Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Visit Abilene and its partners. All opinions and photos are mine.
Are you someone who likes to cruise to estate sales or antique stores on the weekends? Set the GPS to Abilene, Kansas, a hub of antique shops and historical districts with noteworthy attractions.
The North Central Kansas town is known for its Chisholm Trail and President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s history; however, travelers will also love following its antique stores trail. Abilene Antique Fest, the second Saturday in May, is not to be missed.
FOLLOW THE ANTIQUE SHOPPING TRAIL
You don’t have to twist my arm to go antique shopping, and Abilene’s long list of antique shops is its own trail. Most of the stores are located within walking distance of one another. A few outliers are worth the short drive to find them.
Buckeye Antiques Mall
At Buckeye Antiques Mall (310 N. Buckeye Ave), you’re bound to find a treasure as you meander around overstocked store areas. After talking with the owner, I learned that over 80 percent of the vintage goods for sale are from her personal collection.
Pickers could easily spend up to an hour searching for specific items in the store. Over the years, I’ve discovered that it’s easier to ask a storekeeper if they stock what you’re looking for to cut down on time.
From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, Buckeye Antique Mall stocks it.
Countrypolitan
Talk about variety! Countrypolitan (317 N. Broadway St.) sells a mix of old and new home decor. Smaller in size than one of the local antique malls, it is a worthwhile stop if you’re shopping for a unique piece to add to your collection.
I appreciated the front store display that focused on seasonal decor. The owner offered a warm welcome, and I perused the store. It’s likely a place I’ll return to when I need a gift for someone.
Mud Creek Antiques
Welcome to Mud Creek Antiques (319 N. Buckeye Ave.), a store with over 7,500 square feet of antique items. Between Mud Creek Antiques and its neighbor, Abilene Downtown Antique Mall, shoppers can access 52 booths stocked by individual sellers.
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at Mud Creek Antiques. The items are stocked in a semi-organized way and the store is clean and brightly lit.
Abilene Downtown Antique Mall
Entering Abilene Downtown Antique Mall ( 313 N. Buckeye Ave.) is like a walk down memory lane. As I walked in and out of each booth, I noticed relics from my childhood. Drinking classes. Old toys. Vinyl record collections.
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the Facebook page before visiting.
Yesterday’s Rose Antique Mall
Appreciators of antiques need to make the short drive to the edge of town to Yesterday’s Rose Antique Mall (101 NE 21st St.). One word to describe the store? Massive.
The sound of a trickling water fountain garnered my attention, a welcoming spot for shoppers who want a relaxing space to sit while others shop.
I systematically navigated through the store, shopping each booth, starting on the right, and walking around. If you’re hoping to find extensive collections of depression glass, Fiesta ware, coins, toys, and china, you’re in luck.
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
Vintage Bling & Antique Things
Make no mistake, if you’re on the hunt for sparkly vintage jewelry to wear for a night out on the town, Vintage Bling & Antique Things (300 N. Broadway) is the place to shop. As the name suggests, the store’s inventory includes antiques such as depression glass, cigar boxes, and period pieces.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
Abilene Antique Fest
You can expect dozens of antique dealers’ booths set up in historic downtown Abilene Antique Fest, making it a must-shop experience combined with the town’s permanent stores. The one-day event on the second Saturday in May includes food vendors.
MORE PLACES FOR HISTORY LOVERS TO DISCOVER
As someone who loves history, I love visiting a local museum to unlock the stories of the town’s earliest residents and learn more about the industries that put the town on the map.
Dickinson County Heritage Center
Dickinson County Heritage Center (412 S. Campbell) never fails to disappoint. I continue to revisit the museum to dive deeper into Abilene’s visit, spending over an hour each trip reading its displays.
A moderate admission fee gains visitors access to the indoor museum and a self-guided tour of the grounds complete with original buildings from the 1800s.
Because I stayed in a historic home now Airbnb built by C. L. Brown, I took a keen interest in information about the entrepreneur who ran a transmission power line to Abilene. His company became Kansas Power and Light Company.
