Disclaimer: My trip was hosted by the City of Andover and the Andover Chamber of Commerce. All photos and opinions are mine.
I love a small town with big city amenities. Andover, Kansas, a 20-minute drive from Wichita, checks all the boxes. Each time I visit, I encounter kind residents and an ever-growing list of fun things to do.
Use my day trip round-up itinerary as a guide to explore Andover, a vibrant community offering visitors plenty of outdoor adventures, dining, and delightful shopping. You’re going to fall in love with Andover.
START THE DAY WITH AN EARLY-MORNING BREAKFAST
The Rusted Rooster
The Rusted Rooster (837 N. Andover Road) should be your first stop in Andover for an early morning meal. Opened in 2012, the cafe evolved into a larger space under new ownership. You can enjoy coffee drinks or breakfast all day, and the expanded bar serves cocktails. Mimosa, anyone?
It’s the best place in town to gather with friends or family over a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast, and it’s an ideal hideaway if you want to work behind a laptop at a corner table.
During a return visit, I sipped a steaming chai latté as the kitchen staff prepared breakfast sandwiches for us. Small groups of residents chatted over omelet bowls and biscuits and gravy. The barista quickly crafted expresso drinks for dine-in and drive-thru customers.
The BuCo Burrito (pressed like a panini) and The Hack Attack are prepared made-to-order, which was worth the short wait. I’d recommend BG Basket or one of the larger sandwiches if you’re extra hungry.
PRO TIP: Order a coffee-inspired cocktail from a special menu list or walk up to the adjacent bar to inquire about seasonal cocktails.
APPRECIATE BOOKS, ART, AND ACTIVITIES
Andover Public Library
If ever there was a library that offered something for everyone, including drop-in visitors, it’s the Andover Public Library (1511 E. Central Avenue). We visited to inquire about checking out disc golf equipment, but we discovered so much more.
We perused shelves of gently used books for sale available for purchase with a one-dollar donation. At a nearby window, we watched bluebirds compete for nesting boxes as butterflies flew from flower to flower at the library’s garden. To my surprise, I also discovered a partially completed puzzle on a table, which I sat down to work on for awhile.
I was impressed by the library’s modern amenities, including a spacious art gallery. During a self-guided tour, we admired the handiwork of painters, illustrators, and photographers whose work was curated to showcase local talent.
Additionally, the library offers endless fun for families. The children’s section includes activity bags parents can check out that teach kids about science, baking, and the outdoors.
We couldn’t resist opening a library account, which provides free online books via the Libby app and allows you to check out disc golf equipment. Each golf bag has three discs (driver, mid-range, putter) and a laminated course map available for one week.
PRO TIP: The Andover Public Library hosts events open to the public. View their online calendar to plan a fun outing.
PLAY A ROUND OF DISC GOLF & ADMIRE NATURE
Andover Central Park
I’ve explored countless parks during my travel writing adventures, and Andover Central Park (1607 E. Central Avenue) scores high marks for its scenic beauty and activities for all ages. It has everything from live concerts at the Capitol Federal Amphitheater® and fishing clinics during Greater Andover Days to its dog park and disc golf course.
We played the 18-hole disc golf course, which UDisc ranks high based on over 600 ratings. Players can expect concrete tee pads and baskets with flags at each hole.
The map and signage make the course easy to follow, and the scenery consists of mature trees and George Lake. The play is moderately complex, with short and long shots from well-kept, wide fairways. Although the map included amateur and pro-play options, pro baskets were unavailable during our visit.
On occasion, a basket is partially hidden or elevated, making for unique shot opportunities. We were the only ones walking the course during the early morning hours on a weekday, and very few people walked the paved pathways near the course.
Walking from Hole 1 to 2 requires golfers to meander a woodland path under a tree canopy. Holes 13-18 are designed around Lake George, a home to waterfowl.
If you need to rest between holes, I recommend choosing a shaded bench seat near Hole 13 and 15.
