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Post by mike10003 on Dec 12, 2022 8:49:05 GMT -5
Obviously first time traveling there to the Final Four, thought I would see if any regulars have personal recommendations on things to, places to see or eat, hotels you liked, etc. Seems like I can just fly into Eppley Airfield and be minutes from the city/arena.
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Post by Winbabywin on Dec 12, 2022 8:59:37 GMT -5
I'm sure they have caught up to the curve (maybe), after having a few conventions under their belt now, but be patient with the restaurants and bars in Omaha on Wednesday and Thursday nights. They are used to being closed and home in bed by 10pm; they aren't used to having thousands of thirsty 6-footers in town. Not a ton to see in Omaha, I would suggest making the most of your time with current friends and perhaps making some new ones.
Locations have a variety of attractions, but I mostly remember the people from my convention experiences. I will remember the experiences and the people; I may not remember which city they happened in. Probably because I was so thirsty.
Those dang 8am sessions are hard to get to...especially the early morning yoga
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Post by haterade on Dec 12, 2022 9:05:33 GMT -5
I'm sure they have caught up to the curve (maybe), after having a few conventions under their belt now, but be patient with the restaurants and bars in Omaha on Wednesday and Thursday nights. They are used to being closed and home in bed by 10pm; they aren't used to having thousands of thirsty 6-footers in town. Not a ton to see in Omaha, I would suggest making the most of your time with current friends and perhaps making some new ones. Locations have a variety of attractions, but I mostly remember the people from my convention experiences. I will remember the experiences and the people; I may not remember which city they happened in. Probably because I was so thirsty. Those dang 8am sessions are hard to get to...especially the early morning yoga I mean… they’re used to the CWS. Summer but it’s two weeks of madness. |
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Post by haterade on Dec 12, 2022 9:14:10 GMT -5
Obviously first time traveling there to the Final Four, thought I would see if any regulars have personal recommendations on things to, places to see or eat, hotels you liked, etc. Seems like I can just fly into Eppley Airfield and be minutes from the city/arena. Arena is a 5 minute Uber from the arena. Old Market should have enough bars/restaurants to keep you entertained. The Hilton across from the arena is nice and the hotel bar is the closest bar outside the arena. Capitol district skews younger but has bars that should be busy. Twisted Fork is a breakfast favorite. I’ve heard good things about Jams. Upstream brewery is close if you’re a trying the local beer type. Late night food at Eat the Worm. Mr Toad, Gate 10, T Henry’s are all pretty much the same. Billy Frog’s has a gallon fishbowl sized Moscow Mule if someone you don’t like ‘owes you a drink’ |
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Post by lotstodo2023 on Dec 12, 2022 9:29:52 GMT -5
Eat at Gather- it is phenomenal. Get the Bolognaise if you like pasta. I have dreams about that dish.
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Post by mma40027002 on Dec 12, 2022 9:43:07 GMT -5
Eppley is not far from the arena. If you can stay within walking distance of the arena, you definitely should do so, because parking can stink and is kind of expensive. The Henry Doorly Zoo is a good way to spend the day, if you are looking for something touristy to do. I know a lot of teams will go down there to spend some time when they aren't playing. Downtown is pretty with Christmas Lights and The Old Market is kind of fun to navigate, weather permitting. Village Pointe outdoor mall is about 25 minutes away-it has some good shopping, good restaurants, and a nice movie theater. It also has pretty Christmas lights. There is also an outlet mall in Gretna, which is probably 35 minutes west that has some good stores, too.
There is an Italian restaurant called Malara's less than 10 minutes from the arena. It has great homemade pasta and a friendly staff. There are lots of good places to eat in downtown but if you venture out, there are even more good places, depending on what kind of cuisine you're looking for.
The Fish Bowl drink at Billy Frog's is a fun tradition!
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Post by Wiswell on Dec 12, 2022 10:26:56 GMT -5
Cheaper to stay in Council Bluffs. By a lot.
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Post by juancook on Dec 12, 2022 10:27:33 GMT -5
I live in Omaha, so I can personally attest to the "scene" that many are going to be experiencing while here for the tournament.
FOOD/WINE/COCKTAILS:
- Boiler Room/Le Bouillon/Gather/V. Mertz - probably the best restaurants in the Old Market area. For reference, the Old Market is a stones throw from Chi Health Arena. V. Mertz is probably the best restaurant in all of Omaha for wine.
