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Over the years, I’ve come to love the spirit of an independent bookstore. Each is unique, and bookworms can rejoice in page-turning experiences no matter which shop they visit.
New titles, old books, cats on cozy couches, and coffee counters serving cups of caffeine. You can find a Kansas indie bookstore near you that suits your style.
Bookworm’s Paradise: Discover Kansas’ Indie Bookstores
THE LITERARY CAT – PITTSBURG
Calling all bookworms and cat lovers! Step inside The Literary Cat Company (915 N. Broadway), where adoptable whiskered friends curl up alongside readers. As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her new furry friend home.
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care through a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers with a space where they can get to know one another.
The store sells books of every genre, from bestselling titles for adults to young reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.
FLAGSHIP BOOKS – KANSAS CITY
Operated by two brothers, Flagship Books (510 N. 6th Street) in Kansas City, Kansas’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood is worth pulling over to check out. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the quaint bookshop sells gently used books at affordable prices.
The store’s inventory is organized by genre, and a wall of best-selling books consists of newer titles. I purchased a $10 hardcover cookbook, a new release by Rachel Ray.
PRO TIP: Ask about the cart of $1 books. Titles are added almost daily.
TWICE TOLD TALES – MCPHERSON
Within minutes of your arrival inside Twice Told Tales (104 S. Main), you’ll pick up books to take home. The boutique second-hand store is stocked with a large inventory of gently used books, a small collection of new books, and gift-giving items ranging from journals to greeting cards.
The staff are always ready to help you find the book you’re searching for or can suggestion a new-to-you selection.
You’ll quickly be impressed by the high-quality selections as you peruse the bookcases. Of course, my eyes darted right to the cookbooks and travel guides, but I also found myself gazing at the rest of the gently-used books. The backend of the story is dedicated to the littlest shoppers, while the rest of the store stocks books for all ages.
BOOK REVIEWS – NEWTON
I hit the jackpot when I walked into Book ReViews (707 N. Main St.) in downtown Newton and so will you. The store carries an extensive collection of used books, which are donated to the non-profit business. All of the Book ReView’s proceeds support local charities – now that’s shopping you can feel good about.
The store is organized and managed by a small group of volunteers who are eager to help you find your next read. Open six days a week, book lovers can peruse well-stocked shelves for every genre from non-fiction to true romance. They make searching out a new book easy, too. The volunteer workers have painstakingly categorized the books and created thoughtful displays.
PRO TIP: Look for a small section of “free books” across from the register.
FAITH & LIFE BOOKSTORE – NEWTON
A local told me about a bookstore that I hadn’t shopped at yet, Faith & Life Bookstore (606 N. Main St.). It was there that I met some of Newton’s nicest residents. After a warm greeting, I moseyed around the store admiring their large selection of books, Bibles, greeting cards, accessories, and gift items. A well-stocked store, it is one of the last remaining faith-based bookstores of its kind in Kansas.
Open since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. Within moments of my visit, I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the dedicated kids’ section, which caters to their reading needs.
RIVENDELL BOOKSTORE – ABILENE
Avid readers will feel right at home at Rivendell Bookstore (212 N. Broadway), where new and used books on endless topics or genres wait to be discovered. Organized shelves make it easy to find a book, and the helpful staff are eager to answer questions.
I appreciate the effort they make to make gift giving easy as well. Don’t leave without purchasing a Mystery Gift Bag ($25) stocked with books bundled by topic.
PRO TIP: Do you enjoy putting together puzzles? Walk to the rear of the store to be amazed by the selection.
THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF – MANHATTAN
Across the street, The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N. Manhattan Avenue) is a major draw for readers wanting a new title or a gift. Whenever I visit the store, I walk away with a bag of mystery books or purchase a new release.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF – LAWRENCE
A fixture in downtown Lawrence, The Dusty Bookshelf (708 Massachusetts Street) does an equally fine job of providing thousands of books for readers seeking to escape into a good read.
Carpeted floors creak with every step as shoppers meander the stacks of gently used books. The store’s cats spy at customers when they’re not napping in a sun-drenched spot near a window.
THE RAVEN BOOK STORE – LAWRENCE
The Raven Book Store (809 Massachusetts Street) has served the book-loving community since 1987. Their book inventory focuses on mystery titles; however, upon perusing the shelves, you’ll discover a range of fiction, poetry, romance, and science fiction genres. Parents and kids will be pleased with the section devoted to young readers.
Decorative ravens cut from paper dangle from a string overhead as shoppers choose their next read. Like any good indie bookstore, a couple of curious cats are known to greet customers.
PRO TIP: Ask about the Mystery Fun Box, which houses a “well-curated surprise stack o’books.”
SEVEN STORIES – SHAWNEE
Book lovers will appreciate Seven Stories’ (12115 Johnson Dr.) inventory of new selections, gifts, and art. Owned and operated by a high school student, the shop operates out of a new storefront.
Shoppers can expect a wide range of fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
BOOKS & BURROW – PITTSBURG
Books & Burrow (212 S. Broadway) sets itself apart from other independent bookstores because the owners hand-select titles in small quantities, focusing on all readers’ ages.
You’ll notice that they don’t carry just best-selling titles but also curate new books that might not be found elsewhere. For example, they stock a sizable selection of books by Indigenous authors, and the children’s book inventory is sizable.
PRO TIP: Check the store’s hours before arriving.
