Disclosure: Unmistakably Lawrence sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Having lived at one time in my life in Lawrence, Kansas, I returned for a visit to study the town’s history and to experience the events surrounding Civil War on the Border. The experience helped me to better understand how significant figures in the state’s history impacted the town during a time referred to as Bleeding Kansas.
Prior to the Civil War, feuds between pro-slavery Missourians and anti-slavery Kansans raged erupting in Lawrence in 1863. Confederate leader William Quantrill led a band of 400 men on horseback to attack the men and teenage boys. They burned homes and businesses to the ground. Some totals report that over 150 people were killed. Those who escaped death hid in cornfields or underground. Their accounts of that day tell the story.
Today, Lawrence is a thriving town, rebuilt itself on more than one occasion from conflict. The college town is home to the University of Kansas. Downtown businesses include eclectic eateries, breweries, boutique shopping, taverns, and bars. But many of the town’s original buildings remain as a testament to the town’s will to survive, including The Eldridge Hotel.
LODGING
THE ELDRIDGE HOTEL
I jumped at the opportunity when Explore Lawrence invited me to stay overnight in Lawrence to learn more about the town’s historical value. I had been inside The Eldridge Hotel on more than one occasion and even hosted my college graduation there, but I had never experienced it as a hotel guest.
Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, it was one of the tallest most beautiful buildings in town. Unfortunately, its fate was doomed. In 1856, the hotel was burned to the ground by pro-slavery forces. Later rebuilt by Colonel Eldridge it was destroyed again in an 1863 attack. Quantrill and his men rode into Lawrence and burned much of the town to the ground. Like a phoenix, the hotel rose from the ashes when it was rebuilt again.
The hotel is considered haunted. Hotel employees have seen Colonel Eldridge’s ghost sitting in an original hotel chair in storage. A photograph taken in the lobby shows a ghostly spirit standing in the lobby’s elevator. Room 506 is considered to be the most haunted guest room in the hotel, and it is considered the colonel’s favorite spot. Of course, I requested room 506 for my overnight stay.
Having lived in a haunted house on Kentucky Street during my college years, I was prepared to experience unexpected noises. Later in the evening, after returning to the room and just in time to escape a raging thunderstorm outside, the ceiling fan’s lights flickered multiple times. Was it his ghost? The next morning, I discovered my new laptop’s battery was dead. I had charged it to full power before arriving at the hotel. Was it the ghost’s way of letting me know its presence? I’ll let you decide. I didn’t sleep soundly that night.
In 1932, the Bonnie and Clyde Gang stayed at the hotel and later robbed the bank across the street. They fled across state lines without issue. According to an article on The Eldridge’s website, the gang made off with over $33,000. You can read more about the hotel’s history and ongoing renovations here.
The hotel serves as a venue for guests who want to celebrate weddings, reunions, and private gatherings for up to 180 guests. The ballroom pictured below includes original crown molding, archways with windows, and crystal chandeliers. The hotel’s concierge wanted to show us other rooms of historical significance, so he took us to a few private areas not open to the public.
We entered what looked to be a boiler room of sorts that included a narrow, steep staircase without a railing. It was time to scale the stairs to see Colonel Eldridge’s favorite chair first-hand. I climbed the stairs steadying myself with my hands upon each stair. There it was! A dusty ornate chair that many employees say they’ve seen Eldridge sitting on smoking his pipe. Would you want to see the chair for yourself?
All in all, my stay at The Eldridge was exceptional. The hotel stay went above and beyond to cater to my curiosity about the hotel’s history by taking me on a guided tour and telling me the background story of many of the black and white photographs hanging in the lobby.
The hotel bar staff was hospitable and welcoming. My room, although haunted, offered stunning views of downtown Lawrence on the anniversary eve of Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence. By all accounts, it was a delightful stay that I’d recommend anyone experience.
HISTORIC TOURS
BLEEDING KANSAS BUS TOUR
On Saturday afternoon, we gathered with others at Watkins Museum of History (1047 Massachusetts St.) for the Bleeding Kansas Bus Tour. Our first stop took us to the Robert H Miller Home and Farm (111 E. 19th St.) in East Lawrence. Miller was an Underground Railroad conductor who hid runaway slaves on his 160 acres of property. Miller, a successful farmer, built the home in 1858. The Oregon Trail lies directly in front of the home, making it a high-traffic area. Slaves were trying to get freedom to Topeka and other northern territories like Canada. The Millers provided them with temporary shelter and food.
