Disclosure: Great Plains Ventures sponsored this post, and Aloft Wichita sponsored my overnight stay. All opinions and photographs are my own.
District 96 is your destination for a multitude of entertaining activities and boutique hotel lodging in Northeast Wichita, located at K-96 and Oliver Street. Imagine checking into a fresh, modern hotel, savoring a chef-prepared meal, and pausing to play indoor pickleball or golf, located steps away.
The neighborhood gem makes it easy to plan a weekend that feels like a getaway, whether you’re visiting Wichita for the first time or simply rediscovering this area of the city.

A Wichita Lineup You’ll Love: Food, Fun, and Sports at District 96
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE: SAVOR A SOUTHERN-INSPIRED BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
The locally owned Wichita franchise, Another Broken Egg Cafe (4862 E 35th St N) offers diners a comforting Southern-style breakfast or lunch meal prepared made-to-order with fresh ingredients.
I’ve raved about Another Broken Egg Cafe before, and the breakfast menu selection just keeps getting better. The seasonal food and drink selections keep it interesting, offering diners quality Southern fare you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Unlike a diner-style restaurant, Another Broken Egg Cafe layers each meal with ingredients such as seasonal produce and fresh herbs.

A successful restaurant must serve quality meals consistently at a standard that exceeds the competition, and this one checks all the boxes.

Go for a Southern brunch or lunch duo featuring a half-order sized meal with soup or salad. Indulgent Bourbon Street Pancakes, spicy shrimp and grits, or the Southwest Scrambler are repeat-worthy orders.

The locally-owned eatery at District96-ICT is at the top of my list when people ask me, “Vanessa, where should we go for a really good, fresh breakfast in Wichita?”
PRO TIP: On a sunny day, order from the patio table or walk-up to the pass-thru window to order a spritzer, cold brew cocktail, or mocktail.
TAPNPADDLES: PICK UP A PADDLE FOR PICKLEBALL
Joining friends for a game of pickleball is a way of life for sports enthusiasts who love playing at TapNPaddles (4656 E. 35th Street). Whether you’re a die-hard player or want to drop in for a one-hour court session, the pickleball venue offers a places where players of all skill levels can compete.

