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Essential Stops in Kansas City, Kansas

December 21, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Kansas City, Kansas is a go-to destination for culturally diverse attractions, big-city shopping, and restaurants worthy of the all-star status. At the final stop on my Kansas I-70 road trip, I was eager to search out the top things to do in the city.

BREAKFAST

HANA’S DONUTS

Hana’s Donuts (2131 S. 34th St.) is tucked away in a neighborhood just waiting to be discovered by donut die-hards. Entering the parking lot, I saw one customer after another exit with boxes of goodies. The smell of donuts filled the air.

Inside, a family with several kids ordered a big box of donuts. Each child pointed at their choice. “I want the one with sprinkles!” the youngest boy exclaimed. Before their order was complete, the dad added “and a dozen of the cinnamon bites, please.”

The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old fashion crullers.

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!

When you visit Hana’s Donuts, order a dozen donuts and save 10%. Don’t leave without adding a few cinnamon bites to the bag for good measure. With only one table inside the bakery, customers often take their order to go. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, check the bakery’s hours before making a trip.

LODGING

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT KANSAS CITY AT THE LEGENDS

Located across the parking lot from some of the best shopping in the area, Residence Inn by Marriott Kansas City at The Legends (1843 Village West Pkwy) provides all of the comforts want from a hotel and more because it’s designed for the extended-stay traveler. They offer studio, one and two-bedroom suites.

My one-bedroom suite was bigger than some of my college apartments. The layout was incredible! Unlike typical hotel rooms, this one had a full kitchen with large appliances, a living room with a workstation, a separate bedroom with a full closet, and an oversized bathroom. After months on the road traveling to Kansas towns, I was happy to discover a hotel room that felt like home. 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 the website.

ATTRACTIONS

LEGENDS OUTLETS KANSAS CITY

Did you know that Legends Outlets Kansas City is one of the state’s top tourist attractions? People drive from miles around to shop brand-name stores for mega-deals in the area known as Village West. Adidas, Ann Taylor, Nike, and Under Armour are a small sampling of the store you can expect. With over 100 outlets, retail shops, and dining options, it’s no wonder the Legends Outlets is always buzzing with people.

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.

The 45-foot Christmas tree is synchronized to music. Covered in 2,000 ornaments and colorful lights, it’s the center showpiece during the holiday season.

CABELA’S 

Shopping at Cabela’s (10300 Cabela Dr.) is an adventure for the entire family. Heck, even the family dog is welcomed in the store. Located a short driving distance from the outlet mall, Cabella’s carries gear, cookware, and clothing for those who like to spend time outdoors.

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.

Walking through the store is like going on a safari. Side rooms showcase towering elephants flanked by big cats and antelope. A pedestrian bridge in the store covers a pond of koi fish at the base of an indoor waterfall. Kids love identifying fish at the oversized aquarium. Couples stop to take selfies with statuesque animals.

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 Facebook page for more information before planning your visit.

HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY

The sound of the slot machines and the dealers calling cards entices visitors to try their luck at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway (777 Hollywood Casino Blvd). Gamblers sit in front of 2,000 reel and video slot machines hoping for a jackpot.

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?

LUNCH

EL TORO LOCO MEXICAN BAR & GRILL

It was lunchtime and because I was hanging around The Legends Outlets area, I decided to give El Toro Loco (1706 Village Park West) a try. Specializing in street tacos, tamales, and other Mexican dishes, it’s a ideal choice for tourists who need a break from shopping.

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!).

If you’re planning a visit to the area, take a look at the restaurant’s Facebook page for advertised promotions on menu selections like Taco and Margarita Tuesday when hard shell tacos are 99 cents and jumbo margaritas are $4.99.

ATTRACTIONS

ROWE RIDGE VINEYARD & WINERY

As a Kansan, I’m still amazed that the state produces incredible wine considering the extreme weather we often experience in the Midwest. I was impressed with Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery (11255 Leavenworth Rd), a five-minute drive from my lunch stop. The tasting room offers vino enthusiasts a chance to sample flights of a large selection of wines (6 wines + logo glass $8).

Located on 10 acres, the tasting room is open Thursday-Sunday from 12pm-5pm or by appointment. Marc and Pame Rowe have operated the vineyard since 2005 and depend on volunteers to help them harvest grapes from over 3,000 vines. The first vineyard in Wyandotte County, they produce 9 varieties of hybrid and American native grapes.