Quantrill and his men rode up to the house with 400 men on horseback on his way from the town of Franklin to raid Lawrence on August 21, 1863. He was recognized by one of the Miller daughters. She greeted him. He and one of his men most likely stayed overnight at the home week’s prior when on a scouting mission. Quantrill and his men acknowledged the daughter and then left. They killed a nearby cow farmer and went to Lawrence to kill more men. Why didn’t Quantrill kill the Millers? Perhaps because they remembered them fondly from an earlier encounter.
Now, the home is a private residence, but the homeowners often invite guided tours to visit the property.
The second stop on the bus tour took us to the Grover Barn (2819 Stonebarn Terrance), an underground railroad station on the south side of the town built in 1858. When Abolitionist leader John Brown made his final journey through Kansas, the Grover Barn was where he stopped.
During our tour, an actor playing the role of John Brown told us the story of the Grover Barn. There, Brown traveled with a slave family on their way to find safety and freedom. The limestone barn is considered one of the best-preserved Underground Railroad sites and is listed on the Lawrence Register of Historic Places.
Take a look at the walls in the photo below. The crudeness of the limestone barn’s constructions is awe-inspiring. I encourage you to visit the historic structure to see the hand-hewn wood beams up close. In 1980, the City of Lawrence repurposed the building to use as a fire station and later for storage. Today, the preserved barn is a historical location of pre-Civil War significance and where Brown and freedom seekers stayed during their journey.
The final stop of the Bleeding Kansas Bus Tour took us to the Spencer Museum of Art (1301 Mississippi) on the University of Kansas campus. Our tour group had an early opportunity to view newly framed prints by African American Jacob Lawrence. The screenprint series “The Legend of John Brown” tells the chronological story of John Brown’s life. Was he a martyr or a religious zealot? The 22 screenprints depict Brown’s life choices to lead anti-slavery troops to maintain Kansas as a free state. Often, Brown’s tactics included violence, which many say contributed to the rise of the Civil War. “The Legend of John Brown” print series collection is displayed in a small gallery.
Also displayed was a lithograph by artist John Steuart Curry created in 1939. The famous image shows Brown’s arms outstretched with a tornado and wildfires in the distance. Some say these images were depicted as a prelude to the Civil War. Contact the museum for details regarding touring the collection. Admission to the Spencer Museum of Art is free. Plan your visit here.
WATKINS MUSEUM GUIDED TOUR
After the bus tour, I met an employee of Watkins Historical Museum (1047 Massachusetts St.) for a private tour of the iconic building. Built in 1975 by JB Watkins as the Watkins Land Mortgage and National Bank Building, it is an artifact of an earlier time in the town’s history.
The building’s founder loved ornate architecture and the finest materials available. The building is a masterpiece with its marble staircases, salvaged stained glass windows, hand-carved woodwork, and marble mosaic flooring. The bank originally functioned as a place where farmers came for land loans. Later, it was donated to the city and was used as City Hall until 1970.
For the last 10 years, Watkins Historical Museum began welcoming visitors to tour the building and its permanent exhibits for free. Four smaller rotating exhibits are updated about every six months. The permanent collections’ themes range from Lawrence’s history to University of Kansas basketball to pioneer life artifacts.
The space in the photo below is part of Watkins’ original office, which still includes his fireplace, bank vault, and shutter-covered windows. Artifacts from his wife’s contribution to the University of Kansas are included near the space.
Elizabeth Watkins donated much of their wealth after JB’s death to build the Watkins Scholarship Hall and the Watkins Nurses Home. A considerable amount of the couple’s earnings were donated to the KU Endowment Association without instructions for its use.
An authentic electric car sits on display in one corner of the museum. The Milburn Light Electric car was owned by Lawrence resident Eleanor Henley who used it to run errands in town. When you visit the car, look inside! It doesn’t have a steering wheel. How did Eleanor drive it? You’ll have to take a trip to the museum to find out.
