When the mountains are calling, you must go.
We road-tripped North Central New Mexico to explore its landscape, culture, and culinary scene. Santa Fe exceeded my expectations, and it’s a city I’ll gladly revisit.
Established in 1607, Santa Fe is rich in history and offers modern attractions that tourists love. Use this pocket guide of go-to places as a reference for your next trip to The City Different.
Top Activities to Experience During a Weekend in Santa Fe, New Mexico
Go Shopping on the Plaza for Momentos
The Plaza in Santa Fe is the place to shop one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself or someone you love. The majority of the businesses in the area sell apparel, jewelry, and tourism keepsakes.
Local vendors sell indigenous-inspired jewelry every day in front of the Palace of the Governors. You’ll see the most extensive collection of vendors available on Saturday morning.
Indeed, Historic Plaza is the hot spot for handcrafted gifts and boutique-style treasures. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll realize you could easily spend an entire day strolling from shop to shop, perusing inventory.
Most plaza shops carry variations on the same theme – all things Southwestern from clothing to housewares. But if you’re like me, you’ll appreciate a handful of unexpected business like Los Padres Records, which sells classic rock and country music vinyl records.
Tour Museums Honoring New Mexico’s History
Visit The Oldest House in the United States
Not only is Santa Fe considered the oldest capital city in the United States, but it’s also home to the Oldest House in the USA (215 E. De Vargas Street).
I don’t want to spoil your experience with a description of its interior; however, it is well worth viewing it first-hand to appreciate how early residents lived in a small space. It’s mind-blowing.
The gift shop carries similar gifts you’d find in most touristy shops downtown.
Palace of the Governors at the New Mexico History Museum
At the advice of others, we started our Santa Fe experience at Palace of the Governors (105 W. Palace Avenue) because viewing it establishes a visitor’s understanding and appreciation of the region’s people and cultural traditions.
The building was constructed by the Spanish in 1610 for the use of colonial administrators. It is the oldest continuously used public building in the United States. Open to the public, the National Historic Landmark features rooms containing Spanish-Pueblo artifacts and artwork.
PRO TIP: Skip the short line. Buy your tickets online to tour the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum for one admission fee.
New Mexico History Museum
The New Mexico History Museum (113 Lincoln Avenue) is a must-visit attraction north of The Plaza. Museum highlights include three floors of collections detailing New Mexico culture, people’s lifestyle, and the artwork representing the state’s past and present.
If you only have an hour to tour the museum, you’re going to have to do it quickly if you want to see its entirety. Two hours for a tour is more appropriate.
I found its current exhibit, “Setting the Standard: The Fred Harvey Company and Its Legacy,” the most fascinating because the hospitality entrepreneur lived in Kansas, my home state, for many years. He invented the passenger train dining car experience.
PRO TIP: If you don’t have time to visit the museum, view its virtual exhibitions in video format and walk-thru presentations.
Georgia O’Keeffe Museum
For years, I wanted to visit the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (217 Johnson Street), and it was worth the wait. Beginning in 1929, the artist made a trip to New Mexico, which inspired her paintings of landscapes, flowers, and skulls. The museum’s collections consist of nearly 150 painting and works on paper.
The Georgia O’Keeffe: Make a Life exhibit provides an insight into how she lived when she wasn’t in the studio painting. It details her hobbies, and showcases clothing, furniture, and art tools. It’s an intimate glimpse into her life.
PRO TIP: It’s essential to buy tickets in advance and select your arrival time. Bring earbuds for the audio tour. The museum doesn’t loan them.
New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza
The New Mexico Museum of Art on the Plaza (107 W. Palace Avenue) is not to be missed whether you’re an artist or simply appreciate others’ handiwork. The two-story museum is an affordable self-guided tour of visiting exhibitions showcasing various mediums.
I preferred the artwork on view upstairs with access to a reading library of art books. This museum supports artists of all mediums, which I found refreshing as some historical museums tend to lean into the same subject matter.
PRO TIP: Exit outdoors to the courtyard to indulge in the fragrance of wisteria while viewing an additional sculpture.
Indulge in a Meal in a City That Never Stops Eating
Tia Sophia’s
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a write-up about Santa Fe’s restaurant scene that doesn’t highly praise Tia Sophia’s (210 W. San Francisco Street), and I’m also a big fan. You can order red and green chili entrees anywhere in town, but the signature meals at Tia Sophia’s are some of the most sought-after.
