Updated August 2025
Do you love a delicious pastry, freshly baked donut, or loaf of bread? Kansas adopted the nickname “The Wheat State” in the early 20th century, as it was a leading producer of the nation’s wheat. The breadbasket of the world and the state’s bakeries are equally plentiful today.
While this list does not include all Kansas bakeries or pastry shops, you may discover one or two places that I highly recommend adding to your travel bucket list.
CRUST & CRUMB CO., NEWTON
A line of eager bakery fans forms early on Saturday mornings at Crust & Crumb Co. (507B N Main St) for freshly baked sourdough loaves, sliced bread, and artisan pastries.
Not only does the owner mill her father’s wheat for sourdough bread recipes, the professionally trained baker is known for delectable galettes, croissants, and her twist on cinnamon rolls.
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
SMOKY VALLEY BAKERY, LINDSBORG
If you’re seeking authentic Swedish Almond Cake or fresh baked muffins, cookies, and pastries, visit Smoky Valley Bakery (118 S. Main Street) in Lindsborg.
Many of the predominantly Swedish town’s residents gather there for an early-morning coffee and breakfast pastry, and the restaurant recently started serving lunch for mid-day diners.
You’re alway guaranteed to find the owner’s famous cinnamon rolls under the glass case. Don’t miss a chance to purchase his family’s jarred jams and jellies.
TASTY PASTRY & COFFEE SHOP, CLAY CENTER
If you can leave Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop (511 Court Street) with only one donut, it will be a miracle. The aroma of freshly baked pastries hits you when you enter the door. Glass displays hold stacks of homemade donuts and nut rolls.
The morning I arrived, the place was packed with small groups of diners at every table. Kids approached the counter, ready to order a cinnamon roll or cookie.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
MUNCHERS BAKERY, LAWRENCE
I lived in Lawrence for nearly seven years, and like most residents, I knew that Munchers Bakery (925 Iowa St.) was the place to select a soft, pillowy donut. The highly-rated bakery, open 24 hours a day, has been in business for over 30 years.
The glass cases are filled with donuts of all kinds, but it’s the cream cheese donut that keeps residents asking for more. Whether you’re craving an early morning or late-night sweet treat, Munchers Bakery’s selection gets the job done. I recommend ordering a cinnamon roll.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include Taylor’s Donuts and Wheatfields Bakery.
1900 BARKER ON MASS, LAWRENCE
If you’re seeking fresh breakfast pastries made daily while in Lawrence, visit 1900 Barker on Mass (816 Massachusetts Street). Watch as bakers prepare, bake, and package warm loaves of bread and cookies also available for purchase.
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, their baristas can prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
SERAPHIM BREAD, SALINA
I discovered Seraphim Bread (145 S. Santa Fe. Suite 100) on Instagram and knew I wanted to visit the shop when in Salina. Located in downtown Salina, the artisan bakery produces fresh bread and pastries daily.
Residents in line in front of me said they like to stop in and purchase the sweet tools or muffins. I chose a Scotch Roll (hard-boiled egg surrounded by sausage and baked bread) for my breakfast treat as well as a ham and cheese biscuit for the drive home. Both choices were delicious.
CAROL LEE DONUTS, SALINA
It’s an a early Sunday morning in Salina and you’re craving donuts. The best place to go? Carol Lee Donuts (two locations), where you’re the bell at the door alerts staff another donut-loving diner has entered the bakery.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
AMANDA’S BAKERY, ABILENE
I heard that Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro (302 N. Broadway St.) was where the locals dine for breakfast. The downtown hangout is located in an old drugstore building in the heart of historic Abilene. They serve baked goods and breakfast originals and prepare specialty coffee drinks.
While the bakery is known for its scratch-made pastries, we chose to order two savory bagel sandwiches and lattes. I never turn down a sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich. The meal was delightful.
VARSITY DONUTS, MANHATTAN
Serving “donuts that make people happy,” Varsity Donuts has been serving warm, fresh donuts to the masses since 2011. I arrived early, hoping to find full cases of donuts and boy was I surprised at the large selection. My choice? A delicious maple glazed donut sprinkled with bits of bacon.
