Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Salina Downtown. All opinions and photos are mine.
Updated February 2026
It was a sunny morning in downtown Salina. The clouds were clearing after a Kansas rainstorm. I was elated for what promised to be a day of dining, shopping, and admiring art with beautiful weather on the horizon.
During a recent visit to Salina’s downtown area, I was in awe of how much it has redeveloped in the last several years.
Santa Fe Avenue, a wide street flanked by one-of-a-kind businesses, is updated with gateway arches, concrete planters overflowing with botanicals, and sidewalks in brick designs. Towering sculptures dot the pedestrian-friendly corridor, and murals peek from adjacent alleyways.
The north-central community of over 45,000 people has much to be proud of. Daytrippers will be impressed by the downtown area’s thoughtful design and unique businesses with something for every kind of traveler.
Experience Salina’s Downtown Like a Local
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Grab your wallet – it’s time to go shopping. Salina’s picturesque downtown comprises original boutiques and retail shops in historic buildings.
RED FERN BOOKSELLERS
A new addition to downtown Salon, Red Fern Booksellers (106S. Santa Fe Ave.), gives visitors and residents something to rave about. No expense was spared in renovating the commercial space into a high-end, independent bookstore that resembles a big-city store.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category, while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover handmade gift wrap, stationery, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
PRO TIP: If you’re interested in a book the store doesn’t have, the owner will do his best to locate it and get it to you quickly.
ON THE POT
For over 20 years, On The Pot (111 N. Santa Fe Ave.) has fostered the creativity of artists (and wannabe artists!).
At the walk-in pottery studio, visitors are encouraged to select a piece they want to paint from a vast selection of objects. After painting it, the store’s owners fire the piece, and it’s available for pick up or shipment one week later.
Whether you’re in the mood to create a seasonal gift for your home or a complete dishware set, On The Pot provides all the supplies you need to finish the project.
Halloween and Christmas are popular times of year to create new pieces. The cost of the experience includes $7 per person in studio fees and the cost of each piece.
Be sure to check out their inventory of Julie’s Stickers, a collection of whimsical drawings and sayings, to add to your purchase. The owners are creating five downtown Salina stickers to sell as well.
PRO TIP: Traveling with family? Groups of 10 or more can book the studio at a reduced studio fee rate with a reservation.
ECCENTRICITY BOUTIQUE
Women with excellent style shop at Eccentricity Boutique (104 N. Santa Fe Ave.). For 17 years, women have shopped for on-trend, reasonably-priced apparel and accessories.
From outfits with vibrant colors to unique Cansuelas handbags, the store lives up to its motto, “Be a Little Eccentric.” Shoppers searching for day-to-day closet staples will also find what they need.
The clothing and shoes inventory is constantly rotated by season, and shoppers can expect sizes from XS to XL.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without perusing the jewelry table. All earrings are $16, a bargain for the quality and styles.
BARON MUSHMOUSE
You’ll never see another store like Baron Mushmouse (141 S. Santa Fe Ave.). The home interiors shop is filled floor to ceiling with one-of-a-kind pieces hand-selected by the owner and her team. Each comes with a story, and some of the inventory is imported from France.
Beautifully upholstered chairs sit adjacent to elegant lamps and candleholders. Ornate plates adorn tabletops. Framed artwork, figurines, blankets, and garden urns showcase the shop’s distinctive inventory. Body products and greeting cards near the register make a fabulous gift for a friend.
PRO TIP: Browse Baron Mushmouse’s clothing racks for Bohemian-style blouses, dresses, and dark denim jeans.
THE MARKET SHOP
Where do you go when you’re ready to decorate for the holidays? The Market Shop (101 S. Sante Fe Ave.) is guaranteed to have something you’ll want to add to your home decor. I consistently leave with gifts for myself or my family each time I visit the store.
Every well-equipped kitchen needs decorative towels and cookbooks with a pantry stocked with dip mixes and jarred condiments. You’ll find it all and more at The Market Shop.
PRO TIP: Explore the store’s thematic displays for scented candles and home decor. The rear of the store is a clothing paradise for fashion-forward women.
BLUSHE BOUTIQUE
Blushe Boutique (128 S Santa Fe Ave.) is the store young women dream about. Its clothing racks are brimming with vibrant colors and garments made of silky fabrics and woven materials.
Are you looking for a casual daytime outfit? Tables of denim jeans in the latest styles and hues beg to be tried on.
