Disclosure: The City of Larned Tourism Committee sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Larned, Kansas, is not just a historic stop on the Santa Fe Trail, which is remarkable, but it’s also a rural destination offering visitors delicious local fare and shopping from store owners who truly care about the community.
I grew up visiting the region, and my first visit to Larned confirmed that it’s a town deserving of an overnight stay to experience all it offers, from historical tours and outdoor adventures to strolling downtown businesses.
Larned, Kansas: Best Things To Do During An Overnight Stay
Less than a two-hour drive from Wichita and about 30 minutes from Great Bend, Larned is the Pawnee County seat built on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad.
Today, about 3,600 residents live in the community. Known primarily for its American West history, the city’s downtown area thrives with locally owned businesses and a one-of-a-kind historic theatre.
My recommendation is that you visit midweek, when most shops and restaurants on Broadway Street are open.
You will want to plan to spend at least one to two hours touring Fort Larned National Historic Site, which is about a 10-minute drive west of town. The Santa Fe Trail Museum & Library, a six-minute drive away, takes an hour for a self-guided tour.
DELICIOUS DINING & COFFEE SHOPS
Rustic Roast Coffee Co.
Whenever I arrive in a town, I make a beeline for a café. At Rustic Roast Coffee Co. (418 Broadway), you can expect friendly service at the counter, where locals order an array of caffeinated beverages and breakfast.
They have a variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks, and I recommend asking to view the seasonal menu. I sipped a Queen Bee Latté between bites of a fresh-from-the-oven banana nut muffin.
Also known for serving Italian Cream Soda and Dirty Sodas, the shop will appeal to customers with a sweet tooth, offering drinks made with flavored syrups such as Cotton Candy Dream and Cocoa Caramel Kiss.
The coffee shop’s owner prepares breakfast and lunch menu favorites daily from an open kitchen. Stay to enjoy a coffee or a meal at one of two tables, or place your order to go.
The Diner
Entering The Diner (424 SW Tri St.) feels like being transported to the 1950s, and the day I arrived, a turquoise Ford Falcon convertible was parked in front of the restaurant.
The 13-seat diner smelled of freshly cooked bacon as the morning sun made the vinyl-covered, cherry- red stools sparkle. A television played the news while I awaited a heaping plate of the day’s special: French Toast with eggs and bacon.
I ate every bite, watching as Larned residents came and went with pick-up orders in hand. The owners greeted each child by name and asked about their summer plans.
The Diner also serves 1950s menu classics like fresh, never-frozen burgers with fries and soft-serve ice cream.
PRO TIP: Arrive when they open to guarantee a seat, or be willing to enjoy an outdoor patio table.
Edwards Street Brew & Bites
Join locals who know where to find a tasty burger or sizzling ribeye dinners at Edwards Street Brew & Bites (603 Edwards St.).
The restaurant resembles a thoughtfully renovated barn with vaulted ceilings, wood beams, and country music as the backdrop. The menu features hearty comfort meals, including fried fish baskets, steak dinners, chicken wings, and stacked burgers.
After a morning of exploring, I devoured a well-seasoned bacon cheeseburger and a side of hot onion rings.
Edwards Street Brew and Bites draws a local crowd with its themed menu specials: Chicken Fried Steak (Thursday), Date Night Steak Dinner for Two (weekend), and Prime Rib (third weekend of the month).
The staff serves beer and cocktails from a full bar, with additional seating near the cash register.
Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant
I was greeted with a basket of warm tortilla chips and homemade chunky salsa upon sitting down at Mi Tierra Mexican Restaurant (119 W. 14th St.). Festive music played while the televisions aired horse racing during the lunch hour.
A bell rang, alerting my server to deliver my order: a combination plate featuring a freshly prepared chile relleño and a beef taco with guacamole salad, both from the Luncheon menu. Their salsa is some of the best I’ve tasted while road-tripping through Kansas.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialty entrees you’d expect, plus a rotating selection of bar drink specials, such as margaritas and Mexican beer.
PRO TIP: You can order a 20-ounce to-go margarita for $11, a drink special you won’t find anywhere else in town.
Pin High Bar & Grill
You don’t have to play golf to enjoy dinner and drinks at Pin High Bar & Grill (681 E. 14th St.), but the sports bar does include a stunning view overlooking the Edwards Park Public Golf Course.
Bring a friend to share a basket of fried appetizers before biting into a plate of country-fried steak with mashed potatoes.
You’ll also find 11 different burger options, steaks, shrimp, or fish with fries, as well as wraps, salads, and protein-packed sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak on the menu. Families are welcome at the bar and grill. The kids’ menu features seven meals.
An added touch of salt made my chicken-fried steak dinner better between sips of iced tea. I’m glad I ordered the “small” plate, which was plenty of food for one. My only regret is not planning ahead to enjoy the cheesecake egg rolls.
OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR ADVENTURERS
Larned is home to inviting parks, each with their own unique features, ranging from splash pads for the kids to a stunning rose garden ideal for a peaceful morning stroll.
Schnack-Lowery Park
I’ve toured quite a few public parks in Kansas, and the highly rated Schnack-Lowery Park (W. 1st and Carroll) is one of the best for its size, swimming pool, duck pond, children’s miniature train, and skate park.
Local master gardeners maintain the rose garden, offering visitors solitude inside a shaded gazebo where they can gaze at an array of colorful blooms.
The Larned City Swimming Pool, operating from Memorial Day until mid-August, is surprisingly large, with a water slide and lap lanes during open swim hours.
Although it wasn’t operating during my visit, the Larned Kiwanis Miniature Train is certainly where childhood memories are made, an affordable addition to the family-friendly park during community event days.
Other areas of the park include a beloved duck pond, basketball and tennis courts, a water fountain, a playground, and picnic spots with grills.
Larned Fishing Pond
I watched with delight as a mother and her young children walked with fishing poles and a tackle box to the water’s edge at the Larned Fishing Pond (310 NE Trail St.).
