Luxurious Boutique Weekend—Indulge your dog with a lavish weekend in Omaha. Check into the Doubletree by Hilton Omaha Downtown, which is known for its signature chocolate chip cookies but also offers dog biscuits for your furry friend, and explore several wonderful nearby parks. Spend the day shopping at specialty dog boutiques such as Luxe Pet Boutique & Spa and The Green Spot. Hit the dog park for some socializing then treat Fido to a blueberry facial at Spaw. Visit in April to enjoy the Spring Bark in the Park carnival, or introduce your dog to some serious culture during the very pet-friendly Shakespeare on the Green or Jazz on the Green.

Summer Wine and Food Tour —Start the day off at Howlin’ Hounds Coffee, a dog-friendly coffee bar in Omaha dedicated to providing premium service and products for dogs and their humans. Then stop at Omaha’s Three Dog Bakery, the country’s leading gourmet pet bakery, and stock up on all-natural fresh-baked treats. On Sunday, head to WunderRosa Winery in Roca where your furry friends are welcome to walk through the vineyard and relax while you sample the wines. Be sure to stop in Lincoln at the Parthenon Greek Grill and Taverna for “Dine with Your Dog” on Tuesday evenings on the patio, which features a dog food buffet.

Events that Have Gone to the Dogs—Whether bringing your dog to compete or to see other dogs compete, there is no shortage of events to choose from throughout the year.

• Woofstock, North Platte, May 18—An annual festival for dogs (and their humans) that includes look-alike contests, groomers, and other activities plus vendors with specials on animal care products and accessories. This is a yearly fundraiser for Pawsitive Partners, a local non-profit organization that focuses on promoting responsible pet ownership
• GermanFest, Syracuse, July 13—In addition to celebrating German heritage, this festival features Viener Dog Races and Viener Vogue, a fashion show for dachshunds. 
• Dog Daze of Summer Dog Show, West Point, July 25—Indulge your dog’s competitive spirit in five categories: best dressed, best matched to owner, best groomed, scruffiest and best trick. There’s even a human bark off contest.
• Pug-O-Ween, Omaha, Oct. 27—Omaha’s largest yearly pug gathering. Hundreds of pugs and people rocking costumes and raising money for Pug Partners of Nebraska.
• I Love My Dog Expo, Lincoln, February 2014—Attracting thousands of dog lovers of all ages and interests, the expo offers entertainment, games, training demonstrations and plenty of shopping. All proceeds benefit Domesti-PUPS, an all-volunteer service organization that provides assistance dogs for persons with disabilities, pet therapy programs, classrooms and educational programs.

I-80 Speedway Racing Season, Greenwood, April 4 to October 13
One of Nebraska’s two NASCAR Home Tracks, I-80 Speedway in will rev up any race fan with exciting dirt track racing. Gearheads will love seeing all their favorite late models, A Mods, Pro Ams, B Mods, Grand Nationals, Hornets, sprint cars and hobby stock tear up the track every week.

At Fort Atkinson State Historical Park near Fort Calhoun, living history demonstrations provide a fruitful lesson for young and old alike.

Living History Weekends at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park, Ft. Calhoun, May 4–5; June 1–2; July 6–7; Aug. 3–4; Aug. 31–Sept. 1 and Oct. 5–6
Visitors can explore history in a new way at Ft. Atkinson’s Living History Weekends. Volunteers recreate the lives of the soldiers, artisans and civilians who lived in and around the fort with cooking demonstrations, military drills, blacksmithing and crafts.

36th Annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon and Half Marathon, Citywide, Lincoln, May 5
Approximately 10,000 runners take to the streets of Lincoln for this fast, fun and friendly race that begins and ends on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Mud Sweat & Beers 7K Trail Run, Quarry Oaks, Ashland, May 18
For runners and beer lovers alike, anyone who braves this 7-kilometer trail run through mud, creeks and hilly terrain will be rewarded with a refreshing pint. A beer stop at mile two helps keep the motivation flowing.

