Imperial tablecloths with gold etchings lay on maroon tables, which themselves stood upon dark floors. Surrounded by broad mirrors, the restaurant's atmosphere was both quaint and regal. Pink and red orchids stood in slim vases just to the side of my menu – a menu with too many options for an overthinker like me, but perhaps just perfect for the rapidly growing metro.

No doubt, you’ve heard the derogatory terms flailed by both sides of the political aisle, as if they were members of an opposing team, instead of a united nation. The stony silence at family gatherings, where guests would rather throw plates than break bread, if they even meet at all. And, where former friends only talk at each other, instead of to each other, or no longer speak, severing all personal ties.

Less than 20 miles separated freedom from slavery for Blacks in the mid-1800s. For abolitionists, Nebraska City played a key role along the Underground Railroad. 

Enslaved people who escaped from Missouri sneaked through Kansas and north to Falls City, Nebraska, and then on to Nebraska City before making the final leg of their journey to Tabor, Iowa. 

Nebraska was the westernmost portion of the Underground Railroad. And Nebraska City's Mayhew Cabin is considered one of the most important historical places along the trail.

JoAnne Smith took one look around Central City and realized the town of about 3,000 people had a lot to offer; all it needed was tourists. A winery, first-class veterans’ monument and a thrift store popular enough to have people line up a block deep on "new product Wednesday." 

After spending most of their lives in southeast Kansas, her husband had a job offer that brought them to Nebraska. They could live anywhere they wanted between Columbus and Kearney, Smith said. They found Central City one day while driving.