Bus Charter and Leisure Blog Archive

The Anasazi Indians were an ancient tribe indigenous to the area. When the Hoover Dam was constructed, the Lake Mead Reservoir threatened to destroy a number of original Anasazi dwellings.

This museum exhibits those artifacts that were retrieved from the flooded sites, including an impressive collection of pottery, tools, maize-grinding implements, jewelry, and arrowheads used in daily living by the Anasazi. With distinctive black and white geometric designs, the pottery and potsherds are especially beautiful and representative of the rich history of the Anasazi culture. Some symbols were representative of paying homage to various Gods and Goddesses, while others stood for clans. Marriages were symbolized by the combining of symbols on certain bowls and other daily use items around the home.

The Civilian Conservation Corps assisted in the excavation of the sites and the construction of the museum building. Using a Pueblo style, the building was constructed of sun-dried adobe brick.

The hours of operation are open daily from 8:30AM until 4:30PM. Admission to see the museum for adults is $3 per person; seniors pay only $2 per person. No credit cards are accepted. Admissions are cash only.

If you are a history buff, you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Lost City, where you can really get a feel for how the Anasazi Indians were living in their daily lives for thousands of years.

There's a jewel of a good time for your kids located at 833 Las Vegas Boulevard. This Museum was voted the Best Museum in Las Vegas for 13 years straight and with good reason.

This museum caters to children of all ages and has a myriad of hands-on activities that will allow your children to learn while they play. There is a heavy focus on interactive experiences at this venue and your kids will experience the realms of science, nature, and culture to life.

Some recent exhibitions at the museum have showcased the senses of smell and hearing, world travel, Vietnamese folktales, and the history of film. There are a huge number of demonstrations that go on every day and on weekends, along with workshops and other special activities to keep your young ones completely entertained.

The hours of operation for the Museum are Tuesday through Sunday from 10Am to 5PM. Admission to the Museum is only $7 for adults, seniors and military personnel with ID. Admission for children is $6. The Museum accepts Visa, Master Card, Discover, and American Express.

If you have little ones under the age of 5, they will get a real kick out of the Desert Discovery Center where they can put on hard hats and pretend to mine. Sending their soft sculpture "boulders" up by a hand crank system. Cactus Construction is another fun area for the little ones where they can pretend play on a construction site made just for kids. Desert in the Dark is another fun learning quest where little ones can learn that not all creatures go to bed when it is dark. Stepping through a child-sized door beneath the magic day-night clock, children find themselves outside in the desert after dark and will learn about all the wildlife that calls the desert their home before and after dark, it is a fun and non-threatening excursion that even little ones who are a little edgy about darkened rooms will enjoy.

For the littlest travelers with you, there is even something for them to enjoy. Baby Oasis is a cozy space filled with stimulating items for babies to manipulate and explore with their hands, eyes, and ears. No matter what their ages, your children will be delighted with this stop on your next trip to Vegas.

On your next excursion to Las Vegas, make the Las Vegas Art Museum a place to visit. The Art Museum is located at 9600 W Sahara Avenue and is an impressive building outside as well as inside.

This all white structure has an ever-changing collection of exhibits that showcase art styles from the sometimes strange modern contemporary to pop art to fine art. Local, regional and nationally known artists are showcased at this venue. The museum's goal is to show the connection between the creation of art and everyday life. In 2002 the museum became an affiliate of the Smithsonian, furthering this institution's prestige.

The hours of operation for the Art Museum are Tuesday-Saturday 10Am-5PM and Sunday 1PM to 5PM. Admission the Art Museum is just $6 for adults, $5 for seniors and students can get in for $3 if they show their valid ID. Children under 12 are always admitted for free! The Museum accepts Visa. Master Card, Discover, American Express.

After viewing the exhibitions, the Museum store is a fabulous place to pick up souvenirs for the folks back home. The gift shop has a huge selection of unique items that make fantastic gifts. Jewelry, glasswork, specially made scarves and shawls, exquisite porcelain bowls, greeting cards, hand-turned wooden vessels, photographs, metal sculpture, paintings and prints. There are even some original works for sale created by local artists that will let you feel as thought you're taking a piece of the museum home with you!

On your next excursion to Vegas, be sure to visit the Hoover Dam. The Hoover Dam harnesses the power of the Colorado River located in the Black Canyon.

The Dam has been opened since 1936 and is listed as a National Historical Landmark. The Dam itself is named after Herbert Hoover who was instrumental in the creation of the Dam. This is Nevada's largest dam and draws over one million visitors each year. The dam is located roughly 30 miles southeast of Las Vegas and is a truly awesome man-made structure.

The water cascades downward in a hypnotic fashion and the tours inside the Dam itself are jaw-dropping when you see how much rock was tunneled out to create the massive control stations needed to run the dam that creates the electrical power for much of the area. The reservoir created by the Hoover Dam is called Lake Mead, and is one of the nation's busiest national parks along with being a great destination for anyone that loves water sports.

