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Lifestyle

Top Places Worth Checking Out in Coffeyville, Kansas

April 28, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas Tourism sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

If you love delving deep into the history of The Sunflower State, there is no better town to start the journey than Coffeyville, Kansas. The town is proud of its legacy and boasts many entertaining things to do during your visit. From outlaws and aviators to entrepreneurs and artists, Coffeyville sets itself apart.

Let my overnight itinerary guide your visitors through the Montgomery County town of over 8,000 people, a place you’ll be glad you experienced.

Downtown Coffeyville
Downtown Coffeyville is home to proud small business owners operating specialty shops, restaurants, and a coffee shop.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Coffeyville (8701 Northeast St.) has received over 500 nearly perfect ratings and for a good reason. I received a warm welcome from the front desk employee, who informed me of the hotel’s amenities, including a complimentary breakfast, an indoor heated pool, and a fitness center.

The King Room, featuring modern amenities, had plenty of room for a solo traveler like me. When I wasn’t touring the town, I appreciated the functional desk where I could get work done.

PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at the hotel’s accommodations by viewing its online photo gallery here.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Coffeyville Kansas
Holiday Inn Express & Suites is easy to book online, with rooms starting at $121/night.

BRING YOUR APPETITE

Terebinth Coffee House & Roastery

The first stop on any traveler’s itinerary in Coffeyville must be Terebinth Coffee House & Roastery (232 W. 9th), where owners Matthew and Madison Frech, and their fabulous staff, turn out delectable coffee drinks and restaurant-quality food. Inspired by a love of community, the coffee shop is a relaxing space with multiple areas to chat with locals or unwind.

Terebinth Coffee House Coffeyville Kansas
The owners of Terebinth renovated the space into a community gathering place that serves freshly prepared meals and coffee and tea drinks. A stack of books, chessboards, and complimentary WiFi encourage patrons to hang out.

Unsure of what I wanted to order initially, the café manager patiently guided me to the menu’s top selections. I ordered a London Fog (Twinnings Earl Grey Tea with foam) and a savory cheddar bacon scone. With the smell of freshly roasted coffee as the backdrop, I watched locals approach the counter to order brewed House Favorite Lattés and espresso drinks before sitting down to read their newspaper or laptop.

Scone and Hot Tea at Terebinth Coffee House
Not all scones are sweet. Ask for the cheddar and bacon scone at Terebinth – get it warmed up.

I was surprised by the breadth of menu items, including fruit smoothies, grilled paninis, toasted sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, parfaits, and freshly prepared salads. On this particular visit, aka Make a Difference Monday, a portion of the café sales returned to the community. If possible, I think my scone and hot tea tasted even better.

PRO TIP: Check the reach-in cooler case left of the coffee counter for grab-and-go menu selections.

El Pueblito

Where do you eat when nearly every local you ask suggests the same place? El Pueblito (600 Northeast St.). The Mexican restaurant serves a traditional classic menu plus a full bar of drinks at Cantina Margaritaville (the locals rave about the margaritas!).

At lunchtime, the service is swift despite a full dining room of guests. While browsing the extensive, I ate a basket of warm tortilla chips with impressive homemade salsa. The #3 Lunch Special – Ground Beef Taco & Enchilada served with rice and beans, a tasty meal for the value.

PRO TIP: The menu is multiple pages, so preview the menu so you don’t feel rushed when ordering.

El Pueblito Coffeyville Kansas
The two combo lunch plate came with warm chips and homemade salsa.

Cherokee Casino Bar & Grill

When it’s dinnertime, drive to Cherokee Casino Bar & Grill (1506 N. Highway) in South Coffeyville to dine on comfort classics before playing the slots or tempt your tastebuds with appetizers and drinks between wins.

I couldn’t resist ordering a Midwest favorite, Chicken-Fried Beef Steak with fried okra and cole slaw. Served with a complimentary iced tea or fountain drink, it curbed my cravings while I watched gamblers try to defy the odds at slot machines. Jackpot bells rang. The speaker played music from the 90s.

PRO TIP: You don’t have to play casino games to enjoy a meal at the bar and grill. If you go, ask about menu, like an Indian Taco or Breaded Shrimp.

Country Fried Steak Coffeyville Kansas
Cherokee Casino South Coffeyville’s B&G Bar & Grill serves comfort classics, burgers, and sandwiches in a fast-casual dining atmosphere.

