Disclosure: Visit Wichita sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
I love to brag about Wichita for its many things to do and genuine people. And for those of us who call the city home, 316 Day is a little extra special. Most people think 316 is just an area code, but 316 Day is another excuse to discover what the city offers. To celebrate it, I’ve included three classic destinations, a can’t-miss experience, and six popular places you must visit.
3 CLASSIC DESTINATIONS
NuWAY Burgers (1416 W. Douglas, 6404 E. Central)
A crumbly burger and fries. A frosty root beer float. There are many reasons to dine at one of Wichita’s longest-running eateries. I’ve eaten at NuWAY since I was a little girl. The food is a classic mainstay of the Wichita food scene.
The original owner Tom McEvoy was on to something when he made the burgers and root beer fresh daily. NuWAY’s slogan Crumbly is Better!®, is true. The loose meat sandwiches prepared with mustard, onion, and pickle have drawn locals and tourists to the restaurant since 1930. It’s common to see out-of-state plates on cars in the parking lot at the original location on West Douglas.
Wichita Brewing Company (535 N. Woodlawn, 8815 W. 13th Street, Suite 100)
Wichita Brewing Company (WBC) is where locals go when they want to enjoy quality craft beer and a food menu that rivals the best breweries in the state. On any given day, the dining room at either location is packed with guests seeking hand-crafted beer and thin-crust, wood-fired pizza. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve visited WBC. A Cooperstown pizza paired with a V-6 IPA keeps me coming back.
Since 2009, the brewing has evolved from five beers on tap to over a dozen and counting. Beer enthusiasts will appreciate barrel-aged brews and seasonal rotators, and casual beer drinkers will enjoy approachable house brews like WuShock Wheat.
Better yet? The brewery supports local causes with every beer they serve. Proceeds from the Wichita State Alumni Association Mug Club fund scholarships, and every time beer drinkers order The Pride of Wichita, they support the Sedgwick County Zoo.
Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum (204 S. Main)
If there is a singular place in the city that tells Doo-Dah’s story the best, it’s the exhibits at Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum.
One look at the building, built in 1892 as City Hall, and visitors will quickly understand why it’s nicknamed the Palace of the Plains. The four-story structure of native limestone, stained glass windows, and a bell tower is an inviting space. Inside, the museum’s collections include over 80,000 artifacts.
Take a self-guided tour to step into “A Child’s World” to imagine a time of one-room schoolhouses and tour “A Wichita Cottage” to see a Victorian-era interpretation of what a middle-class home looked like in 1890. The third floor’s “Wichita the Magic City” displays help visitors learn the heritage of the Wichita Indians that gave the city its name, the days of booming downtown businesses, and the rise of The Air Capital of the World.
Check the Facebook events page for upcoming Senior Wednesday presentations, holiday parties, and discount admission days.
1 CAN’T-MISS ATTRACTION
Keepers on Parade (Various Locations)
Do you love scavenger hunts? The vibrant public art scene is one of the best things about living in Wichita. Artists’ talents are displayed on every side of town, and the Keepers on Parade are a true example. These mini versions of the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue launched when Together Wichita collaborated with artists to celebrate the city’s 150th birthday.
Today, there are dozens of statues installed around town. Finding each of the 10-foot tall fiberglass replicas makes for a free, family-friendly activity. Use the online map to locate one near you – don’t forget to tag @onedelightfullife on Instagram when you find one.
6 POPULAR PLACES
Aroma Coffeehouse (7348 W. 21st St.)
What sets Aroma Coffeehouse apart from the other cafés on the city’s west side? An unmatched welcoming vibe and a long list of menu favorites ranging from mochas and macchiatos to lattes and frappés. Classic coffee drinkers will also feel right at home with delicious drip coffee like Aroma Blend, and guests avoiding caffeine can select from over a dozen beverages. If you arrive hungry, ask about the café’s avocado toast, breakfast burrito, or BLT sandwich.
I chose the Cinnamon Dolce Chai Tea Latte served over ice during my visit. I didn’t mind the short wait for my iced coffee because I was keen to sit in a tiny alcove of the café decorated with modern finishes and seating for two people. It provided a private space to enjoy my beverage while using free Wi-Fi to catch up on work.
Aroma Coffeeshop received top honors in The Wichita Eagle’s “Best of Wichita” contest for a good reason. Check their Instagram page for seasonal coffee drinks and Friday Night entertainment updates.
Topgolf (2976 N. Greenwich Rd.)
If you want to try something out of the ordinary, why not hit golf balls from the side of a building? Topgolf offers beginner and experienced golfers the chance to work on their swing. Participants rent climate-controlled hitting bays complete with complimentary golf clubs. The fun starts when high-tech balls land in outfield targets allowing you to score points and compete against friends or family.
