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!!!

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!!!

Spring time in the Sandhills

Our spring has been different this year. Scorching heat, dry, then cool, wet, snow, and finally rainy. But it's made our Sandhills truly beautiful - enjoy! 

As the season progresses and you plan your vacation to the Sandhills, 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. Why not get a gift certificate for a trip down Niobrara National Scenic River at  Brewers Canoers and Tubers for warmer weather? 

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.

Plan your Sandhills Summer - Schedule of Events for 2015!!!

Happy May! It's sunny...the grass is greening up, waters are warming up,  fish are waiting to be caught, everything is getting ready for you to plan your Sandhills summer getaway.
There are so many things going on it would be helpful to have a schedule...right?
Here's a look at all the fun and adventure from 2014....

May 2 - Nebraska Game and Parks Kids Fishing Derby
May 9 - Valentine High School Graduation
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 16 - Cody-Kilgore High School Graduation
May 25 - Memorial Day
May - Cody Circle C Celebration

June 6 - Minnechaduza Days and Turtle Races during the Day - Cruise Night afterwards
June 13 - 5th annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament
June 27 - Valentine Alumni Renunion and Banquet
June 28 - Sod House Sunday, Arthur Bowring Sandhills Ranch - Merriman

July 4 - Independence Day
July 11 - City Wide Garage Sales during the day, and Relay for Life - Cherry County in the evening
July 12-17 - Nebraska Star Party

August 1 - Crazy Day
August 5-9 - Cherry County Fair and Rodeo
August 29 - Old Settlers Reunion - Sparks

September 7 - Labor Day

But the fun doesn't stop there...things quiet down and there's still plenty to do!

October 8-11 Old west Days and Cowboy Poetry Gathering
October 10 - Pumpkin Patch

November 11 - Veterans Day
November 22 - Holiday Preview
November 26 - Thanksgiving

There will be more planned around Christmas and we'll save that for another posting - but you will want to attend! Stay tuned!

Meanwhile, make sure to click on the sponsor's advertisements on the home page - The Sandhills, as well Awesome Wildlife and Bugs, and Sandhills Skies, which will take you to their websites. You'll get even more information on how they can make your Sandhills Western Vacation something you'll treasure. Something you'll want to come back and enjoy with family and friends, making memories every season.

Customize your vacation in Valentine - a little town in Cherry County, Nebraska!

Have you ever enjoyed a fun filled vacation in the Sandhills of Nebraska? It's your four season, family fun, destination with something for everyone!

Family reunions would be perfect - there's plenty of lodging from rustic camping to drive right up to your room and unload at the Tradewinds Lodge in Valentine, Nebraska.

One of the fun parts of family reunions is the colorful T-shirts, hats, and jackets each family chooses. You can design your own right on-line and pick them up when you arrive at Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery.

Perhaps your loved ones will arrive for a wedding, there's plenty of one-of-a-kind gifts that can be found at Outback Screenprinting and Embroidery Their goal is customization, customization, customization...YOUR way. Unique. One of a kind. For any event - not just weddings, or family reunions. Many sizes are available from the smallest to the largest!

Watch....

And it's not just limited to shirts....

There's mugs, bling, hats, anything you like!

Spring has already sprung and there's always a trip down the Niobrara National Scenic River. A water lovers dream. To get you on the water, Brewer's Canoers and Tubers will help with your arrangements...tubes, canoes, or kayaks. They also have a campground for  an adventure you'll truly enjoy. 

And if you don't want to spend your entire trip cooking, Henderson's IGA has catered meals, Chairman Reserve beef for grilling, and for fast, quick meals, there's always the deli. 

Please use the sponsors at Sandhills Western Vacations, they're some of the nicest people in Valentine, the heart of Cherry County, Nebraska!

Sign up now for the 3rd annual Andrew Claymon Fishing Tournament - June 8!!

While there may be some snow flurries as you read this - it won't matter, because come tourney day, the skies will be as blue as Andrew's eyes, and the fish will definitely be biting!!! 

All the more reason for you to dust off your tackle box, check your fishing line, get a few new lures and join the fun of the third annual Andrew Claymon Memorial Fishing Tournament!!

Teams are needed, so find your favorite someone and make reservations to be at Merritt Reservoir on June 8. There are prizes, you know.

And it's every kids dream to fish with, and learn from someone very special - and that could be YOU! Click on this link to sign you and your pal up: http://andrewclaymonfishing.com/

To find out about Andrew and how the memorial fishing tournament began go to 2012 then go to May on this blog. His mother, Joni, shares the story. 

Hope to see you there!!! Under those blue, blue, skies with fish biting like crazy.

New and improved Web site to serve you better!

The Sandhills Western Vacations Web site was recently renovated. There are slide shows that showcase our beautiful area for nearly every FUN thing there is to do here...throughout the seasons.

We are a destination that can be enjoyed all year long and there are plenty of things to do. Some years are better for ice fishing than others. Some years are better for going down the river than others. But no matter...there's always going to be enjoyment in those activities; they'll become the vacation that you'll always remember because...

It would be fun to post some of your remembered vacations and share photos as well. Please send them to SandhillsWesternVacations@yahoo.com and they will be featured on a future blog!

There are a few more things that will be added to the Web site, but those will have to wait for a later date.

So...if you're inclined...share your thoughts on the new SandhillsWesternVacations.com and remembered vacations and photos at SandhillsWesternVacations@yahoo.com

Labor Day decisions?!

Imagine the decisions that need to be made this year for Labor Day...It's not like it's going to rain on you - right? The biggest decision might be if it's too hot! But the weather already shows that it will be in the low 90s during the day and mid 60s at night
So get yourself packed up and headed over to Valentine, Nebraska, where the beaches are pristine, white, sugar sand at Merritt Reservoir.

 While the water itself is low, you can still put a boat in at Cedar Bay, which has fabulous campsites nestled among the pines.

 What's missing in this picture? YOU!!!!

There are campsites and restrooms that are handicap accessible as well! Bring the entire family.

And because the water level is lower, there's a lot to love on the pristine, sandy beaches!

 How about that jewel of golden color from the Cottonwoods? Really, with this record breaking heat, it sure is nice to see the hints of color indicating that fall isn't too far away!

 Of course, the fish are biting, which is important.

Make some plans to get to Valentine this Labor Day weekend to enjoy the Sandhills and leave some footprints in the sand!

 

There's so many nooks and crannies that need to be explored! 

 Isn't this absolutely fabulous? Doesn't it make you want to get out and see what else is around Merritt Reservior?

 Here, you see a couple rings in the water...what is that? It's called rain drops. But it was so short lived....and who knows...maybe if Merritt Reservoir was completely packed with campers, boaters and folks fishing, it might help break the dry spell.

There's always something to look forward to out here...and as the summer comes to an unofficial close, don't let the sunset without you. Remember, only you can make memories special...why not make them at Merritt Reservoir with a bunch of sand, sun, and water this Labor Day?