Hutchinson

Travel Destinations: 8 Fun Day Trips from Wichita

October 5, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

People are asking me, “Vanessa, what town should I visit that has cool things to do and see within driving distance of Wichita?” It’s at that moment when I nearly burst with excitement because I can’t wait to give them a personalized list of day trip-worthy towns. Which one of these destinations will you drive to this weekend?

MCPHERSON, KANSAS

McPherson, Kansas is one of those towns you wish you had visited sooner and can’t wait to return to again. A short drive from Wichita, the central Kansas town is the perfect getaway for a day trip. If you’re in search of Main Street shopping, diverse dining options, historical museums and buildings, phenomenal artwork, and fun outdoor activities, then McPherson is the ideal place to spend time exploring. View a suggested itinerary here.

HUTCHINSON, KANSAS

The town of Hutchinson is a hidden gem located about an hour from Wichita, Kansas. Known for its history of salt mining, it is actually a pretty sweet town to visit. Just as you would expect from a quaint Midwestern town, its downtown district is lined with antique shops, eateries, and gorgeous public art. Learn how to spend a day in Hutch here and view a bonus post about the town’s many murals here.

PRATT, KANSAS

Kansas is dotted with charming small towns, but few are as fun to spend the day in as Pratt aka “The Gateway to the High Plains.” Upon arrival, the town rolls out the red carpet and welcomes you. Located a bit over an hour’s drive from Wichita, visitors will quickly discover that there are many must-see places to experience. Make the most of a day in Pratt here.

SALINA, KANSAS

What’s not to love about Salina, Kansas? The downtown district is renewed, the arts scene is vibrant, and the entertainment and dining options abound! The community has everything you’re looking for and more in a Midwest town. You could visit the town for the day, but I suggest you plan an overnight stay to see many of Salina’s best attractions. Plan your visit here.

ABILENE, KANSAS

Abilene, Kansas offers visitors a multitude of places to explore that celebrate its history. Voted the Most Beautiful Small Town in Kansas by House Beautiful (2020), it deserves the recognition. From the American flags lining Buckeye Avenue to the museum honoring U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the restored downtown buildings, Abilene proudly represents small-town America. Take Exit 272 from KS I-70 to experience the award-winning town for an afternoon or overnight stay. See what you’re missing here.

DERBY, KANSAS

A 20-minute drive from Wichita, Derby has a multitude of options for keeping the family entertained. I suggest adding it to your summer day trip bucket list, especially during the summer months. View the area’s top attractions here.

LINDSBORG, KANSAS

Välkommen to “Little Sweden” in Lindsborg, Kansas! The charming town is home to educators, artists, and business owners who celebrate their Swedish ancestry. Only an hour’s drive from Wichita, it makes an ideal day trip for travel enthusiasts who want to experience a picturesque small town with plenty of things to do from dining to exploring art galleries to shopping. Discover the best way to spend a day in Lindsborg here.

NEWTON, KANSAS

When people ask me about my favorite Kansas towns, Newton tops the list. It’s less than a 30-minute drive from Wichita and offers a long list of entertaining attractions, dining options, and locally-owned shops that make for a nice day trip. Recently, I traveled via I-135 N to Newton ready to tackle a fun itinerary starting with breakfast and ending with exploring the area’s nature trails. View a sample day trip itinerary here.

If you’re like me, you can’t wait for the next opportunity to travel. I hope I’ve inspired you to use a tank of gas to travel to one of these delightful towns within a short distance of Wichita. Feel free to ask questions about the destinations in the comments below. I’m always happy to chat about travel and customize your experience to your likes and dislikes.

The Magnificent Murals of Hutchinson, Kansas

August 26, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

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

Magnificent murals are waiting to be discovered in Hutchinson, Kansas. The town boasts over 40 murals created by local artists that hide around corners and down alleyways. They peek at you from the tops of buildings and above passersby on Main Street. I encourage you to make the short drive to Hutchinson from Wichita and find them, especially the latest one at the Kansas State Fairgrounds.

Visit Hutch commissioned local artist Brady Scott to complete a mural installation on their Visitor Information Center. The artwork features Hutchinson’s skyline at night as well as state symbols: the meadowlark, sunflower, and wheat. The spray-painted piece was a partnership between Visit Hutch and Kansas Tourism. Visitors to the fair are encouraged to take selfies in front of the mural and tag #ToTheStarsKS on social media.

