Warren Buffett's Omaha

Warren Buffett has lived in Omaha for most of his life, and the city shapes the legend as much as the investor shapes the city. Berkshire Hathaway has its headquarters here in an unassuming office building, and Buffett's long-time home in the Dundee neighborhood is a modest house by billionaire standards. For visitors, that makes a quirky, free, self-guided outing: drive or walk past the places that anchor the story, learn how a Midwestern investor built a global conglomerate from a plain office, and enjoy the neighborhoods where he shopped, ate and lived. The most visitor-friendly stop is the Nebraska Furniture Mart, a huge home-furnishings store founded by Rose Blumkin and bought by Berkshire Hathaway in 1983. Its sprawling showroom and local lore make it a popular browse even for people who are not shopping. Dundee itself is a charming, walkable neighborhood of older houses, a historic theater and small restaurants and shops. The local ice cream and burger chains Buffett has famously favored add another flavor, as does the annual Berkshire Hathaway shareholder weekend in early May.

This is a respectful drive-by and shopping tour rather than an attraction with tickets. The Berkshire offices and Buffett's house are private, so look from the street, do not trespass or disturb the occupants, and do not expect tours. Check current information before you set out, since businesses and restaurants change, and use a map to plan a loop that includes Dundee, the Nebraska Furniture Mart and a meal.

The shareholder weekend in early May is the biggest event on the calendar. Thousands of investors visit Omaha, the CHI Health Center hosts the annual meeting, and hotels fill and rates rise. If you want to join the festivities, plan months ahead for lodging and check the arrangements for admission. Outside that weekend, the city is relaxed and easy to move around.

Treat this as a loose theme for a half day. Begin with breakfast or coffee in Dundee, wander the neighborhood, drive past the other sites, and finish at the Furniture Mart for a look at its vast showrooms. Add the Durham Museum or an Old Market dinner for balance. It is a good choice for investors, business-minded travelers and curious visitors who enjoy the story behind a place. Even if you do not care about finance, the neighborhoods are pleasant and show a more residential side of Omaha than the downtown core.

A few tips round out the loop. Dundee has a historic theater, independent restaurants and bakeries, so allow time to eat there rather than at a chain. The Furniture Mart is enormous and easy to get lost in, so decide what you want to see and mark a meeting point if you travel with others. Fans of Berkshire Hathaway's annual letters sometimes bring a copy to read in a nearby cafe.

If you plan to visit during shareholder weekend, expect closures, crowds and special events across the city, and book restaurants early. Remember that this is a residential and business area, not a theme park, and keep noise and photography to a respectful level. If you have a car, you can also stop at a neighborhood park or coffee shop to rest between locations, which turns the loop into a relaxed, unhurried half day.