As a beginner player, I felt comfortable learning the game on one of 12 indoor, air-conditioned courts. We reserved a court during Open Play, and surrounding courts were occupied by Senior Open Play and one-on-one training sessions.
Open to the public and Tap Elite, Plus, and Choice Members, TapNPaddles makes it easy to reserve a court online. If you fancy a game of table tennis or cornhole, reserve Courtside Social, a portable professional-grade game set available for no charge on a first come, first served basis.
After a fun game of pickleball, we cooled off with a District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Norton’s Brewing at the TapNPaddles bar. I was surprised to discover the Bar & Court Menu features dips, burgers, and pita pocket sandwiches as courtside bites during kitchen hours.
The cocktail lounge is the ideal place to quench your thirst while watching pickleball on television or playing a game of chess.
The pickleball venue is located next door to Raha Mediterranean, a more laid back eatery serving chef-prepared cuisine with bold flavor. Honestly, I could’ve spent half a day at TapNPaddles having fun.
PRO TIP: Arrive dressed in your sports gear. The locker room is for members only.
K96 LIQUOR: SHOP FOR SPIRITS, WINE, OR BEER
K96 Liquor (4858 E. 35th Street North Suite B), is the ideal place to shop for a bottle of wine, spirits, or beer before retiring for drinks at Aloft Hotel or before returning home.
The locally-owned liquor store works with distributors to carry a vast selection of well-known brands, and I was pleased to find spirits on the shelf produced by Wichita makers, including Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
The store’s owner helped me located the perfect bottle of dry red wine to take back to the hotel. As shoppers came and went, I noticed how she knew what some of the regular customers wanted before they located it.
K96 Liquor is one-stop shopping if you’re seeking a variety of wine, beer or spirits to purchase for your next gathering with friends or family. And if you’re a guest at someone’s party, consider purchasing one of the pre-boxed bottles that come in gift-worthy packaging.
PRO TIP: Inquire about holiday-themed gift sets.
ALOFT WICHITA: OVERNIGHT IN STYLE
Aloft Wichita (3642 N. Oliver) is a hip hotel that feels like a staycation for locals and it’s the ideal retreat for leisure or business travelers. Between bold design, unexpected fun, and local art connections, this spot makes it easy to blend work and play in one trip.
Newly renovated, the boutique hotel has a swimming pool with outdoor seating and fire pits, views of a lake, and a swanky hangout, W xyz® Bar. Aloft Wichita is not another hotel. It’s a vibe.
The lobby is home to games (Ms. Pac-Man, anyone?), a complimentary coffee station, and a sunken lounge area where a musician plays music on Tuesday evenings, the same night W xyz® Bar serves a taco and margarita special.
After check-in, we sipped District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Nortons Brewing Company at the bar to the sounds of live music. The lobby was filled with hotel guests and drop-in locals who socialized from velvety, stylish couches and around a billiards table. Business travelers worked from laptops at a central desk area.
Later, we explored the hotel’s art gallery by Envision, which displays remarkable works completed by Wichita artists with vision loss. The breathtaking collections change throughout the year.
Guests who want to make the most of the available amenities during the day will appreciate the fitness facility’s collection of state-of-the-art machines and weights.
When it’s time to slumber, one can count on Aloft Wichita’s beds to be some of the most comfortable ones thanks to soft Marriott Bonvoy® bedding and blackout curtains guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
Our Aloft King room was equipped with a workspace and a mini fridge to keep my bottled water ice cold. The in-shower bath products are top quality.
The pet-friendly hotel provides dog bowls, toys, and laundered pet beds for its four-legged guests weighing up to 40 pounds via the ARF (Animals Are Fun) program.
In the morning, the Re:Fuel by Aloft℠ grab-and-go yogurt with fruit cups or hot breakfast menu is open for early-morning bites. My preference? The OG B.E.C Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun.
Assorted beverages, snacks, and cookies are available for a mid-day munch. At night, one can purchase non-alcoholic and boozy beverages from the reach-in cooler.
Wichita’s Aloft Hotel felt less like a stay and more like stepping into the city’s creative pulse. The best part? It’s minutes from downtown Wichita, and steps from The Kitchen, RAHA Mediterranean, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Tap N Paddles, K96 Liquor LLC, and ShotSuite.
Reserve a guest room for your next staycation or trip to Wichita.
PRO TIP: Pick up an Una Vida Tequila Passport to complete a cocktail tour of District 96’s bars and restaurants.
RAHA MEDITERRANEAN: INDULGE IN GLOBAL CUISINE
Adjoining TapNPaddles, Raha Mediterranean (4956 E. 35th Street N.) serves a menu of lunch or dinner fare catering to diners who appreciate flavorful main dishes blending indulgent and nutritious ingredients.
To set the mood, we ordered an Indigo N Ginger and Keepers Heart Old Fashioned from a cocktail menu consisting of eight drink options. A beer and wine list equally impressed.
In a city with many Lebanese restaurants, we agreed that Chef Rickard’s Roasted Mushroom Hummus was some of the best we’ve tasted, and the Labeneh and Muhammara served with warm pita bread were award-worthy.
Don’t miss a chance to sink your teeth into Smoked Brisket prepared with labneh, blueberry barbecue, and sliced sweet peppers. Served with Persian Fried Rice, the dinner service surpasses typical Mediterranean restaurant cuisine in the city.
NOTE: If the waitstaff asks what kind of water you want to drink with dinner service, inquire about pricing.
PRO TIP: The restaurant’s private dining space, resembling an enclosed patio with refined seating, is available if you want to reserve it for an upcoming event.
SHOTSUITE: PERFECT YOUR GAME
At first glance, I thought ShotSuite (4854 E. 35th Street N) was only an indoor golf simulator venue, but it’s so much more.
ShotSuite offers a plethora of games for virtual sports, ranging from bocce ball and rugby to dodgeball and carnival games. Add an upscale bar serving scrumptious eats with handcrafted cocktails and it’s the ultimate one-of-a-kind experience for a date night or a group outing.
Participating is as easy as reserving a suite and participants don’t have to bring equipment or know how to play each game. Each crafted experience is tailored to you, mixing competition and entertainment.
I shared laughs with a friend while throwing soft dodge balls at a screen of approaching zombies, and Full Swing golf allowed me to work on my swing on one of over 50 courses, including a Battleship-style game via Target Golf.
The quality of the game simulator’s censors combined with the multitude of games was better than any indoor sports simulator venue I’ve experienced. And the food menu? Think elevated game day food.

