Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
It’s time you discover Girard, a charming small town in Southeast Kansas with historic sites, restaurants, and overnight lodging ideal for curious road travelers.
From chatting with locals over breakfast to taking a guided tour of its museum, I was pleasantly surprised by Girard’s attractions, and the residents welcomed me warmly.
Things to Do in Girard, Kansas: History, Dining, and Charming Overnight Lodging
Located at the junction of Highways 7 and 47, Girard is a community of fewer than 2,500 residents, founded initially as a railroad town. Today, the county seat thrives, with most tourism-worthy stops surrounding the historic Crawford County Courthouse.
I discovered there was more than enough to do downtown and in the surrounding area, making Girard a destination for an overnight stay.
Unique Lodging
The Long Branch Loft
When traveling, I welcome the opportunity to stay at a unique vacation rental. The Long Branch Loft, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom downtown getaway, is located in Girard, within walking distance of activities on the square.
It’s ranked as a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a good reason. The stylish property, beautifully renovated in a historic building, offers guests the comforts of home.
I spent my evening streaming television shows from a plush, oversized chair before retiring for the night in the loft’s king-size bed. Despite its central location between two businesses, the area was quiet after business hours.
After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to make a steaming cup of coffee and watch the sun rise through the downstairs window with plants. The loft’s welcome book provided a list of things to do in the area, and a basket supplied on-the-go snacks for the day’s adventures.
Overall, my stay at The Long Branch Loft was peaceful and pleasant thanks to its modern furnishings, cleanliness, and amenities. The quaint vacation rental is ideal for solo travelers or couples visiting the area. Check availability and reserve The Long Branch Loft.
Note: This is not an ADA-accessible vacation rental due to its open staircase design to the loft bedroom.
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and prefer to block out all light when you sleep, I recommend using an eye mask to block out streetlight through the windows.
Delicious Dining
Eastside Cafe
For breakfast, you have to dine at Eastside Cafe (120 S. Ozark Street).
The baker arrives at 3 a.m., well before guests arrive, to make cinnamon rolls, chocolate-filled croissants, pies, and freshly baked bread. The short-order cook ringing the bell is audible from the kitchen. Servers pour coffee refills into diner-style mugs.
I listened to the news on a nearby television while enjoying a vegetable omelet and perfectly cooked hashbrowns. Full from my breakfast, I eagerly requested a to-go box for baked goods.
Eastside Cafe serves breakfast all day, and the lunch menu features sandwiches, burgers, and a daily special after 11:00 a.m.
PRO TIP: Order the hand-breaded onion rings, a local favorite.
Hiway Inn Restaurant
When it’s an affordable lunch like grandma used to make that you crave, there’s no better place to eat than the Hiway Inn Restaurant (600 W. St. John Street).
Open until 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the eatery has served locals homestyle meals for decades. Today, the owner continues the tradition her grandmother began almost 40 years ago.
I stopped by for lunch and, after seeing the daily specials board, I chose the Mushroom Swiss Burger with a side of curly fries. As soon as my order was called back to the kitchen, I heard the sizzle of a flat-top grill and the bubbling of a hot fryer.
Surrounded by locals eating their lunches in silence, the restaurant’s phone rang continuously with to-go orders.
After eating my tasty lunch, I paid for my meal and headed out to explore Girard. In the parking lot, locals gathered around cars to chat about the day’s events and local news.
PRO TIP: HiWay Inn is also known for its breakfast. A line of regular customers forms at the door before it opens daily. Bring cash.
C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store
If you’re seeking a place to enjoy coffee, tea, an energy drink, or a fruit smoothie, C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store (102 S. Ozark Street) is a guaranteed good stop.
The coffeehouse also serves as a gathering spot for locals who want to use the high-speed Wi-Fi while drinking coffee.
Pony up to the counter, seated on a saddle-covered stool, to sip a cowboy-style black coffee or a Lasso (frappe) prepared with frozen hot chocolate.
