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disc golf

Winfield, Kansas: Day Trip Ideas for a Guaranteed Good Time

May 31, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Visit Winfield sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

The residents of Winfield have a good reason to be proud of their Kansas town. Now that I’ve experienced it first-hand, I’d say there are more than enough reasons to love the town.

Less than an hour from Wichita, Winfield is a fun day trip destination for families, couples, or solo travelers. I arrived early Saturday morning and the town was just coming alive.

Winfield KansasOutdoor 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.

WALNUT VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

I could hear the bluegrass band playing as I approached the parking lot that was dotted with merchants under covered tents. It made perfect sense that bluegrass music set the backdrop for the opening day of Walnut Valley Farmers Market near Island Park. Winfield is home to the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival where people far and wide have arrived at the Flat-Picking Championships to hear the best musicians play every September. The market’s scene was set.

Walnut Valley Farmers MarketFarmers MarketDuring 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.

PRO TIP: Bring cash to the market. Not all vendors accept credit cards. Don’t try to park adjacent to the vendor booths, which are reserved for them. Parking is available across the street.

COLLEGE HILL COFFEE

I made the short drive to College Hill Coffee (403 Soward St.) in desperate need of caffeine with a side of breakfast.

The coffee shop is located in a residential neighborhood and draws locals for its relaxed vibe. People sit on patio tables on the front porch or at tables inside what is a converted old house. It feels homey and comforting like someone invited you over for breakfast.

College Hill CoffeeFrom 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 menu choices range from waffles and avocado toast to breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Stop in for a salad or cup of soup at lunchtime.

PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.

ELAM’S LAVENDER AND HONEY BEE FARM

Do you love the smell of lavender?  You can pick your own $5 lavender bundle at Elam’s Lavender and Honey Bee Farm (5226 142nd Rd) which opened recently to the public. Simply borrow a pair of scissors, snip a bundle, and head to the retail store to make a purchase.

lavender fieldI 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.

lavender 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.

Why pick your own lavender? You can use it in your cooking, home decor, craft projects, and the oil can be used in soaps.

 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.

When in Winfield, drive to 5226 142nd Rd, a short drive from downtown to the farm. Follow the lavender scent.

PRO TIP: Follow the farm’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming You Pick events.

THE FARM AT QUAIL VALLEY

The Farm at Quail Valley (934 194th Dr.) isn’t just an event center located outside of town used for weddings and large events. It’s also the site of the #1 disc golf course in Kansas that is also ranked #58 in the world. For disc golfers, it’s the holy grail of courses.

The Farm at Quail ValleyThe 18-hole course is casually referred to as The Beast because of its challenging design that includes many opportunities to potentially lose one’s discs in water hazards and challenging holes. Designed by disc golf world champion Eric McCabe, the course often hosts tournaments.

disc golf coursewedding venueShady tree covered areas and tall grass surround fairways. The meticulous maintenance of the course makes it a beautiful settings. Each hole has two tee boxes made with turf pads. The basket placement ranges. Some baskets sit under trees near a water’s edge while others are located more in the open. For example, Hole 8’s basket is elevated on top of a mound of sand and large tires.

disc golf basketDuring my tour, I learned that golfers can 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 farm invites campers to pitch a tent or pull up an RV for overnight accommodations for a small fee. If you feel like fishing in one of the small lakes, you’re welcome to drop a line after registering to fish.

PRO TIP:  See a video overview of the course by clicking this link. Upon arrival at the farm, follow the gravel road until you reach a parking lot near the event center. Walk to the green railcar to pay to play the course.

SHINDIGS BAR & GRILL

It was time for lunch and I was famished. I drove back into town to Shindigs Bar & Grill (500 Main St.) and found a seat at the bar. The friendly bartender welcomed me and told me about the day’s specials, which included a dollar off a pint of beer, but there was a catch. We had to walk upstairs to “reverse pour it” from a 57 Chevy Truck. I was all in.

chevroletShe 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.

