Disclosure: Hiawatha Chamber and Visitors Bureau sponsored my visit. However, all opinions and photos are mine.
Hiawatha, Kansas, known as the City of Beautiful Maples, is considered one of the oldest towns, dating to 1857.
But Hiawatha’s most notable title is that it is the town most deserving of your visit.
Fall is the most popular time to visit for its vibrant foliage, though this Northeast Kansas town offers plenty to do year-round.
It’s a picturesque town you should experience firsthand overnight, with downtown shopping, dining, and a tranquil lakeside cabin that will make you want to stay longer.
Use this travel guide to plan your Hiawatha experience, whether you’re visiting for one of its festivals or lodging overnight for the weekend.
Hiawatha, Kansas: Things to Do During an Overnight Stay
Make Time for Glamping
The Country Cabin
If you’re like me, you love the outdoors but prefer a cabin to a tent. The Country Cabin (2534 Kestrel Rd.) offers the tranquility you seek without the hassle of managing camping gear.
Each of the four reservable cabins includes private parking, heating and air conditioning, a kitchen, and sleeps up to four guests. Towels, coffee, and a television with Roku® are provided.
I spent two nights in Cabin 1 within walking distance of The Country Cabin restaurant and a fish-stocked lake. It felt like glamping under the stars, surrounded by the comforts of home. Crickets chirped. The sun set over a panoramic view of the lake.
I arrived for my dinner reservation just as locals descended on the restaurant for Friday evening Happy Hour and the Prime Rib dinner special.
Presented with a bonus food menu featuring fall selections, I chose to savor a glass of cabernet with Brussels sprouts and leeks tossed with apples, bacon, blue cheese, and balsamic dressing.
The Brown Sugar Pork Chop with red skin mashed potatoes and “cabin style” asparagus surpassed my expectations of presentation and quality. Each plated entree leaving the kitchen and presented to nearby diners looked consistently well-plated and delicious.
For dessert, I relished each bite of Carrot Cake Cobbler, sipping a Bourbon Smash cocktail and catching glimpses of the lake through the table-side window.
The Country Cabin has been on my travel bucket list for years, and I hope to return, as it is one of those experiences you can’t wait to repeat.
NOTE: Cabins are not pet-friendly. Restaurant reservations are highly recommended.
Dine Where the Locals Go
In town, there are plenty of places to sip and savor local fare. Start your day at a cafe and end it with a sweet treat after dinner.
October Coffee
October Coffee (402 Oregon St.) deserves a place amongst some of the best small-town cafes in Kansas for its specialty coffee menu and scratch-made baked goods.
Open Tuesday through Friday, a short line forms at the register where locals order house-roasted coffee with breakfast.
Sure, you can order a to-go coffee if in a rush, but you’ll want to sit down and relax for a while to savor a quality cup of coffee from globally sourced beans. The upstairs lounge is small but inviting, with high-speed Wi-Fi and board games available.
You can’t go wrong with a scratch-made cinnamon roll or muffin served warm with a latte. I recommend asking about their seasonal drink specials. They also serve lunch.
New China Restaurant
Cars arrive and park in front of New China Restaurant (723 Oregon St.) as it opens for the day. Locals are eager to enjoy the lunch buffet.
After waiting to be seated, I chose not to join the buffet crowd waiting for the lunch selections to be refilled and instead ordered a made-to-order broccoli and beef entree. Served steaming hot with crab rangoon, it was satisfying, with umami flavor from soy sauce.
Guests watched Family Feud on a modest television. As soon as a table cleared, they seated more people.
The Hiawatha Creamery
A visit to town is not complete without stopping at The Hiawatha Creamery (725 Oregon St.) for a scoop of hard or soft-serve premium ice cream.
Opened in 2022, the sweet shop’s menu specialties, like ice cream nachos served on waffle chips, often come from recipes created by high school-aged employees.
You can choose from a line-up of 24 rotating Wisconsin-made ice cream flavors served traditionally or with cold brew concentrate from October Coffee.
The Hiawatha Creamery continues the town’s long-standing tradition of serving quality ice cream year-round, weekends only.
