Sometimes the most memorable adventures in life begin by taking the road less traveled and, in the words of my beloved grandmother, taking time to “stop and smell the roses.” That's part of what makes the Nebraska Passport program so beneficial. It gives us a reason to take the scenic route, explore communities across our state, support local businesses, and discover places we might otherwise miss.

This year, seven of the 70 stops on the 2026 Nebraska Passport are located right here in District 43. That means our district is home to 10% of all Passport stops statewide. Several are places I have known and visited over the years, with connections to my family, my work, and my life in this part of Nebraska.

Let’s begin in Broken Bow, at Howdy Coffee Co. It has become a favorite stop of mine. If you are looking for a recommendation, my usual is the Hold Your Horses sugar-free caramel cold brew! It keeps me going as I travel the route between home and Lincoln!

Down the road in downtown Anselmo is the featured Market and Mill, where I was pleasantly surprised to reconnect with a former college classmate. She shares her enthusiasm and smile with all who stop in for an amazing cup of coffee.

Keep heading west and find your favorite route to turn north to Cherry County, where you’ll find some great outdoor experiences. Dryland Aquatics in Sparks gets you out on the Niobrara National Scenic River by canoe, tube, or kayak. Some of my favorite memories include floating down the Niobrara. There is something incredibly peaceful about being on the river, slowing down and simply enjoying where the current takes you.

In Valentine, Valentine Bike Share offers another way to enjoy the outdoors by heading down the Cowboy Trail and taking in the scenery surrounding the Niobrara and the Sandhills. Whether from the river or the trail, it is a wonderful reminder of the natural beauty we have right here at home.

Thirty miles or so west on Hwy 20, turn south at Nenzel, and you’ll find the Niobrara Valley Vineyards - yes, vineyards in the Sandhills! The Nollette family’s roots run deep here, and they have brought new life to the area with this thriving business that attracts visitors from across the world. I was so pleased during my time serving as a Cherry County Commissioner to be part of a program that allowed the vineyard to expand and become a venue for larger events.

Continue west on Hwy 20 to Gordon and experience the Covered Wagon Drive-In. This place brings back memories from different chapters of my life. As a kid, I remember stopping there after cattle shows and rodeos for a burger and a chocolate malt with my dad. Years later, I took my own children there many times. Those are the kinds of places that become more than just a stop along the way. They become part of our memories and our communities.

Further to the west, in Chadron, the New Leaf/Apricot Lane is another place I have gotten to know. You can shop for everything from fun clothes, a fresh bouquet of flowers, or a trendy new pair of sunglasses.

These are the kinds of locally owned businesses that give our communities their character and make them fun to stop and explore. The Nebraska Passport is about more than collecting stamps. Travelers may stop for a cup of coffee, grab lunch, fill up with gas, browse a local store, or discover an attraction they never knew was there. Those dollars support local businesses, strengthen our rural communities, and introduce visitors to what makes rural Nebraska worth exploring.

So as summer begins to wind down, I encourage you to take the scenic route. Grab a Nebraska Passport at nebraskapassport.com, bring your family or a friend, and visit some of the stops right here in District 43. Explore other communities across Nebraska as well, support local businesses, and experience more of what makes our state such a special place to call home.

As always, I encourage you to reach out with your thoughts, concerns, or ideas. Whether we visit at an event, cross paths somewhere in the district, or you contact my office, hearing directly from the people of District 43 helps me understand what matters to you and better represent you and your family at the Nebraska Legislature. Please note that my email address has changed to: tanya.storer@leg.ne.gov