Spring Road Trip 2026

The bus will drop us off at Chapters Books & Gifts (located at 548 Seward St). All of the following options are within a 1 to 4-minute walk from the shop:

The Pasta Barn: (1-minute walk)

Directly around the corner. Known for fresh pasta, breadsticks, and an extensive salad bar.
Cafe on the Square: (2-minute walk)

Located across the street. A cozy spot for home-cooked breakfast, sandwiches, and wraps with a view of the courthouse.
Sparetime Lounge & Grill: (4-minute walk)

Just a block and a half south. A classic local grill perfect for burgers, wings, and a casual sit-down atmosphere.
La Cocina Mexican Restaurant: (2-minute walk)

Located just down the street on Seward St. Quick and authentic Mexican favorites.
Bagels & Joe: (1-minute walk)

Right next door/across the street. Ideal if you want a quick bagel sandwich or specialty coffee to fuel your afternoon.

*Seward's downtown is very walkable. If you're looking to maximize your browsing time, The Pasta Barn and Cafe on the Square are your closest bets for a quick, delicious meal. Mini cupcakes will be available for guests at A Novel Idea Bookstore. View a curated Google Map of all locations listed above.

Featured Author

Kody Keplinger headshot and book cover

From New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger comes an addicting read that's The Girls by Emma Cline meets The Scammer by Tiffany D. Jackson.

There are many reasons why five girls have ended up living with Sol in a cabin in the Kentucky mountains. But the girls don’t talk about what has brought them each here or who they were before. They have become sisters and are grateful to have a place to call home.

Iris knows she owes everything to Sol. He has promised to keep them safe from their pasts. All he asks in return is for their loyalty, which Iris freely gives. With her sisters and Sol as her family, she feels happier than she has in a long time.

Until a new girl arrives and everything changes.

Sol christens her Rose and the sisters are quick to welcome her. Iris is drawn to Rose, but as they grow closer, Rose has Iris questioning things about this life in the woods. When Sol notices, he challenges Iris to prove her commitment to their family. Her sisters tell her that she should be willing to do anything for the man who saved her. But with each new ask, Iris realizes there is more to Sol—and her sisters—than she knows and some secrets should stay buried deep.

New York Times bestselling author Kody Keplinger weaves a stunning story about girlhood, power, and desperation that asks just how far we’ll go to save ourselves—and those we love.

Authors

Find all titles in our Spring Road Trip Edelweiss Catalog

Mathilda Zeller author photo

Round robin author photos

Hotel & Travel

The Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker Hotel | 333 S 13th St, Lincoln, NE 68508

There are dining options at the hotel

The Nebraska Union is a 12 minute walk

Hotel Parking Instructions

All attendees will receive a QR code when checking in at the Front Desk. The QR code is your method of payment for parking. Guests will enter the garage, taking a parking ticket - the hotel recommends you keep that ticket in your vehicle).When you leave, insert your parking ticket into the machine at the exit (looks like an ATM). After the ticket has been inserted, the machine will ask for payment.Scan your QR code. You will be able to exit at that time. If there are any issues, use the call button on the ticket machine, which will connect you to assistance.

Attire

We're book people, so we trend towards casual! But understanding many of you are planners, here are more specific details.

During the day, we will be wearing t-shirts and jeans! Feel free to dress similarly or business casual.

Agenda specifics:

The Bookstore Bus Tour (May 12)
- Footwear: we suggest comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for navigating bus steps and walking through six different shop layouts.
- Layers: May in Lincoln can be unpredictable, and bus AC can vary. A light jacket or cardigan is a must.
Education Sessions at Nebraska Union
- Bookish-casual: think nice jeans or chinos paired with a button-down, sweater, or a creative tee.
- Clothing with pockets for business cards!
Evening Receptions & Socials
- Monk & Robot (May 11): for this "cozy book adventure" we recommend causal or even athleisure/loungewear - you'll be in bed by 10pm!
- Opening Night Reception (May 12): the same outfit as the day's sessions is perfectly appropriate, or smart casual!

We all know the weather can change, so continue to check the forecast before you head out!

Things to do in Lincoln

If you have a little spare time before or after Spring Road Trip check out these local sights. See more options at Visit Lincoln.

Lincoln State Capitol

Lincoln State Capitol image
Open daily with free guided tours, the Nebraska State Capitol offers an exceptional way to learn about state history while enjoying panoramic city views.

Learn More

Sunken Gardens

Sunken gardens image
Step into the Sunken Gardens, a floral paradise with meticulously maintained flower beds and serene water features, offering a tranquil escape with no admission fee.

Learn More

Sheldon Museum of Art

Sheldon museum photo
The Sheldon offers the the chance to view prominent American art alongside its adjoining sculpture garden, providing visitors with complimentary access to both.

Learn More

Nebraska Union Wifi Information

To access WiFi at the Union, please use the following steps. If you experience any issues please contact the help desk.

On your device, go to your network connection, and select NU-Guest from the list.
On the browser pop-up window, select Create Account
1. “If the registration window does not pop up, check for and turn off or disable the following settings that can block NU-Guest: VPN connections, static DNS (domain name service) settings, or 3rd-party security tools”
Fill in the required questions
- Name : Full Name
- Email : This will become your username
- Reason for your visit :
- Select how you would like your credentials sent & fill out required information
  - Email
    - Credentials will be sent to the email entered above
  - Text Message
    - Phone Number : 10 Digit Phone Number
    - Mobile Device Carrier
  - Both
    - Phone Number : 10 Digit Phone Number
    - Mobile Device Carrier
    - Credentials will be sent to the email entered above
Agree to terms of use
Select Register
Check your email/messages and you should have received a username and password.
Go back to the NU-Guest network, and when the window pops up enter your username and password, and you should be connected to NU-Guest
Android OS Users

*If you are on Android based device you may need to use Example.com in your browser to get the Guest Portal to Appear.

See the original list of steps from University of Nebraska here.