Blog

Ready to head outdoors this summer? There are lots of cool outdoor attractions in and around Omaha that make great summer destinations. Here are our top three favorite outdoor spots in Omaha to help you start planning your next adventure today! Fontenelle Forest Just outside of Omaha is the Fontenelle Forest, an incredible 1,400-acre forest that is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The forest is a National Natural Landmark and is even included in the National Registry of Historic Sites. There are about 19 miles worth of hikes in the area plus a new adventure park. Be sure to check out TreeRush Adventures the next time you visit. Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is one of the most popular destinations in Omaha and for good reason. With exhibits inside and out, its a great pick for a summertime outing. Head out on one of their children's adventure trails with the whole family or explore some of their educational exhibits, including African Grasslands, Asian Highlands, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, and Hubbard Orangutan Forest. Benson Park Golf Course If you're a fan of golf, be sure to check out the Benson Park Golf Course. Beautifully maintained and fun to play, Benson Park Golf Course is just the right amount of challenging. Owned by the city, this golf course is open to the public and is affordable to play. Golf cart rentals are available and you can choose to play nine or eighteen holes. These three spots are all great choices if you're looking for some fun in the sun this summer in Omaha! Image via Flickr by Chris Urbanowicz

It's been well established that using your phone while driving is dangerous, especially if you're texting. A designated texter can help improve driver safety by removing the temptation of his or her smartphone. Here are three reasons why you should consider appointing someone to answer your texts while you drive. Reduced Distractions From fussy kids in the back seat to billboard signage to navigation, there can be many things vying for our attention while driving. Texting pulls your eyes off the road and is one of the worst driver distractions. Having someone else in the car handling your text messages can help you remain focused on the road, while reducing the number of distractions in the vehicle. Increased Safety With interruptions come safety concerns. Texting and driving are a major cause of roadway accidents. Thankfully, designated texters can keep drivers from being distracted by their phones. Instead of reading off the screen and trying to type a response with one hand on the wheel, your chosen passenger can take over. Their assistance helps to prevent fumbling and other dangerous conditions. Remain Connected The best thing to reduce distractions is to shut your phone off and put it away. However, this isn't always possible. Sometimes text messages need to be answered promptly but that shouldn't compromise passenger safety. Your designated texter can help you remain safely connected with the outside world. A designated texter is one of the best ways to avoid texting-related accidents. Whether it's a friend or family member, you should assign someone to take care of your texts on your next drive! Image via Flickr by Quoteinspector.com

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Like most people working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, you probably find yourself stuck in traffic twice a day. There are a few ways to work around it though and save yourself some time, stress, and money. Plan Your Trip Before leaving the house, take a look at the local news. Most news stations have regular times in the morning hours to keep commuters up-to-date on the status of area roads and highways. You can also use GPS or a phone app to check the most recent traffic reports. Many apps will let you select a route with less traffic, the fastest option, or skip highways altogether. If the congestion is too bad, and you have the choice, work from home or flex your schedule so you can drive during non-peak hours. Use Alternative Travel Options Public transportation doesn't have the best reputation, but there's much to be said for not worrying about other drivers or paying for gas to be burned while sitting in traffic. Ride the train into town and read a book or catch a nap during that morning commute. Grab a seat on the express bus with fewer stops and more travelers like yourself. You could even ride your bike or walk, if your work isn't too far. This saves you maintenance and upkeep on your personal vehicle and gives you important exercise time as well. These tips and more can ease the stress of a difficult commute and help you stay on time for work and appointments. Image via Flickr by skochkarev

Ready for a night out on the town? Omaha offers some fantastic nightlife, ranging from perfect date ideas to fun for the whole family. Here are our top three favorite things to do in Omaha when the sun goes down. Heartland of America Park's Fountain Take your kids to the Heartland of America Park to catch one of the spectacular computerized shows that take place every night between May and October. Set against the beautiful Omaha skyline, the Heartland of America Park's fountain puts on a dazzling display of color and arcing water. It's a great place to bring the family to enjoy the lovely weather during the warmer months. Slowdown Dubbed Esquire magazine's Club of the Year in 2007, Slowdown is a must-visit for music fans. Considered one of the main indie music venues in Omaha, alongside The Waiting Room, Slowdown prides itself on its revolving roster of local acts. Omaha was the birthplace of indie legends like Conor Oberst and Cursive, and Slowdown continues that tradition of fostering upcoming musical acts. Beercade Grab a drink and get ready for an entertaining night at Omaha's Beercade. Stocked with tons of games, from modern and retro to pinball machines, Beercade is a popular place to meet up with friends. Pay $3 to play all the games you want on Fridays and Saturdays in “Mom's Basement.” Beercade offers a huge selection of taps and bottles, as well as a full bar. Omaha has a spectacular cannot-be-missed nightlife with diverse offerings and friendly crowds. It's time to head out when the sun goes down. Image via Flickr by Joe Crimmings