Bushel & a Peck
By far, Bushel & a Peck (820 S. Summit) is the best restaurant for a chef-prepared meal, where locals line up at the door by 5 p.m. to claim a table.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant is known for its inventive weekly specials and seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients.
I was greeted by name upon arrival and escorted to my table, where I ordered a glass of wine and an appetizer of whipped goat cheese topped with tomatoes and herbs.
Soon, I noticed that other dinner guests were watching the servers as they presented neighboring tables’ food, a sign they were enthusiastic about the menu’s offerings.
The appetizer exceeded my expectations for quality and flavor, setting the stage for the main course. But first, the server insisted I sample the day’s special: an Asian-inspired orange chicken with broccoli over rice, made fresh to order and delicious.
I listened to lively guests’ chatter and jazz cover songs until my dinner selection arrived. Smoked pork loin, coleslaw, and sautéed mushrooms made for one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Southeast Kansas.
Chicken Annie’s Girard
You know the fried chicken is worth traveling for when you arrive before the restaurant opens and see cars already parked in the lot awaiting the owner to unlock the door.
Chicken Annie’s of Girard (498 KS-47) is an iconic stop on the Freedom and Fried Chicken Trail.
Opened in 1971, the restaurant offers dinner specials that draw locals and out-of-towners to Girard from Wednesday through Sunday.
The chicken is hand-breaded and fried fresh to order, served with side dishes such as fried onion strings, mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.
Public Art
Sunflower Mural
Girard’s Sunflower Mural is a picture-perfect selfie spot, located just off the town square at the Girard Civic Center, at Ozark Street and Forest Avenue.
Quilt Mural
A Quilt Mural celebrating Girard’s 150th anniversary was added to the side of a building at Summit and Prairie Streets.
The folk-inspired quilt pattern design includes symbolic references to the town’s history, such as the Ice Barn and McFarland Lake, built in 1896, and the Little Blue Books published locally through 1978.
Deer Sculpture & Historic Marker
The Deer Sculpture, with a historic marker at the corner, is likely the most distinctive public art in the area because of the story associated with it.
Local folklore says the deer sculpture stands on the exact spot where a Pennsylvanian, Dr. Charles H. Strong, shot a deer. Moments later, he added a stake in the ground, declaring possession of the land.
Girard is named after his hometown in Pennsylvania.
Historic Attractions
Crawford County Courthouse
The Crawford County Courthouse (111 E. Forest Street) not only serves as the centerpiece of Girard, but its Greek Revival design, with Tuscan columns, has a grandeur that draws the eye.
Established in 1867, the courthouse makes the town the official county seat. The grounds feature a Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a gazebo adorned with banners honoring the area veterans.
Girard History Museum
At first glance, one might think they were viewing a church, which is true, but its contents may surprise you.
The Girard History Museum (300 S. Summit), located inside the former St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1888, is well worth a visit.
I’ve always told people that the best way to immerse oneself in a town is to start their visit at a historical museum. Museum exhibits showcase the town’s history using artifacts from 1868 to the present.
Girard has a long history of publishing, operating the largest presses west of the Mississippi.
The work of Julius Augustus Wayland, whose socialist weekly journal “The Appeal to Reason” became the largest circulated newspaper of its kind in American history in the early 1900s.
Emanuel and Marcet Haldeman printed “The Little Blue Books,” how-to manuals, which were distributed at businesses.
The church alone is a magnificent example of late-19th-century architectural design. Its stained windows, made in Missouri, cascade colorful beams of light onto the church floor on a sunny day.
From the pulpit, one can fully appreciate the windows, which feature Christian symbolism.
Display cases showcase photographs and personal effects donated by locals. For example, did you know that Girard resident, Sarah Alice Haldeman, was the first female bank president in Kansas?
A neighboring building within the museum houses a collection of farm and firefighting equipment dating back to the late 1800s.
