Are you in search of a secluded getaway for two? Perhaps you’re seeking a new date night adventure at a charming location in Kansas?
Use my guide to choose a fine dining restaurant, chocolate or floral shop, or charming lodging accommodations to create a romantic escape for couples.
Kansas Adventures: Romantic Escapes & Date Ideas
Indulge in a Fine Dining Experience for a Memorable Date
Weather Room – Topeka
People Magazine recognized the Weather Room (920 Kansas Avenue) as one of the top 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America for a reason, and the food is equally noteworthy.
Count on fine-dining American fare in a sophisticated setting before indulging in an after-dinner drink expertly prepared at the bar. I recommend the Espresso Martini.
Crooner’s Lounge – Fort Scott
There is no better place to enjoy a high-end dinner in Fort Scott than Crooner’s Lounge (117 S. Main). The lasagna (recommended to me by a couple of locals) was scrumptious for dinner. A large portion that two people could easily share came with a house salad and bread.
My server asked the kitchen to prepare cinnamon ice cream with a caramel drizzle minus the cake for my after-dinner treat. I ate every bite.
Georges French Bistro – Wichita
If you can’t fly to Paris for a romantic dinner, Georges French Bistro (4618 E. Central Avenue) is the next best thing.
Sit at a white linen table for two dining on Mussels & Frites as a starter before sharing bites of Duck á Lorange and Grand-Mère Chicken. The flaming dessert impresses any date.
Culinaria – Lawrence
Hands down, Culinaria (512 E. 9th) is worth its high ratings on Google. The Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring farm-to-table ingredients, is served beautifully plated. Located inside a historic limestone building, the cozy restaurant delivers cozy, romantic vibes in a low-lit dining room at dinnertime.
YaYa’s Euro Bistro – Salina
When you’re in the mood for a chef-prepared meal using the freshest ingredients and exquisitely plated, you dine at YaYa’s EuroBistro (251 S. Santa Fe Avenue). My dinner experience started with complimentary bread and savory dipping sauce with a glass of house red wine.
Diners can select from a full dinner menu or Build Your Own Duet ($44) served with a Greek, Caesar, or spinach salad.
Union Street Social – Emporia
Union Street Social (225 E 6th Avenue) 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. A gas fireplace is a focal point flanked by jewel-tone velvet couches giving off a speakeasy vibe set to the backdrop of live jazz music.
Order the crab cakes for a shareable starter before enjoying a savory steak or pasta dinner. Ask for two forks to split a slice of homemade cheesecake.
Shop for Chocolates for Your Sweetheart
Russell Stover Factory Outlet – Abilene
At Russell Stover Factory Outlet (1993 Caramel Boulevard), the smell of chocolate permeates the air. Grab a cart and stock up on boxed chocolates, gourmet caramel apples, discounted holiday candy (in the back room!), and handmade fudge.
Annadore’s – Shawnee
An afternoon of shopping isn’t complete without stopping into Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (11007 Johnson Drive), and they offer free samples to tempt your tastebuds.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee.
Cocoa Dulce – Wichita
The smell of fine chocolate is inviting at Cocoa Dolce (3 Locations), where candy connoisseurs can select from various flavors from beneath a glass counter. Order a barista-prepared specialty coffee to pair with hand-selected chocolates or indulge in macarons or a cookie.
Sweet Granada – Emporia
Sweet Granada (03 Commercial Street) 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.
Bijou Confectionary – Humboldt
Homemade macarons. Blocks of fudge. Soft cookies. Bulk candy. You’ll find all of it, plus gourmet chocolate, available at Bijou Confectionary (810 S. Bridge Street).
Use a scoop and bag up bulk candy priced at $10 per pound. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
Squishington’s Candy Shop – Lawrence
Stop into Squishington’s Candy Shop (646 Massachusetts) to shop imported chocolate, a candy shop that also specializes in stocking nostalgic retro candy. The staff is eager to help customers build a festive gift filled with a sweet tooth’s favorite candies.
