Unused Vacation Time...come on over and GOLF!

 Labor Day is done and over with...kids are back to school, and dang, you have some vacation time left over...what to do?

 You can see the clubhouse overlooking the Snake River way below. This is also considered one of the most beautiful holes on the course. YOU could be here!

According to The Ryder Cup Issue of GOLF magazine, a Sports Illustrated Publication, we have a little something right here in the MIDDLE of NOWHERE that has been billed as one of the TOP 100 COURSES YOU CAN PLAY!

 Up close and nestled in with the landscape, the Prairie Club has all the amenities anyone would want after golfing. There are lunges, a pro shop, nicely appointed rooms and seclusion...fresh air...and  wonderful experience awaiting you.

The Prairie Club's Dunes Course wasn't listed as #1, but was listed as a new course in 2010, and they're already ranked as #78 in 2012.

 Go ahead....get your putter!

For those who are curious, #1 went to Pacific Dunes in Brandon, OR, and #2 went to Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, CA.

 But they're not nestled in the Heart of the Sandhills. Check out that bunker...do you suppose designers Tom Lehman and Chris Brands made it look like a heart? 

While Gothenburg is a bit away from Valentine, Nebraska, they have a course listed in the Top 100 Courses: Wild Horse Golf Course and is ranked as #73 this year and was ranked #67 in 2010.

 Even the Easter Bunny needs a great place to rest. O.K., so it's not the Easter Bunny, but there's no telling what type of wildlife you'll see. 

But wait...there's more! The Prairie Club has not one, but two different courses in addition to the Dunes Course, there's the Pines Course. The Prairie Club has also built new accommodations that overlook the scenic Snake River.

 A bunker you will definitely want to avoid...but beautiful none the less. 

 Nice green fairways with a lot of rough spots typically which are typically seen on Scottish links. 

  The September 2012 issue of GOLF magazine suggests there's no reason to cash in your frequent flier miles to reach a trophy course, but if you do have vacation days left...and frequent flier miles to use, why not think about making the Prairie Club a destination?  You won't be sorry you did! And you won't b able tow ait till spring to try the course again. And we'll be waiting for you then as well!

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?

Before summer ends...tube the Niobrara!

The sun is beginning to sink into the western sky a little bit earlier each evening. The crickets are chirping and the nights are beginning to have a bit of a chill to them. BUT the days are certainly warm! And the Niobrara River is waiting for you to soak up the sun beams as you tube lazily down the scenic river.
You can canoe if you want....or kayak.  It won't matter. It's all about family time together...girl time...guy time...or even that one last hurrah before school starts!

You can take a few hours, or a few days and camp along the way. And when you're not on the river, there's so much else you can do, how about some golf?

Maybe some fishing at Merritt Reservoir or at the refuge lakes where there's even a map available to help you find your favorite fishing hole!

 
Fort Falls is a beautiful location at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge.

As you take the stairs down to the cool depths of the Niobrara River Valley, follow the trail out to the Niobrara River and splash around a bit.

Smith Falls is equally as beautiful and has a campground for your enjoyment as well.

Summer isn't over. And if you've not had your vacation, you know you're about due...head over to the Sandhills of Nebraska and give yourself, your loved one, or your family a special treat from an area that can't be beat!!!

The Cork has been postponed

There are simply some things in life that aren't controllable. And because of those uncontrollable things, The Cork Young Memorial Golf Tournament that was to be held tomorrow, has had to be rescheduled for a later date.
Keep tuned in for when that will be.

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.

Nebraska Star Party...NOW!

That's right folks, the Nebraska Star Party is going on NOW at Merritt Reservoir! They had quite the show tonight I'm sure, complete with lightning, rumbling clouds, and maybe - GOD willing - some rain...something we're all praying for.
Except if you're in a tent at the Snake Campground trying to look at stars - which these folks are.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, July 18, there will be classes held at Valentine High School, something for you and your family...there are even classes for the kids! Make sure you stop in and see what the fuss is all about. Classes begin at 12:30 p.m.

Then, make the plan to stop out Friday night about 9:00 p.m., before it's dark. Come early even, and enjoy the pristine white beaches and cool waters of Merritt if it's hot. As the sun sets, the show will begin, the Star Party gang will have their telescopes ready for you to view different planets, gobular clusters, and things you probably didn't know even existed in deep space.

 The beauty of the "steam" rising from the tea-pot. The steam is really the Milky Way - and it's oh, so beautiful and is pictured above!

Park with lights facing the exit and bring a flashlight covered with red cellophane so as to not ruin your "night eyes" or the "night eyes" of others.  Dark skies are scarce, and ours are fabulous. Make the plan. Work the plan. And finally, enjoy the plan. 

Henderson's IGA PRINT-AT-HOME Coupons

Henderson's IGA is a Five Star Store, and that's because they offer the best service and products.

They've added something new to help make shopping easier, faster, and more economical!

With the economy as it is, and vacation plans looming this summer, why not take advantage of Henderson's new feature - PRINT-AT-HOME coupons!

It's simple. It's fast. And it saves you money. You can either click the ad that looks like this on the front of the SandhillsWesternVacations.com Web site which will take you directly to their Web site.

Or, go to Hendersons.iga.com and click on the coupon button on the red bar at the top of the page. From there, just select the coupons you want. When you're finished, print them and begin SAVING!

What's especially nice about this feature for travelers, is not having to deal with bringing food from "home." Melting ice, drippy coolers, possible spoilage...when you can get all your grilling, 'smores and more at Henderson's IGA, located on Highway 20 in Valentine.
And you'll get it all fast and with a smile! That's what makes them a Five Star Store!