Sunflower Soda Fountain, Hometown Diner & Coffee Shop

Made-from-scratch food is a major draw at Sunflower Soda Fountain (125 W. 8th St). in downtown Coffeyville. Good ol’ conversation between locals commences over plates of stacked sandwiches and sliced homemade pie. And Supreme Sundaes like Roosevelt Drive Cherry Chocolate Chip or Cedar Bluff Pecan Caramel Sundae and a short list of shakes and malts keep the soda fountain busy.

Sunflower Soda Fountain & Sandwich Shop Coffeyville Kansas

Just like the Facebook review read, the staff was incredibly friendly, and the service was attentive. The hometown diner feels comfortable “just like sitting at Grandma’s house.” How many sunflowers will you spot during your visit to the restaurant?

PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to admire the locally made art near the entrance.

Coffee bar Coffeyville Kansas
Yes, the coffee is GOOD in Coffeyville. At the rear of the restaurant, a coffee bar is where employees prepare drip coffee and specialty caffeinated drinks.

ICEE Frozen Slushie at Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce

Did you know the original ICEE frozen slushie was created in Coffeyville? I wasn’t leaving town without buying a $3 drink at the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce’s office! What’s the history behind the popular drink? It comes down to one man’s honest mistake.

Oman Knedlik, owner of a Dairy Queen in town, improvised by freezing Coke until it was half frozen. The “coldest drink in town” grew popular, so he invited a machine that produced the icy concoction on demand.

PRO TIP: Check the Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce hours before visiting for an ICEE. Cash or credit cards are accepted.

ICEE drink and machine
Stopping by the Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce for an original cola ICEE is a must-have tradition.

TAKE A TOUR

Dalton Defenders Museum & Dalton Death Alley

If you only have enough time to make it to one destination in Coffeyville, it must be Dalton Defenders Museum (814 S. Walnut St.). It is the place to start your history journey through town.

When a group of outlaws, The Dalton Gang, thought they could pull off two bank robberies at once in October 1892, they didn’t expect the townspeople to fight back, let alone win. Dalton Defenders Museum includes authentic artifacts from the shoot-out and rooms of collected local memorabilia. The museum serves as a tribute to the citizens who died.

Downtown Coffeyville Kansas
The Dalton Defenders Museum and the bank the outlaw gang robbed are located in the town’s central business district. Museum admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors 65+, $7 for veterans with ID, $5 for children ages 6-17, and children under age 6 are free with adult admission. The Perkins building is open to the public to tour for free Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm.

The outlaw gang (Grat, Bob, and Emmett Dalton with Bill Powers and Dick Broadwell) had been tracked by US Marshalls for weeks before they arrived in Coffeyville to rob two banks simultaneously. When stalled by a bank employee for a delayed safe release, the community armed themselves and prepared for a gunfight.

A battle ensued outside CM Condon & Co. Bank and the First National Bank. Gallant citizens returned fire, killing the gang, except for Emmett. He was shot multiple times, survived, and served 15 years in prison.

Dalton Defenders Museum interior
Dalton Defenders Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the town’s notorious past and celebrates the locals who came to the aid of many.

Locals stripped the gang of their personal artifacts, cut pieces from their clothes, and took their guns. Today, those historical relics are on display at Dalton Defenders Museum. Visitors should start their self-guided tour by watching a 45-minute movie before taking up to an hour to view the museum’s contents.

Dalton Defenders Museum Coffeyville Kansas
Visitors to the Dalton Defenders Museum should start the tour in this room to watch a film and view the actual guns and saddles the outlaws’ use. The picture on the wall was the image taken on the fateful day. The men lay dead inside the city jail.
saddles
These are the actual saddles used by some of the Dalton Gang cowboys. Additional exhibits at the museum feature biographical information about Walter Johnson, a major league baseball player, and 1940 presidential candidate Wendell Willkie.

Located next door, visitors can walk Dalton Death Alley. It’s where the outlaws tied their horses up during the bank raids and the location of part of the shootout. Today, cartoon boards tell the story of the raid.

Dalton Death Alley
Dalton Death Alley is located next to the museum and leads to the original jail where the deceased outlaws were displayed for locals to look at.
Condon Bank
The view from the bank teller’s cage looking out into the lobby where the gang entered.

PRO TIP: Ask the Dalton Defender Museum’s employee to show you the original bank door with bullet holes.

