NEBRASKAland Magazine is dedicated to outstanding photography and informative writing with an engaging mix of articles and photos highlighting Nebraska’s outdoor activities, parklands, wildlife, history and people.
Issue link: http://mag.outdoornebraska.gov/i/1028906
By Erin Lenz, Nebraska Tourism Commission Travelogue Travel to Sarpy County F all in Nebraska is a grand sight to behold. With colors of red, orange and yellow everywhere you look, pumpkin patches nearby and seasonal food and drink ready for you to taste, Sarpy County is the perfect destination for your fall vacation. Explore Discover beautiful fall colors everywhere you look when you explore one of the many parks, recreation areas and nature trails Sarpy County has to offer. Take a hike through nearly 2,000 acres of forest, prairie and wetlands at Fontenelle Forest and don't forget to say hello to the rescued birds located in the Raptor Woodland Refuge. Also check out Schramm Park State Recreation Area, a hidden gem perfect for hikers, bikers and runners. Whether you choose to hike its 1.5 mile loop made for casual hikers or the 3 miles of trails through wooded bluffs, both offer stunning views of fall foliage this time of year. Other notable trails include Mopac Trailhead and Nature Center, Lewis and Clark Interpretive Trail and Walnut Creek Lake/Recreation Area. Do Nothing says fall more than hayrack rides, pumpkins and haunted houses. Luckily, there are multiple destinations in Sarpy County that offer these fall experiences. Get lost in a corn maze, take a hayrack ride, snack on kettle corn and visit the pie barn all at Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard. Pick your perfect pumpkin at Vala's or at Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch where you can also taste their famous BBQ, take haunted walks through the woods and enjoy one of 30 private campfires. Spend your nights getting scared at Haunted Hollow, a haunted theme park, or at the many haunted attractions at Scary Acres. Eat & Drink There's a craft beer for everyone in Sarpy County. Head over to the Nebraska Brewing Company's brewery and taproom for a tour or go to their brewpub for a sit down meal and a pint of their Cardinal Pale Ale. Try one of Lucky Bucket Brewing Co.'s seasonal lineups, Oktoberfest. Started by a couple of home brewers, Kros Strain Brewing Company has a wide variety of brews, including Fairy Nectar, an Indian Pale Ale with notes of tropical goodness. Not much of a beer drinker? Sip a glass of wine and enjoy the vineyard views at Soaring Wings Vineyard, or take a tour of Cut Spike Distillery and try one of their single malt whiskeys or head to Patriarch Distillers for vodka and bourbon. No trip to Sarpy County is complete without trying one of Stella's world famous hamburgers, voted Omaha's Best Burger seven years in a row. While you're there, take the Stellanator challenge – a food challenge of epic proportions. Stay With all that there is to do in this area, you're going to want to stay a couple of days to see it all. Book a room at one of the many hotel options available including Candlewood Suites, Comfort Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Suites, Holiday Inn and more. If you're looking for more unique accommodations, check out the glamping tents at Falconwood Park. Not only will you get to camp in style, but amenities like sand volleyball, fire pits and badminton are available. Shop The holiday season is right around the corner and it's never too early to get a jumpstart on your shopping. Whether you're treating yourself to the perfect outfit or buying a gift for a loved one, Sarpy County has you covered. Shop for premier brands at outlet prices at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets in Gretna. Nike, Kate Spade, Columbia and Fossil are among the wide variety of brands to shop for at this mall. Trying to find something for the outdoorsy person in your life? La Vista is also home to a Cabela's where all of your hunting, fishing and camping needs will be met. ■ Vala's Pumpkin Patch & Apple Orchard offers entertainment for all ages. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEBRASKA TOURISM COMMISSION 8 NEBRASKAland • OCTOBER 2018 Sarpy County