Disclosure: Wichita Festivals, Inc., sponsored this blog and provided courtesy photos for it. All opinions are mine.
Every fall, I clear my calendar the second weekend of September to attend Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair Parkway in Wichita, a free community event hosting more than 100 artists from across the United States.
Autumn & Art is more than an artists’ exhibition. It’s a welcoming setting where enthusiasts can mingle with artists, hang out with friends and family amongst live entertainment and food trucks.
5 Reasons I Attend Wichita’s Autumn & Art Every Year
Meeting the Artists and Admiring One-of-a-Kind Creations
Autumn & Art offers attendees the opportunity to meet the artists and learn what inspires them. Unlike an art gallery, Autumn & Art provides access to the artists who enthusiastically greet visitors and are eager to make conversation.
I’ve met remarkable photographers, painters, jewelry makers, and ceramicists by introducing myself to them while admiring their work. Sometimes, you can catch a moment with an artist while they work on a new piece.
Wichitans will tell you the city is large, but it feels like a small town. After a brief conversation with photographer Mickey Shannon, we learned that we are Wichita natives who share a love of Colorado.
Drawn to his vibrant photograph of the Flint Hills at springtime, I found myself purchasing Shannon’s coffee-table book “Kansas is Beautiful.”
You can find artwork for sale at every price point.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the annual Featured Artist set up in the middle of the Parkway.
Local Food and Drinks Make It More Than an Art Show
A bonus to attending the fine arts show is pausing between shopping to grab a bite to eat and a beverage.
Friday night’s Patron Party, a ticketed event, kicks off the weekend and is a must-attend event. I’ve sampled cuisine from some of Bradley Fair’s premier restaurants under the shaded canopy of trees.
It’s an excuse to mingle with friends with a handcrafted cocktail between bites of local fare. You can count on a lively atmosphere with live music, and organizers always gift guests a swag bag at the end of the night.
Plus, food trucks are on site from Friday through Sunday for all Autumn & Art attendees to enjoy.
PRO TIP: You can purchase Patron Party tickets in advance or pay for them at the party’s entrance tent.
Live Entertainment Creates a Vibrant Fall Festival Atmosphere
It’s not uncommon to discover live entertainment along the Bradley Fair Parkway throughout the weekend, so I recommend bringing a lawn chair to enjoy performances by dancers and musicians at the Main Stage.
Additionally, the Autumn & Art mascot greets families and is available for group photos. The mascot is featured in the annual coloring book available for children.
Shopping for a Gift For Myself or Someone
For me, discovering artwork I love is easy. Deciding which piece to purchase is difficult.
One year, I adored a photograph of a flying falcon so much that I purchased the framed print. I simply had to gift it to my boyfriend, a pilot, who is fascinated with falcons.
As the photographer gently packaged the framed print for me, he told me the story of how he captured the moment on film.
I think about the photographer’s account of that day each time I admire the photo displayed in our home.
The Artwork Inspires Me To Create
As a travel content creator, my career is focused on writing and photographing destinations to motivate readers to experience leisure travel. Since attending Autumn & Art, I’ve tried a new medium.
I’ve allowed myself the creative freedom to paint.
My newfound hobby grounds me and allows me to express myself in a delightful way.
You’ll be glad you experienced Autumn & Art, whether you stroll Bradley Fair Park for an hour, stay for the day, or make a weekend of it.
I hope to see you there.
WHERE TO PARK: Autumn & Art attendees can park anywhere within Bradley Fair and make the short walk to the Parkway.
WHAT TO BRING: Tote a lawn chair so you can kick back and relax while watching performers at the Main Stage.
The county seat of Sumner County, Wellington, is an agriculture/railroad town of about 8,000 residents. The town was established in 1871. At a stop along the Chisholm Trail, cattlemen drove herds through town.
Railroads made it a bustling town in 1879, and you still hear the occasional train horn blow. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad passes through town, and the Union Pacific Railroad’s main lines run north-south. Another industry, aircraft parts manufacturing, also helped the town’s economy.
Fast forward to today, Wellington draws people to town for its walkable downtown district, outdoor recreation, and community events.
Brick, limestone, and artistic wood details make the historic buildings ‘ details awe-inspiring. A drive along Washington Avenue reveals a glimpse into the past.
Another can’t-miss architectural wonder,
Completed a few years later, Memorial Hall became an attractive downtown building, featuring stained-glass windows and wrought-iron staircase railings.
Outside, the historical tour continues with the Bronze Field Guns exhibit. The cannons were delivered upon the request of the Grand Army of the Republic James Post of Wellington in 1909. Delivered in 1915, they serve as a memorial.
The sound of falling water caught my attention. After walking to a concrete overlook, I spotted water dropping about 20 feet at the Slate Creek Dam Falls.