Before we headed back downstairs to the bar, she excitedly gave me a tour of the upstairs dining room pointing out refurbished railroad relics in the interior design. The outdoor patio was a showstopper. Traffic stoplights hung overhead patio tables and from that vantage point, dinners could look down over the town’s train rails.

patioBack 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.

lunchSporting events played on TVs as patrons filled the dining room. The bartender told me how the family, who has owned the restaurant for the last five years, sandblasted and reused industrial items to decorate the space. From the rustic chandeliers to the hostess stand, the entire restaurant almost felt partially like a museum.

PRO TIP: The design inside the bathrooms is a must-see. Trust me. When walking through the restaurant, look up, look down, and take time to appreciate all of the smaller design touches.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Winfield’s downtown corridor is dotted with at least a dozen or more retail shops worth checking out. It’s a haven for shoppers in search of locally-made items, antiques, and outdoor recreation stores.

I strolled into The Junk Generation (420 S. Main St.) and met the owner who told me about her love of curating primitive antiques to sell at the store. The inventory included handpicked new items creating the perfect mix. Seasonal displays simplified holiday shopping.

The Junk GenerationThe store is definitely a gem for shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces who don’t want to pay big city prices.

PRO TIP: Store hours vary. View the store’s hours via the Facebook page before driving to shop there.

Walnut Valley Outpost (107 E. 7th Ave.) is a hub for all things gravel cycling and road biking. It is the kind of place where cyclists gather to swap stories and offer tidbits of advice. The shop also offers basic bike tune-ups and tire services.

In the market for a new bike? The owner is happy to educate shoppers on the models available for sale. Gravel cycling is popular in this area of the state, so she is your go-to expert on riding in the area and often hosts rides and events throughout the year.

PRO TIP: Ask about the option to rent a bike in the area. The owner stocks bikes for touring the town on two wheels. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Snappy Chicks Boutique (1019 Main St.) is where ladies shop for jewelry and clothing apparel in Winfield. They specialize in interchangeable snap jewelry so you can create customizable bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more. Customers pick out a jewelry piece and select the snaps for it.

PRO TIP: If you have a custom snap design using a personal photo, ask Leslie or Marla to create it for you on the spot. It takes only minutes to prepare it for you.

Snappy Chicks BoutiqueThe staff at Field to Fabric Quilt Company (907 Main St.) is passionate about quilting just like their customers. The shop is located on the Kansas Barn Quilt Trail Map and featured in the All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop magazine. Known for carrying a large selection of cotton fabric, notions, and floss, it’s one-stop shopping. Beginners and veteran quilters can take advantage of on-site classes.

PRO TIP: Walk down The Great Hall of Quilts to see handcrafted masterpieces.

quilt shop

GOTTLOB LAWN & LANDSCAPE

Calling all gardeners and green thumbs! Gottlob Lawn & Landscape (5001 E. 9th Ave.) is more than a landscape center. Inside, the retail shop carries a large selection of healthy houseplants, gardening tools, and unique gifts tailored for people who can’t get enough of plants.

plant storeI 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, hardscaping options, or just need to talk shop about lawn care, Gottlob is where you go.

garden centerPRO TIP: Follow the Facebook page to stay up to date about monthly sales and upcoming events. Owner Alex Gottlob has big plans for developing an outdoor patio where guests can relax in a serene setting. Ask about picking wildflowers to place in a mason jar, $5.

BADGER CREEK STONE ARCH BRIDGE

Cowley County is home to 18 stone arch bridges, and since Gottlob’s was only a little over three miles from Badger Creek Stone Arch Bridge (13814 196th Rd) I made the journey. During the 1800s, Walter Sharp was a bridge builder who used native stone to construct one hundred bridges in Kansas.

As I drove the damp dirt road, the road curved to the left before I pulled over for the bridge. It was difficult to navigate the embankment to get a photo of the bridge, but the view in both directions from on top of it was nice. The water was traveling quickly from recent rains.