The second-best aspect of stopping in Varsity Donuts is learning about the building’s historic charm. It still has the original flooring, counter, and barstools from its days as a soda fountain. Look up, and you’ll discover pages of K-State yearbooks hanging overhead dating back to 1939.
RADINA’S BAKEHOUSE, MANHATTAN
Radina’s Bakehouse (227 Blue Earth Place #111) lived up to the local hype. When we arrived on a Saturday at 9 a.m., a short line was already forming from the register. The aroma of fresh artisanal bread permeated the air as we watched two bakers manipulating dough.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
THE FEATHERED FRENZY, BELLEVILLE
The Feathered Frenzy, located inside The Feathered Nest (1914 M. St.), is where you go if you’re craving a scratch-made pastry and a cup of coffee. I ordered a perfectly baked scone from the espresso bar to pair with a frothy latté.
A local hangout for Belleville residents, visitors to The Feathered Nest are surrounded by furnishings and home decor that is available for purchase. As soon as I walked in, I knew my wallet was in trouble. They also sell jars of Kansas-made gourmet foods and chef’ tools to complete one’s kitchen.
SWEET PEA’S BAKERY, SENECA
Make Sweet Pea’s Bakery (420 Main Street) your first stop in Seneca. Start the day with a soft, homemade pastry or a slice of warm breakfast quiche. The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
PARK STREET PASTRY, OLATHE
A one-minute drive from Junque Drawer is Park Street Pastry (103 E. Park St.), where lovers of authentic European desserts and sweet treats go. Pastry Chef Douglas Flick’s loyal customers know they can find freshly made cinnamon rolls, a popular breakfast choice, ready to order.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more. Sandwiches come with a classic side garden salad.
HANA’S DONUTS, KANSAS CITY
Hana’s Donuts (2131 S. 34th St.) is tucked away in a neighborhood just waiting to be discovered by donut die-hards. Entering the parking lot, I saw one customer after another exit with boxes of goodies. The smell of donuts filled the air.
Inside, a family with several kids ordered a big box of donuts. Each child pointed at their choice. “I want the one with sprinkles!” the youngest boy exclaimed. Before their order was complete, the dad added, “and a dozen of the cinnamon bites, please.”
The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old-fashioned crullers.
BIJOU CONFECTIONARY, HUMBOLDT
Homemade macarons. Blocks of fudge. Soft cookies. Bulk candy. You’ll find all of it, plus nostalgia bottled sodas, available at Bijou Confectionary (810 S. Bridge St.). I recommend stopping by to select a sweet treat after having lunch next door at HoneyBee Bruncherie. Cookies and macaroon sell out quickly.
Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
BAGATELLE BAKERY, WICHITA
On any given day, especially during lunch, Bagatelle Bakery (6801 E. Harry St.) sees a steady stream of customers. People arrive craving homemade empanadas, bierocks, or quiche. While some customers stop by to pick up a loaf of freshly baked bread, others stay for a meal that never disappoints.
Don’t think of leaving without having dessert. One look inside the glass case and you’ll want one of the pastries. Lovers of Bagatelle Bakery adore their artistic cakes for special occasions.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include Reverie Coffee Roasters, The Donut Whole, La Gallette French Bakery, Juarez Bakery, Great Harvest Bread Co., and Bakesale Treat Parlor.
BAKERY 177, EL DORADO
Start your day the best way at Bakery 177 (131 W 2nd Avenue), a quaint donut and pastry shop locals flock to for daily baked goods.
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats.
I noticed the bakery also sells a variety of muffins, turnovers, and fruit and cheese croissants. Coffee is available for $2.00. (The owner does not sell gluten-free donuts, but an employee told me she is developing the recipe.)
THE HORNET’S NEST, VALLEY CENTER
Whether you prefer the drive-thru or to go inside and order, The Hornet’s Nest (556 N Meridian Avenue) is a must-stop donut shop in Valley Center. Cake, glazed, frosted, or pudding-stuffed donuts, you’ll find trays of donuts to choose from freshly baked Daylight Donuts® every morning.
If you’re not into sweets, consider order their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
OTHER BAKERIES I’VE ADDED TO MY TRAVEL BUCKET LIST
I’ve kept notes over the years about other notable bakeries that I’d like to visit when road tripping through the Sunflower State. My short list includes 1900 Barker Bakery and Café (Lawrence), Rye (Leawood), Best Regards Bakery and Café (Overland Park), and Mad Eliza’s (Holton).