Order the house-made Salsa And Guac appetizer before selecting lunch or dinner. Don’t sleep on the Bogey Dogs menu, which includes the best-tasting Chicago Dog outside of the Windy City. The Hot Honey Pepperoni is the top choice when selecting from a four types of flatbread pizza. (View the menu.)
I especially enjoyed unwinding after gaming with a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Azalea Martini as a golf tournament aired from bar-side television. The bartender’s inventive cocktail recipes are well-balanced.
PRO TIP: If you love your ShotSuite experience, inquire about membership perks and shop the pro shop‘s apparel selection. League play is also an option.
THE KITCHEN: INDULGE IN A COMFORTING, CREATIVE MEAL
When I want to eat a healthier restaurant meal made with the freshest ingredients, I indulge in a flavorful Buddha Bowl, sandwich or dinner-size salad at The Kitchen (3622 N. Oliver).
The restaurant, known for its scratch-made bistro classic fare, was created by Chef Natasha Gandhi-Rue, who with her husband, won Guy’s Grocery Games Season 23, Episode 11, appearing on the Food Network.

Shareable appetizers like the gravy-drenched Disco Fries and Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are worth ordering; however, if you want a lighter option, order the Steak Lettuce Plater served with sliced Bavette steak and vegetables.
Chef Gandhi-Rue’s scratch-made pasta entreés are irresistible, and I liked customizing my pasta by adding bacon, mushroom, and chicken. Another hearty meal, the Thai Bowl is one I’ve ordered repeatedly over the years, much like the Fajita Bowl.
The best value for the experience is Tuesdays Dinner for 2, featuring three courses and a dessert to share for $40. Take it from me, The Kitchen’s cake selection is worth the visit alone.

PRO TIP: Seat yourself indoors or on the patio, and then ask your server about the updated Happy Hour bar menu or order from one of 24 beer taps, which include locally-brewed beers.
If you love The Kitchen, think about hosting a party in their reservable room that seats 32 people or ask about catering options.
Overall, you’ll find there is more than enough to do at District 96 during your day trip or overnight stay. Simply park and walk to food, fun, and sports adventures – some of the best experiences in Wichita.
District 96 is more than a commercial district. It’s an entertainment destination for locals and travelers who want unforgettable lodging, dining, shopping, and sports-themed attractions in one place.



From catching a live concert at The Fox Theatre to sipping wine or browsing the
And the historic neighborhood is the ideal place to take a self-guided tour. A stop on the
After my stay, it was easy to understand why guest book entries raved about the property and why it’s rated on
I curled up with a blanket to watch a movie on the large sectional sofa using available Roku streaming, a comfy place to unwind when I wasn’t exploring Downtown Hays. The owner even left microwave popcorn and a handwritten note thanking me for “popping in” at Walnut Wonder.
The home’s amenities are top-notch, and because the hosts considered a guest’s stay, I didn’t need anything. If you’re seeking like-home lodging with comfortable amenities, reserve 

