Day Trips from Kansas City: Delectable Dining and Drinks
ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI
It’s time to “Get to Know Jo,” aka St. Joseph, Missouri, a town on Highway 36, The Way of American Genius. This town offers visitors distinctive museums, dining, and charming accommodations.
If you visited St. Joseph years ago, rediscover it during an overnight stay. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kansas City.
Café Belle Epoque
During an early morning visit to Mokaska Coffee Company (750 Edmond Street), instrumental jazz plays while the barista steams milk behind the bar. The dog-friendly downtown café is a hub for locals who often order coffee to go.
At lunchtime, stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
At lunchtime, stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
One wouldn’t expect to find authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine in Missouri, but they haven’t dined at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks (224 N. 4th Street). The thematic restaurant, located in a historic downtown building, is bustling during weekday dinner hours.
OLATHE, KANSAS
Follow the winery, brewery, and sweet treats trail in Olathe. The northeastern suburb near Kansas City offers visitors plenty of places to sip and savor. If you love coffee and pastries, palate-pleasing wine, craft beer, or barbecue, you’ll love Olathe.
Start the day at Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop for a frothy latté and a fresh-from-the-oven muffin.
Tall Trellis Brew Co. offers a relaxed setting in which to devour a flatbread pizza with a Snaps Chaps Western IPA. Consider dining on the outdoor patio surrounded by trellised hops.
At dinnertime, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Cue serves up award-winning barbecue. Order the famous Z-Man Sandwich prepared with slow-smoked brisket, cheese, and onion rings.
BONUS: Read the rest of my list of favorite spots in Olathe here.
BONNER SPRINGS, KANSAS
I’ve traveled to Bonners Springs several times and each trip was highlighted by excellent food and drink experiences.
I recommend welcoming the day at Ten and Two Coffee Bar for delicious breakfast burritos or The Glass Cat, where the breakfast hash and eggs are delightful.
Get your steps in by shopping downtown before heading back to Mill Properties, where Quentin’s BBQ & Sides serves mouthwatering BBQ Nachos and Burnt End Mac Bowl.
At dinnertime, bring friends to Kobi’s Bar & Grill, where the Friday ribeye dinner special or the menu’s Surf-n-Turf entree keep regulars coming back. Order a bottled beer or cocktail and head outside for live music on the back patio.
BONUS: Uncover endless adventures in Bonner Springs here.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
Chef-prepared cuisine and craft beverages are a draw for residents and visitors to Lawrence. Everyone agrees Free State Brewing Co. is a top destination for elevated pub grub and a flagship beer. Order the Nashville Chicken Mac with an Ad Astra Ale or Stormchaser IPA.
Johnny’s Tavern is where you should dine when lunchtime cravings hit. They serve some of the best pizza in Lawrence. Try the Great Bambino. Also known for serving the coldest pint of beer in town, it’s a fun place to watch collegiate football on the big screen.
Cocktail enthusiasts should make a reservation at John Brown’s Underground. The space transports you to a surreal environment with low lighting, mood music, and a drink menu that reads like an excerpt from someone’s diary.
BONUS: While you’re in town, use this historic tour itinerary to learn more about the town or tour of the University of Kansas campus’ must-see sites.
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS
Leavenworth is ideal for a day trip with more than enough places to dine and drink.
The Depot is an always-busy restaurant located inside a beautifully restored Santa Fe train depot established in 1887. Voted Best Breakfast & Brunch, the restaurant serves an excellent Broken Yolk Sandwich (ask for a complimentary “duffin” before your check arrives).
Pasta fans will feel at home dinging at Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant where classic dishes like The Picatta wow patrons. Afterward, a chilled glass of house-made Limoncello liqueur completes the meal.
BONUS: Discover more things to do and see in historic Leavenworth here.
MANHATTAN, KANSAS
Any day spent exploring Manhattan is a good one, especially when you have access to some of the best attractions in the state in the heart of The Little Apple.
There is a reason they refer to the town as “Manhappening,” a sensibility you come to understand quickly.
From dining and cocktail lounges to exploring the outdoors and touring museums, there is more than enough to do. Choose your fun using my round-up itinerary.
BONUS: I’ve visited Manhattan numerous times, so you’ll want to refer to The Gateway to the Flint Hills for more on downtown Manhattan shopping, parks, and overlook areas.
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
You don’t have to travel to the heart of Kansas City to enjoy an award-winning barbecue meal. When hunger roars, lunch or dinner at Q39 (South) in Overland Park is the only dining place.
