I've lived in Lincoln basically my whole life, and with that, I've complained about living in Lincoln basically my whole life. Someday I would love to live in a big, busy city. But first, college. So for at least the next four years, I have to do the best with what I have, and in Lincoln, Nebraska, I'd say that's the Haymarket.
In the past few years Lincoln has really stepped up it's game.
The Pinnacle Bank Arena
We finally have an arena for the big guys. Sure, going to small concerts in bars or in outdoor amphitheaters is fun, but people Maroon 5 and Keith Urban can fill up Pinewood Bowl 3 full times and then some. Now, when big acts come to Nebraska there's only a 50/50 chance we will have to drive to Omaha for it. It's also the location for events like job fairs, basketball games, graduations, and live screenings of the football games on the big screen. The arena tax is so worth it.
Ivanna Cone
If you haven't been to Ivanna Cone, close this article right now, go downtown, and buy yourself some ice cream. It is the absolute best. Not only are the flavors delicious, but they're unique. Each day they have a different menu aside from the standard chocolate and vanilla (and by standard, I mean perfection, it's still Ivanna we're talking about). And if the ice cream itself isn't enough to draw you in (what's your problem?), then the aesthetic most definitely will. It's one of the trendiest places Lincoln has going for it, so look out for photographers. Oh, and Snapchatters...which totally doesn't include me...
The Railyard
When you're 21, or really any age, the Railyard is the place to be on the weekends. It's directly across the street from the Pinnacle Bank Arena, it's down the street from Ivanna, and it has 13+ bars and restaurants in it. Buffalo Wings and Rings, Vega, and Joysticks are just few examples. There's a giant screen for Husker games, movies, The Voice (shoutout to Hannah Huston), and other events. There's a courtyard that's transformed into an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter, and there's parking all around. Added bonus: they occasionally have Giant-Jenga set up (pictured above), and who doesn't want to play Giant-Jenga?
Hurts Donut
Now this one's technically not in the Haymarket, but it's pretty new and kind of a big deal. For the avid donut fans, this one's for you. Hurts Donut is a 24-hour donut shop with an abundance of flavors. I've only ever been there real late at night, but from my experiences, the line is always outside. BUT, If you want a chocolate-cereal-covered-chocolate donut on top of a chocolate shake at 3 in the morning, the line probably won't phase you. It's a short walk from the Haymarket, and taking your donut back to the courtyard to enjoy it is always a good choice.
Mellow Mushroom
I'm not really a pizza fan (I know, gasp!), but I can appreciate a good pizza place and definitely trust my friends opinions, and Mellow Mushroom is definitely a friend-favorite. It's a hippy-themed sit down pizza restaurant right across from the Railyard, and is always poppin' on the weekends. There's a bar inside, if that's what your into, and there is outdoor seating available, which is perfect for people watching on the night of a big concert. The food is great, and they have multiple vegan options as well. And if you're not a pizza-person like me, the atmosphere will 100% make up for it. Plus, the mints are fantastic and it's really easy to grab handfuls at a time...oops.
These are just the highlights, but if you take the time to just walk around the Haymarket you'll see all of the other shops and restaurants it has to offer. This is by far my favorite part of Lincoln, and I can't wait to see what the next downtown addition will be.