The free, public-access pond, accessible via a residential neighborhood, is stocked with a variety of fish, from Bluegill to Largemouth Bass.
Park at the gravel lot and then use the paved sidewalk to navigate to the shoreline or extended fishing dock.
NOTE: You need to have a valid Kansas fishing license, available for purchase at Big R of Larned, if you are between the ages of 16 and 74 years old.
Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park
Park the family at Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park (620 Fort Larned Ave.) for a half day, or bring a picnic for a full day of entertainment.
The free-to-use splash pad and water sprays operate seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day, from 12 to 8 pm.
Fancy a game of tennis? Bring your equipment to play at the courts before pausing for a hydration break on a tree-shaded bench.
Pawnee County Area All Veterans Memorial
I parked my car at the Pawnee County Area All Veterans Memorial (620 Fort Larned Ave.) to pay homage to those who served and gave their lives, from the Spanish-American War to the current wars.
As I read the names of area residents who served in the United States Armed Forces in wartime, I noticed something resembling a sculpture in the distance of the Walk of Honor.
The rusted, twisted piece of steel curved toward the sun. An original piece of the World Trade Center in New York, a relic of the 9-11 tragedy, it is a portion of the perimeter column located between the 34th and 35th floors of the No. 2 building.
PRO TIP: Look under the jagged metal at its base, which includes iron legs scaled to resemble the twin towers.
Edwards Park Public Golf Course
Bring your golf clubs to play a round of nine holes at the Edwards Park Public Golf Course (681 E. 14th St.), which also includes a driving range complete with a golf-ball dispensing machine.
As a former high school golfer, I can attest that the fairways and greens were in top condition, given the hot summer temperatures. Golf carts meandered across the course as a men’s league wrapped up its play.
PRO TIP: Prefer to play disc golf. Drive to Noon Lions Disc Golf Course (1500 Toles Ave.), to play 18 holes from concrete pads on cart-friendly flat terrain.
MUST-SEE HISTORIC SITES
Fort Larned National Historic Site
One of Kansas’s most important frontier stories unfolds just outside Larned.
A visit to Larned is not complete without a tour of Fort Larned National Historic Site (1767 KS Hwy 156), a living-history museum and fort open daily, just a 10-minute drive from town.
Before the railroad connected the West, wagon trains traveled the Santa Fe Trail carrying goods, dreams, and determination across the prairie.
The preserved army post and fort sheltered U.S. troops and protected traffic along the Santa Fe Trail from the 1860s to 1870s.
For the most part, the Plains Indians respected the trail’s commerce. However, Kiowa Indians pounced upon Fort Larned on July 17, 1864, stealing over 170 horses and mules, thus creating a reason to escort wagon trains westward thereafter.
Many of its original buildings and replicas represent the fort’s history today.
The best way to explore the fort is to arrange a 45-minute guided tour with a park ranger in advance, starting at the visitor center.
As we entered each of the fort’s barracks and supply buildings, he told stories of what it was like for white and black soldiers who lived and worked there.
The park ranger’s key unlocked access to the men’s barracks, where 68 soldiers slept in iron beds (two men to a bed) in 1871. The smell of the original wood floors, foot lockers, and vintage wool jackets permeated the summer warm air.
The soldiers’ humble living quarters stood in stark contrast to the officers’ spacious homes, decorated with hand-hewn furniture, rugs, and tables adorned with china and silverware.
The idea of working as a woman tasked with doing the soldiers’ laundry or tending the fort’s garden in the harsh Kansas heat and cold winters gave me pause.
As we entered a working blacksmith’s shop, sparks flew from an anvil as a living-history volunteer, Pete, banged his hammer on a red-hot piece of iron taken from an original forge dating back to 1867.
To experience the fort in all of its glory with reenactors in costume giving demonstrations, attend one of the living history events during Memorial Day Weekend (May), Labor Day Weekend, Buffalo Soldier Fourth of July, Candlelight Tours (2nd Saturday in October), and Christmas Past (2nd Saturday in December).
ACCESSIBILITY: While much of the site is wheelchair-accessible over grass or a level, sandy trail, there are required steps to access buildings.
Santa Fe Trail Center Museum & Library
Gone are the days of living on the prairie in sod houses or attending class in a one-room schoolhouse, but you can imagine what it must have been like at the Santa Fe Trail Center Museum & Library (1349 K-156 Hwy), open Tuesday through Saturday.
Like me, start your exploration inside the museum by visiting the exhibits that trace the history of the Santa Fe Trail and the effects of Westward Expansion.
Indian artifacts, trade goods, and historic photos bring the trail era, dating back to 1821, to life.
From oxen- and mule-driven wagon trains to the invention of the railroad and the automobile, the museum does an excellent job of presenting history chronologically.
Replica period rooms are designed to help museum-goers visualize what it was like to live in a middle-class home in the 1900s.
But my favorite part of the museum experience awaited me outdoors, where I took a self-guided tour of the historic Escue Chapel, the first church built by African American residents in the community.
The Kansas sunshine shone through the church windows onto the pews and the original wood-plank flooring.
Other outdoor buildings, like the dug-out house and sod house, represent how early pioneer settlers lived on the Kansas plains.
Visitors can bring their lunch to enjoy at an outdoor picnic table, and the museum’s retail store features Santa Fe Trail souvenirs.
PRO TIP: The research library is free and open to the public, and if you’re interested in local genealogy, ask about access to the archives.
ACCESSIBILITY: The museum and its exhibits are wheelchair accessible; however, the grounds containing the outdoor buildings are covered in grass and somewhat uneven terrain.
Santa Fe Trail Marker at Larned Cemetery
Sometimes, I visit a town’s cemetery in search of historical clues. At the Larned Cemetery (1 3/4 miles west on U.S. Hwy 156, then 1/2 mile South on Hwy 130), you’ll find a limestone marker positioned on the spot that was the Santa Fe Trail.
