Discover Our Town

Spirit to Spirit Solstice Faire - June 20th - San Pedro, CA

Mark your calendar now!

June 20^th 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Contact:  Laura M. Vasquez
Location:  429 W. 6^th St., in Historic Downtown San Pedro.

(310) 968-6250         e-mail: ombasics@sbcglobal.net

A celebration of Midsummer's Eve!!
Get into the Spirit & join us in the celebration of an ancient holiday celebrating the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, the Summer Solstice.  Fun, food, music & a variety of exhibitors are on the menu for your enjoyment.

Jazz Every Sunday at The Whale & Ale - San Pedro, CA

We feature Jazz every Sunday… 5 to 8 p.m., no cover chg.; on June 7 & 28 will be Mike Guerrero Trio, & on June 14, - a special treat: Jazz Trumpeter Barry Anthony is bringing the hot Jazz of the1930’s, 40’s & 50’s to The Whale & Ale. Barry heads up “The Jazz Whalers”, - a three piece combo featuring LA’s finest musicians performing the best music of the jazz age.

In a typical set you’ll hear Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Chet Baker, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin & all the great composers of Broadway & Tin Pan Alley. This is the Jazz of New Orleans, Chicago, New York & LA as performed in it’s heyday, full of life & soulful energy. If you like your Jazz hot & lively, then come & join Barry & his “Whalers” at The Whale & Ale

San Pedro, CA

First Thursday of June is June 4th! San Pedro, CA

In response to popular demand from a devoted following of First Thursday Arts & Dining enthusiasts, we now offer our whole  regular menu, & live music form Izon Eden all evening, 6.30 to 10 p.m., without any cover charge.

HERE is a link to our dinner menu.

 

(Don't forget we now bottle & sell David's exceptional salad dressing!)

Join Us At The Whale & Ale - San Pedro, CA

 

American Triptychs Exhibition, June 4th, San Pedro, CA

The first showing of Ann's American Triptychs will be held at Gallery 478. The Artist's Reception will be part of San Pedro's 1st Thursday Art Walk, from 6-9pm

American Triptych started in 2005 as a previous project (Val Verde) was ending. Ann would drive to Montecito on the 126 highway, which cuts through the farmlands of Santa Paula & Piru; until the recent urban sprawl you could imagine you were in the California of the 1960’s – all orange trees & sleepy towns. Piru is where the project started, but Cabazon, Indio & the wind farms of the east 10 fwy soon joined it. The imagery is about a uniquely American vernacular, our visual history & language. In each town Ann has tried to create one image, which captures what she feels that town is about – or maybe, what it used to be about. 
 
Gallery 478
478 W. 7th St., San Pedro
310-732-2150
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Ann Mitchell

The Backbeats are back... at The Whale & Ale - San Pedro, CA

Due to selling out, each time they play, - they're back - Saturday June 20 at The Whale & Ale! From 8 to 11, with a $10 cover charge.

You will need a reservation, - to see So. Cal.'s best Beatles tribute band, by far.

Drawing on a repertoire of well over 90 individual compositions recorded by the Beatles, local tribute band The Backbeats recreates the most significant sound to change popular music in the 20th Century. So book early to avoid disappointment.
Email me at andrew@whaleandale.com, or call 310.832.0363.

The Whale & Ale - San Pedro, CA

Country Inn & Suites - Raging Vaves Waterpark Package - Naperville, IL

Country Inn & Suites   1837 Centre Point Circle Naperville, IL 60563   630.505.3353   Visit us Online!   Save big with Country Inn & Suites vacation and travel deals!   Raging Waves Waterpark Package   $89.00 per night includes:       -2 Admission tickets to Raging Waves Waterpark -One night stay at the Country Inn & Suites -Complimentary HOT Breakfast -Indoor heated pool and whirlpool -24hr Fitness Center   Additional tickets may be purchased at the front desk for only $20.95!    Call the Country Inn & Suites to book your package 630.505.3353 or  Book Online!    Raging Waves Waterpark 4000 N. Bridge St. Yorkville, IL 60560 630.882.6575    $100 Visa Gift Card   Book your next group of 15 or more sleeping rooms and receive a $100 Visa Gift Card!   -Valid for new groups only -Based on availability -Some restrictions may apply -Offer expires May 31, 2009   Call the Sales Department for more details! 630.328.4650   Country Inn & Suites Naperville 1837 Centre Point Circle Naperville, IL 60563 630.505.3353

