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7 Ways To Explore Culture in Kansas City, Kansas

November 17, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Visit Kansas City Kansas sponsored this post in partnership with Midwest Travel Network. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Kansas City, Kansas, offers visitors an abundance of cultural experiences because of its diverse community. Immigrants journeyed to the heart of America, looking for a future for themselves and their families. The city’s cultural traditions and food scene are rich with heritage. Plan an overnight stay to take advantage of authentic experiences, from following The Legacy Trail to feasting on flavorful food.

I visited the city with a group of travel writers to the area to experience the city’s culture first-hand. How many of the following experiences will you check off the list?

mural

1. VOLER – THIEVES OF FLIGHT

If you’ve witnessed aerial acrobatics and wondered if you were capable of such feats, Voler – Thieves of Flight (558 Lowell Ave.) is your chance to find out. Part of the Eastern European Journey, the academy teaches students a combination of aerial dance and acrobatics using ceiling-suspended silks. Located in a one-time Russian Orthodox Church, instructors guide students step-by-step through maneuvers to lift themselves into the air.

voler instructor
The facility was once a Greek Orthodox women’s church with a speakeasy in the basement that served vodka.
voler
Members of our group listen to the instructor walk them through the steps of aerial acrobatics. “The weight of your leg will carry you over if you let it.”

Although I had to sit out during the class, I watched as my travel friends warmed up by stretching and conducting breathing exercises. Soon, they were standing with colorful silk fabric in hand learning the basics of foot locks and climbing. It was a major test of strength and flexibility.

Do you think you’ve got what it takes to test your balance and core strength? Voler – Thieves of Flight Voler offers private group classes and ongoing classes on a weekly basis. To sign up for an Aerial Silks session, click here.

2. VIETNAM CAFÉ

Vietnam Café (39324 Rainbow Blvd) is the story of success. The new location opened its doors on May 2022 to serve loyal customers heaping bowls of pho, curry, and rice platters. I ordered a large bowl of piping hot pho with beef without hesitation. It arrived with a side plate of Thai basil and sprouts to add to the pho at my discretion.

pho
Pho is a broth-based soup with noodles, protein, and vegetables.

Our table’s conversation was lively between bites of shared appetizers and dinner entreés. I learned that Vietnamese families represent a large portion of the community having immigrated to the area at the end of the Vietnam War. Further study taught me that Vietnamese refugees to the American Great Plains sought manufacturing or other jobs in Kansas City.

I encourage you to dine at Vietnam Café to try a food you’ve never tried while learning more about the culture. View the restaurant’s Facebook page for details.

3. Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop

I can’t think of a better way to start a day of exploring Kansas City, Kansas than dining at a locally-owned coffee shop. Oh, wait! Yes, I can. Add authentic tamales and it’s way better. Three Bees Pottery & Coffee Shop (925 Southwest Blvd) is a quaint eatery specializing in homemade meat and vegan tamales paired with gourmet coffee drinks.

three bees pottery and coffee shopIf you’ve not enjoyed tamale, you can expect shredded chicken, pork, or beef in sauce wrapped in masa inside a corn husk. The dish is representative of traditional food brought to the states by Mexican immigrant populations. Masa is a soft dough made from ground corn that takes on a slightly sweet yet savory flavor.

tamales
The new owners of Three Bees Pottery and Coffee Shop celebrated the business’s one-year anniversary in September 2022.

potteryI ordered a Dirty Horchata served hot to accompany my meal. A cinnamon vanilla rice drink with a double espresso was served in a vibrant handmade coffee cup. The interior of the cafe is visually stunning as it is filled with colorful pottery from Mexico. All of it is marked for sale, so keep your eyes peeled for a gem to take home with you.

View the coffee shop’s hours and menu via its Facebook page.

4. The Legacy Trail

Visit Kansas City created The Legacy Trail, a mapped-out journey used for self-guided audio tours throughout the city. At each location, users of the app simply tap the screen to play back narrated stories that explain the site’s cultural significance. Latino, Eastern European, Black Heritage, Indigenous People, and Modern Immigrants are referenced on the trail.

Kansas City’s agricultural roots are recognized by statues located in the city’s West Bottoms neighborhood. Stockyards Brewing Co. is a sought-after steakhouse and taproom in the area.

To access The Legacy Trail, visit this website. Complete all five journeys and you can win a KCK t-shirt and your name will be included on the KCK Legacy Trail Wall of Fame.

