Things to be thankful for...deer family and friends!

Oh, my deers, what a wonderful time of year to count your blessings...

Make sure you try all the goodies on the table! Including the squash and cranberries!

Hey...no faces...just try it!

Love all of those...even those who are difficult...they do teach you lessons you will be thankful to learn...and will come in handy during your lifetime.

Here's hoping your Thanksgiving is more special than a million bucks as you enjoy all your deer family and friends...


Remember to stop by Valentine, NE, Saturday, November 28, for the inaugural Valentine's Heart of Christmas Celebration...festivities begin at 6:00 p.m. along Valentine's Main Street. Santa's coming to town and will end up at Santa's Headquarter's at the  Co-op, on the corner of Main and First Street.
a Spaghetti Feed will be held at the United Methodist Church, along with a live Nativity!

Come out and enjoy...count your many blessings...from all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com...your four season, family fun, place for Nebraska adventure.

What's coming up in Valentine, Nebraska? Things to be thankful for!!!

We've had an amazing fall...which is leading us into all that there is to be thankful for! We're thankful for all of the communities in the Sandhills who are going to usher in Thanksgiving and Christmas with a bevy of activities.

We'd love for you to participate! First up, this little poem...

Yes, Holiday Preview will be held in Valentine, Nebraska, Sunday, November 22, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m., and Santa will be at Viaero from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

You'll want to capture the spirit of Christmas of course! And it will be in all the shops!!!

Whether they're on Valentine's Main Street or not....the spirit will be there!

Remember, you have a week to fill out your punch card for the Valentine Chamber of Commerce's $500 give-a-way, so

S-L-O-W D-O-W-N!!!!!

Dean from Valentine's Chamber of Commerce will gather the punch cards Saturday, November 28, and announce the winner at noon!!!

Be sure to stick around, because that's when the inaugural Valentine's Heart of Christmas celebration  will take place! Oh the fun you'll have watching floats adorned with lights head down Main Street!

No matter the weather, the parade will end at Fifth Street, so everyone can stay warm! Santa will be coming back to town with the parade and his headquarters will be at the co-op on the corner of Main and First Street. Mrs. Claus will be there as well which means....cookies!!

Stop what you're doing and come enjoy the lights of Christmas, Saturday, November 28!! More and more activities are being added; stop by their Facebook page: Valentine's Heart of Christmas Celebration to catch up!

Art will be on display in the old theatre building, refreshments, drawing for a quilt created especially for this event by Yvonne Hollenbeck!

The United Methodist Church will have a live nativity and is hosting a spaghetti feed with a free will donation from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Then, Saturday, December 12, will be the Bowring Christmas celebration in Merriman, NE! Diane and her crew serve up the best meal, and the Twin River Band will be entertaining after Santa makes his arrival! More details on that to come!

Not sure what to expect? It's a new family every year...and if you came alone, then you will leave with new friends!

See...there are a lot of things to be thankful for...great communities, values, fun, activities, and the love of Christmas' Spirit!

Let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. 

Why not get a gift certificate for a trip Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers ?

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments - there will be ice shortly! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co perfect little projects for this season! 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery at their new location!!!. 

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of brochures that will have you coming back this fall... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! And while you're here for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, remember, there's a lot more coming up! Stay tuned...we welcome you and your family!!!

Many, many, thanks veterans!

All of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com thank you so very much for your sacrifices veterans!

What are you hunting for in the Sandhills of Nebraska?

There's so much to hunt for out here; let SandhillsWesternVacations.com sponsors help you!Casey has what you need to make your trip successful...ammo, guns, targets, reloading, sights, and a smile to go with it! Make sure you stop at Berry Creek Gun and Pawn located in the bright red building on the corner of Main and Fourth Street in Valentine. He can provide you with everything except...

Your experience. Remember safety first!  Hunter orange!! 

There's plenty of turkey roaming the Sandhills. Crazy bird. Beautiful, shiny, feathers... crazy birds. 

Not quite ready to put up your fishing pole? Totally understood! Fish at the Mill Pond located down the big hill on Main Street in Valentine. Fall colors, tranquility, and fish await you! There are also the the Valentine Refuge lakes south on Highway 83. Some of them are undergoing restoration...better fishing next year!

Nim-Rods will have all the tackle, live bait, beverages and snacks to take with you...and they're the friendliest folks to help you. Located on the corner of Highway 20 and 97...stop there before heading out to Merritt Reservoir which has places to hunt and fish...take care of both your passions!

Perhaps you're hunting for something entirely different...something you made from your heart? The Quilting Cupboard is the place for you my friend! Bolts upon bolts of cotton fabrics, kits, woolens, and patterns. Not sure what you're looking for? Susan can give you a plethora of suggestions!

