Updated July 2026
Are you in search of a secluded getaway for two? Perhaps you’re seeking a new date-night adventure in a charming location in Kansas?
Use my guide to choose a fine-dining restaurant, a chocolate or floral shop, or charming lodging to create a romantic escape for couples.
Kansas Adventures: Romantic Escapes & Date Ideas
Indulge in a Fine Dining Experience for a Memorable Date
Weather Room – Topeka
People Magazine recognized the Weather Room (920 Kansas Avenue) as one of the top 50 Most Beautiful Restaurants in America, and the food is equally noteworthy.
Count on fine-dining American fare in a sophisticated setting before indulging in an after-dinner drink expertly prepared at the bar. I recommend the Espresso Martini.
Crooner’s Lounge – Fort Scott
There is no better place to enjoy a high-end dinner in Fort Scott than Crooner’s Lounge (117 S. Main). The lasagna (recommended to me by a couple of locals) was scrumptious for dinner. A large portion that two people could easily share came with a house salad and bread.
My server asked the kitchen to prepare cinnamon ice cream with a caramel drizzle, minus the cake, for my after-dinner treat. I ate every bite.
Georges French Bistro – Wichita
If you can’t fly to Paris for a romantic dinner, Georges French Bistro (4618 E. Central Avenue) is the next best thing.
Sit at a white linen table for two, dining on Mussels & Frites as a starter before sharing bites of Duck á Lorange and Grand-Mère Chicken. The flaming dessert impresses any date.
Culinaria – Lawrence
Hands down, Culinaria (512 E. 9th) is worth its high ratings on Google. The Mediterranean-inspired menu, featuring farm-to-table ingredients, is served beautifully plated. Located inside a historic limestone building, the cozy restaurant offers a romantic atmosphere in a low-lit dining room at dinnertime.
YaYa’s Euro Bistro – Salina
When you’re in the mood for a chef-prepared meal using the freshest ingredients and exquisitely plated, you dine at YaYa’s EuroBistro (251 S. Santa Fe Avenue). My dinner began with complimentary bread and a savory dipping sauce, paired with a glass of house red wine.
Diners can select from a full dinner menu or Build Your Own Duet ($44) served with a Greek, Caesar, or spinach salad.
K’s Place – Chanute
Chanute is lucky to have K’s Place (5 E. Main Street), an upscale dine-in restaurant with natural stone walls and dark wood finishes. Nearly all of the downtown eatery’s meals are prepared using family recipes, and I’m told the pasta dishes are often requested from a menu that features a daily dinner special.
Jazz music played as guests filled the restaurant’s seating, eager to enjoy a family dinner or a date night experience. From a backlit bar flanked by wine bottles, a server prepared my blended whiskey cocktail while I perused a meal featuring steak, grilled chicken, and pasta. I chose the dinner special, Hot Honey Glazed Salmon served on a bed of rice with vegetables, accompanied by a dinner salad. I was pleased with my selection.
Shop for Chocolates for Your Sweetheart
Russell Stover Factory Outlet – Abilene
At Russell Stover Factory Outlet (1993 Caramel Boulevard), the smell of chocolate permeates the air. Grab a cart and stock up on boxed chocolates, gourmet caramel apples, discounted holiday candy (in the back room!), and handmade fudge.
Annadore’s – Shawnee
An afternoon of shopping isn’t complete without stopping into Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (11007 Johnson Drive), and they offer free samples to tempt your tastebuds.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee.
Sweet Granada – Emporia
Sweet Granada (03 Commercial Street) is a gift shop carrying 200 handmade chocolates and gourmet desserts.
Ask for Granada Goo & Avalanche, the store’s best-selling treat. You can select individual macaroons or chocolate truffles to create a to-go box.
Bijou Confectionary – Humboldt
Homemade macarons. Blocks of fudge. Soft cookies. Bulk candy. You’ll find all of it, plus gourmet chocolate, available at Bijou Confectionary (810 S. Bridge Street).