The park also features picnic and fishing areas, plus playground equipment for families to utilize.
Wellington Lake, consisting of 674 acres of water and 10 miles of shoreline, is the ideal place to destress and unwind..
Feel free to bring your dog if you walk them on a leash. Doggy bag stations are positioned around the park.
I discovered bakery trays of scones, brownies, and cinnamon rolls heaped with vanilla icing inside the glass case. I couldn’t resist ordering a scone with an iced latte from the Summer Drinks menu.
Muffin Top Bakery also serves lunch menu selections featuring salads, quiche, and sandwiches. If you’re visiting the bakery with kids, inquire about the Wild Sodas beverage menu.
Wood-paneled walls with framed photography of local happenings adorn the space. The smell of fresh-baked glazed donuts, bear claws, and long johns filled the air of the family-owned shop.
A flight of small-pour beers gave me a chance to sample four beers from a menu consisting of pale ales, IPAs, a sour, a hard seltzer, and a porter. I thought they were all drinkable, but the Galaxy Frontier Pale Ale was by far my preferred beer for its hop flavor that wasn’t overly pronounced.
The brewer/owner stayed busy behind the counter pressing hamburgers on the grill and preparing my Italian-inspired sandwich served with my choice of chips.
Regular customers watched horse racing and golf on TV while families tended to younger patrons and dined on sandwiches. If you go, Lauren and Amber will take good care of you.
Some of my happiest childhood memories after our softball team won a game were eating at Big Cheese Pizza, so I was eager to revisit the Wellington location.
The restaurant is a community favorite, often hosting groups in its party room. Vinyl banners of school teams honoring Lady Crusader Tennis and 4A State Girls Wrestling cover the walls. Kids love the toy crane machine.
At the concessions counter, a lava lamp sat upon a display housing autographed memorabilia from some of the best bowlers in the nation.
I tried something out of my comfort zone and sampled the highly recommended fresh pork rinds with pepper jack cheese and spinach queso, which I devoured. The rinds arrived at the table, crackling fresh from the fryer.
My server recommended saving room for dessert, and even though I was full, I couldn’t pass up caramel churros with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with honey and chocolate. 100% delicious.
PRO TIP: Visit on Thirsty Thursday for a 1/2-price margarita.
After the sun goes down, the music volume goes up, and it becomes a hangout for locals who want to play billiards while listening to a local DJ play current music.
I stopped in for a beer after already having eaten dinner elsewhere. The two-room, small bar was quickly filling up with locals on a Saturday evening.
Goff wants the mural’s vibrant colors to attract viewers who use it as an interactive backdrop to take selfies. The artist said she may not sign the mural because “it belongs to the town.”
Artist Majorie Hall Bicker painted a scene depicting moments in Wellington’s history around the corner from BeeHive Quilt Shop on 7th Street. Dedicated to the city in 2000, visiting the mural should be part of everyone’s visit to town.
Keep an eye out for ghost signs that appear on downtown buildings. The Jacob Engle Dry Goods sign at the corner of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Street was recently restored for Wellington’s 150th anniversary.
Edgar Oil Company, a local independent operator based in Wellington, is depicted in a mural on Broadway Avenue.
Another ghost sign peeking out above a downtown roofline is the old Harry’s Cafe mural. The restaurant was founded by Harry Clements and operated from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Murals are impressive in size, but it’s the tucked-away sculptures like the whimsical frog and a child reading a book that catch my attention at the Wellington Public Library.
Wellington’s newest art installation, co-created by Ursula Goff and Greg Flickinger, is located at Heritage Plaza on the former Antler’s Hotel Lot.
Follow the theatre’s 
I chatted with the co-owners who clearly share a passion for the sport and providing delicious meals and beverages for visiting bowlers.
Check the lanes’ seasonal hours and current specials, regularly posted on the 
One of 63 Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the Neo-Classical building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors without a library card can take advantage of available resources: exhibits, events, and workshops. I sat down and helped complete a puzzle.
Not all Carnegie libraries still serve as such, so a visit to the 
As a one-time competitive golfer, I appreciated the course’s well-maintained fairways and greens, which appeared in solid condition despite the summer heat.
Each tee box includes four options, including competitive tee markers. As a player’s course, you can expect to spend about four hours completing a round.
You don’t have to pay to use the Splash Pad accessible by the Candy Cane City playground nearby.
The extinct Ice Age elephant skull was found by Tim Kelly in 1992, and records show that the county’s first farmers found similar bones dating back to the 1870s.
The only museum in the nation that accepts all American glass companies, each case is organized by pattern. During my guided tour, we wandered from case to case, admiring the handiwork of glassblowers and creators.
I was mesmerized by the designs, especially with the glow-in-the-dark collection. Brightly colored bowls, muted colored vases, translucent plates, glass utensils – the list goes on.
