• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Lifestyle Blog

  • About
    • Work With Me
      • Delightful Life Media
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Taste
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
    • Dinner
      • Grilled
      • Sides
      • Pasta
      • Rice
    • Appetizers
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
      • Cocktails
      • Non-Alcoholic
    • Snacks
  • Travel
    • United States
      • Kansas
      • Missouri
      • Nevada
      • Nebraska
      • New York
      • Oklahoma
      • Texas
      • Wisconsin
    • Mexico
  • DIY
    • Projects
  • Contact
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die

golf

Extraordinary Places Worth Exploring in Emporia, Kansas

May 16, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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

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

Granada Theatre

LODGING

GUFLER MANSION BED & BREAKFAST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DINING

Gravel City Roasters

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

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

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

Do-B’s

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

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

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

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

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

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

Union Street Social

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dining Room

Radius Brewing Company

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

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

Radius Brewing Company You can expect to find at least a half dozen craft beers on tap at any given time. After ordering a flight (6, 5oz pours $12), I can attest to the quality of the selection. When it comes to craft beer, I typically like IPAs but today I fell hard for Chile Margarita Gose and Mojito Hard Seltzer. Each was uniquely flavored and refreshing.

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

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

ATTRACTIONS

Red Rocks, Home of the William Allen White Family

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

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

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

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

Twin Rivers Winery and Gourmet Shoppe

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

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

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

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

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

David Taylor Zoo of Emporia

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

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

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

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

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

Peter Pan Park

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

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

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

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

Jones Park

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

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

Dynamic Distribution 

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

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

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

Downtown Shopping & Mural Hunting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trolley House Distillery

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

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

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

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

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

Emporia Kansas

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

Top Things to Do in Oakley, Kansas

August 25, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

The western Kansas town of Oakley is a haven for fun things to do. My road trip on KS I-70 led me to Exits 70 and 76 where attractions like the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center and Fick Fossil Museum promised a day of fun. But before I could focus on the town’s history, I needed something to eat.

BREAKFAST

SUNSHINE BAKERY

I pulled the car over at Sunshine Bakery (3502 US-40), a delightful donut shop of modest size. I made it with only minutes to spare before they closed. The employee was super nice and told me to take my time choosing my breakfast treats. Sometimes when you make it to “last call” at a donut shop, you’re left with only a few donuts to choose from. Not the case at Sunshine Bakery. Trays of crullers, fritters and cream-filled donuts stared back at me. I went for a glazed donut and a fresh-baked vanilla cake donut. The corner bakery is the place to stop for breakfast in Oakley. The drive-thru stays busy all morning, so I recommend parking and heading inside.

ATTRACTIONS

BUFFALO BILL CULTURAL CENTER

Since my room at the Kansas Country Inn (3538 US 40) wouldn’t be ready for several hours, I made my way to the Buffalo Bill Cultural Center (3083 US 83) on the edge of town to view the twice life-sized bronze sculpture of William F. Cody. It was voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas Art. You can’t miss the sculpture as you turn into the parking lot.

Cody aka “Buffalo Bill” grew up on the Kansas plains and made his living as a contract buffalo hunter. The meat was provided to nearby Fort Wallace to feed soldiers. Cody also worked for the army as a civilian scout. When he heard another buffalo hunter, Medicine Bill Comstock, was a competitor, he suggested they stage a contest to see which hunter could harvest the most buffalo in a day. Cody was triumphant that spring day in 1868 earning him the nickname “Buffalo Bill Cody.” The sculpture of him on a hunt is worth checking out. The information center at its base tells the story of Cody and his legacy.

Inside the Buffalo Bill Culture Center, you’ll find permanent and on loan displays that provide details of the area’s history. I watched a fascinating short movie “Hidden History – The Ghost Town of Sheridan Kanas 1868” about a lawless town made up of mostly saloons not far from Oakley. The Kansas Pacific Railroad’s tracks ended there. The video told of men hung from railroad trestles and a mass grave that was created to bury the dead. The town existed for 15 short months. You can view an oil painting “End of the Track” by local artist Chuck Bonner on the wall of the center.

I also appreciated the illustrated panel on the wall that featured the people and places that make this area of Kansas unique.

