Disclosure: Visit Olathe sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Follow the winery, brewery, and sweet treats trail in Olathe! The northeastern suburb near Kansas City offers visitors plenty of places to sip and savor. If you love coffee and pastries, a glass of palate-pleasing wine, or a well-crafted beer, you’ll love Olathe.
DAY 1
SWEET TEE’S COFFEE SHOP
You’ll need to fuel up for a fun day of exploring sip-and-savor locations. I recommend starting your day at Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop (2063 E. Santa Fe) where the locals go for relaxing vibes and a delicious breakfast.
Opened in its original location in 2015, the cafe won Best Atmosphere for two years running by Restaurant Guru. You’ll love the casual, comfy ambiance of the café, which reminded me of The Perk in the TV show Friends. Trending music plays in the background as patrons sit at tables sipping coffee and bent over laptops. Paired-up friends chat about the day’s happenings.
They offer a long list of traditional coffee drinks but it’s the specialty drink menu that shines. They also have almost two dozen flavor combinations to choose from when crafting your custom coffee drink. For customers who prefer a non-coffee beverage, Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop serves tea and cider.

It is nearly impossible to order at the register without spying on a delicious homemade pastry in the bakery case. The owner told me she had just pulled warm blueberry muffins from the oven so it was a no-brainer. It was the perfect pairing with my chai latté.
The barista asks dine-in customers to choose their coffee mug from a wall of colorful cups of various sizes and designs. It makes for a memorable experience you’ll want to repeat.
PRO TIP: Tell the barista what size coffee you prefer, and they will point you to the row of mugs that match it in size.
KC WINE COMPANY
As I pulled into the massive parking lot, I realized that KC Wine Company (13875 S. Gardner Rd) would become my happy place. I could see vineyards, a barn, and an inviting tasting room. Soon, I was getting a private tour of the ground from its founder. But first, I needed one of their famous wine slushies. Or two.
KC Wine Co. is not just a tasting room next to a vineyard. It’s a winery destination located on five acres with a multitude of things for visitors to enjoy.
The owners wanted guests to use all of the senses while visiting. Whether you’re noting the smell of fresh cedar inside the red barn or sitting on a swing and enjoying the view with a wine glass in hand, you’ll get the whole experience.
Inside The Barrel Room, adults can savor tasting flights ranging from dry whites and reds to sweeter varieties. You’ll discover an expansive open-air building with outdoor seating and a scenic view of the vineyards just beyond its doors. An oversized KC Wine Co. lights up at night, providing a picture-worthy moment.
The owners also created an area devoted to visitors of all ages. Guests can experience Sunflower Fest, a pumpkin patch, and a self-guided holiday lights tour depending on the season. Bring your camera! You can take photos next to Instagram-friendly backdrops. Parents with children can watch their kids enjoy the playground equipment. Dog lovers will appreciate the annual event Mutts & Merlot, which encourages visitors to bring their furry family members.
Plan your visit to the winery around one of their popular events or harvest dates. You won’t want to miss events like Oktoberfest, Cider Fest, and Sunflower Fest. The fun continues during the Christmas season when Santa makes an appearance and twinkling lights illuminate the space.
White wines are harvested in late August and you can expect reds to be harvested in late September or early October. You don’t have to pay an admission fee or place a reservation before your arrival. View the winery’s hours here.
The red barn is also open to visitors. Walk inside to order a wine slushy, a pint of Free State Brewing Company craft beer, or a non-alcoholic beverage. Look for a seasonal display with a bench to take a photo with friends or family.
PRO TIP: Pack a soft-sided cooler. If you purchase a chilled wine like their top seller Sunflower Red, you’ll want to keep it at temperature for the drive home.
TALL TRELLIS BREW CO.
It was time to continue the sip-and-savor tour, and I was famished. I drove a short distance to Tall Trellis Brew Co. (25600 W. Valley Parkway). The family-run business originated as a hop farm and has since grown into a brewery featuring a coffee shop, event location, and lunch or dinner destination.
The building is a welcoming and beautifully designed space. The owners, who are brothers-in-law, did an incredible job creating both an indoor and outdoor patio space with you can sit back and be yourself, plus dogs are allowed on the patio.
Indoors, white tiling and wood textures contrast with green accents. A photograph of their hop farm guides the eye down a hallway. Nearby, an event space is separated by an interior glass door. The vibes are unpretentious and comfortable. It’s the kind of place where you want to hang out all afternoon.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening last spring. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to my character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
They invite breweries who use their hops to join the tap wall. Patrons can choose from guest taps from makers like Fields and Ivy Brewery, Free State Brewing Company, and Kansas Territory Brewing Company. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate their selection of wine and coffee bar selections.
The food menu included a short list of flatbreads. When they told me that the brisket on the Meats Pizza was made by an American Royal award-winning barbecuer, Abs of Squeal, it was a no-brainer. My lunchtime experience was top-notch, and I can’t wait to return to Tall Trellis Brewing Company.
PRO TIP: The brewery hosts food trucks every weekend. Check out their Facebook page for updates and brewery hours.
EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON KANSAS CITY OLATHE
During my sip-and-savor tour, it was a good time to take a break and check into my hotel room at Embassy Suites by Hilton (10401 S. Ridgeview Rd.). The highly-rated hotel is stunning inside. The lobby’s modern design and cobalt blue accents caught my eye.