 

The Whale & Ale San Pedro CA - Events for May 2009

1) Mother's Day is May 10th, I have put this first because Moms are rather important! Mother’s Day, 2009, Sunday May 10th from Noon to 8 p.m. a large menu, with all sorts of delicious dishes; and we are giving every Mom a glass of French pink champagne, on us! So… it doesn't get much better than that! Come and celebrate Mother’s Day with us Mother's Day Menu at: Rathcoursey Emerald Soup: wild lettuces, arugula, butter lettuce, watercress puréed in chicken stock (18th century Irish recipe) 5.95 The Whale & Ale house salad of fresh mixed lettuces with blue cheese, mushrooms, walnuts & peppery homemade creamy dressing 4.85 Whale & Ale Crab Cakes; served with mixed greens and citrus dressing 11.15 Ploughman's plate: one grilled English banger sausage, small house salad wedge of English Cheddar cheese, Branston pickle 10.55 Fish & Chips Atlantic Cod deep fried in beer batter & English chips 15.95 Filet of Fresh Halibut with puréed English peas 22.55 Baked fresh Scottish salmon filet, fresh vegetables, mashed russet potatoes 19.55 Lobster Raviolis, tossed in Parmesan cream sauce with peas & prosciutto 16.75 Carved Fresh Roast Turkey: fresh vegetables, mashed russet potatoes, country gravy, housemade stuffing & cranberry sauce 15.25 Twice-roasted Duckling & Cumberland sauce (redcurrants simmered in port wine with citrus juices); fresh vegetables, mashed russet potatoes 20.50 Bangers & Mash: two large English pork sausages grilled & served with fresh vegetables, mashed russet potatoes, gravy & Coleman's mustard 16.75 Roast Loin of Pork: rubbed with garlic, mashed fresh potato & vegetables 19.00 Roast Rack of New Zealand Lamb: rubbed with garlic, mild mustard & rosemary; rolled in fresh breadcrumbs, mashed fresh potato & steamed vegetables 27.00 Shepherds Pie: our famous pie with ground roast leg of lamb, ground filet, peas & carrots topped with mashed potato; browned in the oven 16.55 The Whale & Ale Roast Prime Rib au jus: ten-ounce cut with fresh vegetables & mashed russet potatoes 21.50 Grilled Filet mignon melted blue cheese, fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes 24.65 Tiramisu with espresso cream 8.00 Cumberland Sticky Toffee Pudding* & vanilla ice cream 6 English Sherry Trifle with whipped cream 7.50 Queens Apple* in pastry with cinnamon & brown sugar; vanilla custard cream 7.25 Old Fashioned Raisined Bread Pudding* & homemade caramel sauce 6.50 * = served warm 2) On May 2, 2009 The Whale & Ale will offer a small order of Fish & Chips from 10am to 4pm, for $6.00, including a fountain soda and including tax (that's 9.25%!) This represents a whopping 44% discount for one day only, to support our many volunteers performing the Mayor's Day of Service. This offer is not subject to any other discounts, and you do not need to be a volunteer to receive this special deal. The Mayor’s Day of Service is May 2, 2009... so it's SUPER SERVICE SATURDAY in Downtown San Pedro, a free community event to promote and celebrate volunteerism in the San Pedro Historic Waterfront District. The City of Los Angeles has authorized FREE parking for the day and Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa might drop by to lend a hand. Volunteer service events are scheduled from 10AM to 4PM. There will be storefront and planter beautification projects on 6th and 7t streets, live music, ecology workshops and demonstrations, store discounts, and multiple showings of the family film, Superman Returns at the Warner Grand Theatre. Many, many thanks to the San Pedro Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District. Click HERE to view the flyer. 3) First Thursday of May: On Thursday, May 7th we celebrate First Thursday. We will again offer a large menu with many choices of dishes and prices. & live music form Izon Eden all evening, 6.00 to 9.30 p.m., without a cover charge. HERE is a link to our dinner menu. *PDF file will take a few moments to load. Adobe Acrobat Reader required. Click on the icon below to download it.* 4) Monday, May 4, from 6:30pm- 8:30pm “California Classics”!  