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    • Omaha

    Omaha travel guide

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    Overview

    Omaha has long been saddled with a reputation as a flyover city, seen only from the air when flying from one coast to the other. But over the past 20 years, the city has slowly been transformed, edging out Middle American blandness while retaining the friendly, down-to-earth manner of the Midwest that travellers so appreciate. Omaha remains a travel hub due to its central location, but the music scene, quality museums, and vibrant downtown historic neighbourhood now ensure that the city is a worthwhile final destination, rather than just a pleasant pit stop.

    The heart of the city is its arts and entertainment district, the Old Market. The area is made up of block after block of renovated industrial warehouse buildings from the 1800s, which now house a variety of unique shops, boutiques, bookstores, galleries, and some of Omaha's finest restaurants. Homer's Music is an Old Market institution. In addition to hosting live events itself, it provides the latest information on Omaha's thriving indie rock scene. Not one to ignore any form of artistic expression, the city also has a burgeoning film industry.

    Omaha was historically a trade and transport hub, with its location on the great Missouri River and proximity to the Platte River ensuring its importance in the region. Today, the city is home to an impressive number of billionaires and Fortune 500 companies and attracts business travellers, as well as holidaymakers.

    Omaha Zoo

    At Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, visitors can also explore exhibits such as the Suzanne and Walter Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome and Cat Complex, as well as Hubbard Gorilla Valley, Orangutan Forest and Lied Jungle, America's largest indoor rainforest. The zoo offers train and tram rides, the TreeTops Restaurant overlooking the rainforest and a variety of other fun activities, attractions and refreshment options. For those who don't want to visit the restaurants, there are lovely picnic areas at the zoo and plenty of snack kiosks. The zoo is widely acknowledged as being one of the best in the USA and should delight visitors of all ages. It can easily fill a whole day with family entertainment if explored thoroughly.

    Website: www.omahazoo.com
    Desert Dome at Omaha Zoo Desert Dome at Omaha Zoo Dual Freq
    Strategic Air and Space Museum

    The Strategic Air and Space Museum in Omaha, regarded as the nation's foremost facility of its kind, showcases World War II and Cold War era aircraft and artefacts to illustrate the historical role of strategic air command in securing peace. The museum's exhibits, multimedia displays and educational programmes are also forward-looking, generating excitement among the next generation about the future of aviation, aerospace and engineering. The whole family should enjoy a visit to this interesting attraction, which is both educational and entertaining. Many special events and exhibitions are also hosted by the museum so check the official website for information on what is showing during your visit.

    Opening time: Open daily 9am-5pm.
    Website: www.sacmuseum.org
    Strategic Air and Space Museum Strategic Air and Space Museum unbekannt
    Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts

    The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, just south of the Old Market district, was founded on the principle that exceptional talent deserves to be celebrated. Artists from around the world apply to participate in the centre's residency program, in which they are given studios and accommodation, freeing them to focus on creative growth and experimentation. The centre presents more than 20 exhibitions annually in its three main galleries, featuring emerging and established artists and spanning all visual media. Check the official website listed below to see what's showing at the Bemis Center during your stay in Omaha.

    Website: www.bemiscenter.org
    Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts Charlie Vinz
    Omaha Children's Museum

    This fun-filled and award-winning interactive museum is designed to educate and engage kids of all ages. The various exhibits and activities include the ever popular Imagination Playground and Sandy's Splish-Splash Garden. The Charlie Campbell Science and Technology Center features the Inventor's Workshop, the amazing whirligig station and live science presentations like Whiz Bang Super Science and The Amazing Bubble Show. At the Creative Arts Center children can release their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in whatever medium takes their fancy. Although the exact diversions on offer may change from time to time, the Omaha Children's Museum guarantees a great day out for kids and adults alike.

    Website: www.ocm.org
    Omaha Childrens Museum Omaha Childrens Museum Ckahler

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    English Pronounciation

    Omaha has a humid continental climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. Violent thunderstorms and even tornadoes are possible in the summer months. In July, the hottest month of summer, temperatures frequently reach 90°F (32°C) and can rise significantly higher. In January, the coldest month of winter, temperatures regularly drop as low as 0°F (-18°C), though the daily average temperature is 23°F (-5°C). Snow is common in winter, and can range from a light dusting to heavy blizzards. Many visitors prefer the milder weather of spring and autumn in Omaha.

    Eppley Airfield Airport
    Location: The airport is located four miles (6km) northeast of downtown Omaha.
    Time: GMT -6 (GMT -5 from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).
    Transfer Between Terminals: The terminals are all connected.
    Getting to the city: Taxis, shuttles, and rental cars are available at the airport. Bus route 16 (East Omaha/North 16th) services the airport on weekdays between about 6am and 6.25pm.
    Car Rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless, and Thrifty offer car rental services at the airport.
    Airport Taxis: City Taxi and zTrip taxis are available from the airport.
    Facilities: Facilities at the airport include food courts and snack bars, lounges, retail outlets, ATMs, a bank, conference rooms, and a shoe shine service.
    Parking The covered parking facility has both quick-park and long-term spaces. Surface parking within walking distance of the terminal is available, as is long-term economy parking with shuttle service. Charges vary by lot, but most charge $1 per 15 minutes for the first hour, with daily rates from $7 in the North Long Term Economy parking to $26 in the Quick-Park Garage.
    Website: www.flyoma.com

    Omaha is a Midwestern city and is therefore no stranger to urban sprawl, being designed primarily to be navigated by car. Thus, a rental car is the most convenient option for getting around. A fairly comprehensive fixed-route bus service is provided by Metro Transit, however, travellers should note that many bus routes only operate on weekdays. In the central downtown area, walking is a pleasant option when shopping and dining in the Old Market area, attractions like the riverfront and the Convention Center and Arena can be reached on foot. However, taxi availability can be erratic, and for sightseeing outside this downtown area, a car is best.

    With its indie music scene and various arts initiatives, including the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts residency programme, Omaha is becoming a beacon for progressive creatives. Rooted in the Midwest, however, it is also a great place for families, who will enjoy the zoo, Omaha Children's Museum, and Fun Plex, Nebraska's largest water park.

    Old Market is the undisputed tourist hub of the city with numerous wonderful shops, restaurants, and historic buildings. When pounding Old Market's charmingly uneven pavements becomes tiring, the Heartland of America Park next door is perfect for leisurely strolls along the mighty Missouri River and a rest in the shade.

    Visitors can also explore the largest indoor rainforest in the US at the famous Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium; historic aircraft and missiles at the Strategic Air and Space Command, the foremost museum of its kind; and perhaps catch a glimpse of one of America's richest men and lifelong Omaha resident, Warren Buffett, dining at Gorat's, his favourite local steakhouse.

    For financial gurus, the only time to visit is in the spring, during the annual Berkshire Hathaway meeting, when Omaha becomes the centre of the financial universe for one weekend. Even for the less stock-savvy, spring is a good choice, as is autumn, when the weather is milder than in summer and winter.

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