Eventually, he told the city council to give him a franchise, and he’d add two or three hundred telephones in less time than the current rate. By 1925, Brown’s United Telephone Company served around 50,000 Kansans. His company eventually became known as Sprint.
PRO TIP: When checking in at the museum, ask about a $4 ride on a 1901 hand-carved C. W. Parker Carousel. Will you ride a horse or sit inside a chariot?
Flint Hills Quilt Trail
Do you quilt or appreciate the handiwork of those who do? Abilene in Dickinson County is one of several stops along the Flint Hills Quilt Trail, which includes the Eisenhower Barn Quilt Trail.
Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum
You’ve never seen anything like Jeffcoat Photography Studio Museum (321 N. Broadway) in Kansas. Or at least I hadn’t until I walked into its doors, but anything to do with antique cameras or photography interests me.
Three generations of Jeffcoat family members worked in the photography business.
It houses a collection of vintage photographs, antique cameras, and Dickinson County artifacts. Aside from dozens of cataloged cameras, perhaps the most interesting part of my tour was peering into Paul Jeffcoat’s original dark room illuminated by a red developer light.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. It was a kind of life-size diorama and an unexpected addition to my experience that I’ll never forget. If only I could have interviewed the photographer who left the darkroom, as he had decided to retire.
PRO TIP: Follow the museum’s Facebook page to learn about rotating exhibits on display to the public at no cost. Donations welcome.
Old Abilene Town
If you’re fascinated with pioneer life or the cowboy lifestyle, visit Old Abilene Town (200 SE 5th St.), open on the weekends. The replica cowtown is the site of costumed interpreters who act out dramatic scenes of gunfights in the street.
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
Old Abilene Town is located next door to Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a historic depot that offers passenger train rides. Read more about my previous train ride and what to expect if you purchase tickets.
AIRBNB ACCOMMODATIONS IN HISTORIC ABILENE
Charming Spanish Colonial Airbnb on Naroma Court
When you picture an Airbnb, I bet you don’t imagine a home this picturesque and luxurious. My overnight stay at Charming Spanish Colonial in Historic Abilene on Naroma Court was such a delightful experience that I’ve already told multiple people about it. It was a 5-star stay, indeed.
It’s easy to see why the home is listed as a Guest Favorite on the vacation rental website. One of only a few historic homes on a cul-de-sac, the two-story house is part of a duplex located only four blocks from downtown.
From the moment I walked into the home, I felt relaxed and happy with my accommodations. The owners considered every detail of the guest experience, and it felt just as comfortable as my home.
The full kitchen was equipped with anything I needed to cook a meal, plus the coffee station included several options of ground Starbucks coffee and tea. Because my itinerary included in-town restaurants, I used the spacious dining room table to plug in the laptop and get some work done.
The owners, who live next door, have meticulously renovated the home from its wood floors to modernized bathrooms, which included shower products.
I can’t offer enough high praise for this Airbnb. Its original owner, C. L. Brown, would be proud of the owner’s touches on an already beautifully crafted home. If you’re interested in renting it for an overnight or extended stay, visit its Airbnb listing.
NOTEWORTHY RESTAURANTS YOU MUST EXPERIENCE
Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro
I prefer to spend early mornings on the road at a locally-owned coffee shop. The coffee is always served hot, and the bakery case is filled with tempting goodies.
Amanda’s Bakery & Bistro (302 N. Broadway) is a place I’ve enjoyed repeatedly. I like to start the day there by stopping in for only a cup of drip coffee or ordering breakfast. It’s where the locals gather, and anywhere the locals meet up is where I want to dine.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
Hapisoul Café & Juicery
If you’re seeking a healthier meal option, visit Hapisoul Café & Juicery (118 NW. 2nd St.). I rarely discover an eatery on a road trip that serves freshly prepared lighter fare using locally sourced ingredients, but when I do, I tell everyone about it.