Pro Tip: The park is home to Capitol Federal Amphitheater®, which hosts live events. Bring a lawn chair and a friend to enjoy concerts and theatrical performances when you’re not playing disc golf.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL
Renew Consign & Café
Renew Consign & Café (403 W. Central Avenue) carries like new consignment ranging from furniture to seasonal decorations. But unlike a typical resale store, it also doubles as a pie shop serving tea and coffee drinks.
The cozy store is stocked to the brim with treasures. I recommend walking to the rear of the store to view the clearance table, where each item is priced at one dollar. The owner is also known to announce store-wide sales.
Reward yourself for scoring good deals with a slice of homemade pie, a cupcake, or a cinnamon roll. Renew Consign & Cafés outdoor patio is open year-round.
PRO TIP: Monitor the store’s Facebook page to learn about parking lot clearance sales when vendors slash prices.
Walnut Valley Meat Market
Pack a cooler because you’ll want to buy up the store at Walnut Valley Meat Market (620 Andover Road). The butcher shop sells vacuum-sealed individual cuts of beef and pork and carries an intensive inventory of link sausage.
The staff member told us that most of their meat selection is processed in El Dorado. A fan of sourcing groceries close to home, I also appreciated their dry goods inventory and jarred pickled vegetables.
Whether it’s a thick-cut fresh or frozen steak or pork chops you’re after for dinner or a package of Honey BBQ Snack Sticks, Walnut Valley Meat Market’s got your covered.
PRO TIP: The family-owned store is known for hosting flash sales while supplies last. Follow its Facebook page to view announcements.
Sunlight Thrift Boutique
Who doesn’t love a good deal? At Sunlight Thrift Boutique (614 N. Andover Road), you’re likely to score great deals on clothing or home decor items.
Add men’s and women’s new and gently used apparel and shoes to your closet. Well-organized racks of kids’ clothing for all ages, toys, and board games are displayed.
You can feel good about purchasing items at Sunlight Thrift Boutique because proceeds from each purchase are donated to Sunlight Children’s Services, which provides resources and a temporary safe home for abused and neglected children and their families.
We bought new-to-us board game and a couple of men’s polo shirts. You’ll be shocked at the low prices of most items. New inventory is added six days a week.
PRO TIP: If you’d like to donate items for the store to sell, look for the drop-off garage door behind the store.
K. Westphal Jewelers
Shop K. Westphal Jewelers (610 N. Andover Road) when you deserve a beautiful piece of jewelry. Sparkling diamonds, gold and silver necklaces, and bracelets and watches shimmer from inside glass cases.
I was curious about the latest trend, Forever Jewelry, a product and service the store offers during appointment-only sessions. Designed to be worn every day, a gold or silver necklace, bracelet, or anklet’s end pieces are welded together. The store also offers charms or a connector for each piece during select events.
The family-owned and operated jewelry store’s selection will please you. Whether you desire a new treasure for your jewelry box or need one repaired or restored, K. Westphal Jewelers does it all.
SAVOR A MID-DAY MEAL
Metro Bistro
If you’re craving a mid-day sandwich after a day of exploring Andover, Metro Bistro (321 S. Andover Road) satisfies. The menu features sandwiches with creative toppings unlike anything else, and the pasta dishes and salads mimic this culinary style.
Made-to-order sandwiches like The Philly are prepared with sirloin (more like a ground beef patty than sliced meat), onions, Swiss cheese tomatoes, and crushed ripple potato chips. The non-traditional lunchtime meal is one of eight featured sandwiches, including their signature sandwich, The Bistro Burger. It was my favorite of the two options.
But it’s not your usual burger. Expect unique ingredients added to toasted Cuban bread. Burger meat is topped with grilled portobello mushrooms, fresh arugula, Fontina cheese, and red onion and drizzled with copious amounts of balsamic sauce. Side items are available upon request.
