Michael Igwenma Exceeds Customer Experiences at ONYX
Story by Claudia Moomey //
Photography by Bill Sitzmann
A PASSION FOR SUCCESS
ONYX has a proven track record of excellence. With numerous awards, glowing customer reviews, and quality service, ONYX has proven itself time and time again to be the premier luxury car destination in Nebraska. Their success is attributed not only to quality products, but also to dedicated staff members.
ONYX/Land Rover Sales Manager
Michael Igwenma has been with the company for seven years. Anything that pertains to selling a vehicle goes through him. “I order cars from manufacturers and help to develop client advisors,” Igwenma said. “If you have a vehicle to trade in, I’m the one who appraises it.”
With a degree in information systems and business management from Virginia Tech, Igwenma enjoys mentoring and coaching new sales employees. “Failure is not an option,” he says, and others who have worked alongside him can attest to his passion for success. He hopes to “change the false narrative about autosales” by truly getting to know his clients and leveraging that knowlege to curate custom solutions.
Igwenma loves working with people in his community and serving them in this way. “No two days are the same,” he said. “I love meeting different kinds of people every day.” This personal touch has cemented lasting relationships with clients.
Igwenma’s impact isn’t limited to his immediate team; his influence resonates throughout the entire organization. “Michael has a very interesting view of the car business,” said Phil Hatten, Igwenma’s
Co-Manager. “We co-pilot the Land Rover and Jaguar sales, and he always brings a different perspective to all kinds of situations.”
A dynamic Yin and Yang duo, Hatten said they make a great team. “If you look at us, you may not say we’re a good team, but we work together harmoniously,” he said. “His attention to detail is better than most, and he doesn’t miss much.”
When not making ONYX customers happy, Igwenma says it’s “kids, kids, kids!”
He enjoys playing sports himself, a passion he passed on to his children. “My son plays soccer for [Creighton] Prep, and I recently went on a trip to San Diego with him,” Igwenma said. “My youngest daughter does track, cross country, and dance. It’s a lot of traveling for events, so when I’m not working, I’m usually traveling with them.”
Igwenma is committed to efficiency and dedication in everything he does. “When Michael tells you something, you know it’s going to be true,” Hatten averred. “When he says something’s going to be done, he gets it done. You don’t really have to check in on him—he does what he needs to do.”
It’s these talents and values Igwenma exemplifies that make ONYX continually award-winning and a customer favorite.
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
“WHEN MICHAEL TELLS YOU SOMETHING, YOU KNOW IT’S GOING TO BE TRUE. WHEN HE SAYS SOMETHING’S GOING TO BE DONE, HE GETS IT DONE. YOU DON’T REALLY HAVE TO CHECK IN ON HIM—HE DOES WHAT HE NEEDS TO DO.”
PHIL HATTEN
A THANKYOU GIFT TO SIP, SAVOR, AND DISPLAY
ONYX Wine
Story by Linda Persigehl
Photography by Bill Sitzmann
“ONYX HAS BEEN A SPONSOR OF THE NEBRASKA BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL IN ELKHORN FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS. AND JUST FROM A DEMOGRAPHICS STANDPOINT, A LOT OF LUXURY CAR BUYERS ARE WINE LOVERS.”
DREW FRIESEN
When ONYX Automotive customers visit the luxury car dealership to pick up their new vehicle, they’re presented a souvenir of their buying experience— handcrafted, elegant bottle of reserve Cabernet, beautifully etched with the ONYX Automotive logo.
The wine also serves as a thank-you gift for their patronage, and the bottle—a work of art on its own—can be displayed and enjoyed for years.
ONYX General Manager Drew Friesen said the dealership began giving away the custom wine bottles to customers about a year ago.
“We used to give out apparel and other branded stuff for the [auto] manufacturers we carry, but we wanted to do something different, and just for building our brand,” he said. “Our marketing director, Tom Coleman, brought this idea to us, and we did some research and found Mano’s. We had a conversation with their team about the investment we needed to make, and decided it could work.”
