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Winfield, Kansas: Day Trip Ideas for a Guaranteed Good Time

May 31, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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

The residents of Winfield have a good reason to be proud of their Kansas town. Now that I’ve experienced it first-hand, I’d say there are more than enough reasons to love the town.

Less than an hour from Wichita, Winfield is a fun day trip destination for families, couples, or solo travelers. I arrived early Saturday morning and the town was just coming alive.

Outdoor enthusiasts love it for its recreational options. It sits on the edge of the Flint Hills and near waterways in Cowley County. Shoppers appreciate the downtown corridors for the town’s long list of boutiques and retail stores. I discovered noteworthy dining while spending the day in Winfield as well.

WALNUT VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

I could hear the bluegrass band playing as I approached the parking lot that was dotted with merchants under covered tents. It made perfect sense that bluegrass music set the backdrop for the opening day of Walnut Valley Farmers Market near Island Park. Winfield is home to the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival where people far and wide have arrived at the Flat-Picking Championships to hear the best musicians play every September. The market’s scene was set.

During the opening day of the market, I purchased a baked lemon loaf and walked away with a jar of preserves. Other vendors sold seasonal produce, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and gifts.

PRO TIP: Bring cash to the market. Not all vendors accept credit cards. Don’t try to park adjacent to the vendor booths, which are reserved for them. Parking is available across the street.

COLLEGE HILL COFFEE

I made the short drive to College Hill Coffee (403 Soward St.) in desperate need of caffeine with a side of breakfast.

The coffee shop is located in a residential neighborhood and draws locals for its relaxed vibe. People sit on patio tables on the front porch or at tables inside what is a converted old house. It feels homey and comforting like someone invited you over for breakfast.

From the breakfast options I could see from within the glass 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.

I took time to enjoy the meal from a quiet spot inside the converted house. The walls were adorned with local artists’ work and a small amount of retail (bagged coffee, jewelry, and artwork) is for sale. Music played from the room’s speakers and a cool spring breeze passed through open windows.

When in Winfield, promise yourself you’ll stop at College Hill Coffee. You can order from a window on the porch (seating available!) or dine inside. They serve breakfast all day and menu choices range from waffles and avocado toast to breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Stop in for a salad or cup of soup at lunchtime.

PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.

ELAM’S LAVENDER AND HONEY BEE FARM

Do you love the smell of lavender? You can pick your own $5 lavender bundle at Elam’s Lavender and Honey Bee Farm (5226 142nd Rd) which opened recently to the public. Simply borrow a pair of scissors, snip a bundle, and head to the retail store to make a purchase.

I learned from Rick about the numerous plant varieties and the growing habits of lavender as we walked the property. The farm has 28 varieties and he plans to add 15 more in due time. His family is dedicated to providing lavender to as many people who want it.

They grow lavender from seedlings inside a greenhouse and eventually move it outside to be planted in rows. What started as something to do in Rick’s retirement has blossomed into a farm where the public can come out and experience it for themselves.

Why pick your own lavender? You can use it in your cooking, home decor, craft projects, and the oil can be used in soaps.

I was excited to borrow a pair of scissors and sip stems. Afterward, I took my bundle to a farm employee at a cart who added a rubber band to it and directed me to the retail shop to pay $5 for the lavender. The process is easy and one you’ll appreciate.

When in Winfield, drive to 5226 142nd Rd, a short drive from downtown to the farm. Follow the lavender scent.

PRO TIP: Follow the farm’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming You Pick events.

THE FARM AT QUAIL VALLEY

The Farm at Quail Valley (934 194th Dr.) isn’t just an event center located outside of town used for weddings and large events. It’s also the site of the #1 disc golf course in Kansas that is also ranked #58 in the world. For disc golfers, it’s the holy grail of courses.

The 18-hole course is casually referred to as The Beast because of its challenging design that includes many opportunities to potentially lose one’s discs in water hazards and challenging holes. Designed by disc golf world champion Eric McCabe, the course often hosts tournaments.

