Willa Cather Home - Red Cloud 

We didn't follow directions very well.  We came to the home and found it closed and misread the hours as the home hours when, in fact, we should have gone to the National Willa Cather Center instead.  We'll see if we can run down here again to tour what we can.

 Superior Estates Winery - Superior 

They were closed when we stopped by.  Unfortunately, their open hours are very limited so we were unable to get them on a workable route.

Susan's Books & Gifts - Aurora 

This is a most unusual bookstore.  They only handle used books and there are a LOT of them.  They take in and move out about 2,000 books per month.  I don't usually put URLs on here, letting people look them up as they desire, but this one deserves the exception to the rule. Susan is not doing this to gain wealth, but to make the world a better place.  https://susansbooksandgifts.com/

All their books are donated and are sold for 2.99 each.  They also donate some books to certain groups.  

The whole premise of this store is friendship.  People volunteer to work here because they believe in the mission of Susan's Books to make it possible for just the right book to a change life.  

There's also a gift shop in the adjoining building to the north.  Susan is really full of enthusiasm for her mission.  When you stop in, make sure you take time to meet Susan and browse her store.  If you're a reader, you will absolutely find something to take with you.

S.A.M. Que & Catering - Kearney 

Very popular barbecue restaurant in Kearney.  It's an attractive location with a great menu.  All the normal BBQ items plus hamburgers.  

We ate there and numerous people came in to pick up orders to go while we were there.  They had run out of burnt ends dinners.  Apparently, they have a tremendous carryout business.  I had ribs made in St. Louis style that were lightly seasoned and served with a selection of sauces and Cindy had an order of loaded nachos.  As always, the plate of nachos were enough for 2 or more.

I liked the map they have on one wall.  Go Big Red!  Of course, that's not why Nebraska is red but I sure hope this year will finally be the year the Huskers turn in a winning season.  At least we can cheer on girls volleyball.  They haven't had a bad string of games for years.

Primitive Chicks - Antiques & Home Decor - Stromsburg 

I'm not normally looking to buy antiques but I don't mind browsing in an antique store.  I often find things I grew up around either at home or at my grand parents homes.  There were things here that I've never seen before.  

 

 

  There were also some very unusual light bulbs that had a soft coating which appeared very flame-like.  Several of the small lights you can see in this photo are those light bulbs.

I like the store's layout.  It is very roomy and uncluttered.  So often antique stores are so jam-packed you can hardly move around without worrying about knocking something over but here, that's not the case.  

This store is located in a beautiful historic building in downtown Stromsburg along with the 4th Street Coffee house. The building inside was fixed up very well and it was very inviting. After we got our passport books stamped, we looked at all the antiques and home decor items. They had some beautiful  unique items. 

Before we left, I bought an Iced Mocha and Frank had an Iced Black tea. They had plenty of tables and chairs to sit at but we wanted to look around some more. We really enjoyed seeing this place and also enjoyed our drinks. Check it out for yourself in person or on Facebook.

 

Magnolias Boutique - Central City 

This boutique is located in an historic home in Central City.  When we walked into the building I was in awe.  It's filled with trendy women's clothing of all sizes and accessories to finish your outfit.  They also have unique gift items.  

While Frank visited with one of the owners and her helpers, I walked around to see all of the beautiful items.  They even had designed their own tee-shirts for sale with Get Stamped along with a special design of Central City on it and their business name along with Nebraska Passport Stop 2024.  They were really neat.  You can go on their website: magnoliasboutiquecc.com to see all they have to offer.  I bought a small billfold that day, but I definitely intend to go to the website and spend a bit more time looking things over.  My sister-in-law Vicki warned me I would love this place.

This boutique was filled with beautiful items. Check it out but give yourself enough time to look around. You will love it. Oh yeah, don't forget your checkbook or credit card.

Island Oasis Waterpark - Grand Island 

This is a hugely popular place on a hot summer day!  Lots of people all over.  I didn't take any photos inside the fence because everyone was so spread out.  You'll have to trust me when I say there were hundreds of people in here.  Many were just relaxing in the shade enjoying a cold drink and snacks, including pizza.  But lots more were in the water or just soaking up some sun all over the place.  The lazy river looked like a fun, relaxing water feature partly because it was shady in some areas.

They have a pair of really tall water slides.   I was hoping to see someone slide down while we were there but didn't catch anyone. 

The Archway - Kearney 

This is such an impressive structure, especially when seen in the distance as you approach.  The interchange on I-80 makes it very easy to get to compared to from the first few years when you had to drive several miles east, from Kearney.  I remember the first time I saw it, driving west, "OMG, what's that!!!".  We've really enjoyed the Archway and have been here a few times before.  It seems like it must be unique in the country, to put a pioneer history museum over the Interstate highway.  

Moving through the museum from start to finish is to take a tour along the timeline of settlement in the West.  It seems fitting to put it over I-80 sort of signifying the Westward expansion over America's coast-to-coast highway.  It's also interactive as you move along, with sound effects and narrative as you come close to the displays.  

When we walked in, we were greeted by an old timer.  He directed us to where we needed to go and take the best photo with him in the entry.  The escalator takes you to the actual museum which appears like you're entering into a covered wagon at the top.

Outside there are several displays, one of the biggest is the bison.  For those who have never seen one in real-life, this is much bigger than a live one.  I hope you all enjoy it.

Barista's Coffee House - Grand Island 

Very neat little place to enjoy a drink and snack.  This coffee house looked so much like a regular house that I wasn't sure we were at the right location.   

There are a couple drive up windows to order and be on your way.  It's a very attractive location.

We placed our order at an inside counter.  When we got our order, we went outside and sat in a nice patio complete with a beautiful built in fireplace for cold weather, with a pergola and lights.  Attached to the patio, they have another building with indoor seating and restrooms. Okay, you all know how much Cindy likes her coffee. This time she ordered a Strawberry Smoothie with extra strawberry which is what I ordered.  They also have pastries and other baked items. I ordered a brown butter rice crispy bar.  I like the taste of brown butter when ever I run across it in a recipe so I wanted to give this a try.  We sat in the patio area to enjoy our drinks and rice crispy bar and then headed off to our next stop.  The Strawberry Smoothies were excellent and Cindy didn't even miss her coffee this time. The rice crispy bar is as good as it sounded to me.  

Stop sometime, get a coffee, smoothie or something else to drink or eat and relax on the patio. It's a beautiful place to take a break and enjoy a some quiet time.

Lakeside in Louisville SRA - Louisville 

 This is a private business inside the Louisville State Recreation Area.  The store is really well stocked for day use visitors and campers.  I'd be surprised if anyone couldn't find what they need right here.  However, if that's the case, the town of Louisville is just across the highway from the entrance.  

They also have an ice cream room and gift shop. Quite a few gift idea such as the photos above.  Cindy bought a cute, tiny little turtle to put on her shelf with her other miniatures.  We also enjoyed visiting with the owner who was very friendly and told us about the area and the store.

There are over 200 campsites here plus a lot of space for families and play areas for children.