Mano’s Inc. is the Midwest’s premier provider of customizable wine bottles. The company creates deep-etched and hand-painted bottles in custom designs at its facility in Kansas City. Its company website said a minimum of 25 skilled artists touch each bottle they create. The bottles are then filled with its reserve red wine, corked, and shipped directly to corporate clients in all 50 states. Most of Mano’s wines come from fine vineyards along the central California coast, including Monterey, Lodi, and Sonoma county. ›››
RENSENHOUSE SAID THE COMPANY PROVIDES CUSTOM BOTTLES TO 20 TO 30 AUTO DEALERSHIPS ACROSS THE U.S. CRYPTOCURRENCY COMPANIES, PROFESSIONAL SPORTS TEAMS (INCLUDING THE WORLD CHAMPION LOS ANGELES RAMS), AND INVESTMENT FIRMS (SUCH AS BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY) ARE ALSO CLIENTS.
‹‹‹ Friesen said a wine gift makes sense for their company. “ONYX has been a sponsor of the Nebraska Balloon & Wine Festival in Elkhorn for the last several years. And just from a demographics standpoint, a lot of luxury car buyers are wine lovers.”
Corporate clients can be as creative as they like when designing their bottles, said Mano CEO Kyle Rensenhouse. “They might want a bottle that’s city-specific, with the city name or skyline etched on it, or their company name and logo, or some might include just a car model or brand logo. Companies might add some thank-you messaging on a label as well. We create a mock-up of the bottle, then tweak the custom design.”
Rensenhouse said the company provides custom bottles to 20 to 30 auto dealerships across the U.S. Cryptocurrency companies, professional sports teams (including the World Champion Los Angeles Rams), and investment firms (such as Berkshire Hathaway) are also clients.
“The bottles are a thank-you the client can see and feel,” Rensenhouse added. “And they’re a piece of art that lasts. Some [people] may not even open the bottle and drink it, but just put it on display. Even if they do [drink it], it’s still a beautiful keepsake.”
Friesen said the ONYX salesperson typically presents a gift bottle to the customer right after the new owner has had an introductory walk-through on their new vehicle. The wine keepsake has been received very favorably by his clients, he said, enthusiastically.
“I’ve had a ton of positive feedback from customers. They say the wine is good, but the bottle is the showstopper. The presentation is beautiful. It’s a unique gift, and people remember it.”
Visit onyxautomotive.com for more information.
THE XM
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AN EXPERT IN ENGINEERING Deen Chundury’s 2025 X5 xDrive50e Plug-In Hybrid
Story by Kim Carpenter // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
When Deen Chundury recommends a vehicle, it’s best to listen. A material scientist with a PhD and four decades of experience in plastics compounding, Chundury doesn’t just appreciate thoughtful design—he is an expert in polymer science and engineering.
He brought that expertise to bear when it was time to purchase his new car. For him, there was no doubt. “We always wanted a BMW,” shared Chundury, whose previous luxury vehicle was a Lexus RX350, although, he confessed, “We didn’t drive it much.”
As it came time to choose a new vehicle, Chundury’s choice came down to a BMW X5 and a Mercedes GLE Class.
When he visited ONYX Automotive, he was immediately impressed with the dealership. “They let us keep a BMW for a day to try it out,” he shared. “They didn’t give us a sales pitch. We were extremely happy with the service.”
The BMW? The coveted 2025 X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid, noted for its style, efficiency, and power. As a bonus, the vehicle was quite the eye catcher, boasting an all-leather interior and special black high-end finish with a subtle sparkle on the exterior.
“I fell in love with it right away,” Chundury confessed. “I could see the difference. It had all the bells and whistles, and you look at it, and you see no metal—including on the fenders. It’s a very special combination.”
Chundury relied on his years of technical work, which benefitted companies like Ford Motor Company. “Being on the engineering side of business most of my life, I’ve had lots of association with
cars and the plastics that go into them,” he said. “The German Engineering is so smart, and the performance of the X5 was superior. It has more than enough horsepower—483—and in-line six cylinders. It far exceeded the competition and offered a comfortable ride—but still acted like an electric vehicle.”
Chundury is especially impressed with the mileage his hybrid boasts—up to 40 miles on one charge (set to 90%). “It’s the best on the market,” he enthused. “Since purchasing it one and a half months ago, we haven’t had to go to the gas station yet.”