Shady tree covered areas and tall grass surround fairways. The meticulous maintenance of the course makes it a beautiful settings. Each hole has two tee boxes made with turf pads. The basket placement ranges. Some baskets sit under trees near a water’s edge while others are located more in the open. For example, Hole 8’s basket is elevated on top of a mound of sand and large tires.

During my tour, I learned that golfers can arrive during course hours and pay cash using the honors system inside a converted train railcar or pay online. Inside the rail car retail shop, you can also purchase new discs. The farm invites campers to pitch a tent or pull up an RV for overnight accommodations for a small fee. If you feel like fishing in one of the small lakes, you’re welcome to drop a line after registering to fish.

PRO TIP: See a video overview of the course by clicking this link. Upon arrival at the farm, follow the gravel road until you reach a parking lot near the event center. Walk to the green railcar to pay to play the course.

SHINDIGS BAR & GRILL

It was time for lunch and I was famished. I drove back into town to Shindigs Bar & Grill (500 Main St.) and found a seat at the bar. The friendly bartender welcomed me and told me about the day’s specials, which included a dollar off a pint of beer, but there was a catch. We had to walk upstairs to “reverse pour it” from a 57 Chevy Truck. I was all in.

She added a magnet to the bottom of the glass, set it on a base and added pressure. Suddenly, the pint glass began to fill with beer from the bottom up. It was quite a sight.

Before we headed back downstairs to the bar, she excitedly gave me a tour of the upstairs dining room pointing out refurbished railroad relics in the interior design. The outdoor patio was a showstopper. Traffic stoplights hung overhead patio tables and from that vantage point, dinners could look down over the town’s train rails.

Back at the bar, I enjoyed the Smokey Turkey Club with onion rings with a side of sauce for dipping. It was made from top-quality ingredients and tasted delicious. In fact, everything on the menu looked crave-worthy.

Sporting events played on TVs as patrons filled the dining room. The bartender told me how the family, who has owned the restaurant for the last five years, sandblasted and reused industrial items to decorate the space. From the rustic chandeliers to the hostess stand, the entire restaurant almost felt partially like a museum.

PRO TIP: The design inside the bathrooms is a must-see. Trust me. When walking through the restaurant, look up, look down, and take time to appreciate all of the smaller design touches.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Winfield’s downtown corridor is dotted with at least a dozen or more retail shops worth checking out. It’s a haven for shoppers in search of locally-made items, antiques, and outdoor recreation stores.

I strolled into The Junk Generation (420 S. Main St.) and met the owner who told me about her love of curating primitive antiques to sell at the store. The inventory included handpicked new items creating the perfect mix. Seasonal displays simplified holiday shopping.

The store is definitely a gem for shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces who don’t want to pay big city prices.

PRO TIP: Store hours vary. View the store’s hours via the Facebook page before driving to shop there.

Walnut Valley Outpost (107 E. 7th Ave.) is a hub for all things gravel cycling and road biking. It is the kind of place where cyclists gather to swap stories and offer tidbits of advice. The shop also offers basic bike tune-ups and tire services.

In the market for a new bike? The owner is happy to educate shoppers on the models available for sale. Gravel cycling is popular in this area of the state, so she is your go-to expert on riding in the area and often hosts rides and events throughout the year.

PRO TIP: Ask about the option to rent a bike in the area. The owner stocks bikes for touring the town on two wheels. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Snappy Chicks Boutique (1019 Main St.) is where ladies shop for jewelry and clothing apparel in Winfield. They specialize in interchangeable snap jewelry so you can create customizable bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more. Customers pick out a jewelry piece and select the snaps for it.

PRO TIP: If you have a custom snap design using a personal photo, ask Leslie or Marla to create it for you on the spot. It takes only minutes to prepare it for you.

The staff at Field to Fabric Quilt Company (907 Main St.) is passionate about quilting just like their customers. The shop is located on the Kansas Barn Quilt Trail Map and featured in the All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop magazine. Known for carrying a large selection of cotton fabric, notions, and floss, it’s one-stop shopping. Beginners and veteran quilters can take advantage of on-site classes.

PRO TIP: Walk down The Great Hall of Quilts to see handcrafted masterpieces.