Scott, a Kansas native, has completed a number of murals in the state and his work is commission nationwide. Visitors to Hutchinson are bound to stumble upon his large-scale paintings. His contemporary style often includes animals, people, references to the prairie, and history. Suited up with a mask and gloves, he works primarily with spray paint in swift motions across his canvas. Scott often adds winged creatures to his murals soaring with freedom over a scene. Now familiar with his work, I can recognize it anywhere. Scott has done a number of murals in Hutchinson.

Scott’s “Bison Trail” mural (411 S. Main) was completely painted by hand. I appreciated the small brushstrokes that gave the animal’s coat texture. The bison’s piercing blue eye looks down at you from above as if to say, “this is my home where I roam.” The Latin phrase “Ad Astra Per Aspera” translates to “to the stars through difficulties” and adorns the work. The phrase is also found on the Kansas state flag referring to the hardships Kansas went through to become one of the stars on the U.S. flag.

Mural seekers will discover a piece painted with a sun, moon, and stars on the side of Salt Creek Interior Design‘s building (214 S. Main). Painted by a high school student for a senior project, it draws the eyes of passersby. I’ve always enjoyed the juxtaposition of color and imagery. The mural sits adjacent to an empty lot that is easily accessible by foot.

As you drive your way down Main Street into the center of town, you will notice numerous murals including “Community Mural” painted Shaelee Mendenhall (29 S. Main). The artist added brightly colored landmarks in the piece to create a sense of hometown pride. She is the same artist who combined forces with Kylee Baldetti to paint the “Spread the Love” mural series featuring heart-shaped murals in Hutchinson.

Keeping your eyes peeled is key when looking for murals. The Chester I. Lewis Plaza (15 East 1st Ave.) is home to three murals. The first panel (left) is by Brendan Martinez, the middle panel is by Josh Tripoli and Rebekah Lewis, and the last panel (right) is by Jocelyn Woodson. I recommend parking on the street and walking up for a photograph of the murals. What thoughts come to mind when you view them?

The three-fold mural pictured below was finished in 2008 and serves as an anchor piece for the Reno County Farmer’s Market Pavillion (115 W. 2nd Street). It celebrates locally sourced produce in farm-to-table fashion. The outdoor summer market takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays from May-October.

A mural by the local non-profit TECH provides a vibrant backdrop to Hutchinson’s downtown corridor at 14 West Avenue B. This one is by far one of my favorite murals in the city. It takes up an entire alleyway in width and the design is incredibly intricate requiring small brushstrokes. You must see it in person to fully appreciate the time and artistry involved in its creation.

Jose Ray painted this whimsical wonder on the side of a building located at Avenue A Park in 2013. I love the way her eyes are looking up at the top window. Ray’s works typically include fantastical scenes painted using bright colors. When not painting murals, Ray works as a DJ spinning tunes.

“Farmer Time” (111 W. 2nd Ave.) by Brady Scott beautifies the side of Sandhills Brewing Company. It makes a good-looking backdrop for brewery fans who want to take a photo to document their visit.

“Ad Astra” (Avenue A and Main) painted by David Loewenstein in 2012 shows a night sky full of stars. But if you look closely, the constellations resemble symbols of the Sunflower State. Which ones do you recognize?

A ferris wheel, which I think references the Kansas State Fair, is part of “Ad Astra 2” located near the constellations painting. Just below it figures enjoying Hutchinson attractions like the Cosmosphere and outdoor parks.

The “Rainbow Lion” (2 N. Main) leaves a big impression on downtown passersby. Painted by Jerimiah Tolbert, the colorful cat was commissioned by Bob and Ann Bush in 2018. It’s actually a stretched canvas print, but it looks like a mural from afar. The artist sells mini prints, coffee mugs, and cards featuring the lion here.

I’ve taken photos of this pheasant in flight mural many times while visiting downtown Hutchinson. Brady Scott adorned the backside of Sandhills Brewing Company (111 W. 2nd Avenue) with the bird scene. Although it’s referred to as the “Farmers Market Mural,” it suits the building well since the brewery’s interior is decorated with illustrations of feathered friends.

