Cunningham's Journal/The Loft
Kearney

Get "two bars in one" at this Kearney music venue where you can see both local and national acts. Set downtown in an "old building," the look of the place is "very quaint and rustic." In summer, a beer garden operates outside. Recently "refurbished," this beer garden features "great seating and a very comfortable, friendly atmosphere." Upstairs, The Loft is also a "fun" place to visit, complete with huge stained-glass windows. In contrast to Cunningham's Journal, the upstairs area is "cozy with low light and its own bar." Come at night in summer, when both areas are "hopping." Couldn't find a reference to this place on this site - it's more about the town of Kearney.

Calamus State Recreation Area
Burwell

This "wonderful" recreation area in the Nebraska sand hills offers a 5,124-acre lake surrounded by 4,958 acres filled with wildlife. Since the water feeding into the lake comes from natural aquifers, the quality is "absolutely incredible," which makes it a prime spot for fishing. With large number of Walleye, Crappie, and Wipers biting, there's enough fish in the lake for everyone who casts a line to "limit out" each day. If you come late in summer, the water levels drop, revealing "white sandy beaches." Some describe the sun's soothing warmth here as feeling like a "spa treatment." Read more.

Wayne Chicken Show
Wayne

For a fun festival "hatched" from a healthy sense of humor, you can do no better than the Wayne Chicken Show. Held annually during the second Saturday in July, all sorts of wacky contests take place before an approving audience. Events range from "beautiful beak" contests to "chicken flying" contests. But perhaps the main reason for you to "fly the coop" and "make tracks" to this "outstanding" festival is the National Cluck Off, a contest so zany that some of the previous winners have even "appeared on the Tonight Show." Help the festival out by buying one of the "chicken t-shirts designed by local artists." Read more.

Anchor Inn
Omaha

Ever tried a "watermelon cocktail?" If not, look out, because it's a brew so potent that this bar limits consumption to three drinks per person. The banks of the Missouri River play host to Anchor Inn's "huge stage," where "fantastic local musicians" will go to sing you a sweet serenade. The casual atmosphere, libations, outdoor setting, and "awesome music" all make for "great people watching" during the warm seasons. Since it's right on the river, "boats dock at the private marina" to enjoy the scene, plus the restaurant dishes up a "generous, tasty menu." Read more.

Grande Olde Players Theatre
Omaha

A true community theatre, this entertainment venue began in 1984, specializing in adult entertainment--for those between the ages of 72 and 104 years. All of the performers in all of the shows are senior citizens, but people from all ages are invited to enjoy the shows. Today, the theatre provides "great entertainment for the whole family." In particular, on the second Saturday of each month, people come to see the "urban prairie puppets" perform. The different puppet shows are seasonal, and, as you'll see, "the art of puppetry? is very different from other theatrical forms." Read more.

The Goofy Foot Lodge
Omaha

Named after a popular snowboarding term, this lodge in the city of Omaha is the place to go to hear music and enjoy a couple of cold ones with your friends. Located in an "historic building," this "unmarked speakeasy" tends to be a gathering point on Sundays, when the scene tends to "take on a life of its own." That's when the "very interesting clientele" go to hear local bands like the "Jazzwholes" play live music. The music is fantastic, and the scene goes strong from about 9pm to 1am. Read more.

National Museum of Roller Skating
Lincoln

From figure skating to roller derbies to inline skating, you can trace the history of roller-skating in this unique Lincoln museum. "Not as well known as the other museums in Lincoln," the museum chronicles what is nonetheless one of America's favorite pastimes through memorabilia, artifacts, and photos. See a huge collection of historical roller-skates, dating all the way back to 1819, plus you'll find medals, trophies, and over 1500 books on the subject. You can also watch highlights of roller skating competitions and view over 8,000 photos. Many believe that the sport originated in Lincoln. Read more.

PK's Restaurant
Benedict

The food at PK's is not only "delicious," but the "prices are very reasonable." Go on Saturday morning when "they serve a huge plate of biscuits and gravy for $2.50." Each night of the week brings its own specials, like Friday's "fried fish buffets" and Saturday's "prime rib or shrimp specials." But the true culinary prize comes on Sunday nights, when they serve "the best fried chicken you'll ever eat with real mashed potatoes," which comes with a salad bar for under $10. Wine, beer, and other drinks are also available to liven up the atmosphere, and for the gambling types, "Keno can be played."

Hastings College Observatory
Hastings

This observatory contains a collection of telescopes so you can truly appreciate the "big, big sky." Since Hastings "is located outside of city limits," the skies are wonderfully "dark," plus there is "no traffic noise or city lights" to interfere with your viewing. The facility is open to the public on Saturdays closest to the first- and third-quarter moons of each month, weather permitting. You should "call two hours ahead of time to make sure the skies are clear enough for star viewing." While there, the facilitator on hand "does a great job of informing you of what you're looking at." Read more.

Espressions
Aurora

Whether you go alone or with someone, family-owned Espressions offers a "friendly everybody-knows-everybody atmosphere." True java lovers come for fresh-brewed beans. They also offer a wide selection of teas. If you're hungry, "fresh, made-to-order sandwiches and real ice cream" should satisfy. During the day, it's a "popular" place to relax with a newspaper or chat with friends, or you can just "grab a book off the shelf." On Fridays and Saturday nights, free live music takes place indoors. There's also an outdoor patio if you want some fresh air. It's located next door to Aurora's new movie theatre. Read more.