off-the-beaten path travel

5 Midwest Rural Getaways that Will Amaze You

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ 2 Comments

It’s time to travel again. Hit the road. Get off the beaten path.

Here are five of my favorite rural getaways for you to explore and visit.

They are guaranteed to offer

Quiet respite. Fresh air. Walking trails. Serene surroundings. Interesting nearby excursions. Engaging and charming hosts. Abundant wildlife. Blooming colorful plants. Well-furnished, comfortable interiors. Great night’s sleep.

Drop me a message after your visit and share your story.

Also, suggest other rural getaways that others may enjoy as well.

Happy travels. 🚗✈🚂🌞

Loya’s Little House

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Address: 56676 160th Street Ames, Iowa 50010

Email: loyasbnb@gmail.com

Web: Home – Loya’s Little House B&B – Ames – IA (loyaslittlehousebnb.com)

Telephone: 515.733.4701

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Unique Features: 10 miles north of Ames, Iowa with access to the Skunk River Valley. Bountiful breakfasts with foods harvested from the farm. Bocce ball court and croquet lawn on site. Exquisitely, yet comfortably, furnished. Ideal for groups of all ages and abilities. The artwork and lush gardens are fascinating. Hike the trails. Canoe the river. Use the furnished binoculars to view the many birds, including bluebirds on the 50-house bluebird trail built and maintained by the owner.

Suggestions: Explore the area including Iowa State University’s picturesque campus, Campus and Ames | Iowa State University (iastate.edu) ride and dine on the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad & James H. Andrew Railroad Museum (bsvrr.com) and walk the High Trestle Trail (Ideal at night when bridge is lit up). High Trestle Trail: Iowa Tourism Map, Travel Guide, Things to Do: Travel Iowa

Mrs. Pfanny’s Garden Cottage

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Address: 86765 Highway 81 Randolph, Nebraska  68771

Email: pfannysfarm@gmail.com

Web: www.pfannysfarm.com

Telephone: 402.360.4064

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Unique Features: Cottage sits on the edge of the 12-acre property. Thursday nights June-August the property hosts Market Nights where locals and guests enjoy farm raised produce and fellowship under the Binzebo (A grain bin converted to an open-air gathering area.) Guests are welcome to attend and participate in the fun. No TV in the cottage. Art supplies furnished for guest creativity.

Suggestions: Visit the Plainview Klown Doll Museum Klown Doll Museum of Plainview, Nebraska, Admire the history and beauty of St. Jane Frances Church in Randolph, NE. St. Jane Frances de Chantal – St. Jane Frances Catholic Church in Randolph NE (saintjanefrances.com) and take a side excursion to Norfolk, NE-the boyhood home of Johnny Carson. Plan a Day Trip to Norfolk, Nebraska – Linda Leier Thomason

Clover Cliff Ranch

flint hills lodging
📷Linda Leier Thomason

Address: 826A US Highway 50 Elmdale, Kansas 66850

Web: Kansas Bed and Breakfast – Flint Hills – Chase County (clovercliffranch.com)

Telephone: 620.343.0621

📷Interior of Bunk House by Linda Leier Thomason

Unique Features: A beautiful ranch located in the majestic rolling Flint Hills between Wichita and Kansas City. Stay in one of the rooms in the elegant later-Victorian, Empire-style stone house or one of three freestanding options: The Bunk House, Gables House or cabin.

Suggestions: What to See & Do in Kansas Flint Hills – Linda Leier Thomason

Country Vineyard Retreat

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Address: 14149 450th Street Carson, Iowa  51525

Web: Airbnb property Country Vineyard Retreat – Guesthouses for Rent in Carson, Iowa, United States – Airbnb

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Unique Features: The loft has a vineyard and countryside view with plenty of outdoor space to roam, including a beautiful farm pond ½ mile away.

