Travel Destinations & Culinary Adventures

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Wichita Candy Shops To Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

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As a Wichita native, I’ve visited each of the following candy shops and can vouch for their remarkable inventory of handcrafted chocolates and retro candy brands. Each one is unique. While all of the retail stores sell candy, some also stock gift-worthy merchandise.

Whether you’re shopping for others or need to satisfy your sweet tooth, these five Wichita candy shops deserve to be visited.

The Nifty Nuthouse

Wichita Candy Shops To Indulge Your Sweet Tooth

Nifty Nut House

Anyone with a sweet tooth or salty craving will tell you that the best place to stock up on snacks is at the Nifty Nut House. You can grab a basket to fill up with a heap of goodies, ranging from nuts, dried fruits, dummies, and nostalgic candy. They have a vast selection of packaged candy you’ll likely remember from childhood.

PRO TIP: The Jelly Belly® wall of flavors is worth the trip alone.

The Farris Wheel Candy Co.

USA Today ranked The Farris Wheel Candy Co. as one of the top five candy shops in the nation. The family-owned and operated sweets shop is located in a shopping center on Wichita’s east side and sells fine chocolates, gummy candies, toffee bits, and seasonal candies.

PRO TIP: Build your six-pack of pop to gift a friend or co-worker.

Cocoa Dolce

The smell of fine chocolate permeates the air at Cocoa Dolce, where candy connoisseurs can select from various flavors from beneath a glass counter. Order a barista-prepared specialty coffee to pair with hand-selected chocolates or indulge in macarons or a cookie.

PRO TIP: Some people need to realize the candy shop also serves gelato. Ask for a sample.

Cocoa Dolce

Rocket Fizz

Walking into Rocket Fizz transports you to your childhood. The independently owned franchise store in The Village at Greenwich carries hundreds of vintage candy brands and bottled soda pop flavors. It is ideal for creating a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.

PRO TIP: The store is a great place to shop for toys, making giving holiday gifts easy.

Sweet ‘n Saucy

If you like selecting from dozens of bulk candy bins, visit Sweet ‘ Saucy in the Historic Delano neighborhood. Their inventory also includes over 350 bottles of hot sauces and over 300 bottles of craft sodas. Bonus! Walk to the rear of the store to peruse walls adorned with socks with fun designs.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss the display of stickers and Wichita-centric merchandise.

Sock Wall

Bonus Candy Counter Worth Visiting

Although The Spice Merchant is known for their inventory of coffee, tea, and gourmet jarred condiments, they also have a small selection of fine chocolates near the register.

This list consists of stores I’ve shopped; however, I suspect you probably know of another Wichita candy shop I should visit as well. If so, leave your suggestions in the comments.

Recommendable Candy Shops Beyond Wichita I Recommend

In Lawrence, visit Squishington’s Candy Shop, Mass Street Soda, & Sweets, and Brits (imported European candy). I never miss a chance to select truffles at Sweet Granada when visiting Emporia. The Russell Stover Chocolates retail shop in Abilene is a candy lovers heaven.

Candy

 

The Best Way to Spend a Day in Lindsborg, Kansas aka “Little Sweden”

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Disclosure: Visit Lindsborg sponsored this post, however, all opinions and photos are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.

Välkommen to “Little Sweden” in Lindsborg, Kansas. The charming town is home to educators, artists, and business owners who celebrate their Swedish ancestry.

Only an hour’s drive from Wichita, it makes an ideal day trip for travel enthusiasts who want to experience a picturesque small town with plenty of things to do from dining to exploring art galleries to shopping.

Lindsborg Kansas Main Street

DINING

Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery

Considering arriving in Lindsborg in the morning? Grab something tasty to eat and drink at Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery (122 N. Main St.) You’ll appreciate their freshly roasted coffee while seated inside the authentic, renovated blacksmith shop. During my visit, I tried the popular breakfast casserole and the biscuits and gravy. I recommend asking for a side of lingonberry applesauce — it’s delicious! (Lingonberries are a mountain cranberry in Scandinavia.)

The historic building is the oldest standing building in Lindsborg dating back to 1874. Opened as a roastery and coffee shop in 2017, it continues to serve visitors a scratch-made breakfast menu and seed-to-cup coffee. You’ll love the building’s original architecture and historical design from its brick-exposed walls to the industrial finishes. How many blacksmith tools will you spot during your visit? View their hours and plan your visit here.