I appreciate when a clothier thoughtfully selects on-trend women’s apparel brands, and Simply Charmed carries a range of sizes up to 2X. Shopping for your children or grandkids? Pair a coveted Jellycat stuffed animal with an outfit as a gift. Sizes range from newborn to 7.
Refine is one of 115 national Liverpool destination stores that carry the jeans brand, One can expect to find clothing sizes 2-16, handbags, and shoes by well-known names such as Joseph Ribkoff, Katie Loxton, and Sorel.
The owner informed me she is closing her doors in January 2026, so she is offering mega discounts on select inventory items housed in a showroom upstairs. In the meantime, one can shop for seasonal decor or gifts for special occasions during regular business hours.
Beautiful, shimmering diamonds captured the overhead lights from beneath glass. The men’s wedding bands, available in a range of styles and metals, equally garnered the attention of shoppers. Couples hoping to find the perfect engagement rings and wedding bands will be pleased with the jewelry options.
I was impressed with how well the volunteers organized the inventory by category: clothing, household items, books, toys, and seasonal costumes and decorations.
Customers eagerly filled carts with donated garments and household supplies as I walked the aisles. A little girl tested out a small bicycle while a mother and son searched for pants in his size. Expect the store to be particularly busy on Saturdays.
If you think you know what you want but need design advice, Karen and her team are happy to chat with you in the Design Room with access to fabric and wood samples.
Aside from offering long-arm quilting services and classes, shoppers will be delighted to discover kits, fabric, batting, notions, thread, and patterns available for purchase.
I stopped by to select Le Grand chocolate truffles after a day of shopping downtown. The staff eagerly told me their favorite flavors, which were tempting, but I settled on a delectable white chocolate apple pie truffle.
The store’s candy bouquets include a variety of chocolate bars and hard candy designed for the sweet tooth in your life.
Instead of men skipping a Main Street shopping experience, the store caters to them with a wide selection of casual wear suitable for any season. Also, the store doubles as a tuxedo rental shop for one’s more formal occasions.
Donated furniture is restored and improved to become one-of-a-kind pieces. Beautiful artwork is created for the home. Each purchased piece is a compliment to the individuals who create them.
New products are added weekly. Women who prefer to shop for the latest in women’s fashions online can do so via the
The shop’s owner had such success with her online shop that she decided to open a downtown Hays location. Trust me, you’ll want to swap your closet staples for selections from Azalea’s Avenue Boutique.
While sipping a Wicked Pickle Bloody Mary, the sound of the doorbell chimed as small groups arrived to dine. If you prefer lunch fare, order a sandwich with Kettle® chips to enjoy al fresco at a patio table.
While the French Onion Soup’s caramelized onions with cheese in a beef broth were rich in flavor, it was served so hot that I needed to wait to eat it. The refreshing pomegranate mocktail cooled my palate.
My order of Tacos De Barbacoa was served with tender, shredded beef, which I topped with an avocado cream sauce. I’m eager to return for dinner to try the day’s special with one of the five margaritas available.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without eating dessert. The Tres Leches cake is a shareable, moist slice of heaven served with drizzled chocolate sauce.
I started my meal with appetizers: crab rangoon and salted edamame, followed by the day’s special, Golden State Rolls.
The crab-stuffed sushi rolls were presented on a dinner-size plate drizzled with eel sauce and Japanese mayonnaise. Each roll was large enough that I had to cut it in half.
The night of a concert at The Fox Theatre, I found one seat left at the bar for a pre-show German-style ale. Steaks, pasta dishes, and chicken entrees dominate the menu. I recommend the Smothered Bierock served with chips, a must if visiting Kansas for the first time.
Create your ice cream combination or order from a menu of signature selections. When in doubt, order the Founder’s Favorite®, and then watch as an employee mixes pecans, brownie, fudge, and caramel into sweet cream vanilla ice cream on a cold granite table.
During November, the Hays Arts Council hosts Block Party on the Bricks, an art auction featuring live music and art demonstrations to fundraise. At springtime, the galleries feature the Smoky Hill juried exhibition, which is an anchor event for the Spring Art Work.
The owner provides
The multi-level building houses a spacious art gallery, and patrons are welcomed to help themselves to complimentary coffee while lounging with a book or magazine in a sun-drenched window seat.
PRO TIP: If you’re a Kansan or curious about the state’s history, venture downtown stairs to the Kansas Room. It contains a large inventory of books about the Sunflower State.
Other services provided at the spa include facials, light therapy, laser hair removal and waxing as well as lip fillers and Botox. View the services and reserve an appointment
I photographed most of them while walking downtown, but you’ll likely want to drive to the few murals that are painted on buildings beyond Main Street.
Use the
Over the years, I’ve increasingly loved his work, noticing how many of Felten’s masterpieces showcase animals, often tucked away at a sculpture’s base or hidden from view in the back.
You’ll be amazed at the Hays artist’s handiwork using a hammer and chisel to carefully carve away limestone sourced from the region. Learn about 28 sculptures in Hays and surrounding towns and view a map
Supporting local is paramount for me, which is why I chose to get to know the Svaty’s Produce farm family before buying a melon from them.
PRO TIP: Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, courtesy of
They packed the theatre with country music fans on a lively Saturday night who sang along with hits from their album, Strange Hours.