PRO TIP: If you’re interested in a hearty plate of pasta, ask about their menu featuring chicken, beef, or seared salmon-topped entrees.
GIVE IN TO YOUR SWEET TOOTH
CuppaYo
Save room for dessert at CuppaYo (626 S. Andover Road), where self-serve frozen yogurt is available in numerous flavors, and the toppings are nearly endless.
I was pleasantly surprised to find non-dairy sorbet and 100 percent vegan, plant-based froyo flavors at some self-serve stations. I grabbed a paper bowl, one of three available sizes, and filled it with Pumpkin frozen yogurt topped with a caramel drizzle and Heath® candy bar pieces, a tasty mix that wasn’t overly sweet.
Of course, CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh sliced fruit and nuts available.
A staff member weighed my frozen yogurt bowl at checkout to finalize pricing. It was less than four dollars. The experience was so much fun that I signed up for the loyalty program to earn points toward free frozen yogurt.
PRO TIP: Ask about the Flavor Theme of the Month.
PLAY A GAME OF PICKLEBALL
13th Street Sports Park
The 13th Street Sports Park (1008 E. 13th Street) is a new multi-sport park featuring pickleball courts, a splash pad, baseball fields and batting cages, sand volleyball courts, and half-court basketball. Leisure activity spaces include a walking path, picnic areas, and a handicap-accessible playground.
A newly constructed sports park, it is truly a remarkable place for families and friends to gather. Open to the public, an event lawn is available for hosting events and food truck parking. With so many options for exploration, we immediately selected one of four available pickleball courts for a game.
I had a blast learning how to play the game, and let’s just say we didn’t keep score. All the same, I appreciated the newly surfaced courts, positioned at a comfortable distance from other pickleball players.
Afterward, we played like kids on the state-of-the-art playground equipment (the swings are the best!) and walked toward the Redbud Trail.
PRO TIP: Bring your sports equipment, and don’t forget to pack sunblock. Follow Andover Parks and Recreation’s Facebook page for upcoming event announcements.
WALK OR BIKE A NATURE TRAIL
Redbud Trail
Access the Redbud Trail at 13th Street Sports Park, which spans east toward Wichita or west to Augusta. Andover is about the midway point along the 16.1-mile trail.
The rail-trail features different surfaces depending on your route of choice for walking or biking, including concrete, crushed limestone, and gravel flanked by wooded areas.
The trails are 10 feet wide, making it easy for dog walkers, joggers, and bikers to navigate together. The Andover-August rail trail is well-marked, and free parking is available at the 13th Street trailhead.
END THE DAY WITH HAPPY HOUR & DINNER
The Greens at Terradyne Country Club
We concluded a day of outdoor fun and shopping with a relaxing Happy Hour drink followed by dinner at The Greens at Terradyne Country Club (1400 Terradyne Club). The upscale dining experience is open to the public, while country club members gain exclusive access to the golf course and locker rooms.
Our host ushered us to a dining table with a view of the putting green, Hole 1, and Hole 18. Seated near a stone fireplace and dark wood accents, we sipped Oak Grove wines by the glass between appetizers, bone-in wings, and ahi tuna bites.
Happy Hour specials feature $3 off wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, and $3 Coors Light and Bud Light draft beer on Tuesday-Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and all day on Wednesday.
We appreciated watching golfers at play and chatting about the day while waiting for a dinner selection; a Grilled Chicken Caeser wrap with a choice of side dish. Opting for the roasted Brussels sprouts, I loved them even more than the sandwich wrap as they were perfectly prepared and sitting on a bed of semi-sweet sauce.
The locally owned and operated restaurant, known for its American cuisine, serves a variety of appetizers, lunch, and dinner options for every kind of diner. I recommend dining on the patio (weather permitting) or indoors with a remarkable golf course view.
PRO TIP: Our drop-in visit on a Tuesday did not require reservations; however, groups will want to reserve a table or private room in advance. Arriving solo? Sit at the newly remodeled bar.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
Upcoming Events
Thanks to a well-organized chamber and the city’s efforts to provide activities for all ages, there is no limit to what you can do in Andover year-round.