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 here.

DOWNTOWN AVENUE OF MURALS

The Kansas City metro area is known for its many murals. Each street art creation tells a story, and the ones I located downtown aka “Avenue of Murals” celebrate the history and culture unique to the area. Over 30 high school students were involved in the creation of some of them.

El Baile de la Vida (826 Minnesota Ave.) pictured below shows dancers in costumes representing 19 states. Look closely and you will recognize images of Mexican culture from Day of the Dead skeletons to La Virgen de Guadalupe.

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 this link. While you’re in the downtown area, consider dining along the city’s famous Taco Trail. There are 28 restaurants alone in the downtown corridor. Locals highly recommend Bonito Michoacan (1150 Minnesota Ave).

DINNER

My day of exploring Kansas City was coming to an end, but not before I made the drive to a restaurant locals consider one of the best in the city, Slap’s BBQ (533 Central Ave.). It seemed like everyone I knew had eaten there but me, so my visit was overdue.

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 I told the employee it was my first time at Slap’s BBQ, they added a pork rib to my dinner. “It’s one of our best meats, and you need to try it,” he said. Along with my burnt ends, I took his advice and ordered side dish helpings of baked potato casserole and bacon mac-n-cheese.

When in Kansas City, you simply must eat at Slap’s BBQ. Their award-winning barbecue continues to earn top honors at competitions. If that isn’t convincing enough then, the line winding out the door made up of out-of-towners and locals is proof enough. My meal was beyond delicious and I’ll most definitely be back to the Strawberry Hill neighborhood the next chance I get.

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.

The next time I’m in the area, I plan to check out the historic farmstead Grinter Place, Cedar Hill Family Orchard, and if I get over my free of heights, Zip KC. Anyone want to join me?

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: barbecue, bbq, burnt ends, Cabella's, casino, donuts, doughnuts, Kansas, Kansas City, KCK, legends, Lewis & Clark, mexican, movie theater, murals, outdoor, outlet mall, retail, shopping, speedway, Strawberry Hill, street art, Taco Trail, tacos, urban, winery, Wynadotte

Plan a Bucket List Trip to Pittsburg, Kansas

August 3, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 7 Comments

Disclosure: Crawford County, Kansas sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me. 

Around almost every bend of Kansas road, there is a destination waiting to be discovered. Pittsburg is the home to outdoor recreation, appetizing dining, and remarkable shopping. During our visit, we found ourselves loving it all from hip hangouts to rave-worthy restaurants. It’s the kind of town that the longer you spend visiting, the more you could see yourself returning to it.

LODGING

HAMPTON INN & SUITES

I love staying at a Hampton Inn & Suites (1285 U.S. 69 Highway) because it’s the next best thing to home. The staff goes above and beyond to make sure that guests feel comfortable fulfilling requests (late checkout, anyone?) and always offer a cold beverage at the front desk.

We were traveling with our senior dog, so we asked for a ground-level room. The friendly concierge was more than accommodating. In fact, every time I passed a hotel employee, they acknowledged me with a smile. Those small actions make a hotel stay worth repeating.

hotel lobby lounge

Our room was spacious, modern in style, and clean. Upon dropping our bags, I exclaimed, “Hello, Pittsburg! What a nice room!” It came with a large kitchen with a full-size refrigerator. The open concept led to a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, sofa bed, and a dining area. A separate space, the bedroom was larger than most and featured a plush king-size bed, desk, and another TV.

Having stayed in a lot of hotels, I appreciate a room with black-out shades that allow me to catch up on sleep after a long day of traveling. I highly recommend booking the King Room with Sofa Bed and Refrigerator when reserving accommodations at the hotel.

hotel bedroom

When not relaxing in the room, we enjoyed access to the indoor pool, outdoor lounge (great place to watch the sunset), complimentary breakfast, free WiFi, fitness center, free parking, and nearby Kansas Crossing Casino. The hotel was only a short drive from the center of town.

complimentary breakfast

DINNER

PICHLER’S CHICKEN ANNIES

The battle over the best chicken dinner in Pittsburg is a long-running one. A visit to one of the six chicken houses in the “Fried Chicken Capital of Kansas” is essential to experience Pittsburg. Crawford County is so famous for its chicken meals that it was featured on Travel Channel’s “Food Wars” and earned the 8 Wonders of Kansas! Cuisine honors.

