Nebraska Wine and Jazz, Kearney, May 17-18
Foodies and music lovers alike will enjoy sampling Nebraska’s award-winning vintages and jazz by the region’s hottest musical acts on “The Bricks” of historic downtown Kearney. This year’s event features wines from 14 Nebraska wineries.

Buffalo Cookout and Interpretive Program at Niobrara State Park, Niobrara, May 25
A trek through the stunning Niobrara State Park and a buffalo cookout in the Grand Lodge is capped off by a performance of “Sandhills Song” for one unforgettable family weekend.

Polish Days, Loup City, May 31-June 2
Nebraska’s Polish Capital celebrates its heritage with the annual Polish Days. Perfect for all ages, the celebration features a parade, carnival, melodrama, kiddie tractor pull, polish dinner—and of course, plenty of polka.

Taste of Omaha, Omaha, May 31-June 2
Chowhounds can get a taste of all Omaha has to offer at the 16th annual Taste of Omaha festival. Attendees can eat their way through Omaha’s diverse culinary scene and try a variety of ethnic dishes, including American, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Polish and Asian. The free, all-ages event also offers live music and a special kids’ zone.

Annual Testicle Festival, Round the Bend Steakhouse, Ashland, June 14-15
A tradition since 1993, this annual food festival—for the brave-at-heart—features two days of live music, along with plenty of Rocky Mountain oysters, brats, burgers and ice cold beverages.

Find more of our food and culinary recommendations in the 2013 Nebraska Travel Guide or at VisitNebraska.com.

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.

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.

Polar Obsession: Photos by Phil Nicklen, Hastings Museum, Hastings, Jan. 5-March 24
At this National Geographic exhibit by renowned wildlife photographer Paul Nicklen, visitors can get up close and personal with polar bears, walrus, leopard seals, penguins and more on this visual tour through the Arctic and Antarctic.

Memphis the Musical, Orpheum Theater, Omaha, Jan. 15-20
This award-winning musical set during the birth of rock ‘n’ roll tells the story of Huey Calhoun, a local radio DJ with a passion for R&B music, and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer. Memphis the Musical won four awards at the 2010 Tonys, including Best Musical.

Shatner’s World, Lied Center for Performing Arts, Lincoln, Jan. 26
William Shatner brings his signature storytelling and unique musical stylings to the Lied Center stage for this one-man tour de force. There will be plenty of offbeat humor as Shatner recounts his career from Shakespearean actor to cultural icon.

Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience, Holland Center for the Performing Arts, Omaha, Feb. 7-10
All seven Harry Potter books are condensed into 70 minutes in this fantastically funny show. Audiences of all ages will delight in the amazing costumes, silly songs and appearances by their favorite Hogwarts characters. An on-stage Quidditch match and a fire-breathing dragon will surprise and delight.

Cowboy Poetry and Music Jam at Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park, Merriman, Feb. 24
The West comes alive at Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch State Historical Park as poets and musicians portray cowboy life through song and poetry.

For many families it wouldn’t be Christmas without attending the annual performance of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” at the Omaha Community Playhouse. The spectacular costumes, enchanting music and fabulous special effects make the production ideal for the whole family.

The Lincoln Midwest Ballet Company will bring the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” to life once again at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. This timeless ballet features nearly 200 young dancers from southeastern Nebraska in a performance that also features the Nebraska Symphony Chamber Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s famous score.

Local child actors take the stage for a production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Lincoln’s Haymarket Theatre, while the Lincoln Community Playhouse revisits a simpler time with Laura Ingalls and her family in “A Little House Christmas.”

For a modern interpretation of Christmas classics, Nebraska’s own Mannheim Steamroller offers its dazzling multimedia music show at Lincoln’s Lied Center for Performing Arts and at Omaha’s Orpheum Theater.

Omaha’s Rose Theater offers two holiday productions for children this year, beginning with everyone’s favorite schoolgirl in the yellow hat, Madeline, who finds fun and festivities in France in “Madeline’s Christmas.” Debuting Dec. 26, “Ticket to Toyland” introduces a magical elf with a dire message—Santa’s in trouble! Little ones will love this tale of a girl and her little brother helping save Toyland and Christmas.