I didn’t see any original wagon ruts nearby, but I did stop to pay my respects at several Civil War graves.
PRO TIP: Use this link to find eight additional Santa Fe Trail historic markers in the area.
Zebulon Pike Plaza
As you enter town, you’ll cross a bridge over the Pawnee River at the Zebulon Pike Plaza. It’s the same river Captain Zebulon Pike traversed in 1806, and where his men camped nearby during the Red River Expedition.
Pike kept detailed journals noting his observations of the Pawnee Fork Crossing of the Santa Fe Trail, located about 500 yards from this site.
Park at the gravel parking lot and follow the paved sidewalks to the interpretive signs that tell Pike’s story. Take note of the small mock gravestones honoring Private Robert Easley and Private Arthur Hughes, who perished in the area during the 1840s.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL
If the idea of spending the day shopping for antique finds, home goods, and stylish clothes to add to your closet sounds like the ideal day, Larned is your happy place.
Rusty Nail Mercantile
Shop the Rusty Nail Mercantile (418 Broadway St.) is home to a variety of merchandise, ranging from affordably priced women’s clothing to jewelry and gift-giving items.
I was pleasantly surprised to find racks of colorful, fashionable blouses and jeans priced at $3 to $10.
Need a gift for a baby shower or a housewarming party? Shop the retail space for the ideal gift for someone, with country music playing in the background.
Scraps
Scraps (612 Broadway St.) initially opened as a supply store for scrapbookers, selling memory book paper and sticker supplies.
While they still carry scrapbooking essentials, it’s evolved into a retail store selling home accents, women’s and children’s clothing, and seasonal decorations. Plus, it doubles as a coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch.
Owned and operated by two sisters, Scraps is a catch-all stop where you can purchase a grab-and-go meal or linger a while over coffee with friends from a comfortable couch.
Whatever you need, you’ll find it at Scraps. And should you require wedding supply services, the owners handle it all: catering, cakes, flowers, and tux rentals.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the clearance room for discounted home decor.
Old Church Antiques & Blessings Bakery
A Southwest stop on the Kansas Antique Trail, Old Church Antiques (921 Broadway St.) is a sure-win for treasure hunters in search of museum-quality antiques and repurposed items.
I’ve shopped plenty of antique stores, and this one is an experience. Located in the oldest church in town, dating back to 1897, Old Church Antiques showcases the collections of 18 vendors.
Walk downstairs to the lower level to purchase homemade baked goods from Blessings Bakery, where the owner and her staff prepare scratch-made cinnamon rolls, macaroons, Whoopie pies, and cookies. You can even purchase a sourdough starter kit.
One visit to Old Church Antiques and Blessings Bakery won’t suffice. The store’s inventory and the bakery’s specials are updated frequently, so plan a return trip.
Country Seasons Flower Shoppe
Within minutes of shopping at Country Seasons Flower Shoppe (519 Broadway St.), I had found multiple gift items and home decor accessories that I wanted for my own.
The store is a mainstay for the community, having recently celebrated 20 years of providing fresh floral arrangements, houseplants, gifts, body products, and candy.
Greeted by the shop’s friendly owner, she told me they like to say they sell items with “a little bit of country and a lot of style.”
Women will appreciate the keychains, dish towels, and coffee mugs with imprinted phrasing that speaks to them. Many of the home accents are floral-themed, making it a one-stop shop for the gardener in your life who deserves a gift.
Antiques and Artifacts
If you see a banner sign blowing in the wind in front of Antiques and Artifacts (513 Broadway), the store is open for shoppers in search of rare finds.
The owner, Dody, moved from New York to continue her mother’s tradition of selling antiques in a building the family has owned for decades.
Within minutes of my arrival, Dody took me under her wing, showing me interesting treasures, which included the store’s vast collection of framed artwork and prints.
PRO TIP: Walk into the store’s back room to explore shelves of out-of-print, national publications, from magazines to newspapers.
My Favorite Furnishings
You’ve never seen a locally owned furniture store like My Favorite Furnishings (401 Broadway St.), a massive retail shop that attracts shoppers from miles away looking to purchase furniture, appliances, flooring, and mattresses.
Located in its current spot since 1952, the store occupies 25,000 square feet of retail space, offering exactly what you need and want for your home.
Seven showrooms upstairs and two showrooms downstairs are stocked with top-selling brand names: Lazy Boy, Ashley, Best, Bosch, Titan, and Mohawk.
In awe, I told the owner that I wished I had shopped for our furniture at her store rather than making multiple trips to various Wichita furniture stores to redesign our living room.
Lucky for shoppers, they provide in-home design advice and ship furniture. Better still, they will deliver it within Kansas.
Dress It Up
Perhaps the warmest welcome in Larned was the friendly greeting I received from owner Tessa at Dress It Up (511 Broadway St.), a women’s clothing boutique carrying on-trend brands such as Liverpool, Southern Lady, Tribal, and Judy Blue.
I adored the store’s selection of classic separates and in-season fashions that I tried on a cute, floral dress. The store’s inventory ranges in sizes from small to extra large and appeals to most age groups.
Dress It Up makes it easy to pull together pieces to create new outfits, adding jewelry and shoes to complete the look. Tessa has her finger on the pulse of the latest fashions, hand-curating pieces for the shop.
Doerr’s Ace Hardware
I get excited to shop at a local hardware store because it’s a catch-all store for my needs.
The shelves at Doerr’s Ace Hardware (602 Broadway) are filled with tools and supplies for home and landscaping projects big and small.
Ready to repaint the interior of your home? The staff at the Paint Shop can personalize your purchase to your DIY needs.
Are you thinking up upgrading your patio with grilling supplies? The store carries Weber and Traeger grills and cooking utensils.
What makes shopping at Doerr’s Ace Hardware even better? They fundraise for community causes. That’s why I love a locally-owned hardware store.