Prices are purposely affordable. Employees are happy you’re there.
Enjoy Some Retail Therapy
Hiawatha, a town of slightly more than 3,000 residents, has several boutiques and specialty stores.
Mainstreet Flower Shoppe
Mainstreet Flower Shoppe (713 Oregon St.) should be your first stop for chocolate truffles, home decor, gift-worthy items, and, of course, fresh floral arrangements.
‘You can expect to see brands such as Rabbit Creek®, Nora Fleming®, and Eat My Socks Kids® items artfully displayed with seasonal decor front and center.
PRO TIP: Don’t leave without purchasing decadent chocolate truffles, the perfect road trip treat.
Blue Byrds Creativity Room
Blue Byrds Creativity Room (715 Oregon St.) lives up to its name.
Its inventory includes hand-crafted gifts created by ten vendors, from totes and tumblers to whimsical jewelry.
The creative spirit inspired the owner to add a seasonal menu of coffee drinks plus a daily lunch special. Because who doesn’t need homemade cinnamon rolls and chili, right?
Wright’s Eclectibles
For more than a decade, Wright’s Eclectibles (709 Oregon St.) has offered shoppers a chance to curate unique, nostalgic items from an inventory of antiques and collectibles.
Ornate glassware tries to dominate the selection, but organized tables and shelves of vinyl records, kitchen tools, and antique tools compete for space.
You’re bound to find a relic that reminds you of your childhood. At the very least, don’t leave without purchasing a bottle of Hiawatha Maple Syrup.
Faith + Foliage
Shop Faith + Foliage (708 Oregon St.) for houseplants, faith-based books and gifts, jams, jellies, and other inspired-living items.
The downtown boutique is an extension of Wolf River Nursery, a garden center and greenhouse located an 8-minute drive outside of town.
Wolf River Nursery
Drive south on Highway 73 to Wolf River Nursery (1460 195th St.) to stock up on gorgeous, flowing hanging baskets of plants and flowers.
During my autumn visit, rows of bountiful mums in a variety of orange, red, and yellow colors lined the sidewalks.
Large wind chimes, bulk vegetable seeds, container posts, and garden tools round out the garden center’s inventory.
With more than 25 years of experience, the owners are skilled at answering customers’ questions during peak gardening season.
PRO TIP: Attend the Spring Open House the last Saturday in April to shop, enter prize giveaways, and savor local food.
Just For You Jewelry & Gifts
Fashion and fine jewelry. Children’s toys and gifts. Puzzles. Collegiate gear. Women’s blouses. You’ll find it all and more at Just for You Jewelry and Gifts (620 Oregon St.).
It’s the best place in town to purchase Hiawatha Red Hawks merchandise, from magnets to earrings.
The employees are cheerful, and like me, you’ll likely leave with a keepsake to remember good times in Hiawatha.
Oak & Willow
Creating an outfit with the latest fashions is easy for women at Oak & Willow (618 Oregon Street). The style of apparel is classic and feminine, with separates that are easy to pair in sizes from small to extra-large.
I thumbed through racks of puffy-sleeve blouses, wide-leg pants, and Risen® jeans.
If you love to dress it up for an occasion, you’ll find rompers and free-flowing dresses. Moms with little girls will appreciate a selection of accessories.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the clearance rack at the back of the store.
Sarah Kathryn’s Quilts
If hand-sewing quilts is a hobby that brings you joy, shop Sarah Kathryn’s Quilts (518 Oregon St.) for fabric and supplies.
Pre-cut fabric bundles. Notions. Quilting kits. You’ll find it all toward the rear of the store.
The front half of the store is a retail space resembling part antique store, part Hobby Lobby. So even if you don’t need quilting supplies, you’re likely to find bakeware or seasonal decorations that appeal to you.
PRO TIP: Ask about Chester’s fabric bundles named after the shop’s cat.
Uncover History Around Town
Hiawatha City Hall – 2nd Floor
Locals visit Hiawatha City Hall (701 Oregon St.) to pay a utility bill or apply for a permit. Visitors walk upstairs to learn more about Brown County and the township’s history.