Use the
It’s worth hopping back into the car and making the short drive to
Downtown Hays at The Bricks blends history and hospitality with a variety of entertaining things to do, proving that a small town can deliver big energy. It’s one of my favorite Kansas walkable districts for its shops, restaurants, and vibrant


Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
A bonus room includes a poker table and additional couch with television for lounging with friends or family.
The bathroom, designed with his and her sinks, is spacious and includes in-shower products. Plush body-size towels and a motion detector for the overhead light are added touches you don’t always find in a vacation rental.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 

PRO TIP: Don’t expect to be able to check in early to your room, but instead, ask if the hotel will hold your bags until 4 pm check-in.








It sits as short walk on campus from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center.
PRO TIP: Use the 

If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3. Are you ready for a game?
The family-friendly urban park welcomes musicians after dark on Friday nights, and they host other events like movie nights on occasion. Come early to grab a table. I recommend purchasing a snack or a beer at the permanent food stand or ordering from the menu of a food truck.
Visitors to The Greenway who craft a craft cocktail can stop inside
Shoppers will also appreciate its high-quality grooming supplies, candles, shoes, and shelves of on-trend ballcaps. I couldn’t leave without a beer logo t-shirt and stylish socks.
You can often find vinyl records for sale, which I’ve purchased for my home collection. They also support music performances at the 
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care using a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers a space where they could relax and get to know one another.
As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her pet home. The staff was elated for the owner and her feline family member.
The store carries books of every genre from bestselling titles to juvenile fiction and young reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.



The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.
As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.
Serving happy customers since 2019, the brewpub prides itself on its multiple beer taps and New York-style pizza selection prepared in a brick oven.

The brunch selections are a draw but the lunch and dinner classics paired with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail have earned the eatery high praise. To my surprise, each dining experience starts with complementary chipotle seasoned popcorn.
Menu selections during my dining experience exceeded my expectations for beautiful plating, quality, and value. Appetizers like Almost Deviled Eggs or the Warm House Ricotta and Garlic with sourdough are guaranteed good bites.
At mealtime, dig into tasty Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast or a dinner-size Grilled Cajun Shrimp Salad, served with a zesty house-made dressing.
The owner/chef’s creativity shines in the For the Boys whiskey-and-honey cocktail, and any of her after-dinner desserts with creamy gelato are surefire winners.
PRO TIP: Watch my 


Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, hot coffee, or fruit smoothie, the cozy watering hold delivers. Come hungry and enjoy affordable meals like a Walking Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, or a Turkey Wrap. I found a shaded spot under a patio table’s umbrella to relax.
Deep blue walls flanked by a dark wood bar welcome guests as jazz standards play in the background. The bartender hummed the melody as he prepared a Lemon Tea Fizz prepared with house-made syrup, a cocktail you won’t find on any other menu in town.
PRO TIP: The bar opens at 5 pm. on Wednesday-Saturday. Arrive early to claim the best seat or be prepared to order your drink in a to-go cup to drink on
But you’ll find more than beverages on the menu as the owners are culinary pros using their skills to prepare pastries and crepes daily as well as breakfast handhelds like a waffle or bagel sandwich. At lunchtime, ask about bread bowls, quesadillas, and protein and veggie-packed sandwich wraps.




The tradition of serving full-flavor fried chicken began when two women opened restaurants on the same street catering to hungry coal miners during all hours, and it was a way to support unemployed, disabled men enduring the hardships of the Great Depression. A competition between two restaurants led to more fried chicken houses opening in the region.
Each restaurant is recommendable, and my favorite spot is a 22-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg to 
On Mondays, a line forms at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinner door. The draw? Chicken and noodles.
In the mood for a live show? 