Return to the Lincoln Highway Car Show, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island, May 18
Indiana entrepreneur Carl Fisher dreamed of a toll-free paved road that would connect New York City in the east to San Francisco in the west. His dream became a reality in 1913 with the 3,380-mile Lincoln Highway. The Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer honors the 100th anniversary of the nation’s first transcontinental highway with a day full of classic cars and historic programs.

The program encourages travelers to explore Nebraska, collect stamps from participating attractions and earn great prizes. In the quest to collect stamps and prizes, travelers find the real rewards are taking the scenic route and discovering new adventures.

New this year are special-interest tours featuring top picks from past travelers, art galleries, craft breweries and literary stops, and prizes from Nebraska Lottery.

The 2013 Passport will feature 80 attractions on 10 themed tours: Hit the Hot Spots, Meet the Locals, Picture the Scene, Play Outside, Savor the Flavor, Seeing Is Believing, Sleep Tight, Tap Into It, Turn the Page and Wrangle the West.

Travelers have from May through September to visit attractions and redeem their stamps for prizes, which include T-shirts, $1 Nebraska Lottery Scratch coupons and digital cameras. A grand-prize drawing for an iPad mini will be held in October. This year, an additional drawing for 300 $1 Nebraska Lottery Scratch tickets will be held for participants 19 and older.

Passports will be available at participating stops beginning in May or can be pre-ordered by emailing info@NebraskaPassport.com.

Hit the Hot Spots
Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure, Nebraska City
Petrified Wood and Art Gallery, Ogallala
Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Grand Island
Master’s Hand Candle Company and Serendipity Chocolate Factory, Tekamah
Fort Robinson State Park, Crawford
Sandhills Motel & Glidden Canoe Rental, Mullen
NEBRASKAland Days, North Platte
The Green Lantern Steakhouse and Lounge, Decatur

Meet the Locals
Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse, Sidney
Prairie Grounds Café and Gifts, Broken Bow
GROW Nebraska Buy It Local Store, Grand Island
Back Alley Bakery, Hastings
Prairie Point Junction Quilt Shop, Cozad
Lakota Hope Center/Lightshine Thrift Store and Lakota Art Institute, Whiteclay
It’s All About Bees, Ralston
Classic Car Collection, Kearney

Picture the Scene
Springfield Artworks, Springfield
Sheldon Museum of Art, Lincoln
Thedford Art Gallery, Thedford
Woodland Trails Art and Learning Center, Winnebago
West Nebraska Arts Center, Scottsbluff
Norfolk Arts Center, Norfolk
Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art, David City
The Art and Gift Gallery, North Platte

Play Outside
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center, Denton
Nebraska National Forest (Bessey Ranger District/Bessey Nursery), Halsey
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge, Valentine
Crane Trust Nature & Visitor Center, Wood River
Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue
Sunken Gardens & Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln
Kimmel Orchard & Vineyard, Nebraska City
Agate Fossil Beds National Monument, Harrison

Savor the Flavor
Pour House Tasting Room, Friend
Lakehouse Bar & Grill, North Platte
Ozzie & Jan’s Famous Lee’s Chicken, Lincoln
R.F. Goeke Variety Store and Soda Fountain, Atkinson
Range Café & Bassett Lodge, Bassett
The Rocket Inn, Indianola
BeeHaven Farm Roadside Market, Harrisburg
Barnstormers, Norfolk

Seeing Is Believing
General Crook House at Fort Omaha, Omaha
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park, Burwell
Chimney Rock National Historic Site, Bayard
Lincoln County Historical Museum, North Platte
Boys Town, Boys Town
International Quilt Study Center & Museum, Lincoln
Knight Museum and Sandhills Center, Alliance
Mayhew Cabin with John Brown’s Cave, Nebraska City