My suite was a 456 sq. ft. living room separated from the bedroom by a privacy door. I appreciated its amenities, including free WiFi and a kitchen with a microwave and refrigerator. Each room had a 42-inch HDTV, and the king-size bed was as comfy and plush.
In the morning, hotel breakfast is complimentary. If you stay at the hotel, you can dine at Burger Shed. The restaurant serves burgers and handcrafted shakes.
PRO TIP: Flip the master light switch on the wall when you enter the suite otherwise, you won’t be able to access lighting or the TV in the bedroom.

STONE PILLAR VINEYARD & WINERY
Stone Pillar Vineyard & Winery (11000 S. Woodland St.) is nestled in the heart of Olathe. Well, technically, Olathe built itself up around the vineyard. It seems more like Olathe built itself around the vineyard, given that the property’s deed from 1865 hangs framed on the wall.
The five-generations, family-owned vineyard and winery produce more than 20 wines, hard ciders, and wine slushies. During my taproom visit, I discussed the winery’s history with the owner while savoring the “Thankful for Wine” $10 flight (5, 2oz pours), a wide-ranging selection of dry to sweet wines.
Their best-selling wine, Hoftoberfest, tastes semi-sweet with pineapple notes that finish crisp. I prefer full-body, dry reds, so, I was a fan of Zin XXI, which had blackberry and plum notes.
Tasting room walk-in visits are welcomed, but for groups of four or more people, they encourage reservations. If you want an in-depth “serious tour,” you need to call ahead to give the staff a heads-up.
Outside, wine enthusiasts can take advantage of patio seating and covered seating inside a second building also available for group parties. I recommend planning your visit around the sunset hour.
PRO TIP: Live in the area? The owner is planning to relaunch Stone Pillar’s Wine Club, so inquire about it upon your arrival.
RED CROW BREWING COMPANY
Red Crow Brewing Company (1062 W. Santa Fe) is not just another Kansas brewery. The beer is just as pleasantly unique as the names they give it. Each beer is given a woman’s name chosen by the owners, a husband and wife duo. I created a beer flight of five 2 oz pours with names like Eleanor, Isabelle, and Sybil. I appreciated a Kansas Bock, Hattie, for its balanced taste and mouthfeel.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game. Couples chatted over beer and dinner entrees from the on-site food truck, Casual Foodie.
Although I arrived a few minutes late for Happy Hour (3 pm-6 pm), it did not bother me. The drink and food menu prices were on par with what you’d pay at any brewery. Casual Foodie’s two-page menu included meal choices for every kind of eater. I ordered a soft taco trio with pork bulgogi, jerk chicken, and sweet potato.
PRO TIP: The brewery is closed Mondays, so you’ll want to plan your visit when the brewery and the food truck are open. View the hours here.
SWEET THANG & CAFÉ
Day 1’s sip-and-savor tour ended at Sweet Thang & Café (1088 W. Santa Fe), only steps from Red Crow Brewing Company. Opened in 2019, the dessert destination is incredibly popular with locals. The moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. “Welcome!” the staff exclaimed. Customers never stopped walking into the ice cream shop.
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominated the menu, and the place smelled like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Not in the mood for ice cream? Choose a hazelnut iced coffee, latte, or vanilla macchiato from the Espresso Bar menu.
PRO TIP: The Sandwich Station kitchen closes at 7 pm, so plan ahead. Mama’s Italian with chips, anyone? View the menu here.
DAY 2
POUR COFFEEHOUSE
Rise and shine! Day 2 of the Olathe sip-and-savor tour started at Pour Coffeehouse (11120 S. Lone Elm Rd). The quaint coffee shop was bustling with customers by 8:30 am when I arrived. It was raining, and it seemed everyone wanted to warm up with a cup of Joe and breakfast.

