Here’s a brief intro for those who are newly following the Treadway road trip chronicles: For Sarah Treadway (President & Co-CEO of Magnolia Hotels), re-planning her family’s summer vacation a few months back was a no brainer. As the COVID-19 pandemic’s damaging effects on the hospitality industry became increasingly clear and the company furloughed hundreds of valuable team members, Sarah felt a deep desire to connect with & support the remaining few team members on property who are keeping our hotels safely open for business. Sarah & her husband, Shea, quickly hatched a major road trip plan: pack up their four children, their South African au pair, and enough supplies in a 32’ trailer for an eight-week trek across America to visit each of the six Magnolia Hotels!

Last week, the Treadways made it to Magnolia Omaha! The hotel completely renovated its guest rooms at the end of 2019. Sarah hadn’t been able to see the final product until this visit – it was worth the wait! Each guest room now has an accent wall in peacock, a comfortably handsome plaid club-style desk chair, & a large dresser with a new mini-fridge. Additionally, all of the local artwork features scenes of historic Omaha, which gives guests a good sense of place.

When in Omaha with kids, visitors shouldn’t miss out on Ted & Wally’s, the best ice cream shop around. Sarah’s eldest, Horace, tried the Skittles ice cream and asked to go back every day for more! Another must-do is the Omaha Zoo. This zoo is different than every other one the Treadways have visited on the road trip because it also boasts an amazing aquarium. Walking inside the cool aquarium (and underneath sharks!) was a welcome relief for the crew during Omaha’s heat wave.

The District at Magnolia Omaha is open and busy, so to treat the hardworking employees, Sarah wanted to host a family style meal & ordered lunch & dinner for everyone from Spaghetti Works. Inside scoop: the gluten-free ravioli is out of this world delicious! Sarah still can’t believe it didn’t have gluten. All four Treadway kids gave the butter noodles and cheesecake an A+.

Final stop: back to Denver, CO.