PRO TIP: View the museum’s Facebook page to review its hours and recent news.
Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the Crawford County Courthouse stops one in their tracks and is deserving of attention.
Granite walls are inscribed with 777 names of Kansans who gave their lives in Vietnam during the war. In the foreground, a UH-1H Huey Helicopter is at rest.
The aircraft was used to transport soldiers and cargo, evacuate soldiers from battlefields, and carry armed soldiers who could fire on the enemy.
PRO TIP: Girard Veterans Memorial Park hosts holiday events honoring military heroes.
Girard Public Library
Not every town in the state can boast that its library is an official Carnegie Library, but residents in Girard are proud to have one. At the time it was built, it was the smallest town with a Carnegie Library.
The Girard Public Library (128 W. Prairie) offers the community book rentals and programming for all ages.
I ascended the stairs to the top floor to view the books for adult readers, the same spot where monthly game nights and craft nights are hosted.
PRO TIP: View the library’s event calendar in advance of your visi.
Must-Stop Shops
Girard General Store & Antiques
I received the warmest welcome to town at the Girard General Store & Antiques (117 S. Summit Street). Its owner, a local historian and author, sells antiques, old-fashioned candy, and homemade ice cream.
The newly constructed building contrasts with its contents, which contain nostalgic keepsakes from an earlier time.
Shoppers will be delighted to discover Amish soaps, candles, jams, jellies, and jarred salsa rounding out the inventory.
One shouldn’t leave the store without visiting the bathroom to see its wallpaper, a nod to Girard’s history, told through old photographs and advertisements.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the retro soda pop brands available for purchase, located in the refrigerator near the candy cart.
C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store
As mentioned earlier, C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store (102 S. Ozark Street) is a go-to destination for an early or midday coffee, and it also offers gift-worthy retail.
The rear of the store features women’s clothing, jewelry, purses, body care products, and kitchen essentials.
Painted Barrels
I plan to shop at Painted Barrels (127 S. Summit Street), a consignment vendor, on my return visit to Girard. I simply ran out of time, but its inventory of home decor, clothing, and items sold by area farmers makes it a stop I won’t miss the next time.
Just Beyond Town
Nine miles north of town, the 500-acre Crawford State Park is an outdoor adventurer’s playground featuring campgrounds, cabins, as well as fishing and boating opportunities.
While you’re in the area, view other town to visit using my Ultimate Guide to Pittsburg and find your fun in Frontenac: Where Coal Mining History Meets Community Spirit.
Developers revitalized a historic building, restoring it to its three-story grandeur. Initially built in 1902, guests feel at home amid modern furnishings in spacious lounges and high-ceiling guest rooms.
You’ll definitely want to grab a drink and dinner at 
I relaxed with a smoked old-fashioned cocktail before savoring braised beef served with a squash-corn salad from the chef’s seasonal menu. The dining room stirred with small groups of local families and friends who dropped by for cocktails and conversation.
Paired with a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, the chef’s creation was scrumptious and well-suited for a fabulous fall evening dinner.
Hotel Garber’s staff exceeded my expectations by ensuring my comfort during my two-night stay, often asking whether I needed anything and offering tourism advice when requested.
At the 
I explored the American Bittersweet: The Life and Writing of Willa Cather exhibit, highlighting the author’s personal and professional life by reading the displays in chronological order, starting with her formative years in Red Cloud.
Situated in a restored 1887 building, the exhibit’s photography brings Cather’s story to life. She worked tirelessly as a magazine editor for years, a job that honed her skills and accelerated her book-writing career.
PRO TIP: Take the elevator upstairs to view another Cather statue and a gallery of historical photographs taken of Red Cloud residents during the 19th Century.
At each stop, from the Burlington Depot to Cather’s childhood home, an expert guide explained the significance of each location in Cather’s upbringing.
The depot is mentioned in Cather’s short story “The Sculpture’s Funeral.”