A quick scan of the shelves and I noticed that they sell their bagged coffee beans, so I kept it simple and ordered a tall drip coffee. Irresistible pastries stared back at me from the glass case. A warm strawberry homemade Pop-Tart and a slice of quiche tasted delightful while I watched it rain outside from a window seat. Nearby, a cabinet with jewelry, branded merchandise, and retail candles sat on display.
PRO TIP: Seating is at a premium during peak hours, so arrive early or choose a patio table on a good-weather day. Parents with kids in tow will appreciate the oversized Connect 4 game on the front lawn.
JUNQUE DRAWER BOUTIQUE & STUDIO
You’re in for a treat at Junque Drawer Boutique & Studio (233 S. Cherry St.). Located in a restored three-floor historic home built in 1874, the owner created a sip-and-shop experience.
Order a glass of wine or beer from the first floor’s bar and let the shopping begin. Don’t blame me if you overspend. It’s easy to do without drinking. Almost every inch of the house is filled with home decor, signs with phrases, women’s apparel, handcrafted art and jewelry, and specialty food gifts.
Continue the sip-and-savor trail fun by purchasing ready-made drink mixes, wine accessories, or drinking glasses with hilarious sayings. As you walk from room to room, you’ll notice each one is named after a woman.
What will you discover inside Blanche’s room or Pearl’s room? I immersed myself in gift options I wanted to buy for others and myself. You could easily spend an hour in the store. Suddenly, I spotted just what I wanted. It was a wall decor sign that reflected my love for travel imprinted with the phrase “Headed Somewhere.” It was coming home with me.
The owner of Junque Drawer also owns Holiday House across the street (101 W. Cedar), which is one-stop shopping for all things festive. Thematic rooms are designed by style and color creating Christmas decor and ornaments. Wait until you see the bathroom shower filled with pillows!
See a gift you love from someone? Ask the owner to personalize it with a handwritten name or message.

PRO TIP: Start on the third floor and work your way down, ending the shopping experience at the register. If you’re searching for a specific gift item, ask the friendly staff to point you in the right direction.
PARK STREET PASTRY
A one-minute drive from Junque Drawer is Park Street Pastry (103 E. Park St.), where lovers of authentic European desserts and sweet treats go. Pastry Chef Douglas Flick’s loyal customers know they can find freshly made cinnamon rolls, a popular breakfast choice, ready to order.
I recommend scanning the bakery case and the menu before ordering breakfast or lunch. I was searching for lighter fare and chose a flakey scratch-made croissant filled with chocolate. The chef could be seen in the kitchen busily cooking eggs for someone’s breakfast order.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, bbq meals, and more. Sandwiches come with a classic side garden salad.
PRO TIP: Don’t be surprised if they say you can pay for your order after dining in. Bring cash, or you must spend $5 for a credit card purchase.
Curious about the downtown area? Take advantage of rentable scooter stations, and don’t miss the historic marker across the street in front of the Johnson County Courthouse. It designates a spot on the route of the Santa Fe Trail, where traders traveled. The Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop & Farm Historic Site is where travelers can purchase supplies and spend the night. Today, it’s open to museum-goers year-round.

JOE’S KANSAS CITY BAR-B-CUE
The final stop on the sip-and-savor trail led me to Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Cue (11950 S. Strang Line Rd.). When in the Kansas City area, you can’t leave without ordering award-winning barbecue, a long-standing tradition for the restaurant since 1992. The Olathe location stays busy during peak meal hours, so you can expect a short wait to order a bbq dinner or sandwiches. It’s well worth your time.
The menu includes drool-inducing sandwiches like The Z-Man Sandwich, made with slow-smoked beef brisket topped with provolone cheese and onion rings. People rave about it for a good reason. It’s filling, so consider ordering the regular sandwich instead of the jumbo portion.
I ordered the burnt ends lunch special served with (check the small menu board as you walk up to the register). You get your choice of one side dish and a fountain drink. The food is consistently good at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, so you can’t go wrong whether you order a rib dinner, smoke chicken, or order meat by the pound to go.
The food Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que is putting out is pure kitchen magic. Do you want to try a variety of smoked meats? Order a Combo Sandwich or a Two Meat Dinner. Save room for dessert – ask about the seasonal dessert while ordering your meal.
PRO TIP: Walk across the parking lot and check out The Kansas City BBQ Store to purchase bottles of barbecue sauce, dry rubs, and grilling tools to recreate your meal at home.
Who’s ready to set out on a two-day adventure through Olathe, appreciating the best wine, beer, and sweet and savory food selections the area offers? The city has a multitude of places to indulge your palette. Follow the sip-and-savor trail with your sweetheart or grab a group of friends or family and start exploring.