GOTTLOB LAWN & LANDSCAPE

Calling all gardeners and green thumbs! Gottlob Lawn & Landscape (5001 E. 9th Ave.) is more than a landscape center. Inside, the retail shop carries a large selection of healthy houseplants, gardening tools, and unique gifts tailored for people who can’t get enough of plants.

I also appreciated the outdoor gardens with walkable paths that lead underneath arched to whimsical spaces and greenhouses. If you’re shopping for herbs, native plants, hardscaping options, or just need to talk shop about lawn care, Gottlob is where you go.

PRO TIP: Follow the Facebook page to stay up to date about monthly sales and upcoming events. Owner Alex Gottlob has big plans for developing an outdoor patio where guests can relax in a serene setting. Ask about picking wildflowers to place in a mason jar, $5.

BADGER CREEK STONE ARCH BRIDGE

Cowley County is home to 18 stone arch bridges, and since Gottlob’s was only a little over three miles from Badger Creek Stone Arch Bridge (13814 196th Rd) I made the journey. During the 1800s, Walter Sharp was a bridge builder who used native stone to construct one hundred bridges in Kansas.

As I drove the damp dirt road, the road curved to the left before I pulled over for the bridge. It was difficult to navigate the embankment to get a photo of the bridge, but the view in both directions from on top of it was nice. The water was traveling quickly from recent rains.

PRO TIP: View a map of the self-guided tour using this brochure.

LADYBIRD BREWING COMPANY

I discovered a new stop on the Kansas craft beer trail at Ladybird Brewing Company (523 Main St). Located in a converted gas station, the brewery serves a rotation of ales typically featuring regionally sourced ingredients.

People drive from out of town to visit the brewery open on Fridays and Saturdays. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap.

I couldn’t decide on which beer I wanted so I created a flight of 3 oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But if I’m honest, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight.

The brewery doesn’t serve food but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.

PRO TIP: Look for the cornhole boards on the patio to enjoy a friendly game while you sip on suds.

LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Hungry for a bite to eat before driving back to Wichita, I chose Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (124 E 9th Ave.) located down the street and around the corner from the brewery. A few locals recommended the fettuccini alfredo with chicken or the homemade pizza. I chose the pasta ($10.95), a large portion served alongside a basket of complimentary garlic bread.

The prices were affordable and the staff consistently visited the table to check on me. Other menu options ranged from baked pastas like lasagna and manicotti to stromboli sandwiches and meatball subs. In search of lighter fare? Order a greek or caesar salad.

PRO TIP: Ask about the daily specials and wine by the glass. Six desserts are listed on the menu including cheesecake, cannolis, and tiramisu.

My trip to Winfield was long overdue. When I told friends that I was traveling to the area, everyone had good things to say about the Cowley County town. It turns out, they were right. Winfield is wonderful. I know you’ll appreciate a day trip to explore its many treasures as well.

On my next visit to Winfield and the surrounding area, I plan on making a stop at Wheat State Wine Co., to take a driving tour of historic homes, and I want to rent a bike from Walnut Valley Outpost and ride along the levy trail.

Have you visited Winfield or attended the Walnut Valley Festival? Leave your comments below to provide your travel suggestions to the area.

Making the Most of a Day in Pratt, Kansas

June 17, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 16 Comments

Disclosure: The City of Pratt sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me.

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

A large part of the appeal of visiting Pratt is getting to know its residents as you stroll in and out of local businesses. They treat you like they’ve known you for years! From unique boutiques and western wear shops to art museums and restaurants, there is more than enough fun to be had in a day. Let’s get started!

There is no better way to start your day than to stop into N’Cahoots Coffee & Shoppe (210 S. Main). As you walk into the café, you’re immediately greeted by the smell of delicious coffee and the sound of chatty visitors. The space is decorated with eclectic furniture, fancy chandeliers, and colorful artwork reminiscent of a big city coffee shop. Actually, much of the N’Cahoots will remind you of the coffee shop from the TV show, Friends.