pichler's chicken annie's

How did this area of Kansas become famous for its wholesome meal? Fried chicken houses opened to serve miners who needed an inexpensive and hearty meal. Rumors still circulate that Chicken Annie and Chicken Mary were sisters with an ongoing competition for the best chicken. False! They were not related. It was Ann Pichler who started the fried chicken frenzy in the county. The grandson of Ann Pichler and the granddaughter of Mary Zerngast started Pichler’s, thus it was two families coming together to create one chicken restaurant.

fried chicken dinner

So, of course, we chose to dine at Pichler’s Chicken Annies (1271 S. 220th St.) across the street from our hotel. Open since 1970, the multi-generational family-owned business considers itself the “chicken eaters’ paradise.” We ordered the family meal for two which came with five pieces of fried chicken, spaghetti, garlic slaw, German potato salad, and a basket of sliced white bread for $25. It was more than enough food for two people. Bring your appetite when dining at any of the chicken houses. They’re known for large portions. You can view the restaurants’ locations and learn the history of the fried chicken houses here.

BREAKFAST

SIGNET COFFEE

“Friends Don’t Let Friends Drink Bad Coffee” is the motto of Signet Coffee Roasters‘ owners, Dennis and Leah. The interesting part of their story, which I still can’t get over, is that they were not “coffee lovers” for much of their adult life. In fact, they admit that they didn’t know a good cup of coffee until they had one in Minnesota. It didn’t take long before they were hooked on quality coffee that came from roasted coffee beans. 

coffee shop lounge

Eventually, they moved to Pittsburg to join family members in the area. The couple renovated an old building on Broadway Street in Pittsburg and brought it back to life, a labor of love. They spent almost every waking hour exposing brick walls, upgrading the flooring, and adding beautiful finishes. Today, plants, mercury bulb pendant lights, and bags of coffee beans set the scene. Regulars often gather at oversized tables to discuss the latest local news over warm cups of coffee.

Coffee and Scone

You know, I visit a lot of coffee shops when on the road, but I’ve never had such warm reception. Dennis and Leah made me feel like a local, a regular coffee shop visitor. They took the time to talk to me about their love of coffee and baking.

I have to admit. The homemade Caramel Latte and Cranberry Orange scone were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. The scone wasn’t dry or tasteless like so many I’ve had before. It was moist with big chunks of cranberry and a light orange flavor. And don’t get me started don’t the coffee! I regret not ordering a larger size. Plan your visit to Signet Coffee Roasters (109 N. Broadway), it’s the best place to start your day when in Pittsburg.

signet coffee pittsburg kansas

SHOPPING

FARMERS MARKET

I was fueled up on coffee and friendship and ready to drive to the Pittsburg Farmers Market (119 E. 11 Street) to shop for fresh produce. There, I met Brian and Elizabeth, owners of The Radish Ranch. They drove down from Liberal, Missouri to peddle huge tomatoes and more. I couldn’t resist buying a $5 box of giant “slicers.” The best part of my visit to the farmers market was exchanging stories with Elizabeth about the trials and tribulations of gardening. We related about extreme Midwest climates, fast-growing plants, and the reward of harvesting tomatoes. Unlike my raised bed operation at home, The Radish Ranch is expansive with 350+ plants producing tomatoes this year.

Just beyond their table, I viewed vendors selling vacuumed sealed cuts of meat, fresh baked goods, and home decor. Open on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm and Wednesdays from 4 pm-6 pm, the farmers market is a must-stop when in Pittsburg. Think of all the salsa you can make from fresh tomatoes.

farmers market Pittsburg Kansas

SONDER & CO.

When I learn about a female-owned business that puts the community first, I’m there. Sonder & Co. (410 N. Broadway St.) supports local artisans, supplies earth-friendly goods, and stocks apparel, hilarious mugs, and more.

sonder & co.

Brittan and Kailey met in college and decided to open the store in the spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity. It was obvious from the items on display that the owners individually selected their inventory and all of it was purchase-worthy. I wanted the Midwest-themed apparel, the comical cups, and one of each of the handcrafted gifts.