Isham Hardware Store

“Everyone, grab a gun!” During the Dalton Gang bank raid, Coffeyville citizens obtained guns from Isham Hardware (810 Union St.). The business still operates today, selling every tool, bolt, or belt needed for household or farm chores.

I took a cargo elevator to the basement to view the original owner’s shelves and hardware backstock. Although the basement’s windows were filled in, the openings provided a place where he could fire at the bank robbers.

Isham Hardware
Opened in 1870, Isham Hardware is the oldest hardware store in Kansas. The last dependent of the family is operating the story today with assistance from a second employee.
hardware store
The scale on the right is still used, dating back over a hundred years.

PRO TIP: Ask the owner if you can look at some of their oldest hardware.

Dalton Graves

Located at Elmwood Cemetery (288 Eldridge St), the graves of Bob Dalton,  Grat Dalton, and Bill Powers lie in rest near a marker. Dick Broadwell’s family returned his body to Hutchinson, Kansas. Do you see the pipe near the tombstone in the photo below? It is the original hitching rail the bank robbers used to tie up their horses in Death Alley.

PRO TIP: Follow the signs to the marker after entering the cemetery. You can park on a road parallel to the gravesite, so accessibility is not an issue.

gravesite

Sculpture Garden

There is a chance you’ve never seen anything like it. The Sculpture Garden (2002 N. Buckeye) is the home of over 70 creative chainsaw sculptures carved from trees. A project of the Coffeyville Community College art department, it continues to expand its collection. Aliens, animals, school supplies, vegetables – you probably find a photo-worthy sculpture on site.

PRO TIP: Across the street, Orscheln Hall hosts fine arts events. View the calendar.

sculptures

Downtown Mural & Electric Box Art

You don’t have to travel through the heart of Coffeyville very long before you spot a mural or painted electric box. Most of the murals were painted by the late Don Sprague and depict the people and places that put Coffeyville on the map. He painted 14 murals from 1988-1992.

Each painted electric box in the downtown area is painted by a local artist. The brightly colored scenes on each one vary in subject matter.

PRO TIP: View the city’s website for Sprague mural locations.

Mural
A mural depicting the route of the Dalton raid.

Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum

History buffs and airplane enthusiasts will love Coffeyville Aviation Heritage Museum (2002 N. Buckeye St.) for its extensive collection of restored aircraft and artifacts. The 1930s-era hangar houses displays featuring local pilots, including several who flew as Tuskegee airmen or Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP)  female pilots during World War II. Framed color photographs adorn the walls in a deviated room to celebrate their milestone moments.

restored airplane
In 1942, the United States Army Air Force constructed the Coffeyville Air Base. At the end of World War II, the field became the Coffeyville Municipal Airport. (Source: Coffeyville Area Chamber of Commerce)

Restored planes, including those owned by Joe Funk, sit on display. I was delighted to learn that Coffeyville residents were pivotal in developing aircraft and aircraft parts. Funk Aircraft Company built 365 planes, 200 still fly today. Walking amongst the planes, honorary medals, and pilot uniforms makes for an unforgettable experience.

museum airplanes
Model airplanes are a feature of the room detailing the evolution of the airplane until 1910.

PRO TIP: Admission is free, and donations are welcome. Sign the guestbook and introduce yourself to the volunteers on duty. They are a wealth of information, especially about the Republic F-84 Thunderjet on display outside.

The Brown Mansion

Sitting atop a hill on the edge of town, The Brown Mansion (2109 S. Walnut) makes an impression on passersby. Originally designed for a family with three children, the 16-room mansion was designed and completed for $125,000 in 1904. Inside, the home features entertainment spaces, including a library, billiard room, and parlor. Multiple fireplaces of various designs are evidence of Wilder and Wight’s architectural style.

Despite my best efforts, I could not tour the mansion during business hours due to the docent’s schedule. I strolled the home’s property, noting its size and scale compared to other homes. I walked to a Kansas Historical Marker about Frontier in Montgomery County, located on the edge of the front driveway, where I learned about The Sturgis Treaty signed in 1868.

Brown Mansion
Guided tours of the mansion last 45 minutes to one hour.

PRO TIP: Locals mentioned that viewing Brown Mansion at Christmas is worthwhile. Check the museum’s website hours, call ahead to schedule a private tour, or ask about upcoming events. Tour times vary.

