I’ve enjoyed staying at several Kansas hotels that I wholeheartedly recommend over the years. Haunted rooms. Incredible architecture. Each hotel offers a unique experience made more memorable for its history.
HISTORIC HOTELS
THE ELDRIDGE, LAWRENCE
Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, The Eldridge was one of the town’s tallest, most beautiful buildings. Unfortunately, its fate was doomed. In 1856, the hotel was burned to the ground by pro-slavery forces. Later rebuilt by Colonel Eldridge, it was destroyed again in an 1863 attack. Quantrill and his men rode into Lawrence and burned much of the town. Like a phoenix, the hotel rose from the ashes when it was rebuilt again.
The hotel is considered haunted. Hotel employees have seen Colonel Eldridge’s ghost sitting in an original hotel chair in storage. A photograph taken in the lobby shows a ghostly spirit standing in the lobby’s elevator.
Room 506 is considered to be the most haunted guest room in the hotel, and it is considered the colonel’s favorite spot. Of course, I requested room 506 for my overnight stay. Lights flickered. Phone power drained. Would you stay there?
AMBASSADOR HOTEL, WICHITA
Located in the heart of downtown near entertainment venues, Ambassador Hotel at Wichita is within walking distance of historic neighborhoods Old Town and the Delano District. The building also has a rich legacy of its own.
Once home to the Union National Bank and Dockum Drug Store in 1926, it opened as Ambassador Hotel Wichita eight decades later. Fourteen stories tall, it was considered the tallest building in Kansas when it was completed.
In addition to its architectural significance, the building also has historical value. It was the site of a in 1958 at the Dockum Drug Store led by African Americans to end segregation. Ask about the on-site speakeasy, Dockum.
DRURY PLAZA HOTEL BROADVIEW, WICHITA
To enjoy an overnight stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita is more than your average hotel experience. It’s a step back in time, a historical glimpse into the city’s history while surrounded by luxury. Today, the hotel provides 200 guest rooms and a host of comfortable amenities for travelers.
Owned by George Siedhoff, The Broadview Hotel’s grand opening took place on May 15, 1922. Originally built to give railway passengers added convenience when traveling, it was the premier hotel in the Midwest. In fact, you can still see the train depot’s stone archway entrance on the east side of the building.
THE COURTLAND HOTEL & SPA
Nestled in Fort Scott’s historic downtown district sits The Courtland Hotel & Spa (121 E. 1st St.), a period-style building dating back to 1906. The hotel’s historic ambiance is clear from the moment you walk inside the oversized glass door to the creaky wood floors.
A building that temporarily housed railroad workers during the early 1900s, the hotel features fully furnished rooms and spacious bathrooms on its second floor. Not only did my room (King Room 1) include double closets and soft bedding, but I was able to work using its high-speed Wi-Fi and stream movies. A grab-and-go breakfast near the coffee station made the stay extra comfortable.
OTHER HOTELS TO PLACE ON YOUR LIST
Several other historic hotels remain on my travel writer’s radar. The “most haunted hotel in Kansas,” aka Josephine Hotel in Holton, Kansas, intrigues me. The chef-prepared meals and on-site boutique may be worth hearing any bumps in the night.
Hotel at Old Town was once a Keen Kutter warehouse that produced tools. The boutique hotel caters to visitors in Wichita’s downtown area for one-night, overnight, and extended stays. History lovers will appreciate the hotel’s ambiance and history dating back to 1906.
Since 1879, Beaumont Hotel was a stagecoach and railroad stop for travelers. Today, the restored building offers overnight accommodations and a restaurant and café often visited by aviators. A 2,600-foot north and south native grass airstrip welcome pilots who can land and taxi to a parking spot near the hotel.
What other hotels should I add to my list of Kansas lodging options? Tell me about your overnight stay in the comments below. I’m eager to delve into the history and learn the story of another historic hotel.
I spent an overnight stay in Bonner Springs, which I was glad for because between sunrise and sunset I was busy exploring and needed the extra time. My first stop? Checking into my lodging accommodations at 
Guests have access to a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as an up-to-date fitness center with treadmills. The rooms are quiet and spacious – two must-haves for exhausted travelers who want a place to relax after a day of exploring Bonner Springs. Parking was a non-issue despite the fact the hotel stays busy with guest arrivals.
Not only does Ten & Two prepare specialty drinks and drip coffee, but they also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries. A steady flow of customers consisting of locals and out-of-towners came in the door while I enjoyed a homemade cinnamon roll and a cup of signature coffee from a comfortable couch.
I spied beer on draft and a menu of specialty cocktails behind the coffee bar. Sure enough, Ten & Two transforms into a taproom after dark.
I drove a few blocks from The Fuel House to the Historic Downtown District to do a little shopping. Correction: A lot of shopping. Within three short blocks, I saw numerous boutiques. A few appealing eateries. I was delighted. I parked the car and set out on foot to see what I could find. My wallet was burning a hole in my pocket.