The owners are building a collaborative community inside Sonder & Co. and I liked everything about it. I suggest you visit their Instagram page to see more of what they carry in stock – some of it is available for online purchase.

towels

MINERS + MONROE

By far the coolest store in Pittsburg, Miners + Monroe (214 S. Broadway St.) is a men’s store that sells quality clothing, accessories, and Americana home decor. It took me about five minutes inside the store before I noticed a framed poster on the wall signed by one of my favorite musicians, Ryan Bingham. I was in love.

Miners + Monroe

From floor to ceiling, Miners + Monroe was stocked with guy-worthy clothing, leather belts, footwear, candles, vinyl records, and artwork. Interestingly, the men’s boutique didn’t feel like a retail store. It felt as though I had stepped into someone’s artfully designed living room that just happened to have tables of denim jeans and graphic tees. It was at that moment that I said out loud to Michael, the store’s employee, “Man I wish I was a dude!” The candles smelled of manly scents like Gunpowder and Oxford Tweed. It was all so very cool.

miners + monroe store

After we swapped stories about our favorite bands, I learned that the store’s owners, Davey and Kim, may have plans to expand to include a live music stage in the back of the store. If true, I’ll definitely plan my next trip to Pittsburg around their event schedule. Either way, Miners + Monroe won me over. It’s the kind of store every woman wishes her man shopped at and the kind every guy wishes he could buy everything from. For the quality and selection of goods, the prices were reasonable.

miners + monroe shirts

PARADISE MALL ANTIQUES

Nearby, I spotted Paradise Mall Antiques (105 S. Broadway St.). Once inside, it was obvious that it was given the name for being a picker’s paradise. The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.

After spending the summer visiting antique stores, this warehouse got my attention for its size and variety of items. I think it’s fun to peruse the booths looking for items from my childhood. Should I have bought the Strawberry Shortcake drinking glasses that I once owned in my youth? Probably.

As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.

antiques

EMBELLISH BOUTIQUE

Embellish Boutique (123 N. Broadway) carries a little bit of everything catering to female shoppers. Modern farmhouse decor, baby gifts, women’s jewelry, shoes, and apparel make up most of the store’s inventory. I witnessed the staff happily helping shoppers find great deals on denim jeans and printed tops.

Keep your eyes peeled on their Facebook page to learn about upcoming sales – like the downtown Sidewalk Sale they were having during my visit. In business six years, Embellish Boutique is easily one of the best places for women to shop in Pittsburg.

BOOKS AND BURROW

If there is an independent bookstore in a town, I’m bound to find it. Opened less than a year, Books & Burrow ( 212 S. Broadway) sells hardcover and paperback reads in a comfortable setting. It is the only store like it in town selling new books. The owners were inspired to open the bookstore by their daughter an avid reader.

Interestingly, the owners are dedicated to highlighting Indigenous authors and stories as they are proud members of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. Besides books, the store also sells gifts for readers and non-readers alike. Check out their event schedule here.

Books & Burrow

LUNCH

DROP THE H BREWING COMPANY

Some breweries are only great a beer-making and fail at food. Drop the H Brewing Company (107 E. Rose St.) nails both. The one-of-a-kind brewery’s restaurant owners, Mark and Cathy, have provided Pittsburg with a go-to spot for delicious craft beer and pizza. Originally named after Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the town of Pittsburg, Kansas dropped the H in the late 1800s.

Drop the H Brewing Company

Drop the H Brewing Company’s rotating taps, craft cocktails, and wood-fired pizza keeps patrons craving more. The staff is willing to provide a few samples of beer so you can try the likes of Dorada Pampeana or Rose Street Red Ale. Another plus? If you’re not a beer drinker, they usually have a cocktail drink special worth asking about.

Drop the H Brewing Company

We sipped on Langdon’s Lager and the Belgian Wit during the lunch hour. With the kitchen in sight, it was time to order pizza. Our server told us that the most popular specialty pizza on the menu (they serve nine varieties) is the Drop The Piggy! The homemade crust and sauce were surprisingly good reminiscent of the pies we dine on when in New York. The large pizza was covered in Canadian bacon, pepperoni, Italian sausage, and traditional bacon. Loving every bite and not wanting to leave a morsel behind, we asked for a to-go box.

