Could you eat ice cream daily? I’m weak for ice cream, often eating it after dinner several times per week, so it’s no surprise that I pull over for a cup or cone whenever I’m traveling.
The smell of freshly baked waffle cones. Chrome stools. A cooler filled with colored ice cream or gelato flavors. What’s not to love?
Discover Kansas ice cream and gelato shops serving unforgettable scoops from my list of favorite sweet spots.
Coolest Ice Cream Shops in Kansas to Add to Your Road Trip Itinerary
Pace E Bene – Atchison
At Pace E Bene (503 Commercial Street), the family-run café is situated in the back of a Catholic-based bookstore, a hidden gem that serves baked goods, panini at lunchtime, and imported gelato.
CuppaYo – Andover
Save room for dessert at CuppaYo (626 S. Andover Road), where self-serve frozen yogurt is available in numerous flavors, and the toppings are nearly endless. To me, frozen yogurt is just as tasty as ice cream but with less fat.
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 available.
Olde Mill Ice Cream Shop – Bonner Springs
Take your choice of over a dozen Blue Bell ice cream flavors at Olde Mill Ice Cream Shop (611 W. 2nd St.) A sucker for comfort food, I chose a cup of Blueberry Cobbler. They can also serve scoops of your favorite flavor inside a plain or flavored waffle cone.
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.
Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts – Chanute
Step back in time and sip on some nostalgia at Cardinal Drug Store & Gifts (103 E. Main Street), where the historic soda fountain is stocked with the best-tasting ice cream and fudge. There’s nothing like an old-fashioned ice cream float from a classic soda fountain—bubbly, creamy, and oh-so-dreamy.
My cherry vanilla ice cream soda was so yummy I closed my eyes upon first sip.
Soul Sister Scoops – Courtland
A super cute ice cream shop, Soul Sisters Scoops (328 Main Street) was definitely worth pulling over. Not only do they serve Wisconsin ice cream, but you can order multiple flavors for a big waffle cone or cup.
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, it’s adorable.
Traditions Soda & Sandwich Shop – Garden City
To visit Garden City without stopping at Traditions Soda & Sandwich Shop (121 W. Grant Avenue) would be a crime. A Garden City original since 1925, a throwback menu showcasing 5-cent root beer, tin ceilings, and an old-fashioned soda fountain are nostalgic throwbacks.
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.
Hunter Drug Soda Fountain – Greensburg
Be sure to visit the restored Hunter Drug Soda Fountain, located inside the Kiowa County Historical Museum (320 S. Main Street). It’s a great place to order a tasty Vanilla Coke or banana split. I nestled into a sunlit booth and enjoyed the view of the outdoor pond and landscaping.
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.
Holton Mercantile – Holton
Holton Mercantile (415 New York Ave.) is a general store that carries everything from cards and seasonal decorations to kitchen tools and puzzles. They operate an old-fashioned soda fountain counter in the rear of the store.
The store often hosts an Ice Cream Bar Day during Second Saturday downtown shopping events. Choose from seven ice cream flavors and endless toppings.
Hildebrand Farms Dairy – Junction City
Hildebrand Farms Dairy (5210 Rucker Rd.) offers guided tours of its cattle farm and milk production facility, and every visitor is welcome to sample homemade soft serve ice cream available exclusively at the farm store.
An employee will serve vanilla ice cream in a cup, and you have a choice of crumbled cookies, nuts, or sprinkles for toppings.
Frost and Flour – Junction City
When you’re craving dessert after enjoying dining downtown, Frost and Flour (725 N. Washington St.) serve imported Bliss Artisan ice cream by the scoop and homemade baked goods. The sweet smell of freshly baked cookies (the size of small plates!) fills the space.
I was offered tastings of any ice cream and ultimately decided on Brown Sugar Maple in a small cup. The ice cream was creamy and rich in a cinnamon roll-like flavor.
Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream – Lindsborg
Considering all of the Kansas ice cream shops I’ve visited, Indigo Moo’d Ice Cream (125 N. Main Street) exceeds many of the in quality of homemade ice cream. Besides, the unique seasonal flavors keep me returning for more.
