travel cure for weekend warrior Weekend trips are one easy way to fun, adventure and relaxation. OMAHA It would be way too easy to begin with a corny joke, given Omaha's place as one of Nebraska's most vibrant metro areas. But that would be selling this jewel in the middle of Huskerland short. Much akin to Lawrence, Omaha has a widely bright music scene. It's home START HERE... to one of the new meccas of Indie rock, Saddle Creek Records. It was formed by the emoheartthrob, Conor Oberst, otherwise known as Bright Eyes. Saddle Creek infuses the Omaha scene with such acts as Azure Ray, Cursive and often shows from ol' Bright Eyes himself. It's also an almost mandatory stop on the tour schedule of some of our own fine young bands. You can dig them at such venues as the Music Box, 7777 Cass St., or the Sokol Auditorium, 2234 S.13th St. Apart from music, Omaha also has a world-class zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo, 3701 S. 10th St., offers 110 acres of woodland-filled varieties of animals. The zoo also has the largest cat complex in North America, housing such rare felines as the Siberian tiger and Asian snow leopard. So, if you're feeling a yearning to dig some good tunes in a new place or just a bit catty then Omaha would be an easy stop. —Patrick Cady The thrill of traveling is tangible. It pulls and prods you and tempts you with an inescapable yearning to wander. It seems all the harsher given the constant barrage of course work, responsibilities and classes. How can you find the exotic or even a suitable change of scenery as a full time college student? Well, don't despair. The answer is as simple as it's poetic - daytrip, or even better - weekend trip. So, rev up your engine, stash your favorite snack food in an accessible cooler and let out a scream of joy. It's the weekend and the long gray highway is callin' your nante. Your humble and witty guides at fayplay are there with you to show a few wild nights day and weekend trips that are much closer than you might think WICHITA If you are looking to rediscover your childhood, head down to Wichita. Its vast array of attractions keep people of all ages entertained for days. Your first stop should be the awardwinning Sedgwick County Zoo, 5555 Zoo Blvd. It contains over 2,500 animals on 247 acres. Take a safari at the African Veldt area, featuring animals from giraffes to hippopotamuses, or swing with the apes at the Koch Orangutan and Chimpanzee Habitat. Next, take a journey to Exploration Place, 300 N. McLean Blvd., the $62 million children's museum. Nothing is more fitting than learning all aspects of If you are looking for an adult-oriented activity, head down to Old Town. Start your night at the Warren Old Town Theatre, 355 N. Mead, where you can eat at Oscar's Sports Bar or catch a flick. The bar features a 37-foot screen that takes up the west wall and can be divided into 12 images. If a movie sounds more like your thing, no trip to the concession stand is necessary. Sit back and relax in the plush chairs, featuring a call button that summons a waiter over to take your order. You can flying at the "Exploring Flight and Design" exhibit, as Wichita is considered the "Air Capital of the World." eat anything from popcorn and soda to pizza and beer while enjoying your feature. Mixed drinks are also available so only patrons 21 and older are admitted after 8 p.m. Old Town also features a variety of restaurants and bars. For some great eats, try River City Brewery, 150 N. Mosley St., featuring six microbrews. After dinner, head to any of nine bars in a one-mile radius. Make sure to check out Kelly's Irish Pub, 917 E. Douglas, or Mort's Cigar Bar, 923 E. First St.; both feature good specials and great atmosphere. —Erica Brittain thursday, october 30.2003 jayplay 17