Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Missouri Tourism in partnership with Visit Hannibal . All opinions and photos are mine with the exception of one courtesy image. I participated in planning the travel itinerary’s points of interests.
Travel The Way of American Genius via MO Hwy 36 to Hannibal, Missouri, where historic landmarks, museums, local shopping, and dining draw visitors from across the globe. The riverfront town was the boyhood home of Samuel Langhorn Clemens, also known as Mark Twain.
From cruising the Mississippi River to strolling the renovated riverfront, Hannibal is the ideal place for an overnight getaway for its plethora of things to do.
UNCOVERING HANNIBAL HISTORY AT MUSEUMS & LANDMARKS
Mark Twain Cave Complex
Mark Twain Cave Tour
Touring the Mark Twain Cave (300 Cave Hallow Road) is one of the most sought-after activities in Hannibal, and for good reason. Open year-round for walk-through guided tours, it gives visitors a sense of wonder as they traverse the 3/8-mile cave, which inspired Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
After watching a 15-minute introductory film about Mark Twain and the cave’s natural formations, I embarked on the tour with a guide during a scheduled time. We mainly walked level ground into the well-lit cavern, stopping to admire the dugout considered Jesse James’ hideout. The outlaw and Mark Twain each signed their names in the cave.
Perhaps the most interesting part of the tour was at its end when we chatted about the artifacts recovered from inside on display behind glass.
PRO TIP: If you’re claustrophobic, consider the tour anyway. If you’re claustrophobic, consider the tour anyway. I asked the tour guide which part of the cave tour was the most confining, and we avoided those areas. The staff is accommodating.
Mark Twain Live
Plan ahead and order tickets to the one-hour Mark Twain Live (300 Cave Hallow Road) performance to see reenactor Jim Waddell portray the famed writer. I was disappointed that my tight itinerary didn’t allow me to see the show, but I heard that Waddell’s presentation was engaging and educational.
Cave Hollow West Winery
Mark Twain Complex is home to Cave Hollow West Winery (217 Cave Hollow Road), and to my surprise, the tasting room is massive in size. The wine selection list is equally impressive, ranging from sweet to dry varieties made from grapes grown in Missouri.
The bartender did an excellent job educating customers about each one as she poured wine flights for them. I sipped a recommendable dry chardonnay, Satire, from an oversized chair while listening to streaming music. (The bartender’s Spotify playlist featuring Indie Rock was excellent.) For non-wine drinkers, a selection of beer and non-alcoholic drinks is available.
Patio seating is available outdoors. The winery hosts occasional live music on weekends, which is promoted on its Facebook page.
PRO TIP: Take a moment to look inside one of the viewfinders located in the art installation at the winery’s entrance.
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum
One of the most popular draws for tourists is The Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum (120 N. Main Street), where you can walk in the footsteps of Twain and immerse yourself in his life and work via highly engaging exhibits. Part of a larger complex consisting of residential properties turned museums. Purchase a ticket at the Interpretive Center, which is good for the whole day.
Twain lived in the house from nine years old until his teenage years when he left Hannibal in 1853. As a former English Literature major and teacher, I felt chill bumps as I listened to the wood floors creak underfoot and admired the home’s contents.
It’s incredible to think about a teenage Twain looking out the window and daydreaming about his future, which included his first job as a newspaper printer apprentice at age 13. It was there that he fell in love with writing.
Huckleberry Finn House
Tour the reconstructed Huckleberry Finn House on the complex’s grounds to get a sense of what it must have been like for the real Huck Finn, Tom Blakenship, to live in Hannibal. The original house was demolished in 1911, and this one was constructed based on historical photos.
PRO TIP: Look up at the wood beam and down at the original flooring to admire its architectural details.
Becky Thatcher’s House
Imagine my surprise when two children dressed in costume representing Becky Thatcher and Tom Sawyer greeted me upon arriving at the complex. Each summer, two seventh-grade local kids are selected after rounds of tests and auditions to represent Hannibal as goodwill ambassadors.
They happily let me take their photo and then asked if I would like them to perform a 30-second scene from “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” which I enthusiastically accepted. The show-worthy performance was the second-best part of my visit to Hannibal next to standing in Mark Twain’s home.
Becky Thatcher ‘s House (211 Hill Street), across the street from Mark Twain’s Boyhood Home, is technically two houses. It’s technically the family home of Twain’s childhood friend, Laura Hawkins, who inspired the character Becky Thatcher in “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”
Young visitors will love the home’s interactive exhibits made with them in mind. They choose the role of Becky, Tom, Huck, or Jim before watching videos and using educational flip boards to learn what life would have been like for them in the 1800s.