Ceja Vino de Casa White, Napa Ceja Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Sonoma Coast Ceja Bella Rosa 2007 (Syrah 80%, Pinot Noir 20%), Sonoma   Zany Zin 2005 Old vine, Lodi Gold Medalist. Stama Napa Valley Merlot 2005 (less than 700 cases made), Napa   Silkwood Duet (Cabernet Sauvignon 50%, Syrah 50%), Modesto, CA 98 points   Silkwood Petit Syrah, 2007, Modesto CA, Gold Medalist Cheese and Crackers will be provided along with glasses, wine maps, and tasting notes $30 Per Person (Payable to the Whale and Ale) 25 person maximum RSVP Directly to Jeremy Wilkinson: Mobile: 310-487-1284 Direct: 310-375-4313 Email: JJWloveswine@sbol.com Anyone attending will receive 10% off Dinner afterwards (Food Element) Save the date: June 1st : Spanish Reds from Toro, Riojo, Ribera del Duero & Somontano All wines tasted at this class will be available through  “Off the Vine” in San Pedro for purchase.  10% discount offered with the purchase of 4 bottles or more. Importers and Distributors of Distinguished Family Owned Vineyards  http://4winesplusmore.com 5) Do not forget our promotion for the summer: May is 'Fish & Chips Month': all through May, Monday to Wednesday from 5 to 9.00 English Fish & Chips will be offered at $12.50! So come in & try them, three nights a week. 6) Saturday, May 23 at 7 p.m. Many of you have been asking "When's the Next Wine Dinner?" Well, Here It Is In concert with Dane Throop, winemaker of J. Lohr Winery... Our Spring Wine Dinner; by Chef David Juarez & his talented staff. Soup of puréed fresh peas with truffle oil & Parmesan cap J. Lohr Pinot Blanc 1997 Filet of Pacific Halibut in mustard sauce with braised red cabbage J. Lohr Chardonnay, 'Arroyo Vista,' 1996 Baked double rib-chops of lamb; cassoulet of beans: (white, soy, green & yellow beans) J. Lohr Estates Wildflower Valdiguié 2008 Chocolate crepes & mocha cream sauce Coffee or decaffeinated coffee $60 per person: More on this exceptional winery at: http://www.jlohr.com 7) Dinner/Show package! Reservations: 310.512.6030 or www.littlefishtheatre.org a) Hay Fever by Noel Coward Apr 17 – May 23;  RUNS FRI & SAT @ 8PM; SUN 5/17 @ 7PM; THU 5/21 @ 8PM Tickets $25 ($22 students/seniors) HERE A comedic masterpiece. Unbeknownst to each other, the four members of the eccentric Bliss family each invite a guest to stay at their country house for the weekend. As the guests arrive, it becomes apparent that a weekend in the country with this unhinged family is anything but "bliss." Coward pulls out all the stops and delivers a dizzy mixture of manners, misunderstandings, and absolute madness. b) Betrayal Apr 22 - May 14  -   RUNS WED & THU @ 8PM, SUN 5/3 @ 7PM. Tickets: $20 HERE The romantic triangle is turned inside out in this visceral portrayal of the human condition. Suspenseful, lyrical, human, and complex, Betrayal illustrates the labyrinth of unfaithfulness that extends beyond the infidelity. "... an exquisite play, brilliantly simple in form and courageous in its search for a poetry that turns banality into a melancholy beauty." -- NEWSWEEK c) Cheerios In My Underwear, (and other true tales of motherhood) a one woman show written and performed by Amy Simon; directed by Richard Kuhlman Sunday, April 26 - 3pm Tickets $15 HERE Amy Simon's "Cheerios..." is LA's longest running solo show, and it's coming to Little Fish for a single performance. Follow Amy's hilarious and poignant journey as a modern S.A.H.M. (stay-at-home-mom).  "A delightfully funny and insightful look at the sometimes wacky, always stressful life of a mother." -- Los Angeles Family Magazine   The LA Weekly recommended "Cheerios," calling writer and performer Simon "funny and sensitive" and saying her "observations are shrewd and her delivery terrific." 