includes a listing of upcoming events and the history of the building.

Tin Kitchen

Noted for some of the best ribs in the Kansas City areas, the Tin Kitchen stays busy from 11am-9pm serving authentic barbecue meats and yummy side dishes. We were able to snag a two-top table within 10 minutes of waiting at the hostess desk, which was surprising since it was in the middle of their Saturday lunch rush.

We dined on barbecue ribs (of course!) and opted for the homemade mac-n-cheese and baked beans for our mouth-watering side dishes. Their meat is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over pecan-wood. When making the most of a weekend in Weston’s historic district, make sure to leave time for a stop at Tin Kitchen.

We loved the service at Tin Kitchen. The waitress had the kitchen split our lunch order without even having to ask her.

Pirtle Winery

Perhaps you’ve sipped wine in church before, but not like this! Established in 1978, the family-owned Pirtle Winery is inside a former Lutheran Evangelical Church that was built by German immigrants in 1867.

We enjoyed a wine flight in the tasting room, located on the top floor as you enter the outdoor stairs. I was impressed by the award-winning selection of wines. One of the white wines I sampled was poured from a can! (They sell wine by the bottle, but three of the varieties come in 4-packs at $24.95 each.)

I found the stained glass windows inside the Pirtle Winery’s tasting room to be beautiful!

Shop white wine deals Shop now

I went outside my comfort zone and selected their famous Blueberry Mead as one of my flight selections. Noted to be “a blend of orange blossom honey and fresh blackberries,” I was impressed with how much I enjoyed its flavor. The selection has earned the family multiple gold medals, and came highly recommended from a local store owner. When in Weston, make sure to stop at the winery!

The Pirtle Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1978.

Shopping

The best reason to visit Weston, Missouri is for the town’s quaint shops. Main Street is lined with independently owned businesses ranging from an antique camera store (the man who works there is the sweetest and he is incredibly knowledgable!) to multiple home interior decorating boutiques. During out recent visit, I made sure to return to Buffalo Ranch Home Furnishings, a store stocked to the brim with holiday decor, home accents, candles, jewelry, and a bunch of other cool stuff you don’t need but totally want!

If you don’t find an open, free parking spot on Main Street, there are a couple lots available in the historic district or you can park on adjacent streets.

Holladay Distillery

Known for its rich history of producing bourbon, Holladay Distillery was established in 1856 by Ben Holladay who originally acquired the Pony Express. Today, it is operated by the McCormick Distilling Company (you’ve heard of the vodka, right?) and is the total experience for booze loving tourists.

The grounds at Holladay Distllery are expansive and stretch as far as your eye can see from the road. Look at that cute pup! Sasha enjoyed relaxing with us outdoors after our tasting room experience.

My only regret is that we didn’t think ahead to reserve our spots on the afternoon tour of the distillery, but that’s another great reason to return to Weston! The highly rated tour experience costs $10 for adults and allows you to “see, smell, taste, and touch real Missouri bourbon being made using the original recipe from 160 years ago.”

In the early 1800s, Ben Holladay purchased gallons of whiskey for 25 cents, and then sold a sample shot for the same price. Today, the distillery is well-known for its 25 cent shots in the tasting room. You can also enjoy the same experience in the “McCormick on Main” tasting room in town.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend of dining, drinking, and shopping in a town with friendly locals and small town charm, add Weston to your road trip itinerary. There is more than enough to do to fill weekend if you take advantage of all of the area’s entertainment options. If you need lodging, Weston has cute bed and breakfasts. We stayed at the spacious Hilton 2 Suites in Leavenworth where we enjoyed generous amenities and our dog was welcomed.

There is always something going on in Weston! View upcoming events. If you’re in the area, also make a point to visit the nearby town of Leavenworth, Kansas just over the bridge and across the state line. Love the historic aspect of a small town? Consider adding Abilene, Kansas, the boyhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Thinking of visiting Weston, Missouri? Pin the image below to our Pinterest board!

4 Reasons to Visit Four Fights Distilling in Corning, New York

July 10, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

After a return visit to Upstate New York and the Corning area, I decided to add an adventure we had never included on our itinerary before – a tour of a local distillery! Four Fights Distilling should be a must-stop for any traveler who appreciates locally crafted spirits.

Operating for the last five years from their location in “Extended Corning,” Matt and Donna Bowers craft spirits one small batch at a time. Every hand-sealed, labeled bottled.

We were fortunate enough to have our tasting room experience and tour sponsored by the Bowers and went behind-the-scenes to learn more about the distilling process. Why should you visit? I have 4 great reasons to add a visit to Four Fights Distilling to your travel plans!

