When I lived just north of Iowa City and (many years) prior to BIY in NL and Marion I would plan out a year of brewing supplies and would make a trip to Northern Brewer and buy all I needed. Back in those days Chris still owned the biz and would give me a nice discount for my purchase. Even with the sale of NB/Midwest were I still in that part of the world that would likely still be my plan. Personal preference but I find a lot more to do in the Twin Cities for a long weekend vs Omaha, YMMV.