Show Your Love With a Beautiful Floral Bouquet
The Flower Shoppe – Pratt
A short jaunt away from Main Street, I encourage you to visit The Flower Shoppe (201 E. 4th Street). Florist Lou Lynne Moss has been designing silk and fresh floral arrangements for happy customers for years.
Farmer and Florist – Marysville
Inside Farmer and Florist (914 Broadway Street), the shop smells of fresh floral arrangements and scented candles. Jarred Kansas-made products, stationary, and bath products adorn shelves amongst house plants. The shop delivers flowers locally and is known by shoppers for gift boxes featuring fresh-cut flowers.
Chicken Creek Co. – Shawnee
At Chicken Creek Co., you will always find grab-and-go floral bouquets made with “glamour blooms” in the reach-in cooler, and she accepts pre-orders before the holidays. Her prices are reasonable since the owner buys her flowers directly.
Everything’s A Bloomin’ – Oakley
Everything’s-a-Bloomin’ (204 Center Avenue) is stocked from floor to ceiling with home decor, apparel, and Kansas-made foodie gifts. The store also doubles as the town’s only flower shop. Since 2004, Dana’s shop has been the go-to place for visitors to enjoy an unhurried shopping experience.
Free State Flora – Wichita
Free State Flora (2910 E. Douglas Avenue) stock an abundance of fresh flowers and dried botanicals to create a bouquet for any personality. Owner Emily Jones specializes in beautifying weddings with her stunning floral displays.
Pair Up to Enjoy a Wine or Beer Flight
The Paisley Pear – Hays
A delightful space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring downtown Hays is Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market (1100 Main Street). Established in 2017, the wine bar has been serving beverage flights and wine slushies since 2017.
I chose a $12 wine flight of dry varieties from a long list of options. My favorite selection was a cabernet sauvignon from Skyfall Vineyards.
Radius Brewing Company – Emporia
Order a flight of award-winning craft beer (6, 5-ounce pours) at Radius Brewing Company (610 Merchant Street) to share while comparing flavor notes from ales, ranging from American Wheat Beer to Imperial Stout.
Wandering Vine at the Castle – Shawnee
Visit Wandering Vine at the Castle (12401 Johnson Drive) to enjoy a delicious chef-prepared meal and a wine flight. It’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink.
One step inside the castle, and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.
15-25 Brew House – Clay Center
15-24 Brew House(420 Lincoln Avenue) is kicking out some of the area’s best beers. I ordered a four-pour beer flight to sample several brews.
Peel Out, comparable to Blue Moon, lived up to the hype. The two-time National Grand Champ Belgian Wit was my favorite, followed by 1 Eye Open Tropical IPA.
Liquid Art Winery and Estate – Manhattan
Cheers to good times exploring the beauty of Manhattan’s scenery at Liquid Art Winery and Estate (1745 Wildcat Creek Road). As your car ascends the gravel road and turns left, you’re greeted by expansive views of lush green vineyards.
After selecting four one-ounce pours for my dry wine flight, we exited to the partially sun-drenched patio. It’s a romantic setting, indeed.
Reserve a Room at an Exquisite Hotel for a Romantic Retreat
Cyrus Hotel – Topeka
Cyrus Hotel (920 S. Topeka Avenue) is a modern boutique hotel that recently opened in downtown Topeka. Luxury rooms, elegant restaurant and bar, and close proximity to top attractions make it a solid choice for lodging in the capital city.
Hip furnishings with brass finishes are the backdrop for well-designed spaces throughout the hotel. My corner room had floor-to-ceiling windows that provided stunning views of downtown, especially at night when the skyline was aglow.
Ambassador Hotel – Wichita
Located in the heart of downtown near entertainment venues, Ambassador Hotel at Wichita (104 S. Broadway Avenue) is within walking distance of historic neighborhoods Old Town and the Delano District.
The sleek interior design includes gold accents, deep purple hues, and the in-room amenities are luxurious. A speakeasy and fine dining restaurant are located on-site.
The Eldridge Hotel – Lawrence
Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, The Eldridge Hotel (701 Massachusetts Street) was one of the town’s tallest, most beautiful buildings. Upon walking into its lobby, couples will feel transported back in time when luxury was a rarity.