Suggestions: Where to Eat, Stay & Play in West Central Iowa – Linda Leier Thomason

The Porch at Evergreen Hill

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Address:  2194 120th Street Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501

Web: Airbnb property The Porch at Evergreen Hill – Cabins for Rent in Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States – Airbnb

📷Linda Leier Thomason

Unique Features: Surrounded by trees, this cottage sits on 18 acres of land overlooking the Des Moines River. Watch the sunrise and observe deer or other wildlife grazing in the open fields. Interior is perfect blend of historic and modern.

Suggestions: Explore the community of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Win an Overnight Stay & Kayak Adventure in Fort Dodge, Iowa – Linda Leier Thomason

©Copyright. July 2022. Linda Leier Thomason
All Rights Reserved. This means seek permission before using copy or images from this site. Images are available for purchase.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business.

You will most often find her outdoors enjoying natural settings, wherever she’s at.

Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Send me a note today. Let’s connect.

14 Unusual Places To Visit in Nebraska

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Our family transferred to Omaha, Nebraska nearly five years ago.

Since then, we’ve explored nearly all of the state, recently guided by the Nebraska Passport program www.nebraskapassport.com.

Here are the top 14 most unique or unusual places we’ve visited with photos I’ve taken.

The real test of an experience is asking oneself if you’d do it again.

In our group, the answer is a resounding, YES. We’d return to all of these spots.

See for yourself. Visit these communities/attractions/places.

PLEASE CONTACT PLACES BEFORE TRAVELING. HOURS MAY BE AFFECTED BY COVID PANDEMIC.

Southeast

Brownville, Nebraska

Check out the historic community of Brownville, founded in 1854.

We discovered a broom maker and a fabulous winery there.
http://www.brownville-ne.com/welcome-1.html

https://www.brownvillehistoricalsociety.org/attendees

Sweet Water Brooms & Engraving

Terry and Renee Vice, Owners

Contact Information: 402-825-3701 Call ahead for an appointment.

https://www.facebook.com/BrownvilleBroomShop/

Whiskey Run Creek Vineyard & Winery

702 Main Street Brownville, Nebraska 68321 Located in 100-year-old renovated barn.

https://whiskeyruncreek.com/ Visit for schedule of events, including wine tastings.

Contact Information: 402.825.4601 Closed Monday and Tuesday

Nebraska wines, samples and gifts available. Be sure to check out the all brick cave.

York, Nebraska

Marble Museum

3120 S Lincoln Avenue York, Nebraska 68467

http://www.leeslegendarymarbles.com/Home.php

Contact Information: 402.362.3320

World’s largest collection of marbles. Free admission. Take time to visit with the owner. Great for all generations/ages.

Columbus, Nebraska

Andrew Jackson Higgins National Memorial

2001 Higgins Drive West Pawnee Park Columbus, Nebraska 68601
https://andrewjacksonhigginsmemorialfoundation.org/

Free Admission.

Learn about the contributions Mr. Higgins made to World War II. See the sculpture made from steel remnants of the World Trade Center.

Spectacular site. Great reverence to armed forces members.

Visit in walking shoes. There is a lot to see and do in Pawnee Park. http://columbusne.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/4

South Central

Red Cloud, Nebraska

Home to Willa Cather, Author

Especially fun to visit during a special program or event.  We visited when the Neil Diamond tribute was on stage. https://aneildiamondtribute.com/home/home/

Excellent auditorium. Outstanding performance.

Our group stayed in the Willa Cather second home guest house. Lovely!

Stay: https://www.willacather.org/visit/lodging-cather-second-home-guest-house

https://www.visitredcloud.com/visit/heritage-tourism

https://www.visitredcloud.com/

Contact Information: Contact Jarrod McCartney Director of the Red Cloud Heritage Tourism Development Office to personally plan a visit 402-746-4065 or at jmccartney@redcloudnebraska.com 

Kearney, Nebraska

Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA)

2401 Central Avenue Kearney, Nebraska

https://mona.unk.edu/mona/

Contact Information: 308.865.8441

Free Admission

Southwest

Ogallala, Nebraska

Petrified Wood Gallery

418 East 1st Street Ogallala, Nebraska 69153

http://petrifiedwoodgallery.com/

Hours: Monday-Saturday 8-4        Sunday Closed

Contact Information: 308.284.9996

Free Admission

A showcase of natural history specializing in ancient woods and fossils from around the world plus Native American arrowheads and artifacts — many from within 25 miles of Ogallala.