Indulge in a classic waffle cone treat or a single dip in a cup at the Swedish-themed shop or sit outdoors on the patio. Try the Lingonberry Vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Thang Café – Olathe
Opened in 2019, Sweet Thang Cafe (1088 W. Santa Fe) the dessert destination is incredibly popular with locals. The moment I walked in, I knew I was in the right place. “Welcome!” the staff exclaimed.
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 no matter your menu choice. I recommend taking a few minutes to view the Flavor Wall before committing to your ice cream order.
Dagney’s Ice Cream – Salina
Word on the street is that Dagney’s Ice Cream (105 E. Iron St.) serves some of the best tasting ice cream around.
With 29 flavors on the menu, I was determined to select the best one. I sampled the Maple Bacon (it was incredible!), but eventually settled on Rocky Road, a flavor recommended by a local.
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 – Salina
After a trip to Salina, people often ask me if I stopped at Bogey’s (1417 S. 9th St.) for ice cream. It’s a Salina mainstay. The fast food restaurant serves over 100 different shake flavors, and is known for its chili cheese fries and burgers. My chocolate-vanilla twist ice cream cone hit the spot.
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.
Cornerstone CoffeeHaus – Seneca
Cornerstone CoffeeHaus (431 Main Street) is an architectural gem. When shopping along Main Street, step inside the 1874 bank building, which is now part coffee shop, and part old-fashioned soda fountain.
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.
Pop’s Sweet Shop – Spring Hill
A day with ice cream is more delightful at Pop’s Sweet Shop (115 S. Main Street). The owners, originally from New York, opened an old-fashioned ice cream counter in historic Spring Hill to provide the community with a gathering place.
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.
Gibsons’ Health Mart Pharmacy – WaKeeney
The secret ingredient to WaKeeney’s charm? The people…and an ice cream treat at Gibson Health Mart Pharmacy (125 N. Main St.), an old-fashioned soda fountain in business since 1892.
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 an malt, shake, or soda drink for you.
Old Mill Tasty Shop – Wichita
Diners of all ages have enjoyed ice cream sundaes and authentic drinks at Old Mill Tasty Shop‘s (604 E. Douglas Avenue) old-fashioned soda counter since 1932. I’ve been visiting it since the early 1980s.
Take a step back in time and order one of the restaurant’s most popular desserts, an 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.
Papa’s Ice Cream & Treats – Wichita
Go to Papa’s Ice Cream & Treats (Two Locations) if you’re an ice cream lover who likes to add unique toppings and mix-in ingredients to sundaes or shakes.
Known as the Home of the Extreme Shake, I’d recommend bringing a fellow ice cream fan with you to help you finish a towering Cinnamon Crunch Love or Monster Cookie Mania, which is topped with a mountain of whipped cream and cookies with drizzle.
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.
Bonus Stops
If you’re traveling to Kansas City, Missouri, I highly recommend visiting the ever-popular Betty Rae’s Ice Cream. They also have locations in Nebraska and four in Northeast Kansas.
Additionally, stop in Newton at Prairy to pick up several pints of Kansas-made Salted Creamery Ice Cream. Once you try the Key Lime Pie, you may never be the same.
Of course, this list does not include every spot on the Kansas ice cream trail, but it’s a good reference for finding a shop near you to curb your cravings.
I hope to add Sylas and Maddys in Lawrence to my next road trip agenda. What other sweet shop would you recommend?
I listened to classic rock music play over a speaker as regular customers approached the counter.
Fire Lake Soapery’s retail products are sold in over 1,500 retail shops, including Whole Foods, across the county. Visitors to the Paola shop can expect an extensive selection of plant-based bath and body essentials.
PRO TIP: Monitor the shop’s 
Founded in 1965, its volunteer staff has curated artifacts that tell the story of the area’s heritage through well-designed exhibits.
Displayed in chronological order, the first exhibit details Miami County’s shallow sea fossil history, waterfowl taxidermy, and artifacts from early tribal presence. The museum maintains one of the largest collections of American Indian artifacts in the state.
PRO TIP: View its 
The inviting space, gifted by one of its founders, Baptiste Peoria, features a public water fountain and a Victorian bandstand gazebo built in 1867. The nearby benches are situated, allowing parents to rest while watching their kids play on a nearby swing set.