In Sweden (and Lindsborg!), families celebrate Lördagsgodis, which translates to “Saturday Sweets.” This tradition originated in the 1950s, becoming a way for children to look forward to enjoying special candies on the weekend.
So, it’s no surprise that the store became busy with families and visitors from out of town. I perused the shelves of Nordic chocolate bars and hand-crafted fudge, and I spotted a reach-in refrigerator of Grandpa Joe’s sodas and canned fizzy drinks.
I was in candy heaven, scooping a mix of Swedish fish, licorice, and soft watermelon bars into a to-go container. The variety of candy types, including ropes, salted candy, and soft foam treats, was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Visitors to the store will appreciate that Swedish candy doesn’t use artificial dyes for color. The owner also thoughtfully stocks gluten-free candy.
A fan of lingonberries, which are Scandinavian cranberries, I recommend ordering the Det Bästa croissant sandwich. It’s served warm with layers of Gouda cheese, turkey, bacon, and a thick layer of lingonberries jam.
I also recommend the sweet yet tangy Lingonberry Lemonade served over ice, a thirst quencher on a spring or summer day.
Pro Tip: After ordering at the counter, walk to the back patio to relax at a table under the grapevine-covered pergola to the backdrop of a trickling water fountain.
The aroma of handmade waffle cones greets you as you walk the brick pathway to the ice cream shop, which resembles an outdoor European patio.
Whether you prefer a cup, cone, sundae or ice cream sandwich, Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream’s flavorful selections will be a highlight of your Lindsborg visit. They also sell ice cream cupcakes, pies, and pints of available flavors.
Choose from flavors such as Blacksmith Coffee, Ligonberry Swirl, Kringler, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie. Locals and visitors can enjoy a sweet treat six days a week, and the shop stays open late.
I’ve ordered coffee and breakfast at Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery countless times, and one of their standout menu items is the warm berry cobbler served in a cast-iron skillet–ice cream is optional.
If you’re in the mood for a cold drink to take with you for breakfast or a midday treat, order the slightly sweet Lingonberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Take the totable drink with you as you stroll Main Street to shop locally owned boutiques.
PRO TIP: Avoid the morning rush. Order your food for quick pick-up
The refrigerated baker’s case houses nearly a dozen pies and cakes baked fresh daily by the owner’s daughter.
I took my server’s suggestion and tried the old-fashioned Coconut Cream Pie. The thick, creamy coconut filling, topped with a mound of fluffy whipped cream and flaked coconut, satisfied.
Crown and Rye prepares fruit pies and cream-filled pies, so you will likely find a flavor you are craving. Additionally, individually wrapped homemade cookies are available for the road trip home.
PRO TIP: The
One of my go-to selections is Nyakers Ginger Snaps, referred to as pepparkakor in Swedish. Traditionally served during winter, I eat the spicy, crunchy cookies year-round. The Swedish foods section of the store is well-stocked with imported spices, should you decide to prepare Swedish cuisine at home.
Savvy shoppers know to look inside the refrigerated reach-in coolers for traditional favorites, including frozen pies and tea ring cakes.
Don’t walk by end-of-the-aisle displays without getting a glimpse of packaged candy, ranging from salted licorice and Nordic fine chocolate bars.
And of course, you should not leave White’s Foodliner without purchasing a couple of jars of lingonberries. I add the tangy fruit spread to open-faced breakfast toast, pancakes, and charcuterie boards.
It is a Scandinavian tradition to enjoy a social coffee break, referred to as Fika, accompanied by sweet pastries. I love the thought of inviting my loved ones over for conversation over coffee and cookies.
Hemsjöld’s inventory not only includes imported cookies and culinary spices, but an extensive collection of coffee cups and pretty tableware for your Fika-themed gatherings.
Translated in Swedish to Sweet Dreams, the Dröm Sött Inn’s accommodations exceed my expectations every time I stay there.
The rooms are impeccably clean, and the plush bedding is so soft it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. (People adore the sheets so much, they sell bedding sets in the gift shop.) Quiet hours guarantee a good night’s slumber.
At check-in, guests are given two meal selections, and my choice this time was the Swedish pancakes served with warm maple syrup and a side of requested lingonberry sauce. Similar to crepes, the kitchen staff prepares them one at a time over a hot griddle in view of the dining room.
Last but not least, guests are gifted a homemade soft sugar cookie in the shape of a Dala horse as a parting gift. But since you know about the cookie gift, request it during your stay to enjoy with a glass of complementary wine in the inn’s secluded Wine Shelter.
I’ve also compiled
The area is known for its
Whether you’re sipping lingonberry lemonade on a sunny patio or savoring sticky buns at sunrise, your self-guided sweet eats tour promises memorable bites and cozy small-town moments.
If you’re searching for the best desserts in


