Standing tall at 400 feet, the Nebraska State Capitol, referred to as the Tower on the Plains, was designed by New York architect Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue. Built from Indiana limestone, the ground-breaking took place on April 15, 1922, and was completed in 1932. One of the capitol building’s most significant features are the Hildreth Meiere Art Deco mosaics in the Great Hall, some made up of white Italian and black Belgian marble. Meiere’s ceiling mosaic in the Senate chamber that depicts Native Americans is a particular highlight.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
This small, nondescript café owned by Branched Oak Farm, an organic dairy and creamery outside of Lincoln, uses only locally sourced ingredients from area farmers for all its dishes. Inspiration came from the Slow Food movement, and it emphasizes community and sustainability in a relaxed atmosphere with communal tables and ample natural light. Breakfast and lunch are served all day by an extraordinarily friendly staff; no matter what time you’re eating, order the cheese-and-jam toast—a house-made rhubarb, raspberry, and ginger jam with fromage blanc on thick-cut toast.
Single Barrel is a steak house with a dual purpose: perfectly prepared steak and extraordinary entertainment. Local bands like the Whiskey Bent, Dylan Bloom, the Sidetrack, and CMA new female artist of the year nominee Carly Pearce play regularly at this hot spot. As chop houses and whiskey bars go, this is an incredibly popular Friday and Saturday night venue, serving up a sincerely Midwestern flavor.
Situated in the historic Haymarket down a nondescript alley, what this Prohibition-era-inspired speakeasy lacks in space it makes up for with its ambiance and seasonal cocktail offerings. Allowing a maximum of 25 guests at any one time, a knock on the door warrants a red or green light (red means there’ll be a wait, while green indicates admittance). Once inside, visitors are greeted by a dimly lit space, clad in original brick, plaster, and wood. The back wall is a cleverly arranged mosaic of neckties, rolled and sewed into a tightly knit grid. The decor is a sparsely arranged mix of styles, giving the space an antique feel, but the real draw is their list of craft cocktails using fresh-made ingredients.