A hub of all things creative in town, the Hutchinson Art Center (405 N. Washington) showcases a mural on their building painted by Shaelee Mendenhall. It was completed in 2015. Do you see the city’s flag?

Hutchinson, Kansas is a vibrant community with murals to match. A short drive from Wichita, I encourage you to visit the town and slowly drive up and down its downtown while looking at street art. Better yet? Park the car and walk the downtown area. Not only will you see murals, but the town is decorated with public artwork of all kinds including sculptures.

This mural round-up only scratches the surface of Hutchinson’s street art collection. To view more of them and locate their whereabouts, visit this link. Do you know of a mural or artist from Hutchinson that deserves a shout-out? Comment below with their name and the mural’s location. I’d love to add it to my drive when I return to town.

The Cosmosphere: An Out-of-this-World Experience

April 23, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: The Cosmosphere sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. Some of the photographs were provided by the Cosmosphere and others were taken by me.

At the Cosmosphere (1100 N. Plum, Hutchinson, Kansas) you can experience the story of the Space Race through the largest combined collection of U.S. and Soviet-era space artifacts in the world. People travel from across the globe to enjoy Kansas’ only Smithsonian-affiliated museum and science education center.

From the moment you walk into the Hall of Space Museum, you are greeted by a SR-71 Blackbird spy plane and that is only the beginning of what is an awe-inspiring visit. Other on-site artifacts include the Gemini X, authentic Apollo 13 Odyssey, V-1 and V-2 rockets, and Sputnik. As you walk through the museum, you can expect to see an actual Apollo 11 Moon rock, astronaut suits, space equipment, and a scaled lunar module.

Other attractions include a 4k digital, two-story dome theater, Dr. Goddard’s Lab (rocket science brought to life!), planetarium, and CosmoKids. The Cosmosphere puts an emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education. The CosmoKids interactive play area includes hand-on activities from air rockets to a gravity well for young explorers to enjoy.

Only 50 miles from Wichita, the Cosmosphere is open Wednesday-Sunday.

Not only is the space museum fun for the entire family, but young visitors can register for Cosmosphere Camps. From building a better lander to flying a drone to battling programmed robots, the educational opportunities teach kids about problem-solving and exploration.

I had the opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn more about Cosmosphere Camps, an opportunity for youth grades 4-10 to learn more about the journey to space and exploration. It was an incredible experience that I’ll never forget! I highly recommend that parents register their children for one of the camps. All of the sessions let kids enjoy the thrill of space while having fun at camp! Get a glimpse of what kids can expect here.

Mission Control Astro Lab: Complete a mission to dock with the Astro Lab using both the Cosmosphere’s Mission Control Center and Astralis spacecraft simulator. Photo: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org.

CAMPS

LUNAR BASE (Entering 4-5 Grade, 4 Half Days)

Campers discover the exciting challenges of living on the Moon as they work with their team to create a lunar colony and experience science hands-on. From learning how to make ice cream from liquid nitrogen to studying the phases of the Moon using Oreo cookies, Lunar Base camp opens kids’ minds to the journey of space travel.

During my experience at Lunar Base, I learned how to build a better lander. I was provided a set of supplies to handcraft a moon lander that (hopefully!) would withstand a two-story drop without harming the astronauts (aka marshmallows). Only one astronaut survived, so in retrospect, my lander should have been designed with better shock absorbers, a lesson in engineering!

Following the exercise, a STEM educator took me on a tour of the Hall of Space Museum and explained the historical significance of the Space Race. The experience during Lunar Base is one that I think all kids would enjoy in this age group. Learn more and register here.

Lunar Base: Campers experience making liquid nitrogen ice cream. Image: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org

MERITS OF SPACE III (Entering 8-10 Grade, 6 Days, 5 Overnights)

During this camp, scouts work to complete a mission to observe the Moon from lunar orbit. They launch high-powered rockets, pilot drones, program robots using code, and produce a press conference to report their findings from the mission. Campers can expect to work to overcome obstacles while working with technology as well as use their communications skills.

