Omaha Guidebook

Omaha Guidebook Your guide to Omaha, Nebraska and beyond.

09/16/2025

Here’s your guide to Big Grove Brewery.

Location: 4601 Catalyst Ct, Omaha, NE 68106

This taproom, restaurant, and patio is now open as of TODAY. Big Grove is originally out of Iowa. But no fear — they’re brewing beer onsite, so you’re still drinking local!

Also, right next door to Big Grove Brewery in the Catalyst Building is Big Grove Coffee Co. So there is truly something for everyone here.

FOR MY GLUTEN FREE FRIENDS: Big Grove Brewery’s menu is marked with GF options. However I was informed there is no dedicated GF fryer, so any fried items would not be celiac safe.

Thanks a bunch to Big Grove for having us at your soft opening!

🚙 Parking There is metered street parking directly in front and behind the building. Or park along S 48th behind the building for slightly cheaper meter rates.

A parking garage is currently under construction next door to the Catalyst building, so more parking options should be available in the future.

There’s also a small parking lot right off of Saddlecreek Road in front of the building. It looked to be unmarked, so that might be free parking (for now).

🚌 Metro Bus Route 11: 48th & Leavenworth (7 min walk)
Routes 3, 15: 42nd & Leavenworth (17 min walk)
Route 120: 44th & Dodge (12 min walk)

👕 Typical Attire I saw people wearing casual clothes — jeans, dresses, tshirts, blouses, etc. As always though, wear what you like and what you feel comfortable in!

📣 Accessibility
There are no steps to get in or around Big Grove Brewery. If using a wheelchair, you’ll want to request a low table with chairs — as opposed to a high-top table or booth.

09/12/2025

Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch is open again for the fall season!

This pumpkin patch is just north of town and is the perfect autumn stop for families and people of all ages. A general admission ticket gives you access to over 35 attractions, including the daisy train, hayrack ride, pig racers, corn mazes, peddle karts, slides, tornado alley, petting zoo, jump pillows, and more.

🌼 WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL

The flower fields at Skinny Bones are open every day, but on select days during the month of September, there are even more festival activities to enjoy! Festival entry is included with general admission tickets (wildflower picking available for an extra cost).

Festival activities on September 13, 20, 27, 28:

• Live music
• Face painting
• Hair tinsel station
• New photo ops
• Princess meet & greets
• Limited-time food & drink

For more on Skinny Bones, see our stories today for our full guide to the pumpkin patch.

Thanks a bunch to Skinny Bones for sponsoring this post!

09/10/2025

Here’s your guide to parking in The Capitol District.

One thing to keep in mind is there are multiple big event venues right next to this area, so when events are happening, parking is of course going to be busier. If you want to avoid that traffic, I’d recommend checking event schedules for CHI Health Center, Steelhouse Omaha, the Holland Center, and Charles Schwab Field and plan your visit around that.

Thanks a bunch to The Capitol District for sponsoring this post!

🚙 Street Parking
There’s metered street parking throughout this area. I usually check 11th or 12th Streets first for available spots. (Plus see my tip in the video to find some lesser known spots with rates that are a bit cheaper!)

When big events are happening in the area, the meter rates are higher. But remember the meters are free on Sundays (except during major events) and city holidays!

🏢 Parking Garage
Route to Marriott/Capitol District Parking Garage. The entrance is on 12th Street and there’s a skywalk on level 4 from the garage directly into the Capitol District courtyard.

🔑 Valet Parking
The Marriott Downtown has valet parking at its entrance.

🚌 Metro Bus
And last, there are multiple bus stops right along the main strip

Routes 93, 94, 97, 106, 120: Capitol Ave & 12th NE
Route 106: 10th & Capitol Ave NE
Routes 11, 93, 94, 97, 120, ORBT: Dodge & 12th NE (a block south)

09/10/2025

Here’s your guide for things to do in The Capitol District .

This district in downtown Omaha is home to a variety of restaurants and bars, plus it’s within walking distance to multiple performance venues! It’s a great spot for a night out or to catch a bite to eat before catching a show down the street. Don’t forget to check out the courtyard in the middle while you’re there.

See my next post for a guide to parking in The Capitol District!

Limited on time? Hit some of the highlights and visit my favorites in this area: Jewell on Capitol, Texas de Brazil, The Brunch Box.

Thanks a bunch to the Capitol District for sponsoring this post!