Below are two significant items from the University of Kansas’ basketball program’s history. James Naismith used the desk in the Robinson Gymnasium on the KU campus. It most likely was also used by Forrest “Phog” Allen. If you open the desk’s drawer, you will see handwritten locker combinations, which may have belonged to the basketball players’ lockers. Allen designed the 1940s practice backboard for his students to teach them how to arc the basketball. Other artifacts on display include a team jersey worn by Jawhawk Adrian Mitchell-Newell.
Individuals and groups are welcome to visit for self-guided tours, although the museum prefers to prepare for visiting students. To find out more about visiting the museum and its collections, view their Facebook page.
DINNER
FREE STATE BREWING CO.
There is no better place on Mass Street in downtown Lawrence to enjoy a meal and a craft beer than Free State Brewing Co. (636 Massachusetts St). Kansas’ original craft brewery has been serving flagship beers, rotating seasonal selections, and limited selections for decades.
During my visit, I requested the John Brown Ale, but it wasn’t available. Instead, I happily settled for Free State Lager. I was happy to be back at Free State, where I frequented on Monday $1-pint night during my college years.
Their menu has always included items made from fresh ingredients with flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed the Filipino Egg Rolls with Sesame Chile Soy Dipping Sauce as an appetizer. We shared the Nashville Chicken Mac and Free State Fish and Chips for dinner. Both entrees exceeded our expectations.
I highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours now, you can check their Facebook events page for upcoming trivia nights or festival celebrations.
Locals and visitors alike love the brewery’s vibe. Limited patio seating allows patrons to watch Mass Street happenings with a beer in hand. You may find a street performer nearby playing music.
EXPLORING MASS STREET
BUILDINGS, SHOPPING, PARKS, DRINKS
The following morning, I rose early to walk the quiet streets of downtown Lawrence before the stores opened. I navigated to South Park, established in 1854, just beyond 11th and Mass Streets. It is the town’s oldest park and was a location that suffered the wrath of Quantrill’s Raid. In later years, it served as a picturesque location for outdoor concerts, festivals, antiwar rallies, and women’s rights protests.
How could such a beautiful green space have once been the site of devastation? It’s hard to imagine, but it’s true. On the way there, I admired the Douglas County Courthouse (1100 Massachusetts St.) ‘s architectural features. Construction of the building took place in 1904, with a dedication following a year later.
My explorations led me to Black Stag Brewery (623 Mass St.) for a cold one. A massive space, it also includes a covered patio. It’s the kind of place where locals strike up conversations with you.
Stop in for a beer and stay for a meal from the grill or opt for a shareable platter. Unsure what beer you want a pint of? Ask the bartender for samples. I enjoyed tastings for the Mosaic Dream IPA and 1865 Black Stag. Eventually, I committed to the Founding Fathers’ Tavern Tale, which seemed an appropriate choice given my mission to uncover Lawrence’s history.
When in Lawrence, I also like to revisit a few tried and true hangouts. Eight Street Taproom (801 New Hampshire St.) is an escape from the hustle of downtown and the heat of a Kansas summer day. The dark dive bar is a cool place to enjoy a beer or cocktail to the sounds of indie music and a busy billiards table.
The downstairs bar opens after the sun goes down and often features live bands. It’s home to hipsters and townies who have been calling it one of their favorite bars for decades. You’ll appreciate their impressive beer collection.
CEMETERY TOUR
OAK HILL CEMETERY
Just as the evening was coming to a close, I joined a group of history fans at the Oak Hill Cemetery (1605 Oak Hill Avenue) to hear stories of early Lawerence and view the graves of victims from Quantrill’s Raid. It serves as a final burial spot for many, including 81 widowed women after the raid. Some notable people buried were Kansas politicians. James H. Lane was the first U.S. Senator from Kansas, and his grave was the first burial monument added to the cemetery (pictured below).
With flashlights in hand to guide the way after sundown, our group listened to a Watkins Museum of History curator recounts the details of those who lost their lives in the raid.
If you visit the cemetery, look for The Citizen’s Memorial, which reminds you of 50 unidentified men and boys who died during Quantrill’s Raid. To view these graves and others like it, use this map to locate Section 1 and Section 2.