Our group visited the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA) (1303 Central Ave.) Anthology of Argentine Mural, and Eagles Nest. At CABA, we learned how a small staff works diligently with the help of community sponsors to support diverse and inclusive programs and events like the Day of the Dead Celebration. On the day of our visit, staff member and volunteers hurriedly prepared for the Dia De Los Muertos parade. A makeup artist was on-hand to apply face paint to Catrinas who planned to walk in the parade. day of the dead makeup artistWhen our bus stopped at the Anthology of Argentine Mural (30th & Woodland), my jaw dropped open in shock. The massive mural is a city block long and uses vivid imagery to tell the tale of the Argentine neighborhood and its history. The narrative story sets the scene complete with natural sounds like railroad trains, industrialization, and rainfall. Its imagery will give you pause and like me, may evoke an emotional response.

mural
The mural was painted by seven artists over three months.

muralWe drove to a historic two-story stone building near railroad tracks and a baseball field, which has served as the headquarters for American Legion Post 213 “Eagles Nest” since the 1940s.stone buildingThe nondescript building was constructed because the community needed a place where Latinos could gather without discrimination. In the early 1900s, it served as a Methodist mission and school. Years later, the outside of the building contrasts greatly with the interior’s design which features a sports bar where locals gather to enjoy game day.

5. Jarocho’s Pescados y Mariscos

Continue the cultural journey to a cozy spot where high-quality Mexican seafood is served, Jarocho’s (719 Kansas Ave.). You can’t miss the building’s brightly painted facade featuring murals with ocean scenes.

seafood dinner
Jarocho’s is known for serving Pacific-style Mexican seafood.

JarochoIt’s a hidden gem, or the kind of restaurant locals know and dare not tell others about because then their go-to places become crowded. Bring your appetite and prepare to be wowed by fresh seafood dishes like Shrimp Chipotle, Fire Grilled Trout, and Seafood Paella. They didn’t win Best Seafood and Best Mexican food by Feast magazine for nothing.restaurant decor

6. Day of the Dead Celebration

Dia De Los Muertos translated to Day of the Dead is a time of celebration for the Latino community in Kansas City, Kansas. The day remembers friends and family members who have died and the life they lived. In fact, the Mexican holiday dates back hundreds of years.

catrinas groupIt’s one of the most festive celebrations I’ve attended. Vendors line both sides of Central Avenue offering the best in gifts and authentic Mexican food dinners. The smell of freshly grilled meat lingers in the air.bikesAs you walk the route, you encounter live bands performing Latin pop and regional Mexican music in front of small groups of onlookers. Women dressed as Catrinas wear makeup resembling skeletons ad flowing gowns with hats or elaborate headdresses.catrinasI was asked if I wanted to ride in the parade inside a decorated bus that played authentic music (see pictured). “Yes, of course!” From the bus, we threw candy to eager children and waved at families. Dancers led our path down the street. Everyone was in good spirits laughing, eating authentic food, dancing, and singing. The festival is one you don’t want to miss.bus

7. URBAN HIKE THROUGH STRAWBERRY HILL & DOWNTOWN KCK

The following morning, our group enjoyed coffee and pastries at Splitlog Coffee Co. (548 Central Ave.) before meeting our Urban Hikes KC tour guide. The plan? To walk a 4.5-mile hike through the city’s Eastern European neighborhood along the Legacy Trail and learn about the immigrants who founded businesses and churches in the area.

Strawberry Hill Mural
This mural features Strawberry Hill’s founder, Mathias Splitlog, a Wyandotte Indian who arrived in 1843. He was an entrepreneur who established the first flour mill. Fun Fact: He spoke seven languages.

The guided tour is the best way to explore the city’s history while learning in-depth historical facts about each destination. While the route may be long, the pace is moderate and there are only a couple of steep streets – and it offers some of the best views of the Kansas City skyline.

An Urban Hikes KC tour guide discussed
JT Daniels, a local artist, painted the mural on the side of The Merc. During the urban tour, the guide addressed the difference between a “food desert” and a “food swamp.”

From Russian Hill to Strawberry Hill and downtown Kansas City to the Wyandotte Native American National Burial Ground, the guide highlights the stories of ethnic groups. It is the most effective way to learn about the city’s culture.

