Lulubee's Artisanal Chocolate   Stop# 34 Pg 23

  This stop is a bit hidden because of where it is located inside of an apartment complex.  You might be tempted to just get your electronic stamp while nearby.  Trust me, you will be glad you drive in and  stop because these chocolates are quite good.

  

  There is a nice variety of sweets, not just chocolate.  

  Here's where it's all put into a finished product that might be called art.  Okay, I know almost nothing about art but if I did, this has to be as close to what someone might call art in the chocolate world.

  There's a nice little multiple choice quiz by the door.  I passed!  Wish I could have had such easy questions in school.  Anyway, enjoy your visit.

 Rachel's Boutique  Stop # 35, Pg 38

  This is a place that sparked my interest.  It's all women's apparel.  It is very unique and full of beautiful clothes and other items.  I love purses and did want to buy one but Frank said that I didn't need another purse.  That is true but I figure you can never have too many purses. 

Lots of clothes and accessories you would expect to find in a boutique.

We spoke to the owner and found the whole staff to be very friendly and helpful. We recommend you go to Rachel's boutique and see for yourself the beautiful items in the store. You won't be able to resist buying something.

 The Loft  Stop # 36, Pg 31

Located south of and across the street from the southwest corner of Union College.  Easy to find but since it's a bit off of 48th St, you may notice it in passing.  That's what we did.  The Loft is a 100 year old house that's been restored into a very interesting shop. 

 It appears the floors are the original hardwood and have been painted white.  There are 11 rooms and each one has a themed décor with many unique finds.  If you're looking for just the right thing for a room but haven't been able to find it, you'll probably find it here.  

There is plentiful parking so you won't have to carry your new treasures very far.  

 Gold Mine Antiques Stop # 58, Pg 10

  Clever sign on the building.  At first glance, it appears like it's made from old, smudged metal but if you do more than just glance, you will see a miner panning for gold.  Not sure there's any metallic gold inside but you can sure find what I think is a very diverse collection of antiques that those interested in that will probably consider "gold".

  Cindy and I are not antique collectors but it is fascinating to see this old stuff.  Lots of these things were my toys growing up.  We did have a lava lamp once (who didn't).  

  The All American Beer sign is original but they don't know about the neon tubes.  No idea how long ago this was brewed.  I don't remember seeing any of it in any of my family's refrigerators.

  The store is small but it is really packed.  They have a very nice website for your perusal.  The owners are only there on weekends so plan accordingly if you want to browse around.

Terrace Books, Stop # 12, Pg 38

  This is a really nice little bookstore.  We didn't take as much time as we intended because we wanted to head to Dodge to see Vernice (Cindy's Mom) in Parkview nursing home.  We both like perusing bookstores so we'll go back.  The store opened a year ago and has been very well received in Columbus.  It's located on 11th Street which seems to be the place for small shops like this.  I know how us Passport people are in going to visit stops on the map and this one will not disappoint anyone.  Unless you don't like reading.  I ran into someone once in David City about 25 years ago who proudly proclaimed he never set foot in the library.  I wasn't sure how that's something to be proud of but to each their own.

  There is a very attractive terrace in back with a small fountain and several places to sit and read your new book.  The large (I mean really large) east wall is covered with ivy and creates an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.  In this age of electronic everything there's something about holding a book that seems to instill a sense of nostalgia.  Memories or imagining's that take you back to simpler times when everyone wasn't trying to race to the next thing.  

  Today's stop was from an entry in the Nebraska Wine Passport.

   We visited Rich Harvest Vineyard and Winery by Syracuse, NE.  It's a fairly large place with a very modern décor.  It opened only 4 years ago and has plenty of seating.  They also have live music outside on some weekends, when the weather is suitable, which includes a fairly large covered deck on the south side where you can enjoy the entertainment.  Weekends and events can be very busy.  It is quite well maintained.  No accent lights were out and I didn't see any dust or neglected areas.  It's evident the owners are very proud of what they have created.

  I'm not a wine drinker but Cindy is, so, we had to have a round of tastings.  They have a honey mead that is very good and to my surprise, there is a cranberry wine that I would never guess was wine.  That also was very good.  Overall, I think this would be a fun place to spend an evening with friends if this appeals to you.  For those of you who know me, don't worry, I am NOT going to start drinking wine.  Mostly, I just don't care for the flavor.  I'll stick with my Mountain Dew.