While popular attractions are always a fun way to spend the day, when the opportunity to explore weird and unusual places is an option, you can expect an extra dash of intrigue and excitement.
- Joslyn Castle
Built in 1903, Joslyn Castle is a fine example of Scottish Baronial Revival architecture in the 35-room mansion home to George ad Sara Joslyn. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and an Omaha Landmark Historic Structure, a tour of the castle is a must for those interested in history, architecture, and beautifully detailed vintage decor.
- Old Lincoln Highway
Between Omaha and Elkhorn, drive along a 3-mile section of the original transcontinental highway that ran from Time’s Square in New York to Lincoln Park in San Francisco. The 3,300-mile brick-paved highway, built in 1913, was a major roadway and remains a part of the highway landscape. The section in Omaha is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- World’s Largest Ball of Stamps
Located in the Lyon Myers Stamp Center in Boys Town, the world’s largest ball of stamps is something you must see for yourself to believe it. The massive ball was begun in 1953, weighs over 600 pounds, and has an estimated stamp count of over 4.5 million stamps.
- Hastings Museum
The year 1927 was a very good year for Edwin Perkins as he made history with the development of Kool-Aid. Visit the museum to see the exhibit and learn about the flavorful drink that has made a name for itself in history.
Take your day of exploration to new heights with a visit to these Omaha destinations.
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The 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid Offers Lasting Value
You’re in the market for a new car, and not only do you want it to have the features you require, it’s also important that it has lasting value. With this in mind, consider the 2020 Honda Insight Hybrid – the 2019 Green Car of the Year.
Exterior Trims
The 2020 Insight Hybrid is available in three trims: LX, EX, and Touring. Each trim features classic Honda styling for a well-defined look. The Insight is available with exterior colors such as Crimson, Cosmic Blue, and Lunar Silver, LED headlights, taillights, and fog lights, one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature, automatic rearview mirror, and 16-inch alloy or optional 17-inch chrome wheels.
Under the Hood
The Hybrid comes with a 1.5-liter Atkinson-Cycle 4-cylinder engine fitted with an electric motor. The two-motor system includes E-CVT with sport mode, 3-mode drive system (ECON/Sport/EV), immobilizer system, Eco Assist system, Hill Start Assist, and deceleration selectors.
Interior
A few of the available interior features include an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Technology
Available features include Honda Sensing Safety Suite, Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and 8-inch display audio touch screen. Entertainment features include HD radio, SiriusXM radio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and multiple audio systems. Convenience features include remote engine start, Honda LaneWatch, HondaLink, and Smart Entry with Walk-Away AutoLock. There’s also a 2.5-Amp USB smartphone with audio interface and the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition.
With competitive pricing, impressive fuel economy, and plenty of available features, you’ll want to keep the 2020 Insight on your new car radar.
The 2020 Honda HR-V is a Beefy Compact Hybrid
When power and performance in a subcompact SUV is what you’re looking for in a new vehicle, consider taking a test drive in the 2020 Honda HR-V.
Under the Hood
The 2020 HR-V packs plenty of power. Each of the five trims – LX, Sport, EX, EX-L, and Touring come equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT (continuously variable-speed automatic transmission). The peppy engine produces 141 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 127 pound-feet of torque at 4,300 rpm.
Interior
The five-seat SUV is fitted with front bucket seats and a split-folding rear seat providing plenty of head, leg, and hip room. There’s also ample cargo space with a maximum cargo capacity of 55.9 cu.ft. Available driver-assisted features include tilt and telescopic steering wheel, electric power steering, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, and keyless ignition.
Technology
The HR-V comes with plenty of standard comfort and convenience features. These include a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system fitted with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5-inch audio display four-speaker stereo, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera. Optional features to enhance a pleasurable time behind the wheel include remote start, proximity keyless entry, universal garage door opener, a six-speaker stereo, satellite radio, navigation, USB port, and HD radio.
Safety Features
Ride in confidence with several features such as dual front side-mounted airbags, front and read headrests, child seat anchors, and rear door child safety locks. Vehicle safety features include stability and traction control for a smooth ride, a pre-collision safety system, 4-wheel anti-lock brakes, and a remote anti-theft alarm system.
For power, technology, interior comfort, and safety features all in one package, the 2020 HR-V is ready to roll.
The Honda Civic has a long history in the automotive world. Today, the 2020 Civic still carries the torch lit back in the day for a quality ride with added improvements along the way.
Civic History
The Honda Civic was first introduced in 1972 and first sold in 1973 in the United States. It made an immediate impression due to its many differences not seen in small domestic cars.