Why is the neighborhood called Strawberry Hill? After the great flood of 1903, residents of the area discovered strawberries growing on the hill. The fruit is also considered sacred to the Wyandotte tribe people.

A number of churches were erected during the time of European immigration to the area. St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, built in 1890, is the oldest Catholic parish in Kansas City. At present day, it is a parish that is known for its cultural diversity. A community-driven garden sits in its shadow where fruits and vegetables are grown and donated to residents.

community garden
Actor Eric Stonestreet, originally from Kansas City, donated the windmill to the project. He is best known for his appearance on the TV show, Modern Family.

I appreciate learning about the hard-working families who made the location what it is today, including the Loose Brothers who opened the Takhoma Biscuit Company. The name was updated to Sunshine Biscuit Company in 1946 and was considered the largest bakery in the city. Keebler eventually bought it, and now it is owned by Kellogg’s.

Did you know that 85% of the world’s Cheez-It crackers are produced in Kansas City?

Time permitting, you should plan extra time to take a guided tour of Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center (720 N. 4th St.) where you can learn about the ethnic groups that settled in the area. Each room of the mansion built in 1887 tells the story of the city’s earliest residents. Note: You can buy tickets to the Olde World Christmas Tour during the holidays.

St. John’s Park, across the street from the museum, has a top-notch view of the city’s skyline. Bring your dog! A grassy area is dedicated to four-legged family members.

I have no doubt that you’ll appreciate Kansas City’s traditions and food scene as much as I did. To truly get to know a place, you have to understand its history. Of course, these seven cultural experiences merely scratch the surface of Kansas City’s can’t-miss destinations. Endless learning awaits. Kansas City ViewTake a moment to downtown The Taco Trail app and The Legacy Trail app created by Visit Kansas City, Kansas prior to your visit. Let this guide and the mobile apps help you enjoy an immersive cultural tour of the city – an unforgettable experience.

If you appreciated this post, you may also want to check out a second blog post “Essential Stops in Kansas City, Kansas” that features more attractions, restaurants, and notable shopping destinations.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: aerial dance, church, culture, Day of the Dead, downtown, European, hike, history, Kansas City, Latino, Legacy Trail, mexican, Midwest, mural, pho, pottery, railroad, seafood, stockyard, Strawberry Hill, Taco Trail, tamales, urban, Vietnamese, walking tour, Wyandotte

Small Town, Big Fun: Stops You Should Make in Hays, Kansas

August 15, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 1 Comment

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

A one-time wild frontier town known for its colorful history and Volga German heritage, Hays, Kansas offers today’s visitors a glimpse into the past and modern experiences for travelers passing along KS I-70. You’re guaranteed to enjoy your stay in Hays. I discovered that there is more than enough to do. I squeezed a lot in my itinerary during an overnight stay. In fact, you may just want to spend an entire weekend touring the small town’s attractions, dining options, and historic landmarks.

Hays Mural
Mural at the Fox (1202 Main St.) is a 35’x60′ mural by local artist Dennis Schiel.

HISTORY

Founded in 1867, the railroad town was put on the map by the Union Pacific Railway Eastern Division and was named after Historic Fort Hays. The military post provided refuge for settlers and railroad workers to escape Indian resistance. The town attracted workers but as well as colorful characters who enjoyed saloons, brothels, dance halls, and gambling houses.

A couple of years later, James Butler Hickok, a skilled marksman became sheriff of Hays. He killed men in shootouts in an attempt to end the lawlessness in town. But Hickock was sheriff for only three short months. The citizens didn’t appreciate his style of law and another sheriff was chosen. In 1876, he was shot in the back of the head and killed while sitting in a South Dakota saloon playing cards by a young gunslinger, Jack McCall.

I loved walking around downtown Hays and imagining it as a lawless town. Many of the original buildings have been restored. The photo below is the historic George Philip Hardware building established in 1894 located at 719 Main Street. Over the years, the structure has been a general store, public land office, and the Hays Free Press. The limestone building now houses a dress boutique shop.

Historic Hays

The Wiesner’s Department Store building is now the Be Made Mercantile in The Bricks of Downtown Hays area. A mix of specialty shops, offices, and restaurants now occupy many of the historic buildings brought back to their beautiful beginnings with thoughtful restoration. The downtown corridor is a treasure. It was named “Most Beautiful Main Street in Kansas” by MSN.