The tiny store was stocked to the gills with packaged seasonings, jams, and retro candies. The refrigerated case teased shoppers with whole cheesecakes, ice cream treats, and copious amounts of cheeses and meats. The food store is the place where neighbors visit with one another and the town’s sheriff stops by for a to-go snack.
If you’re someone who appreciates knowing where their food comes from, Karen’s Country Kitchen is the place to shop. Every package’s label lists a farmer or maker by name including the town where the food was sourced.
Owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, it’s the kind of place where they serve wine slushies or mimosas for special events.
If you don’t find the ideal gift for someone, they will custom create it for you. Their staff can print any word or phrase onto apparel or drinkware. Now, that’s great customer service. View the 
I fixated on the front display showcasing a Christmas tree and shelves of miniature gnomes. They certainly know just what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.
Say for example that you’re on the hunt for items for a photo shoot or to gift to someone who collects vintage sit-abouts, you’re in luck. The store is filled with retro finds. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to shop for a new candle or a pretty piece of jewelry. Yowza Antiques is one-stop shopping.
I found just what I was searching for… a knit headwrap to keep my ears warm just in time for winter. And the price was reasonable – score!
New to the neighborhood, they’ve earned a loyal following. Farmhouse-style decor, t-shirts imprinted with positive sayings, and go-to gifts for friends who need a good laugh are just what fans flock to the store in search of. Preview the latest inventory for sale on their 
A firefighter standing in line behind me said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options and that I should also “order the brownie.” My turkey avocado bacon sandwich was served on pillow-soft bread with a side of chips. I settled into a cozy seat near the rear of the cafe and watched as customers made their way to the counter.
Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso or meal with conversation. If you prefer reading while sipping a latté, check out the “Borrow a Book or Buy It $1” display in the rear of the cafe.
The Wi-Fi is free. The coffee is flavorsome and the food is so good you won’t have a single crumb left on your plate. View Third Space Coffee’s hours 
Breslow, who started as a woodworker, is passionate about his craft. He took me around the retail area of the store to teach me the difference between marbles. Some marbles are used in competition while others with ornate designs and for display purposes.
He is also known for designing miniature glass sculptures. Ask him to show you his design of eggs and bacon in a frying pan. You’ll discover more whimsical designs as you tour the shop. All of his creations are made with beautiful Italian glass and created on-site at his workbench.
As of now, shoppers are asked to schedule their visits in advance. Once inside, the world of marbles and toys envelopes you. Everywhere you look there are colorful displays of blown glass and marbles. Moon Marble Company also specializes in carrying a large inventory of retro games and traditional toys. I had never seen so many board games for sale in one place.
If your kids complain that they’re bored, take them to Moon Marble Company for a visit. They’ll be in awe of the toys at every turn. Many of the games in stock are ideal for adults. Party planning? Need a gift for someone? The store carries timeless classics as well as trending games ideal for group play.
But not all was lost. I learned about the historical significance of the area from the outdoor exhibits, which referenced tribal ancestry. As the sign reads below, the Wyandot people who lived in Ohio were moved to this location. To read more about their friendship with the Shawnee tribe, visit this informative 
Also located in front of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum rests the World War II Bomber Builders Monument to honor the aviation workers of Kansas City, Kansas who built over 6,000 bombers. Women fulfilled many roles at the Fairfax Bomber plant since men were overseas serving their country during the war.
Admission to the museum is free. To plan your visit and view upcoming exhibits, glance at their information page 
Let me tell you something. I’ve eaten at most of the barbecue joints in the Kansas City area, but this one served some of the best-tasting smoked meat that I’ve enjoyed. The sliced brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends were exceptional. I wasn’t about to sacrifice any of it just because I was full. It was worth packing the leftovers on ice until I could get them home to Wichita to share with others.
Quentin’s BBQ is so popular that they’ve since opened in a restaurant located at the same site as Ten & Two Coffee and The Fuel House. If the dining room is full, take your specialty sandwich or meaty meal outdoors to enjoy on the patio. Afterward, play a lawn game or head inside the complex for dessert at Olde Mill Ice Cream.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Bonner Springs blew my socks off. From the attractions to the shopping and delicious meals, I loved visiting the area. With almost a dozen boutiques located in the historic downtown area, I’ll return to do more shopping. Besides, the people were incredibly kind and I want to see them again.
The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas, post office in 1937. The painting and others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.
Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings. The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. What do you think of it?
Without a doubt, Goodland has one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state. The same Art Deco design seen on the United Telephone Building is evident in the Sherman County Courthouse. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and the grille pattern on the windows.
Located nearby the courthouse, “They Came to Stay” deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains. Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.
The two-room shop is stocked with on-trend home decor and gift items. During my visit, a local woman came in to chat and shop for a gift for someone. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag. The owner is a sweetheart willing to help you find something perfect for yourself or someone special.
Just beyond the WWII exhibit, I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America. Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one.
A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second-largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick. The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see the name displayed in town, including a city park named after him.
Of the 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland. It was the story of two train robbers.
The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917. Later, the home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000. (Fact: Edythe died in the home’s dining room. Ask more about that during your tour.)
The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off-limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.
