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.
You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotting the district’s landscape make shopping the area entertaining.
One of the newest additions to Downtown Shawnee’s storefronts, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick, caters to women who love brightly colored, fun, and sometimes whimsical gifts. The hilarious greeting card selection makes gift-giving easy.
Each item in the store is hand-selected by its owner. I appreciated that she stocks handcrafted items by other independently-owned businesses, ranging from jewelry to candles.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for someone else while shopping for your next book. A hand-curated selection of whimsical greeting cards are for sale.
Many of the gift items are adorned with funny sayings and hilarious phrases. Shoppers know that the owner frequently replenishes the inventory with new items; sometimes, a line of customers forms outside the storefront before it opens.
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. One bite and you’re likely to buy a bag of it.
Animal lovers will appreciate the selection of domestic and exotic animals. The family owned and operated store’s greeter, Frankie, a Capuchin monkey, excitedly jumps around its cage attracting shoppers’ attention.
For me, the chirping colorful birds and fluffy bunnies were the highlight of the visit.
As I perused the shelves, I noticed the owner carries mostly Midwest brands of bath bombs, personal hygiene products, and household cleaners.
If you’re someone who prefers a sustainable lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the store’s thoughtfully selected inventory.
Suds Refillery hosts a candle filling event every third Thursday of the month, so bring an empty vessel with you when you arrive.
Other Wichita stores to add your indoor plants shopping list include Dutch’s Greenhouse and Tree Top Nursery.
Mom’s garden house is an extension of her own home. The interior’s neutral colors, off-set by the bright white counter tops and trimmed windows, includes various green hues from decorative additions and dark black metal pieces. Having collected many of the sitabouts over time, she decorates in a style more sophisticated than rustic farmhouse but less stuffy than classic traditional. She has an eclectic sense of design style that is uniquely her own.
Today, she still sees beauty in the colors of delicate flowers and enjoys the harvest of a vegetable or herb garden. Her accepted challenge each year is to learn about the needs of plant placement in her landscape while always attempting to attract birds, bees, and insects.
While I love the outdoors, I’m not a natural gardener. I struggle to keep plants alive. I either over or under water them. Completely forget about them. I never installed the proper drip system. Can a person’s “green thumb” be learned? Maybe I just wrote it off as “mom’s hobby.” I should have really paid more attention when helping her in the yard as a teen. Just last week I called her seeking advice about our sad rose bushes. Before I knew it, I was at her house on my hands and knees pruning her rose bushes while she used wood glue on the stem ends to prevent bores for invading them again. Glue? Who knew!
I’ve have so much to learn from her wisdom about nature, about plants and birds. As I mentioned before, I’m at best a wannabe gardener. In fact, I’ve killed so many house plants over the years that if there is every going to be any hope for me, I’m going to have to spend more time with mom in the garden house. If you’re more like me, you’ll appreciate a post she helped me write last summer 
But not every day can be spent gardening. Sometimes the body needs a day of rest between the hours spent digging in unforgiving soil and pulling weeds away from flowers. On these days, she takes time to let her body relax but we all know she is still thinking about her next outdoor project.