The enchiladas, savory beef and cheese wrapped in tortillas and smothered with chili sauce, are eye-closing, good bite for bite. My meal conjured up thoughts of a family member in the kitchen slowly stirring sauce on the stove, a secret recipe only they knew.
I was thrilled to discover that the red and green chili enchiladas served “Christmas Style” lived up to the hype. A roasted, medium-spice flavor dominated the meal, a local food tradition you must experience firsthand. View the menu.
PRO TIP: Plan for dessert. Toward the end of your meal, complimentary sopapillas served fresh from the fryer with honey will arrive at the table.
Tres Colores Restaurant
Previous food reviewers were correct. Tres Colores Restaurant (101 W. Marcy Street) presents authentic Southern Mexican cuisine using good-tasting recipes. Upon arrival, we were promptly seated without a reservation at a small indoor table. Meanwhile, the open kitchen bustled with activity as new guests steadily arrived to occupy the remaining tables.
In a chile-crazed town, I was keen to order chile rellenos, a cheese-stuffed, deep-fried pepper smothered in red sauce. It was one of the best I’ve eaten in years. The shareable Chiquito Nachos were prepared to my Nacho Queen standards with every layer of tortilla chips touched by savory meat and garnishes.
Preview the menu.
The French Pastry Shop
Surprisingly, Santa Fe is home to a real-deal French bakery serving picture-worthy pastries as well as early-morning breakfast and mid-day entrees. At The French Pastry Shop (100 E. San Francisco Street), guests are welcomed as if they’ve stepped inside a European café, where the espresso machine never rests.
I’d decided to dine alfresco ordering a slice of traditional spinach quiche and a freshly baked croissant to go. Each decadent, soft bite of my breakfast competed for all-star status. I could have dined there daily.
Preview the menu.
Kakawa Chocolate House
Kakawa Chocolate House (1050 Paseo De Peralta) is a place where high-style Instagrammers make videos, and you wonder if drinking chocolate elixirs deserves the fanfare. It does.
The sweet aroma of chocolate welcomes you as you enter a tiny retail store. Taking my place in a short line, I was offered a sample of a couple of liquid elixirs before ultimately choosing a chocolate drink that tasted like the best hot chocolate I’ve tasted. If you prefer chocolate truffles or homemade ice cream, their unique offerings will delight your senses.
Snap Photos of Santa Fe’s Beautiful Doors
In Santa Fe, it’s common to spy artfully designed doors on homes and buildings – each varying in style and color. For example, you’re likely to spot a turquoise door. The color is considered sacred amongst Native Americans offering spiritual protection to the home’s residents.
I discovered handcrafted doors of noteworthy design everywhere we traveled, from courtyards in museums like the Pueblo-style door pictured above to the intricate carvings of church doors.
The ornamental doors make a fabulous backdrop for a photo, adding to the historic charm of Santa Fe’s authentic architecture.
Stroll Through a Historic Church
Numerous cathedral churches in the region support a Roman Catholic community, particularly in Santa Fe. Many of them are open to the public year-round, and the following places of worship deserve a visit.
Loretto Chapel
Loretto Chapel (207 Old Santa Fe) receives dozens of visitors an hour seeking to glance at its interior and famous staircase. After paying a small admission to view it, we quietly entered the chapel, where a helix-shaped, self-supporting staircase to the balcony drew onlookers. The architectural wonder was handcrafted by an anonymous carpenter who disappeared after completion.
Referred to as the Miraculous Stair, a central pole supports it and consists of 33 stairs with a two-turn spiral to the choral loft.
The church is more of a museum, and a place where we witnessed visitors in awe of its architectural design. If you go, respect the museum’s request to remain quiet. Restless children will not find it as appealing.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi
Built in 1598 before the founding of Santa Fe, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi (131 Cathedral Pl) is a must-have experience even if you don’t practice the Catholic faith. A tour of its interior reveals a Romanesque design commissioned by Archdiocese Bishop Lamy.
We were awe-struck by the mesmerizing beauty, from the decorative tiles on the ceiling to the patterned wood floors. Tall Gothic windows illuminated the space, and we admired the display cases containing artifacts from saints who once visited the parish.
Like us, you’ll likely encounter worshipers praying quietly as you meander the church when a mass is not in session.