The building itself is a historic treasure. Formerly known as Hatcher Hospital, the facility was operated by Dr. A. R. Hatcher and his staff, who treated patients using state-of-the-art equipment in pristine condition. The building was gifted to the Chisholm Trail Museum in 1965.
I was fascinated by the room designed to resemble a vintage soda fountain, complete with a vinyl booth, ice cream dishes, and the Let’s Sell Ice Cream book once used at the Chief Drug Soda Fountain until 1986.
You’re bound to stumble upon a curated item that speaks to you at the museum. Locals will appreciate the high school artifacts.
PRO TIP: If you’re interested in touring with a group or outside business hours, contact the museum directly or complete a 
At age 85, Perry enthusiastically leads guided tours of the museum, pointing out items he curated or was gifted, such as the two-sided depot bench and original Santa Fe merchandise featuring the company mascot, Chico.
It’s possible that Perry’s love for the railroad will rub off on you. Not only did I learn about railroad employees’ work, but I also had a better appreciation for the industry that helped develop so many Kansas towns, including Wellington.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with the 1903 AT&SF steam locomotive on display across the lawn from the museum at Sellers Park.
Having visited several quilt shops across Kansas, I was impressed by the staff’s knowledge of on-trend designs and how to teach others the techniques for every kind of quilt.
The staff is excellent at finding a toy or game that matches a child’s skill level and interests. If you’re seeking Lego® build kits or puzzles, Bee Creative Toys’ inventory has you covered.
PRO TIP: Follow the store on 
Whether you’re interested in a custom-made ring or shopping for a bracelet, ring, or necklace from designers like ASHI® or Ostbye®, you’ll find what you’re seeking at the downtown fine jewelry store.
From small collections to individual pieces, glassware of every hue and shape rests amongst antique clocks, lamps, and candle holders with fancy patterns.
Interestingly, I discovered a second room stocked with jeans, shirts, and hats leftover from the now-closed Frazer’s Menswear. Inventory includes trusted brands like Levis®, Wrangler®, and Pendleton®.
PRO TIP: View the store’s 
The two-story shop carries a variety of gently used items, ranging from antique home accents to books. The store is divided by vendor spaces, so it’s not uncommon to also find handcrafted jewelry for sale next to retro drinkware.
The employees behind the counter sat quietly while shoppers like me perused the displays.
Although there is less inventory upstairs, it’s worth checking out.
A local resident told me they carried jarred, gourmet food, and although they didn’t have Kansas-produced honey, I did find jarred pickles, relish, dip mixes, and old-fashioned soda pop sold by the bottle.
The center aisle displays are home to gift-worthy items like 500-count puzzles, kids’ toys, and packaged candy.
Friendly employees inquired if I needed any assistance, proving that the local lumber shop is more than just a place to buy home-building supplies.
Dropping my bags at the door, I toured the second-story apartment, discovering an open-kitchen concept, a one-bedroom space with a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower and a soaking tub.
The kitchen and bathroom’s skylights flooded the space with diffused sunlight.
After a day of exploring Wellington on a hot summer day, I just happened to run into the owners in the courtyard, where we chatted about the town and why they love it.
In the morning, I sat at the kitchen’s island sipping freshly brewed coffee between bites of homemade quiche and scones prepared by the owners’ daughter. To say that I felt pampered is an understatement.
Plan to stay awhile? Campers have access to laundry facilities and you can purchase firewood and propane on site. Review the 
The festival was on my bucket list for years. Finally, I was able to attend and it lived up to the hype.
People placed lawn chairs along the parade route to eat food truck burgers awaiting the biplane flyover. An evening of live music concluded full days of activities, ranging from sidewalk chalk contests for the kids to the Antique Rod & Custom Car Show.
In fact, there are so many action-packed activities taking place each festival day, it’s best to carry the official schedule of events with you.
In true Kansas fashion, vendors taught festival attendees about agricultural practices like threshing wheat and milking cows, giving the festival a state fair quality.
Wellington is a wonderful place to explore top attractions in south-central Kansas. A 36-minute drive from Wichita, it’s the ideal day trip or overnight stay when combined with a full itinerary, including a community event.
If you love a road trip within driving distance of Wichita, I encourage you to check out 
I grew up visiting the region, and my first visit to Larned confirmed that it’s a town deserving of an overnight stay to experience all it offers, from historical tours and outdoor adventures to strolling downtown businesses.
I recommend visiting midweek, when most shops and restaurants on Broadway Street are open.
They have a variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks, and I recommend asking to view the seasonal menu. I sipped a Queen Bee Latté between bites of a fresh-from-the-oven banana nut muffin.