Crossroots Boutique
A tucked-away gem located on the edge of town, Crossroots Boutique (1175 Morris Ave.) is worth the short drive to shop for affordable women’s clothing, graphic tees, shoes, and jewelry. The shop is located inside the office building of Sebes Hay.
I was pleasantly surprised to find on-trend apparel at a price point most women ages 30 to 70 can afford.
The store’s owner, Cheron, thoughtfully carries sizes ranging from small to 3X and stocks brands such as Risen Denim and Corky’s Wedges and Sandals.
PRO TIP: Watch Crossroots Boutique’s Facebook live videos on Thursdays at Noon or 5 pm to see the newest arrivals.
AWE-INSPIRING PUBLIC ART
Thanks to collaborations with artisans, Larned is slowly adding more public art, including hand-painted murals and a sculpture that one can’t miss, which represents the school district’s mascot, the Indians.
Larned High School Bronze Indian Sculpture
I drove around Larned High School twice looking for a bronze Indian sculpture, and the second trip was worth it when I found it near Earl Roberts Field.
Installed in 2016, the towering, life-size figure with impressive details was made in Los Angeles by Bronzeman using the lost-wax process. A plaque reads, “For the Love of the Game,” in memory of Michael Bartz.
Downtown Murals
Larned’s artists have added their designs to downtown buildings. Several oversized murals adorn red-brick buildings, many of which are easy to spot by traveling down Broadway Street.
These public art installations, funded by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, draw the eye and beckon passersby to stop and snap a photo.
Each one enhances the downtown corridor in a unique way, showcasing the area’s history while celebrating what makes living in the area delightful, like a sunset over the Great Plains viewable for miles.
Die-hard mural seekers will want to keep their eyes peeled for murals adorning buildings at Larned’s city parks as well, like the one pictured below at Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park.
BONUS ACTIVITIES TO EXPERIENCE
Jordaan Memorial Library
I like to stop by a town’s public library whenever I have a few spare minutes during a road trip to unwind and peruse books about the area’s history.
The Jordaan Memorial Library (724 Broadway St.) is a modern reading room with a dedicated space for those who appreciate Kansas history, particularly Santa Fe Trail enthusiasts.
Library staff member encouraged me to use the complimentary high-speed WiFi and to explore the book shelves. During my Kansas Room work session, a second employee checked on me, proving that Larned residents truly are some of the nicest folks.
PRO TIP: Check the library’s website for upcoming events, including book signings and family-friendly gatherings.
State Theatre
The State Theatre (617 Broadway) is an architectural treasure providing weekend movie screenings using a state-of-the-art projector with 3D capabilities.
Operated exclusively by volunteers, the theatre opened in 1949 and remained open until its closure in the early 2000s. Local citizens helped restore and reopen the building, adding upgraded seating and a digital projector.
View the theatre’s Facebook page to review upcoming movie screenings. (I didn’t visit Larned during the weekend, so I look forward to a return trip when the theatre is open.)
CAN’T MISS ANNUAL EVENTS
A multitude of annual events make planning a Larned road trip extra special.
Save the date: Antique, Vintage, and Collectibles Show (February), Santa Fe Trail Days (May), Pawnee County Fair (July), Downtown Fall Frenzy (September), and Downtown Holiday Shopping Nights (November). View all upcoming events.
If you love discovering places where history comes alive and pausing to shop and dine at local businesses, add Larned to your road trip plans.
Everyone you’ll meet welcomes you warmly, and the town’s many attractions are more than enough reason to plan a return trip to the charming rural Kansas town.
At historical museums and Santa Fe Trail landmarks, I learned that the county was founded by the Osage Nation and developed by hard-working miners and railroaders.
The Arvonia Historic Preservation Society also maintains the nearby Calvinistic Methodist Church of 1883 and the Town Hall of 1916. The Humphey’s House, the Hunting Cabin, the Main House, and the Quonset Building remain on the complex.
Visitors should plan their visit to the historic site around one of its events. The Arvonia Summer Kick-Off in early May includes family-friendly activities, food trucks, and tethered balloon rides.
In October, the Arvonia Fall Festival draws a large crowd for traditional Welsh food, activities, and demonstrations, including butter churning, crafts, and soap-making.
Its proximity to Melvern Lake, four miles west of town, and the surrounding pastureland intersected by a railroad line make it a quintessential Kansas town. The north side of town sits along the Marias de Cygnes River.
My order of savory steak and chicken fajitas arrived sizzling hot with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, and fresh guacamole.
My only regret was ordering too much food because I should have planned to enjoy a paleta (Mexican popsicle).
It truly is a family-focused spot with a nearby children’s playground and strategically placed park benches, ideal for a picnic or watching courtside play.
The Highland Schoolhouse, although not open for self-guided tours, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the days when Kansans attended school taught by a single teacher.
In a working-class town, Melvern’s history is preserved in the park, while the surrounding area is being transformed to meet residents’ needs with modern recreational facilities.
Although I didn’t have time to walk the entire trail, I did stop and read some of the signage along the river trail to learn more about native plants, trees, and wildlife. A trailhead kiosk includes brochures for the river trail.
Whether you’re hiking one of nearly a dozen trails or playing the new disc golf course at Melvern Riverfront Park, you’ll be glad you visited for the natural scenery that changes with the seasons.
They appreciate the laid-back vibes and fun-loving nature people bring to the lake, whether they’re fishing from inside the heated dock or enjoying uninterrupted sunset views over the water from a rented pontoon boat.
Need to rent a boat slip for the weekend? Need fish bait or need tackle? Perhaps you simply want to meet the lake’s four-legged mascot, Jake?
I was the third guest to stay overnight at the newly built cabin, and felt spoiled by the soft bed linens, plush bath towels, spacious shower, and fully-stocked coffee station.
The host also provided a bottle of red wine (enjoyed lounging in front of the electric fireplace!) and farm-fresh eggs in the refrigerator.
In the morning, I enjoyed a fresh-brewed cup of coffee as the sun rose. And in the evening, I looked in awe as elk grazed on ranch land in the distance.
