Updated December 2025
Disclosure: Kansas Tourism sponsored this post, and Explore Crawford Kansas invited me back for a sponsored return trip. All opinions and photographs are my own.
Pittsburg, Kansas, draws me back for its ever-changing scene of entertaining things to do and see. Known for its rich history as a mining town since 1890, it draws people to the state’s southeast corner to enjoy delectable dining, tour the downtown attractions, and cheer on the Pitt State Gorillas.
In Pittsburg, there is always something to love.
Style in Style
Miner’s Loft
Have you ever walked into a vacation rental and loved the design so much you wished it was your home? That’s how I felt at Miner’s Loft, which is located within walking distance of eateries, shopping, and a live music venues. It’s modern-Southwest-meets-country interior design was tastefully done.
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, Miners + Monroe, for an array of men’s clothing, accessories, and grooming products. As a loft guest, I saved 40 percent on my total purchase.
Reserve Miner’s Loft-Downtown Pittsburg
Hampton Inn & Suites Kansas Crossing
Hampton Inn & Suites Pittsburg (1285 U.S. 69 Hwy) is my hotel when visiting Pittsburg. During my return visit, I found the accommodations met my standard for comfort and cleanliness. Attached to Kansas Crossing Casino, it’s a bustling hotel with ample opportunities for on-site entertainment.
Free WiFi, complimentary breakfast, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and pet-friendly rooms provide guests with the comforts of home they crave when on an overnight trip.
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.
Tour Like a Local
Miners Memorial at Immigrant Park
At Miners Memorial at Immigrant Park (106 W. 2nd St.), you can expect to learn about the work of coal miners who labored in the Weir-Pittsburg Coal Field, the home to more than 100 coal camps. A life-size bronze statue of a miner is the focal point, flanked by nine black granite monuments inscribed with the miners’ names.
According to Miners Memorial, over 10,000 miners worked in the area, like Wendell Dean Golf, who worked on a crew to bring coal from mine to mine via Frisco Railroad so it could be washed. Retiring in 1993, he spent 21 years on the job, a long-standing tradition in his family.
Miners worked in dangerous conditions for up to 12 hours daily, often digging coal by hand. When they were not working in the mines, they opened small businesses and farmed in the area to generate income.
PRO TIP: Locate the mural Solidarity inside Pittsburg Public Library painted by Kansas artist Wayne Wildcat. It depicts Amazon Army’s march protesting working conditions in the mines.
Crawford County Historical Museum
Located on the edge of town, Crawford County Historical Museum (651 S. Highway 69) provides visitors with a deep dive into the coal mining capital of the world, where over 50 nationalities settled.
Although the museum was closed during my visit, I could tour its exterior, including H.R Brown’s Grocery. Its first location opened in 1907, and its second location eventually closed in 1968. Locals relied on its fresh produce, meat, and dairy products inventory.
The șite of educational sessions (cooking class, anyone?), Crawford County Historical Museum hosts Living History School Day, Cow Creek Cowboy Days & Wild West Show, and holiday-themed events.
PRO TIP: Call 620-231-1440 to confirm if the museum is open for free, self-guided tours before your arrival.
Get Outdoors & Go Wild
Murals Hunting
Downtown Pittsburg is an art lover’s dream. Whether you call it street art or a mural, the town has many of them. Pittsburg Artwork commissions creators to paint colorful scenes on the side of buildings – even benches!
The mural movement in Kansas is strong, and Pittsburg is leading the charge. If you consider yourself a mural hunter, you may want to start in the downtown area and then hop in your car to drive around the county to view more creations using the PocketSights app.
You’ll also discover beautiful sculptures in town including two on the Pittsburg State University campus. The Night Song Sculpture (E. Cleveland Ave.) is a bronze sculpture of a Native American playing flute designed by Joe Beeler.
It sits as short walk on campus from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center.
PRO TIP: Use the Pittsburg Artwalk map to plan your driving tour of all of the murals.