PRO TIP: View a map of the self-guided tour using this brochure.

bridge

LADYBIRD BREWING COMPANY

I discovered a new stop on the Kansas craft beer trail at Ladybird Brewing Company (523 Main St). Located in a converted gas station, the brewery serves a rotation of ales typically featuring regionally sourced ingredients.

ladybird brewing companyPeople drive from out of town to visit the brewery open on Fridays and Saturdays. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap.

I couldn’t decide on 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.

craft beerThe brewery doesn’t serve food but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.

PRO TIP: Look for the cornhole boards on the patio to enjoy a friendly game while you sip on suds.

LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Hungry for a bite to eat before driving back to Wichita, I chose Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (124 E 9th Ave.) located down the street and around the corner from the brewery. A few locals recommended the fettuccini alfredo with chicken or the homemade pizza. I chose the pasta ($10.95), a large portion served alongside a basket of complimentary garlic bread.

Luigi'sThe prices were affordable and the staff consistently visited the table to check on me. Other menu options ranged from baked pastas like lasagna and manicotti to stromboli sandwiches and meatball subs. In search of lighter fare? Order a greek or caesar salad.

PRO TIP: Ask about the daily specials and wine by the glass. Six desserts are listed on the menu including cheesecake, cannolis, and tiramisu.

pastaMy trip to Winfield was long overdue. When I told friends that 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. I know you’ll appreciate a day trip to explore its many treasures as well. 

winfieldOn my next visit to Winfield and the surrounding area, I plan on making a stop at Wheat State Wine Co., to take a driving tour of historic homes, and I want to rent a bike from Walnut Valley Outpost and ride along the levy trail.

downtown WinfieldHave you visited Winfield or attended the Walnut Valley Festival? Leave your comments below to provide your travel suggestions to the area.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: agritourism, antiques, bar & grill, beer, bluegrass, boutiques, brewery, bridge, coffee, Cowley County, disc golf, farm, farmers market, garden, gardening, Italian food, Kansas, lavender, Main Street, pasta, quilt, railroad, venue, vintage, Winfield

Extraordinary Places Worth Exploring in Emporia, Kansas

May 16, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Visit Emporia sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Emporia, Kansas is nestled in the beautiful Flint Hills off Interstate 35 between Topeka and Wichita. The town is known for Emporia State University, but on a recent visit, I discovered that there are extraordinary places worth exploring. From outdoor recreation to dining and shopping, your choices are nearly endless.

Granada Theatre

LODGING

GUFLER MANSION BED & BREAKFAST

Tucked away in a neighborhood within walking distance from campus sits Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast (612 W. 12th Ave.). The turn of the century 10,000 square foot home includes 12 bedrooms and is large enough to host events. It’s quite a sight.

Gulfer MansionYou can’t miss it as you drive down the street. The tall white columns, brick architecture, and sheer size capture the attention of passersby. I was the first guest to check in on the day of my overnight stay, so I was able to peek inside each of the themed bedrooms and tour the home’s main level.

stained glassMy accommodations in the German Room included private access to a newly remodeled bathroom with modern amenities. The queen bed was comfortable and the room’s antique vanity and large closet provided ample space to store personal items.

Gulfer Mansion German RoomIn the morning, I enjoyed a complimentary breakfast of frittata, potatoes, berries, and hot coffee in the company of other early morning risers in the formal dining room.

If you appreciate making acquaintances when you travel, the bed and breakfast experience is ideal for you. People chat casually about their travel plans and often share ideas for places to visit in town.

Gulfer Mansion Second FloorTo reserve a room at Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast for a single night or overnight stay, visit the website for details.

PRO TIP: Bring your disc to practice your golf shots. The mansion’s vast corner lot includes a disc golf basket on the property.

DINING

Gravel City Roasters

The highly-rated coffee house, Gravel City Roasters (715 Commercial St). serves a long list of coffee and tea drinks. Never without a short line from the register, customers can also select breakfast muffins, cupcakes, and other pastries. All of the baked goodies are made from scratch.

Coffee DrinkPopular with residents including college students, it also serves as a retail space selling whimsical gifts. Shoppers in search of puzzles and uniquely crafted artwork are in luck.