The Hoover Dam is located at US Hwy 93 on the Arizona and Nevada border. The hours of operation are open daily from 9AM to 5PM. Admission to see the dam is adults are $11, seniors (62+) and military personnel pay only $9, a junior admission (7-16) is $5 and children (0-6) are free.

Bring your camera on this fun excursion, as the Hoover Dam is a definite photo opportunity you'll want to always remember.

They say, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas", and if you love to shop, no one has to know that you got a great deal on everything you bought them in Las Vegas.

There is some fabulous shopping to be had and most of it is located right on the Strip. Check out the Desert Passage shopping complex located at 3663 Las Vegas Boulevard. This shopping excursion is designed to take you back to the stops on an ancient spice route and it is a very exotic excursion indeed! There are street performers all around and the architecture is photo-worthy. You wll find retailers here such as BCBG Max Azria, Hugo Boss, Swarovski, The Sharper Image, Sur la Table and Tommy Bahama. Along with a huge selection of specialty shops.

Another fun excursion is a stop at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace located at 3570 Las Vegas Boulevard where can shop til you drop at a good number of upscale shops. Gianni Versace, DKNY, Fendi, Kenneth Cole, David Yurman, Roberto Cavalli and Estee Lauder are all represented here just to name a few.

The Grand Canal at 3355 Las Vegas Boulevard is another shopping excursion you will thoroughly enjoy making. In keeping with the Venetian theme, a canal runs through the area, and gondola rides are a favorite activity among shoppers taking a break from the action.

And that's just a few of the great shopping excursions you can make on your next trip to Vegas. Be sure to pencil in some time to pick up souvenirs and do a little early holiday shopping too!

While you're roaming the strip in Las Vegas, make a stop by the Fountains of Bellagio. When you are leaving the Bellagio Gallery, they are located right out front.

Located at 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard, the Bellagio Fountains almost always have a good crowd gathered to watch the display. You can take in the view from the promenade that overlooks scenic Lake Bellagio and the exquisitely designed hotel and casino of the same name that is located just beyond.

On Monday through Friday from 3PM to 8PM and on Weekends from Noon until 8PM, the music will start and the fountains will slowly rise from the water in perfect time to the music. The water will "dance" to the music and there is a myriad of musical styles played from an old soft shoe or to a high-spirited mambo. The routines vary from show to show and are worth seeing time and time again.

The view is best at night when the lights behind and around the fountains add a beautiful aura to the entire production. The Fountains of Bellagio is a great spot for capturing some photos of your trip to Vegas as well, wait for the fountains to go high in the air and then snap your shot for a beautiful backdrop.

Make the Fountains of Bellagio a must see on your next excursion to Las Vegas. It will be a destination well worth checking out!

The Durham Western Heritage Museum is located at 801 South 10th Street, in Omaha. This museum was built with spectacular architecture, and that blends seamlessly with memories of a time gone by. This museum offers unique learning experiences for people of all ages, including hands on learning. Here you and the whole family can explore Omaha's history and maybe even discover something new. You can learn about Omaha's years past as you use today's technology.

Within this museum, you will find exhibits that will teach you about Omaha's neighborhoods, notable citizens, and interesting historical sites, among many things. In the Baright Home and Family Gallery, you will find replicas of a rawhide teepee, and an earth lodge. Many items that reflect the technology of that time and the comforts of home are featured within this exciting exhibit.

In the Bishop Clarkson Community Gallery, you will see the formation of the fine city over 100 years ago, and see topics including religion, immigration, and healthcare covered in this exhibit. The Bishop Clarkson Hospital, the Brandeis Building, and St Cecilia's Cathedral are just a few of the buildings that are represented in this exhibit. The rapid growth of this city is also represented within this exhibit.

As you explore the many permanent galleries and the temporary exhibits, take a moment to think about all that is reflected about Omaha within this museum. You're sure to learn a lot and have a fantastic time doing it.

If you're looking to see something besides a casino when you visit Vegas you need a break from the bright lights and noise, take a relaxing excursion to the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

The Gallery is located on the Strip at 3600 Las Vegas Boulevard and is open daily from 9AM until 10PM, 7 days a week. The admission to see the gallery is adults $15 per person; senior citizens (65+) are $12 per person and students get in for $12 per person if they can show a valid student ID card.

The cozy gallery has some great examples of some of the world's best contemporary and fine modern artworks. The gallery is small on the scale of most museums but has a good number of exhibits making it well worth the trip to view. Exhibitions have included such notables as Andy Warhol, Alexander Calder, and the beautiful impressionist work of Claude Monet. There have also been group shows by local and regional articles contributing to a single theme.

