Whiteclay Marketspace Stop # 70 pg # 31

This is another surprise place on the passport.  Inside were things we were totally surprised to find.  First off, we find Ledger Art.  Never heard of that but Cindy's holding an explanation in this photo.  To read it, you will have copy it and zoom in.

It's kind of a unique idea although since I'm not an artist, maybe it's common.  Anyway, the piece Cindy is holding is painted on a copy of a page from an OLD Dawes County Ledger book.

In a back room, the next surprise was a quilting machine.  A second one is behind me.  Cindy and I don't know anything about quilting, but I suppose anyone who sees this will immediately recognize it.

Moving on we next came across an art supply room and workshop.  Those light yellow sheets are leather and the tan ones underneath are soft leather.  Both are ready to use.  There are so many supplies in this room, I couldn't even begin to know what they're all used for.

There are also samples of art done by an indigenous artist.  I forget where he lives, might be Denver or Omaha.  Sorry, I didn't make a note of that.

This place is available for any of the area indigenous people to come and learn different skills, working with all manner materials.  Some make jewelry, some paint, some work with leather, some sew.  They're also in the process of installing a photo and video studio.  This is a fair distance from eastern NE, but I hope people take time to drive up and look around.

Bulldogger's BBQ Stop # 67 pg # 27

We arrived here at the same time as another couple from Omaha who were also out collecting Nebraska Passport stops.  We met them at Niobrara Valley Vineyards and we were both heading home for the day.  Got home kind of late that night.  We took our pulled pork home with us.

We didn't expect a fast-food restaurant for BBQ takeout.  Hope it works for them, the food is very good.  There is some space and tables outside while the weather is agreeable.  There were quite a few people coming up to order while we waited.  The aroma will certainly get your mouth watering while you wait.

The menu is attached to the glass, but this photo didn't work too well.  I should have gotten my actual camera with a polarizer filter to reduce the reflection.

They do something very thoughtful, listed on the left-hand signboard.  They honor military, indigenous people and first responders with 10% off.  Thank you for the considerate gesture.  

Big Mama's Kitchen Stop # 48 pg # 26

Big Mama's is inside of a larger business which also has a lounge and another food business.  I ordered the catfish and it was as good as any catfish I've ever had.  Not a single bone, either!  Cindy had a chicken sandwich, which was also good but I think she liked my catfish better.

They have a fairly big menu and a lot of tables shared with the other businesses.  At the time we ordered, we didn't see nearly as many people ordering at the other food service as at Big Mama's.  That may be a testamony to the taste and quality of Big Mama's.  It was featured on Diners, Driver-Ins & Dives in 2008.  See circled photo below.  It's had to tell but that's Guy Fieri from the food network.

Here's a short history of "Big Mama" herself.  Unfortunately, she passed away but her food has gone on and I'm sure she would be pleased with how her restaurant has continued.

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Stop # 8 pg # 30

The visitor center is in a renovated historic barn from the early 1920's and it has been beautifully remodeled.   The scenic byway follows state highway NE 2.  This is a very pretty drive through the sandhills which are very dramatic when you think about them being ancient sand dunes.  It's so rugged in places, it's hard to imagine bison herds of tens of thousands grazing and running over them.

There is a series of photos and descriptions of how the barn was moved and remodeled.  I've seen large buildings, including barns, being moved down the highway, it is an incredible endeavor.  A lot of planning goes into it.  Power lines need to be cut and repaired and other obstacles get either moved or dismantled to make room for the moving structure.

It sits on 14 acres with a working windmill and a walking trail with educational signs.  I'd venture to guess that the majority of people who stop and see the windmill have never seen one that actually pumps water.  For those of us who grew up on a farm or ranch, this was and still is a common site.

They are also building a real sod house from the soil I'm standing on.  I don't know if this is native prairie sod or not.  When I looked closely at the walls, it didn't seem like the sod was as thoroughly filled with roots as other sod houses I've seen.  There's very little native prairie left wherever you find land suitable for farming.

Once inside, we were greeted by a woman who explained the barns history and answered all of our questions.   The barn is filled with historical items and displays that relates to Custer County and Nebraska history. These items were very interesting to us since we both grew up on a farm.

Notice all the barbed wire samples from the past, on the wall.  This is pretty common in Nebraska museums.  I've always thought it was pretty amazing how many ways different companies tried to make better barbed wire.  Makes me think of how many better mouse traps must have been invented although I've not yet seen a mouse trap museum.

They even restored the barns' loft so you can climb the steps and walk on the original barn floors with more items, including artwork and quilts plus other historical objects.

We enjoyed this beautiful site and historical displays.  Stop in sometime and check it out for yourselves.  Walk the short trail outside and read the information boards along the trail.

Main Street Gallery Stop # 44 pg # 39

 

Main Street Gallery in North Loup was a wonderful gallery filled with beautiful displays of creations done by local artists. There are paintings, drawings and photos.  

There is a wide variety of subjects in the various pieces.  Plus, many other gifts and collectibles.

I've always liked clouds.  Partially because of all the time I spent on the tractor watching clouds and sunsets.  This was my favorite photo.  

The woman that greeted us is one of the artists and she showed us her beautiful work.  The one she's holding is her favorite.  She also explained to us the history behind the Gallery, which was very interesting.  If you are in need of a gift item, I am sure they will help you pick one out.  Even if you are not an art collector, take the time to visit Main Street Gallery, it is worth every minute. 

Hilltop Gardens Stop # 59 pg # 19

When we drove into this garden center, it was in such a beautiful area that it took my breath away.  It is the perfect place for Hilltop Gardens, and it was laid out perfectly for the location.   I browsed around in the main display area while Frank checked out the greenhouses.  Unfortunately, it was raining so we couldn't walk around outside much.  

It opened in 2011 and they finished remodeling and expanded the business in 2021.  That made it possible for them to be open all year round.  This is a nursery and landscaping business.  Inside the gift and floral shop, we were greeted by two very friendly women, one behind the counter and the other person took care of the flowers.  They have a wide variety of plants growing in the greenhouses.  This looks like a pretty sophisticated operation to me.  They sell thousands of plants every year that they grow right here.

There's also a full range of outdoor items to complete any design you have in mind.  You can also let them create a design for you.  They can also build your project for you.

Here's an example of a sunken patio at the owner's home.

We would like to go back to Hilltop Gardens sometime to see more. I think it would be great to go in December to see how they decorate or give me advice on what I can do.  Take a drive and see this place, you won't be disappointed.

High Plains Homestead  Stop # 14 pg # 46

When we drove into this place, it felt like we were stepping back into the Wild West. It took a little while to drive to it but "WOW" it was worth it.  The road goes through a few cattle grates and past signs that say, "Private Property".  Just keep going, you'll know when you get there.

We were greeted by one of the owners, Heather, and she told us the history of how this place got started. The original owner moved the buildings from multiple locations to this spot and refurbished them.  The owners now, Neal and Heather, have been doing more renovations to the entire place. 

The 1880's museum quality frontier village which consists of an old school, post office, saloon, sheriff's office, jail and a mercantile building that is filled with items that visitors and overnight guests can purchase. This is a beautiful, quiet area that has camper hookups and a location for tents.  If you're not a camper, they have rustic rooms to stay in and a cabin called Sand Creek Cabin.  The Sand Creek Cabin is fully furnished and sleeps 6.

 From here you are also near Toadstool Geologic Park.  You can hike there through the beautiful landscape of this part of the state or drive there.  If you do stay here, I highly recommend you spend a couple days exploring.