I’m a big fan of Andover’s community events because they always promise an entertaining time, including their biggest festival of the year, Greater Andover Days.
During summer months, they host music concerts and Movies at the Park events at Andover Central Park’s Capitol Federal Amphtheater®.
Mark your calendar on the second Thursday in December to attend Hometown Christmas, which features a free holiday light display with illuminated trees and luminaries. After the light show, prepare s’mores at the fire pit or board a horse-drawn wagon for a ride through the park.
Have you visited Andover? If so, I’d love for you to share your travel suggestions in the comments to inspire a return visit.
Seafood dishes using shrimp, flounder, and salmon offer heart-healthy menu options at dinnertime, while Lobster-Topped Chicken Fried Ribeye or Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions please indulgent eaters.
Guests who reserve a patio table can savor antipasti plates with a glass of sparkling wine surrounded by Tuscan-like stone walls and the sound of a hand-chiseled water fountain.
PRO TIP: Alla Campagna also serves lunch, distinguishing itself from some of the reservation-required Fredericksburg restaurants.
After the meal is prepared, students indulge in elevated fare at a beautifully decorated family-style dining room table. At private cooking classes of eight people or more, you can choose the menu and pace or select from existing menus.
If a group would prefer a cooking demonstration or private dinner rather than a hands-on class, interested parties can indicate their choice using an online request form submitted three weeks in advance. Eight menu selections range from French Bistro to Spanish Tapas.
We watched feats of bravery as each pilot pushed their aircraft to the limit overhead. The show boss called the action to the backdrop of high-energy music choreographed with each pilot’s show.
The crowd engaged with applause and often jumped out of their seats to examine the action on the ground before takeoff.
Our seats, positioned directly behind the guide rope, gave us unobstructed close-up views, which you don’t often get at big city airshows. The Saturday and Sunday daytime shows were spectacular. Unfortunately, due to rain, we didn’t watch the Twilight Airshow.
A proud Wichitan, I especially love witnessing people admire the airworthy 
A DTWA helicopter whizzed overhead, providing non-stop rides over the airport and the surrounding area. Attendees needing speed fastened their seat beats for a Drive Experience with Precision Exotics racing down the tarmac.
At the DreamBig Entertainment experiences, airshow attendees paid a small fee to climb into a stationary F-18 or F/A 18 cockpit for a photo opportunity.
The presence of these remarkable aircraft is fitting, given that Great Bend Army Field was a United States Air Force base. Today, it operates as Great Bend Municipal Airport, the same airport I took my first flight at as a second grader.
Constructed in the 1940s, the installation honors pilots trained to fly the Superfortress bombers and the B-29’s support staff.
PRO TIP: Bring a lawn chair to position it where you’d prefer to watch the show. Keep in mind some vendors only accept cash. Parking is free.
I ordered a single Build Your Own Burger with cheddar cheese and delicious homemade potato chips. The Philly sandwich arrived stuffed with sauteéd mushrooms, peppers, and onions with melted Swiss cheese on a hoagie roll.
PRO TIP: Order your meal when you put in your drink order to accommodate a busy dining room. Prepare to spend more if you order side sauces like au jus or ranch dressing.
The well-designed restaurant’s dining room transports you to Mexico, and the bar area, complete with televisions, is the ideal place to watch the game.
I devoured a traditional chicken and chorizo entreé with savory beans, rice, and warm tortillas. After a visit to the Salsa Bar, I topped each bite with a creamy avocado salsa for added heat.
If you love enchiladas or burritos, you have a variety to choose from, and the steak burrito covered with white queso is worth ordering.
PRO TIP: Visit the restaurant on Taco Tuesday for $2 tacos with your choice of six meats.