Use a scoop and bag up bulk candy priced at $10 per pound. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
The Farris Wheel Candy Co. – Wichita
USA Today ranked The Farris Wheel Candy Co. as one of the top five candy shops in the nation. The family-owned and operated sweets shop is located in a shopping center on Wichita’s east side and sells fine chocolates, gummy candies, toffee bits, and seasonal candies.
Nifty Nut House – Wichita
Anyone with a sweet tooth or salty craving will tell you that the best place to stock up on snacks is at the Nifty Nut House. You can grab a basket to fill with a variety of items, including nuts, dried fruit, gummies, and nostalgic candy. They have a vast selection of packaged candy you’ll likely remember from childhood.
Cocoa Dulce – Wichita
The smell of fine chocolate is inviting at Cocoa Dolce (3 Locations), where candy connoisseurs can choose from a variety of flavors under a glass counter. Order a barista-prepared specialty coffee to pair with hand-selected chocolates or indulge in macarons or a cookie.
Show Your Love With a Beautiful Floral Bouquet
Chestnut Street Floral – Hays
If you love fresh flowers, gourmet food products, whole bean coffee, and chocolate truffles, shop at Chestnut Street Floral (1310 Main). For me, it’s one-stop shopping for a friend or loved one.
I stopped by to select Le Grand chocolate truffles after a day of shopping downtown. The staff eagerly told me their favorite flavors, which were tempting, but I settled on a delectable white chocolate apple pie truffle.
Regenna’s Flowers & Events – Hays
The smell of flowers permeates the air inside Regeena’s Flowers & Events (1013 Main Street) on any given day. Owners Norman and Sandy Keller gave me a warm welcome, as did their adorable shop pups, who meander to the front of the store as each shopper arrives.
Norman, who has nearly four decades of floral arrangement expertise, and his staff create custom arrangements for any occasion. Shoppers seeking gift-worthy home decor will be pleased to find an array of beautiful pieces. The seasonal floral displays in the store’s front windows wow passersby.
Turner Flowers & Country Store
You won’t leave empty-handed from Turner Flowers & Country Store (231 S. Main St.), and you’ll probably make a new friend after visiting with the owners. They stock grab-and-go floral bouquets, and shoppers can build their own gift baskets filled with items from the store, perfect for any occasion.
The family-owned and operated store has served the community for more than 40 years, providing floral arrangements, houseplants (tropicals included!), chocolate truffles, toys, and locally hand-poured candles, and more to walk-in gift seekers.
Farmer and Florist – Marysville
Inside Farmer and Florist (914 Broadway Street), the shop smells of fresh floral arrangements and scented candles. Jarred Kansas-made products, stationery, and bath products adorn shelves amongst house plants. The shop delivers flowers locally and is known by shoppers for gift boxes featuring fresh-cut flowers.
Chicken Creek Co. – Shawnee
At Chicken Creek Co., you will always find grab-and-go floral bouquets made with “glamour blooms” in the reach-in cooler, and she accepts pre-orders before the holidays. Her prices are reasonable since the owner buys her flowers directly.
Everything’s A Bloomin’ – Oakley
Everything’s-a-Bloomin’ (204 Center Avenue) is stocked from floor to ceiling with home decor, apparel, and Kansas-made foodie gifts. The store also doubles as the town’s only flower shop. Since 2004, Dana’s shop has been the go-to place for visitors to enjoy an unhurried shopping experience.
Pair Up to Enjoy a Wine or Beer Flight
The Paisley Pear – Hays
A delightful space to relax and unwind after a day of exploring downtown Hays is Paisley Pear Wine Bar, Bistro and Market (1100 Main Street). Established in 2017, the wine bar has been serving beverage flights and wine slushies.
I chose a $12 wine flight of dry varieties from a long list of options. My favorite selection was a Cabernet Sauvignon from Skyfall Vineyards.
Radius Brewing Company – Emporia
Order a flight of award-winning craft beer (6, 5-ounce pours) at Radius Brewing Company (610 Merchant Street) to share while comparing flavor notes from ales, ranging from American Wheat Beer to Imperial Stout.
