Note: In the Pop Traveler, Pop Candy readers name their cities' best pop-culture hot spots/events. Wanna write about your town? Holler at popcandy@usatoday.com.

By Robert Murphy, Special Correspondent for Pop Candy

Growing up in Omaha during the '80s, you often heard about people wanting to leave for the proverbial "greener pastures." We were told nothing happened here.

Now it's the opposite: People are moving here to be a part of what's happening with the arts and community activism. There's an energy among many in the creative/entrepreneurial/tech classes to challenge and champion each other in their lives and work. In doing so, Omaha benefits and wins.

While this list is a starting point, talk to anyone here and they'll be more than happy to get you where they think you'll have the most enjoyable time in Omaha:

1. Big Omaha -- Often called "South by Southwest before it got big," Big Omaha is a conference on innovation and entrepreneurship. Founded by Silicon Prairie News' Jeff Slobotski and Dusty Davidson, Scott Harrison (charity: water), Tony Hsieh (Zappos) and Micah Baldwin (Graphic.ly) are a few of the presenters that have shared in recent years. Even if you can't get a ticket, the evening parties are open to the public.

2. Slowdown -- Omaha has a diverse music history with Preston Love, Mannheim Steamroller, 311 and even Fred Astaire. However, its "sound" is defined by the Saddle Creek Records artists. In 2007 Saddle Creek's Robb Nansel and Jason Kulbel opened Slowdown, a bar/concert venue. It's home to some of the best concerts and events in the area.

3. Krypton Comics -- This store boasts comics, gaming and anime, along with a variety of vintage toys. (At the back of the store, you'll find all sorts of Star Wars collectibles.) Free Comic Book Day is always fun here, too.

4. Dundee -- Dundee, Neb., is a beautiful, historic neighborhood where director Alexander Payne has shot parts of three films. It's also home to Omaha's last single-screen theater, Dundee Theater, which often shows pop-culture faves. Get some ice cream from eCreamery and enjoy the vibe at 50th & Underwood. Wind up your trip by eating/drinking at Dundee Dell, where even Bono has been spotted.

5. Amsterdam Falafel & Kabob -- Located in Dundee, Amsterdam deserves its own mention. The falafel and kabob are amazing, but sample the curry fries and mayo.

6. College World Series -- This "greatest show on dirt" has been deciding the collegiate baseball champion for more than 60 years in Omaha. Besides the games, there are a number of things around the stadium to enjoy. Tailgating is strong, and there's plenty of local fare to sample. Omaha rolls out the red carpet for the CWS, and it's a treat to experience.

7. Omaha Community Playhouse -- For almost 90 years, the Omaha Community Playhouse has been entertaining and enriching the area with its work and productions. It's the largest community theater in the nation, and it has a rich history with Henry Fonda and Marlon Brando starting their careers here. Each season brings great shows, but I'd recommend A Christmas Carol, an Omaha tradition.

8. Beercade -- It's only been open a few months, but it's a hit.The bar is stocked full of classic arcade games and pinball machines -- and stocked with plenty of beers on tap. Bring your quarters and see if you're the King of Kong.

9. Old Market -- In the heart of downtown Omaha, the brick streets of The Old Market have it all. Pop Candy readers will like the music (Homer's), books (Jackson Street Booksellers), coffee (Aroma's), cupcakes (Bliss Bakery) and novelties (Hollywood Candy). Plus, there's the art, theater, vintage clothing, fine dining and a farmer's market on Saturday mornings.

10. Henry Doorly Zoo -- Omaha's No. 1 tourist attraction is home to one of the largest indoor rainforests, the world's largest indoor desert, the largest nocturnal exhibit and indoor swamp, one of the largest cat complexes ... and on and on. (The newly remodeled aquarium is my favorite exhibit.) No matter your age or background, you'll have fun and learn something new when you visit. And when you're done? Walk over to Zesto's for great burgers and ice cream.

11. Rainbow Rowell -- Want more pop culture from an Omaha perspective? Check out Rainbow Rowell's work. A columnist for the Omaha World-Herald, Rainbow mixes pop-culture references into her writing. On Twitter you can find her ruminating on topics like rom-coms, Neil Gaiman and "which Hogwarts' houses the sorting hat would put Lord of the Rings characters in". Her debut novel, Attachments, was published last year.

Robert Murphy is a pastor of an online church (CCCOmaha.tv) and writes at RamHatter.com.

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