J. M. Clemens Justice of Peace Office and Grant’s Drug Store
Next door, J. M. Clemens Justice of the Peace Office (205 Hill Street) was relocated to its current site in 1955. Mark Twain’s father, John Marshall Clemens, worked like a judge, presiding over the court in this historic building. Twain was influenced by this setting and referenced it in his books.
Grant’s Drug Store was built in 1836, where it stands today. When the Twain family experienced hard times, the Clemens moved in with the Grant family, residing above the drugstore. His father, who took ill in 1847, died from pneumonia in one of the upstairs rooms.
How many references from Twain’s books can you recognize about these buildings?
Mark Twain Museum Gallery
The life’s work of Mark Twain culminates at the Mark Twain Museum Gallery, where original artifacts and family photography are displayed behind glass.
Indeed, I was happy to see Twain’s well-used tobacco pipe and a bronze casting of his hand, but I also enjoyed viewing artwork by artists like Norman Rockwell, who illustrated special editions of Twain’s books.
Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center
I don’t always feel emotional while touring a museum, but I did at Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center (509 N. 3rd St.). While Jim was a fictional character of Mark Twain’s book, based on Daniel Quarles, aka the “Real Jim.”
The museum’s plight is to educate others about the man and his legacy while highlighting the struggle enslaved people endured in Hannibal, Missouri, during the 19th and 20th Centuries.
As I approached the Jim’s Journey building, I was met by its director, who invited me to sit on a shaded bench and chat about our personal stories. During the guided tour of the one-room museum, I felt a sense of appreciation for her efforts to educate others about the black experience in Hannibal. I peered into cases containing handwritten letters and flipped through black-only class yearbooks.
According to Missouri State Archives, “President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, proclaiming enslaved people to be free in the portions of seceded states not in Union control. The proclamation did not affect Missouri’s slaveholders.”
Missouri was a pro-slavery state until 1865. Missouri ratified the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution ending slavery on February 6, 1865.
The museum may be small in size but the impression it makes on visitors is impactful thanks to its incredible artifacts collection, the handiwork of its director.
PRO TIP: Attend Juneteenth events at the museum or Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center Birthday Celebration, a celebration of culture in September.
STROLLING HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Lover’s Leap
If you’re someone who seeks sweeping panoramic views, trek to Lover’s Leap (1132 MO-79) . The viewpoint overlooks a bluff on five acres of park. A historical marker details The Legend of Lovers Leap about an Indian Brave and his princess who jumped for it to escape certain death by pursuers. The story was made into a movie released in 2022.
Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse
The Mark Twain Memorial Lighthouse (499 Main Street) is a majestic sight. Towering in bright white atop Cardiff Hill, Tom Sawyer’s and Huckleberry Finn’s play area, it offers views of Hannibal and the Mississippi River.
PRO TIP: Drive to the lighthouse parking versus climbing hundreds of stairs, something I wished I’d done after the third set of stairs ascending from downtown Hannibal.
EXPLORING PUBLIC ART DOWNTOWN
Tom & Huck Statue
The Tom and Huck Statue, located at the base of Cardiff Hill and viewable from Main Street, isn’t just any statue. It was installed in 1926, and it’s considered one of the earliest known statues honoring fictional characters. Tom and Huck were best friends who witnessed a murder and later tried to prove the innocence of the wrongly accused man.
PRO TIP: Stop into Friendship Brewing Company across the street and share an ale with your travel bestie.
Mural Tour
I love it when a destination communicates its story with art. In Hannibal, artists painted 26 murals, giving the riverside town the title “City of Murals.” As you walk downtown, you’ll see many of them, but some are tucked away behind Main Street buildings or worth driving to see.
Unlike some locations, Hannibal does a beautiful job of maintaining the murals, keeping most of them vibrant and eye-catching. Click this link to locate the address of each one.
PRO TIP: Locate the Molly Brown mural (323 N. Main) to learn about Hannibal’s second most famous citizen. She advocated for women’s rights and became the first woman to run for Congress in 1914.
SAVORING THE LOCAL DINING SCENE
Java Jive
Don’t you love a café that serves breakfast all day? At Java Jive (211 N. Main Street), locals gather inside at tables and meet up over coffee and made-from-scratch pastries at patio tables to discuss the day’s happenings. The coffee shop is far more than an early-morning breakfast destination; it also serves deli sandwiches and wraps for lunch and dinner.
I was struck by the café’s size and its menu offerings, which include nutritious meals for health-minded customers. The overnight oats parfait made with fruit and nuts complemented a hot vanilla latté, a nice alternative to a plate of eggs and potatoes.