An impressive, modest collection of antiques occupies a portion of the upstairs area.
I appreciated the mural, painted by local artist Ron Allerton, portraying Brown County’s agricultural roots. Painted during the Kansas Centennial year, 1961, it is an oil painting on cotton duck canvas.
Brown County Historical Society Museum
Take a deeper dive into history at the Brown County Historical Society Museum (611 Utah), a treasure trove of tucked-away relics.
Open by appointment, the building itself is awe-inspiring. Built in 1920, it has served as a community gathering space for Hiawatha Area Arts and Theatre Society performances.
People don’t realize that its basement houses rare finds organized by theme. Volunteers worked endless hours to create the museum.
A soda fountain counter, high school letter jackets, an antique letterpress, old photographs, and more are just a few of the must-see items.
Brown County Agricultural Museum and Windmill Lane
The historical museum tour continues at the Brown County Agricultural Museum and Windmill Lane (301 E. Iowa St.).
Admittedly a city girl, I find it fascinating to see antique tractors and learn how farming equipment was used back in the day.
The site resembles a 1900s farmstead, with a schoolhouse, milking barn, and corn-threshing area. The best view of Windmill Lane is from the second-story patio of the new event center, which is also the prime spot to view fireworks on Independence Day.
More than 40 windmills and wind chargers line a country road surrounded by cornfields, making for a unique photo backdrop. Museum tours are available by appointment.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss Corn Picking Days in mid-October that include hands-on activities at no cost.
Davis Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery
Make the short drive to Mount Hope Cemetery (606 E. Iowa St.) on the outskirts of town to view the Davis Memorial, a finalist for the Kansas Sampler’s 8 Wonders of Kansas.
The granite and marble memorial was erected by Hiawatha farmer John Davis after his wife Sarah’s death in 1930.
Some people think the memorial was a misuse of Davis’ savings that could have funded a hospital. No matter your viewpoint, most will agree its design is extravagant and verges on creepy.
PRO TIP: Use the electronic kiosk to locate Elizabeth Krebs’s grave, the mother of Halloween in Hiawatha. Theodore H. T.J. Korthanke, one of the town’s founding fathers, is buried there as well.
Korthanke Fountain
Hiawatha is known for its abundant maple trees, and one man, T.J. Korthanke, is responsible for it.
Locals admired the stunning hard maple tree on his farm, which inspired him to plant the tree’s seeds, creating a seedling grove available for locals to care for as their own.
The Korthanke Fountain sits between the firehouse and police station on Oregon Street.
Murals
I discovered about a half dozen murals painted in the downtown area, and each one included imagery depicting Hiawatha’s industries.
One in particular was created to honor a Hiawatha native and war hero, Homer White, who “died as he lived, an honest and good man.”
Experience an Annual Festival
Maple Leaf Festival
My first Hiawatha Maple Leaf Festival is in the books. The town goes all in, bringing endless vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment to downtown on the third Saturday of September.
The one-day festival coincides with homecoming weekend, so alums return to participate in the activities at the downtown square. Local museums are open and free to the public.
I’ve experienced many community festivals, and this one is one of the best because of the number of vendors and the variety of entertainment.
Kids jumped excitedly in bouncy houses, several climbed a rock wall, and others eagerly waited in line for sweet treats. The smell of kettle corn filled the air, and a local band played as families mingled while eating food truck fare.
The town also hosts Hiawatha Halloween Frolic, the oldest continuous Halloween parade and festival in the United States, on October 31.
During Christmastime, don’t miss the Festival of Lights and Holiday Homes Tour.
Choose Leisurely Outdoor Activities
Brown County Courthouse Square Trees
Take a stroll around the Brown County Courthouse grounds to admire the dozens of mature trees. Each one in the collection is labeled at its base, identifying the type of tree. And yes, you’ll find maple trees amongst others.
I escaped a rainstorm under the trees’ canopy and ventured into the courthouse for a self-guided tour until the storm passed.
Hiawatha City Lake
Hiawatha City Lake, located one mile south of town on US Hwy 73, is a bonus recreational area worth checking out if you want to play nine holes of disc golf or play volleyball. Bring your rod and reel to fish for channel catfish.