The Civic came packaged as a sedan and a three-door hatchback both with a casual-looking exterior, ample room for four, front-wheel drive, a suspension system that was fully independent. It was lightweight and to get the point across it was fun to drive, Honda used the tagline “it’ll get you where you’re going.”
The Civic had a zippy 52-horsepower, which increased to 53 horsepower using compound vortex controlled combustion and eventually 55 horsepower. The car was also upgraded to a 5-speed manual transmission.
2020 Honda Civic
For 2020, the Civic is still available as a sedan or hatchback both with several trims. The Civic has a variety of interior features that weren’t part of the past such as a 5-inch color LCD screen, Bluetooth streaming audio, and 160-watt audio system fitted with four speakers.
Engine-wise, the Civic is equipped with either a 1.5-liter or 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a 6-speed manual transmission. Horsepower for the two engines has increased significantly and ranges between 158 to 180.
While many upgrades to the body, technology, power, and performance have taken place through the decades, the one thing that hasn’t changed is the quality craftsmanship that still holds true.
When you have your heart set on a delicious meal with steak as the star attraction, you want to dine where prime cuts are the standard. Consider these Omaha restaurants when only the best steak will do.
- Brother Sebastian’s Steak House and Winery
Enjoy the cozy confines, warm lighting, and inviting decor that creates a romantic atmosphere while dining at Brother Sebastian’s Steak House and Winery. The award-winning restaurant has all the elements needed for a memorable dining experience from the first bite to the last. Noted as one of the top 50 steak houses in America you’re sure to come away more than satisfied. Reservations recommended.
2, Mahogany
You’ll enjoy a prime time experience when dining at Mahogany where an enticing menu of quality cut steaks, fine wine, and exceptional service are to be expected every time you dine. With a menu offering specialties such as bacon-wrapped scallops, “M” steak salad, filet mignon, porterhouse, ribeye, and New York strip steak, seafood, and more, you’re sure to find palate-pleasing perfection. The restaurants opens for dinner at 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. reservations recommended.
- J. Gilbert’s
At J. Gilbert’s. each dish is crafted with a purpose – to please and exceed each guest’s expectations. Enjoy a diverse menu with choices such as jumbo lump crab cakes, Canadian lobster tail, roasted salmon, and succulent ribs. Steaks, ribeye, and center-cut filets are all wood-grilled aged black Angus beef.
Expand your restaurant base for options in fine dining with a visit to some of Omaha’s best steak houses for complete menus serving memorable dining experiences.
How to be a Local Tourist in Omaha
Omaha has a variety of places to go, things to see, and activities to do for all ages. Even though many of the city’s attractions are destinations for tourists is no reason why they can’t be popular go-to places for residents, as well.
Omaha Zoo
The Henry Doorly Omaha Zoo and Aquarium is a major attraction that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The 160-acre zoo has been noted as the best zoo in the world, and features seven acres of exhibits, and is home to thousands of animals. Enjoy interacting with the wildlife, riding the carousel and other rides, getting a panoramic view of the zoo from the Skyfari chairlift, seeing a movie on the giant screen Lozier Theater, and much more.
The Durham Museum
Situated inside historic Union Station, The Durham Museum offers a look at the history of the area through museum collections and multiple permanent and traveling exhibits that include memorabilia, artifacts, and photographs. Stop by the Hitchcock Museum Shop then head to the original soda fountain for lunch then on to the Candy Shop for a sweet treat.
Fontenelle Forest
The great outdoors awaits at Fontenelle Forest. During your visit, kids learn about wildlife at Habitat Hollow, have access to the one-acre Acorn Acres playscape, and interact and learn with digital displays. The Baright Gallery hosts art show each year, and hiking trails network throughout the forest. The Raptor Refuge resides 30-feet above the ground where rescued birds reside in specially designed mews.
Whenever you have a hankering to get out and about town for some fun, just follow the tourist crowd and share in the excitement.
3 Problems That Cause a Rattly Car Air-Conditioner
As springtime approaches and the temperatures start to rise, drivers will be turning their air conditioners on for the first time in months. Sometimes we can come across unexpected noises or issues when we use a system again after a long break. Here are three common problems that can cause your car’s air conditioner to rattle.
- Failing AC Compressor
Before the refrigerant that causes your AC system to blow cool air can be pumped into the condenser, it needs to undergo intense pressure. This is the job of the AC compressor. The AC compressor can become worn over time, requiring replacement.
