Morning

Every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. starting in May and running through mid-October, the Farmers Market comes to life. Goat milk soap, smoked mac & cheese, fresh vegetables and all kinds of artisan goods line the streets as throngs of Nebraskans weave through the vendor booths.

If you’re visiting at other times of the year, don’t worry, there’s still plenty to do! Stop by Crescent Moon for an amazing cup of coffee or tea, plus one of their stellar crepes. Looking for more sweet treats? Drop down into The Rabbit Hole Bakery where you can snag a fluffy, warm piece of coffee cake or a scone!

 

Mid-Morning

Once you’re full of liquid caffeine and sugar, it’s time for the adventure to really begin. Indigo Bridge Books & Cafe is worth checking out. Part coffee shop, part bookstore, and all wonderful is the best way to describe it.

For your next stop, check out KD Designs, a mother and daughter-run jewelry business! Also offering small pieces of décor, they pride themselves on selling all hand-made products. Take a trip back in time at Trade-A-Tape/Comic Center and explore what has been one of Lincoln’s best comic stores for 30+ years.

 

Noon

Lunchtime brings the promise of  more delicious food – one of the local favorites is Lazlo’s (home to Empyrean Brewing), a brewery and grill that offers contemporary American fare like their Baby Back Ribs. HopCat is another restaurant that never disappoints. With a massive beer list and  Cosmik Fries served with warm cheese sauce that's the stuff of legends.

If you still have an appetite afterwards, head over to Ivanna Cone to grab a scoop of their handmade ice cream! The flavors on their menu, with names like Whimsidoodle, are always changing so each trip is a new adventure. Served up in an old-timey sodashop environment, it’s one of those places that nearly everyone in the city has been to. If you need to walk off some of your meal, head next door to view some art at the Burkholder Project artist collective and take some photos in front of the art wall!

 

Afternoon

Book a time at Escape Lincoln to test out your problem-solving skills with friends in various themed escape rooms, or during the weekend catch a show at the Comedy Loft for a laugh or two!

_{Wax Buffalo}

There’s also plenty to do during a regular weekday as well! Stop by Ten Thousand Villages to browse their collection of artisan-crafted goods from across the globe, or smell a few hand-poured soy candles at Wax Buffalo.

 

Evening

At this point in the day you may be getting a bit tired, so feel free to head over to Licorice International, where you can find the largest selection of licorice in the United States! There’s so much candy in that building you’ll wake up by just walking in the doors. You could also stop by The Mill for some caffeine in the form of delicious coffee and tea. On the other hand, if you do have plenty of energy still why not try out Tomahawks Axe Throwing? The name pretty much explains what you’re getting into.

As dinnertime approaches there are plenty of options to choose from. The Oven, Rodizio Grill and Blue Sushi Sake Grill are all amazing Indian, Brazilian, and Japanese restaurants respectively. If those don’t suit you, Bourbon Street has an incredible gumbo and Plowboys is some of the best barbecue in Lincoln!

 

Night

Late evening and nighttime are when the Haymarket really comes to life! Depending on the scene you’re into, there’s tons of options for hangouts. Looking for a bit of a rowdy time? Head over to the Railyard where there’s plenty of beer, music and screens. JJ Hooligans is known for their vapor shots, a great place to stop if you haven’t experienced that!

If you’re looking for something a bit more laid back then the VS Arcade Bar is a blast. Nothing like a beer and some old-school pinball or Ms. Pac Man all in the same spot. The Starlight Lounge, known for their handcrafted martinis, is a neat way to have a cocktail or two and pretend you’re in an episode of Mad Men. Kinkaider Brewing's taproom is a great place to kick back on the patio and try some of their beers while watching the bustling Haymarket around you.

 

This is by no means a comprehensive list of activities, merely some suggestions and highlights. Truth be told, you could spend a whole week exploring Lincoln’s Haymarket and the surrounding area…which you’re more than welcome to do!