Hiawatha Walking Trail
Hiawatha is a health-minded community. You’ll appreciate the paved 2.4-mile walking trail.
Park at Fisher Center (201 E. Iowa St.) and then embark on the trail, which winds past a skate park, Kiddle Korral playground, and beyond Noble Ball Park.
Hiawatha is an inviting getaway for solo travelers, couples, or families seeking the charm of Northeast Kansas. I adored my time there and hope to return next year.
Whether you’re in town for a lively community celebration or settling in for a leisurely weekend, you’ll find plenty to see, do, and enjoy, along with a warm welcome at every turn.
And if you want to explore nearby communities, use my travel guides for Seneca, Holton, and Atchison.
Locals welcomed me warmly during my time exploring Coffey County, whether it was a fisherman about to drop a line at the Burlington Dam or the coffee shop owner who told me his business story while I sipped a matcha latté.
Inside, you’ll discover a spacious, renovated home in a historic building, complete with painted tin ceilings and dark hardwood floors.
The kitchen’s cabinets are stocked with basic cooking tools, and guests have access to a full-size oven, refrigerator, and coffee maker (bring coffee and creamer).
Leather couches in the living room are ideal for chatting with friends or curling up with a book. After a day of exploring, I used the large dining room table as my laptop station for the strongest Wi-Fi connection.
If you’re part of a quilter’s group (a nearby fabric store) or a small family who appreciates the historic charm of staying in a thoughtfully restored building, I recommend staying overnight at Eagles Nest.
PRO TIP: I’d recommend connecting to your phone’s hotspot if you want to use the internet from the bedrooms. Perhaps it was me, but I couldn’t find streaming options on three of the home’s televisions, so I opted to watch YouTube via my iPhone instead.
Limited indoor seating is available. A reach-in refrigerator houses bottled drinks, and a self-serve coffee station is stacked with mugs.
I selected two freshly baked donuts, which were soft, sugary sweet, and scrumptious. They didn’t last more than a few minutes before I gobbled them up.
The staff makes house-made bagels (jalapeño cheddar is popular) and pastries daily. More than 12 flavors of ice cream, made in-house, are sold by the pint. A reach-in refrigerator is stocked with grab-and-go meals ideal for the lunch hour.
I chose a cafe table near a display of individually packaged pie slices. The coffee shop’s customers’ mugs sit on a shelf labeled with their names near the register.
After your meal, shop in the Vintage Sisters’ multiple rooms, which showcase more than two dozen vendors’ wares, ranging from antiques to handcrafted home decorations.
The owner knows what people want when dining at a sports bar. The menu, featuring stacked burgers, chicken wings, and big-portion dinner meals, delivers.
Sandwiched between a soft bun, the Wildcat Burger with crispy bacon, spicy mustard, and “all the garden” was thoughtfully prepared. I opted for a garden salad over fries.
Festive music plays from overhead speakers in a dining room decorated with colorful picado banners and neon signage.
The owner recommended the Los Comadres platter served with a savory shredded chicken enchilada, bacon-wrapped shrimp, and a crunchy beef taco. Probably more food than I needed, I savored each scrumptious bite, adding homemade salsa to the meal.
The sound of falling water at the Burlington City Dam sets the scene. Also a tucked-away spot for RV campers, the park includes eight concrete stalls with water and electric hookups near the Neosho River shoreline.
Two rod-and-reel anglers told me they were fishing for crappie during a sunny afternoon at the dam.
I recommend planning your visit to the 46-acre park during a rodeo at Kelley Park Stadium. It’s also the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the state, 
After parking in the car, I followed the dirt road past an abandoned red barn to Eagle Nest Tower. Defying my fear of heights, I ascended its spiral staircase to the top, where I was rewarded with a 360-degree view of the countryside and Coffey County Lake.
If you prefer to hike the trails, start at the silo and trek the well-worn path until it loops back to the silo. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles and osprey.
I visited the reservoir on what must have been the windiest Spring day in Kansas history. Gusting at 30 miles per hour, the winds created white-cresting waves crashing along its rocky shoreline.