DRINKS
JOHN BROWN’S UNDERGROUND
My final stop for the evening was for craft cocktails at John Brown’s Underground (7 E 7th St). After entering this basement bar, I realized it was unlike any “typical” college town establishment. One detail that defines it differently from other bars in the area is that John Brown’s Underground requires reservations for indoor seating.
The space transports you to a surreal environment with low lighting, mood music, and a menu that reads like an excerpt from someone’s diary. A friendly server helped me choose a cocktail recipe from a long list of options. Since it was the eve of the anniversary of Quantrill’s Raid, I chose the John Brown made from whiskey, rum, demerara sugar, and bitters. It was spirit-forward but smooth. My boyfriend opted for the Fever Dream Nova gin cocktail with basil and mango. It came with Lemongrass Pop Rocks on the side. Both drinks included a square ice cube embossed with a chair on them. Why a chair?
The chair symbol is a major part of the John Brown Underground story and aesthetic. For the employees, of which many had it tattooed on their arms, it represents the chair John Brown sat on while protecting slaves on the underground railroad. For them, it represents safety, looking out for one another, and a general sense of kindness. The employees are passionate about the tavern’s mission to create a welcoming atmosphere, best symbolized by the chair. When enjoying time at the bar, ask your server more about it.
DOWNTOWN HISTORICAL TOUR
QUANTRILL’S RAID WALKING TOUR
Intrigued about all I had learned about Bleeding Kansas, I attended Quantrill’s Raid Walking Tour hosted by local historian John Jewell the following morning. He led about a dozen of us around downtown Lawrence starting at the Watkins History Museum and to the main of locations where fighting and bloodshed took place during the raid. A historical marker identifies the House Building. It was the only structure left standing on that black after the raid.
During the tour, Jewell pointed to buildings that were rebuilt after that fateful date in history. A post-raid campaign was the focus of community members who wanted to rebuild a shattered community. Lawrence’s downtown district is a testament to their will to survive.
BREAKFAST
LADYBIRD DINER
Hungry for breakfast before leaving Lawrence, we stopped at Ladybird Diner (721 Massachusetts St.). Sometimes the places we stop to eat when on the road are not originally a part of the travel plan, and they turn out to be delightful. When in Lawrence, choose to have breakfast followed by homemade pie at Ladybird Diner.
We enjoyed Avocado Toast with Scrambled Eggs and Huevos Rancheros with Corn Tortillas. With room left for dessert, I selected a slice of peach pie made with latticework crust. Beyond delicious. He said, “It’s one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.”
We will return to the diner during a return visit to Lawrence. Until then, I may have to learn how to copy the Huevos Rancheros recipe at home.
BONUS HISTORICAL STOP
KANSAS STATE CAPITOL (TOPEKA)
A visit to the Kansas State Capitol (SW 8th & SW Van Buren St., Topeka) wouldn’t be complete without viewing John Steuart Curry’s “Tragic Prelude” painting on display on the second floor’s east wing featuring John Brown. This painting and others he did for the capitol brought criticism, so the Kansas legislature caved to public pressure and demanded that the “marble panels not be removed and thus put an end to Curry’s rotunda murals” (Source: kshs.org).
Curry did not finish the paintings and left the statehouse murals unsigned. What do you think the images in the painting represent, given the turmoil of the time?
The original sword belonging to Brown is also on display in a rotunda room not far from the Kansas Constitution. It is part of a larger collection of artifacts that tell the story of when Kansas Territory was established on the brink of the Civil War. We got lucky and visited the capital minutes before a guided tour was about to begin.
To view public viewing hours and tour information, visit this page. It is an impressive building worth viewing at least once in your lifetime, especially if you’re a Kansas native.
To truly understand a town’s existence, you must dive deep into its history books. Peruse its museums. Walk its streets. I invite you to travel to Lawrence and visit these historical places and the ones that welcome visitors today. It’s a town near and dear to my heart, and now I appreciate it that much more.
If you want to learn more about the best places to check out when in Lawrence, leave your questions below or head over to Unmistakeably Lawrence to plan your visit.
It may have been a sweltering 99-degree summer day in Kansas, but it certainly conjured up thoughts of winter. I thought, “Why does this town love Christmas so much?”
Since 1950, the town has lived up to its nickname when local businessmen displayed a 35′ Christmas tree covered in 3,000 lights in the center of town. The tree and display are lit the Saturday after Thanksgiving and stay illuminated until New Year’s Day.