8) Warner Grand Theatre Too many events to list them all here. Go to http://www.warnergrand.org to see it all, especially the a) 6th LA Harbor International Film Festival (LAHIFF) Thursday, April 23 at 10:30 a.m. - free program "Read the Book, See the Movie" no tickets required Kidnapped (1960; 96 min) Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. Searching For A Storm (2008/9; 88 min) Saturday, April 25 at noon & 7 p.m. West Side Story (1961; 151 min) Sunday, April 26 - Documentary Day noon Lady in Waiting (2008; 57 min) 2 p.m. Chasing Ghosts (2006; 88 min) 4 p.m. Port of Los Angeles (POLA) - four-part documentary 4:00 p.m. From Mudflats to Modern Port: 1542-1920 (30 min) 4:50 p.m. The Birth of An International Port: 1921-41 (30 min) 5:25 p.m. War, Peace & Prosperity: 1941-1960 (30 min) 6:00 p.m. Q&A with filmmakers & representative of POLA, moderated by Dr. Betsy A. McLane, Ph.D. 6:20 pm The Past Is Prologue: 1960-2008 (60 min) For complete listing of sponsors & details, please visit www.laharborfilmfest.com Questions? Please call Stephanie Mardesich, Festival Director at 310 519-0756 Then, continuing on: Sat May 2 The Year My Parents Went on Vacation (Brazil 2006) Foreign Films Featuring Fearlessness  7:30 p.m. - $10 Tickets Sun May 3 Who Framed Roger Rabbit ('88) 2 p.m. SUNdays are FUN days It's the story of a man, a woman & a rabbit in a triangle of trouble." Remarks/slides about history of transportation by John Fisher at 1:30 p.m. Sun May 10 Mariachi for Mother's Day 3 p.m. $40/$30/$20 Mariachi Los Toros are joined by Folklore Mexicano Del Sur De California, 14-year old musica ranchera sensation Maureen & Juan Carlos: La Imagen De Juan Gabriel Tickets Sat May 16 Video Game Soundtracks 8 p.m. 8 p.m. $25/$15  GSPO Tickets May 22-24 & 29-31 - Upton Sinclair's "The Singing Jailbirds" Ticket info posted soon  http://www.therelevantstage.com/ Sat May 30 A Gathering for the Grand 6:30 p.m. $100 Benefit for ceiling repair - Honoring Supervisor Don Knabe, at a private home near Portuguese Bend. Please call 310 833-4813 9) Also at The Warner Grand Theatre: 5/16/2009 8:00:00 pm videogame Soundtracks Buy Tickets! 5/31/2009 3:00:00 pm GSPO presents : Chamber Music for Families : A Musical Potpourri Buy Tickets! 10) My great friends, for many years, John & Donna Papadakis Invite You to Sail With Them on their 2nd Annual Crystal Cruise! What a great opportunity this is to explore the Mediterranean with John & Donna Papadakis!  Visit Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Portofino, Florence, Rome, Sorrento, Dubrovnik & Venice on this 12 day voyage beginning July 16, 2009. Crystal Wine & Food Festival Enjoy cooking demonstrations by our celebrity guest chefs, specially prepared four-course dinners featuring the chef's unique dishes, & complimentary wine tastings led by our master sommeliers & guest wine experts. Special Bonus for Whale & Ale email club members! (Book By 5/30/09) >  Receive $1,000 Shipboard Credit Per Person to use As You Wish! >  Save $100 Per Person On Your Cruise Fare! >  Receive Pre-paid Gratuities! >  Bon Voyage Cocktail Party with John & Donna! >  2 Exclusive Onboard Cocktail Parties with John & Donna! In cruising today, “all-inclusive” shouldn’t mean limited options. With Crystal Cruises' new As You Wish promotion you’ll receive $1,000 per person in shipboard credits to spend any way you wish. Indulge in spa treatments, fine wines, a Vintage Room experience with your friends, gratuities for your favorite waiter, something special from the boutiques, or even a unique Crystal Adventures® shore excursion. The choices – all of them – are yours. Contact Leah Bergner at Coastline Travel Advisors to book! lbergner@coastlinetravel.com ~ 800.448.2374 or 714.621.1040 July 16, 2009 – July 28, 2009 Starting At: $6,055.00 Ship: Crystal Serenity Livorno is the gateway to Italy's Tuscany region & to many spectacular sights; including the extraordinary Leaning Tower of Pisa, the charming medieval village of Lucca, the lovely hill town of San Gimignano & the timeless city of Florence. World renowned as a playground for artists & international jet-setters, Portofino boasts spectacular vistas of natural treasures such as the Gulf of Rapallo & its coastline. Theme Cruise: Crystal Wine & Food Festival Visit our website at www.whaleandale.com for even more information. REFER-A-FRIEND Who do you know that will enjoy the benefits of membership in our Email Club? Refer your friends today! Thank you again for your continued patronage. Sincerely, Your Friends At The Whale & Ale 327 West 7th St., San Pedro, CA 90731 - 310.832.0363 Template Graphics by Mike Smith at: Logan Graphics (U.K.) ©1996 to 2007 - Latest Page Update All Rights Reserved - Contact Author for permission to use graphics

