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!!!

Looking back at 2014 and a blessed 2015 to everyone!!!

The wind is howling right now, snow is falling, and what was laying on the ground is blowing all around. Its the first weekend after the New Year. Are you busy cleaning the house? Taking down the tree? Putting the decorations away?
Maybe you're thinking about next summer? More ways to spend time with your family? Let the sponsors of SandhillsWesternVacations.com help you ... after you get everything put away and the dust has settled.

You really will be having the adventure of a lifetime out here in God's Own Cow Country! Here is how 2014 shaped up and there's plenty more.

Happy New Year from all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ...

Your ticket for four season, family fun, adventures!

 Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations, and you can get food to go at Henderson's IGA, a river trip will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers.  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 patterns from Fear Not Pattern Co.. For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

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!

A blessed 2015!

Happy Father's Day!!!....sure it's not until June 15...but here's some ideas from the Heart City! Plus weekend activities!

You love your dad and don't know what he needs or wants. If he's like a lot of dads, he has everything...except for adventure! That's why he needs a vacation in Valentine, Nebraska...a relaxing float on the Niobrara River! Brewers Canoers can help you out with tube, canoe or kayak reservations. This is the Niobrara River with the sun glistening off the gentle waves as it goes down!

Make it a family affair and get your whole family matching adventure shirts...Niobrara River!!!! Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery has everything you need...T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, caps, flasks, shoes...for the entire family. But this is Father's Day we're talking about. With Outback Screen Printing and Embroidery, you get to be the designer...choose what you want and it will be ready when you get here!

What dad doesn't love to grill? Henderson's IGA has Traeger grills and beef that will melt in your mouth cooked the Traeger way. Click on Henderson's link above and go to their Traeger grill information tab. Your dad will be king of the feast!

Maybe he's not into water or grilling...perhaps he's a marksman. Berry Creek Gun and Pawn will have something he's ALWAYS WANTED! And there is the local shooting range for him to practice with his new firearm.

Now to make Father's Day extra special stay at Trade Winds Lodge. John and Joan are the best people and will make you feel like family during your stay. There is even breakfast, so no one will have to cook!

Moms and the girls might need something to do while dad relaxes in front of the TV at Trade Winds...head downtown and visit the Quilting Cupboard. There's fabric that would be perfect for a quilt for dad...at Christmas!!!! Why not peek now and see what you can find. You'll have allllll summer loooooong to get it completed!

While you're there, pick up a little wool project by Fear Not Pattern Co. No doubt Dad has had days that drive him down right batty?? Perhaps he needs to Fully Rely On God? There's a pattern for both. And something for moms, and grandmas, and ... well, you get the idea.

Go on... give dad the adventure of a lifetime, right here in Valentine, Nebraska! You'll benefit from the adventure as well. After all, the Sandhills are Your Ticket 4 Adventure...Family fun all year round!

Remember...this weekend is packed full of Dad stuff! The 4th annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament at Merritt Reservoir this Saturday, then at 6:00 p.m. is the Valentine Classic Motor Club Cruise Night. Relay for Life begins with a supper at 5:30 and the Survivor Lap will begin at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

Happy Labor Day!!

For those of you who couldn't make it to the Sandhills for Labor Day Weekend...here's a little bit of the Sandhills brought to you!

It's not terribly hot at the moment, and the cicadas are droning on and on and on...signaling that there isn't much left of summer.


Using the power of your imagination, this could be you enjoying the splendor of Smith Falls!

 The giant rock at the middle right, fell from the falls in 2009, due to the heat, cold, and ice; changing its face forever.

After the water flows over the falls it continues down a small stream, over the small, cascading falls and out to the Niobrara River.

 

 

Again, using the power of your imagination...pretend you're here.

With your family.....friends....extended family...school buddies. Whatever. The tents are up, smoke from grill fills the skies, and you know it's Labor Day Weekend. Can you smell the hamburgers? Steak? Maybe it's s'mores? All of which can be found at our local Hendersons IGA.

Some mammatus clouds fill the sky as evening descends. The backside of the hail storm Hay Springs got?

Here's a Labor Day worthy sunset - no matter what type of weather you're experiencing. Cool winds, not too much humidity, and a crispness that indicates fall is around the corner and the end of the droning of these cicadas.

Really, The Sandhills are beautiful regardless of the weather! Actually, it's their moodiness that make them such a fantastic place to visit...Happy Labor Day, even if you're on work break checking this out on your phone, tablet or desktop. We're always open for adventure and you're always welcome!
Check out the sponsors of SandhillsWesternVacations.com and make your reservations for next week, or next year. Stay at Trade Winds Lodge or Valentines Niobrara Lodge. You may want to make reservations now for the annual Old West Days and Nebraska Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

It's not too late to enjoy the fall colors on a trip down the Niobrara with Brewers Canoers. The scenic Niobrara River is a little quieter this time of year.

May you enjoy your pretend visit to the Sandhills of Nebraska!