Also known for serving Italian Cream Soda and Dirty Sodas, the shop will appeal to customers with a sweet tooth, offering drinks made with flavored syrups such as Cotton Candy Dream and Cocoa Caramel Kiss.
The 13-seat diner smelled of freshly cooked bacon as the morning sun made the vinyl-covered, cherry- red stools sparkle. A television played the news while I awaited a heaping plate of the day’s special: French Toast with eggs and bacon.
I ate every bite, watching as Larned residents came and went with pick-up orders in hand. The owners greeted each child by name and asked about their summer plans.
After a morning of exploring, I devoured a well-seasoned bacon cheeseburger and a side of hot onion rings.
The staff serves beer and cocktails from a full bar, with additional seating near the cash register.
A bell rang, alerting my server to deliver my order: a combination plate featuring a freshly prepared chile relleño and a beef taco with guacamole salad, both from the Luncheon menu. Their salsa is some of the best I’ve tasted while road-tripping through Kansas.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialty entrees you’d expect, plus a rotating selection of bar drink specials, such as margaritas and Mexican beer.
You’ll also find 11 different burger options, steaks, shrimp, or fish with fries, as well as wraps, salads, and protein-packed sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak on the menu. Families are welcome at the bar and grill. The kids’ menu features seven meals.
An added touch of salt made my chicken-fried steak dinner better between sips of iced tea. I’m glad I ordered the “small” plate, which was plenty of food for one. My only regret is not planning ahead to enjoy the cheesecake egg rolls.
The 
Other areas of the park include a beloved duck pond, basketball and tennis courts, a water fountain, a playground, and picnic spots with grills.
Park at the gravel lot and then use the paved sidewalk to navigate to the shoreline or extended fishing dock.
Fancy a game of tennis? Bring your equipment to play at the courts before pausing for a hydration break on a tree-shaded bench.
The rusted, twisted piece of steel curved toward the sun. An original piece of the World Trade Center in New York, a relic of the 9-11 tragedy, it is a portion of the perimeter column located between the 34th and 35th floors of the No. 2 building.
PRO TIP: Look under the jagged metal at its base, which includes iron legs scaled to resemble the twin towers.
As a former high school golfer, I can attest that the fairways and greens were in top condition, given the hot summer temperatures. Golf carts meandered across the course as a men’s league wrapped up its play.
Before the railroad connected the West, wagon trains traveled the Santa Fe Trail carrying goods, dreams, and determination across the prairie.
For the most part, the Plains Indians respected the trail’s commerce. However, Kiowa Indians pounced upon Fort Larned on July 17, 1864, stealing over 170 horses and mules, thus creating a reason to escort wagon trains westward thereafter.
The best way to explore the fort is to arrange a 45-minute guided tour with a park ranger in advance, starting at the visitor center.
The park ranger’s key unlocked access to the men’s barracks, where 68 soldiers slept in iron beds (two men to a bed) in 1871. The smell of the original wood floors, foot lockers, and vintage wool jackets permeated the summer-warm air.
The soldiers’ humble living quarters stood in stark contrast to the officers’ spacious homes, decorated with hand-hewn furniture, rugs, and tables adorned with china and silverware.
The idea of working as a woman tasked with doing the soldiers’ laundry or tending the fort’s garden in the harsh Kansas heat and cold winters gave me pause.
To experience the fort in all of its glory with reenactors in costume giving demonstrations, attend one of the living history events during Memorial Day Weekend (May), Labor Day Weekend, Buffalo Soldier Fourth of July, Candlelight Tours (2nd Saturday in October), and Christmas Past (2nd Saturday in December).
ACCESSIBILITY: While much of the site is wheelchair-accessible over grass or a level, sandy trail, there are required steps to access buildings.
Indian artifacts, trade goods, and historic photos bring the trail era, dating back to 1821, to life.
Replica period rooms are designed to help museum-goers visualize what it was like to live in a middle-class home in the 1900s.
But my favorite part of the museum experience awaited me outdoors, where I took a self-guided tour of the historic Escue Chapel, the first church built by African American residents in the community.
Other outdoor buildings, like the dug-out house and sod house, represent how early pioneer settlers lived on the Kansas plains.
PRO TIP: The research library is free and open to the public, and if you’re interested in local genealogy, ask about access to the archives.
I didn’t see any original wagon ruts nearby, but I did stop to pay my respects at several Civil War graves.
Park at the gravel parking lot and follow the paved sidewalks to the interpretive signs that tell Pike’s story. Take note of the small mock gravestones honoring Private Robert Easley and Private Arthur Hughes, who perished in the area during the 1840s.
I was pleasantly surprised to find racks of colorful, fashionable blouses and jeans priced at $3 to $10.
Need a gift for a baby shower or a housewarming party? Shop the retail space for the ideal gift for someone, with country music playing in the background.