Maybe it's time to begin making Christmas gifts?! Fear Not Pattern Company has patterns at the Quilting Cupboard that are truly unique. Make one pillow that is either super easy, or more complex for the super savvy sewer, then make panels that will change throughout the year. One pillow, several panels to select. There are also Prayer Pets. Stitch by stitch, pray for the recipient...including yourself.
The Quilting Cupboard is located west of Berry Creek Gun and Pawn!

Hunter orange and camouflage hoodies, T-shirts, and gear can be found at Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery! They have a new location at 208. E. First Street. Their speciality is customization. Did you find what you were hunting for? Why not take a photo and have them put it on a T-shirt or sweatshirt? Truly unique. One of a kind. Better yet, get one for the friend who didn't get what they were hunting for!!! :o)

Perhaps you weren't lucky at all in your hunting pursuits? Henderson's IGA has EVERYTHING you need to make your trip successful, from the best beef in the area, beverages, and fresh morning donuts to make your day sweeter and your nights merrier!

There is quite a bit of fall color left out in the Sandhills of Nebraska. How brave are you? Brewer's Canoers and Tubers still puts people on the Niobrara River to enjoy the autumn colors that line her banks. Try kayaking for a jewel of a trip you didn't know would be something you'll be hunting for next year too!

Trade Winds Lodge is the place you want to wake up refreshed and ready to begin your adventure. John and Joan will become your friends...their motel is has a continental breakfast to begin your day...no matter what you decide you're hunting for...out here in Nebraska's Sandhills!  

Remember to stop at Valentine's Chamber of Commerce located a little north of  the corner of Main Street and Highway 20. Dean will share where the fish are biting, outfitters to help, and he has maps to help you get around! 

Enjoy your Sandhills Adventure this fall and WELCOME to this unique neck of the ....  hills. We don't have much for woods. 

And let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. 

Why not plan a leisurely fall trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers ?

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co perfect little projects for this season! 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery at their new location!!!. 

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of brochures that will have you coming back this fall... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!!

Make time for fall adventure in the Sandhills!!!

It's ever changing...the skies, water, foliage...and it's all here for you to enjoy! Come and take a peek at what your fall season, family fun, adventure could be like!

There were still campers at Merritt Reservoir enjoying the colorful storm rolling in. Only a small amount of rain fell, but left behind this remarkable scene below!

Berries - big deal? Not necessarily. They attract wildlife. Are you a bird watcher? There were several species flying around getting their fill. For the more disciplined, they may have gotten a great photo of them nibbling; however there were other distractions...

...the stellar colors of the screaming yellow and lime leaves against the brilliant blue of the sky.

 There's something magical when the sun hits the fall grasses...what luminance!

With the time change, the sun will be setting earlier, but you can still see fascinating things like these pods which have gone to seed.

Creeks are flowing swiftly and beautifully! This is Fort Falls which will flow into the Niobrara River!

Hiking anyone? Some thoughtful group of people put stairs for the deer to climb up and down the steep inclines of the Sandhills. Not really! They're there for you and your family - yes your furry family as well - to enjoy. Do yourself a favor and wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops!!!

There's more to the family adventure....in Valentine there will be the kiddy parade Friday, October 30 beginning at 4:00 p.m. Booohhahahahaah!

Nothing incredibly scary like a dark forest reflected in the lake, or a giant spiders web ...

Scary like a lion perhaps??

The parade has some interesting characters...some you may recognize like the Mario Brothers! Some aren't so recognizable. Their shadows are also disguised as well...very clever! Line up at First and Main Street and let yourself be seen...4:00 p.m.! 

After the parade and trick-or-treating for candy, with special thanks to Valentine's businesses, kids can continue to the square in front of the Justice Center for more fun! Giant Jenga anyone? Video games? 

Looking forward to your presence at Moonlight Madness after these activities! From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. it's hard to say what madness will be going on inside participating businesses. Sales? Of course. Oddities? Naturally! There's one way to win prizes and Chamber Bucks...keep a keen eye out for something that doesn't quite belong!!!

Enjoy your Sandhills Adventure this fall!

And let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. 

Why not plan a leisurely fall trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers ?

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you could ever want in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co perfect little projects for this season! 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery at their new location!!!. 

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of brochures that will have you coming back this fall... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! And while you're here for your Halloween and Moonlight Madness adventure, remember there's a lot more coming up! Stay tuned...we welcome you and your family!!!

Old West Days schedule of events October 8-11, 2015

Do you like tales and music from the old west? Then it's time to get to Valentine, NE for the 24th annual Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Old West Days.

Henderson's IGA grilled excellent burgers last year!

Thursday, October 8 will be the kick off for the annual event with a BBQ at Security First Bank's parking lot along with live entertainment which begins at 4:30 p.m.
After that it's time for the Melodrama which begins at 7:30 at the Valentine High School.