1.) You’re supporting a local business. The Bowers are some of the friendliest and hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Matt makes the booze while Donna mixes the drinks! The couple is incredibly welcoming. You’ll appreciate hearing their story of the distillery’s origination and learn how they manage to do it all themselves.

2.) They know their stuff. From the science behind creating the spirits (and there’s a lot to learn) to the branding, the Bowers do an excellent job. During your tour, you’ll learn that Matt’s knowledge of spirits is vast (he’s self-taught!), and that there a lot involved in producing each spirit.

Four Fights Distilling gets their corn from a local farmer and then the mash goes back to a pig farm to complete the cycle. According to Matt, the water in Corning is “limestone water similar to Kentucky enzyme water” aiding in the distilling process.

3.) Four Fights Distilling’s spirits could compete with some of the well known brands on the market. Matt does his homework and continues to push boundaries when developing ideas. While I appreciate a smooth vodka, I was surprised to find that I also like Four Fights’ Bourbon. In fact, upon sipping it I exclaimed, “Wow! I don’t normally care for Bourbon, but that’s one I like!” Everything we tasted was fantastic. Their top sellers continue to be the Four Fights Bourbon, Suite 101 Gin, Emperial Apple Pie, and Emperial Cinamoon.

4.) Learning about the process of creating booze makes you love it that much more. Over the years, the more I discover about the craft of creating something, the more I appreciate it. You’ll never look at a bottle of aged bourbon or distilled vodka the same way either.

Visitors can enjoy sipping on craft cocktails Thursday-Sunday during select hours. (I recommend trying The Corning Mule or Crystal City Cosmo.) Cocktails range from $7-$11 each or you can try a Spirits Flight made of four tasters for $6. Interested in learning more about Four Fights Distilling? Visit their site or follow them on Facebook or Instagram!

Know that you’re going to visit Corning, New York soon? View my complete post highlighting the best of the Crystal City here.

How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, Nebraska

June 11, 2019 by Vanessa 8 Comments

Want to visit an affordable midwestern city where you never run out of things to do and they are all pretty affordable? Head to Omaha, Nebraska!

Easy to navigate because of its grid system, visitors will appreciate the accessibility of the city and its on-trend downtown scene. Omaha is dotted with historic neighborhoods. We stayed in the Midtown Crossing area located within minutes of the Old Market district, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and the Blackstone District (a ultra-hip area for those who appreciate supporting local eateries).

Let me show some of the BEST places to visit while in town!

OMAHA ZOO

This isn’t your typical zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s exhibits are world famous! It is known for its indoor Desert Dome and North America’s largest indoor rainforest, but if you ask me, one of the ultimate stops within the park is the Antarctic penguin area!

Dress comfortably for the season you’re visiting the zoo. You’ll be doing a lot of walking unless you traverse the park by train or Skyrail.

While walking through the Lied Jungle you will be able to observe over 90 species of animals and towering waterfalls. Crossing a rope swing bridge takes you to a new area of the jungle while winding paths lead you to an abundance of tropical flowers and seating areas. Bring your camera! You’re going to want to capture the bright colors (and sounds!) of the jungle.

When visiting the zoo, you can expect to see plants and animals from all parts of the world. Fun Fact: You can sign up for Backstage Tours that take you behind-the-scenes at the zoo.
Ask about how to gain an all access pass!

I think visitors will need a minimum of three hours to tour the zoo and aquarium, a swift look at many of its best features but certainly not enough time to enjoy the behind-the-scenes opportunities or animal feeding sessions.

The Desert Dome can be seen from the road as you enter into the zoo’s parking lot. It’s mammoth! Get ready to be transported to another climate as you walk red dirt paths to view reptiles, meerkats, bobcats and much more!

Again, you’re going to want to plan your journey since the park features seven indoor exhibits and eight acres of African Safari. My second favorite area to observe the animals was the inside the Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms. A female giraffe was born only weeks before our visit, and we were able to see resting while her mother ate nearby!

Is this the closest you’ve been to a giraffe? Get a closer view by heading inside the giraffe herd rooms or you can even sign up to feed them!

Pro Tip: Secure round-trip tickets for the Skyfari (think ski lift) that takes you above and across the zoo. The slow moving rail system is the perfect way to observe animals in their habitats without fighting the crowds. I don’t recommend taking the tram, which stops way too often along it’s trail and you’ll find yourself sitting and waiting for passengers to board rather than moving on to your next stop. Prefer the train? It winds through the top-half of the park.

If you ride the Skyfari, you get an unobstructed view of the entire park and directly above the African Grasslands.

A steam locomotive features 11 open-air coaches and a caboose, an ideal choice for those who want to see almost the entire zoo without walking it.