Later, the manager gave us a private tour of the brewing equipment. Drop the H Brewing Company’s quality beer and pizza competes with the best. In fact, it received Best New Restaurant and Best Pizza locally as reported in the Pittsburg newspaper, The Morning Sun. Do yourself a favor and enjoy a pint and a pie at Drop the H Brewing Company.

ATTRACTIONS

KANSAS CROSSING CASINO

If you’re feeling lucky or simply can’t resist the slots, Kansas Crossing Casino (1275 S. Highway 69) is your ticket to a good time. The casino floor is brightly lit with dozens of slot machines surrounding blackjack and craps tables. On the weekend, they host live music above the casino floor. Bronco Bar offers signature cocktails and Two Brothers Mining Co. serves up big-sized portions of menu favorites. Ask about the Brutus Buster Challenge.

casino

MURALS & SCULPTURE TOUR

Pittsburg has a legacy of namesakes that made the town’s success in the coal mining industry possible. The town sits on a coal bed. The work was dangerous and lives were lost. Today, the Miners Memorial (200 W. Walnut St.) honors their sacrifice. Granite monuments are inscribed with the names of individuals who worked the Pittsburg-Weir coalfields.

Miners Monument

coal bucket

We also discovered other sculptures of note in town including two on the Pittsburg State University campus. The Night Song Sculpture (E. Cleveland Ave.) is a bronze sculpture of a Native American playing flute designed by Joe Beeler. It sits not far from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center. Note: You will see gorillas everywhere on campus and around town since PSU is “Home to the Gorillas.”

sculpture

bronze sculpture

On the hunt for some of the town’s colorful murals, I spotted one that I felt conveyed the town’s love of all things Pittsburg. The postcard greeting (4th & Pine) is eye-catching and hard to miss. To map a public art and go on a self-guided mural tour, check out the chamber’s website.

FUN DEPOT ZONE

A family-friendly event venue. Fun Depot Zone (104 N. Locust St.) was preparing for a Back 2 School Block Party Bash the day of our visit. It is the place to take your kids to burn off energy. The one-time historical train depot is now the home base for games, concessions, bouncy houses, pop-a-shot basketball, and a 28″ climbing wall. I spied a Ms. Pacman arcade game in the corner with my name written all over it. Kids of all ages would enjoy the Fun Depot Zone.

Fun Zone Depot

The entertainment center is open to the public when it is not reserved for birthday parties and special events. Plan your visit Thursday-Saturday 11am-3pm & 4pm-8pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm. Parents can park for free on the north side of the building. View admission rates are viewable here.

Fun Zone Depot

SCHLANGER PARK DISC GOLF COURSE

Exploring the outdoors is made more fun at Schlanger Park (725 E. 4th St.). The home of a disc golf course, dog park, playground, and splash pad, it provides hours of entertainment for the entire family. If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3. Are you ready for a game?

disc golf

DINNER

BRICK + MORTAR

Before heading home, we had to make one last stop. It was a building that caught our eye and so we peered through its windows only to discover a restaurant with just the kind of ambiance we appreciate, Brick + Mortar Social House (401 N. Broadway). The gastropub’s interior was impeccably decorated with navy blue booths, gold finishes, and a large horseshoe-shaped marble bar.

Brick + Mortar French Dip Sandwich

Our bartender treated us to a few samples of craft beer (they have over 25 on tap). Eventually settling on Midwest beers, we split the Prime Rib French Dip sandwich and parmesan fries for an early dinner. The quality of food and drink at Brick + Mortar is high-end, but the menu prices are shockingly affordable. I’m glad we took a chance on a restaurant that wasn’t on our itinerary. It turned out to be one of my favorite stops in Pittsburg.

If you haven’t traveled to Pittsburg, you need to see discover why it’s considered one of the notable places on the Kansas map. With a concentration of fun destinations and excellent dining, you’ll most likely wish you had planned for more time while in town. Take it from me, Pittsburg is one fun town. It continues to evolve to include the best in shopping, entertainment, and lodging accommodations. When will you visit?

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: brewery, casino, chicken, coffee shop, college, Crawford, farmers market, gorilla, hampton inn, Kansas, Midwest, mural, Pittsburg, Pittsburg State University, pizza, sculpture, Southeast Kansas, Southeastern Kansas, street art

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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