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, Kansas Coffee Shops You Simply Must Visit. While many of the coffee shops are not a bakery per se, they often serve scrumptious baked goods.
What other Kansas bakeries should I add to my travel plans? Please comment below with your suggestions.
Veteran campsites use banners to identify their location, making it easy for friends to find them and join their jam circle. The more years a group has camped at the festival, it seemed the larger their banner and gathering site.
Most food truck items started at $5 and went up. I suggest bringing $20 per person to enjoy a full meal with a drink.
PRO TIP: Don’t assume all food truck vendors accept credit cards, although most do. ATMs are available.
Colorful tapestries hang from booth walls. Tie-die shirts, dresses, and many hats hang from clothing racks. Shoppers leisurely wind their way in and out of booths.
If it’s a band’s merchandise you’re after, you’ll find it available in a designated area after each band’s show. Musicians often remind fans where to find them when they wrap a set.
This mini grocery market of sorts is just the thing campers and festival-goers need to stay fueled during a weekend. Besides, you never know when you may want to share a whole fruit pie, right?
Second, the festival is well-managed and a safe place to hang out. Staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping attendees comfortable and happy to the best of their ability. Attendees take pride in the festival by keeping the fairgrounds clean.
Thirdly, you’ll be surprised to see people getting work done on laptops and phones. Our cell phone signal, typically strong elsewhere, wasn’t strong at the fairground – except at The Wi-Fi Café.
Lastly, bringing collapsible chairs is advisable as standing to watch shows isn’t appreciated (blocks the view!), and typical band sessions last 45 minutes.
We appreciated the 
Do you need a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the fairgrounds? Not necessarily, but you should be prepared to increase your step count if walking to and from campsites. Ask about Festi-Cab, a golf cart ride for a minimal fee.
You’ll want to buy the latest festival T-shirt to wear with pride to next year’s celebration. We noticed dozens of audience members wearing them.
STAYING INFORMED
EXPLORING WINFIELD
Didn’t get to join the jam? Save next year’s celebration date, September 18 through 22, 2024, for the 
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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.
THE BATH PUB
The staff can also help you recreate a scent from an item you bring into the store, like an old perfume bottle or candle.
The fun continues throughout the store. Visitors are encouraged to take a photo in the store window’s bathtub. Children accompanying parents will enjoy the kids-only area that encourages artful play.
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 hand-made gift wrap, stationary for sale, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
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.
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 in the process of creating five downtown Salina stickers to sell as well.
PRO TIP: Traveling with family? Groups of 10 or more can book the studio for a reduced rate on studio fees with a 
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’re looking for.
The clothing and shoes inventory is constantly rotating for the seasons, and shoppers are guaranteed to find sizes available from XS to XL.
Beautifully upholstered chairs sit adjacent to elegant lamps and candleholders. Ornate plates adorn tabletops. Framed artwork, figurines, blankets, and garden urns reveal the shop’s distinctly different 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.
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: Wind your way through the store’s thematic displays for scented candles and home decor. The rear of the store is a clothing paradise for fashion-forward women.
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.
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.
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.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet as a small group.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The menu consists of “world regional” fare, which to my surprise, includes 15 types of sushi rolls as well as nigiri and sashimi platters.
The linen tablecloths, orchestral music playing in the background, and robust menu options deliver an unforgettable meal experience at Barolo Grille.
I stopped for a refreshing margarita only to discover it was already Happy Hour at 2:30 pm. The setting was relaxed, and I made conversation with the bartender between sips while sports played on the TVs. I look forward to returning for lunch and Horchata Bread Pudding.
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.
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.
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.
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 like a local.
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 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 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 to display the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways it 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 like 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 the restaurant is 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 to chicken wings and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant location is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub restaurants in Kansas; the second is located 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 containing budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
I was pleasantly surprised the store’s jewelry collection was reasonably priced for its quality. A decent inventory of hats, handbags, and shoes rounded out the accessory options.
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 visits customers to say hello.
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 was 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 available at no cost.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon made up of trees overlooking the Missouri River running 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