 

Escape from Mardi Gras to Mentone, AL

Escape the madness of Mardi Gras with a retreat to the peace, the quiet and the natural beauty of Mentone on Lookout Mountain in Alabama.  Leave the crowds behind and come discover an area full of natural wonders and unique adventures.   This Mardi Gras special is available with a two night stay at Mountain Laurel Inn Bed and Breakfast which includes a full breakfast.  Mention that you want to Escape from Mardi Gras to Mentone when making reservations.  Our gift to you will be one free Hiking Package from Mountain Laurel Inn B&B for two people, a free cup of Chef Ben's Signature Chicken and Sausage Gumbo with the purchase of each entrée at Wildflower Café, tickets to a cave tour at Sequoyah Caverns at the group rate and a retreat to the mountains away from the crowds. This escape offers a chance to dine at one of Mentone’s own   Wildflower Café for either lunch or dinner and experience a bit of home with Chef Ben’s gumbo. The Café also offers Wi-Fi accessibility, live music on the weekends and a country store with organic and natural products and local arts, crafts and gifts.  As you explore Sequoyah Caverns on the Looking Glass Tour, the beauty of the many reflection pools and fascinating passageways of this ancient cavern will awe you. As you meander through the alcoves you’ll see how nature has turned the caverns into a wonderland of formations and intricate rock designs. Staying at Mountain Laurel Inn B&B will give you the opportunity to relax and renew with a walk to DeSoto Falls, an award winning breakfast each morning, an extensive selection of DVDs to enjoy and time to enjoy the peace and quiet of seven acres of woods.  The Hiking Package includes two Mountain Laurel Inn walking sticks, two Mountain Laurel Inn water bottles, a bag of GORP (good ol’ raisins and peanuts a.k.a. trail mix) and maps and directions for all of the wonderful hikes in the area so bring you walking shoes and adventurous spirit to enjoy.  Call Sarah at 800-889-4244 today to book your getaway to Mentone.  This package is available until March 8^th.

The Valley of Fire: Truly Amazing!

The most beautiful drive I’ve ever taken was on State Route 169—or more specifically, the part of the highway that went through the Valley of Fire State Park. It was breathtaking! I’m telling you, as far as state parks go, this one is a must-see—especially if you’re visiting Las Vegas, where it’s situated only 55 miles away. That’s less than an hour by car, and even quicker by helicopter.

  The most memorable thing from my trip to the Valley of Fire was being greeted by amazing rock formations—the likes of which I’ve never seen before. I felt as if I were getting the red carpet treatment, but here, instead of flashbulbs, everywhere I looked there were rocks gleaming in a variety of gorgeous shades of red. And would you believe these beautiful rocks are always changing? With the movement of the sun, their colors deepen and their shadows alter, making the formations take on totally different appearances from sunrise to sunset.

My first stop was to the Valley of Fire State Park Visitor Center. The staff is very friendly and I got a little inside information about the park’s background and geology. I always find I enjoy things more when armed with knowledge. I also discovered there are a ton of things to do at the Valley of Fire—from hiking and picnicking to camping. You can even cool off with a swim at Rogers Springs or Lake Mead, which are located nearby.

Another highlight of my visit to the Valley of Fire was doing the short, fairly easy White Domes loop trail. It’s just over a mile long, and I remember passing through several unique settings during the trek. I navigated rocks on a dry wash bed, scuttled on soft sand and even entered a narrow canyon—where the red rocks dazzled me yet again. About halfway through, I came across the remains of the film set from The Professionals, which was shot at the park in 1966. That was much better than viewing movie memorabilia at a museum and it cost less!

Of course, I highly recommend a drive on the six-mile scenic loop where you’ll find that many of the Valley of Fire’s most popular rock formations (like Arch Rock) are just steps away. It’s a somewhat rough unpaved road, but well worth the bumpiness as you can drive right up to most of them. Many are named for animals or other objects—such as the Beehives, Atlatl Rock and Elephant Rock—although in some cases the resemblance is a bit of a stretch. I did like the Seven Sisters formation, which is a beautiful grouping of tall, red boulders in the midst of the flat desert. These rocks had an eerily sacred presence that gave me a feeling of inner peace and tranquility.

Overall, you cannot beat the natural beauty of the Valley of Fire. It’s a great place to visit. I know you won’t be disappointed.