But Topgolf is more than an elevated driving range. It’s a gathering place where you could spend hours dining on sports bar-like food, enjoying drinks, watching the game, or perfecting your golf game. During my recent visit, I noticed several private parties rented VIP areas and individual golf bays. Topgolf makes the party extra fun by serving drinks like $20 Golfbags served in a take-home mug for parties of two more.
1400 Elderslie (1400 Museum Blvd.)
The latest addition to the Elderslie Farm business is 1400 Elderslie, a beautiful restaurant inside the Wichita Art Museum. With views of the Art Garden, I devoured the highly recommended Lemon Ricotta Pancakes. Other menu options included salads, bakery items, entrees, and breakfast skillets. Afterward, patrons can enjoy the museum’s American art collection. Admission is always free.
Fans of 1400 Elderslie will want to also check out Everyday by Elderslie for grab-and-go bites and Elderslie Farm in Kechi, Kansas, to tour and experience the Bramble Cafe, Creamery, and Woodworks shop. The farm’s restaurant is a dining and shopping destination using a farm-to-table concept serving guests in a country setting.
Dōma (7703 E. Douglas Ave.)
One of the most popular places to dine with friends in the city is Dōma. Located near Towne East Square, it’s the ideal gathering place to sip a cocktail in the lounge or enjoy a meal of American fare with a global twist in the restaurant’s dining room.
We appreciated the upscale atmosphere during our visit while indulging in Pork Belly Bao Buns and a bowl of Lobster Bisque as appetizers. The Fancy Grilled Cheese with Tomato and a Fattoush Salad with Grilled Chicken exceeded our expectations for dinner. Another bonus? Chef Harvey updates the menu often. The restaurant serves Sunday Brunch for $35/per person.
If you’re stopping by for a cocktail, the bar with covered lounge space is ideal for unwinding while listening to live music. Wichita-based musicians like Harrison Steele and Rudy Love and the Encore are known to perform sets under a canopy of lights.
The Selfie Spot (1811 E. Douglas Ave.)
Sometimes you need to let loose and laugh a little, and The Selfie Spot is the place to do it. The self-serve photography playground allows participants to use their phones to take selfie photos in 14 different thematic spaces. Each is designed with unique backdrops and props, making for memorable photos of yourself or when taken with a group.
We had a blast interacting with the spaces during my visit. It was easy to mount my phone to the provided ring light stand and set the timer to shoot photos. Planning a family night out or an evening with friends on the town? Reserve tickets for a weekend session here.
Riverfront Stadium (275 S. McLean Blvd.)
Home of the Wichita Wind Surge, Riverfront Stadium allows spectators to watch the city’s Double-A affiliate team run the bases. The stadium seats 10,000+ roaring baseball fans and hosts theme nights like Thirsty Thursday, Sunday Family Day, and Two for Tuesdays. And it’s always a good time when the stadium gifts attendees with free merchandise, discount concessions, and fireworks on Opening Night. Plus, the stadium is an attraction, offering a stunning view of the downtown skyline, murals, and public artwork to admire.
When not rooting for a team win, game fans will appreciate touring the stadium’s Wichita Baseball Museum, housing artifacts showcasing the city’s baseball history. A section of the original Lawrence-Dumont Stadium sign and a turnstile is a part of the exhibit. Admission is free Monday-Friday from 9 am-5 pm – remember to call in advance at 316-221-8000 to schedule a visit.
I know I’m biased when I tell others there is always great dining and fun entertainment in Wichita, but it’s true. Let this guide be a starting point for your adventure touring the city on #316Day or any day of the year. For more travel inspiration, head to Visit Wichita.
The brewery quickly expanded from one barrel to five barrels since its opening in 2022. Although they don’t off traditional beer flights, I wanted to taste all five of their brews ranging from an espresso stout to a golden ale. Each one tasted true to character and exceeded my expectations. My favorite was Snap Chaps Western IPA, and lucky for me, I took a crowler home to enjoy later.
They invite breweries who use their hops to join the tap wall. Patrons can choose from guest taps from makers like Fields and Ivy Brewery, Free State Brewing Company, and Kansas Territory Brewing Company. Non-beer drinkers will appreciate their selection of wine and coffee bar selections.
I was impressed by the brewery’s ample space to unwind and craft beer. Locals grouped up at tables with a view of the game.
Five TVs adorn brick-exposed walls providing patrons with a view of the game no matter where they sit. Tables are inlayed with nostalgic board games. The hallway to the bathrooms is illuminated with dangling fixtures resembling hops.
