Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Lincoln.  All opinions and photos are mine. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interests.

Lincoln, Nebraska, has it all. As Nebraska’s capital city and the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, it offers visitors access to big-city attractions while balancing college-town vibes.

We returned to Husker Country with one goal: to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods during a weekend getaway.

From upscale dining and laid-back cafés to shopping strolls and an underground cave tour, there is more than enough to experience in three days. Lincoln, aka The Star City, is your destination, no matter your travel personality.

DAY 1

Enjoying Modern Lodging with a Vibe

The Scarlet Hotel

New on the scene, The Scarlet Hotel (2101 Transformation Drive) is a boutique-style hotel offering six floors of guest rooms, a rooftop bar with sunset views, and on-site amenities that rival any big city hotel.

The expansive lobby is filled with UNL sports artifacts and framed illustrations of notable Nebraskans like Warren Buffett. Comfy couch configurations and desk sets provide plenty of room to gather with friends before or after a day of exploring the city.

Our Waterloo, Nebraska-inspired guest room came with the comforts of home. A drink cabinet included a Nespresso® machine, an apartment-sized refrigerator, and a microwave. Framed photography of Midwest landscapes adorned the wall next to a wooden desk with a complimentary USB charging station.

The King guest room was a haven for relaxation, where we could nap mid-day and watch television. For those who prefer to exercise during their downtime, a state-of-the-art fitness room and yoga room with equipment are available.

Where can you eat and drink at the hotel? Well & Good serves lunch and dinner staples such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. I’d recommend starting dinner with a shareable order of fried cheese curds. The Good Life Coffee Shop‘s baristas serve drip coffee and grab-and-go baked goods.

If it’s a game day or late-night vibes you’re seeking, visit the sixth floor’s Barred Owl. The indoor bar and lounge extend to an open-air patio with downtown and campus views. Charge drinks or a charcuterie board to your hotel room before enjoying a panoramic Nebraska sunset.

PRO TIP: The Scarlet Hotel is a Marriot Bonvoy Tribute Portfolio Hotel, so don’t forget to provide your rewards member number at check-in. Valet parking is available or you can park in a nearby free parking lot.

Discovering the College View Shops

The College View neighborhood is a shop local destination in Southeast Lincoln. A walkable small business district is home to numerous businesses, many of which are owned by women.

Wax Buffalo

At Wax Buffalo (4723 Prescott Avenue), customers can create custom candles or buy their own from a vast inventory of soy wax varieties. The hand-poured candles are made in small batches and have unique, approachable scents not found elsewhere.

The Candle Lab is an aromatic experience at one’s fingertips. It’s as easy as selecting the vessel, curating a fragrance from the candle library, and melting the hot wax. The 45-minute process is the ideal time to sip a cocktail or mocktail mixed at the on-site bar.

While I didn’t have time to create a candle, I came home with a French Press soy candle that smells like fresh brewed coffee.

PRO TIP: The Prescott Avenue location is the larger of two Wax Buffalo shops, each offering Candle Lab-reserved experiences. The Haymarket Candle Lab and retail flagship store is located at 727 O Street.

Licorice International

Licorice International (4725 Prescott Avenue) stocks the most extensive collection of licorice in the United States, importing brands and flavors from across the globe. If you represent 45 percent of people who love black licorice for its distinct taste, you’re lucky because they have an extensive selection.

As I perused the store’s shelves, I noticed non-licorice candies available for sale as well. This is the ideal shopping destination if you want to build a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.

In business for over 20 years, Licorice International is likely unlike any candy store you’ve visited and one of the most interesting in the Midwest. Ask about homemade fudge and pecan rolls.

Paper Kite

Your mood instantly lifts upon entering Paper Kite (4744 Prescott Avenue), where brightly colored kids’ toys and unique gifts for all ages are available for sale.

Kid clothing, art supplies, dolls, toys, they carry it. You won’t find typical big-box store toys at Paper Kite. They stock handmade toys and wearables created by local and regional artisans.

In search of a gift for my niece and nephew, an employee helped me search the store for the perfect sentiment. The store’s beautiful stationary and art prints made it hard not to leave without something for myself.

Pattino

Around the corner at Pattino (3943 S. 48th Street), what started as a footwear store has flourished into a women’s apparel and accessories boutique.