Toast to romance with drinks at the on-site swanky bar, Jayhawker, before your chef-prepared dinner at Eldridge House Grille and All American Room.
Homewood by Hilton – Salina
Of all of the hotels that I’ve stayed at while on the road travel writing, Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown (155 E. Mulberry St.) is by far one of the best. The luxury, service, and proximity to the town’s attractions make it the foremost hotel to enjoy when visiting Salina.
The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Dröm Sött Inn – Lindsborg
Swedish-inspired Dröm Sött Inn (112 W. Lincoln Street) prioritizes guest comfort, and the inn is impeccably designed with a nod to a European aesthetic. In the evening, lounge in the Wine Shelter, sipping a complimentary glass of white wine together.
At breakfast, sit at a sun-drenched table savoring a thoughtfully prepared breakfast before playing a competitive game of chess in front of the lounge’s fireplace.
Gulfer Mansion – Emporia
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.
My accommodations in the German Room included private access to a newly remodeled bathroom with modern amenities.
Bonus Date Ideas: Other romance-inducing adventures include Discover Kansas’ Indie Bookstores, go mural hunting together amongst other Cool Places to Check out in Clay Center, or discover The Best Places to Sip & Savor in Olathe.
I hope this hand-curated list inspires you to make new memories with the one you love or to ask a special someone to accompany you on a date.
Seafood dishes using shrimp, flounder, and salmon offer heart-healthy menu options at dinnertime, while Lobster-Topped Chicken Fried Ribeye or Grilled Pork Tenderloin Medallions please indulgent eaters.
Guests who reserve a patio table can savor antipasti plates with a glass of sparkling wine surrounded by Tuscan-like stone walls and the sound of a hand-chiseled water fountain.
PRO TIP: Alla Campagna also serves lunch, distinguishing itself from some of the reservation-required Fredericksburg restaurants.
After the meal is prepared, students indulge in elevated fare at a beautifully decorated family-style dining room table. At private cooking classes of eight people or more, you can choose the menu and pace or select from existing menus.
If a group would prefer a cooking demonstration or private dinner rather than a hands-on class, interested parties can indicate their choice using an online request form submitted three weeks in advance. Eight menu selections range from French Bistro to Spanish Tapas.
Made of Kansas limestone, the stunning hotel is where families stay when in town visiting students. KU alumni create memories on their wedding day at The Oread. It’s the premier hotel on the hill that Lawrence visitors should experience at least once.
The fourth-floor views from my 
The room amenities were equally as nice. The spacious room (400 sq ft) and walk-in shower were delightful. The fresh flowers and a personalized note welcoming me to the hotel were finishing touches that set The Oread apart from other hotels.
With a full day of exploration in store, I left The Oread and walked to the west side of campus in search of a bite to eat for breakfast. (Tip: When setting out to discover the perks of campus life, leave your car parked inside The Oread’s garage. Wear a pair of walking shoes and enjoy the surroundings.)
The menu features pastries, breakfast burritos and bowls, as well as snacks prepared fresh from an exposed kitchen space. I arrived between an influx of students so there wasn’t a line. With my order placed, I nestled into a comfy spot indoors with a view of the patio and passing students.
A long-time fan, I appreciated reading quotes from coaches and players displayed on the walls. Another exhibit worth viewing is “Game Changers,” which highlights the story of the game and the people who impacted its trajectory over time.
Why is a peach basket sitting next to him? “I showed them two peach baskets I’d nailed up at each end of the gym, and I told them the idea was to throw the ball into the opposing team’s peach basket,” he said. If I were you, I’d bring my camera to take a picture sitting next to the legend’s statue.
The Booth Hall of Athletics includes the KU Athletics Hall of Fame, artifacts from games of the past, trophies, and a historical timeline of moments in collegiate sports. For me, the best artifact on site is a section of the original center court floor from Allen Fieldhouse. The encircled “K” painted on wood planks marked and scuffed representing years of hard work and dedication to the game.