PRO TIP: The church’s meticulously landscaped grounds are ideal for sitting and people-watching from a bench. We watched a painting class lecture.
Shop and Sip at Santa Fe Railyard
Railyard Artisan Market
The Railyard Artisan Market (1607 Paseo de Peralta) must be included on your itinerary of quintessential things to do in Santa Fe. Vendors converge on the railyard grounds every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering shoppers homegrown produce, herbs, original artwork, and travel souvenirs.
A live band or musician typically plays outdoors while shoppers mill about the Santa Fe Farmers’ Market Pavilion.
I regret not eating before attending the market, as there are several vendors and an on-site mini restaurant serving breakfast items. Bring your appetite.
PRO TIP: Arrive when the market opens at 10:00 am for premium, free parking. The market is wheelchair accessible.
Second Street Brewery
Second Street Brewery (1607 Paseo De Peralta) is an ideal second stop at The Railyard for craft beer, wine, and food selections. The brewery is also known for its build-your-own and specialty burger menu. Our server recommended its popular appetizers to accompany pints of IPA and Kölsch beers. Each one was approachable and recommendable.
PRO TIP: The taproom’s patio makes for an excellent place to enjoy the sunshine. Check their Facebook page for current promotions.
Play a Round of Disc Golf in the Desert
Jaguar Ridge DiscGolfPark
A blue sky day in Santa Fe beckons disc golfers to play a round of 18 holes at one of several courses in the area. At Jaguar Ridge DiscGolfPark (located at SWAN Park), golfers throw meandering amongst public park goers from sunrise to sunset.
You’ll want to be aware of cacti after exiting turf tee pads, and most players suggest using the UDisc app to help navigate the medium-difficulty course during play.
PRO TIP: If you need to practice putting, look for a dedicated basket near the parking lot.
Relax at a Comfortable Vacation Home Near the Plaza
The Ella
When a day of exploring winds down, there is no better place to do it than at your comfortable VRBO near the plaza. We were pleased with the upscale accommodations for a two-night stay at The Ella.
The high-rated vacation home is ideal for a couple or solo traveler wanting the privacy of a first-floor, one-bedroom, one-bathroom setting with modern finishes.
On night two, we skipped the downtown dining scene opting to read books in the comfort of an air-conditioned living room while sipping margaritas. A makeshift meal was easy to prepare thanks to a full kitchen setup.
We rose each day to explore Santa Fe’s plaza within a five-minute walk from the home’s front door. Other perks at The Ella include private parking, an outdoor patio, and a community library with a fireplace, making it one of the best vacation rentals we’ve experienced.
I hope this go-to guide makes quick work of your travel planning. Bonus! Before traveling to New Mexico, view my Instagram videos about Albuquerque’s downtown scene and BioPark, a can’t-miss botanical garden.
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
PRO TIP: If traveling with a pet, ask the hotel staff to direct you to the pet walking area. Prepare to pay a pet deposit.
After lunch, we shopped the retail store downstairs, loading up on Sweet Corn Salsa and Maple Dip jars as well as a six-pack of Doc Otto’s Hard Cider. Customers will find it hard to resist sweet and salty bagged snacks, and the frozen pie case is irresistible. (The orchard dates back to the 1940s!)
Outdoors, the 
I appreciate the hard work and dedication that new owners Denny and Emily Stucky and their employees have put into maintaining and improving The Community Orchard, a favorite destination for locals and visitors searching for an immersive farm experience.
PRO TIP: Check for 
Anne, the winemaker, introduced us to wines we never knew we liked but most certainly loved at the Tasting Bar. Our tasting experience included a short list of dry wines, starting with Ghost Pig (Apple Cider and Rosé Wine) and ending with Marquette 2021 Limited Release (Red). She explained how she uses only Iowa grapes to produce each handcrafted wine.
After tasting six different wines, we enthusiastically raved about dry white Petite Amie 2022 (Best of Show at the 2023 Iowa State Fair) and Marquette 2021 (Fruit-forward dry red). We were gleeful when she offered us a bottle of Marquette 2022 to bring back to Kansas.
After the tasting session, Anne gave us a tour of the winery’s newly expanded production facility and further explained the process of making wine from concept to harvest.
Are you interested in a tasting experience? You can walk in during tasting room hours or make an appointment. I recommend reserving a tasting if traveling with a small group. Light snacks and non-boozy drinks are available to purchase, and they welcome DoorDash food deliveries.
