Smiling faces, unique home decor, gourmet foods, and the smell of hand-poured candles greets customers when they walk into Sugar Shack Home Decor in Edgar.
The small-town shop has drawn in travelers from across the state and nation participating in the Nebraska Passport program. Celebrating its 15th year, the program encourages travelers to explore Nebraska’s hidden gems.
It’s not the first time Sugar Shack Home Decor has been a part of the Nebraska Passport program. The shop made the list in 2018 and 2021, but the owner said this time is “a little bit more special” because they were chosen as one of 15 bonus stops.
“I’m grateful for it but I’m also very humbled by it because I don’t take it lightly,” Cyndie Schoof, the store’s owner, said. “I’m very honored.”
There are 70 passport stops along with the 15 bonus stops added to celebrate Nebraska Passport’s 15th year. Bonus stops are made up of fan favorites from throughout the program’s history.
At each stop, travelers get a stamp in their passport booklet and turn it in at the end of the program to earn prizes.
Schoof credits being voted as a fan favorite to her staff’s friendliness and connection with customers.
“They are my chosen family and if it was a choice, I would choose to be their friends, not the employer, not the boss,” Schoof said. “I don’t like being that because we want what’s best for each other. We all love each other.”
Along with getting their booklet stamped, visitors who stop in the Sugar Shack receive a candle and soap and can sample a snack.
They can also browse and shop for other products including Nebraska-made items and a passport program shirt. There are two Nebraska Passport signs to take a picture with as well.
The shop’s staff hopes to be a getaway for visitors.
“We really hope that people will come in the front door and feel peaceful and maybe just leave their troubles out the door and for a moment enjoy looking at some beautiful products,” Schoof said. “We always say we have something for everybody.”
Schoof said customers who frequent the store often have called the Sugar Shack their happy place.
“When I get in a funky mood my husband will say, ‘Do you need to go to the Sugar Shack?’” Diane Heying, a community member, said.
The shop wholesales its candles to retailers like HyVee and Ace Hardware, as well as sells them online. Schoof said they are launching an online store hopefully by August to sell other items that will change with the seasons.
This year marks 30 years in business for the Sugar Shack. While plans aren’t set in stone yet, Schoof wants to do something around Christmas to celebrate.
Being a part of the Nebraska Passport program has helped not just the Sugar Shack, but also the town’s other businesses.
“I always try to encourage them (travelers) to see our whole town because we’re a team, we’re a community, it’s not just us,” Schoof said. “It’s really important for people to shop local and buy local and keep the stores open.”
The Nebraska Passport program runs from May 1 through Sept. 1. Other stops include state parks, museums, coffee shops, vineyards, retail stores, and restaurants.
To check out the other stops and prizes, visit nebraskapassport. com.