Sleep Tight
Crystal Key Inn Bed & Breakfast, Newman Grove
Historic Argo Hotel & Steakhouse, Crofton
Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast, Nebraska City
Two Rivers State Recreation Area, Waterloo
Calamus Outfitters, Burwell
Arrow Hotel & Suites, Broken Bow
Inner Maker Bed & Breakfast, Art & Books, Seward
The Balcony House Bed & Breakfast, Imperial

Tap Into It
Loop Brewing Company, McCook
Thunderhead Brewing Company, Kearney
Lucky Bucket Brewing Company, La Vista
SchillingBridge Winery & Microbrewery, Pawnee City
Nebraska Brewing Company, Papillion
Soaring Wings Vineyard and Brewery, Springfield
Zipline Brewing Company, Lincoln
Blue Blood Brewing Company, Lincoln

Turn the Page
Bess Streeter Aldrich House and Museum, Elmwood
Willa Cather State Historic Site/Red Cloud Opera House, Red Cloud
John G. Neihardt State Historic Site, Bancroft
Mari Sandoz High Plains Heritage Center, Chadron
Wright Morris Walking/Driving Tour, Central City
Jane Pope Geske Heritage Room of Nebraska Authors & Loren Eiseley Exhibit at Bennett Martin Library, Lincoln
The Lyceum Café and Bookstore, Brownville
The Sisters Grimm, Bushnell

Wrangle the West
Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln
Glur’s Tavern, Columbus
High Plains Homestead, Home of the Drifter Cookshack and Bunkhouse, Crawford
Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, North Platte
Museum of the Fur Trade, Chadron
Morgan’s Store, Ellsworth
Strawbale Church, Arthur
Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park, Merriman

Nature Connects, Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha, Feb. 16–May 17
Inspired by nature, “Nature Connects” features 27 larger-than-life sculptures built from nearly half-a-million LEGO bricks. Ranging in size from six inches to eight feet, there’s a variety of creatures tucked into the gardens, including a swallowtail butterfly, a hummingbird and a mother bison made from 45,143 bricks.

Egg Launch, Strategic Air & Space Museum, Ashland, March 30
As part of the museum’s 60 Days of Science Series, visitors are invited to put their engineering skills to the test and construct a capsule to protect an egg for launch. At 1 p.m., participants will meet in the museum atrium to launch their eggs and see which ones survive. Who knew physics could be this fun?

2013 Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival, Calamus Outfitters, Burwell, April 5–7
Every spring, male prairie chickens astound with their mating dance known as booming. Birders can experience booming up close at the 2013 Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival in Burwell. Events include guided birding excursions to see greater prairie chickens and spring-tailed grouse, guided hikes, an American Wagyu beef dinner at Morgan Ranch and informative presentations, including “Photographing Nebraska’s Wildlife,” “Hitler’s Effect on Nebraska’s Wildlife” and more.

Nebraska Cork and Ale Festival, Haymarket, Lincoln, April 19
Back for its seventh year, the Nebraska Cork and Ale Festival in the Lincoln Haymarket offers visitors the opportunity to taste brews and blends produced by wineries and breweries from all across the state. Participating vendors will be on hand to teach connoisseurs and beginners alike the art and science of brewing.

141st Annual Arbor Day Celebration, Citywide, Nebraska City, April 26–28
As Secretary of Agriculture under President Grover Cleveland, Nebraska City resident J. Sterling Morton was instrumental in establishing the now-international Arbor Day. At the inaugural Arbor Day celebration in Nebraska in 1872, more than 1 million trees were planted. Nebraska City will celebrate the 141st annual Arbor Day Celebration on April 26–28 with a parade, 5K and 10K walk/run, educational activities and a free tree giveaway. History buffs can tour J. Sterling Morton’s 52-room neocolonial mansion at Arbor Lodge State Historical Park and Arboretum, while kids will love exploring the expansive Arbor Day Farm and climbing up 50-foot-high treehouse.