The ranch is also home to a wedding venue and an additional two-story vacation rental, 
It’s rare to find an exceptional, rural getaway where the host has anticipated your every need. My stay at the cabin checked every box.
True Brew Coffee Co.’s baristas are welcoming, and the atmosphere is especially homey. Go for a “soulful sip” seated by the fireplace or at a patio table on a sunny day.
Although it was closed when I visited, it was the site of a plant sale with proceeds benefiting the library’s programming and expansion.
I purchased a flowering plant and planted it at home to remember my delightful visit to Lyndon.
Around 1860, coal was discovered in Carbondale, stimulating growth and attracting the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroad. Agricultural opportunities also attracted European immigrants to the area.
Take a self-guided tour of the Osage County Historical Society Museum to view locally sourced artifacts and curated photography, and if you’re from the area, inquire about their genealogy services.
The new owners have selected some of the best Kansas-sourced products to sell in the floral/gift shop. I was pleased to see KC Caramels on the shelf next to skincare products.
Refrigerated beef cuts from Wendling Farm and Cattle are regularly restocked in the reach-in cooler.
Zenana and Risen denim, shoes, handbags, dresses, and hair accessories are beautifully displayed with seasonal merchandise front and center.
Carrying sizes ranging from XS to XXL, women will love mixing the latest styles with jewelry before checking out.
Go for the inventory, which includes items ranging from sunglasses and disc golf supplies to vintage candy and seasonal decor.
Order a cold one with a cheeseburger and waffle fries or the daily special like Pork Rib Nachos, and enjoy it in good company.
The 50’s diner menu includes classic dinner fare, and the specials on Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday feature fried seafood, wings, burgers, and a tenderloin sandwich. If you win the Ultimate Burger Challenge, you win a t-shirt.
The menu features specialties like taquitos, street tacos, burritos, and enchiladas for lunch or dinner. Happy Hour is served daily from 2 pm to 5 pm.
The place to start your relaxing getaway is at 
Pomona Lake Marina has 9 docks and 149 slips/ The owners bring the fun by hosting an entertaining, free summer concert series, which draws large crowds of 500 to 2,000 music fans. Check the marina’s 
I found that the lines to purchase barbecue at each food truck moved quickly, and there was little to no wait to buy ice cream or baked goods from local school groups. Despite the on-and-off rainy weather, people arrived in droves for the popular annual event.
Open six days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, homestyle meals, ranging from smothered hamburger steak with mashed potatoes to a smoked pork chop.
They work diligently to carry a variety of annual flowers, as well as vegetable and herb plants that you don’t always see in a greenhouse. You’ll find a large selection of houseplants, succulents, and garden supplies indoors.
Becky and her staff are quite knowledgeable if you have questions about inventory. She frequently posts walk-through videos on the store’s 
PRO TIP: I parked in a nearby commercial lot and accessed the trail at 513 N. 9th Street.
Need a baseball hat or t-shirt to show your lake life attitude? An Osage City keepsake or collegiate apparel for the upcoming game? KB’s SpecialTees carries it all.
Stay tuned to the store’s 
From May through October, the courtyard space transforms into an outdoor oasis featuring high-end tropical and in-season plants.
You can almost imagine the passengers awaiting their train’s arrival as they sat in the lobby with their tickets in hand.
The museum’s curator is slowly adding more artifacts. Be sure to check out the railroad’s communication room, and don’t miss the framed photography. A few glass cases house memorabilia that Osage City residents will especially appreciate.
Antique car enthusiasts will appreciate the White Eagle Gasoline pump out front, and a drive-thru bay offers a picture-worthy spot.
Choosing a table next to the periodicals, I read a few magazines and relaxed.
The coffee shop, which resembles something you would expect in a city, fittingly uses The Roasterie Coffee Company beans sourced from Kansas City.
Council City Coffee is a must-stop, especially if you like to cozy up with a caffeinated beverage and a baked treat while working on a laptop or chatting with friendly locals. Kids will seek out the reading nook.
The second-floor, two-bedroom, two-bathroom loft space comes with modern amenities in a meticulously renovated 120+ year-old brick building.
Plus, a stay includes coffee drinks for two guests each day at Council City Coffee downstairs.
Open on Saturdays, the retail shop’s inventory features products from 12 makers that blend a rustic/rural aesthetic with on-trend items.
You’ll find it difficult to leave the shop without a gift in hand for yourself or someone else.
Patty and Kelly also teach craft classes and seasonal open house events, which they announce on the store’s 
If you prefer soft-serve ice cream, order a Concrete with toppings and sauces of your choice. Families should try a flight of six to twelve scoop flavors.
And if you bring your dog along on your trip, you are in luck because the ice cream shop offers Pup Cups free with purchase.
Actually, my guided tour started in a separate building that houses a meticulously restored 1938 Ford Pumper Open Cab fire truck. Used in parades when not on display, it represents the region’s proud firefighting history and those who put their lives on the line.
The museum, located inside a former school building, has thematic rooms.
Open to tour for free on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm, the museum also hosts various 
It is dedicated to Mrs. Fannie Geiger Thompson, a civic leader who proposed that the markers preserve the trail’s history across the state.
The bell was repaired and rang again for the first time after 75 years. It stands as a permanent display at a memorial sculpture in front of the 
Will you ring the bell when you visit? Take note of the unique bricks added to the back of the memorial wall.
Its massive size and awe-inspiring beauty are complemented by three stained-glass, towering windows on the opposite side of the sanctuary, best admired indoors.
PRO TIP: To view the organ and windows, check the hours for the 
Built in 1902, it has been painstakingly preserved, a reminder of the town of Superior that no longer exists.
A portrait of George Washington hangs on the wall above the restored wood-beam flooring. Sun floods the empty room from tall windows adorned with yellow curtains.
Overall, Burlingame offers so much to do and see for a town of its size.
