Bethany - Lincoln, NE

To the east of the Lincoln township, the community of Bethany Heights was incorporated and platted in 1886. The Nebraska Christian College, later called Cotner College, was located in the area from 1888 until the Great Depression era, when it folded. A street car, completed during the last decade of the 19th century, linked Bethany with the urban core of Lincoln. Today, the neighborhood is adjacent to two art facilities, the Lux Center for the Arts and the Elder Art Gallery, and two museums, the Larson Tractor Museum and the International Quilt Museum.

Restaurant options in the Bethany neighborhood are somewhat slim, but a few standout restaurants provide solid dishes. Most options can be found along North Cotner Boulevard, North 48th Avenue and O Street. Options range from classic American fare to Mexican and Chinese cuisine.

For a campy scene and innovative twists on the classic burger, head on down to Honest Abe's Burgers and Freedom, a locally-owned spot on North 70th Street. Burgers come with a six-ounce patty which can be doubled or substituted with a vegan patty. For a distinctive taste, try the Greek-themed Aphrodite, served with pickled red onions, cucumber yogurt sauce, feta cheese, tomato chutney and baby spinach. Brave culinary warriors are intrigued by the Reading Rainbow burger, featuring chunky peanut butter sauce, bacon, roasted grapes and cabbage. French fries come cooked in aromatic truffle oil.

Just a short distance to the west of Bethany is Sinbad's Restaurant, featuring Middle Eastern foods, teas and five kinds of baklava, a honey-filled phyllo pastry that'll top off your meal perfectly. Start out your meal with a hot and savory dish of foul, a fava bean soup made with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and cumin. Those with a hearty appetite should try the Sinbad combo plate, featuring chicken and beef teka, kabob, falafel, byriani and soup. Baklava costs $1 for one or $3.50 for 4.

Watering holes can be found along 48th Avenue or O Street. Check out Madsen's Bowling and Billiard for pool and bowling fun. Legends Lounge is a classic Midwest dive bar with pub food and cheap drinks.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include driving, bicycling and public transit. Hailing a cab can be difficult, so it's better to phone a local company for a pick-up in the area. Uber coverage in Bethany provides ride share access. It's never difficult to find cheap public parking, and easy access to Highway 34 allows for a quick commute to downtown and beyond. The neighborhood scores below average for walkability, meaning that most errands require driving and other forms of motorized transit. Bike commuting is possible and somewhat popular, with good bike lanes providing extra safety.

Bethany is home to two neighborhood parks and is adjacent to a larger community park and golf course. Entry to the park is free and dogs may enter on a leash.

Namesake Bethany Park, located on 65th and Vine, features a kids' playground, fields and a volleyball court on nine acres with trees and open areas. Nearby Tyrrell Park on 67th and Baldwin offers baseball fields, a hiker-biker trail, a playground, and tennis courts. Covered picnic areas are perfect for family gatherings. Community recreation area Mahoney Park on 70th and Fremont contains 70 acres of green space encircled by a large circuit for bikers, runners, and walkers. The park provides baseball, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts in addition to soccer fields and a large playground area.

Cost of living in Bethany remains on a par with the city average. Buses take passengers to downtown Lincoln for $1.75. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence is $683. The typical price of a beer at a local pub ranges from $2-$5, depending on quality and location. Gas costs average 3 percent less than the national average.

Shopping areas can be found along Cotner Avenue, which cuts through the neighborhood, or farther south at the Gateway Mall. High-end stores are located in the downtown area, and the majority of Bethany shops offer retail clothing items, pharmacy goods, and practical wares.

Local fixture The Used Bike Shop offers more than just used bikes. Owner Denny LaDue is an experienced machinist who constructs his own brand of recumbent bike, the LaBent by Ladue, which is available as a pre-made frame or as a construction kit. The shop also features other brands of recumbent and upright bikes from specialty manufacturers like Bacchetta Bikes and Fuji. Stop in to check our their collection of used bikes and exercise equipment as well.

Consignment and gift shop " Blu Velvet features handmade items like scarves and jewelry alongside women's clothing, furniture and home decor. Make sure to check out the revolving collection of evening wear from designer brands. Treat yourself to scented candles or perfume, or find a gift for your girlfriends or co-workers. Blu Velvet can be found northeast of the East UN-L campus on North 48th Street.

Grocery options near the neighborhood consist of Whole Foods Market and Natural Grocers. Both are chain grocery stores with a focus on organic and alternative food items.