She also befriended Carrie Miner, the same woman to whom her book “My Ántonia” is dedicated. The family inspired Cather’s characters, the Harling family.
As you tour the home, it’s clear it was considered one of the nicest in the community when it was built in 1878. Large rooms, gold-plated dishware, and oversized windows impress.
The church held a memorial service for Cather in 1947, including two windows that the author had made and dedicated to her parents.
A tour of the National Historic Landmark includes descriptions of original furniture pieces, artwork, and prints.
Cather installed the rose-colored wallpaper in the attic bedroom.
Elaborate teller cages shipped by rail from Chicago anchor the main floor of the 1888 bank building. Downstairs, visitors have access to interpretive panels about Red Cloud’s history.
The Garbers inspired Cather to develop characters in “A Lost Lady.”
Built in the 1890s, the Red Cloud Opera House continues to host 
I wasn’t able to visit the museum during its off-season, but I was able to admire the home’s exterior and grounds, which includes the original water fountain that once sat at the intersection of Webster and US Highway 136.
I arrived in Red Cloud on a Monday, and the owner of On the Brix went above and beyond, preparing a beautiful charcuterie board with an array of cheese, sausage, and fruit for me to enjoy in my guest room at Hotel Garber.
The day’s burger special, a Mushroom & Swiss CheeseBurger with a side salad, was prepared fresh to order from an open kitchen. A lounge bar resembling something you might see in an old-school supper club served locals.
I struck up a conversation with the owners, who are die-hard live-music fans and often travel for concerts. The walls of the restaurant are covered with framed albums and guitars signed by bands like The Eagles and Def Leppard.
The food alone is well worth stopping at The Palace Lounge, and the owner’s collection of music souvenirs makes it a true hidden gem you have to see.
The pharmacy also sells flavored coffee and caffeinated cold tea drinks.
PRO TIP: Also a cinephile, Dahle runs the 
Comfortable couches and sun-drenched tables by the windows invite you to cozy up with a latté or smoothie to read a book or watch downtown traffic go by.
I met the friendliest locals when ordering a coffee, so we sat down and talked about all things Red Cloud, including what makes the town so welcoming. It’s the kind of people who look out for each other and want the best for the community, a real sense of community spirit.
PRO TIP: If the retail location is closed during your visit, you can find their honey for sale at 
The owner has curated a vast selection of seasonal gift items, and the upstairs clothing racks feature women’s and children’s on-trend apparel. You’ll be shocked at the bargain pricing for the new shirts and jackets.
Other tourism-worthy events include the 
View the 
Sure enough, it appeared from the horizon as I traveled along Highway 281, an unmistakable point of interest. A charcoal sketch by Bethany Ugalde, an artist from Mexico, was transferred onto panels to wrap around the galvanized steel structure.
The preserved prairie is considered a National Birding Site, a home to meadowlarks, wild turkeys, and grassland sparrows.
PRO TIP: Wildflower season lasts from April through October, and two miles of trail offers breathtaking views.
Be sure to walk inside the site’s little white chapel, which is always open. It’s the same church used in a JEEP® Super Bowl LV commercial staring rock legend Bruce Springsteen.
My first stop was the Visitor Center (502 Kansas Ave), located inside a restored old gas station that is open but unmanned during daylight hours. I signed the guestbook, and picked up a complimentary Kansas road map.
Across the street, I discovered the 1910 Lebanon City Jail surrounded by green space, which locals tells me is the where the town hosts live music during the community’s Oktoberfest celebration.
PRO TIP: Weigh your buffet plates on the scale after serving yourself, then note its weight/price on the paper. Give the grocery store clerk the tab of paper to pay for your meal before departing.
Kansas
Founded in 1886, 
The memorial honors the miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Kansas history at the Cherokee and Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company Mine No. 2 on November 9, 1888. Family members gathered at the mine’s entrance, distraught and waiting for news about their loved ones, many of whom did not survive the dust explosion.
