Disclosure: Visit Coffey County Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and the majority of the photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Founded in 1855, Coffey County, Kansas, offers today’s visitors a plethora to eat, see, and do. Burlington, the largest community with a vibrant downtown, is a solid starting point for a day trip or an overnight stay.
A major draw for visitors is the county’s two lakes, John Redmond Reservoir and Coffey County Lake, as well as outdoor recreational parks. Day trippers seeking shopping and dining will be happy to discover locally owned businesses that roll out the red carpet for visitors.
Locals welcomed me warmly during my time exploring Coffey County, whether it was a fisherman about to drop a line at the Burlington Dam or the coffee shop owner who told me his business story while I sipped a matcha latté.
Coffey County is rich in must-see scenic views, unique businesses, and a vacation rental so enchanting you’ll want to stay there with friends or family.
Kansas Getaway: Top Things To Do During an Overnight Stay in Coffey County
STAY AT A CHARMING VACATION RENTAL
Eagles Nest
Eagles Nest (located upstairs from EB Sports Outdoors (317 Neosho St.) is a delightful vacation rental to reserve, especially if you’re traveling with your family or hosting a girls’ getaway.
Accessible via 26 stairs to the second floor, Eagles Nest is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom loft space. Guests park on Neosho Street overnight.
Inside, you’ll discover a spacious, renovated home in a historic building, complete with painted tin ceilings and dark hardwood floors.
Ornate crown molding complements the homey aesthetic designed with antique furniture and quilts.
The kitchen’s cabinets are stocked with basic cooking tools, and guests have access to a full-size oven, refrigerator, and coffee maker (bring coffee and creamer).
Leather couches in the living room are ideal for chatting with friends or curling up with a book. After a day of exploring, I used the large dining room table as my laptop station for the strongest Wi-Fi connection.
Later, I chose a quiet, king-size bedroom at the rear of the home, with an oversized bathroom featuring a walk-in shower.
If you’re part of a quilter’s group (a nearby fabric store) or a small family who appreciates the historic charm of staying in a thoughtfully restored building, I recommend staying overnight at Eagles Nest.
The vacation rental is not listed on Airbnb or VRBO. You will need to contact the owner directly to reserve Eagles Nest.
PRO TIP: I’d recommend connecting to your phone’s hotspot if you want to use the internet from the bedrooms. Perhaps it was me, but I couldn’t find streaming options on three of the home’s televisions, so I opted to watch YouTube via my iPhone instead.
SAVOR DELICIOUS MEALS, COFFEE & ICE CREAM
Bake-Ary Donuts
Open for more than 30 years, Bake-Ary Donuts (401 N. 4th St.) is a staple of the community and a busy drive-thru early-morning stop.
The owner told me he wakes up at 2 a.m. to hand-prepare donuts and sausage rolls, also referred to as Little Smokies, and opens the doors at 5 a.m.
Limited indoor seating is available. A reach-in refrigerator houses bottled drinks, and a self-serve coffee station is stacked with mugs.
I selected two freshly baked donuts, which were soft, sugary sweet, and scrumptious. They didn’t last more than a few minutes before I gobbled them up.
PRO TIP: Bring cash.
11th Lane Roastery
The conversation amongst locals was lively as I entered 11th Lane Roastery (204 S. 4th St.), a popular coffee shop serving specialty espresso drinks made with in-house-roasted coffee.
Having already drank coffee, I opted for a vanilla-flavored iced matcha. It was the best-tasting matcha tea drink I’ve enjoyed.
The staff makes house-made bagels (jalapeño cheddar is popular) and pastries daily. More than 12 flavors of ice cream, made in-house, are sold by the pint. A reach-in refrigerator is stocked with grab-and-go meals ideal for the lunch hour.
You may think 11th Lane Roastery is merely a coffee shop. It also doubles as a retail store selling local makers’ creations, from jewelry to bags of their gourmet, whole bean coffee. And a cooler is filled with individually packaged cuts of meat from Slead Farms in Lebo, Kansas.
Vintage Sisters
If you love coffee drinks, delicious homestyle meals, and shopping for antiques, you’ll feel like Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is heaven-sent.