- Worn Serpentine Belt
The serpentine belt is connected to many of your car’s accessories, like the air conditioning, alternator, power steering pump, air pump, and more. This belt can become worn over time leading to poor tension and noises like rattling or squeaking. Find the serpentine belt and look for any signs of wear.
- Bad Idler Pulley
Idler pulleys are used to guide, connect, and create tension for the various engine drive belts that run with your vehicle’s engine. So, your serpentine belt that connects engine power to the air conditioner may be fine, but the idler pulley that runs with it may need to be replaced. High mileage vehicles will likely need a replacement pulley, but this is a fairly inexpensive fix.
Don’t put up with faulty parts or annoying noises in your car, know what to look for and how to fix it. Understanding your vehicle and keeping up with its needs will help it last longer and make for more enjoyable drives.
Have Watery Fun in Omaha
Warm weather is on its way. If you want to beat the heat this spring and summer, consider some water fun. There are several places in the Omaha area where you can take a dip to cool off when the warm weather hits.
Spraygrounds
Spraygrounds are a great way to cool off if you don’t want to go to the pool. Take a run through the sprinklers with your children this summer to beat the Omaha heat. There are 10 spraygrounds in the the Omaha area, which are open daily from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. A local favorite is the Benson sprayground, which offers over 3,250 square feet of padded area for families to play safely. There’s also picnic tables, so you can turn your trip into an all-day event with a homemade lunch.
Water Parks
Another way to spend your summer days is by visiting a water park in Omaha. Water parks offer a variety of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Your kids can hit the water slides while you sunbathe. Some water parks also have indoor activities, so you can enjoy the park rain or shine. Consider visiting CoCo Key Water Resort in Omaha. This indoor water park has over 55,000 square feet of attractions, including an adventure river, body slides, tube slides, and so on.
In Omaha, there are countless ways to enjoy the warm weather in the water. Start planning your spring and summer activities now. If you’re in need of transportation to any of Omaha’s water attractions, check out O’Daniel Honda for an impressive selection of new and pre-owned vehicles.
3 Top Tips for Avoiding Potholes
Potholes are common on many roads, especially throughout the spring season as winter ice thaws and leaves gaping holes in the asphalt. Driving through a pothole can cause serious damage to your vehicle, especially if you hit it fast. Here are three tips for avoiding potholes.
- Maintain Distance Between Cars
In order to see upcoming potholes and have time to react, you’ll need to leave space between you and the vehicle in front of you. You’ll also need to slow down and stay alert. If you’re on a road surface that hasn’t been well-kept throughout the seasons, be hyper-aware.
- Don’t Drive Through Puddles
A puddle can be deceptive. With dark, dirty water, there’s no way to tell how deep it is. It’s always better to avoid a puddle than to drive through it. A little puddle may be disguising a massive pothole. You should always take it easy while driving on wet roads, so this creates even more incentive to take your time and be careful.
- Use Waze
Thanks to modern technology, we can have live driving condition information right at our fingertips at all times. The Waze app is a great resource for being informed about the road ahead. Other drivers connected through the app report things like accidents, road closures, stopped vehicles, and even potholes. As you’re on your way to your destination, the app will pop up alerts about potential road issues.
Potholes are terrible for your tires, wheels, and the body of your vehicle. Use these tips and stay aware to try to avoid damage.
Get to Know Bob
The Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, affectionately nicknamed Bob, is a popular attraction in Omaha. Spanning 3,000 feet across the Missouri River, Bob connects the states of Nebraska and Iowa in a stunning way. Keep reading to learn about what you can do when you visit Bob.
Go Bobbing
The scenic cement bridge features information placards about the bridge and the area, as well as several benches. A particular spot on the bridge marks the Nebraska-Iowa state line with a placard and a painted black line. The term “bobbing” refers to posing at this location. So if you want to stand in two states at once, just go bobbing on Bob. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media with the hashtag #ItHappensOnBob.
Meet OMAR
Another attraction you should visit is Bob’s friend, OMAR the troll. OMAR is a friendly blue troll that has quite the story of how he found his home under Bob. You can read about OMAR’s adventures in Omaha — before locating under Bob — in the book “OMAR Finds a Home,” which is available at several gift shops in Omaha, including the Omaha Visitors Center. So if you want to visit OMAR and take a picture with him, you can find him sitting on a rock under Bob on the Nebraska side of the Missouri River.
Come get to know Bob, meet OMAR, and take a fun bobbing photo all on the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. You’ll enjoy the views from the bridge and the fun memories you’ve made during your visit.
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