The Great Nebraska Mushroom Hunt, Steamboat Trace Trailhead, Peru, April 27
Mushroom lovers can channel their inner hunter-gatherer at the annual Great Nebraska Mushroom Hunt on April 27. Amateur and veteran hunters are invited to this daylong event, which features scheduled hunts at secret hunting grounds, live music and the coronation of a Mushroom King and Queen.

Dismal River Golf Club
The Dismal River Golf Club near Mullen, which opened in 2006 with a Jack Nicklaus-designed course, plans to unveil its much-anticipated Tom Doak course this year. Both courses wind their way through the native grasses of the Sandhills, but each promises a unique experience for golfers.

Doak is known for a minimalist approach to golf course design, incorporating the natural flow and features of the terrain into his layouts. He’s well-known in this region for Ballyneal in Northwestern Colorado. Doak also designed Streamsong Blue at Streamsong Resort in Florida, which opened to rave reviews in December 2012.

In a recent live chat on Golf.com, Doak said this about the new course at Dismal River Golf Club:

“Making the commitment to build a course at Dismal was tough, only because I know that the next project in that region will probably go to somebody else, and who knows if the next site won’t be even better? But, once I had done a routing, it was easier to get comfortable that this project was too special to turn down. We start up in the dunes, but the course works its way down to the river for the last three holes, and that makes it different than all its neighbors out there.”

Dismal River is a private club that allows limited public play.

Bayside Golf Club
Bayside sounds more like the name of a Florida course than one you’d find on the Nebraska prairie. But Bayside Golf Club is located near the shores of Lake McConaughy, a 22-mile-long reservoir with abundant water-related recreation. The course offers Sandhills scenery and risk-reward golf in a very playable layout.

Following the natural contours of the land, Bayside utilizes some hilly and rugged terrain to provide elevation changes. You won’t see any water hazards, but plenty of vegetation and bunkers defend the course. Most holes require a carry across native grass to reach the fairway or green. No. 17, known as Short but Sweet, features a bunker in the middle of the green. The cool thing is that the contours of the green allow for creative putting lines around the sand if you need to take an indirect route to the cup.

Awarii Dunes
Awarii Dunes Golf Club, located just a few miles south of Kearney near Axtell, enters its third season as a must-play course for golfers seeking a unique experience. Awarii means windblown in the Pawnee language, and the wind is a frequent shot-altering companion. Noted golf course architect Jim Engh designed the course so that it fits the land on the southern edge of the Sandhills, but he included some signature Engh features to keep things interesting.

Blowout bunkers, natural dunes, and native grasses in the rough penalize errant shots, but once you make it to the greens, the real fun begins. Engh is known for his challenging but fun approach to building greens, so look for multiple tiers, multiple mounds, and multiple pin placements. Three holes feature natural bowl-shaped greens.

To learn more about Nebraska’s fun, challenging and affordable golf opportunities,  go to VisitNebraska.com/golf.

Each spring, more than half a million sandhill cranes descend on the Platte River Valley in central Nebraska to rest and recharge en route to their summer breeding grounds in Canada, Alaska and Siberia. The cranes—a species in existence for more than nine million years—are drawn to the valley’s abundant food and shelter from predators. The cranes, in turn, draw thousands of spectators from around the world.

Each morning, as the sun peeks over the horizon, thousands upon thousands of sandhill cranes awaken and begin calling to each other in a sound that builds to a quiet roar. Soon, throngs of the majestic birds take to flight, darkening the early morning sky. It is a breathtaking spectacle that can only be truly appreciated in person. However, don’t think this experience is just for serious birders. The migration is a chance to marvel at the wonders of nature and can include as much, or as little, birding as desired.

Attendees at the Nebraska Prairie Chicken Festival can see the birds performing a mating ritual known as booming.

If birding is your primary interest, don’t limit your story to the cranes. Millions of birds of all shapes, sizes and species pass through North America’s central flyway every year. Other don’t-miss opportunities include:

Prairie chickens: Every spring, male prairie chickens perform an outstanding courtship “dancing” display characterized by stomping feet, towering leaps and resonant booming noises from inflated yellow-orange air sacs along the sides of their necks.