The restaurant consistently serves mouthwatering smoked meats with sides of your choice, ranging from creamy potato salad to five cheese mac topped with breadcrumbs.
I typically order a Combo Plate (Pick 2) for lunch or dinner; however, the Wood-Fired Grilled Salmon Salad and Smoked Brisket Nachos are calling my name. If you have room for dessert, a mega-sized slice of carrot cake is a shareable treat.
BONUS: I haven’t written a travel post about Overland Park yet. In the meantime, enjoy 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, Kansas, or read The Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Next Kansas City Weekend Getaway.
SHAWNEE, KANSAS
“Good Starts Here” is the phrase Shawnee uses to describe itself. I wholeheartedly agree.
Before heading out for shopping and museum visits, enjoy coffee and a scone amongst the gardens at Cafe Equinox.
Kids of all ages will appreciate watching oy trains overhead deliver food to each table at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant at lunchtime. An old-fashioned hamburger with homemade onion rings and a cup of vanilla ice cream hit the spot.
District Pour House + Kitchen offers diners signature flatbreads, appetizing salads, and dinner entrees you won’t find elsewhere. Duck Risotto, anyone? Ask about cocktails made with homemade infused spirits.
BONUS: Spending the weekend in Shawnee? Use my Guide to the Best Things To Do.
Are you looking for a Kansas City suburb that didn’t make this list? It’s on my dining bucket list. Stay tuned for more foodie adventures on my Instagram, which includes drool-worthy food photos from various restaurants.
Don’t hit the road without being prepared for the journey. Pack my go-to 1o items to ensure a comfortable trip.
The community draws musicians of various genres because of its respect for songwriters. Musicians including Keb’ Mo’, Joe Bonamassa, B.B. King, and Etta James have all performed or recorded music in Nashville.
I loved learning how each musician influenced another and the collaborations are endless.
Like me, I think you’ll find the displays showcasing the clothing and guitars particularly interesting. I gravitated to Keb’ Mo’s electric guitar and artists’ song lyrics visible behind display case glass.
The Crossroads gallery tells the chronological story of the blues from its migration from the Deep South north to cities including Nashville.
PRO TIP: For an additional $5 dollars, you can use a RFID bracelet to interact with tech-savvy displays that allow you to save custom music you create and email it to yourself.
As they say, “all are welcome” and this sentiment extends beyond merely hosting country music stars. Blues musicians have also graced the Ryman’s stage, including but not limited to Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, and Blues Traveler.
Museum-quality illuminated glass cases caught my eye during a tour displaying iconic memorabilia. Elvis’ winter coat. Johnny Cash’s acoustic guitar. B.B. King’s blazer.
Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum is the kind of place music lovers could spend at least an hour exploring. If you use the technology stations to make music, plan on a two-hour museum experience.
The creative genius behind the process, Jack White, originally of the band The White Stripes, not only is a fan of blues music but also has recorded blues-inspired music of his own.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal.
Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but when in doubt, opt for the shareable Combo Platter.
PRO TIP: Make time before or after your meal to get a glimpse of the 
With multiple locations to choose from, diners can easily find one near them.
Seating in the bar is limited, and due to its popularity, reserving seats is necessary Wednesday-Saturday. No need for reservations on Monday or Tuesday when walk-in seating is welcomed. View the venue’s upcoming show 
Part retail store, part venue, it’s candyland for guitar enthusiasts. Plus, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to stop by. Chris Stapleton sat down and strummed a few chords. Slash of Guns-N-Roses made an appearance. (Gibson carries the signature 
Interestingly, the town got its name during the days of water scarcity in the 1870s. A resident, Mr. Rogers, didn’t charge for water and people often replied “that’s mighty Liberal of you.”
I’ve never viewed a 
The next stop on the tour takes visitors to a 5,000 square foot interactive space, Land of Oz, where Dorothy leads you through scenes from the movie. My experience started by watching an approaching tornado. The thunder rolled, lights flickered like lightening, and window curtains blew.
Following Dorothy as we encountered each whimsical character (mannequins), I was delighted by the craftsmanship of the displays. Each scene reminded me of my childhood when I watched the movie for the first time.
PRO TIP: Make time to tour the retail gift shop. From comfy ruby red slippers to pretty postcards, the shop’s inventory is hard to resist.
Toto’s Dog Park is a new addition providing dog owners a place for their furry family members to roam.
PRO TIP: Take a photo of the life-size bronze sculpture representing the explorer.
