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/1057682
By Josie Meister, Nebraska Tourism Commission Travelogue Visit Sarpy County E xperience the fun to be had in Sarpy County this winter season. From light displays to delicious Christmas treats, you're sure to be filled with holiday spirit in more ways than one. Explore See Mr. and Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer when you visit Washington Park in Bellevue this Christmas season. On Dec. 4, Ole Towne Christmas will be offering warm refreshments, hayrack rides, holiday light displays, a live Nativity scene and more. Get out of your comfort zone and try an hour-long vinyasa style yoga class, surrounded by nature, designed to de-stress and relax you at Fontenelle Forest every Wednesday in December. Whether you're looking to get your wish list to Santa or to enjoy some yoga by a fire, Sarpy County is the perfect place to be. Do Cozying up with your loved ones while watching Christmas movies just seems right during the holidays. Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion has you covered. Visit Santa's workshop and catch a Christmas classic on Dec. 6! If that doesn't satisfy your movie craving, visit Alamo Drafthouse Cinema to fill your appetite as well. This Star Wars-themed theater serves good food, drinks, and a unique experience all in one place. Eat & Drink Luckily, there are three meals in a day when traveling through Sarpy County. Head over to The Beanery for morning coffee and try one of their seven flavors of muffins or Black Sheep Coffee House for a handcrafted espresso drink. Also check out Local Beer, Patio and Kitchen for lunch and choose from over 100 local craft beers while enjoying a flatbread pizza or their signature Local Burger. Or stop by the Nebraska Brewing Company's brewery and taproom for a tour or go to their brewpub for a pint of their Cardinal Pale Ale. Uptown Bakery can satisfy your sweet tooth in the afternoon with one of their specialty cupcakes or fresh, crumbly cookies, and then sit back and relax for dinner at Wine Cellar 510. Enjoy a glass of wine or catch one of their wine tastings happening every Thursday. Stay With all the activities Sarpy County has to offer, you're not going to be able to do them in one day. 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. Shop Get your last-minute holiday shopping done at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets in Gretna. You can find premier brands such as Nike, Kate Spade, Columbia and Fossil all with outlet prices. Head to Cabela's on Dec. 10 and celebrate Santa's arrival with Christmas carols, cookies and hot cocoa. Santa's Wonderland lasts the rest of the month of December at Cabela's with arts and crafts, pictures with Santa and more. Looking for something more personable? Oh Darling has unique home décor that will bring warmth to any home. Finally, don't forget to Visit J'Amour Boutique or Absolutely Her Boutique for all your holiday outfit needs. ■ PHOTO COURTESY OF NEBRASKA TOURISM Sarpy County Downtown Papillion during the Christmas season. 8 NEBRASKAland • DECEMBER 2018