The center also serves as the town’s travel information center, so it’s best to stop there first before exploring Oakley. I discovered an extensive selection of travel brochures, maps, and a gift shop. The staff was eager to answer my questions and offered me a cup of freshly brewed coffee. If you need to research area attractions, knowledgeable employees will help you or you can use the free WiFi to search the internet. A pet-friendly building, travelers with dogs appreciate the indoor and outdoor accommodations.

The Buffalo Bill Cultural Center often updates its exhibitions and hosts events like the annual Oakley Corn Festival. Check their Facebook page for the center’s hours and event details.

FICK FOSSIL & HISTORY MUSEUM

People drive from miles around and across state lines to visit the Fick Fossil & History Museum (3083 US Hwy 83) in Oakley. I was impressed with the quality and quantity of fossils on display. Vi Fick was an artist who created artwork with marine fossils, bones, shells, and sharks’ teeth. Her intricate, 3-D artwork decorates the museum’s walls.

George Sternberg’s rare fossil, a 15′ Xiphactinus Audax, is the world’s oldest known mosasaur and it sits on display for museum visitors to enjoy. The room that houses it also showcases a mosasaur skull. For fossil hunters and fans, this room promises to get their hearts racing. Since the museum sits on the Western Vistas Historic Byway, the area is a well-visited destination for geologists and paleontologists keen on discovering fossils. The museum houses a large collection of rocks and minerals as well.

Xiphactinus Audax is a pre-historic fish found locally by Sternberg.

Other rooms of the museum tell the story of the life of the prairie. You can walk into a replica of a sod house, view the interior of a general store, and listen to audio stories about the railroad. What do you think it would have been like to live before modern technology? The museum showcases the impact of modern communication on society dating back to the days of the telegraph to the telephone.

The replica of a train depot represents Oakley’s 1886 Union Pacific Railroad depot which burned down in 1940.
Visitors are encouraged to walk inside the sod house replica.

In a separate room, I found a piece of art “Advertising Pencil and Pen Collection” by one-time Oakley resident Donald Hall. He collected free pencils and pens throughout his lifetime and created the artwork pictured in the photo below. As a writer, I appreciated how Hall used an everyday object to create a masterpiece.

Don’t leave the museum without climbing inside a 1958 Ford V8 F750 fire truck once used by the Oakley Fire Department. The truck was taken out of use with 8,216 miles on it. The museum has a lot to see and I’d recommend devoting at least an hour during your visit. You can tour the museum for free (donations accepted) six days a week, but check museum hours before making the drive.

MONUMENT ROCKS

I was ready to see the geological formations called Monument Rocks. I drove 20 miles south on US-83 and meandered a few desolate country roads. A large snake crawled across the road in front of my car. I drove over what looked like a black scorpion. (Note: Locals tell me it may have been a tarantula since the area is on the migration path.) It was unlike any part of Kansas I had ever seen. Some fields lacked fences. Cattle stood watch as I passed. The earth was rocky and the dirt was light in color. I was staring at the remnants of an ancient ocean that once covered the region.

I scanned the land. I didn’t see tall rocks protruding from the land. Where were they? Then, out of nowhere, I spotted them. Monuments Rocks or “The Chalk Pyramids” stood as an outcropping just off the road, and I had the entire place to myself.

Located on private land, Monument Rocks is open to the public during daylight hours. The sedimentary formations are Niobara Chalk that formed during the Cretaceous period on the Western Interior Seaway 80 million years ago. The lines you see in the rock indicate how the limestone evolved over the years. Listed as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, it nearly takes your breath away. It’s easy to see why it was listed as the first National Natural Landmark in Kansas.

I circled the formations with my car and then parked. My path was bright white and the sun bounced off the rock illuminating the area. It’s hard to describe the size and scale of the formations. They are enormous. It is reported that every inch of rock represents 700 years of history.

Just beyond the largest formation (pictured above), I spotted another, smaller one. The sculptured monolith (pictured below) was striking in its beauty. In the past, the rocks were used by The Butterfield Overland Dispatch as landmarks to guide travelers in the area who traveled the Smoky Hill Trail.

If you’re interested in visiting the outcroppings for yourself, I recommend traveling on a cool weather day or during the morning hours. Avoid making the drive if rain is in the forecast. It’s advisable to pack water and wear closed-toed shoes. To get there, drive 20 miles south of Oakley on U.S. 83, then 4 miles east on Jayhawk Road, 3 miles south, and 1 mile east (dry weather road only).

