a.     Location- Omaha is located in Douglas County and is the county seat. It is on the Missouri River, 20 miles north of the Platte River.

b.    Population: 390,007 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price- The average home price in Omaha, Nebraska is $133,879.

d.    Average Apartment Lease- The average price for renting in Omaha is $396 a month.

 

a.     Location- Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is located in Lancaster County, which is the county seat.

b.    Population: 225,581 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price- The average home price in Lincoln, Nebraska is $137,538.

d.    Average Apartment Lease- The average price for renting in Lincoln is $464 a month.

a.     Location- Grand Island is located only 100 miles west of the city of Lincoln, Nebraska’s State Capitol; it is 25 miles north of Hastings and 50 miles east of Kearney; It is bounded by the Platte River to the south and the Loup River to the North.

b.    Population: 44,000

c.     Average Home Price- For a 1500-2000 sq.ft. house with a basement, 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a 1-2 car garage, the average price is $103,000.

d.    Average Apartment Lease- Monthly rates for a 2-bedroom apartment start at $485 a month.

 

a.     Location- Crete is located in Salina County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 6,028 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Crete is $46,760 annually.

 

a.     Location- Nebraska city is located in the county seat of Otoe County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 7,228 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Nebraska City is $34,952 annually.

 

a.     Location- Kearney is located in Buffalo County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 27,431 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price- The average home price in Kearney, Nebraska is $123, 249.

d.    Average Apartment Lease- The average price for renting in Kearney is $209 a month.

 

a.     Location- North Platte is located in southwest Nebraska in Lincoln County. It sits on I-80 where the South Platte River and the North Platte River join to form the Platte River.

b.    Population: 23,878 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price- The average home price in North Platte is $96,014

d.    Average Apartment Lease- The average price for renting in North Platte is $171 monthly.

 

a.     Location- Hastings is located in Buffalo County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 84,000 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price- The average home price in Hastings, Nebraska is $99,986.

d.    Average Apartment Lease- The average price for renting in Hastings is $184 a month.

 

a.     Location- Scottsbluff is located in Scottsbluff County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 14,732 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Scottsbluff is $29,938 annually.

 

a.     Location- Minden is located in Kearney County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 2,964 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Minden is $40,092 annually.

 

a.     Location- Fairbury is located in Jefferson County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 4,262 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Fairbury is $29,261 annually.

 

a.     Location- Sidney is located in Cheyenne County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 6,282 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Sidney is $33,935 annually.

 

a.     Location- York is located in York County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 8,081 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in York is $36,069 annually.

 

a.     Location- Ogallala is located in Keith County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 4,930 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Ogallala is $32,141 annually.

 

a.     Location- Burwell is located in Garfield County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 1,130 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Burwell is $22,569 annually.

 

a.     Location- Bellevue is located in Sarpy County, Nebraska.

b.    Population: 44,382 (as of 2000)

c.     Average Home Price-The average home price is not listed, but the average annual income for residents in Bellevue is $47,201 annually.

 

References

www.grand-island.com

http://en.wikipedia.org

www.justlisted.com/localpages/Nebraska/Crete.htm

www.homegain.com

http://travel.yahoo.com

o       Lo Sole Mio Ristorante Italiano- This 5-Star Italian restaurant is located at 3001 South 32^nd Avenue. Guests can take their pick from a sumptuous menu including freshly made pastas and sauces, thin crust pizzas, and other delicious entrees. Two can dine at Lo Sole Ristorante Italiano for $30-$40. Casual attire is appropriate and no reservations are accepted. Space is limited, so the wait for a table may be up to an hour on the weekends, but it is well worth it. Open 11am-9pm, M-Th, 11am-10pm, F-Sa

o       The Drover- The Drover is located at 2121 South 73^rd St. and serves up an array of tasty dishes, from steak to seafood. The rustic wooden tables and low lighting create an intimate atmosphere. The Drover is famous for their Whiskey Steak, which goes for $18.95. It seafood is what you crave, try the King Crab Platter ($40.00). All entrees come with a potato, vegetable, bread, and salad bar.  

Open Lunch: 11am-2pm, M-Sa,

Dinner: 5pm-10pm, M-Th, 5pm-11pm F-Sa,       5pm-10pm Su

o       Flatiron Café- This upscale restaurant is located in the Flatiron Building on172 Saint Mary’s Avenue. You can expect to find menu items spanning from American to Caribbean, such as Miso Marinated Sea Bass ($22.00) and Grilled Breast of Duck ($20.00). Although their menu changes seasonally, you can always find the favored Shitake Mushroom appetizer ($9.50) on the menu. Call for reservations if you want the best seat in the house, located at the point of the “iron”.

Open Lunch: 11am-2pm, M-F,

 Dinner: 5pm-10pm, M-Sa

o       Delice European Bakery and Coffee Bar- This delightful little bakery is located at 1206 Howard St. Come for breakfast, lunch, or just for coffee. An assortment of delicious pastries, cakes, and cookies greet you as you walk through the door. The bakery also offers a full menu of coffee drinks, natural juices, and exotic teas. It you’re looking for a meal, try one of their tasty salads, quiches, or sandwiches. Guests can sit inside or outside on the patio.