Getting hungry from exploring the outdoors? Stacy’s Restaurant serves an authentic diner breakfast menu, Highwind Brewing Company serves craft beer and menu items from three on-site restaurants, and Bella’s Italian Restaurant knows how to make customers happy with pasta entrees baked to perfection.
I recommend planning ahead for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return.
Explore the Kansas Museum of History, Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, tour the Kansas Statehouse, and shop eclectic stores in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. Take a break for lunch at The Pennant or choose upscale dining and cocktails at The Weather Room.
Located between Topeka and Lawrence, the quaint town is home to a friendly community that welcomes tourists interested in learning about its impact on American history. In addition to historical buildings and tours, travelers will appreciate the downtown area for its charming small businesses. Enjoy breakfast at Aunt Netters Cafe before exploring the area, and leave time to sip wine at Empty Nester’s Winery.
Touring the KU campus offers visitors a chance to fall in love with its many attractions. Whether you’re a sports fan or love touring historical museums, I know you’ll find your experience on campus to be a positive one. For dining options, I recommend Johnny’s Tavern North to devour scratch-made pizza by the slice, and 715 Restaurant for an unmatched upscale dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
The tucked-away town near Kansas City offers visitors incredible downtown shopping. Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso, and Third Space Coffee fits the bill. Other attractions, such as Moon Marble Company, The Fuel House, and Quentin’s BBQ, guarantee a good time. Treat yourself to an ice cream float atthe Old Mill Ice Cream Shop or end the evening with a cocktail at Ten & Two Coffee Bar.
The city touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. The award-winning town deserves the accolades it gets.
Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. You’ll appreciate its historic homes, dynamic eateries (enjoy pasta at Luigi’s 418 & Mario’s Pizzeria & Gelato), and a vibrant downtown shopping scene. The buildings’ architecture is stunning.
I dined on crave-worthy Mexican food by visiting taquieras on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail. If there is one thing Kansas City does best, it’s barbecue. Take your place in line at Slap’s BBQ in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood.


The woman behind the counter the added two donuts to my to-go bag and thanked me for coming into the bakery for the first time. She (and the owner) had worked since 8pm the night before to prepare donuts. Wow!
My
The rest of the hotel’s amenities were equally as nice. Every morning, guests enjoy a full complimentary breakfast adjacent to the lobby. For those not staying for a morning meal, a self-serve coffee bar is available just beyond the spacious lobby.
Although the hotel had an indoor pool and fitness equipment on-site, I opted to get my exercise by walking directly across the street to The Legends Outlets for a little retail therapy. If you choose to stay at the hotel, I know you’ll find it impressive. To search for available rooms and rates, visit
Visitors can also enjoy outdoor sculptures and public art displays at almost every turn. As you wind your way around the complex, you’ll notice that each one pays homage to legendary Kansans who made their mark in history. The courtyards and corridor showcase the stories of Amelia Earhart, Clyde Cessna, and Buster Keaton.
In fact, if you happen to have someone in your group that doesn’t prefer shopping, they can easily be entertained by walking the grounds and learning about the movers and shakers who made Kansas what it is today. A yellow brick road gives a nod to the Wizard of Oz while native grasses surround towering sculptures.
At Christmas time, the annual lighting of the holiday tree in the center of the courtyard brings hundreds to the area. Families can follow the event with a movie night at AMC Theatre Legends 14. The movie theatre includes 14 screens and one of them is four stories tall with a VIP balcony lounge. Later, the family can head to Santa’s Mail Station to drop the kids’ letters to the North Pole.
Aside from racks and shelves filled with the latest outdoor gear, the retail store is filled with taxidermy including the world’s largest collection of trophy mule deer.