The owner, Ryan, wanted to create a place where people would want to “watch the game on Sundays,” and the tavern hosts 
I could easily see how the tavern would attract a game day crowd or those looking for an after-work drink and a meal.
Since 1994, diners have enjoyed country-style lunch and dinner specials, hearty Mexican Night meals, pasta entrees, and sandwiches. The restaurant and the menu items are named in honor of The Duke, the actor John Wayne.
The dessert stop is open nearly every day of the week, and the digital sign above the shop advertises its hours. Bring the kids for Movies in the Courtyard on Saturdays during the summer from 6 to 9 pm when the owner projects family-friendly films.
The library operates shortened hours on Saturdays, so I missed checking it out. Open Monday-Saturday, preview its hours before your arrival.
Bonus things to do in the area include fishing, boating, and hiking at Carbondale East and West Lake, located 2 miles east of town.
The bakery, situated inside a restored historic building, is an inviting space with family-size tables. The space is tastefully decorated with sunflowers, including a hand-painted mural by Tammy Metzger.
PRO TIP: Preview available pie flavors at the bakery’s 
Vicky Lawrence, the store’s in-house quilt designer, is renowned for her patterns and projects. A 
I’ve toured dozens of 
During my visit, I saw quite a few seasonal items, and the Christmas tree in the front corner of the store is a great place to find a souvenir of your trip to Overbrook.
Any of the artwork you see was likely created by incarcerated people, as the shop also serves as a charity for the prison ministry.
Features like hamburger steaks, patty melts, and taco salads with chips bring regulars to the restaurant. If you want to see the day’s meal special, the owner posts it to the restaurant’s 
Surrounded by woodland and prairies, the trailhead is tucked away near the Overbrook Vet. Keep a lookout for a sign when driving along Maple Street.
If you bring a tackle box and fishing pole, don’t forget your Kansas State fishing license (ages 16+).
If you plan to extend your road trip through northeast Kansas, consider using my blog post, 
I listened to classic rock music play over a speaker as regular customers approached the counter.
Fire Lake Soapery’s retail products are sold in over 1,500 retail shops, including Whole Foods, across the county. Visitors to the Paola shop can expect an extensive selection of plant-based bath and body essentials.
PRO TIP: Monitor the shop’s 
Founded in 1965, its volunteer staff has curated artifacts that tell the story of the area’s heritage through well-designed exhibits.
Displayed in chronological order, the first exhibit details Miami County’s shallow sea fossil history, waterfowl taxidermy, and artifacts from early tribal presence. The museum maintains one of the largest collections of American Indian artifacts in the state.
PRO TIP: View its 
The inviting space, gifted by one of its founders, Baptiste Peoria, features a public water fountain and a Victorian bandstand gazebo built in 1867. The nearby benches are situated, allowing parents to rest while watching their kids play on a nearby swing set.
Walk across the street to view artist Lynnsey Fletcher’s colorful mural on the side of a building at 11 S. Pearl Street, a photo-worthy backdrop to capture your visit to Paola.
Decorated with antique light posts, car racing memorabilia, and beer neon signage, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a mix of auto racing signage and beer neons.
Known for their tenderloin sandwich, I opted for the lunch special, served with curly fries. The fried sandwich meal, a half-order serving, was more than enough for a midday meal.
Located in the same building where the Paola Livestock Auction takes place at 1 p.m., diners form a line at the lunch counter to order burgers, meals, or the day’s special, and slices of fruit or cream pie.
If you’ve never witnessed a cattle auction, you should. The auctioneer’s high-energy cattle rattle fills the space with phrases like, “Twenty-five, now thirty, thirty, who’ll give me thirty-five?” as bidders signal bids.
Outside, the smell of smoked meat over apple and cherry wood greets diners. Rib bones are massive, the smoked turkey melts in your mouth, and a serving of overflowing sweet barbecue beans is a must-try.
PRO TIP: When there are no airplanes to watch land or take off, check out the owner Terry Bright’s collection of Super Bowl and Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.
Beginners can sign up for day camps and lessons. Boards, helmets, and wetsuits included. Traveling with young kids? Consider suiting up to play at the inflatable Aqua Park.
And if you’re like me and you’re more interested in watching the action from the shore with a lakeside drink, order a beverage or ice cream scoop from the Surf Shop’s boat-shaped counter.
PRO TIP: Pack comfortable walking shoes or your bicycle to trek the park’s ADA hike/bike paved trail, which is considered easy.
The boutique offers a curated selection of home decor and gift-worthy items sourced from Kansas and Missouri. Guys will appreciate the retail selected with them in mind, including the cigar cabinet.
If you appreciate rye whiskey, order Prom Night prepared with blackberry and sage syrup. It pairs well with one of their shareable appetizers, such as the Lunch Lady Favorite, a toasted baguette served with herb olive oil and fig balsamic.
The 40-acre farm includes over 20 alpacas, which, despite the misconception associated with llamas, are friendly and lovable. Did you know alpaca fiber is used to produce clothing, hats, socks, and more?
Be sure to visit the farm’s retail store to purchase homemade and globally imported gifts for yourself or others. Kids will love the alpaca plush toys. If you can’t make it to the farm, purchase fiber products from the farm’s 
The weekend-only wine venue is home to growing vines, which have produced grapes for over 20 years and wine commercially for 14 years. They use varietals grown on-site, complemented by other local vineyards’ produce.
During my private tour with the owner, I learned that he taught himself how to grow a vineyard by watching YouTube and reading books, which is mind-blowing considering the sophistication of the vineyard. His visits to Spain inspired the business.
My two-bedroom suite was in the stunningly restored upper level. While the owners live on the property and other guests were present, I never heard them.
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a girls’ weekend, or a romantic getaway, this is where vintage elegance meets contemporary comfort. 
Open ten months out of the year, the course attracts paintball-playing groups from six to 60 people at a time – rain or shine. The owners teach groups how to play and referee 8 to 10 games per session, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes, for a total of about two hours.
