McCook, NE to Imperial, NE
65 Miles
Frank Lloyd Wright Designed Sutton House McCook, NE |
Sehnert's Bakery McCook, NE |
Beieoc Sandwich at Sehnert's Bakery McCook, NE |
Sehnert's Bakery has been a McCook institution since it opened in the mid 1950’s. Baked goods there are phenomenal and my “Beiroc Lunch Special” – just $3.50 – included a hot calzone-like meat and cabbage pocket, a bag of chips and unlimited soft drinks. Wood floor, local art work on the walls, a stage ready for live bands (on weekends), Beiroc Café could very easily be one of my cool hangouts back home in Connecticut.
Manuel Typewriter Display Museum of High Plains McCook, NE |
Iron Lung, Museum of the High Plains McCook, NE |
Route 6 pairs with 34 through Culbertson, then swerves right as 34 goes straight. At that point, it becomes a tar-streaked two lane road; fun to drive despite the gusts of wind that threatened to push me off the road (but didn’t). Here, the landscape begins to swell, and the scenery is so stunning I got lost in it. (Though never lost on 6!). Grassy hills fold into each other like a crumbled blanket, cows graze near brown streams – this is an area known as Little Grand Canyon (again. The first LGC I hit on Route 6 was in Pennsylvania) and dispels the myth that Nebraska is boring flatland.
Enders Reservoir Enders, NE |
I whipped through Wauneta (“Halfway Between Here and There”) and came to the first sign of a water recreation area – the Enders Reservoir – as deep blue as the evening sky. Across from it – a green as green golf course. Signs of play in this land of hard work.
Balcony House Imperial, NE |
Imperial is a small Western Nebraska town of only 1,900. But unlike many of these farm communities where the populations are getting older, Imperial is attracting a younger, vibrant demographic who come here to raise their families. Allo Communications – the locally owned “Triple Play” provider, employs 25 mostly young people; the whole town is wireless.
Prior's Fabric Store Imperial, NE |
The Added Touch Flowers and Gifts Imperial, NE |
Johnson Publication Press Imperial, NE |
Imperial Republican Newspaper Imperial, NE |
It was Mexican Night at M&M's Natural JAZ - a sandwich shop and health food store (all other restaurants were closed), so I joined the crowds (everyone in Imperial seemed to be there) and ordered a half-portion vegie nachos. I didn’t even finish those, though there sure were good.
My breakfast at the Balcony House was a hoot (as well as delicious) . At a B&B, you never know who you're going to share a table with and this morning, I was lucky enough to enjoy my yummy pancakes, cheese/egg cup and fresh fruit with Imperial resident Margaret Uden and her out of town friends Vada Sutter and Dean Sell. Margaret was a Frat House mother for decades at University of Nebraska, Lincoln - so you can just imagine the bawdy sense of humor she sports. She lives in Imperial to be near her grandchildren and kids, but still has that larger city sensibility about her. I told Margaret, Vada and Dean that I'd write about them so - there!
Jim and Linda Pirog, owners Balcony House, Imperial, NE |
Margaret Uden, Vada Sutter and Dean Sell At Balcony House, Imperial, NE |
Hot Breakfast at Balcony House Imperial, NE |
A note to the reader, if you find yourself at the Enders Reservoir, you did not see the Little Grand Canyon. To do so, coming from the east, turn north INTO Wauneta, and follow Main street onto "Old Highway 6" Road and follow it along. Don't worry, it will hook right back up with current Route 6 after you enjoy the canyon.
ReplyDeleteDave - note taken. I will include your directions in my guidebook - malerie
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