There is also a gift shop located on the premises where you can pick up unusual souvenirs of your visit to this venue. You can purchase unique books, stationery, ceramics, umbrellas, totes, and prints emblazoned with well-known artworks that have appeared in the gallery. The Bellagio Gallery is a great little get-away for your next trip to Vegas and a good way to pick up some unusual gifts for your family and friends back home of your trip to Las Vegas.

One fantastic way to spend a day in Manchester, New Hampshire is at the Currier Museum of Art. This museum will leave you awestruck.

The Currier Museum of Art, located at 201 Myrtle Way in Manchester, is one of New Hampshire's top attractions. The Currier opened to the public first in 1929, and has since maintained a special focus on American art. The museum also emphasizes New England and New Hampshire arts. This museum is world renowned for its extensive collection of both American and original European art.

Some of the most prized holdings at this museum are Albert Bierstadt's "Moat Mountain, Intervale, New Hampshire", Andrew Wyeth's "Spindrift" and Claude Monet's "The Siene at Bougival." You can also see New Hampshire made furniture and paintings, and the Zommerman House, which is the only home in New England designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and open to the public. The range of collections at the Currier Museum of Art is as impressive as their quality.

At the Currier, you will also see decorative arts, photos, and sculpture, which include works by Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, and there are exhibitions, tours, and performances year round. The Currier's Café gives guests a quiet place for refreshment, and the museum shop features unique gifts from all over the world.

Whatever your favorite artistic media is, the Currier Museum of Art is certain to keep you entertained, and captivated with the beauty and history that will surround you at the Currier.

There are several historical sites for you to visit in Omaha. No matter the ages in your group, you're sure to find something to please everyone on your charter bus group.

The Great Plains Black Museum, located at 2213 Lake Street, recounts the role of African Americans in the development of the American West. Exhibits include relics, photographs, and historical displays of African American life before, during, and after the Civil War. The museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and hosts both permanent and rotating exhibits.

Next up is the Joslyn Castle, which is located at 3902 Davenport Street. This Castle is also listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, and is one of Omaha's premier event venues. This place combines old world charm with modern conveniences, and sits on five and a half acres. The castle was built in 1903 for George and Sarah Joslyn, and designed by architect John A McDonald. It is four stories, and thirty five rooms, with exotic wood interiors and Italian marble fireplaces.

The Gerald R Ford Birthsite and Gardens are located at 3202 Woolworth Avenue. The site commemorates the birth of Leslie King Jr. who later became Gerald R Ford Jr, and later became the thirty eighth president of the United States, in 1974. This ornate Victorian house is one of the finest homes in Omaha. The home is three stories, with fourteen rooms reflecting the status of the wealthy King family.

Any of these three sites is sure to provide a wonderful look at historic Omaha for your and your group.

Over many years, hundreds of people have come to see the great New York. In New York, there is something for everyone. For a nice romantic getaway, many go and visit the Finger Lakes, at Buttermilk Falls; or for a nice family evening, many go to the New York’s largest water theme park, The Enchanted Forest and Water Safari at Old Forge. However, if some are interested in history, the best place to head to is Fort Ticonderoga at Ticonderoga, Adirondacks. Fort Ticonderoga contains over 200 years of history from the Seven Years War to the American Revolution. In addition, New York supports many recreational activities, from air sports to bobsledding to scuba diving.

The Finger Lakes are perhaps one of the most peaceful and relaxing canal to be. The flowing sound of the waterfalls can make any getaway memorable. Also there is a wonderful Sciencenter near the falls in Syracuse with its museums of science and technology. The Finger Lakes offer many the great outdoors, heritage tours, and the opportunity to feed the mind, body and soul.

Another museum that can also feed the mind, is Fort Ticonderoga in Adirondacks. Fort Ticonderoga helps people to have a deeper understanding of the American history. People experience the meaning of freedom, sacrifice, and pain as the stories of those who took a part of American History unravel. Fort Ticonderoga also is known for wonderful interpretations and reenactments of all the wars America has suffered. They teach the children how they loaded a canon, step by step, and they also teach children the formations soldiers used during the war. However, what I believe the best part of Fort Ticonderoga is the education they offer to everyone about the wars America has taken a part of and how it changed America, and its people.

Women have also played an important part in America’s history. Seneca Falls is the home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame, which was created in 1969 to commemorate American women who have made lasting contributions to the arts, humanities, athletics, business, government, science and education. Some of the honorees include Amelia Earhart who was known for her bravery to fly across the Atlantic, and across the World. Even though her disappearance still continues to boggle the minds of many, Amelia will be remembered forever. Another courageous woman known for her actions was Rosa Parks. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat for a white man. Even though she was arrested on the first of December, she with the help of Martin Luther King Jr. began a boycott against the buses, which began the Civil Rights Movement. Without her bravery, African Americans would not be able to receive the same rights Americans had. And last but not least, Helen Keller also played a big role in America’s history. Helen had to struggle throughout life blind and deaf. But that never stopped Helen. Helen learned to read Greek, German, French and Latin in Braille. She able to attended college, wrote nearly a dozen books, traveled all over the world, met 12 U.S. presidents, and lived to be 87. She was also able to translate her first book The Story of My Life, in to 50 different languages. Helen became an exceptional leader, once she saw the potential in her own mind.

