SEE & DO EAT STAY SOUTH CENTRAL Follow the trails—this region is full of them. Just be sure to look up for the iconic Archway and in spring, the sandhill crane migration. BURLINGTON DEPOT, RED CLOUD FONNER PARK, GRAND ISLAND WHAT TO DO Take a scenic drive through Cozad along the Barn Quilts Trail . In Kearney, try paddling or paddleboarding the 2.3-mile Kearney Water Trail . In Red Cloud, take the “Country Tour” from the National Willa Cather Center . You’ll also see Cather’s childhood home and Pavelka Farmstead related to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author. Fonner Park in Grand Island hosts events year-round, but the big draw is thoroughbred racing from mid-February to early May. THUNDERHEAD BREWING, KEARNEY WHERE TO STAY Kids eat free and the Captain’s Lagoon features water slides and a kids pool at Holiday Inn Kearney . Whisker Creek Ranch and Lodge in Gibbon offers a natural retreat surrounded by 25 acres and access to the Platte River. Stay in a room that belonged to Willa Cather or the rooms of her parents and siblings at the Cather Second Home Guest House . WHERE TO DRINK Sample Nebraska wines, brews and spirits at the George Spencer Tasting Room in Gibbon. You can even rent out the tasting room’s suite for a unique overnight stay. At Steeple Brewing Co. in Hastings, settle into an old church pew for fellowship with friends and craft beer— maybe the Bats in the Belfry nut brown ale. Sample creations such as the Prairie Peach pale wheat ale at Thunderhead Brewing in Kearney . VisitNebraska.com/south-central and cocktails included—at Kearney’s TRU Café. For an authentic vibe with good food, friendly service and down-to-earth digs, hit Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant in Lexington. Stop by Shirley K’s in Cambridge, a favorite for coffee and sandwiches. For something different, munch on bruschetta boards and Japanese-style noodle bowls at Odyssey in Hastings. WHERE TO EAT Dine at Joy’s Table in Kearney, where the menu features delicious pasta dishes and steaks. Go for a variety of coffee-based drinks—beer 76 Find out more at VisitNebraska.com Photos courtesy of Nebraska Tourism
Nebraska Official State Travel Guide The Official 2021 Not-At-All What You Thought State Travel Guide: Page 76