Opened in 2006, the inventory consists of on-trend fashions and everyday clothing. Tables display jewelry, handbags, and sneakers to complement outfits and create classic, timeless looks.

The owner refreshes inventory curating items at market to sell at the College View store and its Omaha sister store, The Mix.

Little Movements Apparel

Little Movements Apparel (4019 S. 48th Street) is the ideal place to shop for women’s active wear or lounge wear. From leggings to draw string shorts and t-shirts to rompers, you’ll find the locally owned store has it, organized by House of Colour seasons.

I thought the variety of wearable classics was affordable compared to Lululemon or its competitors. The clearance racks at the back of the store are the place to look for deep discounts.

PRO TIP: Also located in the same space, The Color Collab sells women’s dresses and accessories featuring the season’s color palette. You’ll likely find pieces in your signature color.

Sapahn

Sapahn (4724 Prescott Avenue) isn’t a leather goods store, it’s much more than that. Every person who purchases a handbag or accessory supports the handiwork of women around the world.

Bags of all styles and colors dominate the store, each lined with a patterned fabric coordinating with the bag’s exterior color.

The Loft by Lee Douglas Interiors

The Loft by Lee Douglas Interiors (4821 Lowell Avenue) is a renovated home with thematic rooms featuring kitchenware and home decor with signature style.

Items are grouped by function and design. Dried flowers and garlands adorned the garden room. A dark, moody room included man cave decor. An upstairs room catered to shoppers seeking stylish bedroom accents.

PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at new inventory arrivals by viewing its Instagram account.

Goldenrod Pastries

After an afternoon of strolling College View shops, a sweet treat at Goldenrod Pastries (3947 S. 48th Street) is in order. Visit the bakery’s counter to select one (or three!) macaroons or cookies. They provide gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan treats.

I sipped a Maracuyá fruit drink between bites of a Confetti Blueberry Mini Loaf at an indoor cafe near the shop’s retail area.  The smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air.

Savoring Dinner Downtown

Dish

Dish (1100 O Street) is an upscale sensory dining experience. Serving progressive American cuisine, the downtown restaurant is the hottest dinner reservation in town. Chef Rachel McGill, a James Beard Foundation Semi-Finalist for Best Chef: Midwest Award, leads the seasonal menu selections, which arrive thoughtfully prepared and beautifully plated.

Reserve a table to enjoy elevated fresh, innovative cuisine with views of bustling downtown Lincoln. The interior’s grey walls and black accents are illuminated by pendant lighting, creating a monochromatic aesthetic.

The menu features recipes that incorporate seasonally available sustainable ingredients. We asked our server, Evan, to present us with a variety of entrees in a progressive style, starting with Pistachio-Peach-Prosciutto and followed by Fried Chicken Yogurt and Pickles.

The award-worthy meal continued with Smoky Mussels + Parmesan Broth, concluding with homemade fruit sorbet served with melon segments.

We haven’t stopped raving about our dining experience. You can expect an unforgettable, delicious chef-prepared meal served by an attentive staff who caters to your every wish.

DAY 2

Beginning the Day with Breakfast

The Green Gateau

Everyone we met said we should dine at The Green Gateau (330 S. 10th Street), and they were correct. The food exceeded my expectations compared to any Midwest breakfast eatery, and our server was attentive and friendly.

The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, is led by owner and executive chef Eric Lemke, who incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into seasonal menu selections.

However, locals can count on their favorites to stay on the menu, such as the ever-popular beignets served with copious amounts of powdered sugar and cinnamon and a side of lemon curd or strawberry jam.

A mix of American and European brunch classics, the menu includes selections not always offered, such as baked brie and crêpes. Our soup trio, consisting of French onion soup, lobster bisque, and tomato bisque, arrived steaming hot with six spoons.

We ate every bite.

The Hash, prepared with sliced corned beer, peppers, onions, and potatoes, was flavorful thanks to its well-seasoned preparation. A sample of The Benedicts confirmed that The Green Gateau’s take on the poached eggs classic was one of the best I’ve eaten.

We couldn’t eat another bite. In fact, we took the leftovers home with us because leaving them behind would be a crime. Nevertheless, our helpful server showed us the dessert tray featuring an array of goodies made by a local baker, especially for the restaurant. Next time, I’ll order the two-tiered carrot cake, one of the most requested desserts.

