1. Husker Football
Lincoln may be the second biggest city in Nebraska, but on game day Memorial Stadium fills to capacity and becomes the third largest in population. There’s nothing like a Husker game–and we have the best fans in the nation. With a record 325 consecutive sellout streak from 1962 to 2012. Yeah, Lincoln folk love their football.
2. Having Tailgating Down To A Science
Husker football is serious business around here–and there’s nothing like tailgating on game day. Downtown is filled with celebration, as the parking lots pack with drinking, grilling and just all-around merry-making. The game may be the main event, but tailgating is a very close second.
3. Being The Birthplace Of The Tasty McRib
The world may swoon every time the McRib comes back around, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Lincolnites. Invented right here at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, this marvel of pork engineering has won over the hearts and stomachs of shame eaters everywhere.
4. Kissing By The Columns
Originally part of Burlington Station, the columns were moved to the UNL campus. Legend has it that if a girl graduates without being kissed, the columns will topple. Because of this story it’s a popular place to take a romantic walk and do a little smooching.
5. Devouring Wings From The Watering Hole
You think you’ve had wings? Well, you have not until you’ve had wings from The Watering Hole. Local beer selections, a TV in every booth and the best wings in the world make this a favorite destination on game day or anytime. The perfect crunchy char and ideal smoky spiciness make these wings impossible to stop eating.
6. The Culinary Sensation That Is Ribfest
Oh man, break out the wet naps, August means Ribfest in Lincoln. Barbecue lovers congregate at the Pinnacle Bank Arena to enjoy the best in delicious, saucy, meaty wonderfulness from around the nation. Live music puts a soundtrack to indulgence, creating the best festival ever. Carnivores rejoice, your day has come.
7. Hitting Up A Show At The Zoo Bar
Yeah yeah, go ahead and make the joke about musicians being like animals. The definitive place for live music in Lincoln, the Zoo Bar hosts both favorite local bands and touring acts. They host a can’t-miss-it music festival every year and feature some of the most diverse acts you can find. Since 1973, it’s been the hotspot in Lincoln.
8. Or Catching A Favorite At The Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater
Really, is there anything more glorious than enjoying your favorite musical act in a beautiful park? No. No there’s not. And Lincolnites know this. That’s why they flock to the Pinewood Bowl in beautiful Pioneers Park.
It’s perfect for dates or family outings, and the bonus is that you can bring your own picnic. From fantastic musical acts to Broadway’s favorite shows, it’s pretty much ideal.
9. Tooling Around The Haymarket
The Historic Haymarket is the place you take someone when they want to see what’s cool in Lincoln. Shopping, dining and bar-hopping abound, and with the Pinnacle Arena to the North, it’s a vibrant hub of activity before and after concerts and events. Urban yet down-home, it’s the center of action for Lincoln nightlife and venues.
10. Chowing Down on Valentino’s Pizza
This local pizza chain had its humble beginnings in 1957. From pizza (of course) to lasagna, dessert pizza, breadsticks–this place is a buffet-lover’s dream. Nothing says true love quite like ordering one of their signature heart-shaped pizzas for Valentine’s Day.
11. Running The Lincoln Marathon
Held in May, this marathon sells out in record time every year. It’s no wonder, as this test of endurance is run on a citywide course where participants can enjoy the spring blooms and beauty of the city. It’s a serious accomplishment to be involved. Even if you don’t have what it takes, it’s fun to watch, and there’s no doubt you know someone running in it.
12. Talking About The Legends That Have Played At Duffy’s Tavern
If you want to know who’s who before they’re anyone–just ask the folks at Duffy’s. Since famously booking the who-are-they band Nirvana in 1990, a string of not-yet-known and well-on-their-way musicians have come through these doors. Their legendary fishbowls get you feeling pretty toasty for the show, and you know it’s going to be a good one if it’s at this venue.
13. Lectures About Harry Potter, Breaking Bad and Zombies
Lovers of zombies, science fiction and pop culture unite at the super cool Sci Pop lecture series. Covering topics like how to survive a zombie apocalypse and a dissection of the choices made by Walter White in Breaking Bad to the Magic of Science in Harry Potter, it’s the perfect marriage of pop culture and science. Anyone can attend, and it’s just another reason Lincoln holds a special place in its heart (and braaaaiin) for the University.
14. Getting A Burger At Honest Abe’s
Honest Abe’s Burgers and Freedom has somewhat of a cult following in town. With a revolving menu of burgers with names like The Italian Job and Hammer of Thor, as well as the aptly named “Greatest Burger Ever,” it’s a burger-lover’s paradise. Gourmet, innovative ingredients you don’t normally see ensure there’s something to please everyone. And, boy, is Lincoln ever pleased.
15. Relaxing In The Sunken Gardens
The most beautiful place in Lincoln, and perhaps the world, are the sunken gardens. The original 1930’s era rock garden has undergone transformations through the years, becoming a respite for Lincolnites seeking out gorgeous surroundings and a connection to nature. Chances are you’ve been to a wedding here, or at least on a romantic walk around the park.
16. Knowing What’s Going Down At The Railyard
One of the hippest areas in Lincoln, it features new music venue Vega, a skating rink, the Cube mega screen and a variety of restaurants and bars. Just up the street from the Haymarket, it’s convenient and really picks up on weekends. Vega is the ideal place to catch a show while munching on some locally sourced burger and dog selections.
17. Knowing How To Have Fun At Work
With cool companies like web design and marketing powerhouse Firespring to work at, it’s no wonder Lincolnites love their jobs. Firespring was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the 50 best small companies in the US, and their employees will tell you that’s legit. Any company that has a slide in the office has to be pretty okay, right?
18. Knowing Yia Yia’s Is The Best Restaurant In Town…
Ask a local what their favorite restaurants are and it’s just about guaranteed Yia Yia’s Pizza and Beer will be on the list. With a crazy awesome selection of toppings and amazing fresh bread, it satisfies that itch that only really excellent pizza can scratch. Looking for a beer to go with your pie? You’ve definitely come to the right place. They have 375 bottles on the wall–and that doesn’t even count tap beer.
19. …Unless They Prefer Lazlo’s
The other perennial favorite of Lincolnites is Lazlo’s Brewery & Grill. Empyrean Brewing Company makes some of the finest beer you’ll ever taste, and though it may be in the second biggest city in the state, Lazlo’s puts Lincoln on the map with the largest brewpub. It’s not just about beer here–the menu is amazing. The beer cheese soup and French dip will go perfectly with your beer.
20. Taking In The Art Scene On First Friday
On the first Friday of every month, downtown is the place to be if you want to see great local art. This gallery walk features visual art, photography, clothing, music, and an all-around showcase of talent. With downtown being home to over 50 art galleries, there’s no shortage of material–or skill–to be had around here.
21. Having The Freshest Farmers’ Market Around
Agriculture is everywhere in Nebraska, and Lincoln loves reaping the benefits. Local purveyors come out during the summer to Haymarket Farmers’ Market to peddle their delicious, delicious crops and creations. From homemade jams to homegrown veggies, local fruit and everything in between, the Haymarket is hopping with delights.
22. Downing A Few From Zipline Brewing
Beer has been brewed for centuries, but never quite like that at Zipline Brewing Co. Home to Lincoln’s tastiest beer, this haven of hops has something for everyone. If you don’t live in Lincoln you don’t know the dilemma of knowing you can’t visit every single night. Well, technically you could, but you know, responsibilities.
Feature Image Source: Husker Football Update via Facebook
