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I’m a book author! Discover “100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die,” the Go-To Guide Book

January 17, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

My hometown pride runs deep. A native Wichitan and travel writer, I’ve authored “100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die” for Reedy Press. The book, filled cover to cover with timeless destinations and lesser-known places, will be released on May 15, 2022.

Affectionately referred to as “Doo-Dah,” Wichita is a midsize city of almost 400, 000 residents who appreciate it for its affordability and many attractions. I think any town or city is what you make it and it’s up to those who explore it to stay curious. “100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die” is a bucket-list book that includes quintessential places and experiences that you’ll love.

It wasn’t easy narrowing down a list to only 100 things to do. I thought to myself, “who would need this book?” I wrote it as a resource for visitors to Wichita, long-time residents, and newcomers. Actually, the book features more than 100 things to do as I’ve also added bonus lists and insider tips.

Outdoor activities, delicious dining, shopping, concerts, and a thriving arts scene scratch the surface. From First Friday Gallery Crawl and the Keeper of the Plains to Wichita Wind Surge at Riverfront Stadium and Tallgrass Film Festival, there is an experience waiting for you.

Follow the book’s Facebook page to stay in the know about book signing events, giveaways, and purchase links. I promise to keep it fun!

Stay curious. #100ThingsWichia

 

Filed Under: 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die, Kansas Tagged With: Air Capital of the World, attractions, author, bucket list, city, destinations, Doo-Dah, explore, Kansas, Magic City, Midwest, Southeast Kansas, travel guide, Wichita, Wichitan

Tulsa, Oklahoma’s “The Gathering Place:” A Park for Everyone

September 24, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

On a recent trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma we made it a priority to visit the city’s latest project “The Gathering Place,” a riverfront park built entirely from donation dollars. The mission for the park’s construction was to build a park that not only beautified the area but attracted diverse populations to positively interact with one another while enjoying the outdoors. Tulsa nailed it.

You can enter the interior of the park from all sides, which are well marked with signage.

The entirely free park sits on 66 acres near downtown Tulsa. Thanks to 80 corporate and philanthropic organizations,  The Gathering Place was built with $400 million in donations starting in September 2014. The park opened to the public two years later.

We arrived just after the park opened (regular hours are 9am-10pm) and found a parking spot just outside the Chapman Adventure Playground, an interactive area devoted to children (and adults). Soon after our arrival we found ourselves immersed in the fun of the park. Every inch of the park provides a sensory experience!

Within the Adventure Playground there are areas devoted to testing your strength (and desire for fun) and teaching areas with interactive stations about nature. At one point, my boyfriend and I became so excited wandering around discovering new areas that we lost each other!

Speaking of the park’s vast size, I would recommend picking up a map or viewing the website prior to entering the park. Volunteers walking the park can give you one as well. If you don’t want to spend time climbing wooden fortresses or swinging from ginormous chairs next to giddy children, you should visit the other areas built with just adults in mind such as Peggy’s Pond or the restaurants.

You can climb to the top of multiple towers and look out on the park!
Looking out toward Peggy’s Pond. A relaxing space for adults to sit who are not with children.

As an adult, I think there’s something completely freeing and almost rebellious about living like a kid again. I took advantage of the opportunity to cross a suspended rope bridge that connected wooden castles, walked through the Mist Mountain, and explored the Sensory Garden with careless abandon and complete curiousity. Without any concern from time, I allowed myself to giggle inside a mirror maze and trample along the path beside man-made waterfalls. It was worth every moment.

Despite my crippling fear of heights, I crossed this rope suspension bridge! To be totally frank…I ran!

Parents toting children will enjoy interacting with their families and taking photos. We saw dozens of families snapping photos of kids playing joyfully at Swing Hill and areas like Slide Vale and Willow Beach. The backdrops for group photos are limitless.

Playing in the interactive water feature area of the park, one is easily reminded what it feels like to be a kid again.

After we took full advantage of the play areas, we walked to a glass enclosed, two-story ONEOK Boathouse located on Peggy’s Pond. Those interested in enjoying the water can check out paddle boats, kayaks and canoes from the lower level of the building. Although it wasn’t open yet, a fine dining restaurant called Vista at The Boathouse will offer affordable meals for all ages and provides alfresco patio seating on the second level.

You can check out canoes and kayaks free of charge at The Boathouse.