This, he explained, is because his BMW has regenerative braking technology, which makes it possible for his vehicle to recoup some of its energy when decelerating and braking. “Kinetic braking mechanism is a novel technology,” Chundury explained. “It converts into (stored) electric energy, and you get more than 38 to 42 miles.”
Chundury also appreciates the smooth ride. “It’s a great long-distance vehicle for us,” he said. “It’s so spacious and can easily accommodate five people. The seats are extremely comfortable and have built-in heating, cooling, and massage. I took my grandchild for a ride, and he said, ‘This is a cool car!’”
Chundury is looking forward to all the miles he and his family are planning to put on the new X5. “I’m a car lover—my first car was a ’69 Mustang—and I’m very happy with our BMW. It is ‘the Ultimate Driving Machine,’ and you literally see the quality of the smart engineering. It has all the luxury features, but it’s also very practical. We’re very happy with our decision. You get pleasure just by driving it.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
DINING WITH THE MUSES Clio Brings Mediterranean Splendor to Omaha
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography by Bill Sitzmann
Clio is one of the nine Muses in Greek mythology, revered as the patron of history and epic poetry. Her name, derived from the Greek root kleos, translates to “glory” or “fame.” Such an essence is captured by the Old Market’s newest Mediterranean restaurant, Clio, delivering a dining experience that is nothing short of legendary.
While it launched in June 2024, one of the first things my dining companion and I observed was the way Clio seems to operate with the finesse of a long-established restaurant—as Flagship Restaurant Group’s 46th opening, it’s no wonder. Clio’s wrap-around patio stands out on the corner of 12th and Howard with its chic black-and-white canopy, potted plants, and string lights. A vibrant blue door framed by intricate tile leads to an interior reminiscent of Mediterranean streets, with off-white roman clay walls accented by pops of cobalt blue, green, yellow, and terracotta.
The front bar features a terrazzo countertop and a canopy of vines and flowers overhead, as blue-and-white striped archways lead into the open dining room—here, niches along the walls are adorned with handmade pottery and artifacts. The standout of Clio’s interior is the trio of seafoam green semicircle booths, all surrounding a tree of vines and flowers that cascade across the ceiling. Smaller tables with wicker chairs are a more intimate seating option to ensure every spot in the house is a great one.
The attention to detail even extends to the waitstaff, dressed in neutral linen outfits with colorful accents, blending seamlessly into Clio’s aesthetic. Our lively server explained that the menu focuses on Mediterranean family-style sharing, though individual options are available. She also introduced the happy hour spe-
cials, offering discounts on select drinks, spreads, and mezze. We kicked off our meal with a light and refreshing Aperol Spritz, featuring luxardo aperitivo, prosecco, soda, and a slice of orange.
From the mezze section of the menu, we began with the 3-piece saffron rice fritters. These were delightful, with a perfectly crisp exterior and a tender blend of saffron rice, potato, and kasseri cheese inside. The fritters were accompanied by a chili-yogurt sauce that brought a combination of heat and creamy coolness to each bite. We sampled the 3-piece falafel next—an equally impressive rendition of a familiar dish. Crisp on the outside and vibrantly green inside, the falafel sat on a rich tzatziki sauce, complemented by pickled chili, sumac onion, and parsley on top.
Perhaps my only regret of the night was not sampling all four spreads, an option of its own on the menu, which allows you to try the classic hummus, muhammara, labneh, and baba ganoush. We ordered the hummus alone, served with two housemade sourdough pita, with roasted garlic and olive oil adding depth to the perfectly creamy chickpea base. The pita lived up to its reputation—it would’ve been the ideal vehicle for any spread.
In keeping with the sharing tradition of Mediterranean cuisine, we split one large plate from the menu: the chicken kabob. The kabob was tender and seasoned expertly with Mediterranean spices without overwhelming the overall taste. Accompanied by a bed of saffron rice, a fresh cucumber and tomato side salad, peppers, tzatziki, and hummus, each side component complemented the next. The chermoula, red onion, and dill that topped the kabob truly took it to the next level—even with the shared plate, we were more than satisfied with the portion sizes.