The second floor of the retail store is where deal hounds need to shop. Clothing and shoes labeled with end-of-the-year deep discounts on outdoor equipment are found in the Blowout Sale Room. If you’re looking for a new coat, pair of boots, or flannel shirt that is slightly out of season, you’ll find it here.
As I was exiting the salesroom, I heard a familiar sound “Ho ho ho, big guy! Do you like candy canes?” It was Santa! He was greeting children waiting in line with their parents to have their photo taken with the jolly fellow. Cabela’s is known for hosting events like this one, so be sure to check their
I noticed dozens of table games including roulette and craps. Walking through the casino, it was easy to find a game to play. The 12-table Poker Room was bustling. Prefer video poker? Pull up a chair and inside your casino card to start a game.
With access to several bars and restaurants, casino players can satisfy their cravings for a delicious meal between gameplay. Final Cut Steakhouse’s menu offers fine dining selections and they promote meal deals during the holidays. What could be better than celebrating a jackpot with a steak dinner and a cocktail?
A friendly bartender greeted me and served up a heaping bowl of chips with salsa and an ice-cold Corona. The menu has more entree choices on it than you can imagine, and by the looks of the plates in front of diners around the restaurant, the portions were going to be massive.
When I have a food craving, there isn’t any denying it. I created a combination meal consisting of a chile relleño and a taco with rice and refried beans. I’ve ordered chile relleños in many places and I know a good one when I taste it. The cheese was delicious and the battered and fried pepper was perfectly crisp.
The restaurant’s setting was colorful and vibrant from the plates to the decor on the walls. TVs surrounded the bar area allowing patrons to watch the game at any time. About eight varieties of tequila bottles lined the back of the bar. The bartender stayed busy filling the margarita machine with fresh-made mix (he makes about 20 gallons a day!).
My recommendation is to bring someone with you to the tasting room and each purchase a different flight so you can sample all of the wines. When in doubt, choose the dry to semi-sweet flight. Bottles range from $17-$18 and fruit wine bottles are $16. View the current list of wines available
Directly across the street, I spotted a gigantic mural depicting what appeared to be a laborer. Kansan Printer (901 N. 8th St.) is a mural highlighting a printer at a hand press to honor the workers of the Kansas City Kansan newspaper. The building it is painted on housed the newspaper plant for 80 years.
Before leaving the downtown area, I spied another beautiful mural worthy of a photo, Facing the Past, Looking Into the Future (751 Minnesota Ave.). It showcases the story of the modern and traditional Hmong culture by highlighting work, play, and celebration. The vibrant colors can’t be missed as you drive down Minnesota Avenue.
To view an online map of the Avenue of Murals Project and other street art finds including sculptures in the area, click
The bbq joint is known for its ribs, serving perfectly charred but moist burnt ends, and a host of mouthwatering side dishes. They’ve been in the biz since the Pearce brothers began touring the barbecue competition circuit. The restaurant serves healthy portions of smoked meat to diners looking for authentic Kansas City bbq.
I took my place in line and waited about 20 minutes until it was my turn to order dinner. The outdoor seating area was filled with families, so I ordered a meat combo plate to go.
When in Kansas City, you simply must eat at
Kansas City, Kansas is where you go when you want to eat like the locals. It’s also a mecca for destination shopping, mural hunting, and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Rich with history dating back to when Lewis & Clark arrived at Kaw Point in 1804 to today’s vibrant community, Kansas City is an urban area that quickly wins you over.

I spent an overnight stay in Bonner Springs, which I was glad for because between sunrise and sunset I was busy exploring and needed the extra time. My first stop? Checking into my lodging accommodations at
Guests have access to a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as an up-to-date fitness center with treadmills. The rooms are quiet and spacious – two must-haves for exhausted travelers who want a place to relax after a day of exploring Bonner Springs. Parking was a non-issue despite the fact the hotel stays busy with guest arrivals.
Not only does Ten & Two prepare specialty drinks and drip coffee, but they also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries. A steady flow of customers consisting of locals and out-of-towners came in the door while I enjoyed a homemade cinnamon roll and a cup of signature coffee from a comfortable couch.
I spied beer on draft and a menu of specialty cocktails behind the coffee bar. Sure enough, Ten & Two transforms into a taproom after dark.