As well as National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, there is another museum in Hyde Park called Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. As you can tell the National Historic Site dedicated to a First Lady. Mrs. Roosevelt. Because of this museum, children get to know many fun facts about Eleanor, and about her job as the first lady.

However, for those people that do not find much interest in history, they can go and visit one of the finest art museum in New York City. The Metropolitan Museum of Art features beautiful art from Romare Bearden to Sol LeWitt. The Metropolitan Museum of Art allows people to use their imagination to picture whatever they may want to see. The Metropolitan Museum of Art shows people that art isn’t just limited to paper and a pen, it can be anything you may want it to be. Art shows the inner beauty in the most hideous thing. Art isn’t just what the painting looks like, it is what you see. Not only does The Metropolitan Museum of Art also offer an indoor experience, it also offers an outdoor feel. I believe that The Cloisters is the most beautiful part of the whole museum. It shows the style of the architecture from way back in Medieval Europe. And The Cloisters shows the fine arts used in religion to reveal the purity of the church. The Cloisters have previews of many beautiful sculptures, tapestries, stained glass, enamels, and ivories. I recommend those who visit to view the stained glass. To me, the stained glass is the most beautiful form of art. Even though stained glass shares many qualities with paintings and sketching, the fragileness of the art puzzles me so. Something so beautiful, seems so easy to create, yet so hard to accomplish. Moreover, the light-reflecting picture adds much more beauty to the stained glass over all.

However, some people aren’t very interested in still paintings. For those people, they may head over to Broadway to see many wonderful plays and musicals. Some of the best musicals are the Lion King, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, Hair Spray, and Rent. And during the Christmas season, the must watch musical The Musical Spectacular Featuring the Rockets, are on. And the best of it all, Broadway is for children of all ages. There is something to do for everyone!

And for those who would do anything to be next to a famous person, I would recommend you to go to Madame Tussaud's: House of Wax, but don’t forget to bring you camera. You can take pictures with Jennifer Lopez, or you can tell your friends that you and Ben Aflak are gambling buddies. But, if you like to be scared, Madame Tussaud offers you the scariest night of your life. The guests are transported to the eerie town of Ambrose. Once you enter the camber, all the guests are drawn into the main attraction-Trudy’s House of Wax, which is filled with life-like wax sculptures. But the only reason why they looked so real, is because they were.

And for those sports loving fans, they can head to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, which is open all year round. The museum includes baseballs, bats, uniforms, player equipment, ballpark artifacts, awards, artwork, textiles, tickets, collectibles, photographs, books, magazines, news clippings, films, and video and audiotapes. Some Hall of Famers includes Hank Aaron, Yogi Berra, George Brett, Roger Clemens, Lefty Gomez, Frank Robinson, Babe Ruth, and Don Sutton.

But for those children that aren’t into sports or history, their parents can take them to the biggest amusement park in New York, Enchanted Forest and Water Safari in Old Forge. The Enchanted Forest and Water Safari has over 34 water rides and 44 rides and attractions. Some water rides include Killermanjaro, Raging River, Black River, Cascade Falls, Rondaxe Run, and Safari River Run. And some amusement rides include Bumper Cars, Rock-O-Planes, Sky Ride, Scrambler, and the old favorite the Carousel. There is another water park, just for the family called Aqua Adventure Water Slides in Queensbury. There they have water rides, laser tag, go-karts, and roller-skating.

For those animal people, they can visit the coolest, and largest zoo in New York, the Bronx Zoo. The Bronx Zoo carries over 6,000 animals and with all the beautiful Naturalistic habitats, which include African Plains, Jungle World and Congo Gorilla Forest. And the picturesque Asian rain forest, which holds more than 780 animals, and 99 species. And during Christmas, the zoo is all lit up. And the zoo just looks so appealing. However, you wont be able see some of the animals. And going to the zoo, learning about school animals, would make the best school trip. The animals are so interesting, but their environment is slowly being destroyed. However, the Bronx Zoo is trying to do everything they can to keep the animals safe by using these counters that so the public how many animals are being killed off because of our advancement. And when the public sees these numbers, you can see on their faces that they are so devastated to see the results. And because of that, many people donate extra money to help the animal population.

Even though it has been four years, Ground Zero is one of the most visited place in New York. And even though it has been one of the worst tragedies America has had, let it not be remembered for the evil acts of violence, panic, and death. But remember the human spirit, and the most precious resource: life. Those who have lost a loved one have been able to get over it, however not completely. But we still worship those who helped, and died trying.