A multi-page menu featuring cafe breakfast and lunch classics impresses, and the day’s special meal with a trip through the salad bar draws regulars daily.
I chose a cafe table near a display of individually packaged pie slices. The coffee shop’s customers’ mugs sit on a shelf labeled with their names near the register.
The Salty Dog, a hot espresso drink prepared with salted caramel flavoring, hit the spot after my early-morning drive. The Breakfast Bowl, a layered meal of tater tots, scrambled egg, bacon, and cheese, was equally crunchy and crave-worthy.
After your meal, shop in the Vintage Sisters’ multiple rooms, which showcase more than two dozen vendors’ wares, ranging from antiques to handcrafted home decorations.
Wildcat Grill
I’ve eaten a lot of grilled hamburgers on the road, and Wildcat Grill’s is one of the best.
Located in New Strawn, Wildcat Grill (255 N. Main) is the brainchild of a local who spent years in college towns like Lawrence and Manhattan.
The owner knows what people want when dining at a sports bar. The menu, featuring stacked burgers, chicken wings, and big-portion dinner meals, delivers.
Sandwiched between a soft bun, the Wildcat Burger with crispy bacon, spicy mustard, and “all the garden” was thoughtfully prepared. I opted for a garden salad over fries.
Whether you’re stopping by for the bar’s daily meal special, like Wing Wednesday, or a beer while watching the game from a comfy booth, Wildcat Grill will feel like the college sports bar you remember, but nicer.
Avocados Mexican Cuisine
In Burlington at Avocados Mexican Cuisine (318 Neosho St.), you’ll discover saucy enchilada dinners and combination platters that include authentic Mexican fare and Tex-Mex-style recipes.
Festive music plays from overhead speakers in a dining room decorated with colorful picado banners and neon signage.
The owner recommended the Los Comadres platter served with a savory shredded chicken enchilada, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a crunchy beef taco. Probably more food than I needed, I savored each scrumptious bite, adding homemade salsa to the meal.
Main Street Sweets
Next door, Main Street Sweets (316 Neosho St.) serves rolled ice cream, boba, drink infusions, paninis, and cups of soup.
In the mood for dessert, I watched as an employee combined Oreo® cookies with vanilla ice cream on a frozen surface, then pushed it into cigar-shaped rolls.
Main Street Sweets is a must-stop. I loved my ice cream so much that I didn’t even realize it was gone until the last bite.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
Drake Park
Drake Park, a five-minute drive from downtown Burlington, is a scenic hangout for anglers fishing for catfish and families seeking a place to picnic under a shade tree.
The Catfish Capital of the World, Burlington, competed with a nearby town, Chetopa, in a years-long feud for the title and trophy.
The sound of falling water at the Burlington City Dam sets the scene. Also a tucked-away spot for RV campers, the park includes eight concrete stalls with water and electric hookups near the Neosho River shoreline.
Two rod-and-reel anglers told me they were fishing for crappie during a sunny afternoon at the dam.
Kelley Park
Burlington’s Kelley Park and Campground (625 S 3rd St.) doubles as a family-friendly playground and a place for self-pay RV campers to pull over, situated along the Neosho River.
I recommend planning your visit to the 46-acre park during a rodeo at Kelley Park Stadium. It’s also the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the state, Coffey County State Fair.
Eagle Nest Tower & Trails
The outdoor exploring continues at Eagle Nest Tower & Trails, located at the Wilson Cadman Environmental Education Area (1355 17th Rd. NE), a short drive from Burlington.
After parking in the car, I followed the dirt road past an abandoned red barn to Eagle Nest Tower. Defying my fear of heights, I ascended its spiral staircase to the top, where I was rewarded with a 360-degree view of the countryside and Coffey County Lake.
If you prefer to hike the trails, start at the silo and trek the well-worn path until it loops back to the silo. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and osprey.
John Redmond Reservoir
John Redmond Reservoir (1565 Embankment Road) offers boating, birdwatching, fishing, and endless sunsets for campers.
The US Army Corps of Engineers reservoir consists of more than 9,000 acres of outdoor recreation.
I visited the reservoir on what must have been the windiest Spring day in Kansas history. Gusting at 30 miles per hour, the winds created white-cresting waves crashing along its rocky shoreline.