Java Jive is probably one of the best coffee shops I’ve visited during my travels. It offers a variety of menu items and extensive retail selection, ranging from books with quirky titles to amusing socks and T-shirts. It’s also a shopping destination.
PRO TIP: Bring the kids to enjoy a scoop of 12 flavors of hand-dripped ice cream served in waffle cones or cake cones.
Mark Twain Dinette
Have you tasted a Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich? The Mark Twain Dinette (400 N. 3rd Street) is known for serving them with homemade cane root beer in a frosty mug. Sure, they serve burgers and hot dogs, but you must try the famous $3.85 sandwich in Hannibal, a local tradition since 1942.
I chose homemade onion rings, which arrived at the table hot from the fryer and with chili mayo. I dipped the sandwich in the chili mayo for added flavor. After lunch, I paid my bill at the customer service counter adjacent to a gift store selling Mark Twain Dinette merchandise, puzzles, and games.
PRO TIP: I asked my server what her favorite meal when on break at work. She recommended the Smoked Pork Sandwich with barbecue sauce.
KICKING BACK WITH A CRAFT BEER
Friendship Brewing Company
“Friends Making Beer, Beer Making Friends” is the motto of Friendship Brewing Company (422 N. Main Street), which is appropriate considering how friendly the staff is when they serve you a pint of craft beer. I had difficulty deciding which one of the beers I wanted to enjoy from the 24 taps behind the bar, and the bartender was great about offering a sample and describing each one.
I settled on two five-ounce pours of Mother Clucker Cream Ale and IPA No Shirt No Problem (the most popular IPA on tap). The smell of smoked meat permeated the room as I sat sipping each one from a sunlit table indoor. I wasn’t hungry, or I would have gladly joined everyone else in ordering meals from Sidekick BBQ & Sweets’ pick-up window.
SEEING THE SIGHTS FROM THE RIVER
Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise
I wanted to take the Mark Twain Riverboat Dinner Cruise to experience Hannibal truly and appreciate its history as a river town. For 25 years, Captain Steve and his wife Sandy have welcomed visitors aboard to show them the beauty of the Mississippi River, the same river Mark Twain described as “a powerful natural force that constantly changes the landscape along its banks.”
The experience started with staff snapping my photo in front of a nautical backdrop before ushering me aboard and to my reserved table. Musician Tim Hart played acoustic guitar while guests enjoyed drinks and views of the river. After the captain announced dinner was ready, each table was invited to the buffet for a chicken breast or beef-tips dinner with a choice of sides.
As the sun set, the musician took requests to play cover songs, and diners indulged in brownie dessertsFor me, the best part of the river cruise was enjoying the natural scenery and taking photos of the sunset from the boat’s bow.
We listened to The Beatles and Bob Seger cover songs as the boat returned to the dock after the two-hour excursion. Guests disembarked at their pace via the gift shop. And the photo they took of me? It was available for a $10 purchase alongside others on a wall. Watch a video of my riverboat experience.
PRO TIP: If you prefer to enjoy a drink from the bar with dinner, order it at the bar. Cash is preferred, but they also accept credit cards.
RESTING IN STYLE AT A LOCAL HOTEL
Country Inn & Suites
I can’t think of anything I enjoy more than unwinding after a long day at a welcoming, clean, and stylish hotel. Country Inn & Suites (4000 Market Street) provided what I needed, plus extra amenities, including an indoor heated pool and fitness center. I took advantage of high-speed Wi-Fi to get some work done on my laptop before calling it a night.
Located about a 10-minute drive from downtown Hannibal, I recommend staying there if you’re seeking comfortable accommodations, whether traveling solo or with your family. The family dog is welcome, too.
6 FESTIVALS WORTH EXPERIENCING
Hannibal is a happening town hosting festivals of some kind of another every month. In true form, many events are thematic and engaging activities the entire family would enjoy.
Twain on Main (May) takes place during Memorial Day weekend featuring over 100 artisans and authors selling their products. Expect a food court and live entertainment.
National Tom Sawyer Days (July) Inspired by Twain’s books, the four-day festival is primarily for families who want to participate in high-energy activities. Kids will enjoy hands-on games and a carnival. A fireworks display from the banks of the Mississippi River concludes the festivities on July 4.
Big River Steampunk Festival (August) is the largest of its kind in the nation. Celebrating a decade of festivities focused on Victorian-era entertainment, attendees are encouraged to purchase an all-access pass and dress in costume (top hats and gloves encouraged).
Folklife Festival (October) is a celebration of the town’s history featuring craftsman, artisans, and musical performances. Over 100 exhibitors and food vendors draw a massive crowd for the two-day festival in historic downtown. Wear walking shoes.