If you're planning your next road trip, you should also be looking into the Honda Passport. This mid-size crossover SUV is spacious, off-road friendly, and has the technology you need to be safe and have an enjoyable ride. Extra Cargo Space If your road trip is going to require supplies, luggage, or four-legged family members, you'll need to make use of all the extra space you can get. The 2019 Honda Passport boasts up to 77.9 cubic feet of cargo storage. Five passengers can fit in this two-row SUV with plenty of legroom. An additional 2.5 cubic feet of storage is available under the cargo floor, in which you can fit the optional plastic bins for easy organization. Technology The Honda Passport comes with either a five-inch or eight-inch touch screen display, depending on the trim level. It also features a seven-inch instrument cluster which includes, speed, rpm, audio, trip computer, and navigation instructions for those less-traveled areas. The Passport is also loaded with the Honda Sensing technology, which includes all of Honda's popular safety features, to keep you and your family safe on the road. An optional WiFi hot spot and wireless charging capability can also be available depending on the chosen trim level. The 2019 Honda Passport has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. With the nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this SUV can handle off-roading as well as the highway. Come into O'Daniel Honda today for a test drive and to find the perfect Passport for your next road trip.

Whether you're in need of a special treat or just looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, milkshakes are a popular option for all ages. The three locations mentioned below are the best places to grab a milkshake in Omaha. Each offers different delectable flavors ranging from traditional to unique. The Hunger Block The Hunger Block has some of the most extravagant milkshakes in Omaha. Piled high with yummy add-ons that can range from chocolate-dipped frozen bananas and ice cream sandwiches to towers of cookies, The Hunger Block takes their milkshakes seriously. While their menu features excellent Latin American cuisine, it's not uncommon to come here just for their incredible shakes. The restaurant's milkshakes change regularly so be sure to check back frequently to see what's new! Louie M's Burger Lust Café Heading the more traditional route, Louie M's Burger Lust Café offers chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla shakes. Don't let the limited flavor options fool you. They have some seriously fantastic shakes. Enjoy your dessert with any of their delicious burgers or as a standalone treat. Ted and Wally's Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream If their name didn't clue you in, Ted and Wally's Ultra-Premium Homemade Ice Cream prides themselves on the quality of their product. Using 20 percent butterfat, Ted and Wally's ice cream is extra creamy and loaded with flavor. You can turn any of their rotating menu flavors into a milkshake, leading to almost endless possibilities and many reasons to come back! These restaurants have unbelievable options if you're looking for a super yummy milkshake. Come by and indulge yourself in a creamy dessert. Image via Flickr by spjwebster

Antiquing is a fun way to spend an afternoon. Whether you're looking for a new piece for your home or just browsing, Omaha has plenty of options for interested shoppers. Here are our three favorite places to go antiquing in Omaha. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall As one of the biggest antique malls in the area, Brass Armadillo Antique Mall is a must see. With over 370 vendors, their stock is ever-changing. Browse everything from large statement pieces to old-fashioned place settings and everything in between. While the size can be overwhelming, there are true treasures to be found for the avid hunter. Brass Armadillo Antique Mall is located at 10666 Sapp Brothers Dr. Junk-n-Treasure Junk-n-Treasure is more thrift store than an antique market, but that just means better pricing and a wider inventory. Shoppers will enjoy the range of offerings. Check out some of their vintage clothing items or enjoy browsing elegant antiques. The store prides itself on the uniqueness of their collection so there's always something neat to be found. Junk-n-Treasure is located at 3504 Leavenworth St. Found Vintage Market Although it is one of the smaller antiquing spots in Omaha, Found Vintage Market is full of eclectic finds, including shabby chic décor and upcycled furniture. If you're looking for the perfect piece to add some visual interest to your home, Found Vintage Market is a necessary stop. Found Vintage Market is located at 6022 Maple St. If you're looking to find some new places to search for cool items, these three stores make great additions to any antiquing outing! Image via Flickr by pedrosimoes7

The Honda Accord is a leading sedan option because of its overall design and improved quality. Since its redesign in 2018, Honda further refined its features to make it a better option for families. Here are three reasons why the 2019 Honda Accord is the perfect mid-sized family vehicle. Push-Button Start Keeping a family organized is a challenge especially if you have small children. That is why a push-button start system can make a big difference when you're getting in the car. Combined with a touch lock sensor in the door handle, you can get in and start your car without taking your keys out of your pocket or bag. That makes rounding up your family much easier. Automatic Emergency Braking Driving near schools and crowded places can be difficult even without distracting children in the car. Automatic emergency braking kicks in at low speeds to stop you from hitting people and objects in the way. That way, you are less likely to get into an accident when picking your kids up from school. Blind-Spot Warning System Blind spots are ever-present, so Honda added a blind-spot warning system. It uses a sonar sensor to watch your blind spots and warns you when there is something there. You can avoid moving into a lane with cars in your blind spot or backing into an area when there are obstacles that you can't see. The Honda Accord continues to be a leading family option. Stop by O'Daniel Honda to check out the 2019 Honda Accord in person.

