5. I <3 ART
The Stops: Bone Creek Museum of Agrarian Art in David City, Carnegie Arts Center in Alliance, Love's Jazz and Art Center in Omaha, Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Museum of Fur Trade in Chadron, Petrified Wood and Art Gallery in Ogallala, Red Path Gallery in Seward.
Our Top Picks: We are not big art people, so this is hard for us to judge, but I'd saw it was a toss-up between Red Path Gallery, which had some fantastic art by Nebraska artists. I actually want to go back there again to walk around since it is so close to Lincoln and Petrified Wood and Art Gallery. That museum was run by twin brothers who have been collecting since they were little boys and they had stories to tell. I wish we could have stayed longer there because they were entertaining. Most of these art folks were wonderful people. In David City, a couple gave us a wonderful tour and, in Alliance, two ladies stayed open a few minutes late just because we called ahead.
6. ONE OF A KIND
The Stops: Hollywood Candy in Omaha, Lee's Legendary Marbles in York, Meadville Store in Ainsworth, Moonstruck Meadery in Bellevue, Sew Blessed in McCook, Solid Rock in Kearney, The Whistle Stop in Basset, Yankee Peddler West in Fremont
Our Top Pick: Meadville Store in Ainsworth was an experience we won't forget. It wasn't really a store, but a bar in the middle of nowhere. This was another time on the trip where we thought we might be stuck in the mud and lost forever with no cell phone service. The only time we stopped to ask for directions was in Ainsworth. But once we got there, we had a drink at the bar and the couple was extremely friendly. I guess a lot of people get married out there in the park. It was definitely "one of a kind." The marbles museum in York was also very unique though.
7. CHILL & CHAT
The Stops: Balcony House B&B in Imperial, Historic Golden Hotel in O'Neil, Liberty House B&B in Seward, Oft's B&B in Bennington, Pine Valley Resort in Long Pine, The Kaley House in Red Cloud, The Spirit of Brownville, Whispering Pines B&B in Nebraska City
Our Top Pick: Although we really like most of these stops, we stayed the night at Pine Valley Resort and that was amazing. It was probably the most laid-back part of our trip. We got there early and took in the whole place. It was a cozy little cabin. We went and got groceries and made dinner (and snacks and drinks) in our kitchen. We hiked down the the creek and ventured into town. It was so peaceful and beautiful there. We also were able to stay the night at the B&B in Imperial and that was our very first Bed and Breakfast experience, so that was cool too. We even talked about giving the B&B in Nebraska City a try if we ever had a girls' getaway again.
8. NEBRASKA LEGENDS
The Stops: Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial in Columbus, Arbor Lodge in Nebraska City, Arthur Bowring Ranch in Merriman, General Crook House in Omaha, John G. Neihardt Historic Site in Bancroft, Ponca Tribal Museum in Niobrara, Senator George Norris Historic Site in McCook, Willa Cather Historic Site in Red Cloud
Our Top Pick: At Ponca Tribal Museum, they invited us to a powwow. I mean how can you beat that? We didn't actually get to go, but the man that runs this place was hilarious. He evidently sits out at this secluded house and makes drums all day and he loved telling us stories. He was absolutely a joy and even though we had to drive way out of our way on the way to Minneapolis, he made us glad we did.
9. HAPPY HEART
Our Top Pick: This was supposed to be an active trip, but we didn't do much activity. I wish we were able to kayak/tube on the Niobrara and really walk through the Hudson-Meng boneyard and the Fontenelle Forest, but since we didn't do any of this stuff, my top pick has to go to Cowboy Trail. We walked this on our night in Long Pine and probably just stood silently on that beautiful old railroad bridge for half an hour. That place will always be special to me. I also want to mention that Spring Creek Audubon Center was our first and last stop since it was closed the first time we went. Worked out perfectly.
10. ONLY IN NEBRASKA
The Stops: Agate Fossil Beds in Harrison, Boys Town, Buffalo Bill Ranch in North Platte, Homestead National Monument in Beatrice, Scotts Bluff National Monument in Gering, The State Capitol in Lincoln, Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, Woodland Trails Art in Winnebego
Our Top Pick: Personally, it was Scotts Bluff for me. We had added Chimney Rock to our trip, assuming that would be better, even though it wasn't on any of our official stops, but after going to Scotts Bluff, I understand why they picked that. So much more impressive. It really looks like a gateway to the west.
I chose to put this tour last, though, because the experiences surrounding these stops were some of the most memorable. After stopping in Harrison at the fossil beds, we really needed to get Alliance and were short on time. Google Maps indicated a short cut, but we didn't see it. Suddenly, I yelled at Hillary to stop because I thought I saw something. She was sure it was just a driveway or makeshift road between fields, but sure enough it was labeled "Cut Across Road." We laughed about that forever. Also, we accidentally crashed a wedding in North Platte, which led to even more laughs. In the State Capitol, we couldn't find anyone to stamp our passport so I climbed over the counter to stamp myself to the shock of Hillary. In short, this trip was full of laughs and memories that will last a lifetime. If you are considering doing the 2016 tour, we strongly encourage it. Take an adventure right here at home. :)