Blacksmith's Coffee Shop & Roastery

350 Degrees Bakery

Freshly baked goodies await your arrival at 350 Degrees Bakery (118 S. Main). It is hard to choose between cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, and Swedish Kringler, a flaky puffed pastry. The Swedish specialties sell out quickly so plan to visit before the lunch hour. I recommend buying a bag of Rusk, which are pieces of cinnamon rolls double-baked to yummy goodness. They’re perfect for dunking into your coffee.

White Peacock Coffee & Tea Company

The best place to stop to quench your thirst while perusing Main Street’s shops is White Peacock Coffee & Tea Company (124 S Main). Don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting in line at this popular spot. Visitors love their Sparkling Blackberry & Lavender Lemonade. They also serve light meals such as the Meaty Swede Bagel and Swedish Pancakes.

Crown & Rye

The Crown & Rye (121 N. Main) has been serving great food ranging from traditional Swedish dishes to burgers and salads to Lindsborg residents and visitors for years. It’s the best place to stop for lunch during a day trip to Lindsborg.

I ordered the Beef Focaccia sandwich with a side of tomato basil soup. I also recommend the Berry Salad, an iceberg and romaine salad topped with fresh berries, goat cheese, and the house vinaigrette. Everything they serve is delicious. Save room for dessert because they serve a long list of favorites.

PRO TIP: Plan your visit accordingly because the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Crown & Rye

SHOPPING

Main Street

Lindsborg’s downtown district includes a number of artisan shops and boutiques. I enjoyed visiting Anderson Butik Scandanavian where I purchased a jar of Swedish Lingonberry Preserves. I also suggest stepping inside Trollslända Toy Store, The Good Merchant, and the Lindsborg Community Library’s Used Book Store.

If you’re looking for Swedish candy and cookies, drive to White’s Foodliner and look for the section marked with Swedish flags. I came home with delicious Swedish potato sausage that I highly recommend. View more shopping options here.

Swedish Candy

ART & CULTURE

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery

A visit to Lindsborg isn’t complete without touring the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery (401 N. First St.) on the Bethany College campus. Born in Sweden, Sandzén exhibited over 170 shows in Kansas and promoted “art for all” when sharing his work with others. He believed in art education and gave lectures to students at his exhibitions.

As a professor at Bethany College, Sandzén was loved by his students. The world-renowned artist wanted his artwork to be accessible to public school students so he donated some of his paintings to them. A prolific painter and printmaker, he helped found the Midwest Art Exhibition, an exhibition held annually in Lindsborg. He completed nearly 3,000 paintings during his lifetime. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery exhibits his artwork year-round.

Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery

To stand in front of a breathtaking Sandzén painting is to love it. While much of his work includes Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Southwest landscapes, he also created painted still life and created portraits. Depending on the painting, you may see wide, colorful brush strokes with thick applications of paint. Other paintings highlight more controlled movements of the brush using deep, dark paint hues. While touring the museum, I also appreciated viewing the artist’s tools on display in the main gallery.

You can also see work by noteworthy, contemporary artists on display in the rotating galleries on-site. Visitors to the museum may be surprised to find that some of the rotating artwork is for sale.

Birger Sandzen Paintings

Admission to the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is free. Donations and memberships are welcomed to support the museum’s ongoing efforts to display artwork, host music concerts, and provide educational programs. Plan your visit here.

Hemslöjd

Within moments of your arrival to Lindsborg, you will notice the Dala horses that adorn the town’s sidewalks and make an appearance hanging from front porches. Prized for their usefulness on a farm and as transportation, Swedes originally carved Dala wooden horses as toys for children. They were originally made in the Dalarna region of central Sweden.

While you can find them sold in a multitude of sizes of colors today, they are typically painted in a red-orange color. As you walk Lindsborg’s business district you will discover that some of them match the business where they sit. My favorite is “Salvador Dala,” which is painted using Dali’s surrealist style.

Make sure to watch the artists at work painting the hand-carved dalas at Hemslöjd (201 N. Main St.). Guest can ask the woodworkers and painters questions or simply admire their handiwork. I was impressed with the process of carving and painting the dala horses and I know you’ll love witnessing the craft first-hand.

When touring the workshop, be sure to look up at the ceiling tiles! Guests are encouraged to leave their mark. Don’t forget to check out the retail store for Swedish gifts and Scandanavian home decor. Plan your adventure here.

Swedish Dala Horses

Small World Gallery

Some people travel to Lindsborg just to visit the Small World Gallery (127 N. Main St.). National Geographic photographer and Lindsborg resident, Jim Richardson, and his wife Kathy have operated the store since 2002.

Known for his stunning landscape photography, Richardson’s work is sold as oversized prints and cards. He will sign custom orders, so be sure to ask for his autograph. Kathy specializes in sourcing exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, handbags, scarves, and more from all over the world.

