Visual Traveler: Omaha, NE's Historic District

                      Inside La Buvette. Photo credit: Lisa Waterman Gray

​What's in This Post  
1) Why I Visited Omaha in 2022
2) Exploring Omaha's Old Market District
3) Beer & Spirits in the Old Market District
4) Omaha's Old Market District Slideshow

Why I Visited Omaha in 2022

On a surprisingly balmy fall day in late 2022, I had a AAA assignment to explore Omaha, Nebraska's recently renovated RiverFront. I took dozens of photos amid colorful outdoor sculptures, dynamic new playground spaces, plenty of comfortable seating, and lots of natural greenery.

Exploring Omaha's Old Market District

But with a 6-hour roundtrip drive from my Kansas home - and an overnight stay - I also briefly toured the city's vibrant Old Market District, where wine, beer, and spirits, plus many tasty food and drink choices abound.

At La Buvette Wine & Grocery an 'Old World' vibe complemented dozens of wine varietals lining the walls plus delicious bistro-style meals. As I sipped gently chilled rosé and savored a fresh, meal-sized salad near open patio doors, French phrases I learned in high school crowded my head. For that brief hour I honestly felt like I was dining along a European avenue. 

A brick street led to Hollywood Candy & Fairmont Mercantile where I could have easily spent an entire afternoon if I explored every nook and cranny. One large room housed every imaginable flavor of Jelly Belly while a smaller room stocked a treasure trove of classic vinyl. In another area, a lifelike Elvis mannequin with guitar in hand stood beside a pink vintage car. House-made tiramisu truffles occupied a display case near one exit door, and a full-sized soda fountain offered plenty of menu options. And everywhere I looked, there were antique bikes or kitschy decor.
 
Beer & Spirits in the Old Market District

Amid vintage wood, and massive beer tanks housed beyond floor-to-ceiling glass walls, Omaha's original brewhouse, Upstream Brewing Company, sells lagers, ales, IPAs, and an expansive food menu, inside a 1904 fire station.

At Brickway Brewery & Distillery the beverage menu included six house-made tap beers, 10 house spirits, and cocktails. I enjoyed a Tamagotchi cocktail (Brickway Libertas Colonial Rum, Aperol, pineapple, lime juice, passion fruit purée and tiki bitters)  alongside warm pretzel bites and two dipping sauces. I even received a copy of the Tamagotchi recipe to take home!

I barely scratched the surface of this vibrant neighborhood. But here are several more tasty destinations for you to check out during your Omaha visit: 

- Godega Market & Coffee Bar
- LL Bouillon Restaurant & Raw Bar (French)
- Cibo Vino (Italian)
- Ted & Wally's (scratch-made ice cream)

Enjoy!

                               Omaha's Old Market District Slideshow

​Disclaimer: As a writer I may receive complimentary stays, admissions, meals, transportation, and, occasionally, products I am asked to review. However, I make every effort to report my experiences fairly and honestly.

​Please note these photos are older. While they accurately reflected this destination during my visit, specific details have undoubtedly changed.