Trail Head Park / Watco Trail
The beauty of Pittsburg is viewable from its biking and walking trails. At Trail Head Park / Watco Trail (11th and Broadway Streets), the 2-mile paved path is an out-and-back route. Benches at Trail Head Park under the pergola offer a bit of shade.
PRO TIP: Park is free and public bathrooms are available at the trailhead.
Lakeside Park
A discovery during my second visit to Pittsburg, Lakeside Park (402 W. Washington St.), was highly recommended by a local who knew I wanted to explore scenic areas of town. What a find!
I exited the car to hear children’s giggles from a nearby playground. It was a beautiful Kansas day. I walked the paved path around most of the lake, stopping only to take photos of people fishing at the dock and observing ducks swimming leisurely.
PRO TIP: Pittsburg has 15 parks, many open 7 am-11 pm. Locate one near you using the city’s map.
Schlanger Park Disc Golf Course
Exploring the outdoors is made more fun at Schlanger Park (725 E. 4th St.). The home of a disc golf course, dog park, playground, and splash pad, it provides hours of entertainment for the entire family.
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?
Go on a Gorilla Safari
Pittsburg State University’s mascot, Gus the Gorilla, is the only one like it in the United States. The character has evolved since its inception in 1925, but it continues to be a symbol of college pride celebrated throughout town.
Go on a Gorilla Safari by using the map to locate the great apes, located in front of Pittsburg businesses and nestled on campus.
The Greenway
Pittsburg appreciates its outdoor spaces, and The Greenway (211 N. Broadway) gives the community and visitors a space to unwind while listening to live music and dining on food truck eats.
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 Biles Brothers Meeting House next door and ask for a drink in a plastic cup to tote outdoors. You’ll love the vibe. I had an absolute blast chatting with locals while listening to red dirt country music as the sun set over downtown Pittsburg.
Pro Tip: Refer to The Greenway’s Facebook Events page for calendar updates.
Shop, Stroll, Splurge
Miners + Monroe
You won’t find a more unique men’s specialty store in Kansas than Miners + Monroe (211 N. Broadway). It is more than an Uber-cool clothing store.
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.
You can often find vinyl records for sale, which I’ve purchased for my home collection. They also support music performances at the Colonial Fox Theater.
The Literary Cat Co.
Calling all feline fanatics and bonafide book readers! The Literary Cat Co. (915 N. Broadway) should be your go-to shopping destination to curl up with a new read while meeting a adoptable kitty. It’s the best of both worlds.
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.
ArtForms Gallery
Where can you shop for one-of-a-kind art and crafts? ArtForms Gallery (620 N. Broadway) is a cooperative gallery filled with working artists’ creations ranging from paintings to pottery and stained glass to handcrafted jewelry.
The store’s employees are incredibly helpful, so ask them to assist you if you’re shopping for someone with unique taste.
PRO TIP: Register for one of their single-session workshops to flex your artistic skills here.
Books & Burrow
Books & Burrow (212 S. Broadway) sets itself apart from other independent bookstores because the owners hand-select titles in small quantities focusing on all readers’ ages.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not find elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
PRO TIP: Bring a reusable bag to fill with fun finds. You’ll find it hard not to leave without a new book, a Kansas-made candle, or a notepad.
White Elephant Emporium
A few minutes inside White Elephant Emporium (804 N. Broadway), you may think you’ve entered an art collector’s chic living room or global traveler’s home. Carrying unique home furnishings and decor, the shop is only open the first weekend of every month or when the owner decides to host a pop-up opening.
Shoppers move energetically through professionally designed displays featuring potted plants nestling near leather couches adorned with animal print textiles. Dark wood cabinets and end tables are the base for towering candle holders and ornate lamps.
PRO TIP: Follow the shop’s Facebook page to preview merchandise, as the store always adds new items.
Paradise Mall Antiques
While downtown, I spotted Paradise Mall Antiques (105 S. Broadway St.). Once inside, it was obvious that it was given the name for being a picker’s paradise.
