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Story by Tina King
Photography by Daniel Johnson

A new year brings a new look for the house; a new look for you; new ideas to get you out of old ruts.

So when the need for change – or just cabin fever – finds you out of the house and on the hunt for new treasures, take a trip along Leavenworth Street. In the stretch between Elmwood Park and downtown Omaha, you'll find antiques, gift-quality collectibles and good eats – all with a different character than the big chain stores that draw so much of our holiday season attention. With some of the old, some of the new and plenty of the delicious, Leavenworth Street offers an experience that is never the same thing twice.

MIDWEST PICKERS
3701 Leavenworth
Stores on this part of Leavenworth play along with the current “old is new” design trend. If you're an HGTV or Nate Berkus fan, you'll have fun imagining what designers would do to “upcycle” the fun lamps and chairs at Midwest Pickers Warehouse. The store, open since October, has almost 10,000 square feet of vintage, antique and modern furniture.

11-WORTH CAFE
2419 Leavenworth St.
Fuel up for shopping with breakfast at Tony Caniglia's 11-Worth Cafe, a downtown staple. Slip into a wooden booth or belly-up to the counter and wake up with a heavy mug of coffee and your choice of a Denver, Mexican or Philly omelet.

HUMBLE HOME
5022 Leavenworth St.
You'll find refurbished furniture at The Humble Home, another Omaha Midtown newcomer. We like the selection of vintage paintings, chandeliers and tableware. Although the store is small, it's worth a stop to see the ever-changing finds of owners Andrea and Kyle Tonniges. Be sure to give a nod to the store's statue/bust mascot, Matilda, and check out her latest hat.

BACK IN THE DAY
2561 Leavenworth St.
Whether you're a fan of true antiques or mid-century modern furnishings, Back in the Day has something to offer. It looks like a small shop from the outside, but the store actually has a large lower level. Upstairs you'll find the oldest, traditional antiques. Descend to the basement, and funky music rises up to greet you. We found egg-shaped chairs and groovy go-go boots.

A GIRL'S BEST FRIEND
4655 Leavenworth St.
Case after case of diamond-alternative jewelry holds pieces that dazzle in the light, as do the walls of sparkly evening bags at A Girl's Best Friend. There are clothes and bags for daywear, while items like Chinchilla coats, ruffled evening dresses and silver-studded belts draw the most attention.

COME INTO
MY KITCHEN
5423 Leavenworth St.
Try the soups, sandwiches and grilled specials at Come On Into My Kitchen. Watch the chef at work as the cheery yellow walls and aromas take your mind off winter's gray days.

ISABELLA'S TREASURES
4312 Leavenworth St.
If you're still in gift-giving mode, Isabella's Treasures sells adorable, customizable metal sculptures of football and baseball players. Owner Tracie Walch just needs a few minutes to turn your pick into a member of your team of choice. While you wait, check out the wall of handcrafted earrings symbolic of dozens of careers and hobbies.

GERDA'S GERMAN RESTAURANT & BAKERY
5180 Leavenworth St.
Wind down the day with Gerda Bailey's famous pan-fried chicken at Gerda's Restaurant & Bakery. For an authentic German dinner (Wednesday through Saturday), try the Hungarian Goulash or the Wiener Schnitzel. The cookies beckoning from behind the glass cases always look appealing.

MCMILLAN'S ANTIQUES
5002 Leavenworth St.
McMillan's Antiques offers two floors of mostly furniture. We fell in love with a Stickley rocking chair and some of the more rustic pieces in the basement.