But the biggest thing you should worry about when being in New York is transportation. There are many forms of transportation; cars. subway, train, and the bus. I would recommend the bus for transportation. I say this because, the car ride to New York is defiantly not fun. There is so much traffic, and barely any parking. And the price of tickets has gone up. And for the subway and train, it’s really expensive for every ride. The bus seems just right, when it comes to gas prices, bus fare, and parking.

There are numerous courses in Omaha, for a golfer of any experience level. Here is a brief overview of just a few of the best that Omaha has to offer a golf lover.

Golf architect Floyd Farley designed the Miracle Hill Golf Course at 1401 North 120th Street in Douglas County. This course helps golfers to fine-tune their skills. Players can warm up on the driving range, or practice their short game on a putting green. Milt's Golf Center, at 6402 Q Street offers new golfers a par 3 course that is pretty forgiving, but not too easy. These nine holes feature bent grass with water features. This course has a lighted driving range, on which golfers can hit from grass or mats. There is also a putting green and chipping area that will help more experienced players fine tune their skills.

The Tiburon Golf Course is located at 10302 South 168th Street, and is a championship course that features 27 challenging holes. There are 10,505 yards in play, and the fairways are long, proving difficult even for the most experienced golfers. The bent grass course was built in 1989. There is a driving range, putting green, and chipping area available, with a full bar and restaurant in the clubhouse.

The Elmwood Park Golf Course is located at 6232 Pacific Street. There are mature trees with thick overhangs that line nearly every fairway. The course is a par 68, with a total yardage of 4,598 from the tees. The Spring Lake Golf Course, at 4020 Hector Boulevard, has fairways that average 200 yards to keep play at a fast pace. Experienced golfers will find these mature greens very manageable. This is one of the city's oldest courses, dating back to 1934.

The Warren Swigart Gold Course, located at 3865 Parkview Drive is perfect for beginners, or anyone looking for a fast round. This is a short par 3, which measures 1,239 yards from the tee box. The nine holes have a mix of conditions that test even seasoned golfers. The course has both a putting green and a chipping area as well. The Lakeview Golf Course is at 7400 Q Street, where players can expect traditional greens, and straight fairways. This is a 9-hole executive course that follows an executive layout with a par 34 and 2,800 yards. There are lots of surprising water hazards on this course.

Last but not least, the Player's Club at Deer Creek is located at 12101 Deer Creek Drive. This is Nebraska's only signature golf facility that was designed by Arnold Palmer. This course offers sprawling fairways that offer more of a country setting. There are rolling hills and numerous bunkers to challenge even the most precise hitters.

There are many great courses for the golfer to enjoy in Omaha. Here are just a few of the best that Omaha has to offer.

The Quarry Oaks Golf club is located at 16600 Quarry Oaks Drive in Omaha. This is an eighteen-hole championship course, which measures 1,077 yards from the back tees. It is unrivaled in the Midwest for concept and design, and was ranked the number one course in Nebraska. The patrons of this club have access to the multi tiered practice range with target greens, a sand and chipping practice area, and a practice green. They also offer private and semi-private lessons.

The Eagle Run Golf Course is located at 132nd Street and Maple Street, in Douglas County. This Golf Complex has both the Meadows Course, and a Links Course. The Meadows course is a nine hole Par 3, and the Links course is a nine-hole executive course. The Westwood Heights Golf Club, located at 12929 West Center Road, is a short course. This is a nine hole, par 3 courses that total 1,246 yards, and is great for beginners. There is no driving range or electric carts available.

The Fontenelle Park Golf Course is a city course that features nine holes, and bent grass, with water in play. It is located at 4410 Fontenelle Boulevard. As with any small public course, there is no driving range or putting green. There is a clubhouse offering refreshments and snacks. The Pacific Springs Golf club is located at 16810 Harney Street, in Douglas County. Experienced golfers will find this par 70, eighteen hold course most challenging. The course features thick rough borders, narrow fairways, and natural water hazards, which add to the level of difficulty. Players may warm up at the driving range, or take a break in the clubhouse. There is also a complete eighteen hold, grass-putting course.

This is a great spot to visit. This is the area's premier recreation area, where you can enjoy fishing, relax at a picnic site, bike, jog, or hike more than seven miles of trails. The area is located at 8901 South 154th Street, and is managed by the Papio Missouri River NRD. Featured here is Wehrspann Lake, which is a 245-acre lake that is considered one of the state's premier fishing spots, thanks to the support of catch and release.

Wehrspann Lake is a flood control reservoir, and the most common fish in this lake include Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Walleye, and Crappie. The NE Game and Parks Commission stocks this lake. Besides fishing, at Chalco Hills you can see the state flower (Goldenrod), the state tree (Cottonwood), the state bird (Western Meadowlark), the state grass (little bluestem), the state mammal (whitetail deer) and the state insect (which is the honeybee).