Trox GalleryPRO TIP: Just before you walk into the cafe space, stop at the Trox Gallery featuring rotating art exhibitions.

Do-B’s

More than one person told me that I would love to grab a bite to eat at Do-B’s (704 E. 12th Ave.) a fast-casual restaurant known for The Reaper Burger Challenge (more on that later!). One look at the menu and my mouth began to water.

Do-B's, Emporia Stacked burgers, Philly sandwiches, po’boys, and hot wings dominate the menu. The owner took several minutes to introduce me to the menu options, and ultimately I chose the Burnt End Philly made with chopped barbecue meat, onions, pepper jack cheese, and smothered in Curley’s BBQ Sauce. I upgraded my side to sweet potato waffle fries, a wise choice. It might have been the messiest sandwich I’ve ever eaten, but it was also one of the most delicious.

Burnt Ends Philly and FriesThe restaurant was packed with diners and seating at times was limited. Thankfully, they also offer outdoor patio seating and you can order via drive-up or by phone for carry-out. An employee behind the counter busily blended shakes while others flipped burgers on a flat top grill. The local hangout sign in the background read “Come In. We Are Awesome.”

Do-B's EmporiaAs I munched on my sandwich, I watched the movie “Popeye” on the dining room’s flatscreen TV. A wall of bottled sauces and locally made beef jerky sat for sale nearby. Just as I was about to finish my meal, the owner stopped by to visit.

I learned from him that The Reaper Burger Challenge attracts brave customers who are willing to endure the super spicy sandwich to make a name for themselves and win a free t-shirt. He confessed it is such a daunting task to finish the budget that not even he could finish the burger.

PRO TIP: Ask for a side of Sweet Potato French Fries Sauce, a thick sauce that is easily addictive. Enjoy Cajun food? Do-B’s hosts Jambalaya Thursdays.

Union Street Social

Union Street Social (225 E 6th Ave) is the restaurant you always wished for and now it’s here. The restaurant serves chef-prepared cuisine and specialty cocktails that rival any big city.

Union Street SocialThe ambiance is hipster meets mid-century modern with areas of the restaurant devoted to lounging or sipping on a cocktail while listening to live instrumental music. A gas fireplace serves as a focal point flanked by jewel-tone velvet couches giving off a speakeasy vibe.

Negronis (pick your own adventure) are their specialty. I chose Underwood Rose Bubbles served in beautiful glassware. After dinner coffee drinks and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Salmon SaladShared plates, appetizers, and the soup of the day rotate. I opted for the Smoked Salmon Salad with perfectly cooked hard-boiled eggs and warm bacon dressing served over micro greens and spinach. Ordering dessert wasn’t up for debate. The owner baked cheesecake while I was there, so I ordered a peanut butter & chocolate cheesecake slice to go. HEAVEN.

You can expect big-city style, eclectic design, and excellent, attentive service.

PRO TIP: It’s a popular place! The owner advises that you make a reservation no matter the size of your dining party to guarantee seating.

Dining Room

Radius Brewing Company

Local. Unfiltered. This is how Radius Brewing Company (610 Merchant St.) describes itself and it fits considering the uber-friendly vibe and delicious menu.

The full-service restaurant is open seven days a week serving artisan-style menu items ranging from wood-fired pizza to sandwiches. How good is the beer? It’s award-winning.

Radius Brewing Company You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any given 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.

Chicken SandwichAfter working up an appetite, I order the Chicken Bacon Avocado sandwich with a side of broccoli salad. Seated at the bar, 90s rock music played while I chatted off and on with the friendly bartenders. The food was freshly prepared by Chef Bays and it showed in its flavor and presentation. Before leaving, I ordered a Meat Eater 12″ pizza and a side of homemade dill ranch for the road. It sounded too delicious to resist and it met my expectations.

PRO TIP: View Radius’ menu online before planning your visit. They often host food events like Taco Tuesday and Burger Thursdays. If you bring a growler, they’re happy to fill it for you.

ATTRACTIONS

Red Rocks, Home of the William Allen White Family

A graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas, I could wait to tour the home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Red Rocks (927 Exchange St.) with an outdoor pond and patio is one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas People and a state historic site.