The newly added High Creek Mini Golf provides a more low-key space to enjoy a round of 18 holes when not participating in paintball competitions on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The Family Aquatic Park is open May through August for splish-splash play. A nearby fitness park with low-impact workout equipment helps people of all abilities increase their strength and stamina.
Visitors can view a bronze statue and read interpretive signage about the battle before touring the 
The 1912 family cabin, including original furniture and the family’s belongings, was relocated to the John Brown Memorial Park. The personal artifacts used by John Brown make up the remainder of the museum collection.
Civil War weaponry, a trunk used by John Brown, his desk, and a melodeon (a small organ played at his funeral) comprise part of the collection. Brown, who walked alongside a wagon from Chicago, had 60 cents to his name when he arrived at the Adair home.
PRO TIP: Ask the historic site’s staff about the Adair home’s architecture and its contents. You’ll want to hear the story about Florella Adair’s sewing kit.
At one time, over 50 trains passed through Osawatomie per day to the depot. The MoPac Railroad Depot Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. A meticulously restored passenger caboose is available to tour (kids love the upper deck view!).
At 118 miles across east-central Kansas, it is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America.
The Walker Station access point is one of the most well-kept I’ve seen in Kansas, complete with informative signs and maps.
I drove down a descending, rocky road to the lake as the overcast skies began to reveal sunbeams on the water. I didn’t bring my rod and reel to fish, but it didn’t matter. I walked away with the memory of a scenic postcard.
Cozy bed, indoor shower, air conditioning, barbecue grill… and the 600-acre views? Amazing. Provided a self-entry code, I checked into the wagon and then sat down and enjoyed the view from a private fire pit seating area.
Whether you’re sipping wine at golden hour, stargazing by the fire pit, or waking up to peaceful prairie vibes, this spot gives Little House on the Prairie chic.
The estate includes four covered wagons (one is tucked away in the woods), The Cottage, and The GuestHouse. Despite a heavy rainstorm during the night, I stayed dry and warm inside my wagon, resting in a queen-sized bed.
The winery’s tasting room is breathtaking. A massive space, I chose a table amongst locals playing Yacht Rock trivia and sipping wine. A server delivered my order: a board of cheese and fruit accompanied by a white wine-tasting flight.
Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and tequila flights or complete bar offerings. The flatbread pizzas are a popular order.
Beyond downtown, its outdoor recreational spots and restaurants make it one of the fastest-growing towns in the metro area.
Whether it’s a breakfast burrito or a plate of warmed pastries, the menu has something for everyone. I watched as a little girl jumped up and down while pointing at a purple Pop-Tart inside the pastry case.
I enjoyed a chat tea latté with a warm cinnamon roll as families and cyclists came and went for an hour. Because the food was so tasty, I returned for lunch to dig into a Green Goddess salad from a window seat.
Quilters, who often seek out retreat spaces in groups, will appreciate The Creative Place’s sleeping quarters, which include a full kitchen (bring your recipes!), two full baths, and individual lockers.
If you’re an artist or writer and need to escape to a place where creativity is fostered through community, this is your getaway destination.
The Vault partners with Level Up to provide users of the Esports Arena with 16 CPU set-ups, 3 Nintendo Switches, as well as PS5 and Xbox consoles. Well-attended summer camps, classes, and chess nights bring game players of all ages together.
On opening day, a line formed out the front door, and people have waited for the doors to open ever since. They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy.
The decor in the candle room is farmhouse style, although the rest of the store’s inventory reflects an earlier time when handmade cabinets and bookcases were the norm.
The shop hosts seasonal open house events and participates in 
Soap bars, lotion bottles, and room sprays sit on wood tables adjacent to racks of gift items, such as kitchen towels. A faith-based, small business, some home decor items feature biblical phrases.
A smaller street art installation, Angel Wings and Sunflowers is located behind Nana’s Tiny Town.
Local artist Jonathan Munden was commissioned to paint the Play Ball! and The Hill murals near the baseball fields.
Walking in the direction of the ballfields from the parking lot, keep your eyes peeled for two sculpture installations.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast meal, the country-fried steak with two eggs or biscuits and gravy is the way to go, whereas omelets or The One “Egger” (pictured above) offer lighter fare.
The coffee beans, sourced from Kansas, are used to prepare espresso, lattés, or cappuccinos, hot or iced. I opted for an all-natural strawberry and banana smoothie. Hungry? They also serve egg bites, power balls, breakfast burritos, or scone croissants.
I grabbed a seat at the three-sided bar under a banner reading, “The best smoked meat is at the creek.” As country music played, I placed an order for a barbecue brisket sandwich and listened to country music.
The brisket was lean and dipped in a sweet barbecue sauce served on a toasted bun with a side of my choice (coleslaw).
I’ve shopped at innumerable antique stores over the years, and I thought the selection was reasonably priced. From items you would likely find in Grandma’s house to architectural salvage and quirky souvenirs, items are displayed from floor to ceiling.
Referred to as the Pirate’s Pantry, an inventory of jarred and packaged food items are for sale. Who doesn’t need a jar of Missouri-made Papa Brown’s BBQ sauce?
Partitioned walls separated vendors’ booths, and some of them were designed thematically, while others were a hodge-podge of antique treasures displayed with no particular theme.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the 
Dedicated volunteers have created a safe, humane space for large cats for over 20 years. Tour guides escort visitors around the sanctuary’s perimeter, educating them about each cat’s life story and their day-to-day behavior.
Over two dozen large cats of various ages explored outdoor living quarters, some marking territory and calling to one another while others perched themselves from platforms above. My tour experience was a positive one and certainly unforgettable.
Walk-ins to the tasting room are welcomed, offering visitors an opportunity to sample hard ciders and cider wine before purchasing bottles to take home. If you love wine, ask about the apple, apple cherry, or elderberry wine varietals.