The course is well-kept by the city. I had the park to myself mid-day, which offered peaceful refuge that only a small town can provide.
To make sure you don’t miss a gem, start in the front of the shop and meander through the center dining room, ending in the rear of the store.
Find something you can’t live without? Pay for it at the coffee/restaurant counter, where you’ll be tempted to order a latté or purchase a tasty bite to eat.
I spent almost half an hour chatting with employees and taking in all that the store offers, from Village Candles to garden gnomes.
The back corner of the store is devoted to houseplants and gardening supplies, while the outdoor courtyard is often filled with shrubs and trees trucked in from 
I chatted with an employee who told me about her quilting journey, and she pointed out the variety of fabrics in the store. Open five days a week, the shop regularly runs a sale. On the day of my visit, the west wall of fabric was marked down 15 percent.
Perhaps you need to stock up on solids or simple prints, or a seasonal fabric with matching thread for your next quilt project? Golden Needles and Silver Threads carries it all. Don’t miss the fabric scraps basket.
He told me that what started as a baseball card collection grew into a one-stop shop for gamers and parents looking for Lego™ Duplo sets for their kids.
Several customers gathered at a back table, and a school group was expected to arrive within minutes of my visit.
The sound of a water fountain with koi splashing is the backdrop as you shop for noticeably better-than-a-big-box-store sun and shade-loving shrubs. From fruit-bearing to topiary trees, the nursery stocks a variety of hard-to-find trees, all maintained by a small staff of dedicated workers.
Walk through the rows of trees and don’t miss the greenhouse, which contains seasonal tree seedlings. Steve Strawder, his wife, and staff are kind and helpful, willing to provide expertise in selecting and maintaining trees and shrubs for years to come.
Thanks to the work of owners Tom and Laura and their staff, you’ll feel the friendly vibe when shopping at Arnold’s. The greenhouse is stocked with vegetables, herbs, and annual and perennial plants, organized on tables for almost as far as the eye can see.
PRO TIP: View the 
The library’s dark wood shelves house books, magazines, and lounge areas that cater to those who just want to sit down and relax with a new read. Public access computers with internet access are available to patrons.
I was pleased to find resources on the area’s history, and the public art outside was delightful.
Consisting of two equipped workout rooms, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, a dance/yoga studio, a walking track, and a table games area. One can also reserve use of the indoor Golfzon TwoVision simulator for $25 per hour or $15 per half hour.
The weight-lifting/cardio rooms are no joke. Filled with top-notch equipment and free weights, the facility will please visitors looking to put in a full-body workout. Enjoy the free Wi-Fi and water bottle station during a fitness session.
Athletic courts are popular amongst pickleball players in the morning.
From the Greetings to Burlington mural at Drake Park to the history of a town as depicted on buildings in Le Roy, his work connects visitors with the county’s history. I appreciated how many of the ghost signs on Burlington buildings were restored to their original vivid color.
PRO TIP: Pick up a mural map at the Burlington caboose kiosk before embarking on a self-guided trek to find each one.
In Burlington, the 
Founded in 1886, 
The memorial honors the miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Kansas history at the Cherokee and Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company Mine No. 2 on November 9, 1888. Family members gathered at the mine’s entrance, distraught and waiting for news about their loved ones, many of whom did not survive the dust explosion.
Whenever I approach a memorial, I vow to read every name inscribed on it, and this time was no different.
PRO TIP: Clear your calendar to attend Frontenac’s 140th birthday at Mining Days on June 5-7, 2026. The Heritage and Homecoming Celebration is an annual event featuring family-friendly activities and historical tours. Don’t miss 
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the 
Original artifacts curated from local families added a storytelling quality, enhancing the high-quality exhibits. I was amazed by the attention to detail, from the testimonials of miners to the newspaper clippings about business openings.
The history of Southeast Kansas, and Frontenac in particular, is the story of European immigrants, miners, bootleggers, religious devotees, and family members who looked out for one another and supported the community.