Stop by Johnson Lake near Lexington to view the bald eagles that have become winter residents.

Bald eagles: More than 1,000 bald eagles visit the Platte River, the Rainwater Basin and Lake McConaughy each winter and spring to feed on fish and migratory waterfowl.

White pelicans: Residents near the center of the flyway know spring is just around the corner when the American white pelicans begin returning from their winter feeding grounds along the U.S. Gulf Coast to take up temporary residence at Harlan County Reservoir between Republican City and Alma. Weighing up to 20 pounds with a maximum wingspan of nine feet and a beak as long as 14 inches, the pelican is one of North America’s largest birds. The pelicans arrive in follow-the-leader flight lines, landing on the surface of the lake and gathering in large groups to feed.

White pelicans enjoy nature’s abundance.

Novice viewers and birding enthusiasts alike will find more than 400 birding sites open to the public. Find out more at VisitNebraska.com.

Great Backyard Bird Count, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Scottsbluff, Feb. 15-16
Bird watchers of all ages are invited to participate in this international citizen science project that helps provide a real-time snapshot of worldwide bird populations. The information gathered helps scientists understand bird population trends, information that is critical for effective conservation.

The 25th Annual Wings Over the Platte Art Show & Sale, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer, Feb. 17-March 1
This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the nation’s largest exhibits dedicated to the Platte River—Wings Over the Platte. Showcasing the beauty and wonder of life in the Platte River Valley, the art exhibit and sale features awe-inspiring images of the wildlife, waterfowl and stunning landscapes of the river and its tributaries.

Marsh Madness at Ponca State Park, Ponca, March 9 & 10, 16 & 17 and 23 & 24
The abundant natural areas of Ponca State Park in northeast Nebraska spring to life and provide ample opportunities for travelers to celebrate the spring migration of waterfowl. Park officials will offer guided waterfowl tours, unguided bald eagle tours and several birding programs.

Crane Watch Festival, Various Locations, Kearney, Minden and Gibbon, March 22-31
The Crane Watch Festival honors its annual migratory guests with fun-filled educational and family activities, entertainment and communitywide events in Kearney, Minden and Gibbon. Guided and self-guided crane viewing opportunities are also available.

White Pelican Homecoming Celebration, Harlan County Reservoir, Alma, March 22-30
Birders on the lookout for something new will be inspired by the white pelicans that stop to feed along the shore of the 13,000-acre Harlan County Reservoir every March. The White Pelican Homecoming Celebration welcomes the pelicans back to the community with the Paradise on the Prairie Art and Photography Show, birding boat tours, nature-based poetry readings, an indoor beach party and more.

The Historic Argo Hotel in Crofton
Step back in time to enjoy elegant dining, romantic rooms and plenty of early 1900s ambience at this one-of-a-kind bed and breakfast, named a 2012 Hidden Treasure by Heritage Nebraska. Guests can choose from the Honeymoon Suite, Leslie Brooks’ Suite, the Lewis and Clark Suite, the new Jesse James Suite and the Evening in Paris Suite. Plan a visit for spring or fall, and you can pair the stay with a hot air balloon ride. And watch for ghosts because the Argo is rumored to be haunted.

The Winemaker’s Loft near Parks
Really get away to the beauty and serenity of the Rock Creek Valley on the southwest Nebraska prairie. The Winemaker’s Loft, a cozy little hideaway above the Sage Hill Vineyard & Winery, is the perfect setting for a romantic escape. A fully equipped kitchen allows you to prepare gourmet meals, the deck overlooks the vineyard, and the Tuscan-style tasting room features American and French hybrid varietal wines. Listen to the coyotes’ nightly tribute to solitude under a gorgeous canopy of stars.