EXPLORE OUTDOORS

Walter Johnson Park

Your entire family will find a reason to love Walter Johnson Park (701 Hargis Dr.), named after the town’s early resident and Baseball Hall of Famer who pitched for the Washington Senators from 1907-1927. A monument plaque with his biography is near the baseball field’s entrance.

Nearby one of the park’s entrances, an ATSF steam locomotive is an eye-catching site. The train engine is a tribute to “The Big Train” Walter Johnson.

Walter Johnson
Johnson was nicknamed “Big Train” and played 21 years for MLB as a right-handed pitcher.

The park also has an 18-hole disc golf course that winds around the ball fields, playground, and RV park. It’s free to play the course and available from dawn to dusk. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.

disc golf
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are easy to moderate.

OTHER PLACES TO CHECK OUT

Pfister Park’s Big Hill Splash Aquatic Center is an ideal place to take the kids. Adults who want to take to the links will appreciate Hillcrest Golf Course for its 18-hole design that features hills and water hazards. Home of the Coffeyville Community College Red Ravens, Veterans Memorial Stadium hosts sporting events.

OPENING SOON

Built in 1928, the historic Midland Theater & Event Center is undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen for movie nights and free community events.

Midland Theater
The Midland Theater is listed on the National and State Registers of Historic Places.

What a place! There are more than enough reasons to spend an overnight visit in Coffeyville. You can expect a genuine welcome from residents wherever you go, and the town’s top destinations are some of the best in the state.

Are you planning a road trip through the southeast corner of the state? Plan your adventure using my Humboldt, Fort Scott, and Pittsburg itineraries or Kansas Tourism to plan the road trip.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Lifestyle Tagged With: airplanes, aviation, aviators, bank, baseball, Brown Mansion, casino, cemetery, Chainsaw Sculpture Park, coffee, coffee shop, Coffeyville, Dalton Defenders Museum, Dalton Gang, Death Alley, disc golf, El Pueblito, golf, gravesite, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, jail, Kansas, Kansas history, mansion, Mexican food, Montgomery County, outlaws, roadside attractions, Southeast Kansas, splash pad, street art

5 Ideas for Exploring Wichita While Staying Active

June 23, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Updated May 2023

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts! If you live in the Wichita area and would appreciate new ideas for exploring the city while staying active, I have a treat for you. My good friend, Jennifer Strong McConachie, and I decided to collaborate on a blog post that outlines a summer itinerary that gets you up and moving.

Jennifer is a native Wichitan who has recently authored “Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life,” a book that provides an inspiring look at endurance sports and how they make us better, more successful people. Having grown up in the Riverside neighborhood, staying active on the Arkansas River was just one aspect of her lifestyle. Today, she is a working mom who gets her workout in almost daily by biking, rollerskiing, swimming, packrafting, or kayaking. You name the sport, and Jennifer is ready to try it.

Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.

We hope that our ideas for adventure are ones that you can’t wait to seek out when exploring the city. We’ll identify how you can get in a workout while exploring a destination for each excursion.

BIKE RIDE ALONG THE ARKANSAS RIVER

Jennifer:

Riding along the Arkansas River is one of my favorite places to get in an outdoor workout. The best thing is that you stay out of traffic! This makes the paved trails a great place to bring kids along for a ride in your bike chariot. 

Vanessa:

The 10-mile peaceful and scenic path runs along the bank of the Arkansas River, giving cyclists a view of the city’s downtown skyline. Cyclists have access to parks and attractions along the route, including the Museums on the River and the Keeper of the Plains iconic statue.

I suggest planning your route to end at Milkfloat (535 W. Douglas), the historic Delano District west of the river. The cafe is known for its long list of specialty coffees and drinks. After a long bike ride, why not try a Blueberry Lemonade Milkshake or iced coffee? Better yet, sit down and enjoy your beverage with one of their delectable baked goods. I recommend the classic chocolate brownie or homemade strawberry Pop-Tart. Plan your visit by viewing the cafe hours here.

Milkfloat

RUN WITH AN EXPANSIVE VIEW

Jennifer:

Running to Elderslie Farm on an early summer morning for a treat gets you out of the city and gives you a way to celebrate after sweating bramble-side.

Vanessa:

Locals appreciate Elderslie Farm’s Bramble Cafe (3501 E. 101st St. North, Kechi) for its beautiful surroundings, a hard-to-resist menu of breakfast items, and flavorful drinks. Feeling parched after a run? Consider ordering a refreshingly tart blackberry lemonade with a scone. If you have extra time before setting out for a return home, don’t miss interacting with the goats roaming the grounds.