Crescent Moon Coffee

If spend time in the Historic Haymarket District, you owe it to yourself to enjoy a morning drink at Crescent Moon Coffee (140 N. 8th Street). The lower-level café is a Lincoln institution where artists, musicians, and poets take the stage to share their talents while java lovers sip on locally roasted coffee.

We dropped by before embarking on the farmers’ market just before a line formed at the register. The drink menu, featuring single-origin coffee and loose-lea tea drinks, also includes made-to-order crepes and panini.

I enjoyed a chai tea latted seated from a 70s style upholstered couch under a wood beam and brick ceiling. A couple chatted at a nearby cafe table as people came and went on a busy Saturday morning.

Shopping the Historic Haymarket District

Haymarket Farmers’ Market

Haymarket Farmers’ Market (7th and P Street) is one of the most robust, delightful open-air markets I’ve experienced in the Midwest. On Saturdays from May through October, musicians play while shoppers meander in and out of vendor tents to buy fresh produce and handmade products.

The smell of baked goods and sweet popcorn fills the air as dog owners walk amongst the crowd from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. every weekend, rain or shine.

People stroll brick streets in the Historic Haymarket District looking to buy something they didn’t know they needed until they saw it. A few shoppers are greeted with familiarity by vendors.

Fresh cut flowers, jewelry, bagged coffee, woodcut wall art. Each booth ignites a sense of discovery for something new at every glance.

If you’re feeling hungry while shopping, many food trucks offer nourishment from full meals to grab-and-go snacks. Preview what you can expect at an upcoming market via its Facebook page.

PRO TIP: Don’t waste time looking for a single parking spot. Pay $5 and park in a nearby reservable parking lot space. The lot attendant I paid accepted cash or Venmo payments.

From Nebraska Gift Shop

Several brick-and-mortar stores in the Historic Haymarket District deserve to be explored, including the From Nebraska Gift Shop (803 Q Street) known for its extensive inventory of gift items.

If it’s made in Nebraska, they probably carry it. Wine, jarred jellies, magnets, and other Heartland-themed items await. If you purchase ornaments when traveling, check out the Christmas room toward the rear of the store.

Best of Big Red

Even if you’re not from Nebraska, the Husker spirit is contagious. Shop at Best of Big Red (321 N 8th Street) for apparel, hats, and home decor representing the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s sports teams.

The store is a sea of red. Mascot bobbleheads shake, and neon signs buzz as you walk by shelves of grill accessories, foam fingers, coolers, and more. Racks of t-shirts, available in sizes S to XXXL Tall, anchor the center of the showroom.

Forever Faithful Boutique

Next door, Forever Faithful Boutique & Gifts (321 N. 8th Street) is where college-aged women shop to restock their closets with on-trend pieces like ripped jeans and cropped shirts.

Ascend the stairs to the Tailgate Deck to comb through racks of casual ware ideal for rooting on your favorite Nebraska team.

3 Daughters Boutique

3 Daughters Boutique (311 N. 8th Street) caters to women seeking everyday wear. The boutique-style fashions range from Liverpool jeans and trousers to jackets and jewelry.

Don’t worry—the store also celebrates the Game Day spirit by featuring scarlet red attire and fanny packs. Check out the sales racks in the back of the store for deep discounts.

Touring Lincoln’s Points of Interest

Hamann Rose Garden

Hamann Rose Garden (23rd and “N” Streets to 33rd & Sheridan Boulevard) is a tranquil escape from busy city life, a tucked-away botanical park at Antelope Park. Since the 1940s, visitors have strolled its paved pathways amongst rose beds, providing a kaleidoscope of color.

Bring your camera to take photos with a backdrop of vibrant roses, flora, and public art. We witnessed people reading on park benches to the sound of the fountain’s falling water. In the distance, I spotted a giraffe feeding through the fence at the nearby Lincoln Children’s Zoo.

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens (26th & D Street) is one of Lincoln’s sought-after points of interest due to its natural beauty. National Geographic included it in the 300 Best Gardens to Visit in the United States and Canada, and it lives up to the acclaim, providing visitors with 1.5 acres of shady trees, colorful flowers, and a koi pond to enjoy.