LODGING

HILTON GARDEN INN AND CONVENTION CENTER

The Hilton Garden Inn and Convention Center‘s (221 W. 43rd St.) modern style and unexpected luxury surprised me considering its reasonable rate. It’s consistently ranked high on hotel rating websites. While I’m sure there are a number of respectable hotels to stay at when in Hays, I highly recommend booking your overnight accommodations here.

The 100-room hotel features a restaurant and bar, indoor pool, fitness room, and free parking. I was shocked at the size of my room. It was larger than some of my college apartments. I had ample space to spread out my work gear and plug in all of my gadgets. The TV provided streaming channel options. I suggest that you bring your Netflix and YouTube credentials with you to make logging into your platforms a breeze. You’ll also appreciate the in-room coffeemaker and tea station.

Hays, Kansas hotel

Hotel Room Bar

Hilton Garden Inn is one of those hotels that you look back at the sign as you’re leaving and think “I want to stay here again.” It’s modern, spacious, clean, and has a long list of awesome amenities. A pet-friendly hotel, I feel good knowing that the next time I visit, I can bring my four-legged family member with me during my return trip to Hays.

HAYS ATTRACTIONS

STERNBERG MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

When in Hays, you must visit Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History (3000 Sternberg Drive). I can tell you first-hand that it’s no ordinary attraction. The collections are impressive in size and quality. They focus on evolutionary science with an emphasis on the Great Plains. Fossils, rocks and minerals, dinosaur bones, and more make touring the exhibits a treat for visitors of all ages. As a native Kansan, I loved that a considerable amount of the collections’ artifacts were found in the Sunflower State.

The geology specimens will rock your world. You’ll love walking through and looking into glass-encased exhibits at colorful rocks, minerals, and crystals. The exhibits help you better understand three distinct geologic eras. I was wowed by their beauty and historical significance. Perhaps you’ve seen geodes and rocks before, but never the size and color of the ones on exhibit at Sternberg.

The museum’s paleontology area allows visitors to get an up-close view of animatronic dinosaurs, prehistoric animals, sea swimming creatures, and fish that lived in Kansas over 80 million years ago. It was a different world when the seas flooded North America. The museum’s exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the past.

As an adult, I appreciated the “A Look Inside” collection of x-rays of animals. Scientists use the images to look at the skeletons of animal specimens that lived millions of years ago. Before leaving this area of the museum, make sure you observe the freshwater creatures swimming in aquariums. The live tortoise exhibit is also worthy of a look. Did you know a tortoise’s leg is similar to an elephant’s? Fun facts like these are on display throughout the center.

Kids will love the Discovery Room for its hands-on activities. The space also has rows of enclosed aquariums featuring live snakes, frogs, and spiders. In another area of the museum, the Fossil Dig Site gives children the chance to unearth dinosaur “bones.” 

prehistoric creatures

dinosaur

A major draw of the museum is its collection of fossils found in the Great Plains, which largely exists because of the work of Charles H. Sternberg. He collected fossils in Kansas starting in 1867. Today, his family’s fossil collection includes more than 400,000 vertebrate and invertebrate specimens. You can also tour rooms stocked with plant fossils. Sternberg amassed a large collection of world-famous fossils like the Tylosaurus marine lizard pictured below.

An extraordinary place, the museum has won the Best of the Best Official People’s Choice Award as a local tourism attraction. It truly is worthy of a visit.

ELLIS COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Another major attraction for visitors to Hays is the Ellis County Historical Museum (111 East 30th St.). Actually, it’s more of a campus rather than a single museum. You can request a tour of the Volga German Haus and Fire Museum on location. The limestone and brick churches are no longer open to the public, however, you can still view their detailed architecture.

What do you consider when admiring the architecture of another time? I think it tells a story. Many of the buildings in Hays were constructed with limestone, a material that is prevalent in the area. The residents worked hard to erect the buildings that stand today.

Ellis County Historical Society

HISTORIC CHURCHES OF ELLIS COUNTY

To understand Hays as a community, it’s necessary to get to know its German heritage. The settlers who chose Ellis County as their home brought with them Roman Catholic influences. The ten churches in Hays and the surrounding area are exceptionally tall with Gothic-style architectural details. If you’re interested in taking a self-guided Historic Churches Tour, you can download the brochure here or contact the Hays Welcome Center for details.

