Demonstrations/Activities

All of these activities must be scheduled in advance and planned for groups of more than 10. If you would like the CVB's help planning your itinerary please call 402-461-2370 or email services@visithastingsnebraska.com. It is our job, to make your job easier! 

The Back Alley Bakery 
609 West 2nd Street
The Back Alley Bakery creates natural, unprocessed "artisan breads" baked fresh every day. They use the most wholesome ingredients possible, most of which are certified organic. Each week the crew starts the bread-making process by grinding much of their own grain obtained from local, organic growers. All of the breads are sourdough, taking several days between the initial mixing of the "sponge" to the artful glide into the brick oven using their homemade peel. It's clear the Back Alley Bakery is not just a bakery. They started as a single room and a hand-made brick oven, but have expanded to offer breakfast, lunch, desserts and other items. 

If your group is interested in learning more about the bakery and their products and processes, demonstrations are available with advanced notice. Members of your group will love taking home a loaf of freshly baked bread.

The Plum Nelly
743 West 2nd Street
The Plum Nelly is a unique place designed with the fiber enthusiast in mind. Located in downtown Hastings, the Plum Nelly carries supplies for weaving, spinning, knitting, crochet, felting and tatting needs. They also carry a variety of looms, spinning wheels, yarns, fibers to spin or felt, knitting needles and more.

Plum Nelly, Calico Cottage, Julie's Xpressions are all located in Downtown Hastings in the same location. 

Calico Cottage
743 West 2nd Street
Visit Calico Cottage for all of your quilting, sewing and fabric needs. They offer many classes throughout the year to keep you up to date on new styles and patterns. 

Plum Nelly, Calico Cottage, Julie's Xpressions are all located in Downtown Hastings in the same location. 

Julie's Xpressions
743 West 2nd Street
Specializing in jewelry and bead work. Individuals can make their own jewelry and learn about different styles of beading to make your piece look most fashionable. 

Plum Nelly, Calico Cottage, Julie's Xpressions are all located in Downtown Hastings in the same location. 

WineStyles
537 West 2nd Street
From the moment you walk through the doors at WineStyles, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the Old World wine cellar of your dreams. Their mission is to bring superb, world-class wines to the public at affordable everyday prices and offer a wide selection of wines and wine related products for purchase.

If your group is interested in learning more about the subtleties of fine wines, its history and traditions Winestyles offers a Wine Discovery tasting class upon request.

Eileen's Colossal Cookies
703 West 2nd Street
Believe it or not Hastings was home to the first Eileen’s Colossal Cookies which began in Eileen’s home in Hastings in 1982. After baking, decorating, and selling big cookies in a kitchen basement for a year and a half, she opened her first store in downtown Hastings on October 1, 1983. You’ll taste why Eileen’s Colossal Cookies is now located in 11 other cities and why Hastings is so proud to claim this business as its own.  

Looking for a quick snack while downtown or a sweet way to end the day? Members of your group will leave the shop with arms full, of dozens of their favorite treats. Tours upon request. No demonstrations. 

Motorsport Park Hastings
427 South Showboat Road
Ranked one of Forbes.com "10 Best Places to Speed Legally" Motorsport Park Hastings, a private race club, offers a country club like experience for racers. This multi-million dollar racing facility includes a 2.33-mile, 14-turn track and draws racing enthusiasts from all over the nation. www.racemph.com

• The Concession Go-Karts at Motorsport Park Hastings are used for groups, parties and events. These karts can get up to 45-50 mph and are an absolute blast  to drive. Take a lap around the entire track and take in a whole new perspective of how big the track really is.

Kool-Aid Break
Add flavor to your group tour with a refreshing Kool-Aid break. We will provide Kool-Aid and cups and set them up in the location of your choice. Hastings is "The Official Birthplace of Kool-Aid" and members of your group will feel like kids again with bright red Kool-Aid mustaches to prove it. Sugar-free Kool-Aid is available upon request.

Kool-Aid Man Guest Appearance
Get a big warm welcome to the "Official Birthplace of Kool-Aid" from the Kool-Aid man himself. He is very busy depending on the time of year but it is worth asking because your group will love taking home a souvenir picture and a packet of Kool-Aid.

 Places to Picnic

-Chautauqua Pavilion
Laird and West 5th St.
Built in 1907, this pavilion is considered the largest in Nebraska and has a seating capacity of 3,500. Voices heard echoing in the rafters have included William Jennings Bryan, Ezra Meeker, Robert M. LaFollette, George W. Norris, and Robert F. Kennedy. In 1978 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the middle of the 24 acre Chautauqua Park the pavilion provides a great place for a catered or box lunch and possibly a presentation by the Historical Society on its history.

-Heartwell Park
On Eastside Blvd. Between 9th and 12th Street
The most popular place in town for people to bring a loaf of bread and feed the ducks. There are also many fountains in the water and a beautiful island to sit and enjoy your lunch. Also at this park is a playground, bike path and a small wading pool.