The garden is free to explore and open to all ages. We watched as young children curiously discovered bronze statuary while other visitors admired blooming perennials.

PRO TIP: Visit during Golden Hour (the last hour before sunset or the first hour after sunrise) to capture frame-worthy photography.

Nebraska State Capital

The Nebraska State Capital (1445 K Street) wasn’t on our travel itinerary, but we added it to view the interior’s breathtaking architecture and sweeping views from the observation deck. Sometimes, the unplanned stops are the most memorable.

This building is the third capital built on site. During a free one-hour guided tour of the museum’s main floor, a docent shared about the building’s construction from 1922 to 1932, which was designed by architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue with help from sculptors and mosaic designers.

I’d recommend the tour because it is the most comprehensive way to learn about its design, which includes Greek, Roman, and French influences. I appreciated the bronze sculptures of notable Nebraskans in the on display in the hallway adjacent to the vestibule.

After the tour, add time to explore observation decks for sweeping views of the city from its home in the heart of downtown. Interior courtyards are quiet spaces to escape the tour group and enjoy nature.

Check the building’s hours and tour information before arrival. One and two-hour street parking is available, or you can park in a garage a few blocks away.

PRO TIP: Tour the building’s exterior and admire the Abraham Lincoln statue on the West Plaza. The city is named after him. He opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854, which made Nebraska a United States territory.

Fueling up with Lunch

Piedmont Bistro

Piedmont Bistro (1265 S. Cotner Boulevard) came highly recommended by locals, so we ate lunch without hesitation. Serving Midwest comfort food led by chef Justin Stutzman, one can select from menus appealing to the time of day they’re dining.

We sat at a sunlit table indoors during lunch and enjoyed a Seared Salmon Nicoise salad and a Bistro Burger. The salad was impressive in size and flavor, and I’d order it again. The stacked burger was served with traditional toppings on a brioche bun with fries.

PRO TIP: Ask for a Brunch menu if dining Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Bar selections include a Piedmont Mimosa Pitcher for sharing amongst friends.

Admiring Artistic Talent

International Quilt Museum

You don’t have to quilt to appreciate the beauty of a well-made piece, and the International Quilt Museum (1523 N. 33rd Street) showcases some of the world’s most exquisite handiwork. With a collection of over 8,000 quilts in its inventory, the galleries’ pieces rotate regularly.

LUX Center for the Arts & Mural Tour

Visit the LUX Center for the Arts (2601 N. 48th Street), an art gallery in the UNI Place Creative District, where twelve murals dot the streetscape. Gallery exhibitions rotate regularly, featuring local, regional, and national artists every day of the year. During First Friday at the LUX!, the public is invited to see newly unveiled exhibitions from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

I thoroughly enjoyed learning about each artist, especially the printmakers whose work is showcased in the LUX Museum upstairs. The museum’s collection includes nearly 500 master prints, including works by John Steuart Curry and other renowned artists.

Outside, take a tour by foot of the immediate neighborhood to view vibrant street art creations in full view.

The historic neighborhood turned urban corridor is a painter’s canvas. Mural masterpieces adorn building facades in all directions. A designated alley between buildings serves as a space for the public to paint a wall–bring spray paint!

The University Place neighborhood also consists of various galleries, spas and salons, and locally owned shops and restaurants.

Sipping Cocktails and Dining in Style

Kate Martin

The secret is out. Kate Martin (735 O Street) is a speakeasy-style bar everyone is talking about for its ambiance and cocktail menu featuring recipes with a flair for the dramatic. The building was once a hotel with a bar and then a costume shop. Now, it’s where the locals go to unwind in style.

After entering a nondescript doorway, we flipped through a leather-bound book listing cocktails named after famous Nebraskans. Lively conversation at the bar ensued while we waited for our drinks: Malcolm Little and Johnny Carson.

We’ll always remember the cash-only lounge for its thoughtfully prepared cocktails and dimly lit ambiance. You must experience it first-hand.

PRO TIP: Arrive at 4:30 p.m. when they open to guarantee a seat. The bar is open until 12:30 a.m. seven days a week.

Fleetwood

Across the street, at Fleetwood (801 O Street, Suite 100), the restaurant’s interior resembles the sleek lines of a classic car, and the menu’s selections are equally legendary. Servers, wearing band t-shirts, place dinner orders via iPads.