Owned and operated by two sisters, Scraps is a catch-all stop where you can purchase a grab-and-go meal or linger a while over coffee with friends from a comfortable couch.
Whatever you need, you’ll find it at Scraps. And should you require wedding supply services, the owners handle it all: catering, cakes, flowers, and tux rentals.
I’ve shopped plenty of antique stores, and this one is an experience. Located in the oldest church in town, dating back to 1897, Old Church Antiques showcases the collections of 18 vendors.
Walk downstairs to the lower level to purchase homemade baked goods from 
One visit to Old Church Antiques and Blessings Bakery won’t suffice. The store’s inventory and the bakery’s specials are updated frequently, so plan a return trip.
The store is a mainstay for the community, having recently celebrated 20 years of providing fresh floral arrangements, houseplants, gifts, body products, and candy.
Women will appreciate the keychains, dish towels, and coffee mugs with imprinted phrasing that speaks to them. Many of the home accents are floral-themed, making it a one-stop shop for the gardener in your life who deserves a gift.
Within minutes of my arrival, Dody took me under her wing, showing me interesting treasures, which included the store’s vast collection of framed artwork and prints.
PRO TIP: Walk into the store’s back room to explore shelves of out-of-print, national publications, from magazines to newspapers.
Located in its current spot since 1952, the store occupies 25,000 square feet of retail space, offering exactly what you need and want for your home.
In awe, I told the owner that I wished I had shopped for our furniture at her store rather than making multiple trips to various Wichita furniture stores to redesign our living room.
I adored the store’s selection of classic separates and in-season fashions, and I tried on a cute, floral dress. The store’s inventory ranges in sizes from small to extra large and appeals to most age groups.
Dress It Up makes it easy to pull together pieces to create new outfits, adding jewelry and shoes to complete the look. Tessa has her finger on the pulse of the latest fashions and hand-curates pieces for the shop.
Ready to repaint the interior of your home? The staff at the Paint Shop can personalize your purchase to your DIY needs.
What makes shopping at Doerr’s Ace Hardware even better? They fundraise for community causes. That’s why I love a locally-owned hardware store.
I was pleasantly surprised to find on-trend apparel at a price point most women ages 30 to 70 can afford.
PRO TIP: Watch Crossroots Boutique’s 
Installed in 2016, the towering, life-size figure with impressive details was made in Los Angeles by Bronzeman using the lost-wax process. A plaque reads, “For the Love of the Game,” in memory of Michael Bartz.
Die-hard mural seekers will want to keep their eyes peeled for murals adorning buildings at Larned’s city parks as well, like the one pictured below at Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park.
Library staff member encouraged me to use the complimentary high-speed WiFi and to explore the book shelves. During my Kansas Room work session, a second employee checked on me, proving that Larned residents truly are some of the nicest folks.
View the theatre’s Facebook page to review 
If you love discovering places where history comes alive and pausing to shop and dine at local businesses, add 
I’ve taken two road trips to Holton since 2022, and each visit reaffirms my love for the county seat.
High school alumni cruise around the Jackson County Courthouse square, throwing candy and beads; the sun sparkles on classic cars’ chrome at the car show, and kids play joyfully in bouncy houses nestled among vendor booths as families chat nearby.
The hum of food trucks’ generators can be heard over the festival announcer’s voice.
I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with a couple who sat ready to chat about their car to passersby. They told me the story of the car’s restoration using original parts with pride.
If you buy a maker’s creation or a homemade cookie, you’re likely supporting a small business or a worthwhile local cause.
Shut the Door Contest
During my self-guided tour, I came upon whimsical paintings depicting flowers and landscape scenes. One door showcased a Mexican restaurant’s theme.
With names like “Giraffes on Parade,” “Random Scraps,” and “Flying Geese,” each quilt is an expression of the creator’s personality. Table toppers and queen-sized bedding creations draw attention.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss other Holton’s festivities throughout the year, like fireworks during 
You can expect a free, self-guided tour featuring exhibits on one-room schoolhouse items, Carrie Nation history, barbed wire history, World War I & II memorabilia, and the tools of 1900s trades.
Welcoming history lovers since 1984, the museum is also known for rotating art exhibits, and the artwork is often for sale. View the museum’s hours 
Sign the guestbook at the visitor’s desk when you arrive.
The homes on the tour are private residences except one, which is maintained by the Jackson County Historical & Genealogical Society.
If you want to view the home’s interior, make an appointment with the Jackson County Historical Museum.
The cannon pictured below is dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors and rests at the base of the town sign.
As you continue your walk around the courthouse, you’ll find an original horse water trough, circa 1880, positioned at the base of an old tree, indicating where riders would let their horses hydrate when stopping at the original courthouse square.
