Part II of my Small-Town Business Series is all about Ashland. Ashland, Nebraska that is. This town is one of the quaint, rural beauties just outside of Omaha. It’s mostly about shopping, which is one of my favorite things to do, but it’s also about wine and Being in real estate I get to go there from time to time and these are my favorite places to frequent.

Salt Creek Mercantile

They can be found at 1502 Silver Street and here you will find a hearth and home type mix of items including furniture, kitchen items, bath items, artifacts, candles, basketry & totes, textiles, greenhouse, and some seasonal items. When you walk into this store, established in 2018 you’re not only greeted with a cornucopia of items but beautiful, earthy colors and lovely smells. Their hand made, wood, farm style furniture is just gorgeous. You can find things here like hand turned wooden mixing bowls and copper accessories. And the fragrances are amazing from hand sanitizers to soaps, candles and bath salts. This spot has all the things a girl needs. Check them out at https://www.saltcreekmercantile.com/

Gift Niche

This little gem is an eclectic mix of retail items located at 1414 Silver Street. The Gift Niche has two full floors of specialty gifts and handcrafted items. They carry brand names like Lang cards and Calendars, Melissa and Doug educational toys, Sugar Shack and Wood Wic candles, Klutz, Willow Tree figurines, Stonewall kitchen products, Tag and more. They have balloons for every occasion and rent Jim’s Formal Wear tuxedoes for prom and weddings. Upstairs they have a year around Christmas section, John Deere and Coke Collectables, Americana, Nebraska Huskers, Blujay t-shirts, Western area, Kitchen, Garden, Teacher, Farm, and Children toys. Their main level features a large jewelry section, scarves, sandals, purses, candles, cards, baby clothes, Handbeaded Glassware, Photographs prints, frames, party supplies, inspirational books, DVDs, cds, and Bibles. Plus, wreaths, prints, home decor and more. Whew! That’s a lot. Visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/The-Gift-Niche-323242107760664/ for more information!

Cheri O’s Coffee House and Ice Cream Parlor

Delicious is the first word that comes to mind when I think about Cheri O’s. It’s a neat little old world style place located at 1404 Silver Street. They offer something for everyone during breakfast and lunch time. From hand dipped ice cream cones to espresso or terrific soup and sandwiches, there is something to satisfy everyone's palette. It’s a pull up a stool kind of place where you feel at home and where you can get an old-fashioned ice cream soda. They also have something called a Naughty Newman with strawberry ice cream, hot fudge, marshmallow, and whipped cream. Yum! I might have to take a trip there today. Find out more at https://www.cherioscoffee.com/menuitems/icecream.html

Cellar 426

Located at 1402 Dennis Dean Rd in Ashland is my favorite winery. I go there several times a year and as many of you may know, wine is my thing. This winery is an experience like no other and, believe me, I didn’t think you could find good wine in the middle of Nebraska. I was a skeptic turned fan the instant I arrived. In the summertime the flowerpots are full and there is a stage with live music. The staff is outstanding and, if you like your wine a little sweet, they have some of that as well. If you prefer to

celebrate at home, they have online ordering and curb side pickup, but I highly recommend you go and sit for a sip. They also offer a wine of the month and have crafting classes from time to time. Take a trip over and see them on a summer day. You won’t be disappointed. Find more info at https://cellar426.com/

Glacial Till Vineyard Cider House & Tasting Room

Located on Silver Street in the heart of Ashland’s historic downtown this tasting room is one of the first off-site tasting rooms in the state of Nebraska. The tasting room is a mix of new and old. The building offers a rustic feel with the original brick exposed. Venture upstairs to enjoy a rooftop patio and an additional bar. They also feature several rooms to suit almost any size of gathering. Stroll in the vineyard and enjoy the rolling hills, creeks, and ponds. During the summer season, check out Fermented Friday’s line up of live music, food, and local craft brew features. The main level provides for seating outside on the large patio as well. The patio and windows offer a panoramic view to enjoy with your wine. Visit this neat little spot, it’s a treat. https://www.glacialtillvineyard.com/locations

Parker’s Smokehouse

Their website calls it barbeque with soul. I call it heaven on earth. If you like a good smoked meat, this is the place to stop when you’re visiting Ashland. But guess what? It’s not diet food. The first thing featured on the menu is their famous colossal onion which a giant onion cut into a flower, battered and fried. So good and so bad is what I say. BBQ rib tips, signature salads, homemade soups, fire grilled burgers and Cajun catfish strips are some of the things on the menu to name a few. While you’re out shopping Ashland, stop in for a bite. You won’t regret it. https://www.parkerssmokehouse.com/