[jdw123]

Hello all. I'll be flying in for an interview with Raytheon on the 22nd. I've been gathering information online about areas to see while I'm there, but I'd like some recommendations from locals. I'm really interested in parks and nature areas in the Omaha metro. How about Fontenelle Forest, Walnut Creek, and Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch? Or what other areas would you recommend?

Also I'd like some good recommendations for restaurants.

[mattpoulsen]

Those areas definitely are nice. I would recommend the Henry Doorly Zoo. Its world class and is typically referred to as the #1 or #2 zoo in the U.S. Its rival being the San Diego zoo.

[Katarina Witt]

Elmwood Park is a nice, large park in the mid-city area. Also, look into the usual things to explore in any city: museums, theaters, etc. Try the Old Market in Omaha. You can't buy much of anything useful, but it's cool.

[ehenningsen]

Pittnurse is right, in the Old Market all the shops mainly consist of attic-type dust collecting junk, oh yeah, and you know the dollar store chains? Especially big lots? The business man who invented the dollar store got his idea from walking around downtown, and then he got a vision! If they can sell all junk in a city of nearly a million and really nothing else, I can do it from my trailer down by the Missippi delta!!! And the rest is history

[Danni11]

JDW, some good restaurants close(ish) to Bellevue (I'm assuming you'll be staying close to the Raytheon offices) are Lo Sole Mio, which is the absolute best Italian around, and not too far away in an older neighborhood area of Omaha, Farmhouse cafe for good comfort food in huge portions, 360-Waterfront-or Jack Binion's (my favorite of the 3) for steakhouses in casinos if you get a chance to go game, or Flatiron if you're not going gaming. And for late night dining, I like Alvarado's either up north or in Bellevue. Their carnitas, el pastor, and carne asada are all really tasty.

Enjoy Omaha while you're here. Raytheon's got a lot of people in the Bellevue/Papillion/Millard area, so you're sure to find lots of input from them on things to do and places to eat.

[jdw123]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm actually going to be staying at the Doubletree downtown because all the hotels are full because of the NCAA baseball World Series.

Also, what areas should I avoid? I'm not at all familiar with Omaha.

[Katarina Witt]

Originally Posted by jdw123

Thanks for the info guys. I'm actually going to be staying at the Doubletree downtown because all the hotels are full because of the NCAA baseball World Series.

Also, what areas should I avoid? I'm not at all familiar with Omaha.

You'll know them when you see them. I assume you will have a rental car?

[jdw123]

Originally Posted by pittnurse70

You'll know them when you see them. I assume you will have a rental car?

Yes I will have a rental car. I'm aware what a bad area *typically* looks like, but could you please give me general areas to avoid?

[Katarina Witt]

I'm not familiar enough with Omaha to say. My husband would know, but he thinks this forum is nuts! I honestly haven't seen any areas I consider "that" bad in all the time I have spent in Omaha.

[Danni11]

Hey, that's cool that you'll be in the Doubletree. I work in a building adjacent. Your location opens up a WORLD of great places to eat. There's a great little Thai place on Farnham, just west of the Douglas county courthouse. It's on the south side of the road and has a bright yellow door. So yummy.

Also, you'll be able to walk to tons of good eating places. Ask at the front desk for a rec. and you'll get some great ideas.

As far as staying safe, if you're in your car you'll be pretty okay. I mean, I wouldn't aimlessly drive around some areas, but you'll be fine for the most part. Where you're staying has a pretty heavy police presence at night, so things should be pretty calm. Especially as it's CWS time. The doubletree is in fact the hotel where lots of CWS folks are staying, so you'll see some of them there.

Enjoy your time in Omaha!