To fully understand the excitement surrounding Jayhawk basketball, you have to attend a game. However, the next best thing is touring Allen Fieldhouse named after “Phog” Allen, the program’s head coach for 39 years. To book a guided tour aka “The Jayhawk Experience” to gain access to the arena, call 785-588-4299.
An ideal place to listen to the jukebox between watching sports on TV, Johnny’s Tavern serves some of the best pizza in Lawrence. Some claim it is the best. They’re also known for serving the coldest pint of beer in town.
I ordered a slice of Great Bambino with pepperoni and a Blue Collar Lager by Free State Brewery made specifically for the restaurant. It’s the ideal collaboration since Johnny’s Tavern has been the go-to spot for hard-working folks for generations. The wedge salad came with crispy onion rings making it unique. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The busy lunchtime crowd seemed to agree.
View Johnny’s Tavern hours and get a sneak peek of the menus 
As soon as you walk inside you are greeted by the early timeline of Dole’s life in Russell. From his early days working as a paperboy in Western Kansas to earning the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his military service, the museum’s collection includes notable artifacts. I enjoyed reading his personal quotes about his experience healing from war wounds and how it shaped his perspective on life.
You’ll also appreciate learning that the entire basement is the 
If you want to visit the Dole Institute of Politics located on KU’s west campus, check the hours of operation 
If you’re unable to travel to the museum, you can take a virtual tour of the 
The latest exhibition “Debut” showcases never-before-seen pieces of art. During my visit, a college class was given a tour by a docent who taught them about individual pieces.
Mammal skulls and taxidermy dominate much of the museum’s exhibits. Explore the glass cases to learn about the biodiversity of birds of prey and how they’ve adapted to life on the prairie. I imagine you won’t find a larger collection of waterfowl taxidermy elsewhere.
A high-quality museum, it is a place where visitors of all ages can explore nature from an indoor setting. Ask for Discover Guides at the front desk before starting your self-guided tour. They are ideal for families and each guide is tailored to a specific age group. To view the museum’s hours and plan your visit, check out their website 
I ordered the Charcuterie board that came with domestic and imported cured meats, olives, mustard, and crostini. Because it lacked artisan cheeses, I ordered a small plate of aged cheddar and soft cheese to accompany it. Paired with the Liquid Gold cocktail, it was delightfully appetizing. The rum-based drink was hand-crafted with pineapple, spices, apricot, and orange.
As I drove up to the building, I saw shoppers milling around a nearby business looking at furniture on display. Some people were exiting with full shopping bags while others were excitedly making their way inside. It was a thrift shop. Very cool.
The barista crafted the perfect chai latté for me. The cafe smelled of freshly baked peanut butter cookies while I sipped my drink and watched shoppers peruse the shelves. Quiche, homemade tarts, and cookies sat in the pastry case waiting for someone to enjoy. A line formed at the counter.
To my surprise, the cafe’s menu prices were quite reasonable. A brown sugar latte on the seasonal board was only $2. Considering they serve 
That’s a mission that I can get behind, and I’m sure you can as well. When in Topeka, consider driving to Judee’s Coffee for a breakfast treat before a morning of shopping. View the cafe’s hours 
The best way to appreciate the collections is to start in the Early People exhibit and work your way through to the museum to the Recent Past. Along the way, you’ll learn how Native Americans settled in areas of Kansas, the impact of the Civil War on the state’s people, and the tragic story of Bleeding Kansas.
The final exhibit features pop culture artifacts from the recent past. It’s an immersive experience. Sit down in the 1950s dinner. Gaze at the glass shadow boxes filled with fast food artifacts. Think back to the early days of Big Cheese Pizza and White Castle, NuWAY, and Pizza Hut. Which Kansas restaurant was your favorite as a child?
I started my tour of the historic district by ducking inside the 
Visitors also enjoy the quirky antique stores and inviting eateries that make up the restored neighborhood. You’ll likely need a couple of hours to truly shop the stores because each one is stocked full of collectibles and uniquely individual pieces. If you’re someone who drools over mid-century furniture, step inside of 
Street art and oversize murals make NOTO Arts & Entertainment District a must-stop. Notable murals include brightly colored scenes of animals, dreamscapes, and flowers. You’ll stop in your tracks when you see the building that doubles as a massive mosaic. It’s covered with intricately placed, tiny pieces of colored glass.