Prepare for your adventure before setting out on your run, view the cafe’s hours, and pack a cold pack to bring home fresh cheese from the creamery near the cafe.

Bramble Cafe

SET OUT ON A SCOOTER

Jennifer:

Channel your inner kid and scooter (not the electric kind, but the good old fashion kick scooter kind!) around downtown Wichita. Don’t have a scooter? Try rollerblades, skates, or any other form of wheeled fun. Stop in Cocoa Dolce for an iced drink and a sweet treat. 

Vanessa:

You can always find something delightful on Cocoa Dolce’s (235 St. Francis) menu. The downtown location is the perfect pitstop to relax and enjoy flavored iced tea, artisan chocolates, or made-from-scratch cookie. The friendly staff will suggest menu favorites or tell you about their latest specialty drink offerings. If you have a few extra minutes, step over to the glass wall to view employees making chocolate in the nearby factory. Plan your visit by viewing their hours here.

Cocoa Dulce

CYCLING AND SANDWICHES

Jennifer:

Why not bike or run to the Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine? You could pack a tasty sandwich from Tanya’s Soup Kitchen to take with you and enjoy a picnic under the trees. Go for live music, a program, or stroll the gardens. One of my favorite events is their annual croquet soiree.

Vanessa:

Tayna’s Soup Kitchen serves menu items made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients made from scratch daily. I love to order the City Chicken sandwich made with sliced chicken, bacon, provolone, romaine, and Caesar dressing on an onion kaiser. Jennifer’s favorite sandwich is described below: Delilah’s Light Lunch, made from sliced chicken breast, apricot relish, sharp cheddar, and romaine on an onion Kaiser roll. Ask about their seasonal soups. View their lunch hours here.

WATCH THE SUNSET FROM A KAYAK

Jennifer:

Another great idea is to take a kayak out to watch the sunset with cookies and snacks from J’Rae’s to nibble on while you’re on the water. Their frosted sugar cookies come in various festive shapes for any occasion.

Vanessa:

Always a supporter of dining locally, I recommend stopping for a sweet treat at J Rae‘s (2357 N. Maize Rd.). They make baked goodies ranging from cheesecakes and cupcakes to cookies and chocolate truffles. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply rewarding yourself for a high-intensity workout, it’s a win-win! Don’t forget to pack chilled sparkling water for your dessert session on the river! View the bakery’s hours here.

cookies

Did we inspire you to explore the city? You must be hungry by now! Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun. Enjoy the outdoors this summer, and don’t forget to order your copy of “Go Far: How Endurance Sports Help You Win At Life” for more ideas, global travel inspiration, and tools for living adventurously. My book, 100 Things To Do In Wichita Before You Die, is available in paperback or via Kindle on Amazon.

Filed Under: Kansas, Lifestyle, Travel Tagged With: activities, Arkansas River, author, bakery, bike path, biking, book, cityscape, dining, endurance, exercise, fitness, Go Far, ICT, kayak, kayaking, keeper of the plains, outdoors, recreation, river, running, self-guided tour, skyline, sports, tour, urban, Wichita

Practical Ways You Can Protect the Planet

April 19, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

 Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Without a doubt, our planet is suffering from the effects of global warming. How can each of us make a difference when true change requires the work of millions of people to protect the planet? If everyone took one action a day to improve the way they interacted with the environment, the ripple effect would make a difference. Let me tell you a story.

When I moved to the mountains of Colorado in my early 30’s, I brought all of my urban living habits with me. I lived a lifestyle of consumption without a thought about my carbon footprint. Once in Breckenridge, I immediately noticed how others appreciated the location so much that lived to protect it. Recycling was mandatory. Minimalism was an acceptable way of life. People preferred to repurpose and reuse rather than buy new. They truly cared about the environment.

Soon, I began modeling their behavior. I drove my recycling to the neighborhood deposit bin every week. I took a second job working for a green cleaning company. My fruits and vegetables were purchased from the farmer’s market. Eventually, I was living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Today, we can’t deny climate science. The planet needs us to put in the work. To protect it. Join me in actively taking the initiative to protect Mother Earth by making these lifestyle changes. (Yes! I take ALL of these actions regularly.) What could you start doing today?