Whenever I approach a memorial, I vow to read every name inscribed on it, and this time was no different.
PRO TIP: Clear your calendar to attend Frontenac’s 140th birthday at Mining Days on June 5-7, 2026. The Heritage and Homecoming Celebration is an annual event featuring family-friendly activities and historical tours. Don’t miss 
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the 
Original artifacts curated from local families added a storytelling quality, enhancing the high-quality exhibits. I was amazed by the attention to detail, from the testimonials of miners to the newspaper clippings about business openings.
The history of Southeast Kansas, and Frontenac in particular, is the story of European immigrants, miners, bootleggers, religious devotees, and family members who looked out for one another and supported the community.
Walking inside the bakery, I felt as if I were a customer seeking to buy a loaf. Tools of the miner’s trade and newspaper clippings about the worst mining disaster in history adorned a room dimly lit by lanterns. A peek inside a replica chapel revealed the history of long-standing Catholic and Methodist communities.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it better than most is that the director thought to include an interactive component, adding visual and audio stations, making it more accessible for visitors. Due to the museum’s proximity to the Frontenac Public Library, its artifacts are deeply rooted in the area’s genealogy.
Former and current Frontenac residents will relish the displays featuring curated Raiders memorabilia. Peering inside the displays, it was as if I could hear the football players and cheerleaders rooting for the Raiders to win the high school’s first-ever state football championship over Stockton in 1994.
Visiting the Heritage Hall Museum, located inside the Frontenac Public Library, is well worth it, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural legacy and mining history of Frontenac and the greater Southeast Kansas region.
The locally owned coffee shop sells 
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
The dining room was already filled with locals when I stopped by on a weekday for a midday meal of boneless chicken wings coated in Sully Sauce. With my choice of side dish, my meal was appetizing and one I’d order again.
On Saturday nights, Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a popular hangout attracting diners seeking the Chef’s Choice special. Happy Hour specials are served Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And for the kids (and young-at-heart), there’s a self-serve candy station, perfect for mixing and matching your favorite sweets by the pound. It’s the ultimate sugar-fueled pit stop for your Kansas adventure.
I would refer to the shop’s 
In addition to slicing deli meat by the order, refrigerated glass cases house homemade sausage, pasta meals, and pre-made sandwiches. A few tables provide a place for lunch-goers to sit down and savor a panini prepared with bread from the local bakery.
Open to the public and Tap Elite, Plus, and Choice Members, TapNPaddles makes it easy to r
After a fun game of pickleball, we cooled off with a District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Norton’s Brewing at the TapNPaddles 
The pickleball venue is located next door to 
The locally-owned liquor store works with distributors to carry a vast selection of well-known brands, and I was pleased to find spirits on the shelf produced by Wichita makers, including Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
The store’s owner helped me located the perfect bottle of dry red wine to take back to the hotel. As shoppers came and went, I noticed how she knew what some of the regular customers wanted before they located it.
K96 Liquor is one-stop shopping if you’re seeking a variety of wine, beer or spirits to purchase for your next gathering with friends or family. And if you’re a guest at someone’s party, consider purchasing one of the pre-boxed bottles that come in gift-worthy packaging.
PRO TIP: Inquire about holiday-themed gift sets.
Newly renovated, the boutique hotel has a swimming pool with outdoor seating and fire pits, views of a lake, and a swanky hangout, W xyz® Bar. Aloft Wichita is not another hotel. It’s a vibe.
The lobby is home to games (Ms. Pac-Man, anyone?), a complimentary coffee station, and a sunken lounge area where a musician plays music on Tuesday evenings, the same night W xyz® Bar serves a taco and margarita special.
After check-in, we sipped District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Nortons Brewing Company at the bar to the sounds of live music. The lobby was filled with hotel guests and drop-in locals who socialized from velvety, stylish couches and around a billiards table. Business travelers worked from laptops at a central desk area.
Later, we explored the hotel’s art gallery by Envision, which displays remarkable works completed by Wichita artists with vision loss. The breathtaking collections change throughout the year.