I tried my hand at flying a drone for the first time while experiencing the benefits of Merits of Space III. Not only did I have to use hand-eye coordination to master flight, but it taught me to listen to others for instructions while navigating a drone obstacle course. I felt a sense of accomplishment when I was able to skillfully fly the drone through hoops without crashing it. Mission accomplished!

Later, I competed against a Cosmosphere employee in a Battlebots challenge! Using programmed robots made of Legos, we watched as one robot eventually pushed the other one outside of a boundary line. Although my robot’s design couldn’t withstand the strength of my competitor’s, it was extremely fun and it reinforced a lesson about how to create a design that can tolerate challenges.

Consider registering your child in the Merits of Space III space camp, an opportunity they’ll never forget. Learn more and register here.

Merits of Space III: Campers program and operate robots to complete specific tasks. Image: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org

MISSION: ASTRO LAB (Entering 9-10 Grade, 6 Days, 5 Overnights)

Astro Recruits have a goal to establish life on another planet, but first, they must learn how to successfully live in outer space. Working as a team, they send crews to the Astro Lab, work with companies to make space accessible, and ensure working conditions in space. Astronauts must train for weightless, so Astro Recruits are introduced to SCUBA and complete high altitude balloon experiments to prepare for their mission. Mission: Astro Lab is the ultimate camp experience and it gives youth a chance to work on STEM and career skills at the same time.

While at the Cosmosphere, I sat in the Astralis spacecraft simulator while communicating with Mission Control to perform a launch. 3-2-1…go! As waited for prompts from Mission Control and flipped switches, the virtual sky changed colors and the stars appeared. Afterward, I climbed the ladder into the HAB where I performed an experiment using neon light to study the lifecycle of a star.

While listening to the Cosmosphere’s Mission Control, I docked the Astro Lab from inside the Astralis spacecraft simulator. IMAGE: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org

I can’t emphasize enough how rewarding this experience is for participants. Campers who sign up for Mission: Astro Lab have the opportunity to run experiments and test their skill set, unlike anything they’ve done before. They also get to use virtual reality technology, a digital 3D mapping system, conduct medical flight tests like astronauts, and build communication and problem-solving skills on the Cosmosphere’s Low Ropes Course. Discover the possibilities and register here.

Astro Lab: Campers train for weightlessness with an introduction to SCUBA training. Image: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org

THE ULTIMATE EXPERIENCE

Aside from day camp educational opportunities, the Cosmosphere provides visitors of all ages the chance to virtually travel through time and space. The Hall of Space Museum is divided into several galleries giving museum-goers a chance to learn more about the history of space travel on a self-guided tour.

The German Gallery details how Hitler’s Germany laid the groundwork for space travel. You can view V-1 and V2 rockets in the WWII exhibit. Visitors can also learn about the impact of high altitude and high-speed flight while walking around the X-Plane Gallery. Inside the Cold War Gallery, onlookers can discover how the U.S. and Soviet space programs competed to make significant strides during the Space Race.

The Cosmosphere makes learning about American heroes and Soviet secrets fascinating inside the Mollett Early Spaceflight Gallery. The actual Apollo 13 command module, Odyssey, is a major highlight of the Apollo Gallery. Visitors can also imagine what life was like as an astronaut as they gaze upon approximately 100 artifacts in The Astronaut Experience.

Apollo 13, Odyssey. Image: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson, KS, cosmo.org

Ready for takeoff to the Cosmosphere? The best way to get the most out of your visit is to opt for the All-Access Mission Pass, which includes access to the Hall of Space Museum, CosmoKids, a movie viewing inside the Carey Digital Dome Theater, a show in the Justice Planetarium, a Dr. Goddard’s Lab experience, and one ride on the naviGATOR Simulator. Launch the ultimate museum experience here!

Do you have questions about the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, Kansas, or the youth camps? Add it below and I’ll answer it for you! Visiting the Cosmosphere and participating in the interactive activities are out-of-this-world experiences you’ll always remember.

How To Spend a Day in Hutchinson, Kansas

March 4, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

If you’re only in town for the day, the best way to maximize your time is to start at Scuttlebutt’s at The Clayworks for a cup of coffee and a warm pastry. There are a number of coffee shops in town, but this is one is highly rated for its selection of coffee and fun atmosphere. The employees treat patrons as if they are close friends. Be sure to walk around the facility and check out the beautiful, handcrafted pottery and artisan gifts at The Clayworks. The studios and gallery are a “creative hub” for artists with disabilities. Their work is simply incredible and is available for sale in the retail store.