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.
Embellish Boutique
Embellish Boutique (123 N. Broadway) carries a little bit of everything catering to female shoppers. Modern farmhouse decor, baby gifts, women’s jewelry, shoes, and apparel make up most of the store’s inventory.
Keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page to learn about upcoming sales. Embellish Boutique is easily one of the best places for women to shop in Pittsburg.
Raise a Glass, Taste the Flavor
Drop the H Brewing Company
It never fails. My inner GPS leads me to a brewery or a pizza shop when on the road. Luckily, I knew where to find excellent beer and a slice, Drop the H Brewing Company (107 E. Rose St.).
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.
A fan of their beer, I ordered a flight to taste a range of flavors from lager to stout. However, my favorite was the Balkan Haze, which I also ordered as a crowler to go. You’ll find their beers approachable and easy on the palette – even the Dry Irish Stout, a maltier brew nitrogenated for smoothness.
PRO TIP: Drop by for Trivia Night hosted by DJ Trivia every Wednesday.
TOAST
Seekers of healthier dining who want to indulge in the season’s flavors should dine at TOAST (401 N. Broadway Suite D), a restaurant known for sourcing local ingredients and artisan bread.
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 Instagram video to preview these menu selections, including a walkthrough of the restaurant.
Brick + Mortar Social House
Do you know the feeling you get when you discover a restaurant that checks all the boxes, and you want to tell everyone about it? Brick + Mortar Social House (401 N. Broadway) is that restaurant for me.
The gastropub’s aesthetic is somewhat upscale but not so pretentious you can’t walk in wearing casual attire. I arrived during the tail end of Happy Hour and was excited to enjoy a meal.
Serving an elevated menu of classic entrees, I labored over what to select since everything sounded tasty. Did I want an artisan salad, the Prime Rib Sandwich, or Pan Roasted Chicken? I settled on Crispy Brussels Sprouts for an appetizer and the best gosh darn Chicken and Waffles I’ve ever tasted. The chef, originally from Coffeyville, did an exceptional job.
PRO TIP: The dining room is not decorated in the typical sports bar style, but with 10 TVs, it’s a prime place to watch the game.
The Blue Spoon
At The Blue Spoon (618 N. Broadway), a catering business has evolved into a brick-and-mortar storefront selling thoughtfully-prepared grab-and-go meals and desserts.
While my mouth began to water over a glass case of hand-rolled truffles and cookies, customers continued to file into the store to purchase in-store pick-up orders.
PRO TIP: To find out grab-and-go meals available in the refrigerated case, view The Blue Spoon’s Facebook feed.
The Corner Patio
Every town needs a place where locals can soak up the sun’s rays with a drink. Pittsburg’s newest addition to the downtown scene, The Corner Patio (919 N. Broadway), is the place. And if what a group of locals said at a neighboring table, it’s “going to be a popular place.”
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.
PRO TIP: The owners plan to add live music events to their lineup. View their Facebook Events page to see who’s playing.
Biles Brothers Meeting House
When I heard there was a new speakeasy-style bar serving handcrafted cocktails in a low-lit setting, I had to track down Biles Brothers Meeting House (211 N. Broadway). The tucked-away gem located downtown, is steps away from The Greenway, where musicians perform on Friday nights under the stars.
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 The Greenway‘s urban patio.
The Balkan
The Balkan (402 N. Broadway Suite A) is a stylish coffeehouse by day seven days a week that transforms into a lounge bar serving hand-crafted cocktails Thursday through Saturday after 5 pm.
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.
After dark, join friends on the black leather couch for an espresso or match martini and conversation. Music plays and the lights dim for a low-key vibe.
Signet Roasters
“Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Bad Coffee” is the motto of Signet Coffee Roasters‘ owners, Dennis and Leah. The interesting part of their story, which I still can’t get over, is that they were not “coffee lovers” for much of their adult life. In fact, they admit that they didn’t know a good cup of coffee until they had one in Minnesota.