To conclude our meal, we indulged in the server’s recommendation of the chocolate crème brûlée. The rich, velvety chocolate custard was enhanced by the addition of Turkish coffee, while the orange supremes and five dollops of cinnamon whipped cream were a refreshing contrast. The combination of chocolate, orange, and cinnamon was expertly balanced, and we left the ceramic plate completely clean.
Every dish at Clio impressed us with its quality and affordability. As we finished our meal, our server handed us a card with a QR code for Clio’s Wine Club. For $69 a month, members receive three rare, sustainably-made wines, complete with notes from the in-house sommelier, pairing recommendations, and producer information. It also includes early access to events, promotions, and exclusive discounts. Note that there is a waitlist due to high demand—it’s certainly an opportunity to keep an eye on.
Throughout the evening, the servers exceeded our expectations, creating a comfortable and familiar atmosphere despite it being our first visit. Even Clio’s social media presence is personable— the restaurant “speaks” in the first person, with posts like, “Omaha, I’ve arrived,” and “I’ve got mid-day mezze waiting!” Flagship’s family-focused concept is clearly hitting the mark.
Just as the Muse of its namesake inspired greatness, Clio is set to build on its already glowing reputation and become a staple in The Old Market. With the prestige of executive chef Benjamin Maides, an enticing menu, and numerous rave reviews, my expectations were admittedly sky-high for my first meal—and Clio ran laps around them.
We left confident that she’ll be around for quite some time.
For more information, to view the menu, and to make reservations, visit xoxoclio.com.
Slam Against Food Insecurity
TANYA MURPHY, ERIC JORDAN, JOHN MEDLIN
Story by Lindsey Hinchcliff-Crotty // Images Provided
STRIKING OUT HUNGER
In June 2024, ONYX Automotive proudly partnered with the Food Bank for the Heartland for the 17th anniversary of their annual Strike Out Hunger campaign. ONYX was one of over 20 participating local businesses, collectively raising over 400,000 total meals to support the Food Bank for the Heartland’s mission to fight against hunger.
Recognizing that every dollar donated translates into three meals for those in need, the ONYX team and customers contributed nonperishable food and financial support. ONYX associates and customers raised 2,771 meals and over $800 in donations. This equated to nearly 350 pounds of food! This is a tangible level of impact that the team was proud to contribute to such an incredible cause.
While the focus of the drive was donations, ONYX associates engaged in a friendly competition with the H+H Group’s other local locations. The ONYX team not only won the “best designed” sculpture made from their donations— they exceeded their donation goal by the largest margin among all H+H Group locations! This fun competition fostered team spirit and highlighted the impact of our collective efforts in fighting hunger.
A group of dedicated volunteers led the donation drive at ONYX, including warranty team members Tanya Murphy and John Medlin, who shared their experiences.
“We found this experience very rewarding,” Murphy and Medlin said. “The donation drive gave us a chance to work as a team and build great communication skills. As we were building our sculpture, it was fun throwing ideas around with each other until we landed on our final design. We wanted to incorporate the campaign theme, Strike Out Hunger, into our sculpture, and I think we accomplished that.”
The Food Bank for the Heartland is a vital organization committed to alleviating hunger in Nebraska and Western Iowa. Food insecurity has continued to rise since the pandemic and remains a pressing issue for our community members. By distributing food to pantries, emergency shelters, schools, and other nonprofit partners, they provide critical support to those facing food insecurity.
“We are grateful to our friends at ONYX for their participation in Strike Out Hunger and their ongoing partnership,” Joanne Kamppinen, Director of Development at the Food Bank for the Heartland, said.
“This support is more critical than ever, with 1 in 8 individuals—including 1 in 5 children—experiencing food insecurity across the Heartland,” she continued. “For thousands of our neighbors, hope can become increasingly difficult to find. With the dedicated generosity of the communities we serve, we’re able to make their summer, and their future, a bit brighter.”
Together, we demonstrated the power of community and compassion by participating in the Food Bank for the Heartland’s Strike Out Hunger campaign. As we continue to support initiatives like this, we encourage everyone to stay engaged with our Driving Good initiative and join us in future efforts to give back.