Wandering Vine at the Castle – Shawnee
Visit Wandering Vine at the Castle (12401 Johnson Drive) to enjoy a delicious chef-prepared meal and a wine flight. It’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink.
One step inside the castle, and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.
Liquid Art Winery and Estate – Manhattan
Cheers to good times exploring the beauty of Manhattan’s scenery at Liquid Art Winery and Estate (1745 Wildcat Creek Road). As your car ascends the gravel road and turns left, you’re greeted by expansive views of lush green vineyards.
After selecting four one-ounce pours for my dry wine flight, we exited to the partially sun-drenched patio. It’s a romantic setting, indeed.
Fly Over State Brewing Company – Wellington
What began as a hobby creating craft beer with an at-home brewing kit grew into Fly Over State Brewing Company (1403 W. 8th St.).
The husband-and-wife owners renovated an old Taco Bell building, transforming it into a taproom and restaurant serving a variety of craft brews, burgers, and panini-style sandwiches.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss $5 Pint, $9 Burger Friday.
Reserve a Room at an Exquisite Hotel for a Romantic Retreat
Cyrus Hotel – Topeka
Cyrus Hotel (920 S. Topeka Avenue) is a modern boutique hotel that recently opened in downtown Topeka. Luxury rooms, an elegant restaurant and bar, and close proximity to top attractions make it a solid choice for lodging in the capital city.
Hip furnishings with brass finishes are the backdrop for well-designed spaces throughout the hotel. My corner room had floor-to-ceiling windows that provided stunning views of downtown, especially at night when the skyline was aglow.
Ambassador Hotel – Wichita
Located in the heart of downtown near entertainment venues, Ambassador Hotel at Wichita (104 S. Broadway Avenue) is within walking distance of historic neighborhoods Old Town and the Delano District.
The sleek interior design includes gold accents, deep purple hues, and the in-room amenities are luxurious. A speakeasy and fine dining restaurant are located on-site.
The Eldridge Hotel – Lawrence
Originally built in 1855 and called the Free State Hotel, The Eldridge Hotel (701 Massachusetts Street) was one of the town’s tallest, most beautiful buildings. Upon walking into its lobby, couples will feel transported back in time when luxury was a rarity.
Toast to romance with drinks at the on-site swanky bar, Jayhawker, before your chef-prepared dinner at Eldridge House Grille and All American Room.
Historic Elgin Hotel – Marion
It was my pleasure to stay at the highly-rated Historic Elgin Hotel (115 N. 3rd St.), a luxurious boutique hotel that fellow travelers recommended.
Completed in 1886, the hotel was the largest hotel in the county at the time. Since then, it’s undergone rounds of renovations, and its current owners are maintaining its opulence.
Ideal for hosting couples’ romantic vacations, group gatherings, or girls’ getaways, the Historic Elgin Hotel includes 12 suites with private bathrooms featuring heated floors, spa amenities, and high-end toiletries.
Reserve Suite 312 – Elgin Memoir on Level 3. The quiet 727-square-foot master suite, featuring a king-size bed, a coffered ceiling, and cherry-wood built-in bookcases, envelops you in finery.
Homewood by Hilton – Salina
Of all of the hotels that I’ve stayed at while on the road travel writing, Homewood Suites by Hilton Salina Downtown (155 E. Mulberry St.) is by far one of the best. The luxury, service, and proximity to the town’s attractions make it the foremost hotel to enjoy when visiting Salina.
The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Gulfer Mansion – Emporia
Tucked away in a neighborhood within walking distance from campus sits Gufler Mansion Bed & Breakfast (612 W. 12th Ave.). The turn-of-the-century 10,000-square-foot home includes 12 bedrooms and is large enough to host events.
My accommodations in the German Room included private access to a newly remodeled bathroom with modern amenities.
Bonus Date Ideas: Other romance-inducing adventures include Tucked-Away Coffee Shops, go mural hunting together amongst other Cool Places to Check out in Clay Center, or discover The Best Places to Sip & Savor in Olathe.
I hope this hand-curated list inspires you to make new memories with the one you love or to ask a special someone to accompany you on a date.