Created in 2015, concrete tee pads and easily recognizable holes make the course simple to navigate without using the UDisc app. If you want to play the entire course, plan for 1.5-2 hours and be prepared to walk a course mostly without shade.
Each 18-hole course provides manicured course play using rentable golf carts for golfers of all skill levels. While we didn’t have time to play a round of golf, I could easily see myself returning to Fort Dodge and carving out time to do so. Having played high school golf, the courses looked well-maintained and worth playing.
We sipped on a flight of four beers ranging from a crisp lager to a red ale. The brewery can produce 15 beers using 5 fermenters.
The size of the brewery is intentionally smaller than most, creating a setting where the community can sit down over a beer and get to know one another. The back patio features a meat smoker and grill available to patrons who want to cook dinner for themselves or friends while they sip on sids.
Check out the brewery’s 
The restaurant’s setting is unique, located inside the 
We enjoyed savory Dak-gang-jeong (fried chicken) and Mandu (dumplings) as appetizers.
A delightful evening in Fort Dodge isn’t complete without visiting The 
The Freedom Rock pictured above is dedicated to veterans suffering from the after-effects of service, like PTSD and mental illness. The front side of the mural rock honors two local aviators and medal recipients who both graduated from Fort Dodge High School
The state’s largest mural, it depicts Fort Dodge residents who contributed to the community. Do you see the man holding the ornate bowl? The town’s pottery industry is represented by this scene.
While admiring another downtown mural, I accidentally discovered The Starry Night (Central Ave. and South 9th St.) painted by Iowa Central Community College students.
No matter where you are in town, you’re bound to see a mural in the distance, whether it’s under a bridge like the one pictured below or in town visible to passersby.
Click 
If pizza isn’t your go-to at lunchtime, the brewery also serves specialty and build-you-own sandwiches with chips. Seven macaroni and cheese bowls appear on the menu.
If you go, flights of four 5-ounce beer samples are $12. Not a beer drinker? Opt to view the cocktails, wine, and Moscow mules menu instead.
PRO TIP: Dining with four people? Ask about the Big A$$ Mule, a 192-ounce Moscow Mule served in a monstrous mug.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time in our itinerary to sit down and create a piece, but I did chat with the owner and several women who were busy creating new glass projects.
They told me how they meet there once a week to chat about their lives and bond while creating art. Soon, they grabbed their phones to show me photos of past projects completed for friends and family. What started as something fun to do became a love affair producing fused glass.
You don’t need an appointment to work at the studio, but if you’re traveling with several people, you should call to reserve seating.
PRO TIP: If you want to take a structured class to create a holiday project. check the 
Beyond the home showroom, women’s apparel racks displayed the latest fashions in the season’s popular colors. Tunics, pants, shorts, and accessories make shopping at The Apple Attic worthwhile.
Located on the 
With an ever-changing display of works from their 1,200 permanent collection, you will see something new each time you visit. The museum hosts a visiting artist every three months.
PRO TIP: Admire the black and white photography on the walls highlighting the day Senator John F. Kennedy visited Fort Dodge before speaking at an airport rally in 1960. You’ll appreciate learning the story Olde Dog and a Massachusetts town that inspired the restaurant’s name 
Decidedly stuffed from my dinner meal, I choose a small dish of classic vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles. Couples approached the walk-up window, ready to order, as I watched car after car enter the drive-thru.
A popular stop for locals near downtown, Snack Shack reminds me of a hangout you’d see in a 1950s movie. The community loves to gather at the colorful tables outside to gab about local happenings between bites of ice cream.
Known for their scratch-made scones, Andy Mae Coffee and Desserts has a loyal following that often tracks down their food truck when it shows up at community events.
I encourage you to walk inside the original Harcourt City Jail, where town drunks, thieves, and outlaws were once taken. Tour the Border Plains School, one of the oldest school buildings in Webster County, to imagine life as a student from 1857-1959.
Tour the inside of the Carlson-Richey Log Home from 1855 to smell the musty wood planks and admire the handiwork of the log home’s builder.
We appreciated the historic details inside a blacksmith shop, drugstore, carriage repair shop, and wood shop. I recommend spending about an hour exploring all the buildings on a cool weather day.
Other nearby buildings house actual artifacts curated from the area that documents one of Iowa’s most valuable resources, gypsum. Early settlers mined the mineral in and around Fort Dodge. Now, the chalky material is used to make wallboard, and Fort Dodge contributes nearly 75% of the state’s gypsum production.