Guests who want to make the most of the available amenities during the day will appreciate the fitness facility’s collection of state-of-the-art machines and weights.
When it’s time to slumber, one can count on Aloft Wichita’s beds to be some of the most comfortable ones thanks to soft Marriott Bonvoy® bedding and blackout curtains guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
In the morning, the Re:Fuel by Aloft℠ grab-and-go yogurt with fruit cups or hot breakfast menu is open for early-morning bites. My preference? The OG B.E.C Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun.
Wichita’s 
To set the mood, we ordered an Indigo N Ginger and Keepers Heart Old Fashioned from a cocktail menu consisting of eight drink options. A beer and wine list equally impressed.
In a city with many Lebanese restaurants, we agreed that Chef Rickard’s Roasted Mushroom Hummus was some of the best we’ve tasted, and the Labeneh and Muhammara served with warm pita bread were award-worthy.
NOTE: If the waitstaff asks what kind of water you want to drink with dinner service, inquire about pricing.
Participating is as easy as 
The quality of the game simulator’s censors combined with the multitude of games was better than any indoor sports simulator venue I’ve experienced. And the food menu? Think elevated game day food.
I especially enjoyed unwinding after gaming with a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Azalea Martini as a golf tournament aired from bar-side television. The bartender’s inventive cocktail recipes are well-balanced.
Chef Gandhi-Rue’s scratch-made pasta entreés are irresistible, and I liked customizing my pasta by adding bacon, mushroom, and chicken. Another hearty meal, the Thai Bowl is one I’ve ordered repeatedly over the years, much like the Fajita Bowl.
From catching a live concert at The Fox Theatre to sipping wine or browsing the
And the historic neighborhood is the ideal place to take a self-guided tour. A stop on the 
After my stay, it was easy to understand why guest book entries raved about the property and why it’s rated on 
I curled up with a blanket to watch a movie on the large sectional sofa using available Roku streaming, a comfy place to unwind when I wasn’t exploring Downtown Hays. The owner even left microwave popcorn and a handwritten note thanking me for “popping in” at Walnut Wonder.
The home’s amenities are top-notch, and because the hosts considered a guest’s stay, I didn’t need anything. If you’re seeking like-home lodging with comfortable amenities, reserve 
Norman, who has nearly four decades of floral arrangement expertise, and his staff create custom arrangements for any occasion. Shoppers seeking gift-worthy items will be pleased to find an array of beautiful home decor items. The seasonal floral displays at the front of the store’s front windows wow passersby.
I appreciate when a clothier thoughtfully selects on-trend women’s apparel brands, and Simply Charmed carries a range of sizes up to 2X. Shopping for your children or grandkids? Pair a coveted Jellycat stuffed animal with an outfit as a gift. Sizes range from newborn to 7.
Refine is one of 115 national Liverpool destination stores that carry the jeans brand, One can expect to find clothing sizes 2-16, handbags, and shoes by well-known names such as Joseph Ribkoff, Katie Loxton, and Sorel.
The owner informed me she is closing her doors in January 2026, so she is offering mega discounts on select inventory items housed in a showroom upstairs. In the meantime, one can shop for seasonal decor or gifts for special occasions during regular business hours.
Beautiful, shimmering diamonds captured the overhead lights from beneath glass. The men’s wedding bands, available in a range of styles and metals, equally garnered the attention of shoppers. Couples hoping to find the perfect engagement rings and wedding bands will be pleased with the jewelry options.
I was impressed with how well the volunteers organized the inventory by category: clothing, household items, books, toys, and seasonal costumes and decorations.
Customers eagerly filled carts with donated garments and household supplies as I walked the aisles. A little girl tested out a small bicycle while a mother and son searched for pants in his size. Expect the store to be particularly busy on Saturdays.
If you think you know what you want but need design advice, Karen and her team are happy to chat with you in the Design Room with access to fabric and wood samples.