The collection is a result of the efforts of brothers Howard and Harvey Kenfield who began collecting in the 1950’s.

McCook, Nebraska

Fuller’s Family Restaurant’s Cookie Jar Collection

110 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001

https://fullerfamilyrestaurant.com/ So fun to see all of the cookie jars in this family restaurant that’s been serving guests since 1946.

Contact Information: 308.345.7464 althayer@swnebr.net

Paxton, Nebraska

Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse & Lounge

123 N Oak Street Paxton, Nebraska 68155

Contact Information: 308.239.4500 Restaurant            308.239.4719 Office http://www.olesbiggame.com

Walk around the restaurant. There is so much to see. Enjoy your meal.

Omaha

Boys Town, Nebraska

World’s Largest Ball of Stamps

13628 Flanagan Boulevard Boystown, Nebraska 68010

https://www.boystown.org/village/Pages/worlds-largest-stamp-ball.aspx

https://www.boystown.org/village/Pages/default.aspx

Free Admission. It’s in the back of the gift shop in the same building that the public restaurant is in.

One can also tour the campus including the Hall of History, Dowd Chapel and the Father Flanagan Tomb, Garden of the Bible, Father Flanagan House, Chambers Chapel and the gift shop. A restaurant open to the pubic is also available on site.

Sandhills

Ainsworth, Nebraska

Meadville General Store

89235 Meadville Road Ainsworth, Nebraska 69210

Truly one of the most memorable stops on our adventures. The setting, music, dancing and fellowship left a lasting favorable impression: a simplier time.

https://www.facebook.com/Meadville-General-Store-1705441056438957/

Northeast

Pierce, Nebraska

Wragge Dogs at Pierce Locker

117 North Brown Street, Suite 53 Pierce, Nebraska 68767

Contact Information: Call ahead for store hours. 402.329.4365 . This food product can only be found here…in Pierce, NE. Go get some! Pierce is near Norfolk, Nebraska.

Newman Grove, Nebraska

City Café

511 Hale Avenue Newman Grove, Nebraska 68758

https://www.facebook.com/ngcitycafe/ Known for pies, but try out other worthy menu items. The owners have a tremendous social media presence. It’s worth following them but better to support entrepreneurs like them helping build and maintain small rural communities.

Contact Information: ngcitycafe@gmail.com

Hours: 6AM-2PM Tu-Sa & 11-1:30 SU Closed M.

Tarnov, Nebraska

St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Museum & Grotto

http://www.tarnov.org/

Contact Information: stmichaelstarnov@gmail.com Contact ahead of time for scheduled tour.

Free Admission: The Museum next door is a can’t miss stop. The grotto is between the museum and cemetery.

As spectacular as the church itself is, the most surprising find on our Nebraska adventures, to date, was the museum next door to this church. It warehouses a diverse array of all aspects of Polish and rural life.

Contact the church to schedule your private tour. Donations accepted.

Groups can arrange for a tour that includes lunch.

The former rectory is now a visitor rental home. http://www.tarnov.org/house.html

What unusual sites (lesser known) have you visited in Nebraska?

SHARE this post with others wanting to explore Nebraska.

Want to explore more places in Nebraska?

Click on the TRAVEL tab above and then MIDWEST and NEBRASKA for other suggested road trips throughout Nebraska.

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together?

©Copyright. July 2020. Linda Leier Thomason.

This means seek permission before using copy or images from this site. Images are available for purchase.

All Rights Reserved.

Enter & Win Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure

~ Linda Leier Thomason ~ Leave a comment

Kristi LeGrande enjoyed her Getaway to America’s Most Famous Small Town: Red Cloud, NE. Thank you to all business participants. Check back often for other giveaways.

