Nebraska is more than just a destination for us—it’s home. Tracey was raised here, and the family, friends, and memories that remain are what keep drawing us back year after year. Every visit is a chance to reconnect with the people and places that helped shape his life. For me, it’s also an opportunity to experience a way of life that feels increasingly rare: small-town America at its finest. Nebraska is filled with friendly faces, historic communities, and a slower pace that reminds you of what truly matters.
One trip in particular stands out. We brought our teenage daughter to Scottsbluff so she could experience what “small-town America” really means. It was an eye-opening adventure for her. While she enjoyed the charm and friendliness she found there, she quickly concluded that a town without a Starbucks or a mall probably wasn’t in her future! Nebraska has a way of making an impression, though. From unexpected snowstorms in May to some of the most intense thunderstorms, lightning displays, and hail we’ve ever witnessed, the weather alone can make for unforgettable stories. Those sometimes brutal winters are probably the biggest reason we haven’t considered relocating ourselves.
There are still corners of Nebraska waiting for us to explore, and every trip brings new stories to discover. For Tracey, many of those stories are memories from growing up here; for me, each visit helps bring those stories to life. Along the way, we’ve found incredible Mexican food in Scottsbluff, developed a fondness for the local favorite Runza, and gained an even deeper appreciation for the state’s people and traditions. Nebraska holds a special place in our hearts, and no matter where our travels take us, we know we’ll always find our way back.