After ordering my chai tea and a slice of Quiche Lorraine, I stepped into the back of the café into a Friends-themed lounge. While dining on my delicious breakfast, I scribbled my favorite cast member quote in chalk on the table and then read Friends trivia. Visiting N’Cahoots is an entertaining experience, unlike anything you’ll find in Kansas. It doesn’t stop there – it’s also a place to shop! Before you leave, be sure to check out the many retail items for sale ranging from antiques to body care products.

N'Cahoots Meal — I highly recommend ordering a hot chai tea to go along with the scratch-made quiche. That flakey crust is a must. Can you see the quote I wrote in chalk on the Friends-themed table? “We were on a break!”

After fueling up with caffeine and breakfast, it was time to step out onto Main Street and shop until my heart’s content. You get the sense of small-town pride as you walk up and down the sidewalk gazing into storefronts. Most stores that are open during the week open after 10 am.

If you’re on the hunt for whimsical home decor or a gift for someone, Simply Southwest (213 S. Main St.) carries it all and more. As soon as I walked inside the store, I spotted a half dozen items I wanted immediately, which is not typical for me since I’m a picky shopper. Let’s be honest, I wanted almost everything in the store. If you can’t find something you want to buy, you haven’t looked hard enough! I walked away with bbq-themed napkins, a hilarious greeting card, and designer socks.

Hello Beautiful Beauty Bar & Boutique (205 S. Main St.) is the perfect stop for shoppers looking to add a bit of glam to their style. A ladies’ boutique store, you’ll find rows of jewelry, clothing, shoes, and cosmetics. Step up to the beauty bar and ask about their extensive line of LipSense by SeneGence while learning about their upcoming events like Wine Walk Saturday. Shopping with a glass of wine in hand along Main Street? Yes, please! They also host a live style show every Tuesday at 9 pm on their Facebook group page for women who want to shop virtually and have items shipped to them.

I kept the shopping fun moving along to Joni’s Stitch by Stitch (108 S. Main St.) full of inventory to update your closet. Also, a place to have alterations done, the owner carries dresses and separates ideal for semi-formal and formal events. Next door, Memories Home Decor & Gifts (110 S. Main St.) has been in business since 1986 enticing shoppers with home decor, gifts for all ages, and women’s clothing. The owner also keeps essential oils, CBD hemp oil products, and Yankee products in stock.

Looking for a cute handbag, hat, or piece of jewelry? Memories has it all!

A short jaunt away from Main Street, I encourage you to visit The Flower Shoppe (201 E. 4th St.). Florist Lou Lynne Moss has been designing silk and fresh floral arrangements for happy customers for years. After you place your custom order, cruise through the shop to select from the beautiful decor. Every corner of the store has something that you’ll want to add to your shopping haul. It’s a delightful store! Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with puppy kisses from the story’s mascot, Louie, the pug.

But there still more shopping to do! Save your spending money for Lisa’s Western Wear (1641 E. 1st St.) located near the edge of town to stock up on leather boots and cowboy fashion. Need a special order? She’s got you covered. Cowboys and cowgirls from around the area and beyond shop here for rodeo gear. You won’t find many independently owned stores like this one in the state. Ladies, don’t walk past the jewelry shelves without trying on some new bling!

Lisa' Western Wear — Visiting with your family? Look toward the front of the store to find boots for toddlers. Adorable!

Plan your shopping route accordingly so you have time to drive to a hidden gem, Giesen Greenhouse (806. S. Pearl St.). A destination boutique greenhouse, they specialize in cactus, succulents, and houseplants. If you’re not careful, you’ll drive right past the greenhouse. Look for the towering space and plant-lined pathway beckoning you to the backyard of a home. I was amazed at the high-quality plants and rows of cacti that filled the greenhouse. Be sure to admire the homemade macrame by The Art Cove. The owners also have a Wichita connection and sell their plants at the store, Grow, located on Cleveland Corner.