BONUS: Find another livestock water-trough marker north of the Linscott Park tennis court, within walking distance of downtown.
Kernodle’s two-frame mural showcases an early version of how the Tallgrass Prairie used to look when it flourished. The second painting on the right represents the current state of the prairie.
Other murals around town will grab your attention. Cruise just beyond the downtown boundary to see murals like the one pictured below, painted on the side of a building at Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 KS-16).
Seated indoors, I noticed that most of the morning café traffic came via the drive-thru. I found the café’s interior inviting. The employees were patient as I chose my menu items and were more than welcoming.
The entire place is adorned with frogs. Paintings, toys, and sit-a-bouts feature the green-colored amphibian. A life-size astronaut sculpture keeps watch over them.
I ordered an 8″ Meat Lovers Pizza at the counter and sat down and waited for it. Families continued to pour into the restaurant looking for open seating. Customers with call-in orders approached the counter. The phone never stopped ringing.
PRO TIP: Beat the lunch rush or call the restaurant for a to-go pizza, especially if you’re visiting Holton during a community festival. Bring cash for payment or pay a fee when using a credit card.
As we made our way to a table, I stopped to peer into a double-door refrigerator stocked with plates of sliced pie. I knew I wasn’t leaving the restaurant without devouring a slice.
The meal lived up to the hype, and the cafe is worthy of a repeat visit.
Boomers’ Steakhouse, Grill and Catering gets my vote for the best dinner experience in Holton for its friendly service, quality steak dinner, and strawberry pie (don’t skip dessert!).
The restaurant includes full bar service, so if you’re hoping to complement your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail, cold beer, or glass of wine, you’re in luck.
The local hangout is the ideal place to enjoy a bite to eat if you want to watch the game or chat over burger baskets with friends from a vinyl booth.
The owner/baker moved to Kansas from Australia, bringing her culinary talents to a loyal following of customers. She prepares a rotating selection of more than 150 cheesecakes sold by the jar.
But it’s more than a general store. It’s where locals make memories, from purchasing sweet treats to reserving tuxedos for the high school prom.
During my visit, I watched as parents pushed strollers and ushered their kids up to the old-fashioned, original ice cream counter to order for them.
I also spotted kids in the store gleefully looking at the candy shelves and asking their parents for retro candy or premium chocolate bars, which are among the store’s biggest sellers. It’s an after-school drop-by spot for kids who want to buy bulk candy on their way home.
Holton Mercantile is a mainstay, dating back decades. You’ll appreciate the building’s original floors and tin ceiling. Go for the nostalgia, the ice cream, and shop the store’s inventory to support local.
Shoppers earn discounts if they sign up for the “Text Club” and are willing to ship items via USPS to you. If you join their rewards membership, you earn one point per pre-tax dollar you spend.
Glass orbs hang from delicate strings on display. The sunlight through the store’s windows shines through pretty paperweights and beams through bowls and colorful vases.
PRO TIP: Check the More Than Lemons 
Shoppers travel miles to shop at the store for Nora Fleming, Spartina purses, Vera Bradley bags, and Melissa & Doug toys. The front of the story features in-season displays.
NOTE: The store’s owner is closing its doors for good after 12 years of business on June 27, 2026.
Displays of battery-operated candles flicker from store shelves nestled next to beautiful plates and framed art. Love the table or the armoire? It’s probably for sale. Seeking Kansas-inspired artwork? Check out Triple B Hilltop Farm’s items.
At the front of the store, I spied a pop-up floral display with fresh, locally grown flowers for sale on the day of my visit. Jewelry, handbags, and some body projects were displayed near the register.
In addition, you’ll discover more Kansas-made products, from home decor to packaged specialty foods, on display. You’re bound to want a canister of hot chocolate mix, apple butter, or bread mix.
Nearby women discussed accessories as I shopped the rear of the store, which displayed children’s plush toys and clothing and accessories for girls who love pattern and ruffled dresses.
Rows of all-natural dietary supplements and essential oils line store shelves. T-shirts, hair accessories, jewelry, and Natural Life® gift items can be purchased to create a gift basket for someone you appreciate.
The inventory consists of twenty-two vendors’ hand-curated antiques, and like me, you’ll find yourself wandering from room to room in search of a nostalgic item that triggers a memory.
PRO TIP: Road-trippers will want to view the stairway covered in vintage license plates, a photo-worthy backdrop.
Prior to the performance, attendees enjoyed a catered homestyle meal with dessert at community tables with other audience members. Affordable cocktails were available for purchase.
I’d highly recommend planning your trip to Holton around the theater’s upcoming performance. To view the event schedule and reserve a ticket, visit the box office details 
It was named in honor of Major and Mrs. Milton Moses Beck, who were early residents of the town. The library has remained open to the public since 1952.