I made a stop outside of Hays in Victoria, Kansas to gaze upon “The Cathedral of the Plains” aka The Basilica of St. Fidelis (900 Cathedral Ave.) It is so massive that you can see it in the distance when driving on KS I-70. The Roman Catholic church is built in the shape of a cross and its entrance faces west. Adorned with two towers that reach 141′ tall, it seats over a thousand people making it the largest church west of the Mississippi. It’s also considered one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. I was awe-inspired by its majestic beauty.

KSU AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTER

I never thought I’d learn so much about Kansas farming and ranching until touring the KSU Agricultural Research Center (1232 240th Ave.). It gave me a humbled appreciation and better understanding of the work that goes into producing a successful harvest or cattle herd.

Greeted by a welcoming employee, he volunteered to take me on a private tour of the grounds. He told me about the work Kansas State University is doing there. It’s more than a farm – it’s a science lab. I learned that their lab research makes it possible to improve and innovate traditional farming methods.

Because of their lab testing and research, rural farmers know how to improve their methods resulting in a better harvest or herd. From cattle nutrition to land management and plant pathology to entomology, the folks at the center work year-round to learn from nature. In fact, it was at the KSU Agricultural Research Center that many of the biggest contributions to the science of farming have taken place. The use of ultrasound information at the center helped scientists learn more about beef marbling, which led to the USDA’s grading system for quality.

You don’t have to be a farmer to appreciate the work the KSU team is doing. Even as a novice gardener, I walked away having learned more about working the land and how it benefits us all. You’ll find the tour fascinating. You don’t have to schedule a tour and can stop by anytime during their office hours.

PETE FELTEN SCULPTURES TOUR

A sucker for public art, I’m always game to go on a treasure hunt for pieces I’ve never seen. Find a Felten is a self-guided tour of 16 limestone sculptures created by Hays artist, Pete Felten. Each one helps to tell the story of the Kansas town.

I appreciated the wonder of each piece – and to think that Felten is a self-taught sculptor! His first commissioned piece of Buffalo Bill Cody is on display front and center at the Hays Public Library. From small in size to 24-ton creations, Felten has shaped stone to represent the best of Hays’ history like the Hereford Bull pictured above. To see 16 Felten sculptures, you’ll need to drive to the locations not located in the downtown district. Use this brochure to plan your adventure!

BOOT HILL CEMETERY

The 1885 site, Boot Hill Cemetary, is where outlaws “died with their boots on.” It sits at Fort and 18th Street in what is now a suburban neighborhood of Hays. The site is located on a hill that serves as the final resting place where many were buried during the days of Wild Bill Hickock. “The Homesteader,” another Felten sculpture marks the location.

I found it easy to park nearby the cemetery and take a short walk to the monument. It’s yet another way to understand the lawlessness and corruption that once ruled Hays. It’s reported that 79 outlaws were buried there. Will you visit the burial ground?

HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

Continuing my journey through Hay’s past, I opted to take a self-guided walking tour of the infamous buildings that made up old Hays City. The area of town, referred to as Chestnut Street District includes 25 buildings with bronze plaques that explain each one’s significance.

For me, there is something about standing outside the door of what once was Tommy Drum’s Saloon and Paddy Walsh’s Gambling Hall that sends my imagination into overdrive. How many gunslingers were killed there? What did the music sound like from the saloons? And now I’m standing where they stood.

THE BRICKS DOWNTOWN HAYS

Strolling along picturesque downtown Hays is a pleasure. The Bricks in Downtown Hays is a walkable district with breweries, bakeries, boutiques, and entertainment venues. Honestly, there really is something for all ages to enjoy. I’d recommend checking for upcoming events on the Facebook page before planning an outing.

DINING

BREATHE COFFEE HOUSE

I found Breathe Coffee House (703 B Main St.) to be the perfect way to start my morning in downtown Hays. They serve “oddly correct coffee,” crepes, smoothies, and scones. The cafe’s mission is to serve as a place for people to connect, to feel cared for by others, and to welcome people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Breathe Coffee

As I sipped on my latté made from Kansas City roaster, Oddly Correct, I noticed that an entire wall was covered in shelves housing mugs. To join the Coffee Club, the cafe devotees pay $25 that serves as a donation to fund outreach projects. The cafe is a non-profit that supports Dialogue Ministries.