Lied Lodge & Conference Center in Nebraska City
Indulge without guilt. This eco-friendly lodge in eastern Nebraska is committed to a sustainable future, and everything it does is centered on the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission of “inspiring people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.” All rooms feature views of the arboretum or the hazelnut orchard plus all the amenities needed for a memorable visit. Treat yourself the way nature intended with a spa package and gourmet meals featuring local, sustainable, seasonal food.

River Inn Resort in Brownville
Come aboard! Relax along the tranquil banks of the Missouri River on this floating bed and breakfast. The romantic atmosphere provides a perfect site to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Guests can explore Brownville, a charming village that can rightfully boast of its “International Book Town” designation and accompanying premier bookshops. Take in a play or concert, shop in the quaint downtown, or sip wine at sunset on the deck of Whiskey Run Creek Winery.

Valentine
Any Nebraska list with a romantic theme simply must mention Valentine. It’s the “Heart City” of America, and thousands of Valentine’s Day greetings are mailed from here each year. Add an extra special touch to the annual lover’s holiday with greetings bearing the Heart City’s postmark, or go one better and spend Valentine’s Day in Valentine. In addition to its romantic designation, Valentine is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The north-central Nebraska town is at the center of a diverse region of quiet lakes, grassy sandhills, secluded waterfalls, a national forest, two national wildlife refuges, big ranches with real cowboys, excellent bicycle trails and one of the top 10 canoeing rivers in the United States.

The Nebraska Tourism Commission’s guide offers 180 pages brimming with striking photography, useful maps, information about attractions and more. Travelers will find ideas for exploring the great outdoors, uncovering rich frontier history and communing with nature, as well as weekend retreats, guest ranches and a variety of festivals and events.

Those who prefer making travel plans electronically can access a fully interactive digital version on a tablet. Users can learn about Nebraska, search for attractions and accommodations, watch videos and link directly to websites with just a few quick taps.

Travelers can access the digital edition online, off-line and on-the-go through Zinio, a leader in digital-publishing technology. View the digital guide on a computer or on a tablet at VisitNebraska.gov/zinio.

Order the traditional print edition at VisitNebraska.com or by calling 888-444-1867.

Other features in the 2013 guide include a special section on the Lincoln Highway’s Centennial Celebration, children’s games, special event listings, QR codes leading to interactive listings and great dining destinations.

About the cover: The Platte River Valley springs to life during the annual sandhill crane migration when more than half a million cranes stop to rest and refuel in the area.

Capital City Ribfest, Lincoln, Aug. 9-12
America’s best BBQ pit bosses gather to serve up their award-winning barbecue at the capital city’s most popular summer festival. Barbecue fans can sample a world of styles, including Southern, Memphis, Texas, Southwestern and Australian. Live bands playing folk, classic rock, blues and country are also featured.

Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s 19th Annual Powwow, Niobrara, Aug. 10-12
Niobrara State Park hosts the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska’s 19^th Annual Powwow. Experience the tradition of days gone by as singers and drummers, bedecked in emblematic costumes, perform ceremonial songs and dances.

Popcorn Days, North Loup, August 24-26
Crops of popcorn reach their peak in late summer, and each year North Loup celebrates with Popcorn Days. The festival features parades, a carnival, polka dancing, tractor pulls, talent shows, a flea market and, of course, all-you-can-eat free popcorn.

2012 Great Nebraska Beerfest, Papillion, Aug. 25
Local, regional and national brewers are featured at this celebration of American craft beer. The $10 admission gives beer lovers access to the outdoor festival and the opportunity to sample the wares of more than 70 brewers. Live bands and educational brewing seminars are also offered.

22nd Annual Kite Flight, Callaway, Sept. 1-2
Recognized by USA Today as one of the country’s top 10 places to fly a kite, Callaway has a 200-acre prairie with open skies and plenty of Nebraska wind to power the colorful kites flown here every year by professional and amateur fliers. The event has hosted fliers from 27 states and 21 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Finland, India, Romania, South Korea, Ukraine and Vietnam.

Find more summer festivals, celebrations and events at VisitNebraska.gov.