Some of the decorations stay up the entire year along Main Street and inside its businesses. How many trees will you spot around town?
I was craving a hearty and comforting meal. I ordered the Breakfast Plate of eggs, potatoes, and toast along with a freshly brewed coffee. I could hear the cook, who I assumed was the owner, whistling while she prepared meals in the kitchen.
It’s meticulously restored, spacious, thoughtfully decorated, and clean. It has all of the comforts of home. Five beds and three bathrooms provide roomy accommodations for a family visiting the area.
The museum’s textiles date from the early 1800s-1970s. Many of the museum’s items were donated by families in the area. Can you imagine walking the streets of WaKeeney and seeing women wearing dresses like the ones below as they headed off to church or a formal occasion?
A newer addition to the Trego County Historical Museum includes a large mural depicting the life of an earlier time. Governor John P. St. John signed a proclamation to organize the county on June 21, 1879. What do you notice about the mural below that tells the story of the county?
One exhibit that the museum is continuously working hard to build is the Trego County Honor Roll that features names of residents who have served in the military. I felt a sense of patriotism as I read about the soldiers who wore the uniforms on display. The collection dates back to World War I. The artifacts in the case situated left of the honor roll wall are phenomenal.
Several tiny towns in Trego County eventually combined into one school district. The one-room schoolhouse pictured below is available for visitors to enjoy with access provided by museum employees. It was used from 1910 to the early 1960s.
PRO TIP: Start your self-guided tour by learning more about the town and its founders. WaKeeney was named after Albert Warren and James Keeney who dreamed of a city with 80′ wide brick streets. They got their wish.
PRO TIP: Stop by The Studio 128 (128 N. Main) to ask for an address directory to help you locate all of the trees on the tour. Like me, you may simply stumble upon them as you walk around the main square of WaKeeney. I spotted the tree below in front of my lodging accommodations at 1909 Cottage House.
I’m told that the town’s youngest residents love the Green River, a super sweet drink. 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 a nostalgic drink for you.
Visit the tasting room to enjoy the winery’s long list of varieties, order a wine flight or ask about the Wine of the Week. A fan of dry wine, Kirk poured several varieties for me to try but it was a dry red, Noiret, that was by far my favorite selection. I’d also recommend sampling Norton and Vidal Blanc. Bottles of wine and gourmet chocolate are available for sale.
A popular venue for hosting weddings, receptions, and private parties, the barn below is available for rental. A nearby patio attached to the tasting room provides outdoor seating. The winery and event spaces stay consistently busy, but they always welcome wine lovers who show up to the tasting room.
PRO TIP: Ask for a guided tour to fully appreciate the winery. Visitors can schedule an informative tour by appointment.
The WaKeeney Water Park sits adjacent to a manicured city park – one of four in town. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a covered picnic inside a pavilion or play a game of disc golf, WaKeeney’s city parks have something for everyone to enjoy at their pace.
My time in WaKeeney seemed to fly by preventing me from visiting several more places that I look forward to experiencing on my next visit to town. I would love to tour 
It truly is a quintessential American town. I will always have fond memories of my stay in WaKeeney.
I loved walking around downtown Hays and imagining it as a lawless town. Many of the original buildings have been restored. The photo below shows the historic George Philip Hardware building, established in 1894, at 719 Main Street.
The 100-room hotel features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness room, and free parking. I was shocked at the size of my room. It was larger than some of my college apartments.
Hilton Garden Inn is one of those hotels where you look back at the sign as you leave and think, “I want to stay here again.” It’s modern, spacious, clean, and has many awesome amenities. A pet-friendly hotel, I feel good knowing that the next time I visit, I can bring my four-legged family member with me during my return trip to Hays.
The 
The museum’s paleontology area allows visitors to get an up-close view of animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, sea swimming creatures, and fish that lived in Kansas over 80 million years ago. It was a different world when the seas flooded North America. The museum’s exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the past.
A major draw of the museum is its collection of fossils found in the Great Plains, which largely exists because of the work of Charles H. Sternberg. He collected fossils in Kansas starting in 1867.