Famished from a morning of exploring the city, I dined on the Pennant Original Burger topped with everything with a side fries (don’t forget the truffle sauce for dipping). If you’re craving it, you’ll find it on the menu. Homemade chili three ways. Patty melts. Milkshakes topped with cupcakes and sprinkles. Most patrons leave the restaurant with a box because they don’t want to leave a bite behind.
The day Monroe Elementary School opened in 1927, it was was a racially segregated school. Parents of several students joined others in Topeka as plaintiffs in the Brown v. Board of Education lawsuit against the “separate but equal” doctrine, which was eventually ruled as a violation of the 14th Amendment by the United States Supreme Court.
Having been a product of the bussing system as a child in the 1980s and a high school teacher later in life, I felt chill bumps walking through Monroe Elementary School during my self-guided tour.
Visitors should start their tour inside the gymnasium to watch a 30-minute introductory film explaining the climate of the civil rights era and the case that ended legal segregation in public schools. Afterward, you can walk inside each classroom dedicated to the timeline of events. The upstairs is closed to visitors.
I was moved to tears as I watched videos of civil unrest. I imagined what it was like to be a student at Monroe Elementary School. A visit to the historic site is one that is well spent and it is certainly a memorable one.
If you have questions upon entering the school, I recommend asking the knowledgeable National Park Service ranger on site. To view the museum’s hours, plan you visit 
The building is over 100 years old, but you can’t tell from its up-to-date style. Hip furnishings with brass finishes are the backdrop for well-designed spaces throughout the hotel. My corner room had floor-to-ceiling windows that provided stunning views of downtown, especially at night when the skyline was aglow.
Hotels guests will appreciate the lounge with a fire pit in the courtyard. Ready for dinner and drinks? You don’t have to leave the hotel to find an excellent dining option. 
As I sat at the clothed table enjoying my meal and sipping on an espresso martini, I felt as if I had been transported outside of Kansas to New York City. To top off the experience, I indulged in an after-dinner drink, a classic Old Fashion. Swanky, indeed.
If you get the opportunity to choose your accommodations for an overnight stay in Topeka, I hope you’ll choose the Cyrus Hotel. Not only does it make for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city, but the amenities spoil you. Did I mention it is also pet-friendly and street parking is free from 5pm-9am? It just keeps getting better.
With more than enough to do in Topeka, an overnight stay is simply not enough time to experience it all. I look forward to visiting the 
The room’s amenities include a flatscreen TV, liquor pantry, coffee cart with snacks, and an Alexa personal assistant. For those who need to get work down during their stay, the in-room desk is large enough for a laptop and then some.
Italian music played as I dined on an appetizer board of chef-selected meats and cheeses. I particularly loved the Italian herb cheese and the fresh made-in-house peach jam. The board was large enough for two to three people to enjoy before ordering dinner with a bottle of wine.
After devouring my delicious meal, I followed the signs leading to the bottom level of the hotel. I was led into a candlelit foray with a mysterious wooden door. I had arrived at 
The speakeasy pays homage to the building’s history while providing guests ambiance they won’t find anywhere else in the city. According to Dockum, the rules for enjoying the bar are simple, “Be good to us and we’ll spoil you.” It was definitely my kind of tavern.
Street art is a bonus surprise for visitors to Wichita. 
Another indoor space to view art, much of which is usually the work of talented regional artists, is 
Hockey fans visiting the area must experience an action-packed 
If you’re interested in catching a local band at a smaller venue, consider walking to 
There is no shortage of attractions beyond the doors of the Ambassador. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a returning guest, the downtown area is the best place to experience what makes Wichita wonderful. Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a Wichitan, but I promise you’ll love your experience staying at 
Do you have questions about exploring Wichita’s downtown district? Want to learn more about the hotel? Drop a comment below. I’m always happy to give travel advice.