Open 7:30am-9pm, M-F, 7:30am-11pm, F-Sa,

 7:30-6 Su

o       Rock ‘n’ Roll Runza- The #1 rated restaurant in Lincoln in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Runza, located at 14^th and P Street. This 1950’s themed restaurant is known for serving up a hearty German-Russian delicacy called the Runza, consisting of hamburger, cabbage and spices wrapped in dough and baked.

o       The Renaissance- For a fine-dining experience, try The Renaissance, a 5-Star restaurant located at 333 South 13^th Street in the Cornhusker Hotel. They serve up everything from traditional steaks to duck with dates, nutmeg, wild-boar bacon, and mushrooms.

o       Misty’s- Misty’s, located at 6235 Havelock Avenue, is know for it’s juicy beef, which they corn-feed, age for 21 days, then bathe in Misty’s special spices. Cornhuskers fans will rave at the football memorabilia.

o       Valentino’s- If you like pizza, then you’ll love Valentino’s located at 3457 Holdrege St. They’re known for their distinctive toppings, spicy sauce, and thick and chewy crusts.

o       Henry Doorly Zoo- The Henry Doorly Zoo was named the “#1 Family Friendly Vacation Spot in the U.S.” and it’s easy to see why. They advertise the world’s largest man-made jungle among other exciting adventures. You can walk through the glass-enclosed tunnel while sharks and other sea creatures swim over your head. You can view hundreds of birds flying about in their mesh aviary that is the size of four football fields. Or you can take in an IMAX show and climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Admission: Adults- $8.50, Seniors- $7.00, Children 5-11- $4.75; Open 9:30-5pm

o       Old Market- The Old Market is located from 10^th-13^th Street and from Farnam to Jackson Street in downtown Omaha. Take a walk down the cobblestone streets and you’ll find some of the best shops and restaurants in town, including several art galleries. Individual business hours vary.

o       Orpheum Theatre- This charming Theatre is located at 409 South 16^th St. It was built in1927 and hosted Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, W.C. Fields, and Al Jolson. It was completely renovated in 1970 and today is the home of the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, Broadway touring productions, and music concerts. Call (402) 444-4750 for ticket information. Box Office Hours: 8:30am-6pm, M-F

o       Boulder Creek Amusement Park- If fun and games are what you seek, you can find them at the Boulder Amusement Park, located at14208 S. Street. Whether it’s a game of mini golf, scaling the 24-ft climbing wall, or trying your hand at the batting cages, you are sure to be entertained. Prices range from $5 for two climbs to $25 an hour for the batting cages.

Open: 10am-10pm, Su-Th; 10am-11pm, F-Sa

o       Mormon Pioneer Cemetery-Come and pay tribute to the religious pioneers who traveled the Mormon Trail. Located at 3215 State Street, this site commemorates the more than 600 Mormons who died because of the harsh weather. Daily tours are free and detail the journey of these pioneers. Admission is also free.

Open: 9am-9pm

o       Joslyn Art Museum-Masterpieces are everywhere at the Joslyn Art Museum, located at 2200 Dodge Street. Works by El Greco, Degas, Monet, and Renoir can be seen at the Joslyn. The Joslyn itself is a work of art. Thirty-eight different types of marble were used to construct it, causing the museum to glow a light pink. Art from the 19^th and 20^th century receives a special focus at the Joslyn. Admission: Adults- $7.00, Seniors and Students- $5.00, Children 5-17- $4.00. 

Open: 10am-4pm, Tu-Sa; noon-4pm Su

o       James Arthur Vineyards- If your looking for an afternoon of fine food and wine, you can find it at the James Arthur Vineyard, located on Raymond Rd. Call (402) 783-5255 to inquire about tours of the vineyard or to get directions.

o       Laser Quest- Kids and Adults alike will love the laser tag experience at Laser Quest, located in the East Park Plaza at 6802A P Street. Experience laser tag like never before in a dark, “sci-fi” maze. Games can be tailored to meet you specific needs and skill levels. Call (402) 465-5522 for more information.

o       Capital City Ribfest- If you’re lucky enough to be in Lincoln for the four-day Capital City Ribfest, you’re in for a treat. Located in the Pershing Center at 226 Centennial Mall South, this barbecue can’t be beat. Come enjoy four days of fabulous food and a variety of live music from around the world. To find out when the Capital City Ribfest is being held, call (402) 441-8744.

o       National Museum of Rollerskating- This one of a kind museum exhibits memorabilia from 1819 to the present, including skates, costumes, films, and artwork. It is located at 4730 South St. Call (402) 483-7551 for more information.

o       Historic Haymarket District- Located between 7^th and 9^th Streets and from O to R Streets, this unique district offers galleries, restaurants, shopping, dinner theatre, and antiques in turn-of-the-century buildings. Individual business hours vary.

o       Folsom Children’s Zoo and Botanical Gardens- This charming little place is located at 27^th and B Street. It’s zoo houses 300 animals representing 95 different species. Train and pony rides are available. Call (402) 475-6741 for more information.