The owner moved back to town to be with family and then opened the café in historic downtown. The menu, mainly consisting of sandwiches, wraps, and salads, includes items named after musicians, a nod to the owner’s love of music.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed as I enjoyed vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re in a hurry, order outside peak lunch hours or pick up your lunch. It’s a popular spot at midday, and because the owner prepares each meal fresh, you may need to wait a few minutes. The food is worth it.
M&R Grill
Dining at M&R Grill (1720 N. Buckeye Ave.) is the hometown experience you crave when traveling on the road. The service is prompt, and the menu selections offer comfort classics. Since I spent the afternoon admiring the best of the historic cattle town, I ordered a Chicken Fried Steak dinner fit for a cowboy.
Dinner took centerstage, well, until I glanced at the dessert menu. I trusted the server’s recommendation and ordered Chocolate Lava Cake.
She was right about one thing. It was decadent and delicious. She was wrong about another thing. It wasn’t “small” in size but worth it.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. chi
During my return trip to Abilene, I plan on stopping at Midwest Creamery & Q (102 N. Buckeye Ave.) when it’s open. Unfortunately, the new restaurant was closed during my visit. I hear the homemade ice cream and barbecue are to die for.
BONUS MUST- DO ACTIVITIES
Explore the Cowboy Art Trail
There is only one thing to do in a town that celebrates its cowboy culture and roadside attractions. Follow the Cowboy Art Trail.
The World’s Largest Belt Buckle
They said it was big. They said it was worth pulling the car over for, and they weren’t kidding. The World’s Largest Belt Buckle (400 N. Pine St.) lives up to the hype.
Standing 19 feet by 10.5 inches wide and 13 feet by 11.25 inches tall, it’s situated so high on its frame that stairs are provided on the backside. A view from the top not only serves as an entertaining photo opportunity, but it provides views of Eisenhower Park & Rose Garden and an amphitheater.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
Big Spur
One look at the Big Spur (1810 N. Buckeye Ave) in the parking lot of Rittel’s Western Shop, and you’ll feel inspired to go inside and shop for a pair of cowboy boots.
The store’s resident greeter, a cattle dog named Rio, will welcome you.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
Cowboy Boots
Abilene’s Cowboy Art Trail includes nearly a dozen hand-painted boots throughout town. As they say, you must follow the cowboy boots in a town with cowboy roots. This wannabe cowgirl found most of them.
The boots are a tribute to T. C. McInerney’s Drovers Boot Store open in the 1870s. He made the first pointed toe boot. A fitting tribute since Abilene was a major stop on the Chisholm Trail.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the Cowboy Art Trail brochure to find each location.
Murals
I can’t resist hunting for street art, and Abilene’s murals are well worth one’s time. Each includes people or symbols of the town’s history.
Whether it’s an artist’s nod to President Eisenhower or homage to the railroad that brought cattle to market via Abilene, they are uniquely individual in concept and style.
PRO TIP: Access the Abilene Mural Tour Map to locate almost a dozen artists’ creations.
The Abilene Cowboy
Just around the corner from Longhorn Mural at Abilene Middle School is a sight you don’t want to miss. A major attraction on the Cowboy Art Trail, The Abilene Cowboy sculpture (1300 N. Cedar St.) adorns the lawn at Abilene High School.
Artists Jason Lahr and Donnie Knauss designed the more than 15-foot sculpture, representing the school’s mascot, Cowboys/Cowgirls.
Admire Architecture in Downtown
Visitor’s Center/Depot
I make a point of going to the Abilene Travel Information Center/Union Pacific Depot (201 NW 2nd St.) whenever I’m in town. It is a one-stop resource for gathering information about points of interest, and the building’s architecture is worth appreciating.
The depot building, designed by California architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, was built in 1928 and features detailed stone carving and trim work. Plus, it’s home to the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau, where tourists can ask questions, buy merchandise, and park for free.
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). Also built in 1928 by the same designer, it resembles a Mission/Spanish Revival architectural style.