Coffey County Lake
Why enjoy one lake when there are two in the area? A go-to fishing destination, Coffey County Lake occupies 5,090 acres, open from sunrise to sunset.
The county reports that largemouth bass and crappie are catchable near standing timber, while walleye, channel catfish, and smallmouth bass are caught in open water.
New Strawn City Park / Disc Golf Course
Another peaceful outdoor escape in the area is New Strawn City Park (110 4th St.) Whether you’re seated on a park bench watching the ducks swim by or practicing watching your kids play on the equipment, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Do you play disc golf? The park is home to a moderately difficult 10-hole disc golf course with concrete tee pads and flat terrain, featuring mostly Par 3 and a couple Par 4 holes.
The course is well-kept by the city. I had the park to myself mid-day, which offered peaceful refuge that only a small town can provide.
SHOP MAIN STREET
Vintage Sisters
Cute collectibles. Antique glassware. Hand-sewn quilts. Vintage Sisters (114 N. 3rd St.) is home to more than 20 vendors, making it easy to find the perfect treasure.
To make sure you don’t miss a gem, start in the front of the shop and meander through the center dining room, ending in the rear of the store.
Find something you can’t live without? Pay for it at the coffee/restaurant counter, where you’ll be tempted to order a latté or purchase a tasty bite to eat.
Strawder’s & Daughters Gifts
Don’t you love a florist that also carries your garden needs and gifts in one place?
Strawder’s & Daughter’s Gifts (201 Neosho St.) is a happy place, and you can tell from the moment you walk in and see cheerful animal figurines situated amongst houseplants and silk flowers.
I spent almost half an hour chatting with employees and taking in all that the store offers, from Village Candles to garden gnomes.
The back corner of the store is devoted to houseplants and gardening supplies, while the outdoor courtyard is often filled with shrubs and trees trucked in from Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery and Tree Farm during warmer months. In October, piles of pumpkins are for sale.
Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Calling all quilters! Silver Threads & Golden Needles (321 Neosho St.) in Burlington is where you want to shop for fabric, quilt project kits, notions, and threads. The completed quilts hanging in the front windows will inspire your next project.
I chatted with an employee who told me about her quilting journey, and she pointed out the variety of fabrics in the store. Open five days a week, the shop regularly runs a sale. On the day of my visit, the west wall of fabric was marked down 15 percent.
Perhaps you need to stock up on solids or simple prints, or a seasonal fabric with matching thread for your next quilt project? Golden Needles and Silver Threads carries it all. Don’t miss the fabric scraps basket.
Hornet Games
Card collectors and fans of Warhammer®, Lego®, and Magic: The Gathering® will love shopping at Hornet Games (306 Neosho St.) in Burlington.
Often the site for gaming groups, the store’s owner, Nathan, does an excellent job of stocking the shelves with a variety of games and puzzles. A massive display case houses booster packs of cards.
He told me that what started as a baseball card collection grew into a one-stop shop for gamers and parents in search of Lego™ Duplo sets for their kids.
Several customers gathered at a back table, and a school group was expected to arrive within minutes of my visit.
PRO TIP: Hornet Games often hosts events, so check its Facebook Events page for demo week information or Board Game Day announcements.
Sweet Grass Home & Design
Sweet Grass Home & Design (407 Neosho) is Burlington’s newest downtown store.
Known for custom engraving, home décor, and handcrafted metal art, the shop also sells grab-and-go meals.
Its grand opening took place after my visit. I’ll definitely want to shop there during a return trip to Burlington.
SHOP GARDEN CENTERS & NURSERIES
Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm
Tap into your love of gardening or landscaping at Strawder’s & Daughters Nursery & Tree Farm (1272 23rd) in Lebo. After a guided tour by the owner, I learned that the quality and price of the trees are unbeatable, and people will drive up to three hours to shop at the family-owned business.
The sound of a water fountain with koi splashing is the backdrop as you shop for noticeably better-than-a-big-box-store sun and shade-loving shrubs. From fruit-bearing to topiary trees, the nursery stocks a variety of hard-to-find trees, all maintained by a small staff of dedicated workers.