Kids of all ages (and plenty of adults) will enjoy a piece of the Big Apple in the Big O when “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” returns to the Orpheum. The award-winning Broadway smash will have audiences dancing in their seats and singing along to memorable tunes such as “Be Our Guest.”

Theaters all over the state will treat visitors to magical performances, and you can find those dates at VisitNebraska.com.

Omaha kicked off the holiday season with its annual Holiday Lights Festival. The mayor officially flipped the switch on 40 blocks of twinkling lights in downtown Omaha on Thanksgiving night. The festival lasts through Jan. 6 and includes a food drive, ice skating rink, concerts and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

Of course Nebraska is rich with history, so many of our big holiday events connect to that history.

Fort Robinson State Park in Crawford hosts its annual Historical Christmas Dinner on Dec. 1. This family-style meal features menus used at the fort when it was an active military post. This year’s event features the Christmas meal from 1933 and will include roast turkey with white house dressing, snowflake potatoes, creamed peas, Westchester corn, candied sweet potatoes, fruit cake and more. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1933 attire.

Later in December, Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park in North Platte invites people to kick up their heels with Santa and Buffalo Bill Cody during Christmas at the Cody’s. In the spirit of Buffalo Bill’s warm Western hospitality, nightly events from Dec. 20-23 include horse-drawn hayrack rides, roasted chestnuts, hot apple cider and visits with Santa.

At Homestead National Monument of America near Beatrice, families can see sparkling displays of some of Nebraska’s first residents—the homesteaders who crossed oceans to settle in a new land under the Homestead Act of 1862. The Winter Festival of Prairie Cultures runs through Dec. 31.

Most of Nebraska’s wonderful small towns offer holiday events that run the gamut from ethnic celebrations to living nativity scenes and Santa Claus visits.

For instance, Brownville’s Old Time Christmas features music, holiday food, shopping in the village boutiques and special entertainment. And Minden has earned a reputation as Nebraska’s Christmas City. The town’s spectacular Christmas Lights on the Kearney County Courthouse can be seen for miles, and its “The Light of the World” Christmas pageant is performed by local residents every year.

Historic Nebraska City is starting a Yule Fest this year that will run Nov. 30-Dec. 2 and include 14 activities over the weekend such as carriage rides, a yule log ceremony, a Jingle Bell run, tour of lights and lots of shopping!

Naturally many of the state’s attractions, such as Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer in Grand Island and Wessels Living History Farm in York, offer special holiday celebrations.

Dates and details for all these events and many more can be found on our website, VisitNebraska.com.

Historical highlights
Visitors trekking through the panhandle should make time for one of the world’s most complete Miocene mammal sites, Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. The remains of three main species are present: Menoceras, a small, North American rhino; Moropus, a small, horse-like ground sloth; and the fearsome Dinoyhus, a “terrible pig” with a head full of bone-crushing teeth. Beyond bones, the sites boasts the James H. Cook Collection of American Indian artifacts, which includes a shirt owned by Red Cloud, a whetstone of Crazy Horse, pipeskins and more. And don’t overlook the hiking trails to stretch your road-weary legs.

For a cowboy-sized meal, we recommend travelers hit up Drifter’s Cookshack, part of the High Plains Homestead. There are plenty of options to choose from, but they’re known for their Indian tacos, which have been featured on Food Network. Drifter’s Cookshack is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Travelers can pull off for a night’s rest at the nearby Corral Campground with full hookups. If all 12 spots are occupied, find additional camping 20 miles east at Fort Robinson State Park.

Outdoor recreation
For wide-open spaces and endless opportunities for fun, Bader Memorial Park near Central City doesn’t disappoint. The 270-acre park offers a swimming pond, equestrian trails, and organized bird and wildlife hikes. Anglers will be hooked by Bader’s seven fishing ponds and 3/4 miles of Platte River frontage. The ponds are stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill and crappie. After a day of fun, there’s no need to drive on as the park has 24 RV spots with full hookups.

