I was going too, but.....DON'T PUT IT OFF!

As I write this several changes have occurred. The first is that my mom is still in the hospital and has been, in one form or another, since February. The toughest thing about this is there is nothing I can do to change things, except say prayers.

My mom in peach, my aunt in mint, maid of honor in pink, my uncle in the far back, my dad, and little me in the best lavender dress my mom made,  for my uncle's wedding!

Other things in Valentine have changed as well. Remember that cute quilt shop, The Quilting Cupboard, that you were going to visit but didn't make or have the time. To her delight, she is closing to spend time with her family and grandchildren. Visit her Facebook page to see what zany, crazy, sales she may be having. A couple other Valentine businesses are closing as well and just as joyfully, to spend time with their families!

Which is why I titled this: DON'T PUT IT OFF!

Were you thinking of making a trip to Valentine? To the Sandhills? To Merritt? To tube the Niobrara?

The time is NOW! Before the kids go back to school. Here are some of the fun things that have been scheduled for your enjoyment!

From July 31 through August 5 is the Nebraska Star Party! And it's one of the darkest parties you'll ever be invited to!!! Deep space objects, the Milky Way, star constellations, family fun! Do you have a telescope at home that needs upgrading? This is the place to be. There is a swap n shop that also includes books on how to use your telescopes, what to look for in outer space, and a challenge to find the 110 objects that French astronomer Charles Messier catalogued in 1771. Friday, August 5, is open to the public. But you can be included by signing up for the entire week by going to Nebraska Star Party. You can also see some of the fun by going to SHWV's Nebraska Star Party.

Hang around a day and enjoy the Rotary Sponsored Disc Golf Tournament! There are monetary prizes!!! The tournament will be held at the Valentine City Park, click here for more information.
This is a non-sanctioned event.

Some like disc golf, others like bargains! August 6 will be full of bargains as well!  CRaZy BaRgAinS for a CRAZY DAY!!! Get some back to school clothing, tools for your college bound student, there's bound to be a bargain you can't or won't pass up! Make sure you stop at Outback's new location!

Later in the evening, Norden Dance Hall will be hosting the band Outback. Dance, have fun, and dance some more! DON'T PUT IT OFF!!! Directions to Norden can be found here. And the dance is held in the big red barn!

August 10-14 is fair time in Cherry County. There will be music, those delicious funnel cakes, carnival rides, spectacular blue ribbon animals, the pavilion decked out with all kinds of vendors. Kids, mow a few lawns to earn money for rides and the games...DON'T PUT IT OFF!!!

Other changes that you may not know about...Norden Bridge was removed over the spring, and replaced with something completely different.

Before...

After...

Before...

After...

And the final change is to Snake Falls. I'm sad to report that as of Wednesday, July 20, 2016, Snake Falls has been closed to the public until further notice. People have been disrespectful and left trash behind, there have been thefts, defacing the falls, and non-payment of the $1 fee to see the falls. Lastly, there are new liability laws and safety is their paramount concern. They are working on options for future viewing.

As you make your plans, be sure to stop at the Chamber sponsored businesses and pick up one of these nifty totes, made by Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery! The Chamber is using these as a fund raiser, and they're filled with all kinds of goodies, coupons, and fun stuff! Look for them when shopping in Valentine. They're large enough to carry magazines, a laptop, or a great lunch for two! But still pretty classy to hang on too! 

Dean Jacobs, the Executive Chamber Director models one so fashionably! 

There's still quite a bit of summer left in the Sandhills! Don't wait until it's too late. Grab your loved ones, come out and enjoy what there is in the Heart City, on our waters, and make memories. Cherished memories. 

I will always have memories of my parent's visits. It would be a miracle if my mom would ever return to this little slice of heaven...so don't be the one saying, "I was going too, but....

DON'T PUT IT OFF!  

We welcome you!

To head over to the website go toSandhillsWesternVacations.com

Adventure for DAD!!!

Summer has come upon us FAST! So fast in fact, that Father's Day is literally around the corner. Hopefully you've planned an adventure fit for the king of the house!

Several of our sponsors have just the right gift for your dad...Henderson's IGA has Traeger grills, spices, grilling tools, and most important...mouth watering steaks to sizzle on his new grill for the entire family and friends!

What about Berry Creek? Absolutely stop there because they have ammo, guns, targets, and reloading for dads who would rather walk on the wild side and grill their own catch!

Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery has caps, T-shirts, jackets, shorts, and shoes for your special dad, and they can personalize his gift making it a one of a kind! Badgers? Cowboys? Huskers? They have it all!

Maybe dad's not so great at the grill and Mac n' Cheese is his speciality? Fear not....gift certificates from Coachlight Cafe are great any time! They make the best homemade food and will deliver locally! Hungry? Go for the Badger Burger!

What about a trip down the river??? Brewer's Canoers and Tubers can get you all fixed up...tube, canoe, or kayak! The river level is fabulous...scenery is GREEN, GREEN, GREEN, and abundant with wildlife. Not to mention p-e-a-c-e-f-u-l!

Some dad's are sentimental...how about a project for him with fabrics, woolens, and buttons from The Quilting Cupboard. There's cowboy prints for neckerchiefs, patterns  by Fear Not Pattern Co. just because and whatever your hands create will become a beautiful memory!

Water sports, fishing, skiing, can be great fun at Merritt, so can camping. Even a walk, hike, or looking for fossils can be a wonderful way to spend Father's Day together!

Happy Father's Day from the sponsors at SandhillsWesternVacations.com We invite you to come and enjoy what the Sandhills have to offer - It's your four season family fun, ticket 4 adventure! Check out the Schedule of events for June and July 2016 Schedule of Events...there's a lot coming up for you to enjoy!

What the changing seasons mean for you!!! The Nebraska Shop Hop and talking turkey for the guys!

The changes of seasons can be a metaphor of your life, family life, or could be literal...as in the lovely month of April. One day you have on flip flops and the next you're kicking those aside for snow boots, and finally, digging out the umbrella for the anticipated and longed for April Showers.

Which coincide nicely with the theme for this year's Nebraska Independent Fabric Shops 18th annual Shop Hop held April 7-16, 2016, with the theme Seasons Sewn.

It's also a manly time...for the guys to get together and talk turkey - for real! Turkey season is now open for the guys and was proclaimed by our Governor to be one of the best places to see them in all their spring glory!

So get together and head out to the Sandhills of Nebraska, specifically, Valentine, and stop off at the Quilting Cupboard where you'll find the specially printed fabric panel along with coordinating prints of the Seasons Sewn collection.

Each shop is independently owned along the route, so each has a personality and flavor all the
their own. The further you head west the more relaxed you'll become and the people are so welcoming!

The Quilting Cupboard is located at 130 W. Fourth Street - make sure you park in the parking lot, not along the highway! Hubbies...head down the block to Berry Creek Gun and Pawn, stock up and hunt the hills!

There are scenic highways to make your travels beautiful, and the baby calves will be out to greet you shortly, if they aren't already. Grasses are turning green...right before your eyes!

Welcome to the Sandhills...where you will enjoy your sewing and hunting adventure whether it's the latest in fabrics or the wilds of the Sandhills!

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  trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers...it won't be long before the summer season begins.

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 spring 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 Mother's Day is coming up and they can make your customized one of a kind gift for her or the graduate!!!

The Valentine Chamber of Commerce has their new edition of Explore Valentine and a bevy of brochures that will have you coming back 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!!! 

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!!!