Because of their lab testing and research, rural farmers know how to improve their methods resulting in a better harvest or herd. From cattle nutrition to land management and plant pathology to entomology, the folks at the center work year-round to learn from nature. In fact, it was at the KSU Agricultural Research Center that many of the biggest contributions to the science of farming took place. Using ultrasound information at the center helped scientists learn more about beef marbling, which led to the USDA’s grading system for quality.
I chose a seat at the bar so I could have a clear view of the brewers at work behind the glass wall. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with homemade chips. She also ensured my meal came with creamy bacon horseradish and sweet onion dip to eat with the chips. Lunch never tasted so good! And the beer? It was crisp and aromatic. I’d order it again. Maybe a growler of it.
Knowing that I didn’t have room left for dessert, I ordered the French Toast Brulèe anyway. The crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy center as my spoon cracked into it. Combined with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh whipped cream, it was beyond delicious.
I recommend stopping at Gella’s for lunch or dinner whenever you’re in Hays. The restaurant is large enough that it can easily accommodate groups. Menu prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you drink craft beer, you can expect 12 taps, with two rotating regularly.
The geologic formations and rolling rolls make the drive in this area of Russell County spectacular. Kansas is NOT flat. In fact, many mountain bikers like to twist and jump along the Switchgrass Bike Trail that winds 7.5 miles over the hills. Not much for adrenaline sports? Wilson Lake is also a 
I continued on Hwy 232 from Wilson Lake to 
With the 
More artistic talent is on view at the 
Many of the artists’ works show their appreciation for recycling objects to find new uses for them. I suggest you step inside the building’s old bank vault to see the work of Overland Park artist, James Peruca. He used recycled objects to create art that surrounds the viewer. What do you recognize in the photo below?
Admission to the Grassroots Art Center doesn’t necessarily include a guided tour but the helpful employee that works there is more than happy to provide background information about the artwork on display. If you spy a piece that you’d love to take home with you, there is a good chance it’s for sale.
I was fascinated by Dinsmoor’s use of wire and cement to build massive structures that told a story. The photo below shows his interpretation of bringing down civilization. The Goddess of Liberty has one foot on the trusts. The man and woman are sawing off the “chartered rights limb,” which represents Dinsmoor’s thoughts on big business overtaking an individual’s rights.
I sarcastically mumbled to myself during the tour of his property, “Because, why not? That seems perfectly normal.” For its wow factor, I recommend visiting the Garden of Eden, located 16 miles north of KS I-70. Admission includes a self-guided sculpture tour, however, the employee on-site eagerly took me and a visiting family around the property.
After lunch, I dug in my heels and started checking out the town. The murals of Russell are eye-catching. When traveling along KS I-70, pull over into this quaint town to see them up close.
The home of U.S. Senator Bob Dole, the area honors veterans, agricultural, oil refining, and their residents with beautiful street art. Other attractions worth seeking out include Bob Dole’s childhood home, downtown shops, and 
Driving through town, I saw buildings made with the region’s most readily available material, limestone. The churches, schools, and early homes in Russell were constructed with stunning sedimentary rock. Visitors can pay to tour some of them like the 
With a bit of exploring under my belt, I drove to 
Not far from my hotel, I checked in and found the hotel and amenities comfortable. 
Near the hotel, 
Russell is a town that I passed without stopping along KS I-70 from Kansas to Colorado dozens of times. My mistake! Russell and the surrounding towns offer travelers warm hospitality and sights that surprise them. Good people, interesting attractions, and a variety of dining options make Russell County a sure-win.
The room’s amenities include a flatscreen TV, liquor pantry, coffee cart with snacks, and an Alexa personal assistant. For those who need to get work down during their stay, the in-room desk is large enough for a laptop and then some.
Italian music played as I dined on an appetizer board of chef-selected meats and cheeses. I particularly loved the Italian herb cheese and the fresh made-in-house peach jam. The board was large enough for two to three people to enjoy before ordering dinner with a bottle of wine.
After devouring my delicious meal, I followed the signs leading to the bottom level of the hotel. I was led into a candlelit foray with a mysterious wooden door. I had arrived at 
The speakeasy pays homage to the building’s history while providing guests ambiance they won’t find anywhere else in the city. According to Dockum, the rules for enjoying the bar are simple, “Be good to us and we’ll spoil you.” It was definitely my kind of tavern.