Aside from offering long-arm quilting services and classes, shoppers will be delighted to discover kits, fabric, batting, notions, thread, and patterns available for purchase.
I stopped by to select Le Grand chocolate truffles after a day of shopping downtown. The staff eagerly told me their favorite flavors, which were tempting, but I settled on a delectable white chocolate apple pie truffle.
The store’s candy bouquets include a variety of chocolate bars and hard candy designed for the sweet tooth in your life.
Instead of men skipping a Main Street shopping experience, the store caters to them with a wide selection of casual wear suitable for any season. Also, the store doubles as a tuxedo rental shop for one’s more formal occasions.
Donated furniture is restored and improved to become one-of-a-kind pieces. Beautiful artwork is created for the home. Each purchased piece is a compliment to the individuals who create them.
New products are added weekly. Women who prefer to shop for the latest in women’s fashions online can do so via the 
The shop’s owner had such success with her online shop that she decided to open a downtown Hays location. Trust me, you’ll want to swap your closet staples for selections from Azalea’s Avenue Boutique.
While sipping a Wicked Pickle Bloody Mary, the sound of the doorbell chimed as small groups arrived to dine. If you prefer lunch fare, order a sandwich with Kettle® chips to enjoy al fresco at a patio table.
While the French Onion Soup’s caramelized onions with cheese in a beef broth were rich in flavor, it was served so hot that I needed to wait to eat it. The refreshing pomegranate mocktail cooled my palate.
My order of Tacos De Barbacoa was served with tender, shredded beef, which I topped with an avocado cream sauce. I’m eager to return for dinner to try the day’s special with one of the five margaritas available.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without eating dessert. The Tres Leches cake is a shareable, moist slice of heaven served with drizzled chocolate sauce.
I started my meal with appetizers: crab rangoon and salted edamame, followed by the day’s special, Golden State Rolls.
The crab-stuffed sushi rolls were presented on a dinner-size plate drizzled with eel sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Each roll was large enough that I had to cut it in half.
The night of a concert at The Fox Theatre, I found one seat left at the bar for a pre-show German-style ale. Steaks, pasta dishes, and chicken entrees dominate the menu. I recommend the Smothered Bierock served with chips, a must if visiting Kansas for the first time.
Create your ice cream combination or order from a menu of signature selections. When in doubt, order the Founder’s Favorite®, and then watch as an employee mixes pecans, brownie, fudge, and caramel into sweet cream vanilla ice cream on a cold granite table.
During November, the Hays Arts Council hosts Block Party on the Bricks, an art auction featuring live music and art demonstrations to fundraise. At springtime, the galleries feature the Smoky Hill juried exhibition, which is an anchor event for the Spring Art Work.
The owner provides 
The multi-level building houses a spacious art gallery, and patrons are welcomed to help themselves to complimentary coffee while lounging with a book or magazine in a sun-drenched window seat.
PRO TIP: If you’re a Kansan or curious about the state’s history, venture downtown stairs to the Kansas Room. It contains a large inventory of books about the Sunflower State.
Other services provided at the spa include facials, light therapy, laser hair removal and waxing as well as lip fillers and Botox. View the services and reserve an appointment 
I photographed most of them while walking downtown, but you’ll likely want to drive to the few murals that are painted on buildings beyond Main Street.
Use the 
Over the years, I’ve increasingly loved his work, noticing how many of Felten’s masterpieces showcase animals, often tucked away at a sculpture’s base or hidden from view in the back.
You’ll be amazed at the Hays artist’s handiwork using a hammer and chisel to carefully carve away limestone sourced from the region. Learn about 28 sculptures in Hays and surrounding towns and view a map 
Supporting local is paramount for me, which is why I chose to get to know the Svaty’s Produce farm family before buying a melon from them.
PRO TIP: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, courtesy of 
They packed the theatre with country music fans on a lively Saturday night who sang along with hits from their album, Strange Hours.
