10 Things to Do in Omaha During World Cup

In the late 90's, I lived, worked and rode in Omaha (a transplanted Pittsburgher). Omaha is a fascinating mix of buttoned-up Fortune 500 culture, a cutting edge arts scene and traditional western ranch culture. Add to this a ton of sunshine and a lot of nice barns, and you've got a truly hip destination for the 2017 Equestrian World Cup. Here are some things I think all horse lovers won't want to miss between events at Century Link Center.

1. Go out for a legit Omaha steak dinner.  Just as you can count on a high standard of seafood in coastal cities, so you can expect to be served a surpassing piece of beef in Omaha. Nebraskans are serious about steak. Most people know their butcher by name and certain meat counters in town have fierce followings. Go for a traditional Omaha steakhouse like Gorat's (established in 1944), where Warren Buffet is a regular. Or just order beef wherever you're dining. No chef in Omaha is going to let you down.

2. Head to Bushwackers Saloon and dance with an actual cowboy. And you will too, because no sooner than you and your girlfriends get a Bud Light in hand, someone will walk over and ask you to dance. This is a traditional western dance hall. There will be line dancing, western swing, two-stepping and a boatload of hats, buckles and pressed Wranglers. The atmosphere is real and wonderful. Think Urban Cowboy circa 1980. Bushwackers is a short Uber ride to Ralston, just south of Omaha.

3. Henry. Doorly. Zoo.  No, you do not want to miss the zoo. This is one destination most articles and interviews have mentioned as an Omaha "must do," and they're right. Remember the Sunday evening Mutual of Omaha broadcasts of nature shows in the 1970's? Mutual is still headquartered in Omaha, as are several other large, civic-minded companies who put their considerable financial heft behind creating a world class zoo. You will walk through a rain forest and into a desert dome. You'll see herds of gazelle and swimming polar bears. You don't even need kids as an excuse to go, because you're an animal person already. Don't miss the zoo.

4. Walk to the Hot Shops right from the venue. And bring your farrier, because he'll love the sight of white hot glass. This collective space of artists studios and shared galleries takes up a former warehouse and is just a few blocks walk from Century Link Center. Glass and metal artists will be at work (hence the name). You can watch a molten blob become a delicate art glass object. You can shop for a one of a kind artwork to bring home and class up the lounge.

5. Hang in the Old Market. Laid out on the same cobblestone streets where commerce was once done by horse and buggy, the Old Market is pure charm. Dining options will appeal to everyone in your group. There's seafood, steaks, vegan, Persian, Indian, Italian, BBQ, French, casual American and fancy tablecloth and candlelight dining. Tons of shops from candy stores to leather goods to boutique fashion are on every block in this safe, walkable area. And you might still see a horse and buggy. Try not to judge!

6. Look Up. It's the Western sky.
There's something about it if you've never been. The clouds seem really far away and high up. You get this expansive feeling, like you could run a 50,000 acre ranch no problem. Grab your group and get a giant selfie with that Western sky. You'll find the ceiling looks a lot lower at home.

7. Sip a single malt at the Dundee Dell. OK, I won't be partaking in that, but if you enjoy checking out where the locals go and love your single malts, Dundee Dell is a top destination for connoisseurs of peat. There will be bearded hipsters and CEOs. There will be whiskey.

8. Catch a film at Film Streams.  Ever since Alexander Payne (an Omaha native) shot Election here, Omaha has served as the production locale for most of Payne's work (recently, Nebraska) and a host of other directors who enjoy working with a community of film making professionals and film lovers based in the city.  Film Streams is a non-profit community theatre specializing in independent and art cinema. It's just a few blocks from Century Link Center.

9. Buy a huge diamond at Borsheim's the flagship of the upscale Regency Court shops. Bill Gates bought Melinda's diamond here. Just saying. This Berkshire Hathaway holding is known for its competitive prices and knowledgable service. For guys, the watch collection is extensive and ranges from one to beat up at the barn to Patek Philippe. Tip: You can have your rings cleaned while shopping, and gift wrapping is complementary and gorgeous. If you're a high roller, head straight to the round case in the center of the store.

10. Visit Dehner Boots. They'll be right in the World Cup vendor area, so you won't have to go to their original factory and fitting room in Omaha's midtown, where you sit in a red velvet chair to be measured. Dehner is a third generation family business with no doubt third-generation bootmakers in their employ. If you see a picture of Ronald Reagan on a horse, he's probably wearing Dehner's. You'd expect a lot of cowboys this far west, but Omaha has always been a hub for hunter/jumpers, and has its own foxhunt, The North Hills Hunt, established in 1965. That's a lot of custom boots.

I can't wait to do all of the above at World Cup. Also on my personal list is an autograph from Carl Hester and a selfie with everyone I've ever ridden with. We'll see how far I get with that!