Other displays house Native American arrowheads, beadwork, and clothing. Nearby, military uniforms and weaponry tell the story of those who fortified Fort Dodge.
When visiting Blanden Art Museum, you will be in the 
My sense of wanderlust is strong, and I typically have a fun travel experience wherever I travel. Yet something about Fort Dodge, my first Iowa travel experience, stays with me. It’s a feeling of contentment and longing to return.
Do you like to maintain a fitness routine while on the road? The hotel’s gym is designed to include exercise machines you’d expect to see, plus free weights. The room is large enough that several hotel guests can get in a workout and not get in one another’s way.
PRO TIP: Access a filtered water station in the fitness facility to refill your reusable bottle before departing for the day.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I ordered mouth-watering burnt ends and mac-n-cheese, which tasted 100% delicious. You can’t go wrong with anything you order, from rings and smoked turkey to bbq nachos and Legend Mac Bowls.
With an extensive lunch menu of thoughtfully prepared appetizers, salads, and soups, my friend and I ordered Fried Goat Cheese Balls for starters. My only wish is that we had more of them.
Sandwiched between homemade bread, the chicken salad was scrumptious, and the salads served on the side or as a meal are unmistakably good.
The chef brought warm apple dumplings with vanilla ice cream adding to the delightful dining experience.
Since it was Friday night, I took advantage of the steak special and ordered a ribeye and all the fixings – the comfort meal I craved while away from home. When pressed for his menu favorites, the owner suggested the Pastrami Burnt Ends Sandwich and the Surf-N-Turf dinner.
My al-a carte taco with chips and salsa made for a perfect lunch. Known for South of the Border favorites, El Pollo Loco, enchiladas, and burritos add to expected sports bar menu offerings.
I ordered a lager from KC Bier Company Dunkel to keep with the theme of supporting area breweries.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
It’s not a race but a chance to push yourself and support your besties. Obstacles like the Vertigo Bus gave me pause, so I left it to the ladies to show me how it was done. They ran the hamster wheel, crawled through muddy ball pits, and swung from ropes, cheering one another on.
If you’re interested in other events at Zip KC, the owners convert the landscape into a walkable haunted path at Halloween, complete with fright-inducing rein actors. At other times of the year, events like Ultimate Field Day and Family Timber Challenge draw a crowd.
In the air, attendees can sign up for aerial activities like the
The park is also home to sports fields, a basketball court, paved walking trails, three playgrounds, and a dog park. You may catch a baseball game or practice in progress if you’re lucky.
PRO TIP: Check the 
Did you know there are over 45K acres of farmland, which accounts for 87.5 percent of all Kansas land? You support families and communities by shopping locally from a farmer or area business.
PRO TIP: Be the first to arrive at the market when it opens for the best product selection. View hours and vendor details 
I found the items for sale reasonably priced for a Midwest market. They have several restored cabinets with drawers to choose from if adding furniture to a home’s entryway or living space. Additionally, you’ll discover many neutral-tone lamps, sit-abouts, faux plants, and framed artwork for sale.
PRO TIP: Take your photo in front of the store’s super cool neon sign.
The curated pieces resemble high-fashion styles you see in big-city boutiques. I found it hard to resist the latest KC gear, and I still regret not buying the beaded earrings calling my name.
PRO TIP: Ask the staff about recent mark-downs.
Keeping with their #stayvintage theme, shoppers can expect to find antiques for their homes and closet. Need a retro dress? They have it. Want a set of dishes? They have it. Hoping to find a cool chair for your office? They have it.
Woodland & Willow
But that’s not all! Home decor finds are tucked amongst racks of clothing and jewelry. The store’s owner is great about helping you find what you want.
The Small Hinge Boutique and Creative Studio
PRO TIP: If you lack time to attend a workshop, consider shopping the boutique space for a decorative sign to take home. From personalized door hangers to wall decor, you’ll find it there.
PRO TIP: Check the refrigerated cases for cheese samples.
The town is one that I’ll repeatedly visit for a plethora of things to do and people to meet.
Disc golf is a popular sport for outdoor enthusiasts in Kansas, and 
Have you heard of geocaching? A treasure hunt using an app to locate a hidden container lets participants enjoy a free outdoor activity at various locations in Lindsborg. To start, visit 