 

References

 

http://travel.yahoo.com

 

9:15 am- Arrive at the zoo. Park your vehicle and make your way to the ticket counter.

9:30 am- Enter the zoo

As you arrive at the zoo, you may be overwhelmed by the vastness of things to see. Start by making your way north towards the Desert Dome where you’ll see plants and animals of the desert. After that, head downstairs to the Kingdom of the Night, the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit. Next, make your way down to Dairy world, the petting zoo. Circle around through the Small Mammals, Wolf Woods, and Monkeys, then head on over to the Durham’s Bear Canyon. When you’ve had your fill of Grizzlies, Malayan sun bears, and polar bears, walk across the path to the Cat complex, where you’ll see lions, tigers, jaguars, and more. Next, check out the primates in the Hubbard Gorilla Valley and the Orangutan Forest.

 

12:30 p.m.-Lunch- TreeTops Restaurant- Since you’ve still got an afternoon of fun ahead of you at the zoo, stick around for lunch at the TreeTops Restaurant. Enjoy dining with your family while overlooking the Lied Jungle, the world’s largest indoor rainforest. TreeTops serves cafeteria-style and is open daily.

1:00 p.m.- The IMAX- Now that you’ve eaten your fill at the TreeTops Restaurant, sit back and take in the adventure of the IMAX Theatre. Shows here are larger than life.

2:30 pm- Train Ride- After a long day of walking, you’ll probably want to see the rest of the animals by rail. Board at the Keneflick Train Depot, and then sit back and relax as you pass by the Zebras, Hoofstock, the African Veldt, Cheetahs, and the Gaur. On your way out of the park, be sure to pass through the Giraffes and the Scott Aquarium.

6:30 pm- Dinner- The Spaghetti Works Restaurant- After a full day at the zoo, you’ll definitely enjoy the all-you-can-eat pasta at Spaghetti Works. If your more in the mood for a salad, you’ll love the salad bar, which has been built into an old Model-T!

 

          Open: 7:30am-9pm, M-Th, 7:30am-11pm, F-Sa,

 Children 5-11- $ 6.75, Children 4 and under- Free

Train Rides- Operates daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day,

And weekends in April, May, Sept. and Oct. weather permitting.

After breakfast- Shop and peruse to your heart’s content. The market offers a variety of charming shops and art galleries. Check out these stores:

·        Tannenbaum Christmas Shop- Celebrate Christmas any month of the year at the Tannenbaum Christmas Shop. Thousands of ornaments hang from trees and displays. They also feature a variety of figurines, dolls, and other decorative items.

·        Nebraska Clothing Company- Here you’ll find not only Nebraska Team apparel, but also the finest adventure wear and durable travel clothing.

·        New Realities- This eclectic book and gift shop will sooth your soul with their large collection of soothing music, jewelry, candles, chimes, incense, and books.

·        Nouvelle Eve- Looking for a slinky party dress or a funky hat? You’ll find that and more at this trendy, yet sophisticated boutique.

·        Homer’s Records and Tapes- For the music-lover in you, check out Homer’s and find everything from alternative cds to good old-fashioned LP’s.

Lunch- The Brass Grille- Lunch here will have your mouth watering for more. They offer an array of pastas, salads, steaks, and seafood. They offer two-levels of seating surrounded by exposed brick and hanging lights. 

After lunch- Continue shopping and sightseeing.

Dinner- Upstream Brewing Company- When you’re all shopped out, head on down to the Upstream Brewing Company. Housed in an old firehouse, this fun restaurant/bar has two levels, with the first floor being the dining area and the second floor for playing pool. The Upstream brews it’s own beer and root beer, and a full list of microbrews is available.

After Dinner- Bar 415- What can cap off an evening better than listening to some smooth jazz? Well, you can do just that at Bar 415. This super-hip nightclub looks like no big deal from the street, but once inside, you might think you’re in New York rather than Omaha. On the weekends, enjoy local jazz bands play from a stage suspended above the ceiling.

          Open: 6am-4pm, M-F, noon-3pm Sa

          Open: 11am-3pm M, 11am-10pm Tu-Th,

          Open: 11am-1am M-Sa, noon-midnight Su

10:30- Head to the Boulder Creek Amusement Park for a day of rock climbing, miniature golf, batting cages, and more. Prices range from $5 for two climbs to $25 an hour for the batting cages.

Lunch- Eat lunch today at one of the vendors and the Boulder Creek Amusement Park.

Dinner- Pasta Amore E Fastasia Café and Bar-   Your trip to Omaha will not be complete without a visit to this award-winning café and bar. Haled as “Best Italian Restaurant of the Year” and “Where the Locals Eat”, the pasta, seafood, steaks, and salads will not leave you disappointed. Expect to pay around $12-20 an entrée and be sure to save room for dessert.

After Dinner- Q Cinema 9- Take in a movie at the Q. This small little theatre offers big name movies at rock bottom prices. This is the perfect way to unwind after a day at the amusement park.

 

          Open: 6am-9pm Su-Tu, 6am-10pm W-Sa

          Open: Lunch- 11am-2pm M-F,

          Tickets: Matinees and Children- $3.75, Adults after 6pm- $6.50