RVers looking to beat the heat with a little water adventure should set their GPS systems to Rocky Ford Camp & Outfitters near Valentine. Rocky Ford has everything travelers need for a fun-filled day of tubing, canoeing or kayaking on the Niobrara, named one of the nation’s top 10 canoeing rivers by Backpacker magazine. The camp is outfitted with electrical hookups, showers, restrooms and fire pits.

Valentine’s Prairie Club Golf Course gives travelers a chance to climb out from behind the wheel and allow another driver to go the distance. Recognized by Golf Digest as one of America’s best new places to play, several designers, including former British Open winner Tom Lehman, created the three distinct courses along the rim of the Snake River Canyon in the heart of Nebraska’s Sandhills.

Cultural pursuits
At the very eastern edge of the state is the historic town of Brownville. Originally established in 1854, Brownville is a picture-perfect place to go off the grid for a few days of rest and relaxation on the Missouri River. The town is full of charming bookstores, shops and cafes. And opportunities abound for those who enjoy the arts, including performances at the Brownville Village Theater, live music through the Brownville Concert Series and art openings at the village’s many galleries.

Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery, housed in a restored 100-year-old barn situated over a meandering creek of the same name, is not to be missed. The winery crafts many styles of sweet and dry wines from grape varietals such as St. Croix, DeChaunac, Edelweiss and Riesling. Wine barrels are stored in turn-of-the-century caves, built in 1855 for the Brownville Brewery that originally occupied the site. On Friday nights during the summer, Whiskey Run Creek also hosts live music.

There’s no need to leave this pristine spot after a night of wining and dining. The River Inn RV Park has pull-through parking, shaded lots, and hookups for water and electricity. Guests are also treated to a complimentary breakfast aboard the floating River Inn Resort. Currently undergoing site upgrades, the RV park will open for bookings in mid-July.

These are just a few ways to rediscover the roadtrip in Nebraska by RV. For more travel ideas, check out the RV Nebraska guide or go to VisitNebraska.gov.

Becoming an Outdoor Chef

Ponca State Park, Ponca, May 5–6 This is a hands-on cooking workshop for all levels of al fresco chefs. Participants can choose from a variety of classes, including grilling, smoking, fish cleaning, jerky and sausage making, campfire cooking and wild edibles. After a day in classes, outdoor chefs will work use their new skills to create Saturday’s evening meal. On Sunday morning, they’ll compete in a friendly breakfast competition.

Honky Tonk BBQ Festival

Platte River Mall, North Platte, May 11–12This smokin’ festival will appeal to meat lovers of all ages. The competitive event features barbecue purveyors from Nebraska, Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming hawking ribs, brisket, pork, chicken and more.

Nebraska Wine & Jazz Festival

The Bricks, Downtown Kearney, May 18–19 Back for its fifth year, the Nebraska Wine & Jazz Festival invites oenophiles to sample wines from 14 Nebraska wineries while savoring the smooth sounds of Nebraska jazz. The outdoor festival, held in Kearney’s historic Bricks district, will also feature beer from Kearney’s Thunderhead Brewing Company, as well as non-alcoholic beverages and food from local vendors. 2012’s featured performers include nationally recognized vocalist Susie Thorne and blues and jazz guitarist George Walker.

Taste of Omaha

Heartland of America Park and Lewis & Clark Landing, Omaha, June 1–3 Local chowhounds can get a taste of all that Omaha has to offer at the 15^thannual Taste of Omaha festival. Attendees can eat their way through Omaha’s most beloved restaurants and try a variety of dishes, including American, Mexican, Italian, Mediterranean, Polish and Asian. Foodies will delight in demonstrations by Omaha’s top chefs on a special chef stage. The free event also offers live music and a special kids’ zone.

Wurst Tag

Downtown, Eustis, June 9 Put on your lederhosen or dirndl and head to Eustis for Wurst Tag—like Oktoberfest, but in June! Celebrating Eustis’ German heritage, this daylong festival includes a volksmarch, the crowning of a local Burgermeister and Burgermeistereen, and a sausage-stuffing contest. The day’s events culminate with a full, authentic German dinner and dance. Find more upcoming events at VisitNebraska.gov.