Abilene Public Library/Carnegie Library
Whenever I stumble upon a Carnegie Library, its architectural design details take my breath away. Abilene Public Library (209 NW 4th) is worth an in-person visit to admire its grand size and beauty. Take a moment to snap a photo of the building and the sculptures that dot its landscape, including one of Benjamin Franklin.
More Abilene Travel Itineraries
It’s hard to fit all of Abilene’s points of interest in one overnight stay, so I’ve returned more than once to enjoy the town fully. Read another blog post, Tour the Award-Winning Town of Abilene, Kansas, to view bonus must-see attractions, including mansions and museums.
History seekers who love of presidential stories will appreciate reading about my experience touring Abilene Kansas: The Boyhood Home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Like Eisenhower, I’m proud to be from Kansas. I know you’ll come to love Abilene just as much as me.
Do you have questions about antiquing in Abilene or other places to explore? Leave your comments below.
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
Do you like to maintain a fitness routine while on the road? The hotel’s gym is designed to include exercise machines you’d expect to see, plus free weights. The room is large enough that several hotel guests can get in a workout and not get in one another’s way.
PRO TIP: Access a filtered water station in the fitness facility to refill your reusable bottle before departing for the day.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I ordered mouth-watering burnt ends and mac-n-cheese, which tasted 100% delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, from rings and smoked turkey to bbq nachos and Legend Mac Bowls.
With an extensive lunch menu of thoughtfully prepared appetizers, salads, and soups, my friend and I ordered Fried Goat Cheese Balls for starters. My only wish is that we had more of them.
Sandwiched between homemade bread, the chicken salad was scrumptious, and the salads served on the side or as a meal are unmistakably good.
The chef brought warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream adding to the delightful dining experience.
Since it was Friday night, I took advantage of the steak special and ordered a ribeye and all the fixings – the comfort meal I craved while away from home. When pressed for his menu favorites, the owner suggested the Pastrami Burnt Ends Sandwich and the Surf-N-Turf dinner.
My al-a carte taco with chips and salsa made for a perfect lunch. Known for South of the Border favorites, El Pollo Loco, enchiladas, and burritos add to expected sports bar menu offerings.
I ordered a lager from KC Bier Company Dunkel to keep with the theme of supporting area breweries.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
It’s not a race but a chance to push yourself and support your besties. Obstacles like the Vertigo Bus gave me pause, so I left it to the ladies to show me how it was done. They ran the hamster wheel, crawled through muddy ball pits, and swung from ropes, cheering one another on.
If you’re interested in other events at Zip KC, the owners convert the landscape into a walkable haunted path at Halloween, complete with fright-inducing rein actors. At other times of the year, events like Ultimate Field Day and Family Timber Challenge draw a crowd.
In the air, attendees can sign up for aerial activities like the
The park is also home to sports fields, a basketball court, paved walking trails, three playgrounds, and a dog park. You may catch a baseball game or practice in progress if you’re lucky.
PRO TIP: Check the 
Did you know there are over 45K acres of farmland, which accounts for 87.5 percent of all Kansas land? You support families and communities by shopping locally from a farmer or area business.
PRO TIP: Be the first to arrive at the market when it opens for the best product selection. View hours and vendor details 
I found the items for sale reasonably priced for a Midwest market. They have several restored cabinets with drawers to choose from if adding furniture to a home’s entryway or living space. Additionally, you’ll discover many neutral-tone lamps, sit-abouts, faux plants, and framed artwork for sale.
PRO TIP: Take your photo in front of the store’s super cool neon sign.
The curated pieces resemble high-fashion styles you see in big-city boutiques. I found it hard to resist the latest KC gear, and I still regret not buying the beaded earrings calling my name.
PRO TIP: Ask the staff about recent mark-downs.
Keeping with their #stayvintage theme, shoppers can expect to find antiques for their homes and closet. Need a retro dress? They have it. Want a set of dishes? They have it. Hoping to find a cool chair for your office? They have it.