Dine under mason jar light fixtures surrounded by whimsical antiques, savoring appetizers like the Wichita Wings or Prairie Bison Slides. For the main course, Brisket Tacos or the Spicy Fried Chicken are solid choices, and pizza lovers will delight in the Bassano topped with wood-smoked chicken.
Located inside a historic building that was the Carey Hotel, where hatchet-wielding prohibitionist Carry Nation destroyed the bar in 1911, patrons can sip and savor a cocktail or espresso drink at The Workroom’s
Immerse yourself in the Wichita experience by learning about the heritage of the Wichita Indians who gave the city its name. Tour a replica Victorian home, watch a movie about aviation history, and admire the electric guitar that made its debut in Wichita. Afterward, take in the tranquility of Heritage Square Park beyond the museum’s doors.
In 1899, Harry Dockum opened downtown drugstores, including one in the same building. Bartenders, also referred to as pharmacists, meticulously prepare small-batch cocktails using house-made bitters and fresh-squeezed juices. The Smoking Gun, a rye whiskey signature drink, emits earthy aromatics during its presentation.
To enter, follow the pharmacy signs to the hotel’s basement and knock on the door at your reservation time.
Aviation companies Cessna, Beechcraft, Learjet, and Stearman put Wichita on the map, and its central location made it the ideal location for a cross-country airport, Wichita Municipal Airport, now the
Ascend the Control Tower for a bird’s eye view of the tarmac where 600 flights took off and landed during its heyday.


Walk west to the clock tower, Window in Time, located at the roundabout. Its sculpted panels detail scenes from the Chisholm Trail. A time capsule is buried at its base.
I recommend downloading the PocketSights mobile app to listen to a fascinating audio tour,
Bar drinks are served with or without booze. Add delectable bites such as chips with dip or gourmet pizza to your order.
Expect comfort classics on the menu, and if you’re a bourbon lover, you’ve come to the right place. I recommend starting a meal with brisket stuffed mushrooms to share with friends.
Voted the best Japanese cuisine by Wichita Magazine readers it’s also listed as one of the 50 Ramen Destinations by USA Today, the menu’s most popular dishes include Spicy Teriyaki Chicken Bowl, but I’m partial to Spicy Yakisoba.
I’ve heard good reviews about their sandwiches, but I can’t seem to order anything other than pizza because I crave the Cajun Bacon Ranch and The Banick.
I recommend arriving when they open at 11:00 am (Monday-Friday) to secure a booth before the restaurant fills up quickly.
They often feature a seasonal drink special, and the fruit smoothies and refreshers over ice are solid choices.
Enjoy buy-one, get-one-free Junior NuWays with a purchase of a drink on Sundays.
View the records under the Local Bands section, and if you still own a CD player, you’ll appreciate their used inventory selection.
In business for decades, the hattery offers concierge services to create a custom design after taking your measurements.
The massive store also carries high-end outdoor furnishings, making it the go-to shopping destination if you’re ready to redo your home patio or deck.
I often leave having purchased Wichita postcards and refrigerator magnets. People with a sense of humor will feel at home at Vortex Souvenir.



Historic Delano is certainly a Wichita neighborhood worth exploring, whether you’re visiting for the day or seeking weekend-worthy fun.