No matter your style, Pratt has something for every kind of shopper. But when you’re craving something scrumptious to eat after a day of shopping, I highly recommend you stop into Legend’s Pub & Grill (109 Parke St.) When I told store employees that I was intending to eat lunch at Legends, every one of them praised the restaurant’s menu and gave multiple recommendations on what to order. Settling on the Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer and Bourbon Burger, I devoured my lunch. The residents were right. It’s the best place to eat lunch in town while watching sports or chatting with friends. I appreciated that every inch of the restaurant was decked out in memorabilia down to the sports-themed Tiffany lamps. Classic rock played in the background while I attempted to eat every last bite.

But the day isn’t over yet! I suggest you head back into the central business district to make your way to the Vernon Filley Art Museum (412 S. Jackson St.), the home of rotating guest exhibitions and art classes open to the public. Adult visitors pay $4, seniors and college students $3, and youth $2 to tour the museum. They offer a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more.

During my visit, I appreciated the work of two regional artists whose paintings were showcased in “Two Visions – One Prairie.” An avid art museum-goer, I was impressed with the sophistication of the museum and its knowledgable staff. You’ll love the retail gift store filled from top to bottom with artists’ creative pieces for sale.

Finally, a day in Pratt wouldn’t be complete without topping off the experience with a scratch-made cookie from Busy B’s Bakery (120 W. 4th St.), a newer business in town that sells custom-ordered cakes, pies, gluten-free delights, and bread. When I asked the owner what cookie I should order, she said the “lemon one made with Lemonheads candy has been popular.” As she pulled it from the case, I realized it was bigger than my hand. It was tasty.

There are so many reasons to visit Pratt. Did you know that the town attracts thousands of baseball players and their families to the Green Sports Complex for youth tournaments? (The concession stand is known for having popular, non-traditional concession stand food!) Traveling families also enjoy the town’s many parks, notably Lemon Park, a great place to picnic or walk along tree-lined paths.

The town is also known for hosting The Miss Kansas pageant on the campus of Pratt Community College. For outdoorsmen looking to learn more about their surroundings, I recommend driving to the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (512 SE 25th Ave.), museum and fish hatchery. Regretfully, I didn’t get to see it since I packed quite a bit into my day trip itinerary.

Without question, this impressive town needs to be on your Kansas travel bucket list. I had a fantastic time during my solo trek getting to know the friendly residents and taking in the sites. A short drive from Wichita, I’d recommend visiting Pratt as soon as you can. If you have questions about making the most of a day in Pratt, ask me in the comments below.

The Best Way to Spend a Day in Lindsborg, Kansas aka “Little Sweden”

April 26, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 16 Comments

Disclosure: Visit Lindsborg sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me.

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

DINING

Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery

Considering arriving to Lindsborg in the morning? Grab something tasty to eat and drink at Blacksmith’s Coffee Shop & Roastery (122 N. Main St.) You’ll appreciate their freshly roasted coffee while seated inside the authentic, renovated blacksmith shop. During my visit, I tried the popular breakfast casserole and the biscuits and gravy. I recommend asking for a side of lingonberry applesauce — it’s delicious! (Lingonberries are a mountain cranberry in Scandinavia.)

The historic building is the oldest standing building in Lindsborg dating back to 1874. Opened as a roastery and coffee shop in 2017, it continues to serve visitors a scratch-made breakfast menu and seed-to-cup coffee. You’ll love the building’s original architecture and historic design from its brick-exposed walls to the industrial finishes. How many blacksmith tools will you spot during your visit? View their hours and plan your visit here.

350 Degrees Bakery

Freshly baked goodies await your arrival at 350 Degrees Bakery (125 N. Main). It is hard to choose between cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, and Swedish Kringler, a flaky puffed pastry. The Swedish specialties sell out quickly so plan to visit before the lunch hour. Learn more here.

White Peacock Coffee & Tea Company

The best place to stop to quench your thirst while perusing Main Street’s shops is White Peacock Coffee & Tea Company (124 S Main). Don’t be surprised if you find yourself waiting in line at this popular spot. Visitors love their Sparkling Blackberry & Lavender Lemonade. They also serve light meals such as the Meaty Swede Bagel and Swedish Pancakes. Plan to stop there.

Crown & Rye

The Crown & Rye (121 N. Main) has been serving great food ranging from traditional Swedish dishes to burgers and salads to Lindsborg residents and visitors for years. It’s the best place to stop for lunch during a day trip to Lindsborg.