- Mon Càve and La Buvette are wine bars in the Old Market as well. Mon Càve is brand new and right next to Howard Street Wine Cellar, which is one of the best wine shops in the United States.
- Inkwell, Wicked Rabbit, Nite Owl, Laka Lono Rum Club are the best cocktail bars in Omaha. Really great libations and beverage programs that are in the same breath of those in Chicago and NYC
- Ika Ramen & Izakaya, Au Courant, and Yo%*$#omo are some of the best restaurants in the entire city. These are located in Benson, a 10 minute shared-ride (lyft, uber) west of downtown Omaha.
- Mula, Noli's Pizzeria, Stirnella, and The Committee Chophouse (best steak in the area) at The Cottonwood Hotel are all fantastic food options as well. They are in the Blackstone District just west of downtown Omaha
HOTELS
Not sure what is still available close to the arena, but the following are recommended:
- Hilton Omaha, Hotel Deco, Element Midtown Crossing, The Farnam and The Peregrine are the best in the immediate area of The Old Market and Chi Health Arena. Not sure on availability this close to the tournament.
- The Cottonwood Hotel is a really great Kimpton property in Blackstone District, just west of The Old Market and Arena.
THINGS TO DO
Honestly, aside from eating and drinking, there really isn't much "sight seeing" to do. The Henry Doorly Zoo is absolutely outstanding. One of the best in the country. There are a lot of cool and interesting shops in The Old Market. You can also take a drive to see where Warren Buffet lives, although I won't disclose exactly where that is!
Unfortunately, it's too cold for golf, otherwise I would host any of you at our club for a round. However...
My wife and I are hosting a Final Four party at our golf club on Wednesday and Friday night. If you're interested in coming, let me know! We are huge wine geeks, so there will be lots of great wine. We have a huge group of friends coming in from Texas, California, Louisville, etc for the games, so you will see supporters from all over at this get together. Hoping to have 100 people or so. Again, let me know!
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Post by juancook on Dec 12, 2022 10:28:02 GMT -5
Cheaper to stay in Council Bluffs. By a lot. Council-tucky. Get it right  and you all should stay away from that hell hole |
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Post by eotexas5 on Dec 12, 2022 10:28:10 GMT -5
In 2009, I went to Omaha to watch Texas play LSU in the CWS and ate at Stokes, which is in downtown Omaha. One of the best margaritas I've ever had! It was so good, we went back the next day lol
I'm not sure if it's still there but I enjoyed it a lot!
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Post by volleyguy on Dec 12, 2022 10:43:33 GMT -5
Keep in mind, folks, you're in Omaha for the volleyball, not the food, not the locals (except for maybe Warren Buffet), not the scenery and not the weather.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Dec 12, 2022 10:46:00 GMT -5
We'll be there, with Little Rainbow in tow. Anybody have recommendations for things to do with little kids? We did the zoo and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum when we were out there in April 2021.
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Post by Steve vb on Dec 12, 2022 10:52:26 GMT -5
Obviously first time traveling there to the Final Four, thought I would see if any regulars have personal recommendations on things to, places to see or eat, hotels you liked, etc. Seems like I can just fly into Eppley Airfield and be minutes from the city/arena. There is a very good LED Christmas light show every Friday and Saturday evening at the top of the hour from 6 PM - 10 PM at Omaha's Central Park, also known as the Gene Leahy Mall. This large park is in the center of downtown and only a few blocks from the CHI Arena. www.visitomaha.com/event/holiday-lights-festival%3a-gene-leahy-mall-lighting-displays/37937/Other good places to see Christmas lights are in the Old Market and at Midtown Crossing: www.visitomaha.com/blog/post/holiday-light-displays-in-omaha/ |
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Post by walrust on Dec 12, 2022 10:53:39 GMT -5
Keep in mind, folks, you're in Omaha for the volleyball, not the food, not the locals (except for maybe Warren Buffet), not the scenery and not the weather. Runza if your colon is up for it. |
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Post by avid 2.0 on Dec 12, 2022 10:53:50 GMT -5
We'll be there, with Little Rainbow in tow. Anybody have recommendations for things to do with little kids? We did the zoo and the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum when we were out there in April 2021. There's a childrens museum (thing? idk lol) . It's sorta near the area. |
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and you all should stay away from that hell hole 