Warm and welcoming, the cafe is a cozy place to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Mug Club

PAISLEY PEAR WINE BAR, BISTRO and MARKET

Another delightful space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring downtown Hays is Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market (1100 Main St). Established in 2017, the wine bar has been serving beverage flights and wine slushies since 2017. During my visit, I chose a $12 wine flight of dry varieties from a long list of options. My favorite selection was a cabernet sauvignon from Skyfall Vineyards. Thankfully, my server was kind enough to provide me samples of cheese from Alma Creamery, which paired well with all of my choices.

I took my time sipping and enjoying the selections as I watched women arrive to attend a baby shower in a separate event space in the back of the building. Smaller groups gathered at tables in the tasting room to drink wine and catch up on the latest happenings.

Paisley Pear occupies a 100-year-old building that was JB Basgall Grocery. Check out the photo below. You can see the original floors! If you stop in for one of their popular wine slushies, a wine flight, or a cocktail (they have a full bar!), take a few moments to get up and walk around the space. You’ll love their retail inventory of Kansas-made products.

GELLA’S DINER + Lb BREWING CO.

I had heard about Gella’s Diner + Lb Brewing Co. (117 E. 11 St.) before arriving in Hays. They are well-known in town for their excellent pub grub and craft beer. My dining experience lived up to the hype. Gella’s was worth the stop.

Gella's Diner

I chose a seat at the bar so I could have a clear view of the brewers at work behind the glass wall. My bartender was friendly and happy to provide a few beer samples until I eventually decided on a pint of the unfiltered Grapefruit Radler. Undecided between two lunch options, she persuaded me to order a local’s favorite, a Smothered Bierock covered in creamy cheese sauce with a side of homemade chips. She also made sure my meal came with creamy bacon horseradish and sweet onion dip to eat with the chips. Lunch never tasted so good! And the beer? It was crisp and aromatic. I’d definitely order it again. Maybe a growler of it.

LB Brewing Co.

Bierock Dinner

Knowing full well that I didn’t have room left for dessert, I ordered the French Toast Brulèe anyway. The crisp exterior gave way to a pillowy center as my spoon cracked into it. Combined with vanilla bean ice cream and fresh whipped cream, it was beyond delicious.

French Toast Brulee

I’d recommend stopping at Gella’s for lunch or dinner any time you’re in Hays. The restaurant is large enough that it can easily accommodate groups. Menu prices were reasonable for the quality and portion sizes. If you drink craft beer, you can expect 12 taps with two rotating on a regular basis.

TRIO TAP HOUSE

The dinner bell was ringing and I was hungry. Trio Tap House (1106 E. 26th) claims they are a place to enjoy “an honest meal and a proper good time” and they weren’t kidding. I nestled into my seat and reviewed the menu. I was craving a hearty salad. The Dry Aged Steak & Blue checked all the boxes. It had fresh romaine lettuce, creamy blue cheese crumbles, red onion, and a steak cooked to medium rare.

To wash it down, I chose Breckenridge Brewing Company’s Peach Palisade Wheat. One bonus to stopping into a brewery in western Kansas? You’re bound to find several Colorado beers on tap.

Trio Tap House Salad

DEFIANCE BREWING COMPANY (DOWNTOWN)

A new downtown brewpub, Defiance Brewing Co. recently opened its second location (111 W. 7th St.). I’ve been a fan of their beer for a couple of years, so I stocked up my cooler before heading for home. My lunch, a large house salad with champagne vinaigrette, hit the spot as I was in need of something fresh and light. Radio hits from my college years blasted in the background and I whispered the lyrics between bites.

Defiance Brewing Company

If you’re a craft beer fan, I suggest visiting their downtown location. They offer 12 beer selections and a quarter of the menu are IPAs. Rumor has it they are aging beer in barrels in the side room. Craving lunch or dinner? Ask for a menu that features wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

Defiance Brewing Co. Downtown

My time in Hays may have been short-lived, but it wasn’t without delightful moments. You will feel the same as you dive deep into the town’s history, enjoy a meal in good company, and appreciate all that the downtown district has to offer. In fact, you may just need to extend your hotel stay another night to make sure you have a bonus day to enjoy Hays. It’s a thriving small town that offers big fun.

Hays Street Art

 

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: agriculture, breweries, brewery, bricks, church, coffee, dinosaurs, Fort Hays, fossils, Hays, Hilton, historic district, Kansas, KS I-70, limestone, Midwest, natural history, public art, saloons, sculptures, shopping, Sternberg, walking tour, wine bar

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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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