I was fortunate enough to get a private tour of the backroom brewing facility by Brew Master & General Manager Clint Armstrong. A few questions in, and I realized that Clint was the real deal. He cut his teeth on beer brewing like most beginners and then sought the mentorship of the pros while living in Colorado.
Fast forward years later, Clay Center is lucky to have him cranking out award-winning craft beer that easily rivals some of the best Kansas beer on the market. As we entered the tank room, he said, “Welcome to my happy place.” We’re all smiling now.
I couldn’t decide which beer I wanted, so I created a flight of 3 oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But if I’m honest, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight. The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.
You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any time. After ordering a flight (6, 5oz pours $12), I can attest to the quality of the selection. When it comes to craft beer, I typically like IPAs, but today, I fell hard for Chile Margarita Gose and Mojito Hard Seltzer. Each was uniquely flavored and refreshing.
During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beers. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers ranging in flavors and ABV strengths. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, was awarded the best beer in the line-up.
Individual tasters are $3, but a flight of tasters is the way to go. Most patrons seemed to agree, as nearly everyone had a board and a flight card at their table. A continuous rotation of beer keeps regulars coming back for more. Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and the like. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo.
Their menu has always included items made from fresh ingredients with flair. You won’t find standard pub grub at Free State. The menu options appeal to foodies who appreciate unique flavor combinations and the freshest ingredients. We enjoyed the Filipino Egg Rolls with Sesame Chile Soy Dipping Sauce as an appetizer. We shared the Nashville Chicken Mac, Free State Fish, and Chips for dinner. Both entrees exceeded our expectations.
I highly recommend stopping at Free State Brewing Co. for lunch or dinner during your visit to Lawrence. Although they are not hosting brewery tours, you can check their 
Keep your eyes peeled while visiting the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a selfie backdrop. As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.
Why open a brewery in El Dorado? The water! Brewing beer in El Dorado promised to be naturally better since the water in the area is of superior quality compared to nearby Wichita. Eventually, Walnut River Brewery Company expanded its initial physical space and added a tasting room and small kitchen. (Don’t forget to order lunch!) The brewery also operates a cannery allowing its beer to be accessible in liquor stores and area grocery stores.
During our visit, we quickly became friends with a brother-and-sister duo from the area. Whitty, fun, and super knowledgeable about Salina, we compared travel stories and talked about our love of craft beer. They told us about Blue Skye’s award-winning Bloody Mary bar and brunch menu. So, of course, we returned the following day to try it. The server brings you a glass of ice with a shot of vodka. Your task is to craft your own Bloody Mary recipe using a variety of tomato-based juices, hot sauces, and add-ins. As you can see in the photo below, we had a blast using the skewers to make a bouquet of tasty treats.
During our visit, we swapped stories and learned more about the great people that make McPherson what it is while sipping on a Vertigo IPA and their latest recipe, Summer Breeze Lime Gosé. Already a fan of one of their flagship beers, Wanderlust, a Scottish Red, I had always wanted to visit the taproom. Just as we suspected, we left with a full growler and great memories of our time there. It’s easy to see why 
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 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.
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.
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.
During warm weather days, the brewing hosts events outdoors that spill over into Hyde Park across the street. Their anniversary block party in August features live music, food trucks, and games for the kids. You may enjoy patio vibes and jam to reggae music when you show up on Sundays.
You can expect a long tap beer list and rotating seasonal beers. HBIC Sour, Salty Gnome Nose, ICT IPA, and Earl of ESB are likely on the menu any given day. The brewery is known for collaborating with other breweries and community members to formulate one-off beer selections. Hungry? Order pizza at the neighboring pizzeria; they will deliver it to you in the taproom.
Outdoor enthusiasts love it for its recreational options. It sits on the edge of the Flint Hills and near waterways in Cowley County. Shoppers appreciate the downtown corridors for the town’s long list of boutiques and retail stores. I discovered noteworthy dining while spending the day in Winfield as well.
During the opening day of the market, I purchased a baked lemon loaf and walked away with a jar of preserves. Other vendors sold seasonal produce, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and gifts.
From the breakfast options I could see from within the glass case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.
I took time to enjoy the meal from a quiet spot inside the converted house. The walls were adorned with local artists’ work and a small amount of retail (bagged coffee, jewelry, and artwork) is for sale. Music played from the room’s speakers and a cool spring breeze passed through open windows.
When in Winfield, promise yourself you’ll stop at College Hill Coffee. You can order from a window on the porch (seating available!) or dine inside. They serve breakfast all day and 
I learned from Rick about the numerous plant varieties and the growing habits of lavender as we walked the property. The farm has 28 varieties and he plans to add 15 more in due time. His family is dedicated to providing lavender to as many people who want it.