Small World Gallery

I was fortunate to be able to visit with both of them during my visit to the store. As a one-time photography teacher, we discussed his work process and his future travels to Scotland. He is incredibly approachable and loves to talk with people who stop at the shop.

Kathy also took me under her wing to talk about the jewelry on display, which includes Berglagen, a blue glass sourced from Sweden designed in sterling silver settings. Together, they give store visitors a chance to learn about places they’d love to travel to someday by way of photography and beautiful jewelry pieces.

EXPLORING

Other opportunities for exploration away from the downtown district include checking out the view from Coronado Heights, Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, Bethany Church, Red Barn Studio Museum, and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. Another fun activity to do if you have free time during your visit is to cruise the town to spot unique dalas on display.

EVENTS

Lindsborg knows how to host a party. Travelers come from all over to visit the town’s many events, including Lindsborg in Bloom, Våffeldagen, Smoky Valley Classic Car Show, and the Coronado Heights Run, to name a few.

I experienced the 60’s-inspired event, Lindsborg in Bloom, during my visit. Everyone was dressed in far-out threads to shop, listen to live music, and ate outta sight food. Kids loved the henna tattoo station and bean bag toss for prizes while the adults had their tarot cards read. As I strolled the downtown district in and out of the shops, music could be heard from a live band. It was a groovy time.

Bloom in LindsborgWhether you’re hoping to celebrate your Swedish or American heritage, Lindsborg keeps it fun for all ages year round. View upcoming events here. No matter your reason for visiting, you will have made memories and new friends. A visit to Little Sweden USA is a day well spent. I can’t wait to return.

If you’re visiting during good-weather months, consider reading 10 Outdoor Activities That Make Lindsborg, Kansas Unique.

 

 

How To Spend a Day in Hutchinson, Kansas

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The town of Hutchinson is a hidden gem located about an hour from Wichita, Kansas. Known for its history of salt mining, it is actually a pretty sweet town to visit. Just as you would expect from a quaint Midwestern town, its downtown district is lined with antique shops, eateries, and gorgeous public art.

If you’re only in town for the day, the best way to maximize your time is to start at Scuttlebutt’s at The Clayworks for a cup of coffee and a warm pastry. There are a number of coffee shops in town, but this is one is highly rated for its selection of coffee and fun atmosphere. The employees treat patrons as if they are close friends. Be sure to walk around the facility and check out the beautiful, handcrafted pottery and artisan gifts at The Clayworks. The studios and gallery are a “creative hub” for artists with disabilities. Their work is simply incredible and is available for sale in the retail store.

I was “Caught in the Act” wearing my mask at Scuttlebutt’s, so one of the employees gave me a sticker. Oh and that sour cream donut? It lasted about five seconds.

Afterward, make your way to the downtown district to make the most of your morning. Keep your camera handy as you will spot numerous public art sculptures and building murals during your walk. I thoroughly loved catching a glimpse of new murals at every turn. Hutchinson is unapologetically authentic, so it’s no surprise that the town celebrates local artists’ talent with pride.

This eye-catching mural is just one of many painted on the sides of buildings in the downtown Hutchinson district.

During a downtown stroll, you’ll stumble upon one antique shop after another. I particularly enjoyed The Toy Depot, one of 15 toy stores in the nation that only stocks vintage toys. Before I knew it, I was exclaiming with delight like a child admiring toys that I had enjoyed in my younger years. Love locomotive history or collect toy trains? Make your way to the back of the store for an immersive experience. The owner, Mark Buckley, has his personal collection of model train cars on display. Be sure to interact with the working train set by pushing its buttons.

You’ll easily work up an appetite ducking in and out of stores along Main Street. I know just the place to curb your cravings! A well-known staple for dining in Hutchinson is The Anchor Inn, a Mexican restaurant with a festive interior and a delicious menu. While I was shopping downtown, a Hutchinson resident recommended that I try the restaurant’s grapefruit margarita, a refreshing cocktail that paired well with a chimichanga dinner.

With half of the day ahead of you, there is still plenty of time to check out more of the town. I recommend driving to the Dillon Nature Center to do a little bird-watching and exploring. It’s an ideal place to take the family and children will especially love the indoor education center for its exhibits. There is no cost if you want to simply walk through the education center and adjacent gardens. The grounds have three miles of developed trails.

