'Passport' program offers attractions around Nebraska

With many of us facing time and financial constraints, a summer vacation may seem like an unaffordable dream this year.

It's tempting to give up on the idea altogether, or plan a "staycation," but the Travel and Tourism Division of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development has come through again with a list of destinations easily reached with less than a day's travel and tank of gas.

The 2012 Nebraska Passport program, offers prizes for travelers who get off the beaten path to explore attractions I-80 travelers might miss.

By taking one of the program's suggested "tours" or combining several together, tourists can create a memorable vacation or weekend trip and still save money on gasoline and lodging.

Participants present their "passport" for a stamp at each spot, then send in a tear-out to the state. If they complete an interest tour, they get a Passport T-shirt. With 25 stamps, they get a $25 GROW Nebraska gift card; for 40 stamps a Canon Powershot digital camera, and a grand-prize drawing for an Apple iPad will be conducted in October.

Several of the stops are close to Southwest Nebraska. The Unique Accommodations Tour includes the Balcony House Bed & Breakfast in Imperial, as well as stops in Crawford, Nehawka, Broken Bow, Crofton, Minden, Wilber and Brownville.

The Wineries Tour includes Sage Hill Vineyard & Winery in Parks, as well as spots in Raymond, Tekamah, Pawnee City, Brownville, Lexington and Mitchell.

The GROW Nebraska tour includes Sehnert's Bakery & Bieroc Cafe in McCook, plus stops in Holdrege, Gordon, Raymond, Tekamah, Sidney, Falls City and Kearney.

Golfers can get stamps at Heritage Hills in McCook and Cross Creek Golf Links in Cambridge as well as Gering, North Platte, Beatrice, Lincoln, Valentine and Brule on the Golf Tour.

There's also a Culinary Tour, Family Fun Tour, Festivals Tour, Parks Tour and Culture Tour to offer plenty of variety.

Does the program work?

Well, 94 percent of previous participants said that they visited at least one Nebraska attraction they wouldn't have otherwise.

This year, more than 170 sites applied to be part of the 2012 program, convinced that being featured in the Passport exposes attractions and communities to new visitors.

Yes, a trip to Europe or even the Rockies might be out of the question this year, but there are plenty of things to enjoy right around the corner.

Check out the Nebraska Passport program at http://www.nebraskapassport.com/

The Passports themselves will be available at participating locations after May 1.