They grow lavender from seedlings inside a greenhouse and eventually move it outside to be planted in rows. What started as something to do in Rick’s retirement has blossomed into a farm where the public can come out and experience it for themselves.
I was excited to borrow a pair of scissors and sip stems. Afterward, I took my bundle to a farm employee at a cart who added a rubber band to it and directed me to the retail shop to pay $5 for the lavender. The process is easy and one you’ll appreciate.
The 
Shady tree-covered areas and tall grass surround fairways. The meticulous maintenance of the course makes it a beautiful setting. Each hole has two tee boxes made with turf pads. The basket placement ranges. Some baskets sit under trees near a water’s edge, others are hidden in cleared areas around trees, while others are located more in the open. For example, Hole 8’s basket is elevated atop a mound of sand and large tires.
During my tour, I learned that golfers could arrive during course hours and pay cash using the honors system inside a converted train railcar or pay online. Inside the rail car retail shop, you can also purchase new discs. The course was technical and challenging, especially as a new disc golfer. Be prepared to look for baskets that have been moved and don’t always match what 
She added a magnet to the bottom of the glass, set it on a base, and added pressure. Suddenly, the pint glass began to fill with beer from the bottom up. It was quite a sight.
Back at the bar, I enjoyed the Smokey Turkey Club with onion rings with a side of sauce for dipping. It was made from top-quality ingredients and tasted delicious. In fact, everything on the menu looked crave-worthy.
Sporting events played on TVs as patrons filled the dining room. The bartender told me how the family, who has owned the restaurant for several years, sandblasted and reused industrial items to decorate the space. The entire restaurant almost felt partially like a museum, from the rustic chandeliers to the hostess stand.
The store is a gem for shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces who don’t want to pay big-city prices.
The staff at 
I also appreciated the outdoor gardens with walkable paths that lead underneath arched to whimsical spaces and greenhouses. If you’re shopping for herbs, native plants, and hardscaping options, or just need to talk shop about lawn care, Gottlob is where you go.
PRO TIP: Follow the F
The brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.
The prices were affordable, and the staff consistently visited the table to check on me. Other menu options ranged from baked pasta like lasagna and manicotti to stromboli sandwiches and meatball subs. In search of lighter fare? Order a Greek or caesar salad.
My trip to Winfield was long overdue. When I told friends I was traveling to the area, everyone had good things to say about the Cowley County town. It turns out they were right. Winfield is wonderful.
On my next visit to Winfield and the surrounding area, I plan to stop at 
Have you visited Winfield or attended the Walnut Valley Festival? Leave your comments below to provide your travel suggestions for the area.
PourHouse ICT has occupied much of the original Rock Island Train Depot building for the last four years. With 12 beers on tap brewed by 
But it gets better. Also a restaurant with a full kitchen, PourHouse ICT offers a full menu of delicious meal options. It’s the kind of place where the food is as good as the beer. My advice? Expect hearty portions but always leave room for another pint of beer.
A long-time fan of Walnut River Brewing Company’s beers, I look forward to drinking their year-round beers. During a recent visit, I couldn’t resist ordering a beer flight of four selections: Warbeard Irish Red, Teter Rock Kolsch, High Beam IPA, and a session IPA, Day Pass. What you’ll appreciate about their beer menu is that there is a lot of variety.
The chef-prepared menu at PourHouseICT is legit. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Start with an appetizing starter like the Sauce Flight. A cone of crispy fries or chips comes to the table surrounded by signature dipping sauces. The Coffee Porter Bacon Jam is the stuff dreams are made of. I could eat it with a spoon. Warbeard Queso comes in a close second for the top prize.
If you’re craving a burger, the Hatch Chile Burger is No. 1 in my book. The owners take the menu ingredients seriously often traveling hundreds of miles to bring hatch chiles to Wichita.
Add PourHouse ICT to your travel bucket list for its well-crafted beer selection and delicious food menu. The historic setting and view of Old Town make for the ultimate restaurant experience.
The dynamic city, known as Nebraska’s capital and the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completely surprised me. I mistakenly assumed I would find a cool hotel surrounded by a common college town with typical restaurants and bars. Nope! The city I experienced included hospitable people ready to lay out the red carpet. Whether someone is looking to dine on local cuisine or jam out to ’80s music while playing pinball in the Haymarket District, whatever you’re looking to do, Lincoln has it!
Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants to be pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious steak fries. The meals are huge.
CRAFT BEER SCENE
Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and its adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors.