Louisburg Cider Mill is far more than a country store. Families flock to it for seasonal events, particularly during fall, to explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze. View the 
Scott City has come a long way since 1884 when a progressive Chicago woman, Maria DeGeer, decided to found the town. In addition to serving as a stop near the 
The initial exhibits take visitors on a marine fossil discovery with displays, which include skeletons of huge swimming reptiles.
If bringing kids, they will love the fossil dig table. Ice age mammal fossils like a mammoth tooth and massive tusk wow visitors.
Next, well-designed exhibits illustrate the early Native American experience. A replica of the El Quartelejo Pueblo explains how the Taos and Tewa Pueblo people came from New Mexico resided in the area 12 miles north of Scott City. Evidence supports that El Quartelejo was the first White Settlement in Kansas, operated by French traders in the 1700s.
Pioneer life and the installation of the railroad are equally remarkable. Aside from antique farm machinery, original artifacts help visitors envision what it must have been like to live on land with 360-degree views of scenic Kansas during the early 1900s.
Venture inside the Western Kansas Fossil Lab, where the paleontological timeline of the High Plains is explained and a table, showcasing an actual fossil specimen on a display table. It’s fascinating to learn how Wichitan Kristopher Super, a fossil collector and educator, excavated a Elasmosaurs (a marine reptile).
“The Girl I Left Behind,” a part of his Kansas series, will leave you awe-struck and seeking knowledge about the Civil War era. In particular, his depiction of the Cheyenne Indians at Monument Rocks proves why Thomas’ work earns him world-wide acclaim.
Three flight instructors guide new and experienced pilots through general aviation training.
Since 2012, the Spencer Flight Center’s 50-person classroom has served as home base for ground school and educational programs.
Better yet, you’ll likely see sacred white buffalo with her calf during Spring. The mature bulls are massive and tower about as tall as the truck. For me, the open-air tour was a pinch-me moment, and one I’m still telling others about. The tours are available after May 15 through summer by appointment.
During the one-hour tour, which ranges in price based on the group size, you’ll climb inside the land owner’s truck to ride out to meet the buffalo where they’re grazing.
Susan rustled a bag, and a herd of hundreds of buffalo enthusiastically ate a trail of food as the truck rolled slowly forward through the rugged terrain. We were so close to approaching buffalo that we heard their heavy breathing and occasional moans.
As you drive throughout the park, you’ll see rugged cliffs and open-fields jutting up to lake shoreline. Kayakers float their way around Scott State Fishing Lake, and some drop a line hoping for the day’s catch. Quiet campers mill about at designated campsites. You may see a mountain biker whizzing by on a nearby trail.
I visited the park to learn more about the history of the area at its historical markers.
Years before the Steele’s homesteaded on the land, Taos Indians escaping Spanish rule relocated to the area and built pueblos aka El Cuartelejo or “old barracks.” After 20 years, they returned to New Mexico. Later, Picurie Indians settled for a short time in the area. The El Cuartelejo pueblo ruins at this site were discovered and excavated by Steele and others in the mid-1890s.
The present site allows the visitor to see the pueblo site with its foundation reconstructed by the Kansas Historical Society in the 1970s.
After traversing to the the top of the bluff, I exited the car and a bit of sunshine began to force it’s way through a partly cloudy sky revealing low areas canyon and a cave. This location is where the Northern Cheyenne hid waiting to ambush the U.S. Cavalry.
I tried to envision the creek that once ran there in 1878, women and their children hiding in cave structures, and the barrage of violence that surely ensued. According to historians, the Northern Cheyenne’s rifle pits are still visible on the hilltops
The Northern Cheyenne lost the battle to the U.S. Calvary, and the surviving tribe members left their dead and moved on.
Each hole features three tee shot locations and most fairways are lined by trees, but the putting green pin is easily visible.
The clubhouse and golf cart garages were accessible the morning of my visit, but I didn’t meet a staff member although I spotted a golfer already playing the course.
The flat land course includes concrete tee pads with obvious fairways. Consider it prime for recreational play. You’re not going to compete for space with competition-level golfers.
As someone who’s accompanied other disc golfers and attempted to play a few as well, I can attest that this course is ideal for amateur play with few trees as obstacles or hazards.
A stop on the town’s 
As mentioned early, the 
One of the most awe-inspiring, historic building on the route is the 
The above memorial inscription lists the fallen soldiers from the Scott County community. I paused to read each name as is customary for me when visiting a memorial.
The memorial, which is illuminated at night, honors community members who paid the ultimate sacrifice for others’ freedom. A single American flag flies above the plaza.
Adjacent to Main Street, take a moment to get out of the car and admire the mural at 
The All-American City Mural (400 W. 5th Street) was painted by volunteers to depict a typical Kansas wheat harvest with a nod to the cattle industry. Grain elevators protrude through the blue skyline. The mural was a paint-by-number project.
The café’s menu features espresso drinks, smoothies, frappes, and teas. Ask about the selection of freshly baked bierocks, ham and cheese pockets, and fruit scones.
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
People came in to pick up call-in orders while I watched American Ninja from the dining room’s TV. My beef fried steak dinner was made fresh-to-order served with homemade mashed potatoes and a dinner roll. Dinner entreés come with a house salad.
PRO TIP: Pay in cash to avoid a 3% credit card fee.
PRO TIP: Best Western Reward Members earn flexible rates and bonus points.
Traveling with kids? Check out the 
I’m so glad you’re considering an day trip or overnight stay in Scott City, Kansas. It’s a delightful community featuring plenty of historical museums and sites for life-long learners, celebrated artwork, and comfortable charm.
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in the Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the 
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the 
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.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
We also threw discs at 
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or a floating disc.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent to commercial-use buildings, and the sound of traffic hums.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the course includes dirt pads, and golfers will need to be watchful of the pond in the center.
At first glance, I thought the course was well-maintained for golfers pulling a cart. Tee boxes are paved, and if you’re traveling with a dog, they’re allowed to tag along.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
The 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is on uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into 
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the 
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the 
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The 
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? 
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: 
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s 