For those who don't want to fish, there are six picnic areas with shelters and drinking water, and a group shelter that can accommodate around 100 people, which can be reserved. You can hike or jog on the asphalt and concrete trails, or wander the wood chip nature trail. There are playgrounds located near three of the picnic sites as well. Whether you come alone, or with a group of friends, or with your family, Chalco Hills Recreation Area has something to offer everyone. There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and the peacefulness of nature that will surround you at Chalco Hills.

A great day trip for any person or family is the Fontenelle Forest. This is located at 1111 Bellvue Boulevard North. The mission of the Fontenelle Nature Association is to enhance stewardship of the natural world by providing citizens and visitors alike with quality environmental and natural science education, management of the natural resources, preservation of the historic and cultural resources, and increased opportunities for personal reflection and enjoyment of the outdoors.

For as long as people have been around, we have recorded natural events. From sunrise to sunset, from the arrival of the first birds or spring to the ripening of crops, it is all recorded. This is known as phenology. When you visit Fontenelle Forest, there is a list of the natural history events that occur each month, so you know what to look for. Fontenelle Forest is a premier bird watching area. Nearly 250 species have been recorded during the past ten years. Of these species, more than eighty are known to nest within the borders of the nature center. Some of the notable breeding birds here include the scarlet tanager, the rose-breasted grosbeak, the Baltimore oriole, the wood duck; the ruby throated humming bird, the great blue heron, and the great crested flycatcher.

During the spring migration, a flood of immigrant birds can be found throughout the center. None of these is more sought after than the group of colorful birds known as warblers. Thirty-five species have been recorded, most occurring between April and mid May. During the winter months, it would not be uncommon to see bald eagles here, and common mergansers, as well as common winter residents like the black-capped chickadees and some native sparrows, among others. There are five trails here that you can walk, and enjoy the scenery or bird watch. Whatever you choose to do, there is no better way to enjoy nature than the Fontenelle Forest.

The Joslyn Art Museum is a premier center for the visual arts, and has been since it opened in 1931. The museum is located at 2200 Dodge Street in Omaha. This is the state's only fine arts museum with an encyclopedic permanent collection. This museum features works from ancient to modern, with an emphasis on nineteenth and twentieth century art from both Europe and America. Some of the works you can expect to see, from the museum's permanent collection are as follows.

Sir Thomas Lawrence was a sought after Romantic portraitist. He was a child prodigy, who started drawing portraits at the age of six. He entered the Royal Academy School of Arts at the age of 18. Portrait of Sir Samuel Shepherd is the first work by Lawrence in Joslyn's collection.

A special treat for new visitors is the audio guide for the Art of the American West Galleries. This audio guide features about ten works on view in the museum's Art of The American West galleries. This informative and entertaining tour includes paintings by Alfred Jacob Miller, Charles Russell, and the famed bronze Bronco Buster by Frederic Remington, among many others. There are two recordings to accompany each piece of featured artwork. The first recording will discuss the artist or the subject, and the second recording will remark on the materials or techniques used. The guide is set up in such a way that visitors may view the pieces in whatever order they choose to. The total recording time is about 35 minutes. These audio guides, that are held up to the ear like a telephone, are free with admission to the museum.

If you brought the kids along for the ride and you want to take them to a venue where it is okay to run, jump and touch, then a stop by the Omaha Children's Museum is in order. Touching the exhibits here is not only permitted, it is encouraged!

The Omaha Children's Museum was born in 1976 in the back of a station wagon delivering learning programs and hands-on workshops to thousands of area children. In 1977, the first museum was built in the City/County connector building. The museum moved to its present location in the former McFayden Ford building, in 1989. A huge renovation that was completed in 2002 made this facility one of the largest children's museums in the country.

The museum promotes learning through play and has a myriad of activities for your children to enjoy such as the Charlie Campbell Science Center where your children can animate a cartoon, watch images of themselves multiply and spin in the Human Kaleidoscope exhibit and learn up close and personal about natural events in Earthquake Challenge. The Creative Center will give your budding young artist a chance to create a work of art from the recycled materials.

There is also a Music Area where your children can compose their own tunes by walking on a giant tube of drums or a large piano. If you have a budding young star he or she can be a news anchor at the Cox Communications' TV News Station where they can be not only news anchors but weather reporters, and if they would rather work behind the scenes - the camera person. These are filmed live and broadcasted for all to see.

There are also play careers, experiments and a host of traveling exhibits for your children to learn about while they play. If you're looking for a fun way to spend a day with your kids, make the Children's Museum in Omaha a stop on your next visit.

If you're looking for something a little off the beaten path on your next visit to Omaha, check out the interesting Joslyn Castle.