William Allen White House Red RocksWhite and his family hosted friends and dignitaries (5 presidents visited) in the red Colorado sandstone home. The newsman declined Frank Lloyd Wright’s design drawings for the home, but upon touring you’ll recognize some of his design style in its interior.

William Allen White House Living Room Six bedrooms and three full baths are furnished with many of the family’s prized possessions. Look for White’s infamous top hat next to the bed and the jaguar rug gifted to him by President Theodore Roosevelt. My favorite artifact is White’s original typewriter in the upstairs study.Generations of the White family carried on the father’s legacy of running the Emporia Gazette. Today’s reporters work remotely versus at the original newspaper office.

William Allen White's Typewriter and DeskPRO TIP: Admission to the home is reasonable $6 for adults and $3 for children. Start your tour experience inside the Visitor’s Center. Watch the introductory film about White’s life and career and peruse the artifacts.

Twin Rivers Winery and Gourmet Shoppe

Twin Rivers Winery and Gourmet Shoppe‘s (627 Commercial Ave.) tasting room is massive. Located in the heart of downtown, they serve hand-crafted wines, ciders, and seltzers. What’s the best way to experience the winery’s selections? Order a flight ($6).

wineryThe bartender Becky is also the mayor of Emporia. She told me that after the grapes arrive from an off-site orchard. Employees painstakingly process the grapes into wine, fill, cork, and label each bottle by hand.

Wine FlightAlthough I enjoyed a few of the wines more than others, they were all approachable. It turns out that the sweet blush I enjoyed the most, Yoga Pants, is one of the most requested. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the options to order a flight, wine slushy, or a bottle. Expect to find more white wines than red wines on the menu.

Twin River WineryWhile they don’t serve food, you’re welcome to bring in your own charcuterie or purchase gourmet snacks from the taproom’s retail inventory.

PRO TIP: Traveling with a dog? Twin Rivers is pup-friendly. The staff will provide fresh water and treats for your family friend.

David Taylor Zoo of Emporia

A mountain lion. Exotic birds. Lemurs. Prairie dogs. You’ll find them all and more animals to observe at the David Taylor Zoo of Emporia (75 Soden Rd.). Open to the public at no charge (cash donations accepted!), the zoo is a newly constructed space housing a range of species from reptiles to mammals.

zoo lionI appreciated the prairie dogs exhibit the most because they were interactive with one another. Two males played joyfully while the others zoomed to and from their underground holes in between lunchtime bites.

The mountain lion and owls avoided the hot, mid-day sun. Ducks, swans, and tortoises swam with ease in the zoo’s pond. The newest addition to the zoo, a Laughing Kookaburra, observed me but didn’t find my noisemaking amusing.

duckOther areas of the zoo facility include a children’s play area and Zoo Education Center. The park is open Sunday-Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm.

PRO TIP: Check the zoo’s website for upcoming, family-friendly events.

Peter Pan Park

Families in search of a place where kids can run and play will appreciate Peter Pan Park (S. Congress St. & W. Kansas Ave) for its splash pad, playground equipment, and four-acre lake. Sports lovers will appreciate the 18-hole disc golf course, the home of the Dynamic Discs Open.

Peter Pan ParkDuring my tour of the park, I stumbled upon Monkey Island that once was surrounded by a moat and housed rhesus monkeys. As you stroll across the park, you’ll find aquatic birds and turtles enjoying the four-acre.

Monkey IslandThe well-established trees provided ample shade in different areas of the park. Picnic tables invite you to bring your lunch and enjoy the beautiful setting.

PlaygroundPRO TIP: Take a selfie with the bronze Peter Pan statue. The land was donated by the town’s most famous resident, William Allen White, and named after his daughter’s nickname.

Jones Park

If there is one thing Emporia is well-known for it is disc golf. Jones Park (Jones Dr.) is 70 acres consisting of a championship-level disc golf course aka “The Supreme 18” as well as fishing ponds and a playground.