PRACTICAL WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT THE PLANET

  • Shop local whenever possible
  • Grow your food.
  • Use cloth bags for your groceries.
  • Switch to LED bulbs.
  • Mend your clothes.
  • Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth.
  • Reuse glass containers.
  • Drive a fuel-efficient car.
  • Pick up litter.
  • Use reef-safe sunblock.
  • Make compost and use it in the garden.
  • Eat what you can consume. Avoid food waste.
  • Use laundry dryer balls.
  • Upgrade to glass storage containers.
  • Opt for bamboo toothbrushes.
  • Buy rechargeable batteries.
  • Use body washcloths vs. plastic loofahs.
  • Make organic cleaning products.
  • Program your thermostat when away from home.
  • Wash your hair every other day.
  • Upcycle second-hand items.
  • Opt for a reusable drink container.
  • Donate clothes.
  • Use glass or metal straws.
  • Grow bee-happy plants.
  • Shop the farmer’s market.
  • Explore the outdoors vs. indoor entertainment.
  • Start a community garden.
  • Reuse Ziplock bags or switch to beeswax wraps.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water.
  • Buy supplies in bulk.
  • Can or quick pickle vegetables.
  • Choose soy vs. beeswax candles.
  • Use Little Libraries.
  • Plant a tree or shrub.
  • Use dimmer light switches.

“Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.” — United States Environmental Protection Agency

If you are someone who believes in living more sustainably and taking active steps to protect the planet, I encourage you to share this post with others, and as always, I invite your comments below.

Bonus! Another post you would enjoy is Simple Ways to Reduce Your Use of Plastic, a guide to lessening one’s dependence on single-use plastic.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: earth, earth-friendly, eco-friendly, energy-efficiency, energy-efficient, global warming, green living, litter, minimalism, planet, sustainable, zero waste

How to Grow an Indoor Garden

January 11, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 

Last year, I killed most of my plants. This year, I’ve graduated to Plant Lady. If I can learn how to keep plants alive (and grow them!), you can as well!

I was curious about how to grow vegetables and herbs indoors, I had no idea how to get started. I watched a ton of YouTube videos and I asked employees at a nearby garden center questions. I purchased the supplies. Then, I got my hands dirty.

lettuce

It turns out that it is actually quite easy to garden indoors once you do your homework and follow the instructions. The process of gardening teaches you patience, a trait that carries over into other areas of your daily life. Gardening takes time, especially when you start vegetables from seed, but the results are truly incredible. The magic formula is good soil + light + water + patience = leafy greens!

I was so impressed with the results from growing tomatoes, peppers, and herbs in my first outdoor raised garden bed, that I decided to try my hand at indoor gardening. If you would have asked me five years ago if I had a “green thumb,” I would have laughed and told you to look at my indoor plants. But something changed when I took the time to research soil composition and each plant’s growth behavior. For my indoor garden, I decided to grow lettuce, kale, and herbs.

I want you to experience the joy of indoor gardening, too! Use the supplies list to shop for the items you need for your indoor setup. (I simplified the equipment as much as possible since I didn’t want to overly invest in expensive supplies.) Each item listed below is linked making shopping easy.

SUPPLIES

Sylvania Gro-Lux Bulb Housing Unit (here is a similar one)

Sylvania Gro-Lux 40watt LED bulbs x2

Steel Double Loop Chain

S Hooks

Small Fan

Indoor Plug-In Mechanical Timer

Spray Water Bottle

Seed Starting Tray

Miracle-Gro Seed Starting Potting Mix

Burpee Organic Leafy Greens and Herb Plant Food 5-5-3

Botanical Interests Starter Seeds

Seed Tray Warmer (optional)

Plastic Container Pots with Drainage Holes (I also used plastic salad containers.)

HOW TO GROW LETTUCE & HERBS INDOORS

The key to giving seeds a good head start is to germinate them in water for 24 hours and then plant each individual seed in a small well of slightly moist soil (cake-like consistency). Of course, you should also read the sowing directions on the back of each seed packet to optimize results.

I placed the grow lights 4″-6″ above the soil’s surface. As the plants grew, I adjusted the lights to keep them the same distance from the tallest leaf. Setting a timer to control the on/off lighting schedule is important. I had success running the grow lights and rotating fan for 12 hours and then off for 12 hours. Why use a fan? Just as outdoor plants are exposed to circulating air, indoors plants need the exposure as well.

seed starting trays

Indoor grow rooms need to be at a comfortable temperature to give plants the best chance for success. I didn’t have to use a seed tray warmer since the basement room stays at approximately 65 degrees at all times. If you check your room’s temperature and it ranges between 65 degrees and 80 degrees when the grow lights are off, the seed trays should be okay without a warming mat underneath them.