The smell of carne asada permeated the air as we ordered street tacos and burritos for an early lunch. Sitting at one of a few booths, we sipped bottled drinks, watching as people arrived to pick up to-go orders.
The food was crave-worthy. Mary’s Kitchen deserves its stellar online reviews.
The cafe is the go-to place for local coffee groups who chat about the day’s news amongst friends. The barista busily prepares steaming hot coffee and tea drinks while the kitchen staff cooks morning meals.
My bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast pizza served on crispy thin crust was some of the best I’ve eaten, and I happily requested a to-go container for leftovers. It tastes better than Casey’s breakfast pizza.
I’ve drank craft beer at over 30 Kansas breweries, and this one is easily one of my favorites for its beer quality and selection. The staff, who took time to get to know us, was friendly and attentive.
We loved our experience so much on Friday night that we returned to celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, which included a laugh-inducing stein-holding competition. (If you don’t drink beer, Dry Lake Brewing serves seltzers and signature cocktails and can make just about any drink from its full bar.)
PRO TIP: Lazy Bacon BBQ makes regular appearances in Great Bend. Check its 
The store carries brands including Pendleton, Liverpool, and Wrangler. If you’re in a rush to find a comfortable pair of jeans or shirt for a last-minute date night, you’ll find it here.
Aside from shoes, leather handbags, and hats, their inventory of women’s jewelry impressed me. Ask to try on a turquoise necklace or ring from inside the Southwest jewelry case.
Mosey to the rear of the store to the 
Known for its therapeutic horse-riding program, Rosewood names each wine varietal after one of the horses. From dry to sweet wine, we loved the Smooth Movin Sheik Malbec enough to purchase a bottle.
The shop’s owner stocks various Kansas-made products, including souvenir gifts for travelers seeking a sunflower or Wizard of Oz trinket. However, I spend the most time perusing the shelves in the back of the store shopping for jarred condiments of dip mixes – samples available
The other side of the store is devoted to selling women’s apparel and jewelry. Look for the clearance shelves for deep discounted finds.
If you’re shopping for a gift, consider purchasing Blind Date With a Book (mystery title!) or one of the many screen-printed graphic t-shirts available.
The best part? A massive indoor enclosed patio at the rear of the store is home to new and antique must-have gifts ranging from garden displays to signage with messaging. Refined Medley sells an assortment of great finds hand-selected by its owner, and I’ll cherish the seasonal decor I purchased.
I spotted two new-to-me oversized creations, which prompted me to get out of my car for a closer look at “Leave a Legacy” by artist Melanie Ryan (1307 Lakin Avenue) and a Kansas-themed mural by artist Brady Scott at 1125 Williams Street.
Other artistic creations in the downtown area include painted boxes with varying whimsical designs.
Not to be missed is the awe-inspiring bronze statue of Jack Kilby in front of the Barton County Courthouse, “The Gift,” by local artist Chet Cale (1400 Main Street). It depicts the microchip inventor, a man who grew up in Great Bend, transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next.
Another sculpture installation, “Remember When,” donated by Tommy Hammond, is located at Rosewood Furniture Gallery (1607 Main Street). It features four aging men of distinctive character looking forward to a vision of their youth.
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or floating disc.
As mentioned, the park is home to native and non-native trees to pay homage to the Battle of Argonne Forest. If you walk the paved sidewalk through the park, note signs near trees explaining the variety.
Bonus reasons to spend time at Veteran’s Memorial Park include the Kiwanis Club Fitness Trail, new playground equipment areas, tennis courts, ballparks, and sand volleyball.
PRO TIP: Spend a few minutes admiring the restored tanks at the park’s entrance, which are displayed beyond a row of flagpoles.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, the education center is a must-stop for nature lovers who want to learn how the state’s ecosystems evolved from the days of its earliest inhabitants to today.
An illuminated floor display and tactile exhibits made the self-guided tour engaging and one that kids would certainly appreciate. We especially enjoyed viewing snakes, rodents, and fish in the classroom’s aquariums.