Later, we meandered our way to the oversized chairs on the dock of Peggy’s Pond. I could easily see myself enjoying a coffee while reading from this tranquil spot, if I had more time. While serene and beautiful, I wished we were there at night to view the daily light show that takes place at 9pm. The park’s designers have meticulously added rows of lights to illuminate the shore after dusk.

Bringing your pup? Dog owners should bear in mind that pups are not allowed inside the park unless it’s Wednesday. However, we several dozen dog owners walking along the trail along the Arkansas River just outside of the park. The concrete sidewalks are wide enough to allow for cyclists, runners, and dog walkers to co-exist easily.

Of course, dogs must be on a leash. Areas that don’t allow dogs are well marked.

At some point when we return to Tulsa, we’ll visit the park again since we didn’t see the entire area even after two hours. For me, I love that the park requires you to relinquish all sense of adult responsibilities and instantly gives you the feeling of pure freedom that comes from acting like a a kid again.

Interested in visiting? Plan your next trip here. If you have any questions about navigating the park or what else you can expect from your visit to The Gathering Place, ask me in the comments section below!

Want to see bonus photos and videos of the park? Check out my Instagram!

(no affiliate links in this post)

Filed Under: Oklahoma, Travel, United States Tagged With: adventure, Arkansas River, beach, boathouse, bridge, canoes, children, city, discovery, diversity, dog walk, kayaks, kid, learning, Oklahoma, ONEOK, outdoor activities, outdoors, park, play, pond, river, sensory, The Gathering Place, trails, Tulsa, walking, water sports, young

4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long

December 2, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Do you love your hometown as much as I love mine?

Great people make a town great. My home city, Wichita, has some of the best people I’ve ever met. People often say Midwesterners are some of the most polite people in the States. We care about one another, which is one of the reasons I shop local. Actually, there are many reasons why I shop local all year long and not just on Shop Small Saturday.

Consider my 4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long and “shop small” at every opportunity you can:

  1. You’re contributing to the vibrancy of your town. For every $100 you spend in your town’s locally owned shops, roughly $68 stays in the local community. There is a rewarding feeling knowing that my purchases contribute to the success of my town’s Main Street every time I walk into a locally owned retail store, mechanic shop or restaurant.
  2. You’re helping another family’s success rather than a big box store’s success. It’s a rewarding feeling to know that my purchases, and the purchases of others, help independent store owners send their kids to college and pay their bills. I don’t know the name of the CEO of Target, but I do know the name of the store owner where I buy hand crafted candles. Better still, she knows my name as well.
  3. You’re inevitably going to make friends with store employees. Each time I stroll into a locally owned store, the employees (and often times the owner) make a point of getting to know me and what I’m looking to purchase. Many local store owners know my preferences and show me items they know I’m interested in purchasing. That saves me time! And the only thing we can’t buy or get back is time.
  4. You’re going to find unique gift items to purchase unlike the standard items in a big box store. I would much rather purchase a growler of locally brewed beer or hand poured scented candle to give to someone rather than a generic gift from Walmart or Target. When handing the gift to a friend, I’m able to tell them the story behind the creation of the gift and about the store’s history.

Of course, there are times when a locally owned store isn’t open when I need something in a hurry. (I know you can relate.) But, I try my best to buy what I need from local businesses.

You can buy locally produced food all year. Many towns have indoor local farmers markets during the winter months.

The next time you need to purchase groceries or a gift, consider where you could make that purchase locally. Need some more inspiration?

The following items are some that I’ve purchased from locally owned stores that I could have easily picked up at a nationally known retailer, but I chose otherwise.

  • locally grown vegetables
  • dog food
  • holiday decor
  • clothing
  • hair styling
  • books
  • soap
  • coffee
  • landscaping materials
  • chocolate
  • jewelry
  • auto repair
  • kitchenware
  • beer
  • entertainment
  • and much more!

It’s official. I love my hometown and I love supporting it any way I can. What can you buy locally this week? Think back to my 4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long the next time you start to drive to a big box store for something you could simply purchase locally.

Perhaps you also support local businesses in your town. Tell me why it’s important to you to shop local in the comment section below!

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: auto repair, big box store, candle, city, community, economy, employees, family, farmers market, friends, gifts, local, Main Street, purchase, Saturday, shopping, small business, store, store owner, Target, town, unique, Walmart

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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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