I ordered the Beef Focaccia sandwich with a side of the tomato basil soup. I also recommend the Berry Salad, an iceberg and romaine salad topped with fresh berries, goat cheese, and the house vinaigrette. Everything they serve is delicious. Save room for dessert because they serve a long list of favorites. Plan your visit accordingly because the restaurant is closed on Mondays.

SHOPPING

Main Street

Lindsborg’s downtown district includes a number of artisan shops and boutiques. I enjoyed visiting Anderson Butik Scandanavian where I purchased a jar of Swedish Lingonberry Preserves. I also suggest stepping inside Trollslända Toy Store, The Good Merchant, and the Lindsborg Community Library’s Used Book Store. If you’re looking for Swedish candy and cookies, drive to White’s Foodliner and look for the section marked with Swedish flags. I came home with delicious Swedish potato sausage that I highly recommend! View more shopping options here.

ART & CULTURE

Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery

A visit to Lindsborg isn’t complete without touring the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery (401 N. First St.) on the Bethany College campus. Born in Sweden, Sandzén exhibited over 170 shows in Kansas and promoted “art for all” when sharing his work with others. He believed in art education and gave lectures to students and at his exhibitions. As a professor at Bethany College, he was loved by his students. The world-renowned artist wanted his artwork to be accessible to public school students so he donated some of his paintings to them. A prolific painter and printmaker, he helped found the Midwest Art Exhibition, an exhibition held annually in Lindsborg. He completed nearly 3,000 paintings during his lifetime. The Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery exhibits his artwork year-round.

To stand in front of a breathtaking Sandzén painting is to love it. While much of his work includes Kansas, Colorado, Utah, and Southwest landscapes, he also created painted still life and created portraits. Depending on the painting, you may see wide, colorful brush strokes with thick applications of paint. Other paintings highlight more controlled movements of the brush using deep, dark paint hues. While touring the museum, I also appreciated viewing the artist’s tools on display in the main gallery.

You can also see work by noteworthy, contemporary artists on display in the rotating galleries on-site. Visitors to the museum may be surprised to find that some of the rotating artwork is for sale.

Admission to the Birger Sandzén Memorial Gallery is free. Donations and memberships are welcomed to support the museum’s ongoing efforts to display artwork, host music concerts, and provide educational programs. Plan your visit here.

Hemslöjd

Within moments of your arrival to Lindsborg, you will notice the Dala horses that adorn the town’s sidewalks and make an appearance hanging from front porches. Prized for their usefulness on a farm and as transportation, Swedes originally carved Dala wooden horses as toys for children. They were originally made in the Dalarna region of central Sweden. While you can find them sold in a multitude of sizes of colors today, they are typically painted in a red-orange color. As you walk Lindsborg’s business district you will discover that some of them match the business where they sit. My favorite is “Salvador Dala,” which is painted using Dali’s surrealism style.

Make sure to watch the artists at work painting the hand-carved dalas at Hemslöjd (201 N. Main St.). Guest can ask the woodworkers and painters questions or simply admire their handiwork. I was impressed with the process of carving and painting the dala horses and I know you’ll love witnessing the craft first-hand.

When touring the workshop, be sure to look up at the ceiling tiles! Guests are encouraged to leave their mark. Don’t forget to check out the retail store for Swedish gifts and Scandanavian home decor. Plan your adventure here.

Small World Gallery

Some people travel to Lindsborg just to visit the Small World Gallery (127 N. Main St.). National Geographic photographer and Lindsborg resident, Jim Richardson, and his wife Kathy have operated the store since 2002. Known for his stunning landscape photography, Richardson’s work is sold as oversized prints and cards. He will sign custom orders, so be sure to ask for his autograph. Kathy specializes in sourcing exquisite, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, handbags, scarves, and more from all over the world.