Walk through the rows of trees and don’t miss the greenhouse, which contains seasonal tree seedlings. Steve Strawder, his wife, and staff are kind and helpful, willing to provide expertise in selecting and maintaining trees and shrubs for years to come.
Lulabelle’s Flower Farm
Lullabelle’s Flower Farm (1290 Lynx Ln.) is a must-stop 20-acre you-pick flower farm known for its full-service flower shop and retail store, which carries garden-inspired home products and personal beauty items.
Visitors are welcome during select dates from June through August to pay a freewill donation to pick in-season flowers to fill a cup. Events like the farm’s popular Mother’s Day brunch are announced on social media.
PRO TIP: Check the farm’s hours on Facebook before arriving.
Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More
Gardeners will think it’s worth the short drive to Arnold’s Prairie Greenhouse & More (1430 KS-58) in LeRoy. Open seven days a week, the garden center is a go-to shop for in-season plants, indoor house plants, and gifts.
Thanks to the work of owners Tom and Laura and their staff, you’ll feel the friendly vibe when shopping at Arnold’s. The greenhouse is stocked with vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial plants, organized on tables for almost as far as the eye can see.
PRO TIP: View the Facebook page for the frequent announcements about new arrivals.
RELAX WITH A GOOD READ
Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch
What’s not to love about a community library? It’s a hub of activity, and the Coffey County Library – Burlington Branch (401 Juniatta) is known for its calendar of events, which visitors are welcome to participate in, like the Chess Club or Adult Craft classes.
The library’s dark wood shelves house books, magazines, and lounge areas that cater to those who just want to sit down and relax with a new read. Public access computers with internet access are available to patrons.
I was pleased to find resources on the area’s history, and the public art outside was delightful.
EXERCISE LIKE A PRO
Burlington Recreation Center
If you’re a road tripper looking for a place to exercise indoors, you’ll be impressed with the Burlington Recreation Center (1110 Shea St.). It exceeds your expectations for a small town fitness facility.
Pay a Daily Use Fee ($3 per person), and you gain access to workout spaces that rival any YMCA.
Consisting of two equipped workout rooms, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a dance/yoga studio, a walking track, and a table games area. One can also reserve use of the indoor Golfzon TwoVision simulator for $25 per hour or $15 per half hour.
The weight-lifting/cardio rooms are no joke. Filled with top-notch equipment and free weights, the facility will please visitors looking to put in a full-body workout. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and water bottle station during a fitness session.
Athletic courts are popular amongst pickleball players in the morning.
The outdoor swimming pool (13th and Neosho St.) with diving boards and water slides for family-friendly fun is open starting Memorial Day weekend. Kids also have access to outdoor playground equipment.
PRO TIP: Refer to the Facebook page to learn about upcoming events and new classes for all ages. The center doubles as a community event space.
DISCOVER STREET ART
Mural Tour
Most of the murals in Coffey County were painted by Jim Stukey, a self-taught artist who uses his talents to beautify public spaces.
From the Greetings to Burlington mural at Drake Park to the history of a town as depicted on buildings in Le Roy, his work connects visitors with the county’s history. I appreciated how many of the ghost signs on Burlington buildings were restored to their original vivid color.
PRO TIP: Pick up a mural map at the Burlington caboose kiosk before embarking on a self-guided trek to find each one.
ATTEND AN ANNUAL EVENT
There is never a dull moment in Coffey County, and I encourage you to plan a getaway around one of its annual events or a grand-opening business celebration.
In Burlington, the Rooted in Rural Spring Festival at Kelley Park in April combines agriculture and rural heritage into a free-to-attend event for families.
Early June marks Strawnfest, where families gather for a fishing derby, games, and a disc golf tournament in New Strawn.
Barbecue fans will want to attend Smoke on the River BBQ Competition taking place over Labor Day weekend in September.
Locals love Boo Fest in October, the Christmas Craft Fair & Gift Annex in November, and Burlington’s lighted parade in December.
I hope you add a Coffey County road trip to your travel plans this year. In-town shopping and dining, combined with outdoor recreation, is certain to impress you. This itinerary merely scratches the surface of the places you can visit in the county.
Sure, you could day trip, but I would stay overnight because you’ll have plenty to explore, starting in Burlington and stretching throughout the county to its lakes, garden centers, small-town parks, and unique Main Street shops.