Walk across the street to view artist Lynnsey Fletcher’s colorful mural on the side of a building at 11 S. Pearl Street, a photo-worthy backdrop to capture your visit to Paola.
Decorated with antique light posts, car racing memorabilia, and beer neon signage, the restaurant’s aesthetic is a mix of auto racing signage and beer neons.
Known for their tenderloin sandwich, I opted for the lunch special, served with curly fries. The fried sandwich meal, a half-order serving, was more than enough for a midday meal.
Located in the same building where the Paola Livestock Auction takes place at 1 p.m., diners form a line at the lunch counter to order burgers, meals, or the day’s special, and slices of fruit or cream pie.
If you’ve never witnessed a cattle auction, you should. The auctioneer’s high-energy cattle rattle fills the space with phrases like, “Twenty-five, now thirty, thirty, who’ll give me thirty-five?” as bidders signal bids.
Outside, the smell of smoked meat over apple and cherry wood greets diners. Rib bones are massive, the smoked turkey melts in your mouth, and a serving of overflowing sweet barbecue beans is a must-try.
PRO TIP: When there are no airplanes to watch land or take off, check out the owner Terry Bright’s collection of Super Bowl and Kansas City Chiefs memorabilia.
Beginners can sign up for day camps and lessons. Boards, helmets, and wetsuits included. Traveling with young kids? Consider suiting up to play at the inflatable Aqua Park.
And if you’re like me and you’re more interested in watching the action from the shore with a lakeside drink, order a beverage or ice cream scoop from the Surf Shop’s boat-shaped counter.
PRO TIP: Pack comfortable walking shoes or your bicycle to trek the park’s ADA hike/bike paved trail, which is considered easy.
The boutique offers a curated selection of home decor and gift-worthy items sourced from Kansas and Missouri. Guys will appreciate the retail selected with them in mind, including the cigar cabinet.
If you appreciate rye whiskey, order Prom Night prepared with blackberry and sage syrup. It pairs well with one of their shareable appetizers, such as the Lunch Lady Favorite, a toasted baguette served with herb olive oil and fig balsamic.
The 40-acre farm includes over 20 alpacas, which, despite the misconception associated with llamas, are friendly and lovable. Did you know alpaca fiber is used to produce clothing, hats, socks, and more?
Be sure to visit the farm’s retail store to purchase homemade and globally imported gifts for yourself or others. Kids will love the alpaca plush toys. If you can’t make it to the farm, purchase fiber products from the farm’s 
The weekend-only wine venue is home to growing vines, which have produced grapes for over 20 years and wine commercially for 14 years. They use varietals grown on-site, complemented by other local vineyards’ produce.
During my private tour with the owner, I learned that he taught himself how to grow a vineyard by watching YouTube and reading books, which is mind-blowing considering the sophistication of the vineyard. His visits to Spain inspired the business.
My two-bedroom suite was in the stunningly restored upper level. While the owners live on the property and other guests were present, I never heard them.
Whether you’re planning a solo escape, a girls’ weekend, or a romantic getaway, this is where vintage elegance meets contemporary comfort. 
Open ten months out of the year, the course attracts paintball-playing groups from six to 60 people at a time – rain or shine. The owners teach groups how to play and referee 8 to 10 games per session, each lasting 10 to 15 minutes, for a total of about two hours.
The newly added High Creek Mini Golf provides a more low-key space to enjoy a round of 18 holes when not participating in paintball competitions on Wednesdays through Saturdays.
The Family Aquatic Park is open May through August for splish-splash play. A nearby fitness park with low-impact workout equipment helps people of all abilities increase their strength and stamina.
Visitors can view a bronze statue and read interpretive signage about the battle before touring the 
The 1912 family cabin, including original furniture and the family’s belongings, was relocated to the John Brown Memorial Park. The personal artifacts used by John Brown make up the remainder of the museum collection.
Civil War weaponry, a trunk used by John Brown, his desk, and a melodeon (a small organ played at his funeral) comprise part of the collection. Brown, who walked alongside a wagon from Chicago, had 60 cents to his name when he arrived at the Adair home.
PRO TIP: Ask the historic site’s staff about the Adair home’s architecture and its contents. You’ll want to hear the story about Florella Adair’s sewing kit.