I was fortunate to be able to visit with both of them during my visit to the store. A one-time photography teacher, we discussed his work process and his future travels to Scotland. He is incredibly approachable and loves to talk with people who stop into the shop. He is a wealth of information! Kathy also took me under her wing to talk about the jewelry on display, which includes Berglagen, a blue glass sourced from Sweden designed in sterling silver settings. Together, they give store visitors a chance to learn about places they’d love to travel to someday by way of photography and beautiful jewelry pieces. To visit the studio is a total sensory experience!

EXPLORING

Other opportunities for exploration away from the downtown district include checking out the view from Coronado Heights, McPherson County Old Mill Museum, Bethany Church, Red Barn Studio Museum, and the 1904 World’s Fair Swedish Pavilion. Another fun activity to do if you have free time during your visit is to cruise the town to spot unique dalas on display.

EVENTS

Lindsborg knows how to host a party! Travelers come from all over to visit the town’s many events including Lindsborg in Bloom, Våffeldagen, Smoky Valley Classic Car Show, and the Coronado Heights Run to name a few.

I experienced the 60’s-inspired event, Lindsborg in Bloom, during my visit. Everyone was dressed in far-out threads to shop, listened to live music, and ate outta sight food. Kids loved the henna tattoo station and bean bag toss for prizes while the adults had their tarot cards read. As I strolled the downtown district in and out of the shops, music could be heard from a live band. It was a groovy time!

Whether you’re hoping to celebrate your Swedish or American heritage, Lindsborg keeps it fun for all ages year-round. View upcoming events here. No matter your reason for visiting, you will walk away having made memories and new friends. A visit to Kansas’ “Little Sweden” is a day well spent. I can’t wait to return.

Considering a road trip to the charming town? Leave your questions in the comments below. I’d love to serve as your travel guide!

4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long

December 2, 2017 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

Do you love your hometown as much as I love mine?

Great people make a town great. My home city, Wichita, has some of the best people I’ve ever met. People often say Midwesterners are some of the most polite people in the States. We care about one another, which is one of the reasons I shop local. Actually, there are many reasons why I shop local all year long and not just on Shop Small Saturday.

Consider my 4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long and “shop small” at every opportunity you can:

You’re contributing to the vibrancy of your town. For every $100 you spend in your town’s locally owned shops, roughly $68 stays in the local community. There is a rewarding feeling knowing that my purchases contribute to the success of my town’s Main Street every time I walk into a locally owned retail store, mechanic shop or restaurant.
You’re helping another family’s success rather than a big box store’s success. It’s a rewarding feeling to know that my purchases, and the purchases of others, help independent store owners send their kids to college and pay their bills. I don’t know the name of the CEO of Target, but I do know the name of the store owner where I buy hand crafted candles. Better still, she knows my name as well.
You’re inevitably going to make friends with store employees. Each time I stroll into a locally owned store, the employees (and often times the owner) make a point of getting to know me and what I’m looking to purchase. Many local store owners know my preferences and show me items they know I’m interested in purchasing. That saves me time! And the only thing we can’t buy or get back is time.
You’re going to find unique gift items to purchase unlike the standard items in a big box store. I would much rather purchase a growler of locally brewed beer or hand poured scented candle to give to someone rather than a generic gift from Walmart or Target. When handing the gift to a friend, I’m able to tell them the story behind the creation of the gift and about the store’s history.

Of course, there are times when a locally owned store isn’t open when I need something in a hurry. (I know you can relate.) But, I try my best to buy what I need from local businesses.

You can buy locally produced food all year. Many towns have indoor local farmers markets during the winter months.

The next time you need to purchase groceries or a gift, consider where you could make that purchase locally. Need some more inspiration?

The following items are some that I’ve purchased from locally owned stores that I could have easily picked up at a nationally known retailer, but I chose otherwise.

locally grown vegetables
dog food
holiday decor
clothing
hair styling
books
soap
coffee
landscaping materials
chocolate
jewelry
auto repair
kitchenware
beer
entertainment
and much more!

It’s official. I love my hometown and I love supporting it any way I can. What can you buy locally this week? Think back to my 4 Reasons to Shop Local All Year Long the next time you start to drive to a big box store for something you could simply purchase locally.

Perhaps you also support local businesses in your town. Tell me why it’s important to you to shop local in the comment section below!