The Veterans Memorial impresses. Holton is a Purple Heart City, so the on-site memorial honors every medal recipient. A World War II memorial pays tribute to Company “E” of the 137th Infantry who died at war.
The park features tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, and a shelter house available for reservation. The park is one of six public 
As I looked for a clear or colored orb, I appreciated the picturesque views, including fishing piers, a 9-hole disc golf course, and campsites. Walking trails weaved around the lake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find an orb, but I enjoyed the search.
The reservoir, established in 1997, is an outdoor lover’s playground with free access to miles of hiking and biking trails, campsites, bird-watching, and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.
After visiting countless Kansas towns, I’ve decided that Holton is not only one of the most welcoming, but it also offers more than enough to see and do during a visit. You may need to visit multiple times, like me.
As they say, you can have it all in Jackson County. Holton embraces its visitors, and you’ll feel just as welcome as I did.
Travel to Holton for an overnight stay to explore a small-town setting with some of the state’s top attractions. You’ll never lack for something to discover in this charming town north of Topeka.
The Franklin County Courthouse, an architectural marvel, anchors the four-block stretch of a walkable district, where every crosswalk is flanked by attractive landscaping and historical signage. Bike racks are situated along Main Street.
You’ll never need for anything because the owners live on the property, which includes three bedrooms and two full bathrooms. I found the 
Each room includes a queen-size bed, a television with streaming channels, high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to a community lounge with a beverage station and refrigerator.
I came and went as I pleased, using the front door’s keypad entry. I had my choice of first-floor living spaces to read a book surrounded by antique furniture and paintings created by a local artist. Each one spacious enough to host a group.
I awoke to the sound of birds fluttering among the old, native trees visible from my bedroom windows. Moving to my private balcony, I sipped coffee and listened to a rooster crow as the sun warmed the hostas and flowers below.
At breakfast, Sharon served homemade Polish crepes filled with whipped cream and topped with strawberries. I love meeting new people, so we chatted about their business and swapped travel stories.
You won’t find a more appealing place to stay in Ottawa, and you’ll leave feeling as if you made new friends after meeting Steve and Sharon. Reserve your stay 
The cafe glowed with a warm hue of gold and orange as light bounced off the wood and brick walls. The smell of freshly brewed coffee permeated the air. A small grouping of women gathered at a table, as I made my way to order the Mug Shot’s most popular espresso drink, the Librarian Latté, prepared with molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon.
The cafe is the ideal place to escape to for a conversation with a friend or to read a book on the cafe’s plush chair, situated beneath built-in bookshelves and nostalgic posters. Go for a latté prepared with house-made syrups and a freshly baked muffin.
A nearby couple chatted about the day’s plans. The server warmly greeted a regular customer at the door. The place was abuzz on a Sunday morning with the sound of clanging plates and conversation.
I can vouch that the Breakfast Bowl was made to order with fresh ingredients, and the chai latté was frothed to perfection.
Kids will appreciate a menu dedicated to them, ranging from PB&J to a pasta entree. In the evenings, adults pony up to the cocktail bar for shareable nachos and boozy beverages.
My Quesabirria (flattened tacos with shredded beef) was prepared with fresh ingredients and served with a side of house-made birria sauce. The hand-shaken house margarita was served promptly, which was fantastic considering the dining area was nearly full, and overflow customers were enjoying the patio at lunchtime.
Every detail of my dining experience was noteable, from the attentive service to the thoughtful presentation.
My Reuben sandwich, cooked by the owner, was served on toasted rye bread with plenty of sauerkraut and signature Grub Sauce.
My server said the lunch buffet, featuring pizza and a salad bar, is well-liked Monday through Friday from 11 am to 2 pm.
I watched the NFL Draft while enjoying soft cheese bread, followed by a small Super Combo Pizza. Each one tasted so good that I requested a take-home box.
We enjoyed a scrumptious three-meat platter with perfectly cooked, hand-cut fries and BBQ pit beans that were rich in flavor. Smart diners will save room for raspberry-filled donut bites.
Beverages purchased at the brewery can be enjoyed in the downtown Common Consumption Area, so it’s common to see customers drinking beer and cocktails while walking along Main Street within marked areas.
A perk I don’t often experience during my state-wide travels, the Common Consumption Area gives everyone a chance to mingle and enjoy evening events downtown as they casually stroll with a drink in hand. Regular customers opt to sit at the bar and drink from mugs.
Gentry’s Gold (5.7% ABV), an English pale ale, reminded me of a refreshing, game-day beer. Not sure what to order from the beer menu? Bartenders recommend a Regular Beer as a starter before moving on to more complex ones like a milkshake IPA.
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).
PRO TIP: Inquire about vegan, non-dairy, and Italian Ice flavors.