Mark Twain’s Birthday Bash (November) recognizes what would have been the writer’s 190th birthday on November 30 with old-fashioned fun for all ages all day.
Victorian Festival of Christmas (December) transports visitors back in time for a Victorian-themed schedule of events. Order a hot chocolate and then walk downtown to admire decorated storefronts or choose a horse drawn carriage ride.
BONUS THINGS TO DO
I ran out of time before I could tour Rockcliffe Mansion (1000 Bird Street), a Gilded Age Mansion with 30 restored rooms open for public tours. Additionally, I’d like to return for some retail therapy shopping at the downtown district’s specialty stores with a stop at Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor & Emporium (318 N. Main Street).
MORE PLACES TO DISCOVER ON HIGHWAY 36 THE WAY OF AMERICAN GENIUS
If you’re headed west on Highway 36 from Hannibal on The Way of American Genius, take my advice and stop for good times in Marceline (Walt Disney’s boyhood home, Laclede (Gen. John J. Pershing’s boyhood home), Chillicothe (Home of Sliced Bread), and St. Joseph (Pony Express). Driving east? Check out the St. Charles, Missouri’s restaurant scene.
As a first-time visitor, I was impressed by how the town has evolved since its days as the last stop for pioneers heading West. For a location considered the place to go in 1861, it’s maintained its visit-worthy status as a Midwest travel destination.
Entering into the Patee House Museum is like walking into Missouri’s version of the Smithsonian. The historic building’s enormity and contents are awe-inspiring.
I suspect you’ll find the U.S. provost marshall’s office, a wagonmaster’s blacksmith shop, and restored cars outside a 1920 replica service station fascinating. A self-guided tour of the first railway mail car and a ride on the Wild Thing Carousel is a must.
Not only is the three-room home historically accurate, but its glass cases house artifacts from Jesse’s grave recovered when they exhumed his body in the 1990s. DNA evidence proves with 99.7% accuracy that he was shot in the home.
Open Monday through Saturday from April through October; the Jesse James Home takes about 30 minutes to tour if you read the signage and ask questions of the museum’s host.
PRO TIP: Ask to see a replica skull that debunks the myth the gunshot that killed James exited his head, although a hole in the home’s wallpapered wall may prove otherwise.
PRO TIP: 
Wood floors creak under each step as you choose a seat at a student desk for the day’s lesson. An authentic pot-bellied stove, slate boards, and presidential portraits create a historically accurate setting.
Push button interactive stations play videos of his life story and CBS News broadcast clips, including Vietnam’s coverage during the war.
Various exhibits chronicle moments in Cronkite’s career history, including NASA’s landing on the moon, JFK’s assassination, and coverage of 16 Republican National Convention events. The “We Came In Peace” Saturn V Sculpture and Cronkite’s original newsroom desk make an impression.
The restaurant is decorated with draped beads on chandeliers and rope lights around interior columns. A taxidermy alligator on an upper shelf rests under neon signage.
The Blackened Salmon arrived heavily-seasoned for dinner, although slightly overcooked, so I requested a white cream sauce to drizzle on top of it. The signature Boudreaux Potatoes were cubed and boiled potatoes served in savory vegetable broth.
PRO TIP: Plan to save room for dessert. My only regret was not ordering dessert, which unfortunately did not include New Orleans-style beignets, but it did feature Bourbon Pecan Pie and Turtle Cheesecake.
A London Fog hot tea and layered pastry filled with Nutella curbed my cravings. Although the courtyard patio was inviting, I chose to sit inside while it rained outdoors. Chatting with employees about their love of the town’s art scene only confirmed my appreciation of St. Joseph.
PRO TIP: J
I selected a River Cream Ale, an approachable light beer from over 12 craft beers. It went down easy as I observed families gathering and couples arriving for date night entertainment.
Upon arrival, classical music played in the home’s foray, where a hand-carved wooden staircase led my eye upstairs to a row of stained glass windows. Opulent crystal chandeliers and tiled fireplace mantels adorned each room on the main floors. Period furniture, artwork, and a bust of Shakespeare completed the Queen Anne-style home’s interior.
I stayed in the 
A peek inside unoccupied suites revealed similar amenities. The bed and breakfast caters to couples and solo travelers, although the 
Innkeeper, Isobel, offers guests a remarkable experience unlike anything you’ve likely experienced. Reserve a suite at 
The 
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.
They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.
Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.
If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.
Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.
Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.
The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.
Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.
The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.
The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.
My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.