In the next issue of ONYX Magazine, I’ll share how we spread holiday cheer throughout Omaha and our surrounding communities. Let’s continue to be a force for good in our community, together!
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com/driving-good.
DISCOVER THE FAT PUTTER
A Mini Golf Wonderland
Story by Isabella McAtee // Photography by Sarah Lemke
To the left, a garden of flowers looms as tall as a Lewis Carroll wonderland. To the right, a human-sized Game Boy quietly plays the Super Mario Bros. music under the sound of chatter filling the environment.
This isn’t a fantastical land or the result of a reverse shrink ray—it’s a putt-putt paradise in downtown Omaha.
On the corner of 10th and Capitol, The Fat Putter is just a breezy twenty-minute drive from ONYX Automotive’s West Omaha location. Its ideal setting is just one reason it’s a fantastic spot for a night out or a fun day with the family.
“It’s mini golf, but it’s a lot more than that,” Aaron Fox, manager of The Fat Putter, explained. “It’s interactive—there are different games throughout the courses
that just really add to the experience. It’s something that young and old [customers] really enjoy.”
From the moment guests step inside, they’re greeted by a room full of electric energy and bright colors. The first step of their journey is to purchase their golden golfing round tokens, which can be used at any of the six large golf ball-gum ball machines. Once everyone has retrieved their ball and chosen a club, the only difficult decision left is which course to play.
With four unique 9-hole courses, all extravagantly themed and interactive, guests can choose their own adventure. Whether they go for the green course with its garden theme, croquet, 90s nostalgia, and groovy Volkswagen bus, or the blue course featuring pop art and pin ball, there is no wrong choice—but also no similar choice.
Inside the courses, the experience goes beyond your typical game of putt-putt. Players’ starting point and possible advantages or disadvantages are determined by additional games at the beginning of each hole. These games include Skee-Ball, life-sized Monopoly, a claw machine, velcro darts, pool, Operation, brain teasers, Twister, and more. One course starts with putt-putt Connect Four, where players sink balls into a connect four game board, and the winner gains a distance advantage for their starting point on the first hole.
Once players have worked up an appetite from their games, the on-site bar and kitchen have the whole party covered. Whether you’re looking for wings, pizza, nachos, meatballs, or desserts, there’s something for everyone. They also offer kids’ meals and gluten-free options. Plus, players looking for a treat can enjoy free soft-serve ice cream.
E NTERTAINMENT
For your next night out, The Fat Putter becomes an exclusively 21-and-older hotspot after 6 p.m. Grab some Jell-O shots, a signature cocktail or cocktail bucket, and get the party started. You can even stop in before a concert or event downtown to get the fun rolling early and add to your night out.
“It’s one of the few places in downtown Omaha where you can have food, drink, and play!” Fox exclaimed. Take your play to the next level by hosting your next event, party, or celebration at The Fat Putter. Hosting a variety of event options, Fox adds, “Everybody has a good time here.”
Lets Go Putt, the company behind The Fat Putter and other putt putt locations around the metro, is set to launch another spot for interactive fun in Omaha. The Capitol Arcade will be opening in September inside the former Nobbies location. The arcade will feature redemption-style games, including a high-stakes “floor is lava” game, a mirror maze to get lost in, and plenty of modern arcade games and activities.
Exciting developments are on the horizon for the world of mini golf. While the Old Market location is the first of its kind, The Fat Putter will soon cross the river with a new Des Moines location. Whenever you find yourself downtown next, be sure to explore this putt-putt wonderland and retro paradise.
For more information and a virtual tour of The Fat Putter, visit letsgoputt. com/the-fat-putter-omaha.
Story by Dwain Hebda // Images Provided
It wasn’t long ago that many serious car enthusiasts wouldn’t get within miles of an electric vehicle. The idea of trading a finely tuned piece of traditional auto craft for an EV, be it full or hybrid, was seen as akin to trading a G5 jet for a kite.
In a few short years, however, the world’s finest automakers have taken up the challenge to expand their lines into the electric space, winning over more and more of the unconverted with each iteration. The 2025 BMW M5 is the legendary German automaker’s boldest punch to the status quo yet, producing a piece of automative art to impress even the most skeptical of drivers.