Walking inside the museum is like opening a tiny treasure box. The walls and glass cases are adorned with antiques that tell the story of Liberal’s industries.
Outside the museum, the walls of Landmark Center serve as a gallery for framed black and white photography depicting Liberal’s early days.
No matter what you’re in the mood to shop for, it’s likely you’ll find something you can’t live without.
A few handprinted 
While I wasn’t in the mood for a large meat platter with all the fixins’, the menu includes options for more hungry eaters.
The 
I found the first floors collection of lithographs on paper by John Steuart Curry to be the most awe-inspiring. The Kansas-born painter is the same artist painted murals at the state’s capital building, Kansas Pastoral and Tragic Prelude.
Thematic collections of various other pieces, mostly created by Kansas artists, were awe-inspiring including pottery and paintings.
I gravitated to planes produced by Cessna, a company founded in Wichita, but I was equally intrigued when learning that Beech Aircraft once had a production division in Liberal.
The museum also does an excellent job of properly honoring pilots who gave all with a POW-MIA display and exhibit cases filled with uniforms and medals of pilots from Liberal who went to war.
My steaming not P5 Phô with Shrimp had light flavor and oodles of noodles for slurping. I also ordered Fried Spring Rolls, which didn’t last long between spoonfuls of phô.
The ambiance was quiet as I watched a video of wild birds on TV and listened to classical music play from speakers.
When not enjoying my King Rooms 
The staff was courteous upon check in and check out ensuring that I my needs were met.
If you read my blog often, you know I love supporting local restaurants. I’ll return to Liberal to dine at one of dozens of Mexican restaurants or food trucks, a type of cuisine that dominates the dining scene. Plus, a visit to 
Liberal offers visitors plenty of entertaining things to do for an unforgettable day trip or overnight stay. I made memories while dining, shopping, and perusing incredible museums.
If traveling east on Highway 54, use my itinerary suggestions to 
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
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 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.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
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.
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.
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.
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.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
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.
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.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
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.
If you’re not into sweets, consider order their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
Whether you’re in the mood for on-the-water adventures or laid-back moments from a lounge chair, you’ve found the right place.
Elkhart Lake was once home to various hotels during its first 100 years. Now, tourists can choose from The Shore Club, Siebken’s Resort, and Osthoff Resort.
Open weave light fixtures, white-washed wood floors, and a neutral color palette added a Boho yet modern aesthetic to my room.
The Shore Club appeals to vacationers who seek a comfortable resort setting with on-site recreational options. A quaint lounge is a go-to space when enjoying complimentary grab-n-go breakfast items or coffee.
Every guest’s stay includes a massive arcade, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a life-sized chess game, and a private beach with access to their world-famous 
While walking the property, I discovered multiple seating areas under a canopy of towering trees with colorful hydrangeas growing nearby. A campfire comes stocked with wood for an evening s’mores session.
The Shore Club provides rentable bikes if you like cruising between resorts or surrounding neighborhoods. If you need to reserve water sports equipment, ask about kayaks.
Accessing crystal-clear Elkhart Lake is as easy as walking across the street to a sandy beach where lounge chairs and beach drinks await you. At the 
I recommend ordering the Elkhart Blue, a shaken cocktail of lemon rum, orange bitters, curaçao, and pineapple juice. The color matches the ocean-like color of the lake. It went down smoothly and was all too easy to drink.
The waterfront bar is an active music venue from May to September, Thursday to Sunday, serving drinks, local beers, and pub grub overlooking 600 feet of sandy beach.
The resort’s speakeasy lounge, 
I couldn’t resist sipping a cocktail from an oversized leather chair before a crackling fireplace.
If you’re traveling with children ages 4-10 years old, they’ll appreciate complimentary access to 
For younger couples or retirees in search of kid-free spaces to unwind, the Osthoff Resorts caters to you as well. Play a round of 18 holes of 
While I didn’t stay overnight at the resort, I did tour it and can vouch for its luxury. From the imported Irish wool carpet to the high-end dining options, The Osthoff Resort impresses.
Since 1916 when Herman and Laura Siebken opened its doors, the property has maintained its old world hospitality (aka Gemütlichkeit) while catering to today’s modern traveler.
Rentable condos and hotel rooms are coveted by returning guests, so it’s advisable to reserve your room before peak season. Each guest has access to a private beach and pier, outdoor pool and spa, the 
While I wasn’t an overnight guest at Siebkens Resort, I dined at its restaurant and toured the property. It’s a remarkable place.