Disc Golf BasketSerious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Champions in late summer/early fall. Actually, the park includes two courses providing golfers a chance to showcase their athleticism.

Dynamic Distribution 

The disc golf craze in Emporia is undeniable. The town was named America’s #1 Disc Golf Small Town by UDisc.  I added an extra stop to my itinerary after a world champion, Eric McCabe, suggested via Instagram that I tour Dynamic Distribution (840 Overland Rd. Suite A). The enormous warehouse houses multiple rooms of shelves stacked to the ceiling with discs, bags, and apparel.

The receptionist was happy to give me a casual tour of the warehouse which started in the employee lounge. If ever there was a place you would want to work as a disc golfer, it would be there. The employee kitchen included a kegerator, smoothie station, and copious snack options. Visiting tournament golfers can watch the competition from a flatscreen TV in the lobby.

Disc GolfPRO TIP: The facility doesn’t include a retail store. However, you can purchase discs at the Dynamic Discs store (912 Commercial St.) and the employees are willing to match you with the disc that suits your needs.

Downtown Shopping & Mural Hunting

The downtown area along Commercial Street is dotted with several stores worth checking out. In search of ingredients for a charcuterie board? Vaults Meats & Cheeses (509 Commercial St.) sells epicurean selections. Local artists’ work is for sale as well.

Vaults Meats & Cheeses Sweet Granada (03 Commercial St.) is a gift shop carrying 200 handmade chocolates and gourmet desserts. Ask for Granada Goo & Avalanche, the store’s best-selling treat. You can select individual macaroons or chocolate truffles to create a to-go box.

Sweet GranadaAs you’re walking the downtown corridor, keep your eyes peeled for interactive murals created to inspire selfies. My favorite mural of the several I saw was the brightly colored umbrella, which was appropriate since it had rained the night before. I stood in a puddle in an alley to capture the below photo.

Street ArtCycling for long distances on Kansas gravel roads is a popular endurance sport in the Emporia area. Gravel City Adventure & Supply Co. (716 Commercial St.) carries gravel/off-road bikes, supplies, and apparel. If you’re an avid cyclist, the shop serves as our go-to destination for repairs or outfitting.

Cycling The Emporia Arts Center (815 Commercial St.) is a magnificent facility hosting art for sale by regional painters and sculptors. Don’t miss your chance to view the current installation in the Trusler Gallery as well as the hallways lined with works done by the center’s talented instructors. The center features a black box theatre and studios upstairs for art classes.

Emporia Arts CenterPRO TIP: Walk into the Visit Emporia office (719 Commercial St.) to ask questions or pick up brochures containing downtown shopping information.

Trolley House Distillery

Trolley House Distillery (502 Commercial St.) makes and serves moonshine and craft cocktails. The building was once a dilapidated structure until the owners used their vision and handiwork to restore it to its glory. The historic building houses trolleys that once made their way up and down the main street in Emporia.

Trolley HouseToday, it is a tasting room where guests can sip on moonshine while appreciating the building’s historical photographs framed on the walls. If you’re unsure what to order, ask for a sample sip (free) and then select from the distillery’s cocktail menu. The King ($7) made with peanut butter moonshine, banana liqueur, and chocolate bitters goes down smooth.

Moonshine CocktailPRO TIP: Take home a bottle of moonshine available for sale in the merchandise area of the tasting room.

Other places worth noting in Emporia I want to check out on a return visit include the historic Granada Theatre, Mulready’s Pub, and Chi Em Eats. Emporia is much more than another college town in Kansas. It’s a community comprised of a multitude of things to do and welcoming residents.

I have no doubt that you will love it as much as I did. My best advice is to book an overnight or weekend stay and use this blog post as your personal travel guide. Happy travels!

Emporia Kansas

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: art center, bicycle, burger, coffee shop, cycling, disc golf, distillery, Emporia, Emporia State University, flint hills, gallery, golf, gravel city, historic homes, Kansas, mansion, Midwest, Moonshine, murals, park, Peter Pan, Peter Pan Park, playground, street art, Willam Allen White, winery, zoo

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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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