Street art is a bonus surprise for visitors to Wichita. 
Another indoor space to view art, much of which is usually the work of talented regional artists, is 
Hockey fans visiting the area must experience an action-packed 
If you’re interested in catching a local band at a smaller venue, consider walking to 
There is no shortage of attractions beyond the doors of the Ambassador. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a returning guest, the downtown area is the best place to experience what makes Wichita wonderful. Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a Wichitan, but I promise you’ll love your experience staying at 
Do you have questions about exploring Wichita’s downtown district? Want to learn more about the hotel? Drop a comment below. I’m always happy to give travel advice.
The store manager, Lynette, sat down with me to chat about the store in the coffee lounge. I sipped a specialty coffee, The Feathered Frenzy, and enjoyed a scratch-made scone from the espresso bar. As we talked, I noticed several locals sitting together in small groups, talking over coffee. Immediately, I could feel a real sense of community.
I learned the store has a decades-long history of outfitting homes with furnishings and gift items. The Feathered Nest provides in-home design services for those looking to upgrade their living spaces from flooring to textiles. It’s far more than a standard small-town furniture store. They also provide free consultations to homeowners who want to meet with the designers at home or in the store.
Aside from home design items, they sell apparel, jewelry, and baby + preteen gift items. It’s impossible not to find a gift for someone in The Feathered Nest. Lynette and her team take the time to listen to your needs and direct you to the perfect purchase for someone.
My next stop led me to 
Record-holding racer, Don, gave me a tour of the museum. It was built to capture the history of racing personalities, house memorabilia, and display race cars. More or less unregulated, midgets cars have been driven at Belleville by some of the best drivers, including many of today’s Nascar celebrities, from Kasey Kahne to Jeff Gordan. The track is also home to sprint car racing and touts 305 national winners.
It only made sense to visit 
He told me that the Belleville Midget Nationals started at the track in 1978, an event that still fills the stands today. Later, the Belleville 305 Spring Nationals was born Thus, High Banks has an inner track and an outer track with an incredibly steep, 23-degree bank. Race fans can sit in the stands only feet from the track to cheer on their favorite driver during 
The two-story building includes rooms with comfortable bunk beds, a common living space with an open kitchen, and two full bathrooms with laundry facilities. Downstairs, I found two authentic bank vaults and a foray with oversized windows flooding the space with sunlight.
Visitors to the historic building will love what Shanna has done with it. She regularly rotates new retail inventory, making shopping a delight. I’m still kicking myself for not buying the necklace I had my eye on. Luckily, I can order many of the store’s items 
Soon, I found myself walking down to another shopping destination, 
Just as I was about to purchase my finds, I was greeted by the Depot Market’s owner. He invited me to sit down to learn more about the depot and his business. A few minutes into our conversation, I felt like I had made a new friend.
As we walked, Dan told me about his love of rural farming and a quieter way of life. He mentioned how wonderful it is to see people visit in droves to pick their own pumpkins in the fall and meander through the corn maze. For his family and the Depot Market’s employees, watching people smile while picking a basket of blackberries is another rewarding part of the job.
Eight miles north of U.S. 36 on K-266, I drove to the 
In the early 1800s, the Pawnee tribe chose to settle in what is now Republic County, where they lived in 50 dome-shaped earth lodges. The museum opened in 1967 after archeologists excavated and uncovered half the village, which originally housed 2,ooo+ Pawnee.
Bison bones, metal tools, and a sacred bundle tell the story of a tribe that chose to live in the area to hunt big game. The women of the tribe built the lodges, gardened by the river, and performed all of the domestic duties. It is said that they even traveled as far as Colorado to source the wood beams to support the lodges.
I ordered the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich with kettle chips for lunch. Just as I suspected, it was delicious. Having arrived early into the lunch hour, I noticed townies stopping by for lunch. One man ordered breakfast (you can order it all day) while another patron dined on a hamburger.
I ordered the Turtle Cheesecake, a popular choice, and began to devour it. Just then, the owner sat down at my table to say hello and get to know me better. I quickly realized that this kind of friendliness is what you should expect from everyone in Republic County. Warm and welcoming – they don’t know any other way.
I entered the 
My final stop took me to 
