Continued from Part 1:
We’d glimpsed signs for Scout’s Rest Ranch, the day before. Buffalo Bill Cody’s historic ranch has been preserved by the State Park system of Nebraska. This is a pay area and because we believe in karma and in being good citizens of the world, we left the allotted amount of $8 ($6 for Nebraska residence) in an envelope and stuffed it into the State Park box.
Pro Road Trip Tip: Always bring cash
Scout’s Rest includes a historic home that Buffalo Bill built for $3,000 in the late 1800s. He raised cattle and purebred stallions on the 4000 acres until 1913.
The house is closed to tours (I assume because of COVID-19), but we were able to walk through the well-appointed barn that Buffalo Bill built for his prize horses.
The barn is now home to old carriages, saddles, blacksmith tools and lots of cool old posters advertising Buffalo Bill shows around the world. The ranch is a peaceful place and even has a few real-life buffalo.
Scout’s Rest Ranch would be a nice place to take lunch and picnic under the huge cottonwood trees.
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The best meal we had in North Platte was at Good Life on the Bricks in downtown. Downtown is a bit of a mess right now as it appears they are putting in new utilities under the streets, but it is worth risking the construction to eat here.
Ryan declared that the brisket was some of the best he’d ever eaten. I had the Universal Healthcare burger which had avocado, Havarti cheese and ranch dressing. It was as messy and as delicious as it sounds. Karen loved the chicken avocado wrap.
Portion sizes are huge, including the sides, so that fridge in the room at the Ramada will come in handy if you go to Good Life on the Bricks.
In the afternoon, we three went back to where we’d put our tanks in the North Platte. We sat, feet in the water, coolers at our side, and I decided that I could spend every summer weekend just like this.
For dinner, Ryan and I decided on some take-out from a restaurant I will not mention. It was sort of like a fast-food joint and the torta’s meat was dry. However, we took dinner to North Platte’s newest brewery, Peg Leg, so at least we had craft beer to wash it down with.
Peg Leg Brewing opened in April. It’s in a big warehouse-style building with a wrap-around patio. It’s a lovely way to spend the evening. Ryan and I both had the pale ale which Ryan rated as a 4 out of 5 on Untapped.
There are food trucks here occasionally and guests can bring food in. It already has a comfy brewery feel with friendly beertenders and popcorn delivered to your table.
The next morning we were headed home, but not before breakfast at a North Platte tradition, Lincoln Highway Diner. Not only is this restaurant located on the historic Lincoln Highway, but it is also where I enjoyed my first-ever pork tenderloin sandwich on my first trip to Nebraska in 2019. Yes, this West Coast girl loved it.
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This highway is famous because it is the first transcontinental highway that was built for automobiles. Dedicated in 1913, there is still a lot of Americana to be seen and experienced along this two-lane road.
Just as I had imagined it would be, breakfast at the Lincoln Diner is a must. We couldn’t make our minds up about exactly what we wanted. We ended up ordering a half order of biscuits and gravy, the French toast and eggs Benedict.
Our coffee cups are always full at the Lincoln Diner and locals were streaming in on a Sunday morning.
My readers from Colorado should be aware that in smaller towns in Nebraska, like North Platte, people are less likely to be wearing a mask, but it is fairly easy to practice social distancing here.
Also, the Ramada Inn by Wyndham makes it easy for those with concerns about travel and COVID-19. A suite is conducive to bringing your own groceries along or getting food-to-go at local restaurants.
We truly enjoyed our time in North Platte, and while this summer has been far from normal, it felt like summer in Nebraska.
Read North Platte, Nebraska: Beer, Squeaky Cheese & Summertime Fun, Part 1
Thank you to Visit North Platte for hosting us at the Ramada by Wyndham.
