Welcome to La Vista, Nebraska

As one of Nebraska’s fastest-growing cities, La Vista is also one of the youngest in the state. Only incorporated in 1960, La Vista’s reputation is increasingly that of progress.

The city’s first residents enjoyed the panorama of the Big Papio Creek Basin and from this came the name La Vista, Spanish for “the view.”

Many businesses look to La Vista because for its growth. The city is home to many familiar names, including Cabela’s, the world’s foremost outfitter of outdoor gear, Hobby Lobby, Chili’s Restaurant, PayPal and many other smaller business.

Cabela’s, 12703 Westport Parkway (near 126th Street and Interstate 80), opened in November 2006 and is a premier outdoor-gear retail store spanning three football fields packed with education, entertainment and shopping. Cabela’s has just about everything campers, hunters, hikers, anglers, birdwatchers and outdoor fashion buffs could imagine.

“The opening of Cabela’s has given us a tremendous draw for out-of-state travelers and shoppers,” said La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig. “They promote themselves as a tourist destination, and we expect to see a lot of travelers and shoppers visiting Cabela’s.”

Cabela’s expects 1.5 million visitors in its first year in La Vista and more than a million of those visiters will travel from at least 100 miles away.

“This is something brand new for us,” Kindig said. “We are excited about Cabela’s and the other new developments moving in. Our hope is when people come in they will be able to stay in the Southport area, enjoying shopping, dining and entertainment.”

Kindig also said the start of construction on a hotel and conference center in the Southport area is a big draw for the metro area and the state. Embassy Suites has started construction and plans to be open in summer 2008.

Hampton Inn & Suites opened in June 2007.

If crafting is more up your alley, Hobby Lobby is a must. It’s a treasure trove of beads, fabric, paint, silk flowers, patterns and holiday make-it-personal gift ideas.

And don’t forget to visit Papio Creek Gems & Gifts. Tucked behind a modest storefront in Brentwood Plaza, Papio Creek Gems & Gifts is a jewelry-makers dream. Rows and rows of gems in numerous shapes, sizes and colors await shoppers.

After shopping, check out one of many restaurants just off 84th Street. Chili’s, a popular Tex-Mex grill at 7875 S. 84th St., offers grilled baby-back ribs, burgers and salads. Not far from there is Boston’s Gourmet Pizza, home to pizza, burgers and salad. For a quick bite on the run, try Fazolis, Taco Bell or Wendy’s.

Next you might want to treat yourself to a relaxing round of golf at La Vista Falls. A nine-hole par 31 golf course, La Vista Falls offers monthly specials and a variety of tee times.

La Vista offers 12 parks sprinkled throughout the city with a wide variety of picnic areas, playgrounds and fields of green.

“La Vista offers, in conjunction with Sarpy County, many tourism opportunities,” Kindig said. “We really team up and do well. We are really excited about what we have coming – not only for our city, but the county.”