A new outfit isn’t complete without matching accessories. Blushe Boutique’s selection of hats, jewelry, and shoes makes shopping for a last-minute dinner date a breeze.
PRO TIP: Because the store stocks seasonal clothing, check the clearance racks in the rear of the store for mega deals.
FLIPPING FABULOUS
If you’re the kind of shopper who appreciates the attention to detail of handcrafted furniture, you’ll feel right at home at Flipping Fabulous (127 N. Santa Fe Ave.). The owner has helped homeowners refurbish old furniture for years, restoring it to its original beauty.
Locally-made furniture, art, and pottery are the focus of the shop’s inventory, and Flipping Fabulous carries most of the supplies one needs for at-home projects. You’ll discover the most extensive stock of Redesign with Prima in the world and Melange One Paints.
PRO TIP: Walk upstairs to admire custom-made gifts and home decor created by local and regional artists.
REBECCA JANE’S
If it’s vintage or an antique, Rebecca Jane’s (115 N. Santa Fe Ave.) has it. Walking into the store is a feast for the eyes. The store is divided into booths owned by different vendors, each filled with unique finds ranging from clothing and jewelry to home accents.
Thanks to ever-changing displays, you’re guaranteed to see something you want to purchase each time you visit.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend about half an hour inspecting the store to see everything it offers. If you bring a gal pal to shop, prepare to spend more time because so many of the finds are conversation-inducing.
SIP & SAVOR
Luckily for Salina visitors, there is an impressive restaurant or cafe on every block of downtown Salina. Whether you’re craving high-end global cuisine or down-home dining, you’ll find it.
AD ASTRA BOOKS & COFFEE HOUSE
Ad Astra Books & Coffee House (135 N. Santa Fe Ave.) gets better every time I visit. Their new location is larger and has a bright, cheery vibe. The welcoming staff is patient while I decide what drink to order (the monthly specials benefit a local non-profit).
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or to meet in small groups.
During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at large tables with free Wi-Fi. Other areas of the coffee house were designated for families with children, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
PRO TIP: Check the Facebook events page for upcoming live music performances and Open Mic Poetry sessions.
BAROLO GRILLE
Barolo Grille (112 S. Santa Fe Ave.) is one of those restaurants you wish you knew about sooner because the food and atmosphere are delightful. Whether you’re stopping for a light lunch or enjoying an evening meal before a concert or play, it should undoubtedly be on your list of places to dine.
The menu consists of “world regional” fare, which, to my surprise, includes 15 types of sushi rolls as well as nigiri and sashimi platters.
At lunch, my knowledgeable server reviewed the menu with me and recommended the Troublemaker Rolls (8 pieces of sushi), which lived up to the hype. Served next to a bed of seaweed salad, it was some of the best-tasting sushi I’ve had.
The linen tablecloths, orchestral music playing in the background, and robust menu options deliver an unforgettable meal experience at Barolo Grille.
Drop in for Happy Hour to enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks. I recommend the ahi tuna tacos, which are the perfect starter before ordering sushi rolls.
PRO TIP: Visit the additional dining room to appreciate a massive mural honoring Salina painted by artist Mindy’s Murals.
DAGNEY’S
I never leave Salina without stopping at Dagney’s (105 E. Iron Ave.) for a small scoop of homemade ice cream. Open Wednesday-Saturday, they serve nearly 30 flavors daily.
I felt like a kid again, savoring every bite of Lemon Custard ice cream as a Dagney’s employee shaped homemade waffle cones behind the counter. The color-changing plastic spoon made the whole experience nostalgic.
PRO TIP: Pack a cooler bag with ice to bring home a pint of ice cream. Non-dairy flavors made with a coconut base are available.
YAYA’S EUROBISTRO
When you’re in the mood for a chef-prepared meal using the freshest ingredients and exquisitely plated, you dine at YaYa’s EuroBistro (251 S. Santa Fe Ave.). My dinner began with complimentary bread and a savory dipping sauce, paired with a glass of house red wine.
Choosing my entree, Penne Carbonara with Chicken, wasn’t easy because the menu ranged from seafood dishes and steaks to wood-fired pizzas. I appreciated the pasta dish, topped with a raw egg yolk that I was encouraged to stir into the black pepper cream sauce before enjoying it.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the specials of the day. If dining Monday-Friday from 3 pm-6 pm, ask for the Happy Hour menu
ADMIRE PUBLIC ART
Salina’s downtown art scene is thriving. The walkable district serves as a gallery for muralists and sculptors to showcase their work, and Salina intends to add more street art.
SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR
Santa Fe Avenue is lined with unique, ever-changing sculptures. Sponsored by Salina Arts & Humanities, the public can vote on their favorite sculpture using the SculptureTour Salina Walking Tour brochure available at most businesses downtown. The winning sculpture is purchased by the City of Salina and kept in the community.
At the time of my visit, 22 sculptures were installed on Santa Fe Avenue between Elm Street and South Street. All sculptures are available for purchase. So far, over 40 sculptures have been purchased by private or corporate buyers, and some have been donated to the community.
MURALS/ALLEY ART TOUR
Incredible murals are viewable as you walk along Artwork Alley and in various locations around the city. Salina Kanvas Project‘s Boom! Street Art and Mural Festival returns this fall to feature the work of six additional artists or art duos.
While all the street art designs are worth discussing, the enormity of the Mural at the Mill (343 N. Santa Fe Ave.) by Guido van Helten begs visitors for a closer look. The Australian muralist’s work wraps around all sides.
MORE TO ENJOY
DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE
Like The Stiefel Theatre (151 S. Santa Fe Ave.), the city’s historic performance hall, many of Salina’s buildings deserve a second look for their awe-inspiring design. As you walk the downtown corridor, admire the Art Deco architecture created during an era that incorporated colorful details and geometrical forms.
HISTORIC IMAGES
I love it when people add historical elements to renovated buildings. At Blue Skye Brewing and Eats (116 N. Santa Fe Ave.), black and white prints on the building’s exterior offer a glimpse into the city’s past.
FREE BOOK BIN
Visit the free Little Library Bin near Mural at the Mill. The concept was created to encourage readers of all ages to take a book and share a book.
LIVE MUSIC
City Lights Stage (199 N. Santa Fe Ave.) is the place to be for a free First Friday Concert Series show in the evenings from April to September. Walk over to the nearby Hello From 67401 Mural during the concert to take a selfie.
There is a buzz of creative momentum in Salina’s downtown. You can feel it as you shop, eat, and admire the area’s art scene. I recommend spending the day exploring it as a local would.
The best way to stay up to date on events and businesses worth checking out is to visit Downtown Salina’s website.
To view previous posts I’ve written about Salina, read Fun Day Trips from Wichita and The Road is Calling: KS I-70 West.
In 2015, Gress said, “If people at least understand what’s going on out there and how important it is, maybe they’ll come to appreciate it and want to protect it and maybe change their own behavior to improve the situation.” (Source: The Wichita Eagle)
In 1958, the budding entrepreneurs grew the company from a humble start-up business to one of the world’s biggest, most well-known restaurant companies. Today, the company’s net worth is worth over $810 billion.
Today, Chance Rides is the only one of the three businesses still in operation, producing roller coasters, rides, and park trains.
He laid out the trail between his trading post at the mouth of the Little Arkansas River to the Indian territory that extended northward to Abilene, Kansas. Cowboys pushed cattle herds through town and across the river near the Douglas Street Bridge.
Nicknamed “The Rave,” the 6-7 forward averaged 24.3 points in four seasons at WSU and helped lead the team to their first NCAA appearance in 1964.
The highly decorated leader earned the National Security Medal, the President’s Citizens Medal, National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal (twice), and the Distinguished Intelligence Medal (three times).
Her tirades continued for years. Eventually, she was jailed many times before dying in Leavenworth, Kansas, on June 9, 1911.
I appreciate that Wichita Park and Recreation, in partnership with Byers, decided to beautify the city’s parks with artistic benches that beautify the surroundings and showcase Wichita’s history makers. Byer’s use of vibrant colors, the Wichita flag, and the city’s abbreviated name, ICT, make them symbolic.
Historically known as the birthplace of female aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison is a thriving town once home to the Kanza Indians. Lewis & Clark explored the area in 1804. Later, it became a hub for steamboats, railroads, and manufacturing.
In 1870, the Atchison railroad served as a learning rail town in the state, but times changed. The last Santa Fe train left town in the early 1990s, but the museum’s inventory of authentic artifacts keeps history alive.
I started the self-guided tour by watching a computer-generated video of Amelia Earhart welcoming guests. The life-like pilot spoke in quotable phrases inspiring museum-goers to go after their dreams.
