Enjoy what the Sandhills have to offer!

The countdown is on for Labor Day weekend!!! Pack up the family - including your furry family  - and head for the hills!!! The Sandhills that is!!!

There's plenty of fabulous food to eat out here!  Burgers, steak, and for this monarch, the wonderful goldenrod - Nebraska's state flower. There's fuel in them hills...which is something the monarch, as a whole, is in need of. Their numbers are dwindling and they need nutrition along their route - which was explained by the new manager at the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. Make sure you stop out there for some pristine wide open spaces, or to fish.
New docks and there are some lake renovations underway - but there's plenty of other refuge lakes to find your fish!

The Sandhills are your four season, family fun, vacation destination - deerie!

Play...dance...enjoy!!! Be weird, be random...you never know who you'll meet up with and the new friends you'll eventually call "family."

Odd....but true! Family isn't always a birthright...sometimes it's the deer friends you hang out with, or the turkeys you love so much you call family!

The sunflowers are in bloom ... alive with buzzing activity.

And it won't be long before the birds begin their migratory patterns - which is enjoyable even if you're not a bird fancier! So take flight....get ready....and land in the Sandhills for Labor Day!

You'll be offered the best vistas, and the most comfortable perch to watch as the season slowly changes colors to vivid gold and bright yellows!

As the seasons begin their change...so too do the skies. While this giant field looks full of fluffy cotton candy or crunch popcorn, it's actually the remains of a storm that took place far, far, away...and we were left with this beauty!

Sometimes, there's a bit more drama - which is stunning to look at. Again, 15 drops of rain fell, but left behind a small rainbow tucked into the clouds. You can almost smell the rain and feel the wind tugging at your hair.

An unusual rain cloud....dropping some moisture right between the power poles. Magnificent way to end the day?!

You're invited to enjoy all that the Sandhills has to offer. Check out the different activities on  SandhillsWesternVacations.com and make a discovery of your own this Labor Day weekend.
Clearly, there's plenty to do...or not. Watching the sun set is a fine art...but does take practice.
You've been challenged!!! Sit back....relax...enjoy....

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 leisurly  trip down Niobrara National Scenic River with  Brewers Canoers and Tubers to complete your summer?

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. 

For a one of a kind gift that is uniquely yours, head over to Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery 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 Labor Day...begin planning your fall adventure! We welcome you and your family!!!

You're invited to a fun filled ADVENTURE in Cherry County!!

June 21 is creeping up on us...and you know what that means? Equal daylight hours and evening hours. Cool - eh?

But June 22, every day will be losing daylight by a minute...maybe two...and that means the slow decline of vacation season.

Cherry County Tourism is inviting you to come to the Sandhills and enjoy an adventure like you've never had before.

Abundant rains have made the hills green, the rivers full, the links lush,  and the falls refreshing...you're invited!

Plan your vacation to the Sandhills and let our sponsors to help with your adventure!!!

Trade Winds Lodge, can help you with accommodations; and you can get excellent food to go at Henderson's IGA. Contact Brewers Canoers and Tubers for a trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River. 

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, who has 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.

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! 

For some literature about vacations in Cherry County, contact Visit Valentine a publication created by Nebraska Life, or Journey to Western Nebraska, also published by Nebraska Life.

Remember...the Sandhills are your four season, family fun, adventure....come find out why!!!

Visit SandhillsWesternVacations.com to plan your summer adventure today!

To watch some of the amazingness of the Sandhills check out our YouTube channel at SandhillsWesternVacations on YouTube.

Let the Adventure begin...

Sharing the symbols of a very Merry Christmas from the Sandhills to your house!

One of the first things you notice about Christmas is the lights! They're a beacon of hope; Jesus was born in Bethlehem and became the Light of the world! 

Angels are made in the snow, are hung as decorations on our trees, and even grace the lamp posts in our communities. One of the first things Angels say when they make their appearance is, "Fear not." An angel came to the Virgin Mary and told her of God's plans for the birth of Jesus.  