This honest to goodness castle was built in 1903 and was the family home of George and Sarah Joslyn. Because of the Western Newspaper Union at one time, George Joslyn was the richest man in Nebraska.

The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places this home is done in a Scottish -Baronial style home is four stories tall and has 35-rooms.

You will make the people on your charter bus giggle when you tell them this exquisite home was originally built for $250,000 and is now valued at several million dollars. The castle is located in a part of town called the Gold Coast District.

Admission to see the castle is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and students, and $1 for children ages 5-12, and children under 5 are admitted for free. The hours of operation are 1PM to 5PM; Sunday through Saturday.

Most of the home is furnished in period items and furniture so you can see how it was to live in one of these grand houses at the turn of the last century. If you're going to be in Omaha, and you'd like to tour a venue that's a little different, make a stop by the Joslyn Castle.

If you're going to be visiting Omaha in the near future, make the Heartland of America Park a definite stop on your vacation.

In the middle of downtown Omaha, situated along the riverfront, is a beautiful 31-acre park. You can walk down various pathways of this supremely landscaped facility. You will completely forget you're downtown. The serene beauty of this venue will take you away to a relaxing place.

There are two water fountains located in the park. The Heartland of America fountain is a computerized creation that shoots water over 300-feet into the air and at night, displays a colored light show.

If you want to do a little more sightseeing from the water, take a tour boat ride on the General Marion, the ride is only a quarter and you can see the park from a different point of view.

Should you be visiting the park on a Friday night from June through August, you will be treated to a free, live music show. Otherwise, the park is open daily from 5AM to midnight.

The park is located at 800 Douglas Street and best of all admission is free!

Located at 2213 Lake Street in Omaha, the Great Plains Black Museum tells the compelling story of how African Americans helped settle the plains. There is a large collection of rare photographs of early African American settlers and artifacts depicting their day-to-day lives. You can see the wood burning stoves that were used to cook meals and heat their homes. It wasn't uncommon for a stove to be the centerpiece of the home in the winter next to the fireplace. The amount of work that went into the preparation of one meal would be mind boggling. There are also good displays of farming implements. This was before the automated times and all farming was done by hand.

Visitors will learn how life was for African Americans before, during and after the Civil War. The Museum was founded in the 1970s and the building that it is housed in is also impressive. The well-known Nebraska architect Thomas Kimball designed the facility and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Admission to this interesting venue is only $2 per person an the hours of operation are Mon-Fri 10AM to 2PM. This venue is currently closed on weekends.

This is a great destination for anyone interested in the rich history of African Americans and the contributions they have made to our country. Be sure to make the Great Plains Black Museum an entry on your "must see" list on your next visit to Omaha.

The Omaha Zoo is a fun and exciting place for the whole family to visit. The zoo focuses on education and conservation. The facilities within the zoo have a lot of innovative facilities designed not just to preserve a wide array of species, but they also aim to present them in a natural manner to the public.

Within the Omaha zoo, you will find the Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom Pavillion, the Lozier IMAX Theater, and the Cat Complex, all of which showcase fascinating animal life and exotic places. You can also see the Scott Aquarium, Desert Dome, Lied Jungle, Hubbard Gorilla Valley, and the Hubbard Orangutan Forest, which provide impressive environments that show these beautiful creatures in their natural habitats. The Omaha Zoo covers 130 acres, and has 15 major animal habitats. They manage over 17,000 specimens, which represent 962 species. You will see over 180 species of mammals, more than 275 species of birds, and over 300 species of amphibians, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates.

You will also be able to take a wild ride on the Wildlife Safari. You can spot bison, elk, cranes, antelope, and many other North American native animals right outside the bus window. Before you end the expedition, you can circle through the Sacred Hoop Garden and witness the wild flowers growing throughout the season. You can drop by the aviary to see a swift fix, bobcat, pheasants, sea gulls, and more!

This is sure to be a day that you will never forget. Young or old, the Omaha Zoo is a fantastic place to visit!

If you're looking for something off the beaten path on your next trip to Lincoln, take a stop in at the University of Nebraska Museum. There are a myriad of exhibits ranging from fine art to the history of evolution to nature reconstructions that show over 15 different dioramas of natural terrain scenery around the state.

At the museum there are different centers for different types of exhibits. The Morrill Center is the home of fine art exhibits. The Dr. Paul and Betty Marx Science Center is a place where you kids can learn about science in general and archeology and paleontology in particular. One of the most popular exhibits here is the dig site where your kids can uncover the past through touchable skeleton fossils of plants and animals that can be held and touched.

There is also a planetarium on site with shows on the hour from 11AM until 3PM each day. You can explore rockets and space travel, using a telescope, flight simulator, and learning about the planets. The museum itself has an impressive collection of anthropology, botany, entomology, paleontology, and zoology collections in the museums permanent collection. Another collection that usually gets noticed is the parasitology collection that includes thousands of specimens that have been collected since the early 1970s.