Afterward our walk at the nature center, we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting among locals at two of Hutchinson’s breweries. If you’re a craft beer fan, definitely make a point of sipping suds at Sandhills Brewing and Salt City Brewing, which are located a short drive from one another. Each brewery serves a long list of craft beers that appeal to every kind of beer enthusiast. I enjoyed a small batch, seasonal beer along with free popcorn while watching sports on TV at Salt City Brewing.

Speaking of bird-watching, Sandhills Brewing’s taproom is decorated with photos, murals, and references to Kansas birds — the beers are named after them! You can place your order online and pick it up or order at the counter. The small microbrewery and tasting room is a family-friendly space with some overflow seating in the adjacent private event room. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the building’s magnificent mural.

The beer menu at Salt City includes four flagship beers and a rotation of seasonal brews. Ask the bartender for a sample or two before making your selection.

No visit to Hutchinson is complete without making a stop at Smith’s Market. A downtown landmark since 1933, the store specializes in “old fashioned grocery goodness” selling fresh produce, retro candy and sodas, whimsical gifts, and a large selection of teas and coffee. This is a great place to shop for Kansas-made gourmet foods. It’s impossible to not leave with bags of fresh taffy or pastries. Make sure to dedicate time at the end of your day to cruise the aisles of Smith’s Market.

What was your favorite candy from your childhood? Smith’s Market probably carries it!

If you find yourself in Hutchinson for more than a day, I recommend you experience the town’s most well-known attraction, the Cosmosphere: International Science Center & Space Museum. This ever-popular site is ideal for families looking for a hands-on experience while learning about space. Ask about the All-Access Mission Pass that “puts the universe in your hands.”

Visitors also appreciate touring Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum where you can take an elevator 650 feet down to view where salt was mined. I suggest purchasing tickets to go on the Salt Safari Shuttle, a ride through miles of tunnels to learn more about the geological space.

No matter what you decide to do while in Hutchinson, there is something for every kind of visitor! Do you have questions about the places listed above? Ask me in the comment section below. I’d love to help you plan your visit to one of the best towns in Kansas.

 

 

 

How to Make a Christmas Dessert Board

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com. 

One of the best parts of the Christmas holiday season is all of the delightful desserts. But what do you do with all of the cookies, candies, and baked goods that people give you? Before you know it, you have bags and boxes of them on your kitchen counter.

A Christmas Dessert Board is the solution. A beautiful assortment of sweet treats, the board is the perfect way to bring winter cheer to any holiday happy hour or family gathering.

The brilliant part of assembling a Christmas dessert board is that it only requires opening packages and artfully arranging ingredients on a surface. Just as you would design a meat and cheese charcuterie board, you want to vary color, height, and textures as much as possible. I combined soft cocoa truffles alongside crunchy shortbread cookies and I let cinnamon gummy bears nestle up to a river of holiday popcorn.

Not sure what to include on your board? Use my list as a helpful shopping guide or gather your favorite sweet confections and just have a blast making your own desert board:

CHOCOLATE:

COOKIES:

NUTS:

POPCORN:

COCOA BOMBS:

  • They were a fabulous gift from a friend, but you can find them at many bakeries and gift stores.

Other items you could include chocolate spreads, mini cupcakes, assorted berries, marshmallows, or gingerbread men cookies.  However, I should warn you about something. If you leave the dessert board on your kitchen counter, you will eat from it at EVERY passing. I highly recommend you gift this Christmas Dessert Board to someone or serve it at a party unless you don’t mind the holiday weight gain. ::laughing:: I didn’t!

Christmas is about showing kindness to others and I can’t think of a better way to bring the joy of the season to someone else than by serving them a gorgeous assortment of sweet treats! I hope you enjoy your Christmas Dessert Board as much as I had making mine.

Happy Holidays, friends.

Visiting The Pioneer Woman Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma

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On a trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma my boyfriend mentioned,”Hey, do you want to stop at The Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile?” I answered, “YES!” Then, I wondered if he could read my thoughts. How did he know I already researched it and wanted to visit?

View from the stairs that lead to the bakery.

The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, located in Pawhuska, Oklahoma is more than just a general store or a simple, country retail store. It’s an experience. Complete with a restaurant and an upstairs bakery, “The Merc” attracts visitors from all over.

Having done my homework, I knew there could be a line leading from the front door and down the sidewalk but to my surprise; there were fewer than six people in line when we arrived. Maybe it was because it was a Friday at 11:15 am. Maybe it was because it was raining. Maybe it was just my lucky day. Either way, I recommend visiting even if you see a line when you pass the building.

An employee greeted everyone waiting in line with a big smile and a welcoming “How are you guys doin’?” Within minutes we were ushered inside by our hostess and led into The Deli to an oversized, distressed wood table adorned with gingham cloth napkins and menus.