After His birth, an angel came to the shepherds in the field and said, 

"Fear not; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people."

Merriman, NE,  decorates their community with angels. 

 Who doesn't like a gift? Granted, there are those who have a hard time receiving; likewise, there are those who have a hard time giving. 

God's love for us was so great that he gave us a perfect gift in the baby Jesus. Presents reminds us of God's gift - the way to eternal life in Heaven through Jesus. 

Pictured above is the Cross and Santa and his reindeer at the Bowring Ranch in Merriman. 

The Christmas tree...where did its tradition begin? There are many different theories, some say Druids and other the Germans. The evergreen is a symbol of eternal life. It keeps its needles all winter long. Not to mention the food and shelter it provides for all of God's creatures. 

This Christmas tree is near the post office in Merriman.

 How do you feel when you unwrap your Nativity Scene? A barn. 

Some say it would have been more of a cave. 

Either way, Jesus came from humble beginnings, his first bed a manger. Until you live in the Sandhills, or are around livestock, a manger filled with hay has no particular significance. 

But when you're in a barn, all the noises, the animals chewing their cud, the soft baaaaaing of sheep, and cattle who want that hay...does the manger take on a different significance.

Remember,  He's closer than the phone booth in Cody, NE! Always. That's His gift to you! 

Kilgore, NE, decorates in lanterns, reminding us of the Light of the World! 

Valentine has candy canes, trees, and candle sticks to decorate the town. There was the thought that the life of Christ was depicted in a candy cane. The white represented His purity, while the red signified his blood shed for you for eternity. Three stripes represented the Holy Trinity. 

The Sandhills wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. One filled with joy, laughter, and His love. And if what you had really wished for, hoped for, and wanted wasn't under the tree...come visit our quaint shops where they have something for everyone! 

From all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ...

Your ticket for four season, family fun, adventures await....

They can help you with accommodations at Trade Winds Lodge, food at Henderson's IGA, a river trip gift certificate which will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers. There are unique, one of a kind, gifts galore that can be found at Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, 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.

A very Merry Christmas!

All the stuffins' and fixins' in the Sandhills!

Let me be the first to say Happy Thanksgiving! By now your bird should be cooked and shared with family...

I shared my dinner with some turkey's and a few squirrley friends that joined in! But it was all good!

It might not seem like it at first...but there's always enough to go around. Remember the birds of the air? Even they were provided for with the berries of the cedar.

Our moms showed us what was good to eat, and if we were especially blessed, taught us how to prepare for the next generation.

Dads get to horn in on the action, giving direction to their kids or to play with grandkids while the meal is prepared.

Here's hoping you and your flock all had a very Happy Thanksgiving!

From all of us at SandhillsWesternVacations.com ...

Your four season, family fun, adventure awaits....

They can help you with accommodations at Trade Winds Lodge, food at Henderson's IGA, a river trip gift certificate which will showcase the extraordinary diversity of the Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers. There are unique, one of a kind, gifts galore that can be found at Berry Creek Gun and Pawn Shop, 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.

Happy Thanksgiving...

Everyone hunts...differently!

This is the big man week..cammo, weaponry, ammo, ammo, and more ammo.

 Or not.

Everyone hunts differently. Some hunt with all their buddies by walking all over the woods as more of a bonding ritual, never even firing a shot.

It's those who this is addressed to.

You're going to be needing supplies...snacks...frozen pizzas that can be microwaved, and all kinds of beverages. When you step into Henderson's IGA, you'll notice the food is hiding.

  Not technically, but it is sorta...behind brand new coolers. Ohhhh, they're sleek, modern, glimmering and a wee bit on the shiny side. Behind them are all the provisions you'll need.

 What's so fabulous about the new coolers is that it's also helping to save the planet by being more energy efficient. And you're a part of this every time you open and close the doors to get your Jimmy Dean breakfast sausages, Eggo waffles....