You’re going to want make a trip to the zoo in the early morning hours. We scored a great parking spot close to the entrance because we arrived at 9am. However, the lot was beyond capacity by the time we left the park three hours later. And it’s a HUGE parking lot!

If you want to plan your experience prior to arriving at the zoo and aquarium, you can download their free app. You can even purchase your tickets via the app! The park is open year round except on Christmas Day.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

Dripping with history and filled with interactive exhibits, The Durham Museum is a must-stop during your visit to Omaha. The building was originally opened in 1931 as Union Pacific’s train station but today it is the home of permanent, interactive exhibits highlighting the city’s story.

The Union Station lobby is a photographer’s dream!
If you appreciate taking photos of architecture and design, you’ll easily spend upwards of thirty minutes shooting images of the restored railroad station.

Kids (and adults!) will enjoy walking through restored locomotives and viewing the model trains, pretending to be a shopper in the Buffett Grocery Store, and exploring a life-size tipi when learning about Native American history.

Enjoy diving deep into the history of a location you’re visiting? Step inside the Mutual of Omaha Theater to watch a film detailing the history of Omaha. Prefer to view photography? Don’t miss the museum’s expansive photo gallery and make a special stop at their photography archive open to the public Tuesday-Friday only.

For me, I enjoyed the locomotive exhibits and the history of the steam train the most since I come from a railroad family. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the meticulous restoration of the commuter trains on-site. You’ll feel like you’re a passenger traveling from Omaha to Kansas City while sitting inside train!

Pro Tip: Be sure to save time to visit the soda fountain and candy counter located adjacent to the museum’s main entrance. You’ll love stepping back in time to the early ’30s while enjoying an old-fashioned phosphate or sundae!

The museum is open at Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children ages 3-12. Children under 2 years old are admitted for free. Another bonus? Parking is free on the 10th Street bridge located across from the main entrance. There are two levels for parking, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

DINING

When you think of Omaha, you don’t necessary think of tacos, oysters or duck salad. You’d be wrong! Dining options in Omaha are vast and on any given day you can find meals that appeal to every palette.

When visiting the Blackstone District, a renovated neighborhood near Midtown Crossing, we dined on tacos at Mula, a Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. If you love tequila, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store thanks to over 150 tequilas listed on the menu! The staff is well-versed in the history and production of tequila.

We enjoyed the homemade House Guac as an appetizer to accompany our drinks (a Michelada and a Cucumber Margarita). Later, we dined on delicious tacos made with flavorful grilled meats and fresh produce. I highly recommend the Carne Asada Taco and the Baja Fish Taco. (Each taco is sold individually.) Eventually, I ordered a warm plate for freshly fried Churro Bites covered in cinnamon and sugar – so yummy I nearly finished them all on my own!

Pro Tip: Dining with eight or more people? You’ll need a reservation. If you have a party of four or less people, ask for a table near the window for an open air dining experience that allows you to dine while people watching the neighborhood.

When in Omaha, you have to dine on the classic “Blackstone Reuben” sandwich at Crecent Moon. “Originally created at the famous Blackstone Hotel (just a few steps away) with slow cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and 1000 island dressing, plus a couple of our secret ingredients, grilled on marble rye. This is one Reuben you’ll rave about.”

Another great place to eat is Plank Seafood Provisions, located in the Old Market district. We snuck in just in time for their “Coastal Happy Hour in the Heartland” from 3pm-6:30pm on a Saturday and took advantage of the discounted menu options! Bellied up to the Edison-lit bar for discounted oysters and a plate of loaded fries covered in clam chowder, we sipped on cold wine and beer to our hearts’ delight.

Hours later we found ourselves hungry for dinner! Despite our efforts to find an affordable steak house in the Old Market district that didn’t require a reservation (or that didn’t have an 1.5 hour wait), we were drawn to the outdoor patio at M’s Pub.

Someone waiting for the hostess told us that we needed to book a reservation, but we were sat within minutes without one and happily dined on premium dinner entrees including this warm duck salad drizzled with warm bacon vinaigrette.

Pro Tip: Why wait in line for a table? Opt for patio dining or sit at the full-service bar! Sometimes you actually score faster, better service.

Turner Park located in Midtown Cross near our hotel, Element.

Trust me! You’re going to be glad you visit Omaha, Nebraska. The city welcomes you with open arms and they make it hard to leave. I guess we’ll be returning then!

This post contains sponsored experiences. Since I was planning to travel to the area, I contacted Visit Omaha who sent me on a few adventures!

Want to extend your trip? Head about an hour’s drive to the state’s capital city, Lincoln! Plan your trip using my post including insider pro tips!