If you'd like to make a stop that everyone in the family can enjoy on your next visit to Lincoln, check out the University of Nebraska Museum and enjoy a day of diverse learning fun!

If you're going to be in Nebraska in the near future, check out the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument that is situated across Interstate 80, the primary route between east and west coasts at Kearney.

The monument is a remembrance of a time not long ago when the area it is located on was merely a stepping-stone to the frontier lands. The archway is enormous and over 3-stories high and over 50-feet in width. The archway is also the only historical monument that has been granted the air rights over a federal interstate and has two separate levels of interactive exhibits. Both exhibits will walk you through history from the earliest pioneer days of the area to the present.

The Arch is an outstanding example of amazing engineering and it is the tallest Monument in North America. The view alone is amazing. From the top of the monument, you can see all of St. Louis and on the other side, the mighty Mississippi River.

If you happen to be visiting this area from February through April, you are in for a treat from nature. During this time, over half a million Sandhill Cranes will return for a 6-week period on their way north. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the world's population of these cranes pass through this area. Joining the cranes are millions of ducks and geese. Take your camera along to capture that sight and enjoy your next excursion to Nebraska.

One of the greatest things about taking your children to the Lincoln Children's Museum, is touching is not only allowed, it is encouraged! Your kids can build, dance, play, climb, create, sing, and laugh at the this fun venue. The Lincoln Children's Museum is a large facility that covers three floors and 45,500 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs that allow children and adults to discover the adventure of learning through play together.

Children can pretend they have a myriad of careers from pizza maker to a radio star to a doctor. All the exhibits are hands on and your kids will have a great time trying out different occupations.

Additionally the Lincoln Children's Museum was built as the first "green" building in the city of Lincoln. Being green means the facility minimizes waste during construction and operations, recycling materials, using recycled content whenever possible and using best management practices regarding energy and water conservation when operating.

The Lincoln Children's Museum is located at 1420 P Street and the hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 9:30am - 5pm; Sunday 1pm-5pm; Closed most Mondays, major holidays and one week in September. Admission to this fun venue is only $6 for adults; $5.50 for senior citizens and free for Members and children under 2.

If you’re looking for a great golfing experience, consider visiting Knolls Golf Club, which is located at 11630 Sahler St, in Omaha. The Knolls Golf Club features two uniquely different nines. With greens of Bent Grass and Fairways of Bermuda Grass, this course is a fantastic experience for any golfer.

On the front nine, you will get to play around shining lakes, winding creeks, grassy knolls, and beautiful greens. The back nine is tighter, lined with trees, and has a number of water carries. The greens on the back nine are a bit flatter, but they are tougher to read. Together, these two nines offer an extraordinary challenge for an advanced golfer, but it is still enjoyable for a novice when they play from the forward tees. The Knolls Golf club features water hazards, which come into play on fourteen holes. The most difficult hole is number 8. Hole number 8 is a 296 yard par 4, which features a dogleg left fairway with water coming into the mix. The shot to the green must avoid sand traps on the right as well as the left side.

In total, the par for the course is 71 for Championship, Regular, and Ladies ratings. The total yardage for Regular golf is 5813 (5111 for ladies). The green fees are surprisingly low. The course was built in 1977, and is still as beautiful as it ever was. It is important for golfers to know, however, that the Knolls Golf Club does have a dress code, and no tank tops or cutoffs are allowed here.

Your visit to Omaha would not be complete without a stop at the Old Market. This corner of the city is charming and eclectic and also has some of the best shops and restaurants in town. You can have Italian, French, or even have a microbrew at the Upstream. The small shops in this area offer everything from music to clothing and even a year round Christmas shop.

The Old Market district was crucial to the commercial development of Omaha, as it flourished in the 1880’s, and continued far into the 20th century. Back then, the district was comprised of light industrial and warehouse buildings, and served as the distribution center for a variety of goods that were shipped along the Union Pacific. Today, this is a collection of renovated brick warehouses, quaint storefronts, and street side musicians.

This area is a premier arts and entertainment district. The area also features fine dining, shopping, and corporate meeting facilities, as well as hotel accommodations, upscale night life, and real estate. This area is located in downtown Omaha, and close to many of the other attractions in Omaha.

The downtown area is the home of the new Holland Performing Arts Center, which makes it a haven for the arts. This center was completed in 2005, and it provides a true concert environment that has been designed to host the Omaha Symphony, as well as other local artists.

Exceptional gifts and fine dining are around every single corner. From Harney to Jackson streets, and from 10th to 13th streets, you will find unique shops, boutiques, pubs, and more than 30 area restaurants and distinctive entertainment stops are what define this area’s historic neighborhood. You are sure to find a fantastic time in the Old Market.