After filling the seed trays with a seed starting soil and a bit of Burpee plant food, I used a pencil to create a well for each seed. Then, I carefully dropped one seed into each well and covered it with more soil. To keep them hydrated, I watered the seed trays from the bottom for the first couple of weeks. Later, I switched to top-down watering alternating between using a spray bottle and a watering can. I kept the soil moist but not saturated.

Soon, the seeds grew into fragile seedlings. A few weeks later, they were ready to be transplanted into larger pots until they were harvest two months later. During every stage of growth, I watched the leaves change in color and size as they grew taller all the while reaching for the light. I had the best luck growing heirloom kale, dill, romaine lettuce, and arugula. But I have to be honest, growing vegetables and herbs indoors wasn’t without challenges.

lettuce seedlings

One day, I was tending to my plantings and noticed small, black gnats flying around some of the pots. Fungus gnats! My research proved correct. The gnats came from the store-bought potting soil. Ironically, I spent a pretty penny on the best potting soil in town. But, such is the gardener’s life! To get rid of the pesky gnats, I filled shallow bowls with apple cider vinegar, a few drops of Dawn dish soap, and a bit of water and placed them around the pots. Voila! The gnats flew into the bowls and died. Mission accomplished. (After I harvested the lettuce from those pots, I tossed the soil in the trash.)

lettuce indoor garden

The learning never stops when you’re growing food from seed. Each time I was perplexed by something, I read about it or watched my favorite YouTube channel “Growing a Greener World” or searched Google. In the end, it was all worth it. The feeling you get when you harvest food from your indoor garden is beyond words.

“I’m going downstairs to get some lettuce for our salad,” was never a sentence I thought I’d say out loud. I still consider myself a beginner gardener.

I suspect you’re one of those people who appreciate where your food comes from and want to know its path to your plate. I encourage you to try gardening. You will have successes. You will experience small fails. It will all be worth it the moment you taste the vegetables you’ve grown.

Please comment below if you have questions about my indoor growing setup. If you have indoor gardening stories to share, I’d love to hear from you!

Bonus! Click Properly Fill a Raised Garden Bed to learn how to grow massive garden plants outdoors. If you dream of having your own garden house, be sure to check out Garden House Showcase to see how my mom took the idea of a potting shed to a new level.

Filed Under: DIY Tagged With: container pots, dill, garden, gardening, green thumb, grow lights, harvest, herbs, homegrown, indoor, indoor garden, kale, lettuce, light bulbs, plants, potted plants, seedlings, seeds, soil, sowing, vegetables

Reflections on 2020: The Longest Year

December 23, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

When I think back on the last year, my first thought is “throw it out with the garbage!” It was not a year any of us want to repeat. Turning the page to better days sounds ideal, yet each day can be challenging. Listening to the news can feel like a weighted blanket of doom these days. For the sake of not sounding like a total Debbie Downer, there is an end to this madness eventually. I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

footprints

I don’t have the quick answer for how to manage stress during a pandemic. Many health and wellness articles give advice ranging from self-care routines to cocktail recipes and everything in between. The answer is somewhere in there. For me, I’ve taken it day by day and sometimes hour by hour, and what I’ve learned is that 2020 required me to get quiet and listen to my thoughts. To hear the good, the bad, and the sometimes noisy ones. It’s been a process, but what I’ve learned during this time has been immeasurable.

A few reflections:

A BUSY DAY SPEEDS UP THE HOURS

I was already a person who woke up before the sun and made a to-do list for the day. When we received stay-at-home recommendations, I saw it as an opportunity to tackle tasks. Of course there were moments of boredom, but I occupied my time staying happily busy. I grew a garden, cooked new recipes, and even went as far as chalking the neighborhood with positive messages. Staying busy sped up the hours.

QUIET EQUATES TO PRODUCTIVITY

Some people thrive in loud, buzzing work environments. I’m definitely not one of them. I write and strategize for a living and need to be able to hear myself think. When I’m in the zone and someone interrupts my stream of consciousness to talk about themselves, it halts my creativity. Last year, I had gone as far as using noise cancelling headphones at the office. Working remotely has been a blessing that I relish, and to be frank, my writing craft and productivity are better for it.

