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Omaha

Omaha has long been saddled with a reputation as a flyover city, that is, a place those living in more happening areas are content to see merely from the air when hopping from one coast to the other. But over the past 20 years, the city has slowly been transforming itself, edging out middle American blandness while retaining the friendly, down-to-earth manner of the Midwest.

The heart of the city, from which this new pulse emanates, is its arts and entertainment district, the Old Market. The area is made up of block after block of renovated industrial and warehouse buildings from the 1800s, which now house a variety of unique shops, boutiques, bookstores, galleries and some of Omaha's finest restaurants. Homer's Music is an Old Market institution and, in addition to hosting live events itself, can provide the latest information on Omaha's thriving indie rock scene. Not one to ignore any form of artistic expression, the city also has a burgeoning film industry, with Omaha native Alexander Payne having chosen it as the setting for Election and About Schmidt (depicting, perhaps, that less vibey side of Omaha).

When pounding Old Market's charmingly uneven pavements becomes tiring, the Heartland of America Park next door is perfect for leisurely strolls along the mighty Missouri. Work on a pedestrian bridge spanning the river is currently underway; when completed in 2008, it will be one of the world's longest. But Omaha, some may be surprised to hear, already has experience with world renown. Here visitors can explore the largest indoor rain forest in the world at the famous Henry Doorly Zoo; historic aircraft and missiles at the Strategic Air and Space Command, the foremost museum of its kind; and perhaps catch a glimpse of America's second-richest man and lifelong Omaha resident, Warren Buffett, dining at Gorat's, his favourite local steakhouse.

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Climate

Omaha's seasonal weather variations can be drastic at times. As in many other areas of the Midwest, summer can bring severe thunderstorms, hailstorms and tornadoes. When not stormy, summer days are hot and humid. Winters are cold, and the city gets snow, although very heavy snowfall is uncommon. Spring and autumn are pleasant times to visit.