🍽️ Restaurants & Coffee

Akaraui: ramen, boba, poke
The Brunch Box: comfort food
DJ’s Dugout: sports bar, patio
Epoca Cantina: Mexican comfort food, patio
Frank’s Pizzeria: pizza, sandwiches, pasta, video games
Insomnia Cookies: cookies, brownies, ice cream
J. Gilbert’s: steak, seafood, cocktails
Let It Fly: sports bar, patio
Lula B’s: breakfast, brunch
Moe & Curly’s: pub, grill, karaoke
Nosh: wine lounge, plates
Society 1854: breakfast cuisine inside Marriott
Starbucks: coffee, bites, patio
Texas de Brazil: Brazilian steakhouse

🍷 Bars
Annie’s Irish Pub: pub, patio
Beer Can Alley: country bar
Burdock + Bitters: cocktails, bites
The Exchange: nightclub
Howard & Fine: speakeasy inside Moe & Curly’s
The Stuffed Olive: martini bar, small plates, patio

🪩 Activities
Capitol Arcade: arcade games, bar
The Fat Putter: mini golf, bar
Jewell on Capitol: live music, cocktails, small plates
Net Par: indoor golf simulator, bar, bites

08/12/2025

Thrift with me at Hand Me Ups.

Location: 15663 Spaulding St, Omaha, NE

🚙 Parking
There’s a small attached parking area that’s free to park in.

🚌 Metro Bus
The bus doesn’t travel this far west on Maple.

📣 Accessibility
There are no steps to get in or around the thrift store. Some corners might be tight to navigate around using a wheelchair.

07/31/2025

Summer isn’t over if next week it’s still supposed to hit 90°!

Get these date ideas on your to-do list before the season ends. (Or send this to your person as a not-so-subtle hint)

All of these ideas would be great for any type of date! Romantic date, friend date, whatever.

07/30/2025

Here’s your guide to Omaha Draftcade

Location: 710 N 114th St Suite 210, Omaha, NE

Draftcade recently opened next door to the new Omaha Funny Bone location in Miracle Hills! This spot has a full bar, kitchen, patio, and a bunch of retro arcade games. A $10 wristband gives you full access to play unlimited games for the day.

Whether you’re coming here to grab drinks, play games, or just to grab a bite to eat, this is a fun spot for everyone. Draftcade is open to all ages up until 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays when it switches to 21+ only. Those 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Thanks to Draftcade for sponsoring this post!

FOR MY GLUTEN FREE FRIENDS: The few gluten free items are not currently marked on the menu. The kitchen uses a shared fryer, so if you need to avoid cross contamination, steer clear of the fried items. I’m hoping they’ll expand the menu soon to include more safe GF options and make those visible on the menu — even better if they are able to add a dedicated GF fryer.

Thanks to Draftcade for sponsoring this post!

🚙 Parking
There’s a large, free attached parking lot.

🚌 Metro Bus
Route 14: 114th & W Dodge Rd SW (5 min walk)

📣 Accessibility
There are no steps to get in or around Draftcade. Aside from the bar and bar height tables, there is a seating area with tables that are low enough to be accessed while in a wheelchair. Most of the games are meant to be played while standing, which would likely make them difficult to play for those using a wheelchair.

07/28/2025

Rebel Rise GF Bistro & Bakery- Rockbrook Village is opening their new brick & mortar location in just a couple weeks!

This will be a bistro and bakery located in Rockbrook Village. Everything on the menu is entirely gluten free!

For people with food allergies (like myself), it’s a really big deal to be able to walk in and order anything off the menu. I’m so excited our gluten free community in Omaha will have another spot with safe AND delicious options.

We got a sneak peek of their new spot and Rebel Rise so kindly gifted us some gluten free goodies to try! Everything was delicious.

Go follow Rebel Rise GF Bistro & Bakery- Rockbrook Village and show them some love once their new location is open!

07/24/2025

Heartwood Park is THE place to go for free summer fun!

Location: 301 S 145th St, Omaha, NE

Heartwood Omaha is a huge area in West O being developed for mixed use. I’m excited to see how the area continues to grow. But even now, they’re hosting a ton of free events this summer and there’s something for everyone!

⚽️RENTAL BAR: Open every Friday 4-10pm, Saturday 11am-11pm, and Sunday 10am-2pm. Rent free games and equipment, including board games, card games, bocce sets, pickleball sets, soccer balls, footballs, hula hoops, jump ropes, yoga mats, and more. Bring your ID to check out equipment.

🎶FRIDAY NIGHT BITES & BEATS: Happening every Friday through Sept, 6-10pm. Enjoy food trucks, live music, and lawn games.

🌻SUMMER SATURDAYS: Happening every Saturday through Sept, 5-10pm. These events vary by week! Some of the Saturday night events include movie nights, silent disco nights, and concerts.

☀️SUNDAY MORNINGS IN THE PARK: Happening every Sunday through Sept, 11am-1pm. These events also vary between art and dog-focused activities.

I’d recommend bringing lawn chairs if you plan to sit and hang out, because the chairs and picnic tables near the food trucks can get busy. Or you can rent a blanket from the rental bar.

Thanks a bunch to Heartwood Preserve for sponsoring this post!

🚙 Parking
There is free parking along the street, plus free parking lots nearby.

🚌 Metro Bus
Route 92: FNB Pkwy & 143 NE (20 min walk)

📣 Accessibility
There are paved sidewalks leading up to the park. The main area in the park where the live music happens is on a large paved area, with no steps. The area with picnic tables is on gravel.

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Omaha, NE

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