OutdoorNebraska

56 Nebraskaland • December 2019 PHOTO COURTESY OF THE NEBRASKA TOURISM COMMISSION MIXED BAG By Erin Lenz, Nebraska Tourism Commission VISIT SARPY COUNTY The fun doesn't stop in Sarpy County when winter time comes around. If you enjoy the outdoors, head to Fontenelle Forest for a scenic winter hike. Rent snow shoes at Fontenelle Forest and explore the 19 miles of trails they have to offer. With adequate snowfall, traverse the trails at Schramm Park State Recreation Area on cross-country skis. The park offers a 1.5-mile loop trail for families and casual hikers or a longer three-mile trail through wooded bluffs and over a suspension bridge. While you're there, view the newly renovated, state- of-the-art Schramm Education Center. Open year-round, the education center has aquariums featuring Nebraska's aquatic habitat, 17 live-animal tanks, and interactive and virtual activities. Chalco Hills Recreation Area at Wehrspann Lake offers not only cross-country skiing in the winter, but 245 acres of ice fishing as well. Prairie Queen Recreation Area is another spot in the county that boasts great ice fishing. Looking for indoor activities? Take your friends and family with you to see a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in La Vista. The movie theatre is a one-of-a-kind location due to its Star Wars theme complete with a 10-foot-tall Death Star Replica in the ceiling of the lobby. Treat yourself to something warm at one of the many local coffee shops scattered throughout the county. At The Beanery in Gretna, order the beanery mocha – an espresso drink made with white chocolate caramel sauce. At the Black Sheep Coffee House, stay warm with locally roasted brewed and whole bean coffees and enjoy a delicious bakery item like a chili biscotti – a biscotti made with green chile, jalapeno, sharp cheddar and onion. Holiday shoppers will love the wide variety of stores Sarpy County offers. Find the perfect gift for your loved ones at the Nebraska Crossing Outlets in Gretna with more than 70 retail outlets. Have a family member who loves the great outdoors? Cabela's is the best retail stop for high-quality fishing, hunting, camping and outdoor gear in the area. The Shadow Lake Towne Center in Papillion has a combination of fashion, home and discount stores. Bonus: take a quick break from shopping to grab a local craft beer and bite to eat at the Nebraska Brewing Company. Try the award-winning Cardinal Pale Ale and pair it with the cajun chicken pasta. Searching for more unique, one-of-a-kind items to give as gifts this holiday season? Sarpy County has an impressive list of local boutiques and stores. Robin's Nest sells repurposed old treasures turned into new heirlooms, Margie Trembly Chapeaux creates one-of-a-kind couture hats, J'Amour Boutique sells stylish, down-to-earth clothing, and Diana's Papillion Tea Shop offers the finest teas, teaware and accessories. Whether you're shopping for a gift this holiday season or experiencing the beautiful winter landscapes, Sarpy County is the perfect retreat this winter.

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