The Valentine Players will wow you with their antics. This group was from a previous performance!

Friday, October 9
The music and poetry sessions begin. Some you will have to pay for, others are free of charge. All are interesting insights into the settlement of the west. Which, when you consider the age of this area, it's really still being settled at a mere 130 years old.
9:00 a.m. - Poetry and Music at VHS
10:00 a.m. - Trade show opens at VHS gym
7:30 p.m. - Featured performances requires you to have tickets. The performers include: Doc Mehl, Susie Knight, Cowboy Culture, Dakota Style with Paul Larson, Robert Dennis and Bonnie Krogman and host Doris Daley.

Cowboy music and poetry will be shared on the same stage! 

Saturday, October 10
9:00 a.m. -  more poetry and music at VHS
10:00 a.m. - Want to learn the Do's and Don'ts of Writing Cowboy Poetry  head to the commons area and be instructed by Doris Daley
10:00 a.m. - Time to shop at the Trade show which opens at VHS gym
1:30 p.m. - Featured performances requires you to have tickets. The performers include: Doc Mehl, Susie Knight, Robert Dennis, Bonnie Krogman, Paul Larson, Trey Allen, Mary Kaye and Three Trails West hosted by Doris Daley.
7:30 p.m. - Featured performances - again, tickets are required. Performers include: Trey Allen, Mary Kaye, Three Trails West, a secret special guest, with host Doris Daley.

O.K., not quite that type of trail ride...the kind where you bring your own horse and enjoy the beautiful countryside on a crisp fall day!

Sunday, October 11
11:00 a.m.  - Old Time Church services at various churches in town.
2:00 p.m. - Trail Ride - information can be found by clicking on the link below.
7:30 p.m. - Final showing of the Melodrama - hiss and boo at the villain, cheer and applaud the hero and heroine!

For tickets call 1-800-658-4024 or go to Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering. You can also contact the Valentine Chamber of Commerce for more information at 402-376-2969.

It's a weekend full of fun, music, poetry, and FUN. Quilts will be on display, western giftware, CDs from the performers, and a variety of fun things you really don't want to miss out on!

Don't let the sun set before making your arrangements to attend the 24th annual Old West Days!

Let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, Old West Days' plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you have an excellent selection of fresh foods at Henderson's IGA. 

You can get a gift certificate for a trip down the  Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers? What a terrific gift for you or a loved one!

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you need in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co. 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery which has new location on First Street!!!

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of information that will have you coming back all year long ... make sure you stop by and pick some of their brochures up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! 

We welcome you and your family!!!

The Sandhills are alive with color!!!

Always, the invitation is open for you to come and visit the lovely Sandhills! There's plenty of thrills...and things to do. Right now the Sandhills are alive with color! 

Rich, jewel tones! Emerald with amethyst dusted with pollen on this morning glory!

Misty rain highlights this tiny lavender flower on the forest floor. 

Butterflies are fueling up for their migration on purple asters. 

A fuzzy bumble bee allows this portrait to be taken. Smile! 

Ordinary marigolds are a nice looking flower this time of year...up close you can see they're also dynamic as they unfurl their petals and are also homes to webbed insects. 

Raindrops emphasize the tips of this Ponderosa Pine. 

Sumac is already changing colors....stellar!

This beetle didn't care for the raindrops collecting on his back. Notice his middle leg is wiping them off. Something it did repeatedly. Adorable.  

Ruby mixed with garnet and a bit of citrine grace this tree....birds  flock here for winter kibble. 

Webbed beauty! Mist beads up on this intricate lacework! 

Grasshoppers are interesting...especially up close. Kind of looks like a robot face..."better to eat all your flowers!"

A recent, record setting rain fell, cleaning off all the leaves, trees, and hills, for a nice crisp walk on the many trails in the area. 

Geese are starting to collect for their migration as well. 

Happy autumn...the sun sets sooner...and colors are intensified making everything look cozy and warm. It's a purrrrrrfect time of year for a Sandhills vacation or quick visit!

Let our sponsors help you with your four season, family fun, vacation plans!!! Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get excellent food to go or grill at Henderson's IGA. 

Why not plan a leisurely and colorful trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers?

Nim-Rods Bait Store has all you could ever need or want for your fishing excursion - poles, live bait, bobbers, jigs, hooks, and plenty of refreshments! Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, has everything you need in the way of firearms, ammo, and reloading supplies - conveniently located right down the street from The Quilting Cupboard, which has western prints, wool, cotton and batik fabric, along with patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co. 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery which has new location on First Street!!!

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has a plethora of brochures that will have you coming back this all year long ... make sure you stop by and pick some up today!

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, ticket 4 Adventure....come find out why at SandhillsWesternVacations.com!!! 

We welcome you and your family!!!