Great Plains Art Museum - Lincoln 

This museum actually turned out to be a refresher course for us.  Last year we learned a lot about Nebraska's Indian heritage from a Passport stop in Whiteclay, NE at a location called the Whiteclay Makerspace.  Whiteclay is a town on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation which is mostly in South Dakota.

Here at the museum, they just opened a new exhibit in September, featuring various art forms done by Indians from various tribes.  Many of these are typical of modern artistic photographs and painting from native life but some are somewhat unique, at least to me.

One of the new ones for me was called Ledger Art which we saw in Whiteclay last year.  They used actual ledger pages from old county ledger books.  There were several examples here.  The photo below isn't using old ledger paper.  It's using the same kind of background but from various sources.

 Of particular interest to us is a name I didn't expect to see here.  

Fred Hoppe is a very well known bronze sculptor and he has donated a studio here.  Fred used to be from Schuyler and now lives in Columbus.  He has galleries in at least a couple other places around the country that I know of.  Some you may have known his brother Frank.  A famous trap shooter who once broke over 1,000 without a miss!

Sandhills Guest House Motel - Atkinson 

This looks like a really inviting place.  Great appeal from the road.  We found ourselves here late in the afternoon.  We had a ways to go and after we left I almost turned around but ended up driving a while after dark to save some time off the next day.  I had to be home for a meeting at church the next evening.  Unfortunately, we had to fit in the last few stops on the Passport in the last week, to get them all done.  Next year, I hope, we can have more time to be more timely in our travels.

We had a very nice conversation with the manager.  She told us that they decided to offer 10% off for  Passport people who stay with them until the end of 2024.  So if you find yourself in the area, stop in.  There is also a good restaurant in town, just ask about it.

I was told by someone we met from Atkinson, who was traveling for the Passport, that this motel has very nice rooms, clean and well furnished.  I should have asked if I could have taken a photo in a room but didn't think of it.

The Simple Company & Floral Shop - Bridgeport 

Very nicely remodeled store front which adds to curb appeal.  I was very impressed with the customer count here.  

There were always people in the store and a line of cars at the drive-up window.  I chatted with the owner for a couple minutes to find out their business has been doing really well.  The location is great and it's very easy to get to.  There are several tables inside.  It was a few minutes before we could even get our passport books stamped because they were so busy.  

They have a bit of room yet, inside, to add even more merchandise, if desired.  However, with the business they are currently experiencing, they would have to add another worker.  But that can be a good thing.  Keep in mind their floral business.  I didn't ask but I bet they can create a display for any occasion. 

 

Outlook Pizza - Ponca 

We had heard that pizza here is very good and we were really hungry when we drove up to this restaurant but we didn't realize that they close at 2:00 PM.  Unfortunately, neither one of us thought to check open times.  Oops!

Outlaw Pizza is located in historic, downtown Ponca and the building looked very inviting. Next time we head to Ponca State Park, hopefully we can get here during open hours.

Diane's Greenhouse - Fordyce 

The first thing we said when we drove in was "Wow".  It's a remarkable place and seemingly unlikely to be such a success because of location.  That says a lot for the owners.  When we spoke to Diane she told us that she started the greenhouse 24 years ago and this year she added 2 more greenhouses.  Just look at some of what we saw outside.

 

 

 

 

           

I asked how much they might yet sell and were informed "all of it".  Of course, they started the year with a LOT more.  I am constantly amazed by what small businesses are doing all over the state.  While we were there, a number of customers stopped by.  I thought maybe some might have been Passport seekers, but no, all were customers.  There were several greenhouses, as well, but they were all empty by this time of year.

 Look at this cute, little bale of straw, as displayed by our professional model.  Or do you need a pumpkin or gourd?  Here's a nice selection.

Since it's getting late this year, you may have to come next year to check this place out.  I have no doubt you will find something for your home or garden or deck or patio.

Plainview Klown Doll Museum - Plainview 

The word Klown in the name is spelled correctly.  The outside of the building is painted and decorated in a fun and festive way.  It makes you want to go in and enjoy yourself.  This would be a great place to take children and grandchildren.  This museum is home to over 7000 dolls and clowns.  Unfortunately, we arrived too early.  They were opening at 1:00. 

Centennial Hall Historic Museum - Valetine 

This is a historical landmark built in 1897. It's now the oldest standing high school building in the state of Nebraska. It has heritage historic artifacts from the area and includes a thrift store. It's also the Valentine's Visitor Center.

Unfortunately, we were in Valentine at the wrong day because it was closed. Frank and I really like museums so sometime on our travels out west, we want to go back and tour the museum.