The Virtual Reality Flight experience was worth the added time and ticketed cost. Donning a headset and using an airplane’s yoke, I attempted Amelia’s historic 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t make it to Paris, but I did land the plane safely in a farmer’s field.
A gift to his wife, Evah, the mansion features 25 rooms filled with period antiques, including an 1893 World’s Fair bedroom set, elaborate stained glass windows, and high-quality furnishings.
Walking the rest of the home’s interior, you’ll discover a 200-year-old walking wheel winder used to spin yarn wool. The parlor’s upholstered, open-arm couches with dark wood and framed artwork showcase the luxury the Hetherington family enjoyed.
Outdoors, an elaborate driveway leads to a restored carriage house that begs to be photographed.
The Evah Cray Museum is more than just another stunning home in Kansas. It’s a time capsule from the past when a family decided to settle in Atchison and live in the home for 80 years. Given their wealth, they could have chosen to reside anywhere. They chose Atchison.
My tour, led by the museum’s docent, was exceptional. Expect to pay a moderate admission if you go, and you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour touring the home.
PRO TIP: Ask about the home’s small theater, where you can watch a film about Atchison architecture. Visit the gift shop in the carriage house.
The 14-room home served as a showroom, displaying the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways they could be used. You’ll notice he combined oak, walnut, and mahogany into its design from floor to ceiling. He incorporated non-traditional wall materials, such as leather, into the wallboard design.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-FI. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
You’ll find the comfortable cafe is just what you need to set the tone for the day. The menu features freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee drinks. Return mid-day for a Signature Cocktail like The Atchison Mule of Amelia’s Final Flight.
Between bites, I enjoyed learning about Ann’s heritage, which included the Lopez & Vallejo families’ tradition of serving the community delicious food and treating customers “like a part of the family.”
I took my friend’s advice and chose the carbonara prepared with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce over spaghetti. You can expect Italian pasta dishes, shareable plates (crab cakes, anyone?), and chef-inspired main dishes ranging from Steak Diane to Chicken Madeira on the menu.
PRO TIP: The restaurant does accept walk-in diners, but it’s a popular place, so consider making a reservation.
You can count on our favorite bar-and-grill menu items. The list includes burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings, and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub locations in Kansas; the second is in El Dorado.
Whether you are shopping for blue and white ginger jars, holiday decorations, or faux botanicals, you’ll find them at Presley Pierce Interiors. Every corner of the shop draws the eye, and the window displays inspire one’s creativity.
Shoppers so appreciate the store’s merchandise that the owner often hosts pop-up events off-site in people’s homes. To track new inventory arrivals and learn about upcoming events, follow the store’s 
PRO TIP: Collectors will appreciate Thorne’s House Hot Packs, which offer budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
To call the Backroad Atlas a store would be to underrepresent its size. It feels more like an antique mall. Staff members are eager to assist you if you’re hunting for a particular item.
Shopping for a unique item is all the more charming thanks to the store’s cat, who occasionally greets customers.
A physician and the front rooms, once owned the house, were his examination rooms. As the story goes, the doctor operated on a 6-year-old child, Sallie, before the anesthesia took effect, and she died in the house. Years later, renters reported mysterious happenings, and the man felt as if he had been scratched.
You can tour or stay overnight in the home known for its paranormal activity. Items sometimes crash to the floor. Figures are seen in the windows. Doors slam in the night.
A highlight of my visit was standing in the shade of the Moon Tree, a Sycamore grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Underneath, the names of 17 astronauts who gave their lives are recognized in the memorial.
Manicured gardens and tree spaces dot the landscape. Find the gazebo to enjoy a shaded space of solitude.
PRO TIP: Take note of Memory Lane inductees’ names, paying homage to aviation greats such as the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins.
Families with young kids will appreciate the state-of-the-art playground, then walk to nearby horseshoe pits to teach them how the game is played.
PRO TIP: On-street parking is free.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon, lined with trees overlooking the Missouri River, which runs from St. Joseph, Missouri, through Atchison, and toward Leavenworth, Kansas.
The dedicated marker remembers the Atchison man who was the victim of violence after accidentally injuring a white man while hunting.
PRO TIP: Earhart created her own fashion line, often wearing clothing from it. Learn more from 
PRO TIP: Visit the 
Final Thoughts
McClain’s Market
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
Blind Box BBQ
Paulo and Bill
Nick & Jake’s
Flying Cow Gelato
Indoors, the air conditioning was inviting. I watched professional volleyball on TV as 1950s music hits played from the speaker.