Walking inside the bakery, I felt as if I were a customer seeking to buy a loaf. Tools of the miner’s trade and newspaper clippings about the worst mining disaster in history adorned a room dimly lit by lanterns. A peek inside a replica chapel revealed the history of long-standing Catholic and Methodist communities.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it better than most is that the director thought to include an interactive component, adding visual and audio stations, making it more accessible for visitors. Due to the museum’s proximity to the Frontenac Public Library, its artifacts are deeply rooted in the area’s genealogy.
Former and current Frontenac residents will relish the displays featuring curated Raiders memorabilia. Peering inside the displays, it was as if I could hear the football players and cheerleaders rooting for the Raiders to win the high school’s first-ever state football championship over Stockton in 1994.
Visiting the Heritage Hall Museum, located inside the Frontenac Public Library, is well worth it, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural legacy and mining history of Frontenac and the greater Southeast Kansas region.
The locally owned coffee shop sells 
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
The dining room was already filled with locals when I stopped by on a weekday for a midday meal of boneless chicken wings coated in Sully Sauce. With my choice of side dish, my meal was appetizing and one I’d order again.
On Saturday nights, Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a popular hangout attracting diners seeking the Chef’s Choice special. Happy Hour specials are served Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And for the kids (and young-at-heart), there’s a self-serve candy station, perfect for mixing and matching your favorite sweets by the pound. It’s the ultimate sugar-fueled pit stop for your Kansas adventure.
I would refer to the shop’s 
In addition to slicing deli meat by the order, refrigerated glass cases house homemade sausage, pasta meals, and pre-made sandwiches. A few tables provide a place for lunch-goers to sit down and savor a panini prepared with bread from the local bakery.
In Sweden (and Lindsborg!), families celebrate Lördagsgodis, which translates to “Saturday Sweets.” This tradition originated in the 1950s, becoming a way for children to look forward to enjoying special candies on the weekend.
So, it’s no surprise that the store became busy with families and visitors from out of town. I perused the shelves of Nordic chocolate bars and hand-crafted fudge, and I spotted a reach-in refrigerator of Grandpa Joe’s sodas and canned fizzy drinks.
I was in candy heaven, scooping a mix of Swedish fish, licorice, and soft watermelon bars into a to-go container. The variety of candy types, including ropes, salted candy, and soft foam treats, was unlike anything I’d seen before.
Visitors to the store will appreciate that Swedish candy doesn’t use artificial dyes for color. The owner also thoughtfully stocks gluten-free candy.
A fan of lingonberries, which are Scandinavian cranberries, I recommend ordering the Det Bästa croissant sandwich. It’s served warm with layers of Gouda cheese, turkey, bacon, and a thick layer of lingonberries jam.
I also recommend the sweet yet tangy Lingonberry Lemonade served over ice, a thirst quencher on a spring or summer day.
Pro Tip: After ordering at the counter, walk to the back patio to relax at a table under the grapevine-covered pergola to the backdrop of a trickling water fountain.
The aroma of handmade waffle cones greets you as you walk the brick pathway to the ice cream shop, which resembles an outdoor European patio.
Whether you prefer a cup, cone, sundae or ice cream sandwich, Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream’s flavorful selections will be a highlight of your Lindsborg visit. They also sell ice cream cupcakes, pies, and pints of available flavors.
Choose from flavors such as Blacksmith Coffee, Ligonberry Swirl, Kringler, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Key Lime Pie. Locals and visitors can enjoy a sweet treat six days a week, and the shop stays open late.
I’ve ordered coffee and breakfast at Blacksmith Coffee Shop & Roastery countless times, and one of their standout menu items is the warm berry cobbler served in a cast-iron skillet–ice cream is optional.
If you’re in the mood for a cold drink to take with you for breakfast or a midday treat, order the slightly sweet Lingonberry Smoothie with whipped cream. Take the totable drink with you as you stroll Main Street to shop locally owned boutiques.
PRO TIP: Avoid the morning rush. Order your food for quick pick-up 
The refrigerated baker’s case houses nearly a dozen pies and cakes baked fresh daily by the owner’s daughter.