At one time, over 50 trains passed through Osawatomie per day to the depot. The MoPac Railroad Depot Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. A meticulously restored passenger caboose is available to tour (kids love the upper deck view!).
At 118 miles across east-central Kansas, it is the seventh-longest rail-trail in America.
The Walker Station access point is one of the most well-kept I’ve seen in Kansas, complete with informative signs and maps.
I drove down a descending, rocky road to the lake as the overcast skies began to reveal sunbeams on the water. I didn’t bring my rod and reel to fish, but it didn’t matter. I walked away with the memory of a scenic postcard.
Cozy bed, indoor shower, air conditioning, barbecue grill… and the 600-acre views? Amazing. Provided a self-entry code, I checked into the wagon and then sat down and enjoyed the view from a private fire pit seating area.
Whether you’re sipping wine at golden hour, stargazing by the fire pit, or waking up to peaceful prairie vibes, this spot gives Little House on the Prairie chic.
The estate includes four covered wagons (one is tucked away in the woods), The Cottage, and The GuestHouse. Despite a heavy rainstorm during the night, I stayed dry and warm inside my wagon, resting in a queen-sized bed.
The winery’s tasting room is breathtaking. A massive space, I chose a table amongst locals playing Yacht Rock trivia and sipping wine. A server delivered my order: a board of cheese and fruit accompanied by a white wine-tasting flight.
Non-wine drinkers will appreciate the Bourbon, scotch, whiskey, and tequila flights or complete bar offerings. The flatbread pizzas are a popular order.
Beyond downtown, its outdoor recreational spots and restaurants make it one of the fastest-growing towns in the metro area.
Whether it’s a breakfast burrito or a plate of warmed pastries, the menu has something for everyone. I watched as a little girl jumped up and down while pointing at a purple Pop-Tart inside the pastry case.
I enjoyed a chat tea latté with a warm cinnamon roll as families and cyclists came and went for an hour. Because the food was so tasty, I returned for lunch to dig into a Green Goddess salad from a window seat.
Quilters, who often seek out retreat spaces in groups, will appreciate The Creative Place’s sleeping quarters, which include a full kitchen (bring your recipes!), two full baths, and individual lockers.
If you’re an artist or writer and need to escape to a place where creativity is fostered through community, this is your getaway destination.
The Vault partners with Level Up to provide users of the Esports Arena with 16 CPU set-ups, 3 Nintendo Switches, as well as PS5 and Xbox consoles. Well-attended summer camps, classes, and chess nights bring game players of all ages together.
The decor in the candle room is farmhouse style, although the rest of the store’s inventory reflects an earlier time when handmade cabinets and bookcases were the norm.
The shop hosts seasonal open house events and participates in 
Soap bars, lotion bottles, and room sprays sit on wood tables adjacent to racks of gift items, such as kitchen towels. A faith-based, small business, some home decor items feature biblical phrases.
A smaller street art installation, Angel Wings and Sunflowers is located behind Nana’s Tiny Town.
Local artist Jonathan Munden was commissioned to paint the Play Ball! and The Hill murals near the baseball fields.
Walking in the direction of the ballfields from the parking lot, keep your eyes peeled for two sculpture installations.
If you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast meal, the country-fried steak with two eggs or biscuits and gravy is the way to go, whereas omelets or The One “Egger” (pictured above) offer lighter fare.
The coffee beans, sourced from Kansas, are used to prepare espresso, lattés, or cappuccinos, hot or iced. I opted for an all-natural strawberry and banana smoothie. Hungry? They also serve egg bites, power balls, breakfast burritos, or scone croissants.
I grabbed a seat at the three-sided bar under a banner reading, “The best smoked meat is at the creek.” As country music played, I placed an order for a barbecue brisket sandwich and listened to country music.
The brisket was lean and dipped in a sweet barbecue sauce served on a toasted bun with a side of my choice (coleslaw).
I’ve shopped at innumerable antique stores over the years, and I thought the selection was reasonably priced. From items you would likely find in Grandma’s house to architectural salvage and quirky souvenirs, items are displayed from floor to ceiling.
