Clarkson Shop Seeing Record Numbers Due To Nebraska Passport Program

CLARKSON - An antique shop in Clarkson is seeing record numbers due to being a part of this year's Nebraska Passport program.
Cottontail Vintage was opened in November 2016 by Bunny Smith, but the building it is housed in has long been a staple of the Clarkson community. Smith says the building opened its doors in November of 1909, and was originally intended to be a saloon.
Many different shops have been in the building over the last 100 years, and Smith's brother purchased it with the intent of turning it into a cafe, but was unable to make it comply with ADA regulations. Smith says that her dream has always been to have an antique store, and her brother was able to make her dream come true after handing the building over to her.
Smith says that it has been a slow process to grow the store over the last few years, but that this year's Nebraska Passport program has provided a huge boost in the number of people stopping in.
“People from all over, from Omaha and Lincoln, have come and seen the shop and spread the word,” Smith said. “With this Nebraska Passport, this has been my best year by far.”
Smith says that not only has being a part of this year's program helped out the Cottontail Vintage, but the entire town of Clarkson as well, as the town is seeing brand new visitors on a consistent basis in order to get their passports stamped at the shop.
“People come in saying, 'I've never even heard of Clarkson, what a great little town,'” Smith said. “We need more exposure to bring in the people to help us thrive.”
The Cottontail Vintage is open from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday - Saturday, and 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Sundays for those looking to check off the shop in their Nebraska Passport booklets.