With a few minutes to spare before the conclusion of Happy Hour at 6:00 p.m., we ordered drinks and shareable Teriyaki Steak bites for the table. The menu, a a combination of elevated cuisine, includes signature entrees such as Crispy Sirloin & Noodles, cornmeal-breaded catfish, and Pasta Primavera.

My Crispy Pork Shank in pot liquor gravy arrived perfectly cooked, allowing me to pull it off the bone and drag it through cheesy grits.

The pan-seared Porterhouse Pork Chop with gorgonzola honey butter was savory and rich-tasting. Overall, we were pleased with our selections. I was unwilling to part with the pork shank leftovers, so I happily took them home.

Vinyl Bar Haymarket

The good times continue next door at Vinyl Bar Haymarket (810 O. Street Suite 110), where a middle-aged crowd gathers with friends to drink creative cocktails and craft beer after 4:00 p.m.

You can expect the cocktail ingredients to match the interior’s vintage vibe. A seasonal menu features handcrafted cocktails with names like The Days Go By, Betty Rose, and Good Grief. I sipped a blanco tequila drink, Hot Donna, prepared with blackberry jalapeño syrup and lime saccharum while the sound of Barry White’s voice sang, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” through the lounge’s speakers.

The after-dinner crowd quickly occupied the lounge’s velvety chairs while others spilled onto the patio’s seating areas. Vinyl is a cozy, swanky lounge to take a date or join friends for an evening of conversation when not glancing at its television to catch sports highlights.

PRO TIP: Beer drinkers will appreciate the selection of 10 draft beers. Love cocktails? Ask about their espresso martinis.

DAY 3

Starting the Day in a Good Way

The Mill Coffee & Bistro at Nebraska Innovation Campus

The Mill (2021 Transformation Drive) is where everyone should go for coffee, tea, or a delectable early-morning bite to start their day. Open seven days a week, the spacious lounge is designed with rustic meets Art Deco design.

I chatted with the barista, Garrison, who told me the café doubles as a cocktail wine bar appealing to patrons who want to enjoy an evening libation.

The coffee, prepared with The Mill’s roasted beans, is also available on retail tables alongside writer’s journals, mugs, and various gifts. When you go, I recommend ordering a hot Café Latté with toasted marshmallow flavoring for a doubly delightful experience.

Hub Cafe

After an early-morning coffee, drive to Hub Cafe (250 N. 21 Street Suite 3), where the kitchen staff cooks made-to-order meals using sustainable ingredients. They served locally sourced breakfast, brunch, and lunch sourced from local growers.

Located at the confluence of the city’s bike trail network and adjacent to Union Plaza Amphitheater, The Hub is a busy place. It often requires a wait for its superior-quality scratch-made meals.

The interior is decorated with color murals, a prelude to the outdoor park’s intriguing public art installations.

PRO TIP: Attend Hub Farmers Market on Wednesdays or Hub Cafe Pizza & Pints on Fridays.

Going Underground Like a Local

Robber’s Cave

Give in to the allure of the underground at Robber’s Cave (925 Robbers Cave Road Suite B). The only show cave providing tours in Nebraska. Select Magazine lists it as a top Lincoln attraction, and I agree.

The cave, discovered in 1869, is walkable thanks to 10-14 foot ceilings and an easily traversable path illuminated by electricity. Over the years, people have used it for many purposes, from a brewery to an impromptu party space, but today, it’s a restored cave available for one-hour guided tours.

Tour guide Joel Green, a local high school teacher, makes the experience exceptional with his storytelling approach to explaining history while infusing pop culture references.

Stopping to wave his hand along the pathway’s sugar-like powder, we followed him into narrow passageways, venturing only as far as my claustrophobic mind would allow. The majority of the cave was wide and comfortable for me.

I’m not sure which was more fascinating, learning about the cave’s mysterious history or viewing the many inscriptions left on its walls from years past. Nonetheless, Robber’s Cave is a fascinating journey into local lore made better by Green’s engaging tours.

Preview the cave and reserve a tour, available to visitors of all ages, by calling (402) 975-0598.

I could easily return to Lincoln to see more of the city. If you have questions or suggestions about how to spend a weekend in Lincoln, drop them in the comments. I’d love to answer them for you.