Do you want to extend your route through the region? You will appreciate my road trip itineraries for nearby Emporia and Topeka.
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the 
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
Susan rustled a bag, and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo that we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
A stop on the town’s 
As mentioned early, the 
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the 
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at 
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
PRO TIP: Pay in cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
Traveling with kids? Check out the 
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care through a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers with a space where they can get to know one another.
The store sells books of every genre, from bestselling adult titles to young-reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
Open since 2015, the store operates as a non-profit with the goal of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the dedicated kids’ section, which caters to their reading needs.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from a string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
Shoppers can expect a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
If you’re someone who appreciates the community you feel in an independent bookstore, Middle Ground Books will feel like a home away from home.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not be found elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover handmade gift wrap, stationery, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet in small groups. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with free Wi-Fi access. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
I particularly appreciate their local-interest and Kansas-history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign it when visiting.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events, and book talks take place in the finished basement.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, a replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. To guarantee a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small but well-organized, and it includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the model building’s layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the 
I was impressed with the accommodations, so I immediately called home to tell others about them. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms and settled on the one pictured below, featuring a queen bed with jersey-knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic on Main Street increased, I felt sad knowing I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
Interestingly, the town got its name during the days of water scarcity in the 1870s. A resident, Mr. Rogers, didn’t charge for water and people often replied “that’s mighty Liberal of you.”
I’ve never viewed a 
The next stop on the tour takes visitors to a 5,000 square foot interactive space, Land of Oz, where Dorothy leads you through scenes from the movie. My experience started by watching an approaching tornado. The thunder rolled, lights flickered like lightening, and window curtains blew.
Following Dorothy as we encountered each whimsical character (mannequins), I was delighted by the craftsmanship of the displays. Each scene reminded me of my childhood when I watched the movie for the first time.
PRO TIP: Make time to tour the retail gift shop. From comfy ruby red slippers to pretty postcards, the shop’s inventory is hard to resist.
Toto’s Dog Park is a new addition providing dog owners a place for their furry family members to roam.
PRO TIP: Take a photo of the life-size bronze sculpture representing the explorer.
Walking inside the museum is like opening a tiny treasure box. The walls and glass cases are adorned with antiques that tell the story of Liberal’s industries.
Outside the museum, the walls of Landmark Center serve as a gallery for framed black and white photography depicting Liberal’s early days.
No matter what you’re in the mood to shop for, it’s likely you’ll find something you can’t live without.
A few handprinted 
While I wasn’t in the mood for a large meat platter with all the fixins’, the menu includes options for more hungry eaters.
The 
I found the first floors collection of lithographs on paper by John Steuart Curry to be the most awe-inspiring. The Kansas-born painter is the same artist painted murals at the state’s capital building, Kansas Pastoral and Tragic Prelude.
Thematic collections of various other pieces, mostly created by Kansas artists, were awe-inspiring including pottery and paintings.
I gravitated to planes produced by Cessna, a company founded in Wichita, but I was equally intrigued when learning that Beech Aircraft once had a production division in Liberal.
The museum also does an excellent job of properly honoring pilots who gave all with a POW-MIA display and exhibit cases filled with uniforms and medals of pilots from Liberal who went to war.
My steaming not P5 Phô with Shrimp had light flavor and oodles of noodles for slurping. I also ordered Fried Spring Rolls, which didn’t last long between spoonfuls of phô.
The ambiance was quiet as I watched a video of wild birds on TV and listened to classical music play from speakers.
When not enjoying my King Rooms 
The staff was courteous upon check in and check out ensuring that I my needs were met.
If you read my blog often, you know I love supporting local restaurants. I’ll return to Liberal to dine at one of dozens of Mexican restaurants or food trucks, a type of cuisine that dominates the dining scene. Plus, a visit to 
Liberal offers visitors plenty of entertaining things to do for an unforgettable day trip or overnight stay. I made memories while dining, shopping, and perusing incredible museums.
If traveling east on Highway 54, use my itinerary suggestions to 
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, but their baristas can also prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and, of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
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-fashioned crullers.
Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats.
If you’re not into sweets, consider ordering their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