It didn’t take long before they were hooked on quality coffee that came from roasted coffee beans.
They moved to Pittsburg to join family members in the area and renovated an old building on Broadway Street in Pittsburg. They spent almost every waking hour exposing brick walls, upgrading the flooring, and adding beautiful finishes.
Plants, mercury bulb pendant lights, and bags of coffee beans set the scene. Regulars often gather at oversized tables to discuss the latest local news over warm cups of coffee.
The homemade Caramel Latte and Cranberry Orange scone were some of the best I’ve tasted. It was moist with big chunks of cranberry and a light orange flavor. And don’t get me started don’t the coffee. I regret not ordering a larger size.
Freedom and Fried Chicken Trail
Considered the fried chicken epicenter of Kansas and well-revered for its hearty meals, Pittsburg is located on Freedom and Fried Chicken trail of restaurants in Southeast Kansas. As they say, “come for the fried chicken, stay for the stories, and get a taste of the Kansas that lives on in the heart of every American dream.”
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.
In Pittsburg, I recommend dining at Chicken Annie’s Original, Pichler’s Chicken Annie’s, and Chicken Mary’s, each serving hungry diners heaping chicken plates with hearty side dishes for decades.
Each restaurant is recommendable, and my favorite spot is a 22-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg to Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners (124 N. 260th St.) in Mulberry, Kansas. Since 1946, dinners are served with two sides such as tangy German-style potatoes, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, slaw, beans or wedge fries.
All diners are served a basket of sliced white bread, and during my visit, it seemed that every table was ordering a starter bowl of hand-battered fried onion rings, a heaping share-worthy prelude to a delicious chicken meal.
On Mondays, a line forms at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinner door. The draw? Chicken and noodles.
PRO TIP: No matter where you choose to dine of the Freedom and Fried Chicken trail, ask for a to-go box for dinner leftovers to save room for delectable desserts, ranging from pie slices to homemade cookies.
Plan Your Trip Around Events
The Pittsburg Area Farmers’ Market (119 E. 11 Street) supplies locally-grown produce and farm-processed foods on Saturdays and Wednesdays.
The best part of my visit to the farmers market was exchanging stories with a farmer about the trials and tribulations of gardening. We related about extreme Midwest climates, fast-growing plants, and the reward of harvesting tomatoes.
In the mood for a live show? Memorial Auditorium hosts a range of artists, from comedians to nationally-known music acts.
The college town hosts numerous festivals and fairs. Attendees of Pittsburg ArtWalk during the spring and fall can expect live music and art demonstrations, plus food vendors. Little Balkans Days, a 3-day festival on Labor Day weekend, promises games, entertainment, arts and crafts, and a parade celebrating the town’s ethnic heritage.
Nearby Towns Worth Checking Out
Do you have time to tour other southeast Kansas towns? Go shopping at The Well Traveled Chef in Arma, learn mining history at Heritage Hall Museum in Frontenac, and visit Girard for a satisfying meal at The Bushel & a Peck before driving nine miles north to camp at Crawford State Park.
In Sweden (and Lindsborg!), families celebrate Lördagsgodis, which translates to “Saturday Sweets.” This tradition originated in the 1950s, becoming a way for children to look forward to enjoying special candies on the weekend.
So, it’s no surprise that the store became busy with families and visitors from out of town. I perused the shelves of Nordic chocolate bars and hand-crafted fudge, and I spotted a reach-in refrigerator of Grandpa Joe’s sodas and canned fizzy drinks.
I was in candy heaven, scooping a mix of Swedish fish, licorice, and soft watermelon bars into a to-go container. The variety of candy types, including ropes, salted candy, and soft foam treats, was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Visitors to the store will appreciate that Swedish candy doesn’t use artificial dyes for color. The owner also thoughtfully stocks gluten-free candy.
