North O/Florence

NORTH OMAHA / FLORENCE

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL PIONEERS MADE A LASTING IMPACT ON THESE LEGENDARY NEIGHBORHOODS.

North Omaha is where jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie once played. Today, the notes from live jazz performances still float through the air from Love’s Jazz and Art Center, dedicated to preserving and showcasing all types of African American art. The Union for Contemporary Arts is another opportunity to experience and create modern art, while the Great Plains Black History Museum celebrates the contributions of African Americans through exhibits and seminars. Civil Rights leader Malcolm X was born in Omaha; his birthsite includes an historical marker and an events plaza.

For soul food, check out Big Mama’s Kitchen and order up a pig ear sandwich and sweet potato pie ice cream. Big Mama’s has become a television culinary staple, featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives, Sundance Channel’s Ludo Bites America and Travel Channel’s 101 Tastiest Places to Chow Down. Emery’s Cafe offers southern food favorites like smothered chicken, smoked turkey collards and candied yams.

Alpacas of the Heartland

Florence is a historic neighborhood that has more history markers in one square mile than anywhere else in the state. Experience firsthand the Mormon migration of the 1840s at the Mormon Trail Center at Historic Winter Quarters. Just north is the Florence Mill, constructed in 1846 as pioneers made their westward trek; this museum and art gallery is open spring through fall. Other area historical attractions include Florence Bank and Florence Depot.

Comfort food is never far in Florence. Old school diner Harold’s Koffee House serves up breakfast classics (don’t skip the pancakes) while Alpine Inn serves up signature fried chicken. Finicky Frank’s offers comfort foods with a twist in a dining room full of character and Tussey’s Casual Grill serves up a bright and fresh globallyinspired menu.