1. The Only Proper Way To Eat Chili Is With Cinnamon Rolls
Don’t bother serving chili unless it includes a side of cinnamon rolls. There’s nothing like a bite of savory spiciness followed by a nibble of homey sweetness.
Nebraskans who have grown up with this amazing combo are always floored when people from elsewhere have never heard of it. Don’t knock it either–once you try it you’ll wonder how you didn’t think of it before.
2. Aksarben Isn’t A Nonsense Word
For those not from the place where The Good Life abounds, Aksarben is Nebraska spelled backwards.
Once a gloried race track in Omaha, it’s used in everything from names of businesses to shopping centers to a rodeo and stock show. It’s most prevalent in Omaha, but you’ll still see it other places in the state.
Yeah, it may seem a little silly, but it’s better than Amohalko or Aigroeg, right?
3. Dorothy Lynch Is More Than Just Dressing
You’ll know this native condiment of Nebraska by its bright orange hue and big flecks of black pepper throughout. Manufactured in Duncan (population 351), this thick, sweet dressing is a little bit spicy and boasts a homemade taste.
It’s used in home-cooked recipes galore, from marinades to side dishes. Ex-Nebraskans are known to have it shipped to the coasts to satisfy that craving for a taste of home.
4. Nebraskans Don’t Measure In Miles, They Measure In Time
Nebraska features a large expanse of interstate and highway roads, but locals don’t measure in miles.
If you ask a Nebraskan how far it is from Lincoln to Grand Island, you probably won’t get the answer “100 miles.” You’re way more likely to hear, “Oh, about an hour and a half.”
With long stretches of road ahead and few cities to slow you down, time is the best way to measure a trip.
5. O’Neill Is The ONLY Place To Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
This “Irish Capital of Nebraska” is the only place to go for St. Patrick’s Day. Located in the proverbial middle-of-nowhere in the northern part of the state, O’Neill goes all out for the holiday.
The town explodes with Irish dancers, food and, of course, drinking. Locals paint a shamrock on Main Street and head down to paint the famous “Green Horse from O’Neill” for the parade the Friday before.
If you stop by the Good Timin’ bar you’ll be treated to a gallon milk jug full of green keg beer for around $4. It’s a down-home party only Nebraskans could throw.
6. Every Small Town Has A Rival
If you live in Central City, you hate Aurora and you can’t wait to beat the pants off them come football season. The same goes for Cozad and Gothenburg.
Even though the only difference outsiders notice is that one town probably has a drive-in called Dairy Cream while the other has one called Dairy King, the natives will quickly expound on the differences in each community and why theirs is superior.
7. Husker Game Day Is A Hallowed Event
Pretty much everything in Nebraska comes to a halt on Saturdays during football season. Memorial Stadium becomes the third largest city in Nebraska, and every television is set to the same channel.
Weddings, festivals and birthday parties are planned with Cornhusker games in mind. Don’t try to have a garage sale or any other kind of event on game day–it’s just not happening.
8. Nebraskans Have Perfected The Art Of The Road Trip
Nebraska may be known as flyover country, but get out on the open road and there’s plenty to find–from the picturesque and beautiful sandhills up North to the banks of the Platte River.
The locals know which small towns boast the best cafes, where to find the perfect antique market and which small-town festivals shouldn’t be missed. With plenty of highways and backroads, you never know what you’ll run into on the plains of Nebraska.
9. Arbor Lodge State Historical Park Is More Beautiful Than Any Other Place On Earth
Home of Arbor Day, Arbor Lodge is a popular destination for weddings and weekend getaways. One look and you can see why. The beautiful trees, breathtaking rose garden and stately Lodge are certain to rival any other destination in terms of aesthetic appeal.
Located near Nebraska City, autumn is definitely the best time to visit. Fall colors, leaves and apples abound, making it the place Nebraskans flock to for a charming local getaway.
10. It May Be 70 Degrees Today, But It’s Snowing Tomorrow
You’ve heard the old adage ”If you don’t like the weather wait five minutes,” but in Nebraska it holds true.
It’s not out of the ordinary to go from wearing a parka to shorts in the same day. There are legitimately consecutive days with temperature differences of 70 degrees. Nebraskans are so used to it they plan outdoor events in advance anyway–now that’s hardcore.
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