SONY DSC Driving on roads can be fun, but off-roading in the wilderness can be enjoyable too. The key is to be prepared for where you are going so that you can avoid problems along the way. Here are three tips for driving around Nebraska's wilderness. Have the Right Vehicle Probably the most obvious but overlooked tip is to have the right vehicle. You cannot drive a sports car on roads that are not flat and smooth. At the same time, not all SUVs are designed for off-roading either. Check your vehicles design specs to make sure that it is made for off-road areas and plan accordingly. Refuel Whenever Possible Take the time to refuel whenever possible. In Nebraska, fueling stations can be far apart. Running out of gas is a surefire way to run into problems, so top off your gas whenever possible. Slow Down Cars perform well on paved roads, but unpaved roads can be a problem. Gravel and dirt roads reduce traction which can make it harder to steer. At high speeds, this is dangerous since you can slide into nearby obstacles. Slow down and let your tires hold onto the road firmly under your vehicle's weight. Driving in the Nebraska wilderness can be treacherous if you go unprepared. Having the right vehicle with the right design and equipment can make the difference between a good time and a lot of trouble. Stop by O'Daniel Honda to make sure that you are ready for anything. Image via Flickr by afiler

If there is a more satisfying, finger-licking treat than barbecue ribs, we haven't found it. For any die-hard barbecue lover, Omaha is on the of the best places in the country to satisfy that craving. Grab a bib and dig in for some saucy goodness. Brother Sebastian's Steak House & Winery Named as one of the best steakhouses in the country, Brother Sebastian's menu is the stuff meat lover's dreams are made of. A full menu of traditional steakhouse fixtures like French onion soup, crab legs, and filet mignon is rounded out with a large platter of baby back ribs cooked to tender perfection. Tired Texan BBQ Anything with a reference to Texas is sure to please, and Tired Texan BBQ is everything you would hope for in a great rib joint. Smoked fresh daily, Tired Texan's menu boasts a full array of barbecue delicacies like pulled pork, brisket, and, of course, hickory smoked barbecue ribs. Not to be missed, try the Texas Tumbleweeds, an incredible savory confection of deep-fried potato, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Try to stop at just one! Smokin Barrel BBQ If smoked meats are what you're after, you've come to the right place. The menu is a no-frills, distraction-free odyssey into barbecue goodness, with brisket, pulled pork, and spare ribs taking top billing. Served on Saturdays only, the pork belly burnt ends are worth waiting the other six days of the week to taste. Image via Flickr by thefoodgroup

Traveling is fun when the sun is out. However, everyone wants to travel when the weather is nice, so roads are more congested. Here are four safe driving tips for sunny days. Wear Sunglasses The most prominent hazard for sunny driving is the sun. Wearing sunglasses can significantly improve your eyesight by blocking out glare and blinding lights. Combined with sun visors, you can improve your visibility significantly making it easier to avoid other hazards. Watch for Bikes, Small Vehicles, and Pedestrians Since everyone wants to be outside in the sun, there are slower moving hazards like bikes, small vehicles, and pedestrians. The key to avoiding them is to keep your distance. That way, you have time to react if they become a hazard. This is especially true of bikes since they share roadways. Keep Your Headlights On You can help other people by keeping your low-beam headlights on. Headlights greatly improve the visibility of your vehicle. It will give other people the chance to see and react to you well in advance so that everyone can avoid an accident. Check Your Vehicle First It can be tempting to get on the road as soon as possible, but it is important to check your vehicle first. Check your tires, fluids, and other key parts before you start out on a trip. That way, you can avoid accidents and breakdowns due to faulty car parts. Driving in the sun can be fun, but there are hazards to watch for. Stop by O'Daniel Honda to see what vehicles are available to make your driving safer and more enjoyable. Image via Flickr by David Schiersner

Whether you are a native or visiting the Omaha area, make sure there is ample time in your schedule to enjoy the many nightlife offerings in Benson. From more traditional pub-style bars to hip speakeasies, there is much more to Benson than initially meets the eye. Kaitei The epitome of cool, Benson's Kaitei is the funky Japanese-inspired speakeasy you never knew you needed. One trip to this moody, dark underground spot with impressive cocktails and you will be hooked. The drink menu is innovative and fun, and the sake menu does not disappoint. Make a full evening of it by starting off with a delicious meal at Ika Ramen upstairs. Beercade What happens when you mix dozens of varieties of beer with vintage '80s video games? Beercade! A fun and inventive concept, Beercade appeals to the child in all of us with a revolving list of video games, pinball, and even Skee-Ball. The grown-up in you will quench your thirst with one of several beers on-tap or cocktails from the full bar. Game on! Alamo Drafthouse Midtown A departure from the traditional theater, this movie house boasts top releases alongside an impressive menu of food and drinks. Elevate the traditional movie fare with such tasty treats as fried dill pickles, crispy buffalo cauliflower, or even a mouthwatering Thai chicken pizza. Pair your eats with an inventive cocktail, wine, or beer from Alamo's impressive list and you'll take the typical dinner and a movie to a whole new level. Image via Flickr by vwcampin