“With the new M5, BMW does what it does best: keeps the traditional BMW faithful engaged, but entices new enthusiasts with class-leading technology,” said Robert Gibson, sales support manager for ONYX Automotive.
From the outside, the new model boasts relatively modest design changes, something in keeping with its similarly understated family tree. Much of the body styling for the M5 mirrors its predecessor models with modifications that are fairly low-key, save for in the rear where the haunches of the 2025 model are rounder and more voluptuous than its cousins. That, and the giveaway charging port door above the driver’s side fender aside, it’s difficult for the casual observer to tell the new model apart from its predecessor. While not plain, exactly, BMW designers obviously focused on building a car to shine on the road, not the catwalk.
In this regard and any other one cares to mention the M5 is an unqualified triumph. Cuddling a 577 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 under the hood, boosted by two twin-scroll turbochargers, the new model outguns the last-generation F90 and also dishes out 553 lb-ft of torque.
The M5 ups its game being paired with a permanently excited synchronous electric motor. Combined, the two components generate a knee-weakening 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, substantially more than the departing M5 CS model. Drivers can choose among three standard drive modes, including electric-only; the default hybrid mode, which switches automatically between gas and electric power; and an energysaving setting. Two more performance modes are available with the optional M Drive Professional package.
“By adding electrification to the new BMW M5, owners can now have the best of both worlds,” Gibson said. “On all-electric drive, the M5 is now an economical daily commuter, or with the gasoline engine and electric motor working together, the M5 is a racetrack monster.”
The pairing of conventional and electric power systems also provides the driver with significantly more customization options at their fingertips. In addition to the multiple drive modes, the M5 offers three shifting levels and various settings that fine-tune throttle mapping, transmission, chassis, steering, and brakes. Drivers can even customize the all-wheel-drive system, dictating where power is distributed between the front and rear axles.
There’s also a boost control shortcut function activated by the left-hand gearshift, in which mode the car will select the lowest possible transmission ratio and switch the engine and chassis modes to their most aggressive settings. The car operates on an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission, which has received high marks from the auto press for performance.
“The 2025 BMW M5 has moved forward with the times, embracing hybrid technology and making it work really, really well,” wrote Jonathan Elfalan for Edmunds.com. “The fact that you could conceivably drive your weekly commute without burning a drop of fuel and then tear it up on a curvy road or track on the weekend seems like a pretty cool proposition.”
The addition of the electric motor and its companion battery makes the car heavier than its predecessors by quite a bit, in fact. Yet, the M5 is so well-engineered and equipped, its 0-to-60 time is only about three-tenths of a second off previous generations, a largely unnoticeable drop-off for all but the most rabid driving enthusiast. What is noticeable is how the Adaptive M suspension package and available M Carbon Ceramic brakes keep the driver in control of all that power at all times.
“The M5 behaves a lot like an M5 Competition in the tight stuff and a lot like the Starship Enterprise on the straights,” writes Kyle Kinard in a review for motor1. com. “Like every modern M car, it feels like the development team chased absolute composure for this M5’s chassis, rather than constant engagement.”
The car’s cabin also gets high marks and the overall aesthetic reminds occupants just how far auto design has come in terms of ambiance, mood, and feel. The five-seat configuration includes two race-inspired bucket seats up front that have drawn rave reviews for holding occupants in place firmly, yet comfortably. Various leather, wood, and aluminum trim options are available, highlighted by ambient lighting touches and a panoramic sunroof, standard.
Onboard technology is easily visible via large colorful screens, a customizable instrument cluster and heads up display. Key elements are at the ready in the center console while myriad other functions of the infotainment system are activated by touch or voice command.
The M5’s MSRP of $119,000, per BMW USA, is not an unsubstantial investment. However, the performance and features offered by the auto represent a new benchmark for hybrid technology and performance in luxury autos, more than living up to the brand’s reputation as the Ultimate Driving Machine.