A fan of lingonberries, which are Scandinavian cranberries, I recommend ordering the Det Bästa croissant sandwich. It’s served warm with layers of Gouda cheese, turkey, bacon, and a thick layer of lingonberries jam.
I also recommend the sweet yet tangy Lingonberry Lemonade served over ice, a thirst quencher on a spring or summer day.
Pro Tip: After ordering at the counter, walk to the back patio to relax at a table under the grapevine-covered pergola to the backdrop of a trickling water fountain.
The aroma of handmade waffle cones greets you as you walk the brick pathway to the ice cream shop, which resembles an outdoor European patio.
Whether you prefer a cup, cone, sundae or ice cream sandwich, Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream’s flavorful selections will be a highlight of your Lindsborg visit. They also sell ice cream cupcakes, pies, and pints of available flavors.
Choose from flavors such as Blacksmith Coffee, Ligonberry Swirl, Kringler, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie. Locals and visitors can enjoy a sweet treat six days a week, and the shop stays open late.
I’ve ordered coffee and breakfast at Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery countless times, and one of their standout menu items is the warm berry cobbler served in a cast-iron skillet–ice cream is optional.
If you’re in the mood for a cold drink to take with you for breakfast or a midday treat, order the slightly sweet Lingonberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Take the totable drink with you as you stroll Main Street to shop locally owned boutiques.
PRO TIP: Avoid the morning rush. Order your food for quick pick-up 
The refrigerated baker’s case houses nearly a dozen pies and cakes baked fresh daily by the owner’s daughter.
I took my server’s suggestion and tried the old-fashioned Coconut Cream Pie. The thick, creamy coconut filling, topped with a mound of fluffy whipped cream and flaked coconut, satisfied.
Crown and Rye prepares fruit pies and cream-filled pies, so you will likely find a flavor you are craving. Additionally, individually wrapped homemade cookies are available for the road trip home.
PRO TIP: The 
One of my go-to selections is Nyakers Ginger Snaps, referred to as pepparkakor in Swedish. Traditionally served during winter, I eat the spicy, crunchy cookies year-round. The Swedish foods section of the store is well-stocked with imported spices, should you decide to prepare Swedish cuisine at home.
Savvy shoppers know to look inside the refrigerated reach-in coolers for traditional favorites, including frozen pies and tea ring cakes.
Don’t walk by end-of-the-aisle displays without getting a glimpse of packaged candy, ranging from salted licorice and Nordic fine chocolate bars.
And of course, you should not leave White’s Foodliner without purchasing a couple of jars of lingonberries. I add the tangy fruit spread to open-faced breakfast toast, pancakes, and charcuterie boards.
It is a Scandinavian tradition to enjoy a social coffee break, referred to as Fika, accompanied by sweet pastries. I love the thought of inviting my loved ones over for conversation over coffee and cookies.
Hemsjöld’s inventory not only includes imported cookies and culinary spices, but an extensive collection of coffee cups and pretty tableware for your Fika-themed gatherings.
Translated in Swedish to Sweet Dreams, the Dröm Sött Inn’s accommodations exceed my expectations every time I stay there.
The rooms are impeccably clean, and the plush bedding is so soft it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. (People adore the sheets so much, they sell bedding sets in the gift shop.) Quiet hours guarantee a good night’s slumber.
At check-in, guests are given two meal selections, and my choice this time was the Swedish pancakes served with warm maple syrup and a side of requested lingonberry sauce. Similar to crepes, the kitchen staff prepares them one at a time over a hot griddle in view of the dining room.
Last but not least, guests are gifted a homemade soft sugar cookie in the shape of a Dala horse as a parting gift. But since you know about the cookie gift, request it during your stay to enjoy with a glass of complementary wine in the inn’s secluded Wine Shelter.
I’ve also compiled 
The area is known for its 
Whether you’re sipping lingonberry lemonade on a sunny patio or savoring sticky buns at sunrise, your self-guided sweet eats tour promises memorable bites and cozy small-town moments.