I drove a few blocks from The Fuel House to the Historic Downtown District to do a little shopping. Correction: A lot of shopping. Within three short blocks, I saw numerous boutiques. A few appealing eateries. I was delighted. I parked the car and set out on foot to see what I could find. My wallet was burning a hole in my pocket.
The tiny store was stocked to the gills with packaged seasonings, jams, and retro candies. The refrigerated case teased shoppers with whole cheesecakes, ice cream treats, and copious amounts of cheeses and meats. The food store is the place where neighbors visit with one another and the town’s sheriff stops by for a to-go snack.
If you’re someone who appreciates knowing where their food comes from, Karen’s Country Kitchen is the place to shop. Every package’s label lists a farmer or maker by name including the town where the food was sourced.
Owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, it’s the kind of place where they serve wine slushies or mimosas for special events.
If you don’t find the ideal gift for someone, they will custom create it for you. Their staff can print any word or phrase onto apparel or drinkware. Now, that’s great customer service. View the
I fixated on the front display showcasing a Christmas tree and shelves of miniature gnomes. They certainly know just what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.
Say for example that you’re on the hunt for items for a photo shoot or to gift to someone who collects vintage sit-abouts, you’re in luck. The store is filled with retro finds. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to shop for a new candle or a pretty piece of jewelry. Yowza Antiques is one-stop shopping.
I found just what I was searching for… a knit headwrap to keep my ears warm just in time for winter. And the price was reasonable – score!
New to the neighborhood, they’ve earned a loyal following. Farmhouse-style decor, t-shirts imprinted with positive sayings, and go-to gifts for friends who need a good laugh are just what fans flock to the store in search of. Preview the latest inventory for sale on their
A firefighter standing in line behind me said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options and that I should also “order the brownie.” My turkey avocado bacon sandwich was served on pillow-soft bread with a side of chips. I settled into a cozy seat near the rear of the cafe and watched as customers made their way to the counter.
Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso or meal with conversation. If you prefer reading while sipping a latté, check out the “Borrow a Book or Buy It $1” display in the rear of the cafe.
The Wi-Fi is free. The coffee is flavorsome and the food is so good you won’t have a single crumb left on your plate. View Third Space Coffee’s hours
Breslow, who started as a woodworker, is passionate about his craft. He took me around the retail area of the store to teach me the difference between marbles. Some marbles are used in competition while others with ornate designs and for display purposes.
He is also known for designing miniature glass sculptures. Ask him to show you his design of eggs and bacon in a frying pan. You’ll discover more whimsical designs as you tour the shop. All of his creations are made with beautiful Italian glass and created on-site at his workbench.
As of now, shoppers are asked to schedule their visits in advance. Once inside, the world of marbles and toys envelopes you. Everywhere you look there are colorful displays of blown glass and marbles. Moon Marble Company also specializes in carrying a large inventory of retro games and traditional toys. I had never seen so many board games for sale in one place.
But not all was lost. I learned about the historical significance of the area from the outdoor exhibits, which referenced tribal ancestry. As the sign reads below, the Wyandot people who lived in Ohio were moved to this location. To read more about their friendship with the Shawnee tribe, visit this informative
Also located in front of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum rests the World War II Bomber Builders Monument to honor the aviation workers of Kansas City, Kansas who built over 6,000 bombers. Women fulfilled many roles at the Fairfax Bomber plant since men were overseas serving their country during the war.
Admission to the museum is free. To plan your visit and view upcoming exhibits, glance at their information page
Let me tell you something. I’ve eaten at most of the barbecue joints in the Kansas City area, but this one served some of the best-tasting smoked meat that I’ve enjoyed. The sliced brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends were exceptional. I wasn’t about to sacrifice any of it just because I was full. It was worth packing the leftovers on ice until I could get them home to Wichita to share with others.
Quentin’s BBQ is so popular that they’ve since opened in a restaurant located at the same site as Ten & Two Coffee and The Fuel House. If the dining room is full, take your specialty sandwich or meaty meal outdoors to enjoy on the patio. Afterward, play a lawn game or head inside the complex for dessert at Olde Mill Ice Cream.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Bonner Springs blew my socks off. From the attractions to the shopping and delicious meals, I loved visiting the area. With almost a dozen boutiques located in the historic downtown area, I’ll return to do more shopping. Besides, the people were incredibly kind and I want to see them again.


For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.
The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.
It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.














































