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!!!

Hunting and fishing friendly lodging for fall adventures

It's fall - full blown, colorful, beautiful, and ready for you to explore!!!

 

 

 Valentine had her first frost Friday, October 18, 2013, and it sure did something spectacular to the leaves.

It wasn't long and the sun warmed up the crystals and all you could hear were the trees releasing each leaf...cascading them to the ground below where they raced down the street in a noisy clatter.

Are you a bird watcher? They are beginning their migration and there are many, many, places that you can watch them as they prepare their travels.

 Also beginning their transformation are the caterpillar. This one is a white lined sphinx moth caterpillar; also called a hummingbird moth caterpillar. Once it goes through its metamorphosis, it will sip nectar from morning glories and other long necked flowers, with its long tongue.

With the government shut-down over, there will still be hunting at Valentine National Wildlife Refuge. But for the best time ever, why not book your hunting or fishing expedition with Double R Guest Ranch http://www.sandhilldoublerranch.com/html/deerhunts.html. They have the best facilities way out in the middle of nowhere for an experience of a lifetime.

Trade Winds Lodge also caters to the thoughtful folks who enjoy hunting and fishing with facilities to help get their catch cleaned and on its way home. To make reservations go to http://www.tradewindslodge.com/ They're open year-round with doorways open to the parking lot - NO STAIRS!!! In the morning, there's a breakfast bar that will get you on your way - even when the sun's not up quite yet!

 Even though there's a chill in the air, the Niobrara River is serene this time of year without the company of the summer visitors, yet flamboyant in its colors! Why not take a fall trip in a canoe or kayak? You'll still need some sunscreen, and there's still going to be some nice weather before a full fledged winter comes on~right?

  Here's a sunset taken over the Niobrara River which you could be experiencing, along with the beautiful foliage and nature hikes available when you enjoy a fall vacation in the Sandhills.

 Let the sponsors of SandhillsWesternVacations.com make your family fun, four season vacation  a trip to remember.
Comments and suggestions are welcomed at sandhillsvacations@yahoo.com

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.

Valentine National Wildlife Refuge Maps, Valentine, Nebraska

The Sandhills Prairie Refuge Association has helped the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge get these magnificent 24" x 36" maps of the south refuge, located on Highway 83, about 25 miles from Valentine, Nebraska.
These maps show lakes, markers, roads, and different areas for hunting and retail for $10.00 each.

They can be picked up at several local merchants in Valentine: Trade Winds Motel, Sinclair Gas Station, Valentine Visitors Center, Fred's Bait, Plains Trading Book Sellers, Shell Gas Station and  Sandhills Oil in Thedford.

Or you can have a map sent to your address by contacting Janet at 402-376-3789. A shipping charge will be added to the $10.00 price.