Walk the alley behind the museum, also known as Shinbone Alley, to appreciate more of Felten’s carvings, which are also evident in benches on the museum’s grounds.
The museum is open four days a week, and it often hosts traveling exhibits. Its retail shop includes Volga German apparel, books, and gifts.
Use the 
It’s worth hopping back into the car and making the short drive to 
Downtown Hays at The Bricks blends history and hospitality with a variety of entertaining things to do, proving that a small town can deliver big energy. It’s one of my favorite Kansas walkable districts for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant 
Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
A bonus room includes a poker table and additional couch with television for lounging with friends or family.
The bathroom, designed with his and her sinks, is spacious and includes in-shower products. Plush body-size towels and a motion detector for the overhead light are added touches you don’t always find in a vacation rental.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 
PRO TIP: Don’t expect to be able to check in early to your room, but instead, ask if the hotel will hold your bags until 4 pm check-in.
It sits as short walk on campus from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center.
PRO TIP: Use the 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3. Are you ready for a game?
The family-friendly urban park welcomes musicians after dark on Friday nights, and they host other events like movie nights on occasion. Come early to grab a table. I recommend purchasing a snack or a beer at the permanent food stand or ordering from the menu of a food truck.
Visitors to The Greenway who craft a craft cocktail can stop inside 
Shoppers will also appreciate its high-quality grooming supplies, candles, shoes, and shelves of on-trend ballcaps. I couldn’t leave without a beer logo t-shirt and stylish socks.
The shop becomes a performance venue when they 
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care using a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers a space where they could relax and get to know one another.
As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her pet home. The staff was elated for the owner and her feline family member.
The store carries books of every genre from bestselling titles to juvenile fiction and young reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.
The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.
As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.
Serving happy customers since 2019, the brewpub prides itself on its multiple beer taps and New York-style pizza selection prepared in a brick oven.
The brunch selections are a draw but the lunch and dinner classics paired with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail have earned the eatery high praise. To my surprise, each dining experience starts with complementary chipotle seasoned popcorn.
Menu selections during my dining experience exceeded my expectations for beautiful plating, quality, and value. Appetizers like Almost Deviled Eggs or the Warm House Ricotta and Garlic with sourdough are guaranteed good bites.
At mealtime, dig into tasty Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast or a dinner-size Grilled Cajun Shrimp Salad, served with a zesty house-made dressing.
The owner/chef’s creativity shines in the For the Boys whiskey-and-honey cocktail, and any of her after-dinner desserts with creamy gelato are surefire winners.
PRO TIP: Watch my 
Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, hot coffee, or fruit smoothie, the cozy watering hold delivers. Come hungry and enjoy affordable meals like a Walking Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, or a Turkey Wrap. I found a shaded spot under a patio table’s umbrella to relax.
Deep blue walls flanked by a dark wood bar welcome guests as jazz standards play in the background. The bartender hummed the melody as he prepared a Lemon Tea Fizz prepared with house-made syrup, a cocktail you won’t find on any other menu in town.
PRO TIP: The bar opens at 5 pm. on Wednesday-Saturday. Arrive early to claim the best seat or be prepared to order your drink in a to-go cup to drink on 
But you’ll find more than beverages on the menu as the owners are culinary pros using their skills to prepare pastries and crepes daily as well as breakfast handhelds like a waffle or bagel sandwich. At lunchtime, ask about bread bowls, quesadillas, and protein and veggie-packed sandwich wraps.
The tradition of serving full-flavor fried chicken began when two women opened restaurants on the same street catering to hungry coal miners during all hours, and it was a way to support unemployed, disabled men enduring the hardships of the Great Depression. A competition between two restaurants led to more fried chicken houses opening in the region.
Each restaurant is recommendable, and my favorite spot is a 22-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg to 
On Mondays, a line forms at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinner door. The draw? Chicken and noodles.
In the mood for a live show? 