I took my server’s suggestion and tried the old-fashioned Coconut Cream Pie. The thick, creamy coconut filling, topped with a mound of fluffy whipped cream and flaked coconut, satisfied.
Crown and Rye prepares fruit pies and cream-filled pies, so you will likely find a flavor you are craving. Additionally, individually wrapped homemade cookies are available for the road trip home.
PRO TIP: The 
One of my go-to selections is Nyakers Ginger Snaps, referred to as pepparkakor in Swedish. Traditionally served during winter, I eat the spicy, crunchy cookies year-round. The Swedish foods section of the store is well-stocked with imported spices, should you decide to prepare Swedish cuisine at home.
Savvy shoppers know to look inside the refrigerated reach-in coolers for traditional favorites, including frozen pies and tea ring cakes.
Don’t walk by end-of-the-aisle displays without getting a glimpse of packaged candy, ranging from salted licorice and Nordic fine chocolate bars.
And of course, you should not leave White’s Foodliner without purchasing a couple of jars of lingonberries. I add the tangy fruit spread to open-faced breakfast toast, pancakes, and charcuterie boards.
It is a Scandinavian tradition to enjoy a social coffee break, referred to as Fika, accompanied by sweet pastries. I love the thought of inviting my loved ones over for conversation over coffee and cookies.
Hemsjöld’s inventory not only includes imported cookies and culinary spices, but an extensive collection of coffee cups and pretty tableware for your Fika-themed gatherings.
Translated in Swedish to Sweet Dreams, the Dröm Sött Inn’s accommodations exceed my expectations every time I stay there.
The rooms are impeccably clean, and the plush bedding is so soft it feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud. (People adore the sheets so much, they sell bedding sets in the gift shop.) Quiet hours guarantee a good night’s slumber.
At check-in, guests are given two meal selections, and my choice this time was the Swedish pancakes served with warm maple syrup and a side of requested lingonberry sauce. Similar to crepes, the kitchen staff prepares them one at a time over a hot griddle in view of the dining room.
Last but not least, guests are gifted a homemade soft sugar cookie in the shape of a Dala horse as a parting gift. But since you know about the cookie gift, request it during your stay to enjoy with a glass of complementary wine in the inn’s secluded Wine Shelter.
I’ve also compiled 
The area is known for its 
Whether you’re sipping lingonberry lemonade on a sunny patio or savoring sticky buns at sunrise, your self-guided sweet eats tour promises memorable bites and cozy small-town moments.
If you’re searching for the best desserts in 
Discover Kansas ice cream and gelato shops serving unforgettable scoops on my list of favorite sweet spots, all locally owned and operated.
Cozy up with ice cream in the lounge and enjoy it while reading a book or solving a puzzle.
CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh-sliced fruit and nuts.
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.
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.
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.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip. 
The shop is connected to Soul Sisters Ceramics, where the owner hosts ceramic paint parties and the retail space is stocked with home decor goods. Located in a renovated gas station, 
The Frontenac ice cream shop is a community hub six days a week, where families gather to enjoy premium ice cream available in nearly 50 flavors. The store stocks super premium ice cream made with 16 percent butterfat, which tastes rich and flavorful in every bite.
Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight so you can sample four flavors in one go. Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
Claim a booth or a counter barstool during lunch or dinner hours to order a made-to-order burger with fries and a thick chocolate malt or shake. I recommend sitting at the counter to see a view of the bustling kitchen staff.
Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
The store often hosts an Ice Cream Bar Day during Second Saturday downtown shopping events. Choose from seven ice cream flavors and endless toppings.
An employee will serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, and you have a choice of crumbled cookies, nuts, or sprinkles for toppings.
Ice cream, baked goods, and candy dominate the menu, and the place smells like freshly made waffle cones. I opted for a double scoop of Rocky Road ice cream, but seriously, you can’t go wrong with any menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
A bit overwhelmed by the selection of ice cream options and a menu featuring ice cream-topped waffles, I kept it simple, ordering two scoops served in a cup: Exhausted Parent® (coffee and bourbon) and Munchie Madness (Oreo® and peanut butter cup).