Woodland & Willow
But that’s not all! Home decor finds are tucked amongst racks of clothing and jewelry. The store’s owner is great about helping you find what you want.
The Small Hinge Boutique and Creative Studio
PRO TIP: If you lack time to attend a workshop, consider shopping the boutique space for a decorative sign to take home. From personalized door hangers to wall decor, you’ll find it there.
PRO TIP: Check the refrigerated cases for cheese samples.
The town is one that I’ll repeatedly visit for a plethora of things to do and people to meet.
BONUS: Before departing from the historic site area, look across the street at the mural, “First Kansas Colored Infantry” painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2023. Click 
A major fan of his work and a previous photography teacher, I was elated to tour the museum to glimpse Parks’ cameras, his framed photography, and to view a replica of Park’s New York City apartment.
Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour by the museum’s director, who informed us about the international impact Parks’ work as a photographer had, but also as a filmmaker, writer, and musician. Parks taught himself how to do it all.
Later, we went on a special guided 
Born in Fort Scott, he lived in the Kansas town for the first 16 years of his life only to return later to document the town in a photo essay. He filmed scenes for his movie The Learning Tree at Gunn Park, which was also included in our tour. He wrote the screenplay, directed, acted, produced and wrote the musical score for the semi-autobiographical film.
Another stop of our tour took us to a mural depicting Parks painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc. Located at 18 E. Wall Street, Tribute to Gordon Parks “No Place Like Home” includes a portion of his Homecoming poem.
Lastly, our trolley tour ended with a visit to the town’s newest tribute, the 
Interpretive panels inform about the church’s namesake, Bishop Wayman, previous pastors, and a timeline of events documents its history.
A bricklayer’s fingerprints can still be seen in the church’s original bricks, which were added to the Wayman Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Commemorative Park established on the site where the church once stood.
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum. Many displays include a video component or touchscreen interaction. Don’t miss the outdoor displays, and look for the stars during a self-guided sidewalk tour.
During our two-hour workshop, I learned how the owner sources Bourbon County clay, prepares it for projects, and uses it to create stunning kitchenware and decorative pieces.
If you’re interested in an art class (they range in mediums from painting to pottery), view 
Be sure to shop for a new treasure in the art gallery. Handcrafted items include oversized whimsical clay designs, dinnerware, coffee mugs, wall art, and jewelry.
Also known for an equally dynamic lunch menu, Cohn’s Cafe on Main, offers diners another reason to visit. The Green Lantern dinner menu features main dishes such as German Goulash and Short Rib Ravioli.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the 100 South Main Mercantile & Market, which sells Kansas-made gifts and Fort Scott memorabilia.
PRO TIP: Check for the day’s menu specials on 
During my visit, I learned that the commercial kitchen space with state-of-the-art equipment can be rented by food truck operators and small business chefs.
A retail marketplace at the front of the space, The Kitchen C+C, is where kitchen tenants can sell grab-and-go cuisine, including daily lunch specials.
To learn more about Fort Scott, view Kansas Tourism’s 
Located in Kiowa County, less than a two hours drive from Wichita, Greensburg is a small town reimagined. Rebuilt with sustainability in mind, many of its homes and buildings put the “green” in Greensburg thanks to water-saving features, alternative energy, and earth-friendly design.
Just as I contemplated if I wanted to venture into the well, a busload of gleeful schoolchildren arrived and eagerly walked to the bottom. I’m scared of enclosed spaces and heights, so I chose to stay on the ground floor. The American Water Landmark is truly a sight, and even if you don’t want to walk down into it, seeing it first-hand is worthwhile.
If you visit 
The grounds of the museum include a playground area for kids and free bikes you can borrow to tour the town. The Fleener Family Memorial on display outdoors honors those who perished in the tornado.
PRO TIP: Before visiting the museum, view its hours and admission rates 
Stop four on the tour gave me pause. All that remains of a church that once stood there and later housed Fran’s Antiques Shops is a set of stairs. Red bricks, stairs, and a small pile of rubble.
