And this fall a new complex is opening, which will be in full swing by 2012, called Midtown Crossing at Turner Park – 31st & Dodge St. Its a large redevelopment project – much like whats happening in other cities across the nation. Shopping, restaurants, movie theater, etc. Its just minutes from downtown – too long to walk though I’m afraid – This will add to your experience as well. (http://www.midtowncrossing.com + another development called Aksarben Village is almost completion as well – on 63rd & Center St.)

Looking forward to seeing you all in Omaha in a few years – and I may see you in your home town too!

I’m copying an pasting your list right now. We’re determined to have a much better time next time around. Not that Farrells wasn’t good. I wish there was a Farrells in every city we visited!

And I am wellllll over the age of 21 . I understand a downtown having fine dining and restaurants, but there still should be more of a balance between high end and quick/affordable. Writers on deadline don’t always want/need all the bells and whistles when it’s time to eat. I want my food quick so I can focus on my work. I may blog casually here, but I attended the Trials to “work” as a credentialed media member.

Also, with such a large University downtown, it’s bizarre that all there really is is Jimmy John’s and that pizza place. But maybe that’s because I live in the city that houses the largest University in the country…

Really, we just want options. Hosting major sporting events should open up a market for a variety of eating stops that cater to the different type of people visiting. I absolutely love the pride your city has in hosting such large sporting events. I would think the Chamber of Commerce would want to continue to expand and improve visitor experiences. We already spend a fortune attending the Olympic Trials. Sometimes you just want a Big Mac!

But each city has its pros and cons, we were just pretty vocal with this one’s!

And thanks for being open-minded and not jumping down our throats! And thanks for the great tips! Maybe next time we head down there, our minds and experiences will do a complete 180!

Our downtown is not meant to be a fast food college part of down. Its for fine dining, shows, arts, and the like. There are some great restaurants down there, including: (my favorites are listed first)

Expensive:
Sullivans – 222 S 15th
French Cafe – 1017 Howard
Passport – 1101 Jackson
Omaha Prime – 415 S 11th
Paxton Chophouse – 1403 Farnam
The Flatiron Cafe – 1722 Saint Marys Ave

Reasonable:
Vincenzo’s (chicken franco) – 1207 Harney
Upstream Brewing (parmesan artichoke dip; beer cheese soup) – 514 South 11th
Rick’s Cafe Boatyard – 345 Riverfront Dr
Nicola’s – 521 S 13
Blue (tidal wave) – 416 South 12th
O Casual Dining – Asian Fusion (chicken & green beans) – 1015 Farnam
Vivace – 1108 Howard
Twisted Fork – 1014 Howard
Stokes – 1122 Howard
Indian Oven – 1010 Howard St
Jazz – 1421 Farnam

But since the bloggers here are under 21 or barely over, I can see how these places do not fit into your “scene” or your budget. Therefore, may I offer these:

M’s Pub (pub favorite sandwich) • Trinis (in the passageway)
Zios • Farmer’s Market • Delice European Bakery & Cafe • 13th Street Coffee Co. • Julios • King Fongs • MJ Java • Athenian Gyros • Little King • Subway • Matsu Sushi • Old Chicago

(I will not mention Jimmy Johns above – I agree, I hate the place)

And things to do within walking distance may be slim compared to big beach front cities, but may I offer these:

Shopping:
Urban Outfitters – 737 N 14th St
American Apparel – 733 N 14th St
Homers Records – 1114 Howard
Hollywood Candy – 501 S 13th St
Old Market Candy – 1005 Howard St
Tannenbaum – 1007 Howard St

Things to do/see:
Film Streams Movie Theater – 1340 Webster
Artists’ Cooperative Gallery or Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts – FREE
Images of Nature Gallery- FREE
Passageway Gallery- FREE
Durham Western Heritage Museum
Joslyn Art Museum
Gondolas in Heartland of America Park
Gene Leahy Park / River Walk / Pedestrian Bridge- FREE

Night spots (21 and over)
Club Irie
The Max
Slowdown
Bar 415
1507
The Run (Omaha Mining Co) – 1715 Leavenworth
– Alternative, After Hours Dancing 1:30-4am Fri/Sat for 18yrs and older

Shopping by taxi:
Westroads Mall – I-680 & W. Dodge
Regency Court Mall – Regency Parkway
Village Pointe Shopping Center – 168th & W. Dodge
Nebraska Furniture Mart – 72nd & Dodge
The Shops of Legacy – 168th & W. Center
Oak View Mall – 144th & W. Center

Things to do/see by Taxi:
Henry Doorly Zoo
CoCo Key Water Resort or Fun Plex or Papio Fun Park
Dave and Busters
Velocity Indoor Karting
Zaaap Laser Tag
Wildlife Safari
Lauritzen – Botanical Gardens – worth the visit!!
Boys Town – FREE
Gerald R Ford Birth Site and Gardens – FREE
Mt Vernon Gardens- FREE
Fontenelle Forest/Neale Woods
Strategic Air & Space Museum
The Amazing Pizza Machine

Other fun hang outs – downtown
Billy Frogg’s
Urban Wine Company (not just wine – great atmosphere and drinks/food)
Mr. Toads
Myth
Nomads Lounge
O’Connor’s Irish Pub

I’m sorry to hear your frustrated and disappointed that you are forced to come back here in a few years, but hopefully some of my tips will make your week here a little better. If I can help out in any way or answer any questions, please do hot hesitate to contact me. And please, just be nice, ok? : )

Omahacloud

I want trials in a real BIG city and easy to travel hot spot.

P.s. I don’t think I could handle anymore jimmy john’s for the rest of my life