Before returning to the car to drive the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve and admire birds, we learned more about the recently spotted waterfowl in the area.
Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is a birder’s paradise offering glimpses of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Before embarking on our trek, a helpful staff member provided a handheld map, which came in handy navigating the acreage.
As we meandered dirt roads on a portion of the 41,000 acres, we spotted a half dozen bird varieties and picturesque views of the Kansas scenery. You’ll love this free outdoor activity.
Outdoor and Indoor Habitats
During our Sunday visit on a cool fall morning, exotic birds mimicked our whistle calls, a grizzly bear used its claws to expose soil in search of grub worms, and a female lion tracked our steps from a raised platform.
Wild birds escorted us, including swans, ducks, and a peacock from habitat to habitat. Periodically, we stopped to take photos at interactive photo displays and bronze sculptures.
For a truly immersive zoo visit, I recommend an animal encounter session led by a zoo keeper, reservable in advance.
You can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by a zookeeper who explains each animal’s story and daily behavior.
PRO TIP: Bring cash for a donation in lieu of admission, if you wish. The zoo’s retail store is stocked with keepsakes ideal for the youngest animal lovers.
The renovated 1950s-era single-family home sleeps four guests and features a queen bed and two twin beds. The highly rated vacation rental, outfitted with traditional-style furniture, is designed with a patriotic theme.
Wood floors creaked underfoot as we toured the home after self check-in (4:00pm). The home was meticulously clean and each room was designed for a comfortable stay with extra blankets, alarm clocks, and charging stations.
We avoided cooking a meal or grilling outside to prevent clean-up, however, I used a Keurig coffee machine and supplied coffee daily.
Although the home doesn’t allow pets, the fenced backyard is a decent size and includes a quaint patio seating area and Blackstone Grill.
REMINDER: The provided house manual emphasizes the house rules and clean-up tasks, which you should adhere closely to avoid added fees.
Nearby towns 
Having visited several quilt shops across Kansas, I was impressed by the staffers’ knowledge of on-trend designs and how to teach others the techniques for every kind of quilt.
PRO TIP: The Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural (425 Main Street) is the most vibrant and colorful one in town. Seneca native Ellie Haynie painted a collection of quilt blocks, each submitted with a donation by community members.
In business for almost three decades, they carry over 6,000 bolts of fabric (check out their 
Known for carrying a large selection of cotton fabric, notions, and floss, it’s one-stop shopping. Beginners and veteran quilters can take advantage of on-site classes.
PRO TIP: Walk down to The Great Hall of Quilts to see handcrafted masterpieces.
I discover far more than expected. Quilt Town USA is home to 16 quilt shops and multiple vibrant murals depicting quilts. A tea shop, café, restaurants, and more line Hamilton’s Main Street, making it the ultimate destination for a day trip.
PRO TIP: Check out 
You can count on five rotating Now Showing galleries, and their inventory of acquisitions is the largest in the public collection in the world, so exhibitions of regularly rotated.
Have you seen miniature quilts? Viewed a 3-D quilt? See them and more at the annual Airing of the Quilts, a massive collection on exhibit every September.
On the day of my visit, I voted for my favorite quilt, a 3-D pattern, from the collection “Welcome Home: A Celebrate of Quilts.” It was interesting to look closely at the handiwork of quilts dating back to the 1850s. The museum installs new 
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into 
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the 
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the 
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The 
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? 
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: 
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
A haven for students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s 
Incorporated in 1870, Wichita was a cattle drive destination where beef was king. Immigrant workers, hoping to escape economic hardship in their home countries, migrated to Wichita, taking jobs at meatpacking plants and railroad companies. While the stockyards no longer exist, generations of families remain deeply rooted in the area, and each cultural community is well-represented throughout the city by its restaurants.
Wichitans are passionate about local cuisine. If you ask someone which restaurant serves the best hummus, tacos, or pho, prepare for energetic responses.
