Planners holding an event in Lincoln might like to gift the group with something unique from the area.
A great place to start for an array of mementos is the From Nebraska (402.476.2455; www.fromne.com) gift shop, situated in Lincoln’s Historic Haymarket area. From Nebraska highlights agriculture, the state’s main industry, with a large array of gourmet food products that are customizable in a variety of gift baskets. The store also offers wine from eight of the 15 wineries in Nebraska; a large selection of books about Nebraska and by Nebraska authors; the creations of local artists, including photography, metal work, weaving, quilting, cornhusk dolls, and Christmas items; and University of Nebraska Cornhusker souvenirs, including Husker shot glasses, magnets and T-shirts.
Also located in the Historic Haymarket area, Licorice International (800.542.6742; www.licoriceinternational.com) offers nearly 200 types of licorice from 11 countries, as well as fine chocolates and a variety of other gourmet foods and candy dishes. Some licorices are available in bulk, including Australia’s Kookaburra Black Twists.
James Arthur Vineyard (402.783.5255; www.jamesarthurvineyards.com) is a popular Nebraska winery right outside Lincoln in Raymond. The second-oldest winery in the state offers group vineyard tours by appointment, as well as wine tasting, and planners can purchase bottles of wine to give attendees as gifts. Among the varietals are dry reds, including 2006’s Nebraska Red, and semi-dry whites, including 2007’s Heartland White.
Bakers Meltaway Chocolate Candies (402.316.4195; www.bakersmeltawaychocolatecandies.com), located in Battle Creek right outside of Lincoln, is a popular Midwest confec-tioner. The candy is handmade in Nebraska and comes in either bulk or specialty boxes, including the Camo box, featuring milk chocolates in camouflage wrapping, and the Nebraska box, with milk and dark chocolates wrapped in the Husker colors of red and white. Sugar-free chocolates are also available.
