Getting Around
Whether you're new to Omaha or just visiting, "The Big O" welcomes you! ("Big O": A corny slogan someone came up with in the 90's).
The state motto is "Nebraska, the Good Life" -- so what about the gay life? Although the city is nestled in a conservative part of the country, you may be surprised to know that people in Omaha are generally very accepting. Whether you're shopping or dining in the Old Market or found a new home in Dundee, you'll find gay-friendly people -- if not openly gay people.
The community typically hosts several picnics during the spring and summer (Memorial Day and Labor Day). In June, you'll find a gay pride parade and festival. You will also find 10 days of gorgeous guys during the College World Series in June (if you're shopping, don't touch -- only browse!). It's a delight for sports fans, if not the guys. Great baseball. The bar scene is usually a good place to get started. Click "Bars" above for more information.
Long before the U.S. Supreme Court's historic decision that kept the law out of the bedrooms of consenting adults, Nebraska was among the many states that no longer had anti-sodomy laws. In the late 90's, Nebraska became the latest state to enact hate crimes laws -- including those based on sexual orientation. We took a step back when we passed an anti-gay marriage amendment in 2000.
One more thing. One of our many claims to fame is that the Enola Gay was built in Omaha (nearby Bellevue, actually)
Getting around Omaha is very easy, but don't rely on public transportation. The seldomly used city buses are geared for those who live here. Taxis can get you around too, but renting a car is probably the best way to go.
Omaha streets are laid out like a grid. For the most part, streets run north/south, east/west. Dodge Street is the main thoroughfare, beginning at the Missouri River, slicing the city in half to the west. When you are looking for an address on a numbered street, the address will generally indicate how many blocks north or south of Dodge. For example, 1000 North 72nd is about 10 blocks north of Dodge on 72nd Street. There's no logical order for named streets, except for the single letter streets in the southern part of the city (such as L Street). They run in alphabetical order, of course.
As you navigate the streets of Omaha, beware of red light runners. We have more than our fair share of them
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Speaking of red lights, we may have the most traffic lights per street mile in the country. As you'll discover, too many are unnecessary. So be prepared for that too.
Across the Missouri River from downtown Omaha, you will find Council Bluffs, Iowa. The most popular attractions for visitors are the three casinos -- Horseshoe, Harrah's, and Ameristar. Horsewhoe also features dog racing. Immediately south of Omaha is Bellevue and Offutt Air Force Base. Lincoln, Nebraska is about a one-hour drive west of Omaha. There, you'll see our state capitol building nicknamed the "Penis of the Plains".
New to Omaha?
"The Good Life Starts When You Stop Looking For A Better One"
Don't Ever Forget Matthew Shepard
Note: If e-mailing, please make sure the "subject line" is clear. This e-mail account continues to be spammed to death!
Nebraska Pride
MONDAY, MAY 26
ICON's Annual Memorial Day Picnic 1-6pm $10 Vennelyst Park
map
Wendy Dey & Courtney DuMae are back!
Bingo at FLIXX -- Last Sunday of the month at 3pm
SUNDAY, MAY 18
Funky Town, a Return to Classic 70's
at THE MAX 8pm
