Things to Do in Lincoln

Marc Kornbluh knows glass. The Tisch School of the Arts graduate and renowned artist has learned to manipulate the medium until it takes on the form of just about any shape, whether it’s a cluster of flowers, a spiky fish, or a seashell perched on a smooth orb. In his humble downtown studio space, Kornbluh expertly wields torches as he melts glass into submission, creating stunning pieces that pop in craft fairs, gallery shows, and elegant doghouse foyers across the country.

Nearly 50 years old and recognized as one of the Best Zoos for Kids by Parents magazine, the Lincoln Children's Zoo continues to foster an exciting educational atmosphere that encourages kids to interact firsthand with their furry, scaly, and leafy neighbors. There's already an ample, varied herd of animals that will be joined by the rare Humboldt penguins—the zoo is one of only 16 zoos nationwide to feature the warm-climate tuxedoed birds—and the mischievous squirrel monkeys. Curious kids and professional petters will want to flock to the hands-on exhibits. Feed a llama from your hand and listen closely for his penny-stock tips at the Firsthand Farm, or watch a friendly ZooCrew handler parade small creatures before youngsters at Critter Encounter. Because plants and animals are still reconciling creative differences, you can visit bodacious buds separately at the nearby botanical gardens, where a wide variety of plant species bedeck their expansive green areas.

Award-winning dancer and teacher Shelley Fritz opened The DelRay Ballroom and Lounge to share her love of dance with the Lincoln community. Her space hosts music, cocktails, and ballroom dance lessons every night of the week, and is staffed by experienced dance instructors such as herself who aim to share their passion for waltz, cha-cha, Argentine Tango, and West Coast swing with students.

Slattery Vintage Estates takes fermented-grape lovers on a whirlwind tour of more than 50 Nebraska wines and then offers them a convenient place to lay their heads at the end of the juice-drenched day. Like the swanky tent that Queen Elizabeth stayed in during the Buckingham Palace renovation, the B&B Bungalows ensconce overnighters within charming, antique surroundings. Wooden decks with porches that overlook the vineyard elevate the private 10’x14’ tents, sporting ornate rugs, vintage dressers, and softly swaddled, full-size antique beds, accommodating every comfort concern. Each tent is fully equipped with electricity, with lamps, lanterns, and fans or heaters getting a charge from their own brand of juice.

Beatrice Country Club’s 18-hole course unfurls across 7,169 yards of Nebraska countryside for a par 72 course that blends elements of woodland golf and a traditional, links-style layout. The majority of the course’s fairways tunnel through tight tree lines that temper aggressive impulses at the tee box like a caddy studying to be an anger-management therapist. Encroaching timbers vanish for a stretch, during which relatively open fairways run alongside water hazards and thickets of tall grass, affecting the landscape of golf’s seminal Scottish links. With five tee options, the course caters to clubbers of all stripes. Arching drives trace the sky at the onsite driving range, where duffers prepare for their round and practice balls efficiently sign waivers before launching themselves into the stratosphere.