At 120 feet deep, the 292 acre lake is legendary. Early settlers, the Potawatomi Indians, thought the water had healing, restorative powers.
PRO TIP: 
In the mid 1950s, Clif Tufte organized a group and built a permanent racecourse, 
If you want to get behind the wheel rather than watch a race at the track, the two-hour 
As a passenger, I laughed until my sides hurt. It was a thrilling, fun adventure and the ideal way to see fall foliage in the area.
PRO TIP: Road America is open outside of racing season offering karting, driving schools, disc golf, and group adventure programs. Don’t forget to buy a souvenir at 
During the Italian cooking class, I worked with a small group to prepare three recipes: Risotto with Asparagus, Chicken Marsala, and Strawberry Cannoli.
Chef Rodney equipped each prep station in advance so we could use the two-hour class to learn how to prep and cook food. He was patient and kind answering questions from students. And the meal? Scrumptious, and oh so fancy.
My $15 pre-loaded card easily provided several 1 oz to 3 oz pours during a one-hour tasting session. I appreciated the tasting notes between bites of chocolates or truffle crackers while lounging on a comfy couch.
PRO TIP: The retail section of the store is a gourmet foodie’s heaven.
The menu on the day of our group’s visit included fresh guacamole with ribeye, a savory beef birria taco with dipping broth, apple arugula salad tossed with chipotle vinaigrette salad, roasted potatoes, and tres leches French toast.
The food truck sits underneath a colorful canopy of Mexican party banners and adjacent to a vibrant mural painted by 
PRO TIP: You can order from Amasa’s menu inside Lake Street Cafe during the winter months. 
The place is abuzz with visitors and regulars from April through December.
The executive chef served our group a family-style meal of appetizers and Cesar salad while each of us choose a dinner entree.
PRO TIP: Ask about the bar’s selection of Wisconsin speciality cocktails and craft beers. Preview the
The newest owners of the resort make sure that every ingredient, every plating, and every menu choice delivers the best dining experience and the kitchen staff make it happen. During a dining experience, the waitstaff caters to anticipates your every need.
While a seven course meal is an exceptional dining experience at P.A.M.’s, it purpose was to showcase some of the chef’s best dishes. The first course consisted of house-catered Henninging’s fried Wisconsin cheese curds followed by Caprese Di Manzo prepared with beef tenderloin.
A small bowl of Tomato Bisque made with roasted San Marzano tomatoes, Wisconsin cream, and balsamic reduction made the second course worthwhile. Followed by the famous P.A.M.’s Salad consisting of leafy greens, roasted squash, goat cheese, onion, and Marcona almonds, the second course’s salad was perfectly tossed with Siebkens Dressing.
For the dinner course, guests chose between three specialty entrees. My choice? Prime Rib presented with roasted broccolini on a bed of au jus and creamy horseradish. My tastebuds danced with each bite.
I couldn’t eat another bite when the final course, a plate of brownie bites, arrived. The meal was as memorable as it was delightful.
The tavern’s menu serves food Thursday-Sunday (hours vary) and the bar is open late. But you won’t find standard bar food at the Stop-Inn Tavern.
Menu items like Smoked Salmon Salad, Tacos de Hongo, and the infamous Siebkens Sandwich made with deli meat piled high with all the fixing on freshly baked sliced bread keep guests returning.
At 
With windows facing Elkhart Lake, our group savored lobster bisque, Caesar salad, and dinner entreés from a nice-looking dining room.
For dinner, I chose a perfectly seared 12 0z. ribeye plated on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes served with seasonal vegetables. The meal and the dinner service were impeccable.
They offer a wide range of body treatments and facials, and their newest Salt Therapy Room is considered one of the best in the country.
The 
Located near crystal-clear Elkhart Lake with views of cedar trees, the award-winning spa provides a serene setting to turn off the world’s chaos and unwind.
Use 
And you’ll find more than puffy jackets and flannel shirts for sale. Elkhart Lake Outfitters stocks everything from cookbooks and candles to bath salts and souvenirs.
PRO TIP: Plan to spend at least 30 minutes pursuing the shelves and racks.
Operated by a husband and wife duo, the property showcases each of their life-long talents.
PRO TIP: The gallery is open September – November on Friday and Saturdays and 
The boutique also sells the Aspira Spa Signature Product Line. If you love the body and facial products used in a spa treatment, purchase them to take home with you.
Not only is the operation led by a Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker, 
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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