You’ll love the food options, from sandwiches stacked tall with flavorful meats and veggies to hearty, big-plate dinner entrees. The food is lovely, the waitstaff is incredibly friendly, and the dining experience was terrific. Ree Drummond has put considerable effort into every detail of your experience, from the menu options to the red gingham employee shirts.

MenuAfter finishing our meal, we walked over to The Merc, and I was immediately overwhelmed with a delightful feeling that only comes from retail therapy. Another female shopper heard me say, “I’m not responsible for the amount of shopping I may or may not do in this store,” and then we giggled. My boyfriend rolled his eyes and laughed nervously as I located a shopping basket.

The retail store includes everything you can imagine, from whimsical, classic toys to leather handbags to colorful kitchenware. You’ll be hard-pressed to leave The Merc without at least buying a t-shirt or decorative plate.

Don’t forget to head upstairs to check out The Bakery. I recognized the space from an episode of The Pioneer Woman on the Food Network. Less crowded than the downstairs areas, you’ll appreciate taking the time to savor a homemade cookie or a few pieces of retro candy.You can make a day of your visit to Pawhuska. Many people make it a weekend, stay at one of the town’s bed and breakfasts, and then shop downtown. Next time, we’ll visit P-Town Pizza, another Drummond family restaurant.

Not wanting to give away too many details, this is about our time at The Merc – we had so much fun. We’ll return to The Merc (and any other businesses she decides to open) in the charming little town. I know you would enjoy the visit as well.

Have you traveled to Oklahoma? Are you a fan of The Pioneer Woman? Feel free to ask me travel questions in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Catch more of my travels posts on Instagram and Twitter.

Travel Pawhuska Oklahoma

 

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

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Have any Bah Humbugs in your house this holiday? Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are the cure!

Not only does the house fill with the smell of warm cinnamon (better than any candle – thank you), but I dare any bah humbugs to try and remain a Scrooge after sampling warm pecans from the oven! The spirit of Christmas is the secret ingredient in this recipe.

Tis the season to abandon your diet and go for the YUM!

The beauty of making this candy substitute is that the recipe is incredibly simple to make and one even the kiddos can help you with. So, throw on an apron and invite the kids into the kitchen!

Pecans or walnuts are good choices for this recipe so the sugary mixture bakes inside all of the nuts’ nooks and crannies. My walnuts were frozen in the freezer, so I used only pecans.

To make Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans preheat your oven to 300 degrees. Next, simply whisk one egg white with water and pour it over a bowl containing three cups of raw, unsalted pecans. Add the remaining ingredients, stir, and ta-da! Transfer the wet, coated pecans to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 25-28 minutes. That’s it!

After removing the pecans from the oven, let them cool before moving them from the baking sheet. The toughest part of making the pecans is not eating them while they’re warm! The pecans will be naturally clumped together because of the melted sugar coating, but that’s okay.

This is what the pecans look like as soon after they are removed from the oven and before they cool.

Once the pecans have cooled, break them up with your hands and transfer them to glass jars or Ziplock bags for simple storage. You could easily gift this dainty holiday snack by tying a ribbon around a pecan-filled mason jar and adding a gift tag! If you’re going to make a DIY foodie gift, make this one! It’s a guaranteed win and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare.

Send holiday dinner party guests home with a gift – jarred cinnamon sugar pecans. They’ll love you for it!

Candied pecans also make a delicious addition to any salad or as a yogurt mix-in. I served Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans to guests in place of a heavy dessert. Rather than eating a rich dessert after our steak dinner, we enjoyed hot coffee and handfuls of sweet pecans!

Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans

One Delightful Life
As a snack, dessert replacement or on a salad, Baked Cinnamon Sugar Pecans are delectable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 3 cups

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups raw unsalted pecans
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 T. water
  • 1/2 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar packed
  • 1 T. cinnamon
  • large pinch Kosher salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat over to 300 degrees.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Whisk egg white with the water in a small bowl until foamy.
  • Pour egg white mixture on pecans in a large bowl and stir until pecans are well coated.
  • Combine remaining ingredients in separate large bowl. Then, add sugar mixture to pecans.
  • Stir pecans until the sugar mixture evenly coats the nuts.
  • Transfer pecans to the baking sheet and spread them until almost flat.
  • Bake at 300 degrees for 25-28 minutes. (Check them at 25 minutes.)
  • Remove from oven and allow pecans to cool completely before transferring to storage containers.

Notes

I did not stir the pecans half-way through baking, but you can.

 

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