Referred to as the Pirate’s Pantry, an inventory of jarred and packaged food items are for sale. Who doesn’t need a jar of Missouri-made Papa Brown’s BBQ sauce?
Partitioned walls separated vendors’ booths, and some of them were designed thematically, while others were a hodge-podge of antique treasures displayed with no particular theme.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the 
Dedicated volunteers have created a safe, humane space for large cats for over 20 years. Tour guides escort visitors around the sanctuary’s perimeter, educating them about each cat’s life story and their day-to-day behavior.
Over two dozen large cats of various ages explored outdoor living quarters, some marking territory and calling to one another while others perched themselves from platforms above. My tour experience was a positive one and certainly unforgettable.
Walk-ins to the tasting room are welcomed, offering visitors an opportunity to sample hard ciders and cider wine before purchasing bottles to take home. If you love wine, ask about the apple, apple cherry, or elderberry wine varietals.
Louisburg Cider Mill is far more than a country store. Families flock to it for seasonal events, particularly during fall, to explore the pumpkin patch and corn maze. View the 
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the 
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the 
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or floating disc.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent commercial-use buildings and the sound of traffic hums.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the course includes dirt pads and golfers will need to be watchful of the pond in the center.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
The 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
The town ranks amongst one of the coolest towns in Kansas, and yet, its one of the most humble. It’s the kind of town, where after I arrive, I’m ready to check into my overnight lodging accommodations and excitedly start exploring Main Street.
The vacation rental is ideal for adult couples or a family who wants to unwind in comfortable accommodations. The owner felt inspired to bring life back to an old building, and she did an remarkable job maintaining its historic character while adding modern day amenities.
I chose the bedroom across from the dining room to bunk for the night, which was in close proximity to a full kitchen complete with a coffee station and laundry facilities. Blackout shades and a complimentary eye mask guaranteed a good night’s sleep.
Each room’s television included streaming Roku channels; however, it was the record player with a stack of vinyl that drew my attention.
I felt a sense of home at Merles Nest, which is a compliment to the owner who provided an upscale vacation rental experience in a beautiful space. I’m sure you’ll feel equally impressed with her attention to detail.
NOTE: This is an upstairs loft space, so guests must be comfortable carrying their bags up nearly 30 steps to the second floor. Shoes must be taken off and kept in the hallway prior to entry.
My hot Lavender Fog tea drink prepared tasted spot on as I chatted with locals about the historic building turned coffee house.
The location is a major draw for high school and college-aged adults, a hangout on Friday and Saturday evenings, where youth play billiards, games, and listen to music.
PRO TIP: View the upcoming 
It was easy to see why the coffee shop remains busy. My toffee nut coffee with a breakfast croissant sandwich was exceptional.
If you don’t prefer a breakfast sandwich, a case of scones, cinnamon rolls, and muffins will tempt your sweet tooth. At lunchtime, they serve a choice of salads, panini with chips, and chicken or tuna salad sandwiches.
I enjoyed toast and toppings with soft, homemade breads, fresh pesto, guacamole, and fig jam with a juice flight. The tables were adorned with stunning spring flowers from nearby farms 
Diners behind me exclaimed, “Oh my, this is pretty and the food is so good!” They’re right. Expect to be impressed with Eleveneleven Fresherie’s quality of ingredients and attentive service.
The lunch menu consists of a nine sandwich options made on wheat bread and served with chips and a pickle. Regular fountain drinks and coffee are available.
Also doubling as a pharmacy, Cardinal Drug Store and Gifts is a one-stop shopping destination for housewares and decorations. From greeting cards and children’s games to farmhouse decor and body products, they sell it all.
The store’s inventory was surprisingly on-trend. It’s the ideal place to bring a date for lunch followed by shopping.
Drooling started before the first bite. The burger was topped with a slice of brisket, sweet barbecue sauce, and fried mac-n-cheese bites sandwiched between a toasted bun.
Jazz music played as guests filled in the restaurant’s seating eager to enjoy a family dinner or a date night experience. From a backlit bar flanked by wine bottles, a server prepared my blended whiskey cocktail while I perused a meal featuring steak, grilled chicken, and pasta.