Written by Travel Gal, Renee Libutti

The Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon:
A Larger-Than-Life Experience

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, which is located a mere 300 miles from the Grand Canyon.  That’s a four-hour drive by car, and less than an hour flight by helicopter. Since the Grand Canyon was right here in my backyard, I never felt a pressing urge to visit—even though it’s one of the most written about and most photographed places on Earth. I just assumed I’d get around to it some day.

Well, some day finally came. I won’t tell you my age—but suffice to say, my Grand Canyon visit was at least 30 years overdue. Just a few years ago, I went on a bus tour to the canyon’s popular South Rim. I don’t really know how to describe the experience, as nothing prepared me for the feeling of awe I had upon walking up to the first of several different viewpoints that day. Basically, I just gazed out at the grand expanse. I think the sheer enormity of it is what took my breath away. In fact, its size actually makes visiting seem daunting. Did you know the Grand Canyon National Park covers more than a million acres of gorgeous geography? You’d need two weeks to properly take all that in. My day trip soon began to feel terribly inadequate.

Thus, two years ago, my boyfriend and I booked a late-afternoon helicopter tour to Grand Canyon West, which is even closer to Las Vegas, situated only 140 miles away. I’d never been on a helicopter, so it was quite a rush when it lifted up and looped above the Strip. I saw some amazing views of the Las Vegas valley, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Eventually, the helicopter came over some jagged cliffs and there the Grand Canyon laid—a spectacular vision with the fading sun reflecting in the clouds. Seeing the terrain and the more-than-a-mile drops below me was mind-blowing…and, then we descended into the canyon, some 1,500 feet beneath the rim! The whole experience was surreal.

The thing is I’m not finished with the Grand Canyon. I still want to see more of it. I’ve got a longing to hike to the canyon floor, and perhaps to raft down the Colorado River. I’d also like to set foot on the North Rim.

All I can say is no matter how you do it, you should definitely visit the Grand Canyon—at least once. Everything is dramatic around the plateaus and beneath the river-carved rim. And everything is big, including the experience you’ll have in this vast, legendary expanse. If you’re anything like me, you’ll surely get addicted!

Written by Travel Gal, Renee Libutti

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Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse has herbs evaluated by Whole Foods Market

Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse recently had their organically grown herbs and spices evaluated by Whole Foods Market. The herbs were assessed across three different categories; appearance, taste, and price. The herb blends received high marks from Whole Foods Market in each of the three categories. Whole Foods Market has over 270 stores across the nation and in Great Britain, and is the leading retail store for organically and naturally raised foods. Four other evaluators, including GROW Nebraska , also gave the herbs high marks.

Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse is owned and operated by Dan and Teri Wolff. It is located 7 miles northeast of Sidney, NE on ten sprawling acres. It boasts over 70 herb and spice blends, all of which are 100% organic. Most of the herbs are grown at the greenhouse in its 20+ gardens, which provide the perfect backdrop for a delightful afternoon stroll. Herbs are hand-harvested and processed right in the greenhouse’s kitchen. Simple herbs such as cilantro and minced garlic are available, but more adventurous customers often go for one of the original blends. Try the new Olive Rub, which is fabulous as dipping oil, or go for the Moroccan Blend for a great and simple way to kick cooked vegetables up a notch.

Organically grown trees, shrubs, vegetables, houseplants, perennials, and annuals are also offered at the  greenhouse. The four greenhouses are loaded with beautiful and unique plants that are well suited to grow in western Nebraska . Fresh, locally grown produce is offered throughout the growing season with a “pick your own” option for some types. While at the greenhouse, you can also peruse the selection of organic fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides, as well as earth-friendly cleaning and bath and body products. Dan and Teri also make an annual trip to Mexico, where they hand-select pieces of original pottery and cast iron crafts to be sold at the greenhouse. 

The Nebraska Travel and Tourism Division recently visited Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse. The Division identified the greenhouse as a “magnet attraction” for Cheyenne County , that is, a primary reason why people visit a particular city or area. They suggested conducting group tours of the greenhouse that would include a demonstration, such as hand harvesting and processing herbs, and a free spice sample. They also proposed including visits to the greenhouse in tour packages.

Ricky and Lucy’s Country Greenhouse is open seven days a week from 9-6 in the summer and 9-5 in the winter, it is located at 11732 Road 32. For more information, or to shop on-line visit their new website at www.rickyandlucysgreenhouse.com or call (308) 254-2204.