Other stops worth noting on the bike tour included Starlight Public Art Park and Main Street in the downtown corridor. The park is home to one-of-a-kind sculptures. Nearby native plants and Russian Sage decorate Main Street in concrete planters watered by rainwater captured in underground cisterns.
The summer matinee was a popular choice. When not screening films. the theatre is used by the high school and area groups as a performing arts space.
Open six days a week for dine-in or drive-up orders, the restaurant is a local favorite. They show up for a hearty meal or select steaks or sausage from the refrigerated case to grill at home.
PRO TIP: You need to leave room for dessert. Kook’s is where I rediscovered my love of pie. Regina knows how to make them better than anyone. She had me taste every pie and cake in the refrigerated case! They tasted divine.
Catherine’s Massage & Bodywork (101 S. Main, Suite 206) instantly transports you to a place of zen. The owner, a certified kinesiologist and massage therapist welcomes customers needing to improve their health. The retail space carries an abundance of personal care products, jewelry, and gift items. Don’t forget to check out the clearance shelf for marked-down deals.
PRO TIP: Plan your visit when the majority of downtown shops are open Thursday-Saturday. Check each of the links above. I can’t wait to return to visit a few stores that were closed, including
Inside, visitors can peruse the gallery’s artwork at no charge; however, donations are gladly accepted. During my visit, I fell in love with the work of Kansas artist/farmer 
After my indoor gallery tour, I walked the property and back buildings outside. The contents were left untouched since his death in 2017.
The man collected 6,000+ coffee cups. Why? No reason. His work glove still sits on the ground near the building’s entrance. Welding tools, an old fan, and racks with splattered paint block the entrance. You simply have to walk the property, see his artwork, and imagine the artist welding metal together.
Liggett’s artwork has to be seen in person to appreciate it. Like the artist, it is unique, bold, and strikingly curious.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barn was built in 1912. It stands 50’ tall and 70’ in diameter. The structure has fourteen hours stalls on a perimeter. The Fromme family were homesteaders who farmed the land and owned prize-winning horses.
You can expect comfortable beds, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi with access to a business workspace. The price per night seems reasonable given the amenities.
A small town’s pride is undeniable. You rarely get to see it on permanent display, so I appreciate museums that include relics from the past that pay homage to school spirit. I imagine it wasn’t easy to curate items for the display after the tornado destroyed the town, but they managed to assemble a respectable collection.
Be sure to visit the restored 
PRO TIP: Feeling super hungry and perhaps a little adventurous? Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
PRO TIP: A table near the entrance houses new non-fiction books, and a good-sized library area is devoted to children’s books. Ask about upcoming events designed for kids, like the weekly craft session and reading programs.
The restaurant is furnished with farm-themed decor. Guests enter under a massive metal windmill covered in lights, and framed prints of horses cover the walls. Country music plays in the background. Light fixtures made of minnow buckets and tractor sets hang overhead.
One step inside the building, and you immediately realize its design is unlike any school building you’ve seen before. The ceiling and walls are made from reclaimed wood from Southeast Kansas barns, which absorb sound. Natural light floods into every hallway, gymnasium, and classroom. In 2013, they added a new addition to the school outfitted with a limestone exterior and cypress wood salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Designed to be a Smart building, the HVAC system is state-of-the-art. Each classroom draws fresh air, which is recirculated outside. Underground geothermal wells maximize energy consumption. The same wells provide renewable energy to many of the town’s community buildings.
Lockers made from recycled plastic line the hallways for the students in the upper grades. School children sit in classrooms outfitted with top-notch technology, looking out of windows to landscape spaces. Outdoors, rainwater is collected on the rooftop and stored in four cisterns. Drought-resistant native grasses dot the open spaces.
If you get the opportunity to tour the
Greensburg is a town that will surprise you. The community’s determination to rebuild itself as a thriving community and now tourism destination is impressive. I encourage you to book an overnight stay or take a day trip from Wichita to experience its attractions first-hand.