KEYSTONE GALLERY

I drove to Keystone Gallery (401 US Hwy 83) to meet with the owners, fossil hunters who were waiting for my arrival. Housed in a once abandoned church from 1916, Chuck and Barbara gave me a tour of the museum and gallery. Soon, I was immersed in stories told about fossil hunts. Once Barbara found her first fossil, she said she was hooked. Together, the couple has spent years excavating fossils. Many of their finds are on display in the museum while others are on exhibit in other galleries around the nation. The bulk of their collection includes swimming reptiles, sharks, birds, and other invertebrates.

The Keystone Gallery overlooks the Smoky Hill River valley with a view of Monument Rocks in a region referred to as the “Badlands of Kansas.” I encourage you to look inside the glass cases at the museum and ask questions. Each fossil comes with a story about its discovery, journey to the museum, and the process of preparing it for display.

The space also serves as a gallery of Chuck’s paintings and retail shop. Some visitors come to Keystone Gallery on a quest to learn more about the fossils found in Kansas. Others stop by simply to buy rock and mineral specimens as gifts.

Before I left Keystone Gallery, I had one question left for Chuck and Barbara. What was the story with the old car sitting near the entrance? I was told that Chuck once used the 1948 Chevy Suburban for fossil hunting. Now, it sits as an artistic showpiece on the property. Oh, the stories this car could tell! Look closely at the photos below to enjoy the characters that represent creatures of the deep.

I’ll never forget meeting Chuck and Barbara. They taught me so much about the region, but more importantly how to enjoy what you do for a living. To visit Keystone Gallery, drive on U.S. 83, 26 miles south of Oakley or 18 miles north of Scott City. Thirty years later, the couple continues to share their love of fossils with others. View the gallery’s hours here.

BUFFALO BILL’S BAR AND GRILL

It was hot and I was tired. I needed a break from traveling in 100+ degree temperatures. I decided to forego a trip to Little Jerusalem Badlands for another day. I headed into downtown Oakley for something to eat at Buffalo Bill’s Bar and Grill (207 Center Ave.). I struck up a conversation with a bartender (originally from Spain!) who told me the kitchen was closed until the dinner hour. Instead, I enjoyed a cold Corona and read the signs on the wall. One read, “Alcohol because no great story beings with eating a salad.” Perhaps I would return for a burger later.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

I strolled across the street and made my way into a boutique shop, Everything’s-a-Bloomin’ (204 Center Ave, Main Street). It was 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. If you can’t find it there, it doesn’t exist. You’ll love this gem of a store in downtown Oakley.

DINNER

OAKLEY COUNTRY CLUB & GOLF COURSE

I heard that Oakley Country Club & Golf Course (815 W. South 2nd St.) served delicious steak, fried chicken wings, and they had a full bar. The place lived up to its reputation. I enjoyed a glass of wine during Happy Hour (4 pm-6 pm) and visited with the bartender about small-town life. A members-only 9-hole golf course, the clubhouse saw quite a bit of traffic that evening from locals playing Men’s Night Golf. I met the town’s judge, the bowling alley’s owner, and a few townies who needed a golf cart and a refilled cooler of beer.

I order a 14 oz. ribeye steak and salad for dinner. Perhaps more than I could eat, I needed a comforting, wholesome meal after days on the road. It was cooked to perfection. Joined by new friends, I enjoyed my dinner while getting to know them better. I was welcomed and felt right at home.

A visit to Oakley offers more than a few tourist stops. (I’ll definitely return to visit Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Annie Oakley Park for a game of disc golf.) It’s the kind of town you hate to leave because of the memories you’ve made there. The residents are genuine. If you visit the area for its attractions, stay overnight and get to know the people. You won’t regret it.

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: art, badlands, bakery, boutique, Buffalo Bill, country club, donuts, Fick Fossil Museum, fossils, golf, history, interstate, Kansas, Keystone Gallery, Monument Rocks, Oakley, seabed, steak, western

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH

Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

Archives

Contact Us

  • Email
    info@onedelightfullife.com

Popular Posts

Back to School Brain Breaks12K Total Shares
Going Underground in Historic Ellinwood, KansasGoing Underground in Historic Ellinwood, Kansas7K Total Shares
Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend VisitWeston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit2K Total Shares
Cucumber Lime Vodka SplashCucumber Lime Vodka Splash1K Total Shares
How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, NebraskaHow to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, Nebraska484 Total Shares
  • About
  • Taste
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Contact
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die

© 2023 · onedelightfullife ·