 ...or delicious caramel sea salt gelato - an Italian style ice cream.

 So, shopping at Henderson's IGA will keep the planet much greener for our four legged friends who appreciate those hunting the aisles and keeping the woods nice and pristine.

 Because we all hunt differently....

 Some in groups....

 Some the aisles for the sweet goodness of fruits and vegetables...

 There's every possibility there will be snow this weekend...

So enjoy your big man week and happy hunting at Henderson's IGA. Be safe and remember to pack your hunters orange. It's pretty manly after all.

Sign up now for 6th annual Cork Young Charity Golf Tournament

 Winning last years' event was the Renning family! It could be you this year...sign up ... and play to win. Because in the end, everyone wins at the Cork!

The sixth annual Cork Young Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2012 at the Deer Park golf course.  The three person scramble will begin at 10:00 a.m. A complimentary meal, flag prizes, and trophies for each of the three flights will be included in the $200/team entry fee. 
 Since its inception in 2007, the Cork has donated over $30,000 to local charities including the Sandhills Area Foundation, the Valentine Youth Activities Association, and the Valentine High School Foundation. 
This year the tournament’s proceeds will be donated to the Sandhills Cancer Fund to help with travel expenses for those seeking out-of-town medical attention.  This donation will be given in honor of Cork’s sister, Elizabeth Dorris, who was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.  If you are interested in joining the fun, call Deer Park at 402-376-1271 to register your team.

The gift of adventure...

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deeds. Proverbs 19:17

That's what giving is all about! And that's why we celebrate Christmas - because of His fantastic gift to us! And that's why reading is so very important...to read about HIS gift and to share that Gift.

Since 1994, the American Legion family has collected new and good used books to be given to area children at Christmas through the Share the Gift of Reading program. All donated books will be sorted and placed with gifts to be distributed through the Fill an Empty Stocking project. (More information on this tomorrow.)

Books are needed for children of all ages from 1 through 18. Please donate books that you know your own children or grandchildren would enjoy. These books should be new or in very good condition.

Drop boxes for books will be located in the Valentine Library lobby, Plains Trading Company Book Sellers, Valentine Elementary School, and on the porch at 427 N. Main Street. For more information call 402-376-2443. Deadline for all book donations is December 20.

We're so blessed to have two fantastic book stores in the Sandhills!

Plains Trading Book Sellers have books on a wide variety of topics: best sellers, kids books, art, cooking and books about the outdoors. There are also books from local authors who share their version of ranching Sandhill style! There are beautiful photo books that showcase the very best the Sandhills has to offer.

 Best sellers!

 Fun for ALL ages!

 Plains Trading Book Sellers even has books with blank or lined pages for people to sketch or write  down their own thoughts for book! What a beautiful fore edge!

The Ark Christian Books and Gift Store has books for all ages including Bibles that tell of Christ's birth.  There are Bibles for teens, cowboys, and military personnel. There are Bibles for brides, dads, moms, and for the busy woman, there is the Bible clutch! How about that?! There is a place for your cards - debit and credit - drivers license and check book with the Bible right inside- held together with a secure zipper.  Pretty clever!

 Share the gift of hope with Todd Burpo's story Heaven is for Real! 

Of course, the Reason for the Season...read His story and find out how it does become your story...

Cherry Blossom Paperie is a place to make your own books by way of memories and photos in scrapbooks. How about putting your Christmas memories together for future generations to enjoy...you can begin over the Christmas break and families could work on it  t-o-g-e-t-h-e-r!

 Cherry Blossom Paperie also has  a little gift for someone special because friends are the best presents!

Radio Shack has a Nook Color and Kindle for people who prefer to download their reading material. Actually these devices can hold more than one book - they can hold a mini-library! Ta-da! They can also download newspapers and magazines by subscription. Notice the sale prices on these up in the corner of the flyer!

The Ad Council says reading is fundamental...but it's also just plain fun...adventurous...educational...informative...enlightening...and in some cases...life changing!