Wichita
Although fairly isolated on the prairies of Kansas, Wichita is a thriving cultural and economic hub for the region, with all the energy and excitement you’d expect from a city of its size. Much of the artistic and cultural action can be found in Old Town, the former warehouse district whose refurbished historic buildings now house a collective of hip and trendy shops, galleries, performance venues, cafes, and bars. The calendar is packed with special events in Wichita, from regular happenings like the popular farmers’ market, to massive community celebrations like the Wichita River Festival, to more niche events like the Tallgrass Film Festival in the fall. Aviation events are especially popular, with exhibitions like the Wichita Flight Festival and the McConnell Air Force Base Open House an Airshow earning the city its nickname: the Air Capital of the World.
Hastings
Hastings is a small city in south-central Nebraska, located about 25 miles south of Grand Island. The entire community exudes a timeless small-town atmosphere, particularly in the historic Downtown district: start your day with a caffeine boost at Blue Moon Coffee Company, or wind down with a cold pint at First Street Brewing Company. The city’s Highlands Park is home to the famous Fisher Rainbow Fountain, a local landmark and the largest water fountain for hundreds of miles around. On the east side, Hastings College and Central Community College serve as cultural hubs for the city and employ many locals. The local rental market features a diverse selection of apartments, condos, and single-family homes, with great options available for any taste, budget, or lifestyle.
Omaha
Rising out of the prairies and cornfields of the heartland, Omaha serves as a cultural wellspring and economic powerhouse for the region. Downtown has seen a lot of development in recent years, and now serves up a huge selection of trendy shopping, dining, and entertainment, particularly around the Old Market; the Blackstone neighborhood has also emerged as a new hotspot for adventurous restauranteurs and hip nightlife. The robust live music scene in Omaha is one of the city’s worst-kept secrets, with national publications singing the praises of popular venues like the Waiting Room and the annual Maha Music Festival at Stinson Park. Omaha is serious about college sports – the University of Nebraska’s Cornhuskers are hometown heroes, and the city is the longtime home to the College World Series every summer. For more relaxing downtime, soak in views of the Missouri River (and wave to Council Bluffs, Iowa) from Heartland of America Park, or pack up your picnic basket and head over to Standing Bear reservoir.