Ottawa Bike and Trail supports Kansas bike and gravel races and often hosts group rides starting with free coffee and a social hour. Follow the store’s 
They were not open when I was in town. Shoppers should arrive during daytime hours on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
I felt a sense of patriotism, taking note of stacks of footlockers and military flags. The owner, who also operates The Painted Lady Bed and Breakfast in town, is welcoming and eager to help customers find what they need.
The store’s 
A lot of its inventory is Americana and country-farmhouse in theme; however, you’ll discover spaces with dishware and sit-abouts spanning the decades.
A separate building, “the barn,” is home to more rusty, farm-style items. It’s here you’ll find a cast-iron bed frame or a massive wooden spool that can double as a table.
I thought the items were reasonably priced, and a 20% off sidewalk tag sale caught my eye. Stacks of Corning Ware, vinyl records, commemorative plates. You name it, she carries it.
Look for individually priced houseplants in containers, available for sale at prices you won’t find elsewhere.
For those who appreciate a shopping quest where they can dig into boxes of textiles or look high and low for an item, Kim’s Corner is for you.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the Everything’s $1 section.
The owner, who curates inventory from the Atlanta market, attracts shoppers who appreciate a neutral motif punctuated by a pop of color. I had a wonderful time getting to know her as I quickly moved items to the register I planned to purchase.
Her store is also the only one in town that sells faith-based journals.
Unlike some makers’ spaces I’ve toured, The Collective Heart is thoughtfully designed, dedicating a space for each vendor without overcrowding the store. Jewelry, signage, leather goods, wall art, woodwork, and even bath products make up the bulk of the merchandise.
PRO TIP: View their upcoming all-ages art classes on their 
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.
Don’t miss the homemade dip mixes, jarred jams, and jellies in the specialty foods section. Crafters appreciate their vast selection of DMC embroidery floss. Families with kids will find their Lego® Botanicals a must-have whimsical purchase.
If you’re someone who wants to build a wardrobe capsule for traveling, they make it easy to pull together multiple outfits from a handful of pieces.
The styles are reflective of female shoppers ages 30 and up. Puffer bags, jewelry boxes, and classic jewelry simplify packing for your next road trip.
One moment I’m ready to purchase a new Kansas City Chiefs shirt with a cute handbag, and the next moment I’m spotting a jarred candle I want.
Expect whimsical gifts like embroidered kitchen towels with funny sayings, bejeweled sandals, cocktail drink mixes, and everything in between.
Midwest-made products, including quite a few recognizable Kansas brands, line the shelves.
Purchase a made-to-order Reuben or corned beef sandwich to take back to your lodging accommodations.
Staff can clean your jewelry at no charge while you shop.
View the current movie screening and purchase tickets 
Lincoln staff did a beautiful job of setting up the tables underneath bejeweled chandeliers. A cocktail bar and silent auction table were prepared to serve up to 200 guests.
From traveling bands and sports watch parties to murder mystery dinner theater, you’ll find an event worth planning your itinerary around. Check the auditorium’s 
If you want to view art without taking a class, tour the rotating monthly exhibits showcasing work by local and visiting artists.
To learn more about Franklin County Historical Society’s guided tours or upcoming events, click this 
Washington’s signature details, including carved stones, are evident in this building, nine libraries, and 12 other Kansas courthouses.
Don’t forget to pause and honor those who gave all at the 
When several railroad companies wanted to be the first one to traverse Kansas, county leaders advocated for the Leavenworth, Lawrence, & Galveston Railroad. In 1867, Franklin County fund the project if the LL&G reached Ottawa by January 1, 1868. The train arrived on time.
Like the courthouse, the depot was designed by George P. Washburn and currently houses historical exhibits.
The Old Depot Museum’s collection of artifacts, photography, and thematic rooms is free to tour (donations appreciated).
If you play disc golf, bring your gear to play the 
Traveling with little kids? Consider attending storytime and open play sessions, often announced on the library’s 
View links to ten city parks and the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail
Other must-attend events include late-night shopping during Third Thursday on Main, the Brews, Beats & Boutiques / Moonrise Bike Ride (September), Boo Bash Candy Parade (October), Shop Small Saturday (November), Christmas Open Houses on Main Street (November), Christmas Parade (December), and Main Street Mingle (February).
What’s not to love about Main Street Ottawa? Kind business owners welcome you into their retail shops and restaurants in a bustling, well-kept downtown district marked by historical buildings and charming store windows.
A short drive from Kansas City, 
Set aside time to appreciate Dunbar School, a one-room schoolhouse with authentic artifacts. Appreciate the entrepreneurial achievements of business owners at Garrett Grocery Store, City Ice, and Fisher Chevrolet Dealership.
PRO TIP: To guarantee a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