Latte & Shopping at Lizzy’s

Beverages at The Brix

Dinner at Fat Fox’s

The Kaley House B & B

 

 

Red Cloud, Nebraska on November 17, 2017

WHERE? Red Cloud, Nebraska offers a glimpse into a storied American past while maintaining a progressive vision for the future. The town’s most famous citizen, author Willa Cather, introduced the world to Red Cloud and left indelible impressions in the minds of her readers.

Red Cloud  is set amidst brick-lined streets, charming homes, historic buildings and the immense beauty of the prairie.

Your off-the-beaten path adventure will let you explore a rural lifestyle while immersing yourself in performance arts, culture, history and local cuisine.

This contest is done in cooperation with the Red Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce who welcome you to their historic community known as “America’s Most Famous Small Town.”

Prize Package Includes

  • Overnight Lodging at  the  Kaley House B&B, Master Suite for the evening of November 17, 2017. Winner must reserve upon notification of winning prize. $156.80 value http://redcloudbb.com/

  • $20 certificate to Fat Fox’s Kitchen

  • $20 certificate to Lizzy’s

  • 2 free-7 building tours from the Willa Cather Foundation $50 value

  • 2 free tickets to the Mary Carrick show (must reserve in advance and make arrangements to get tickets from the Willa Cather Foundation before November 17, 2017.) $40 value

  • 2 popcorn and soft drink tickets to use at Carrick show $8.00 value

  • Wine or beer tasting at On the Brix $10-$15

  • 2 free tours of the Historic Starke Round Barn http://www.starkeroundbarn.com/ $10

  • Copy of My Antonia. Willa Cather’s book published in 1918-100 year anniversary is in 2018. $10.00

  • Red Cloud Chamber of Commerce Gift basket: $20

How to Win-Complete ALL Steps to be Eligible

  1. You must provide an email address on the home page of this website: lindaleierthomason.com.  Enter your email in the red white and blue box in the right-hand column of the home page-this page. [It will tell you if we already have it after you type in your email address.]
  2. Go to Facebook  Click Here for Facebook Page or use this link https://www.facebook.com/lleierthomason/. Like the page and comment about who’d you take on this trip with you & why. A share is also appreciated.
  3. All steps must be completed for your entry to be accepted. No exceptions.

Rules to Enter

Please read all carefully before entering.

  • Must be twenty-one (21) or older to win.
  • Contest open to legal residents of the United States of America.
  • Winner Notification: Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, October 23, 2017. Winner will be notified via email. Response must be received in 24 hours. If none, another winner will be randomly chosen.
  • Prize is non-transferable. No cash redemption or substitution will be allowed.
  • Prize package is for November 17, 2017 and only this date. Do not enter if you cannot attend the performance (7:30 PM-10:00 PM) and spend the evening at the Kaley House B&B. No more than two guests are allowed to stay in the Master Suite at the Kaley House. Winner may reserve other rooms at his/her expense.
  • Prize does not include transportation to and from Red Cloud, Nebraska.
  • Winner agrees to take photographs of his/her visit and to share a minimum of 3 images by November 20, 2017 with lindaleierthomason.com to use at their discretion. An email will be provided to you.
  • Winner assumes all responsibility and releases lindaleierthomason.com and all prize donors and sponsors from all liability.
  • If winner accepts prize and does not use, winner agrees to pay lindaleierthomason.com $300.00 on or before November 24, 2017. Payment must be in form of cashier’s check.
  • By accepting prize, winner understands and agrees to all contest rules.
  • Immediate family members (spouse/partner, children, grandchildren and parents) of prize sponsors, Red Cloud Chamber of Commerce and/or lindaleierthomason.com are not eligible to enter.

 

©Copyright. September 2017. Linda Leier Thomason

All Rights Reserved.

 

Linda Leier Thomason is a former CEO who writes freelance business and travel stories, along with feature articles. Her work experiences include a Fortune 500 corporation, federal government, entrepreneurship and small business. Find out more about Linda by clicking the “Meet Linda” tab above. Interested in working together? Complete this form below.