Thick, chunky, and dense in flavor, it satisfied. Word to the wise! Order a smaller size than you’re craving. The ice cream is filling. If you love it, they sell to-go pints.
Bogey’s is a busy place. Consider dining outside on the patio where fewer people are seated. In a hurry? Order via the drive-thru window.
Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae or ice cream flight at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.
They serve Blue Bell Ice Cream by the scoop, in a malt, or as a shake, along with homemade fudge and organic cotton candy. Nana’s homemade Italian cannoli are a local favorite.
One of about forty authentic soda fountains still in operation in the state, Gibson’s includes seating for nine patrons. Thirsty? Flag down any employee who is ready to happily whip up a malt, shake, or soda drink for you.
The list of hard scoop ice cream flavors was hard to choose because they all sounded delicious. After the employee offered me a sample, I quickly decided on my first choice, Salted Vanilla Bean served in a Munchkin (small) cup. The names of the serving sizes are a reference to the town’s 
The classic ice cream flavor reminded me of the homemade ice cream my grandparents used to make for the grandkids using the hand-cranked mixer.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, a turtle sundae. Watch a consistent flow of customers arrive and listen to the shake machine whizz as you sit at the marble counter enjoying each bite of your sundae.
A great way to find out about their latest small-batch ice cream flavors is to monitor their 
Of course, if you want a single-dip cone or cup after a Coney Island hot dog lunch, the staff is happy to serve it.
Additionally, stop in Newton at 
I was the second customer of the day after Korean Garden opened its doors for the day, and a Korean woman behind the counter was taking to-go orders by phone and hurriedly packaging styrofoam containers. The grill sizzled in the kitchen as I placed my order, and she ushered me to my appointed table.
PRO TIP: You must order from the dinner entree menu on Saturdays. Bento Boxes are available during the week. Expect a $10 minimum purchase for credit card orders.
PRO TIP: 
For 20 minutes, I watched Fast & Furious from a nearby television while sipping a sweet Jamaican bottled soda. Then, the colorful seafood dish served with pickled cabbage and rice was delivered to my table by the owner.
PRO TIP: Strike up a conversation with the owner. Her love of Junction City is infectious, and her business story is admirable.
Rather than ordering a large entree, I opted for Veg Samosas, a fried pastry stuffed with diced potatoes, seasonings, and peas served with a thin yogurt-based sauce. Each deep-fried bite was piping hot, delivering a mild flavor. Two samosas per order are a light lunch, but you’d want to order more food for a substantial meal.
PRO TIP: 
Known for signature pizzas like Pesto Chicken and Flint Hills Burn, Mill Pizza serves a hearty, flavorful salad. I enjoyed each bite between sips of my beer while listening to patrons at neighboring barstools discuss their work day.
I was the only customer until more people arrived around 8:00 pm. My impression was that the lounge is known for serving a late-night, adult crowd, a sentiment the staff confirmed.
I devoured avocado toast between sips of Reverie Coffee Roasters drip coffee by the fireplace. I recommend the scratch-made breakfast to anyone seeking a healthier meal option.
Amongst cutting boards and kitchenware, the store displays Finch + Fennel pantry staples. The jarred condiments, seasoning blends, and bottled barbecue sauces designed to make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable.
During my second visit to the center, I paused to admire the rehabilitated birds of prey housed outside before trekking the trail. 
Once on the trail, walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations. The information plaques detail types of wildlife and teach onlookers what to watch for during their hike.
PRO TIP: After exploring the Tallgrass Trail, spend a few minutes inside Milford Nature Center (donations encouraged). The education center consists of live animal exhibits, such as snakes, prairie dogs, lizards, and more.
A new art installation, JC Statues, continues to tell the story of the town’s history and its residents. Each one is painted by an individual artist, unveiling a theme represented by symbols and paint colors.
Museum staff and volunteers created three floors of thematic exhibits with relics of the county’s past to convey the story of Geary County.
They designed each exhibit a full sensory experience. You hear the sound of the locomotive pulling into station. Sniff History stations make a self-guided tour an immersive experience, and flip-to-learn-more installments test one’s knowledge of pioneer life.
PRO TIP: If you want to tour 