Land-based activities include equestrian, hiking, and biking trails, which appeared well-groomed and easy to navigate. I saw dog parents watching four-legged friends at the 44-acre off-leash area. Families ate lunch while admiring stunning lake views at picnic shelters.
To fully understand how Shawnee was established, tour the inside of a 1878 farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, and chicken coop (live roosters and hens welcome you!).
I found the botanical gardens, planted and maintained by K-State Research and Extension Center’s master gardeners, to be a highlight. The Typewriter Repair Shop was by far my favorite building for its authenticity.
The museum’s annual Bloody Mary Party is a popular fundraiser that uses the working farm’s tomato crop. You will want to attend their celebrations. Check their 
Are you following my Kansas road trips on social media? I post bonus content on 
Do you like to maintain a fitness routine while on the road? The hotel’s gym is designed to include exercise machines you’d expect to see, plus free weights. The room is large enough that several hotel guests can get in a workout and not get in one another’s way.
PRO TIP: Access a filtered water station in the fitness facility to refill your reusable bottle before departing for the day.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I ordered mouth-watering burnt ends and mac-n-cheese, which tasted 100% delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, from rings and smoked turkey to bbq nachos and Legend Mac Bowls.
With an extensive lunch menu of thoughtfully prepared appetizers, salads, and soups, my friend and I ordered Fried Goat Cheese Balls for starters. My only wish is that we had more of them.
Sandwiched between homemade bread, the chicken salad was scrumptious, and the salads served on the side or as a meal are unmistakably good.
The chef brought warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream adding to the delightful dining experience.
Since it was Friday night, I took advantage of the steak special and ordered a ribeye and all the fixings – the comfort meal I craved while away from home. When pressed for his menu favorites, the owner suggested the Pastrami Burnt Ends Sandwich and the Surf-N-Turf dinner.
My al-a carte taco with chips and salsa made for a perfect lunch. Known for South of the Border favorites, El Pollo Loco, enchiladas, and burritos add to expected sports bar menu offerings.
I ordered a lager from KC Bier Company Dunkel to keep with the theme of supporting area breweries.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
It’s not a race but a chance to push yourself and support your besties. Obstacles like the Vertigo Bus gave me pause, so I left it to the ladies to show me how it was done. They ran the hamster wheel, crawled through muddy ball pits, and swung from ropes, cheering one another on.
If you’re interested in other events at Zip KC, the owners convert the landscape into a walkable haunted path at Halloween, complete with fright-inducing rein actors. At other times of the year, events like Ultimate Field Day and Family Timber Challenge draw a crowd.
In the air, attendees can sign up for aerial activities like the
The park is also home to sports fields, a basketball court, paved walking trails, three playgrounds, and a dog park. You may catch a baseball game or practice in progress if you’re lucky.
PRO TIP: Check the 
Did you know there are over 45K acres of farmland, which accounts for 87.5 percent of all Kansas land? You support families and communities by shopping locally from a farmer or area business.
PRO TIP: Be the first to arrive at the market when it opens for the best product selection. View hours and vendor details 
I found the items for sale reasonably priced for a Midwest market. They have several restored cabinets with drawers to choose from if adding furniture to a home’s entryway or living space. Additionally, you’ll discover many neutral-tone lamps, sit-abouts, faux plants, and framed artwork for sale.
PRO TIP: Take your photo in front of the store’s super cool neon sign.
The curated pieces resemble high-fashion styles you see in big-city boutiques. I found it hard to resist the latest KC gear, and I still regret not buying the beaded earrings calling my name.
PRO TIP: Ask the staff about recent mark-downs.
Keeping with their #stayvintage theme, shoppers can expect to find antiques for their homes and closet. Need a retro dress? They have it. Want a set of dishes? They have it. Hoping to find a cool chair for your office? They have it.
Woodland & Willow
But that’s not all! Home decor finds are tucked amongst racks of clothing and jewelry. The store’s owner is great about helping you find what you want.
The Small Hinge Boutique and Creative Studio
PRO TIP: If you lack time to attend a workshop, consider shopping the boutique space for a decorative sign to take home. From personalized door hangers to wall decor, you’ll find it there.
PRO TIP: Check the refrigerated cases for cheese samples.
The town is one that I’ll repeatedly visit for a plethora of things to do and people to meet.