I chose the dinner special, Hot Honey Glazed Salmon served on a bed of rice with vegetables accompanied by a dinner salad. A larger portion than expected, the salmon filet was perfectly cooked and I was pleased with my selection.
The owner, who studied the culinary arts, recommended homemade cheesecake or peach cobbler for dessert. I consider myself a bit of a cobbler connoisseur, and this serving met my expectations for the traditional Southern dessert.
PRO TIP: Dine on Saturday night for the steak night special.
I was surprised to learn today’s shoppers are interested in lab-created diamonds, and the store carries a small selection.
Additionally, female shoppers will appreciate a selection of farmhouse decor, women’s clothing, and jewelry items. The store was buzzing with shoppers on a Friday afternoon, many of whom were interested in the seasonal decor table near the front of the store.
Every Kansan needs a custom cutting board packaged with a bouquet of sunflowers, right? Don’t leave without purchasing fine chocolates, which the owner sources from Emporia’s chocolatier 
Clothing racks included apparel for all sizes and you’ll find on-trend fashionable pieces on display amongst handbags, jewelry, and shoes.
Their inventory is affordable, including name brand items. I purchased the shirt pictured above for less than five dollars.
Additionally, shelves displayed new and like-new toys appropriate for various ages. A back corner of the store displayed dance wear.
Little Consignment is the ideal place to sift through racks to find cute clothing for the season for the littles in your life.
This is not your grandma’s makeup store. I discovered products I loved, including eye shadow in hues I don’t normally wear.
You’ll find brands such as Thymes and Spongellé amongst others in the retail area consisting of bath and body products, and a good amount of inventory is specifically for men. I purchased an luxury bar soap made by an Australian body products company.
Expect vibrant colors and bold patterns. Other merchandise includes home decor and pet supplies.
I wished I had grabbed a cart within ten minutes of shopping for Traeger® wood pellets, dog supplies, and gardening needs. My arms overflowed with items as I approached the register.
An official Stihl® dealer, they carry an extensive selection of tools and equipment for your outdoor projects.
Inertia Health and fitness may be open exclusively to members 24/7 for a cardio workout, but the public has access to reservable tanning beds, clothing retail, or to order a protein shake or loaded energy tea.
I couldn’t resist buying a gold frog wearing a crown to beautify a shelf in my home. The store is a garden lovers dream complete with do-it-yourself practical and beautifying supplies.
PRO TIP: Shop the back room for mega deals. Stop by during the Christmas season to see the store transformed into a winter wonderland.
The walls were adorned with children’s artwork curated from various schools in the area, which is a popular annual event. It was such fun to submit my vote for the People’s Choice overall winner of Youth Art Month.
View the gallery’s monthly exhibits via its 
The footage was used in 10 Hollywood feature films and their experiences contributed to 12 books, including “I Married Adventure.”
You’ll need at least an hour to consume the museum starting with a 10-minute History Channel documentary about the couple’s adventurous life and career. Peruse the Imperato West African Gallery before ascending the stairs pausing to reflect on the Sirige (African masks).
A visit to Chanute is not complete without taking a guided or self-guided tour of the museum, including its safari-themed gift shop.
PRO TIP: Don’t skip over the second floor gallery room detail the adventures of another courageous mountaineer, Elizabeth Le Blond. The Irish adventurer photographed glacial landscapes and is credited for shooting the first sports films. She climbed snowy and icy mountains wearing a dress and Victorian boots.
In addition to a vast collection of Lincoln, Dodge, Buick, and Pontiac restored models, the car museum also consists of automative signage, motorized scooters, and bicycles. Howard had a knack for purchasing pristine classic cars at auction, a hobby he continued for decades.
He would travel with his son as far as Florida and Texas to bring home a four-wheeled gem, and a few of his purchases are considered rare like his 1925 Cadillac Serial No. 1.
I’ve visited quite a few car shows and automotive museums, and Harold’s collection is grand. Gearheads will appreciate notable models, including a 1928 Dodge Brothers DA Six Phaeton, a Model A Touring Car, a 1940 Lincoln Zephryr, and “Tweetie,” a bright yellow Crosley HotShot Sports Car also known as America’s first postwar sports car.