“BMW has doubled down on the M5 offerings for North America,” Gibson said. “For the first time, the M5 will be offered not only as a sedan, but also as a touring model. The BMW M5 Touring will boast race-bred performance along with the utility of a wagon. It’s just another way that the BMW M5 takes what was already the best, no-compromise executive sedan and takes the experience to a new level.”
For more information, visit onyxautomotive.com.
“BY ADDING ELECTRIFICATION TO THE NEW BMW M5, OWNERS CAN NOW HAVE THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.”
ROBERT GIBSON
BLACK HILLS BOUND
Land Rover Ventures and Side-by-Side Thrills
Column and Photography by Rob Gibson
This quarter’s Defender Trails adventure took me and my wife, Erica, to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. In addition to hosting Wind Cave National Park and Mount Rushmore, the area is also home to the Black Hills National Forest. Our trip to the National Forest allowed bringing a different adventure toy: a side-by-side.
Most people are familiar with an allterrain vehicle (ATV), which some call a 4-wheeler. A side-by-side (SXS) is much like an ATV, but you get to sit side-byside, as the name suggests. In our case, our SXS is a valuable tool. The acreage we own here in Elkhorn became easier to manage after we purchased a SXS, and now we pull our SXS to a destination other than our backyard about twice a year. The Forest Service claims over 3,800 miles of roads and trails for ATV, SXS, and 4-wheel drive vehicles. With a purchase of an OHV (off-highway vehicle) sticker, you can drive a SXS on almost all Forest Service roads. With a few additional modifications, such as turn signals, a mirror, and a horn, most SXSs can be driven on the streets.
We ordered our Land Rover Defender with the factory trailer towing package. Having this package makes pulling a trailer like ours an effortless endeavor. After hitching the trailer to the Defender, we drive the SXS on and secure it with ratcheting straps. Our small utility trailer and the SXS stay below 1,750 pounds. The Defender easily handles this, and you barely notice that you have a trailer behind you. Properly equipped, a Land Rover Defender is capable of towing 8,201 pounds. That’s more than enough capacity to pull an adventure camper or travel trailer.
My wife and I were able to explore backroads from the southern hills near Hot Springs, South Dakota, all the way north to Spearfish. Driving from one attraction to another, we used our Defender part of the time and our SXS other times. Of course, it wouldn’t be one of our adventures if we didn’t throw in miles on our bicycles. The Black Hills have one of the top Rails-to-Trails routes in the country. The Mickelson Trail spans 110 miles from the northern to the southern Black Hills, and my wife and I peddled more than 53 miles during our visit.
For those of you planning an adventure to the Black Hills, there is something for everyone. SXSs are available for rent in most towns. Likewise, bicycles and e-bike rentals are also available in many
locations along the Mickelson Trail. Yet, a trip to the Black Hills wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park.
Custer State Park is near Hot Springs, home to the Needles Highway and herds of bison and other large wildlife. If craft beer is your thing, the Black Hills are home to over 20 locally owned breweries. For those who like to gamble, Deadwood is your destination. Large casinos share the main street with historic venues from the rough-and-tumble mining days. You can charter a helicopter and hot air balloon rides for even more adventure, and no discussion of the Black Hills would be complete without mentioning the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Black Hills is home to the world’s largest motorcycle rally every August, and while I’m sure it would be a fantastic experience, our timeline didn’t align with the rally for 2024.
Getting to the Black Hills is easy from the Omaha area, and there are multiple ways to see rural Nebraska or South Dakota on the journey. Using our Defender to pull a trailer loaded with toys, we drove the slower-paced route through the western Sandhills of Nebraska. The drive takes the better part of a day, but is well worth it for those seeking a little adventure close to home. Our Defender performed flawlessly over the 1,577 miles of driving highways and backroads, pulling our toys and keeping us safe as the miles flew by. It’s a great partner that always amazes us.
OUR DEFENDER PERFORMED FLAWLESSLY OVER THE 1,577 MILES OF DRIVING HIGHWAYS AND BACKROADS, PULLING OUR TOYS AND KEEPING US SAFE AS THE MILES FLEW BY. IT’S A GREAT PARTNER THAT ALWAYS AMAZES US.