If you’re searching for the best desserts in 
Dine under mason jar light fixtures surrounded by whimsical antiques, savoring appetizers like the Wichita Wings or Prairie Bison Slides. For the main course, Brisket Tacos or the Spicy Fried Chicken are solid choices, and pizza lovers will delight in the Bassano topped with wood-smoked chicken.
Located inside a historic building that was the Carey Hotel, where hatchet-wielding prohibitionist Carry Nation destroyed the bar in 1911, patrons can sip and savor a cocktail or espresso drink at The Workroom’s 
Immerse yourself in the Wichita experience by learning about the heritage of the Wichita Indians who gave the city its name. Tour a replica Victorian home, watch a movie about aviation history, and admire the electric guitar that made its debut in Wichita. Afterward, take in the tranquility of Heritage Square Park beyond the museum’s doors.
In 1899, Harry Dockum opened downtown drugstores, including one in the same building. Bartenders, also referred to as pharmacists, meticulously prepare small-batch cocktails using house-made bitters and fresh-squeezed juices. The Smoking Gun, a rye whiskey signature drink, emits earthy aromatics during its presentation.
To enter, follow the pharmacy signs to the hotel’s basement and knock on the door at your reservation time.
Aviation companies Cessna, Beechcraft, Learjet, and Stearman put Wichita on the map, and its central location made it the ideal location for a cross-country airport, Wichita Municipal Airport, now the 
Ascend the Control Tower for a bird’s eye view of the tarmac where 600 flights took off and landed during its heyday.
Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour, 
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping destination if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.
Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
Discover Kansas ice cream and gelato shops serving unforgettable scoops from my list of favorite sweet spot, and all of them are locally owned and operated.
Cozy up with ice cream in the lounge and enjoy it while reading a book or solving a puzzle.
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.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip. 
The shop is connected to Soul Sisters Ceramics, where the owner hosts ceramic paint parties and the retail space is stocked with home decor goods. Located in a renovated gas station, 
The Frontenac ice cream shop is a community hub six days a week, where families gather to enjoy premium ice cream available in nearly 50 flavors. The store stocks super premium ice cream made with 16 percent butterfat, which tastes rich and flavorful in every bite.
Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight so you can sample four flavors in one go. Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
Claim a booth or a counter barstool during lunch or dinner hours to order a made-to-order burger with fries and a thick chocolate malt or shake. I recommend sitting at the counter to see a view of the bustling kitchen staff.
Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
The store often hosts an Ice Cream Bar Day during Second Saturday downtown shopping events. Choose from seven ice cream flavors and endless toppings.
An employee will serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, and you have a choice of crumbled cookies, nuts, or sprinkles for toppings.
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominate the menu, and the place smells like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Thick, chunky, and dense in flavor, it satisfied. Word to the wise! Order a smaller size than you’re craving. The ice cream is filling. If you love it, they sell to-go pints.
Bogey’s is a busy place. Consider dining outside on the patio where fewer people are seated. In a hurry? Order via the drive-thru window.
Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae or ice cream flight at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.
They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy. Nana’s homemade Italian cannoli are a local favorite.
One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up an malt, shake, or soda drink for you.
The list of hard scoop ice cream flavors were hard to choose because they all sounded delicious. After the employee offered me a sample, I quickly decided on my first choice, Salted Vanilla Bean served in a Munchkin (small) cup. The names of the serving sizes are a reference to the town’s 
The classic ice cream flavor reminded me of the homemade ice cream my grandparents used to make the grandkids using the hand-cranked mixer.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, an turtle sundae. Watch a consistent flow of customers arrive and listen to the shake machine whizz as you sit at the marble counter enjoying each bite of your sundae.
A great way to find out about their latest small-batch ice cream flavors is to monitor their 
Of course, if you want a single dip cone or cup after a Coney Island hot dog lunch, the staff is happy to serve it.
Additionally, stop in Newton at 
I guarantee you haven’t thought to include at least a few of these travel essentials when packing for your business trip or vacation.