The shiny chrome. Unique designs. Each car is a treasure. The public is invited to view the collection Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m.-Noon. Call (620) 902-5100 to make an appointment to tour the museum on Mondays.
PRO TIP: Tour the hallway to garner appreciate for local sports legends. Don’t forget to look up before existing the museum or you’ll miss a 1896 glider reproduction of Octave Chanute’s winged aircraft.
Also the site of 
If escaping to nature is your vibe, leave the hustle and bustle of daily life behind and reserve the cottage 
Disc golfers will appreciate Highland Park’s course, and the outdoor lovers shouldn’t skip Central Park or Cross Park, each offering families picnic-worthy spaces and playground equipment.
View park locations and hiking/biking trails 
The beautifully restored two-level auditorium seats over 1,200 people. View the 
The library hosts 
As I pulled away from Chanute, I looked in the rearview mirror with a smile. The charming town is the ideal place to spend a getaway uncovering the town’s history, shopping, dining, or exploring the outdoors.
From the breakfast menu options viewable within the glass bakery case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.
PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.
The café is student hangout between classes, so expect college-aged patrons to chat amongst themselves and play billiards. If you’re hoping to use a laptop to concentrate on work or read a book, I recommend using the overflow lounge space in the next room.
I recommend sticking with the Mexican cuisine theme by adding a Dirty Horchata with espresso drink to the Two Tamale Meal. Who knows, you may spot a vibrant piece of pottery to purchase before you leave.
I sipped a steaming chai latté from one of a handful of seats before shopping next door for bargain finds. Most visitors choose to order a portable to-go coffee, but I enjoyed relaxing at one of the refurbished tables watching people come and go.
Cozy up with your laptop or a book in the comfy lounge or shop for gifts after coffee and a meal. If traveling with kids, board games and puzzles keep it entertaining.
The guest WI-FI and copious sunshine are complimentary. Kids will appreciate watching fish at the koi pond.
No matter the time of day, I always find something I love on their menu. If it’s the early morning, I opt for breakfast burritos and a drip coffee. In the evening, I order a creative cocktail from the seasonal menu. When unsure what to order, I leave it up to the staff to make something inventive, like a bourbon margarita.
I sipped a specialty coffee, The Feathered Frenzy, and enjoyed a scratch-made scone from the espresso bar. As we talked, I noticed several locals sitting together in small groups, talking over coffee. You’ll feel a sense of community at café.
Part of the fun of travel is discovering new-to-you experiences, which can include enjoying a cup of java in a unique setting. Consider adding one of these tucked-away Kansas coffee shops to your travel plans.
Eventually, the invention of the telegraph ended the need for the Pony Express, which lasted 18 months from April 1860 to October 1861.
Entering the 
Once operated as a four-story luxury hotel opened in 1858, John Patee’s staff hosted travelers in 140 guest rooms. People from all over the world knew of the hotel within three years of its construction.
The museum offers numerous photo opportunities. Visitors can take photos of authentic saddles or peek through photo cutout stations.
Life-size faux horses are also positioned in the barn’s stables, making the Moment in Time exhibit a picture-worthy experience for all ages.
PRO TIP: Snap a photo of the 
As he led me from artifact stations to dioramas depicting Native American tribes who once resided in the area, I became increasingly impressed with the museum exhibits. 
Hands-on activity stations, designed for visiting children and groups of touring school kids, include animal pelts, sun-bleached bones, and cowboy apparel. Massive stagecoaches and farm equipment sit nearby, but once you venture into the original barn, it becomes clear how primitive life on The Great Plains was in the late 1800s.
PRO TIP: Mail a letter from the 
A relic of the Wild West, the museum covers the story of the town’s role as a stop on the Pony Express mail delivery trail in the late 1800s. Seneca claims the Smith Hotel was the first home station.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
Don’t leave without learning the fascinating history of westbound rider, Johnny Frey. I appreciated reading about how local women fed him baked goods. Since he was in a hurry, they added a hole to each one so he could hold the food easily while riding his horse. Perhaps it was the invention of the donut?
The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
If it wasn’t for the brave riders who delivered mail in all types of weather around the clock for the Pony Express, society wouldn’t have experienced new innovations to replace it including faster communication via the telegraph. Today, we send messages in seconds via text and email.