In Merriam, the home offers visitors access to nearby parks and trails, boutique shopping, and local eateries, plus it’s minutes away from attractions like the 
Using a self-entry keypad, I entered the home and was impressed with its earth-toned furnishings and globally-inspired design. The interior was tastefully decorated simplistically. After a full tour of the house, it exceeded my expectations for design and cleanliness.
Upstairs, the main living room area is an inviting space seating multiple people comfortably. It’s the ideal place for adults to hang out and enjoy morning conversation over coffee or cocktails before preparing dinner.
The primary bedroom features a king-size bed with plush linens, a workstation desk area, and a ceiling fan.
Nearby secondary and third bedrooms include queen-sized, sun lit bedrooms with interior closets and ceiling fans. Extra blankets, an ironing board, and iron are available. Each is styled with minimal yet sophisticated decor keeping with the boho style.
Each shower and vanity comes with fragrant Tommy Bahama bath products so you can pack light overnight. Bright and cheery spaces, the bathrooms are tidy and clean, including fluffy towels and a hair dryer.
Something about the home’s decor, reminiscent of dessert colors and textures, inspired me to want to shake up a salty margarita using the bar cart station. Guests could use the arched window separating the kitchen from the living room to pass drinks to friends for a crowd-pleasing good time.
Inside, plenty of seating is available, with access to three sitting rooms. Savor a warmed blueberry scone and iced coffee amongst people gathering for friendly meet-ups or to work remotely using complimentary Wi-Fi.
If it’s your first visit, order the classic cheeseburger combo with crinkle-cut fries or tater tots. Fill a medium drink cup with fountain Pepsi before heading to a patio table.
PRO TIP: Check the bar’s 
Although tempted by a long list of flavors, I selected maple bacon ice cream, a satisfying choice. I watched kids play a video game console while others sipped Boba drinks and ate ice cream at brightly-colored seating areas.
A dog-friendly patio. Beers named after birds. Relaxed vibes indoors. What else could you want?
The shop also hosts merchandise drop and Moonlight Market events. Follow the 
Smiling employees greeted me with enthusiasm as I shopped for gifts for my niece, which they wrapped in pretty tissue paper. Like me, grab a mini shopping basket and enjoy the experience.
I watched as the owner drew illustrations on greeting cards and prepared them for sale, and of course, I bought one. Who can pass up a handmade greeting card? Short on time, I’ll definitely return to shop for pre-loved clothes or a handbag.
I sat on a bench near flowering shrubs while watching Turkey Creek’s water flow over rocks, creating instant calm. Native birds flew overhead as the trees gently swayed in the breeze.
A caterpillar sculpture by artist Joshua Weiner entitled 
Don’t miss a chance to appreciate public artwork installations at Merriam Marketplace, a fun area for group photos or selfies.
Kansas City Wheel
Shop Moon Marble Company’s retail for assorted marbles, nostalgic toys, and games. Staff are eager to explain how to play marbles, if you’re want to buy a set.
I was impressed with the large turnout and visited with audience members between songs, making for a delightful experience.
I’ve raved about Quentin BBQ’s menu since it I discovered their food truck in the 
Additionally, The on-site art gallery showcases The Harvest Queen mural by George Melville Stone. A walk outdoors to Farm Town USA is fun for young kids who can participate in 
The baked bread and fruit pies are irresistible, and you can expect produce twice the size of grocery store varieties sold at reasonable prices. I made two purchases and a new friend within 15 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, prism-cut crystal for your home or a tumble stone for a friend, you’ll find it here. I enjoyed visiting with the owner, who is passionate about stone hunting and is quick to recommend the best stone for each person.
The owner handpicks brands that are also suited for youngsters and shoe lovers, and she specializes in personalized wood-etched gifts.
For what the store lacks in size, it makes up for in inventory volume, catering to shoppers seeking a casual or semi-dressy outfit for a same-day event or date night. Shop near the register for make-up and small gift items.
The owner and creator, Valerie, sews on patches and appliques to reimagined denim jeans, jackets, and overalls. Fabric swatches are sewn together to create one-of-a-kind apparel like the dress pictured above. Shop from available inventory or place an order for pick-up.
I wasn’t leaving without trying beef lasagna and garlic toast (the “light portion” is pictured below) with a small garden salad. The marinara sauce was so tasty that I used the bread to mop up every last bite.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
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.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small, but well organized and includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the a model buildings layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history. A self-guided walking tour requires at least 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you’re like me and want to take photos of the architecture while taking your time.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the 
I was so impressed with the accommodations that I immediately called home to tell others about it. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms, and settled on the one pictured below featuring a queen bed with jersey knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic increased on Main Street, I felt sad knowing that I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