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP IS KEY

Anything that I can’t seem to solve or that truly frustrates me is cured by a good night’s sleep. When my mood is exacerbated by the day’s news headlines about the pandemic or the economy, I’ve learned that it’s best just to get some rest and start fresh the next day. I admire people who say “never go to bed mad.” Clearly, they’ve never argued with me about something. Ha!

ALCOHOL IS LIKE A LOUD FRIEND AT A PARTY

I appreciate wine. I love craft beer. Somewhere along the way last year I began drinking too often. Alcohol helped me transition after work to the evening hours, joined me on the weekends, and well, for nearly most occasions. Like a fun friend you take with you as a guest to a party, alcohol eventually had too much fun and embarrassed me. Today, I’ve cut way back on my drinking and I’m better for it.

KINDNESS ENDURES

A tumultuous year of political differences, race riots, and economic downturn hurt a lot of people in 2020. Showing kindness to others was something I could do to make it a little bit better. From a simple act of donating to a charity to smiling through my mask at a stranger in a parking lot, I did what I could to be a nicer person. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what people say that you remember. It’s how they made you feel.

The year 2020 taught me to zero in on what it means to listen to my instincts and support my passions. To be a better version of me.

What have you learned about yourself in the last year? What lessons has 2020 taught you?

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: 2020, COVID-19, footprints, goals, health, life, life lessons, lifestyle, pandemic, productivity, reflection, self-care, sleep, wellness, work, year

How I’ve Stayed Happily Busy During the Pandemic

November 15, 2020 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

This stay at home thing isn’t ending anytime soon. During my time at home, I’ve found myself reviving old hobbies, experimenting with new things, and well, cleaning and eating a lot.

How have you kept yourself from going stir crazy while stuck at home?

Maybe an activity or recipe below will inspire you to cross something off your fun to-do list OR perhaps it will simply leave you with the feeling that only being productive can bring. If you’re like me, you want to keep yourself busy!

COMFORT FOODS
  1. Chocolate Chip Cookies
  2. Scalloped Potatoes
  3. Egg Salad
  4. Banana Bread
  5. Fruit Cocktail Cake
  6. Peach Dump Cake
  7. Smoked Pork Ribs
  8. Apple Salad
  9. Rasta Pasta
  10. Vodka Sauce
  11. German Potato Salad
  12. Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
  13. Biscuits and Gravy
  14. Garlic Rosemary Chicken Thighs
  15. Sautéed Red Cabbage
  16. Italian Stuffed Peppers
  17. Green Tomato Relish
  18. Stuffed Summer Squash
  19. Sesame Kale
  20. Hamburger Soup

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

  1. The Kansas African American Museum
  2. Botanica Wichita
  3. Keepers on Parade
  4. Virtual Museums + Webcams
  5. Downtown Newton, Kansas
  6. Old Town Farmer and Art Market
  7. Wichita State University Sculpture Tour
  8. Douglas Avenue Street Art Tour

 

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

  1. Leaf Peeping
  2. Bird Watching
  3. Chiminea
  4. Dog Walks
  5. Sidewalk Chalk
  6. Raised Bed Gardening
  7. Stargazing
  8. Landscaping
  9. Biking
  10. Neighborhood Litter Pick Up

HOME ACTIVITIES

  1. DIY Dog Bandanas
  2. Clean Garage
  3. Clean Grill, Traeger Smoker
  4. Deep Clean House
  5. Clean Car
  6. Declutter Drawers and Closets
  7. Game Night
  8. Classic Movie Night
  9. Spa Treatments
  10. Living Room Dance Party
  11. Mail Cards to Loved Ones
  12. Puzzles
  13. Paint a Room
  14. Coloring Book
  15. Reading
  16. DIY Wooden Bead Garland
  17. Blogging
  18. Indoor Gardening
  19. Online Shopping
  20. Dehydrate Herbs

TV SHOWS (I’ve watched every episode of these series.)

  1. Masterclass
  2. Growing a Greener World
  3. Somebody Feed Phil
  4. Hart of Dixie
  5. Hollywood Reporter Actor’s Round Table
  6. Get Organized
  7. The Chef Show
  8. The Ranch
  9. Grace and Frankie

What has inspired you to stay active during the pandemic? Share an idea with me in the comments below! Together, we’re going to get through this time.

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: activities, art, boredom, busy, cooking, happy, home, lfie, monotony, museums, pandemic, quarantine, recipes, sculpture, tasks, to-do

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Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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