I was “Caught in the Act” wearing my mask at Scuttlebutt’s, so one of the employees gave me a sticker. Oh and that sour cream donut? It lasted about five seconds.

Afterward, make your way to the downtown district to make the most of your morning. Keep your camera handy as you will spot numerous public art sculptures and building murals during your walk. I thoroughly loved catching a glimpse of new murals at every turn. Hutchinson is unapologetically authentic, so it’s no surprise that the town celebrates local artists’ talent with pride.

This eye-catching mural is just one of many painted on the sides of buildings in the downtown Hutchinson district.

During a downtown stroll, you’ll stumble upon one antique shop after another. I particularly enjoyed The Toy Depot, one of 15 toy stores in the nation that only stocks vintage toys. Before I knew it, I was exclaiming with delight like a child admiring toys that I had enjoyed in my younger years. Love locomotive history or collect toy trains? Make your way to the back of the store for an immersive experience. The owner, Mark Buckley, has his personal collection of model train cars on display. Be sure to interact with the working train set by pushing its buttons.

You’ll easily work up an appetite ducking in and out of stores along Main Street. I know just the place to curb your cravings! A well-known staple for dining in Hutchinson is The Anchor Inn, a Mexican restaurant with a festive interior and a delicious menu. While I was shopping downtown, a Hutchinson resident recommended that I try the restaurant’s grapefruit margarita, a refreshing cocktail that paired well with a chimichanga dinner.

With half of the day ahead of you, there is still plenty of time to check out more of the town. I recommend driving to the Dillon Nature Center to do a little bird-watching and exploring. It’s an ideal place to take the family and children will especially love the indoor education center for its exhibits. There is no cost if you want to simply walk through the education center and adjacent gardens. The grounds have three miles of developed trails.

Afterward our walk at the nature center, we spent the rest of the afternoon sitting among locals at two of Hutchinson’s breweries. If you’re a craft beer fan, definitely make a point of sipping suds at Sandhills Brewing and Salt City Brewing, which are located a short drive from one another. Each brewery serves a long list of craft beers that appeal to every kind of beer enthusiast. I enjoyed a small batch, seasonal beer along with free popcorn while watching sports on TV at Salt City Brewing.

Speaking of bird-watching, Sandhills Brewing’s taproom is decorated with photos, murals, and references to Kansas birds — the beers are named after them! You can place your order online and pick it up or order at the counter. The small microbrewery and tasting room is a family-friendly space with some overflow seating in the adjacent private event room. Don’t forget to take a photo in front of the building’s magnificent mural.

The beer menu at Salt City includes four flagship beers and a rotation of seasonal brews. Ask the bartender for a sample or two before making your selection.

No visit to Hutchinson is complete without making a stop at Smith’s Market. A downtown landmark since 1933, the store specializes in “old fashioned grocery goodness” selling fresh produce, retro candy and sodas, whimsical gifts, and a large selection of teas and coffee. This is a great place to shop for Kansas-made gourmet foods. It’s impossible to not leave with bags of fresh taffy or pastries. Make sure to dedicate time at the end of your day to cruise the aisles of Smith’s Market.

What was your favorite candy from your childhood? Smith’s Market probably carries it!

If you find yourself in Hutchinson for more than a day, I recommend you experience the town’s most well-known attraction, the Cosmosphere: International Science Center & Space Museum. This ever-popular site is ideal for families looking for a hands-on experience while learning about space. Ask about the All-Access Mission Pass that “puts the universe in your hands.”

Visitors also appreciate touring Strataca: Kansas Underground Salt Museum where you can take an elevator 650 feet down to view where salt was mined. I suggest purchasing tickets to go on the Salt Safari Shuttle, a ride through miles of tunnels to learn more about the geological space.

No matter what you decide to do while in Hutchinson, there is something for every kind of visitor! Do you have questions about the places listed above? Ask me in the comment section below. I’d love to help you plan your visit to one of the best towns in Kansas.