Story by Natalie Veloso // Photography Provided
The Covington Cottage
Your vehicle helps you push the boundaries on every road trip— so why settle for a cookie-cutter hotel room when your weekend getaway can take you somewhere straight out of a fairytale?
Just a few hours away, Iowa and Nebraska offer a collection of the most enchanting and unconventional Airbnbs for a heartland getaway that’s anything but ordinary. No matter your preferences, each of these extraordinary homes promises to make every mile of your journey worthwhile.
NEBRASKA
The Covington Cottage –South Sioux City, NE (2 hrs.)
A perfect little hideout awaits at this Hobbit-themed Airbnb in northeast Nebraska. The Covington Cottage is a cozy grass-roof house built right into the ground, complete with charming round doors and windows. Guests can snuggle up indoors with a J.R.R. Tolkien novel or explore the natural surroundings. The famous opening lines of The Hobbit on the entryway floor set the tone for your stay: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit… it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.”
Kottage Knechtion Treehouse B&B –South Sioux City, NE (2 hrs.)
Mere steps away from the Covington Cottage, the same Airbnb hosts offer the Kottage Knechtion Treehouse, an 18-foot-high home nestled between two beautiful cottonwood trees. Built with reclaimed materials, this sky-high bed & breakfast features multiple decks and one cozy bedroom. Guests enjoy breakfast at The Koffie Knechtion, a cof-
feehouse on the same acreage, serving lattes, cappuccinos, burritos, muffins, biscuits n’ gravy on the weekends, and much more.
The Beehive Yurt –Broken Bow, NE (3 hrs.)
The Beehive is a charming 27-foot diameter yurt on a working bison ranch with beautiful pasture views. The circular tent has dividing walls that separate the bathroom and bedroom from the living room and kitchen—and guests have the entire Beehive to themselves! “This may be my favorite Airbnb of all time,” reviewed one recent guest. “The rolling hills are so beautiful and we were able to lounge on the large back lawn and catch a spectacular sunset and sunrise.”
IOWA
The Grain Bin Lodge and Retreat –Le Mars, IA (2 hrs.)
The rustic charm shines through at the Grain Bin Lodge & Retreat in Le Mars, Iowa—the ice cream capital of the world! This converted grain bin offers a 700-square-foot main floor with a full bath, a vintage kitchenette, a reclining loveseat, a TV, and a large dining area, while the 500-square-foot loft includes one full bed and two queen beds. Surrounded by seven acres of trees and shrubs, guests also have access to an orchard, a garden, and a fire pit.
Galaxy Bell Tent Getaway –Perry, IA (2 hrs.)
Not into camping? Try glamping! This cozy Galaxy Bell Tent includes a fridge, a fire pit, a grill, a hammock, and a private hot tub to elevate your stay. Guests enjoy sleeping under the stars in a king
bed while an air conditioner and heater keep things comfortable. The surrounding trails at Oak Haven Acres, a 32-acre farm, offer plenty of nature to explore. “All of the benefits of camping with few downsides,” one guest said in their review. “If you are visiting in March/April, be sure to listen for the ‘peent’ calls of American Woodcocks around dusk, as the place was full of them!”
The Clemens Mansion –Conrad, IA (3 hrs.)
Surely the most luxurious of these listings, The Clemens Mansion is a 16,000-square-foot French provincial estate completed in 1977. This rare rental features 11 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a full gymnasium, a copper fireplace library, a theater room, and a gourmet Italian kitchen. With access to all the rooms you rent, guests can also enjoy a fireplace, a dining room, a garden, and front and back patios. The mansion offers a memorable stay at only about $30 per person when fully booked.
The “Lily Pad” Boatel Houseboat –Sabula, IA (5 hrs.)
The furthest drive on our list—but truly worth it—the Lily Pad Boatel Yacht is a delightfully unique getaway right on Sabula Lakes. This two-bedroom yacht comfortably sleeps four and is docked in the harbor for stunning views of the hillside and marina. Guests enjoy free kayak rentals, a nearby beach, and plenty of fishing. Inside, the yacht features a galley kitchen, a living area, a dining room, a queen bed, and two single beds, all ideal for anyone wanting an authentic houseboat experience.
For more information or to book a stay, visit airbnb.com.
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