RED FERN BOOKSELLERS – SALINA
Red Fern Booksellers (106S. Santa Fe Ave.) gives visitors and residents something to rave about. No expense was spared when renovating the commercial space into a high-end, independent bookstore that resembles a store you might see in a big city.
The smell of new books welcomes you as you walk through oversized wood doors into the store. The store’s shelves are organized by category, while stacks of the latest titles are arranged upon dark wood tables.
But you’ll find more than books at Red Fern Booksellers. I was impressed to discover handmade gift wrap, stationery, puzzles, stickers, and handcrafted greeting cards. My visit ended perfectly when a butterfly greeted me as I exited the store, a delightful experience.
AD ASTRA BOOKS & COFFEE HOUSE – SALINA
d Astra Books & Coffee House (135 N. Santa Fe Ave.) gets better every time I visit. Their new location is more spacious with a bright and cheery vibe. The welcoming staff is patient while I decide what drink to order (the monthly specials benefit a local non-profit).
The café offers patrons a place to sit back and relax with a book or meet in small groups. During my visit, several locals met friends and colleagues at oversized tables with free Wi-Fi access. Other areas of the coffee house were dedicated to families with kids, and the back patio offered a quiet, more secluded place to unwind.
PRO TIP: Read on the inviting back patio.
RELIANT BOOKSTORE – EL DORADO
I was unaware of Reliant Bookstore (114 N. Vine Street) until I realized they were selling my first-authored book, so I stopped by to sign copies of it.
Located in the original location of the local newspaper office, this hidden gem, located in downtown El Dorado, offers readers new and used books in multiple genres. I appreciate the multiple seating areas and an array of board games available to play.
They are known for affordable pricing and offer free shipping to customers outside their area.
EIGHTH DAY BOOKS – WICHITA
Eighth Day Books (2838 E. Douglas) specializes in new and used books primarily in the religion, philosophy, history, literature, and children’s fiction genres.
However, the first floor of the shop showcased new releases from various genres. They pride themselves on “offering an eccentric community of books.” Kids will love an alcove devoted to reading on the lowest level.
I particularly appreciate their local interest and Kansas history books, a modest section located on the second floor. In 2021, I was proud to see they stocked my first book and encouraged me to sign it when visiting.
PRO TIP: The store’s Year-End Sale includes greatly discounted titles.
WATERMARK BOOKS & CAFE – WICHITA
For years, Watermark Books & Cafe (4701 E. Douglas Avenue) has remained my go-to indie bookstore when shopping for new titles and best-selling books. The store is stocked to the brim with a robust inventory of genres, and the children’s section is particularly expansive given the size of the store. Unlike some bookstores, they also carry gifts, ranging from bookmarks to socks with quirky designs.
Additionally, the café serves as an inviting place to cozy up with a newly purchased book between sips of coffee or a homemade pastry.
In business since 1977, the store regularly hosts author signing events and book talks.
PRO TIP: Get there early because they close by 3 pm or 4 pm, depending on the day of the week. Hours extend to 7 pm on Thursdays.
LEFT ON READ – WICHITA
At Left on Read, shoppers can find new books supporting Black authors and creators. I enjoyed chatting with the owner whose goal is to amplify diverse voices by showcasing books and literary-themed gifts.
The store is located in the heart of downtown Wichita in the Gallery Alley, which includes multi-colored café tables perfect for reading a book.
MORE TO LOVE
Would you describe yourself as a reader who also appreciates a warm cup of coffee or tea? You’ll also want to check out my blog post, Kansas Coffee Shops You Simply Must Visit, a list of 35 cafes I’ve loved. If you have a book to donate or want a free book, also read The Power of Sharing Books: A Little Free Library.
GIFT IDEAS
Give the gift of Kansas pride with locally inspired treasures that capture the heart of the Sunflower State—perfect for sharing a little hometown charm wherever they roam. View my Kansas Gifts Shopping Guide with items suitable for every age group, including books.
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
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.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into 
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the 
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the 
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The 
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? 
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: 
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate 
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s 
Eventually, the town was the first home station of the Pony Express route west of St. Joseph, Missouri. As time passed, Marysville was the site of the Union Pacific Railroad’s line connecting Kansas City, Kansas, and Hastings, Nebraska.
PRO TIP: I defied blustery Kansas winds to admire artist Dr. Richard Bergen’s sculpture, and it was well worth viewing as the native grass well in the wind at its base. Don’t miss the chance to view three 
The old livery stables smell of straw, rusted farm tools, and dusty barn boards. Donated implements rest on shelving.
The post office is the oldest civilian post office in continual operation in the state, and its exterior marker honors this history, noting the contributions of the Pony Express founders Majors, Waddell, and Russell.
PRO TIP: Walk through the park to the stone historic marker honoring Marysville’s stop on the Oregon Trail. Traveling with kids? They’ll love using the castle-like playground equipment at the park, which also includes a nine-hole 
PRO TIP: The museum is open for tours from April through October. It is closed during the lunch hour from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. Walk-ins welcome. Remember to sign the guest book after paying the 
And then I spotted the most interesting room of them all. The Jury Room.
PRO TIP: Voted Best Pie in Marshall County, don’t forget to buy a slice to go from the reach-in refrigerator.
The smell of home-cooked Chinese food permeated the theatre lobby. Specializing in Chinese entrees, Sandy’s Pantry also serves a few Mexican and American dishes. I chose the day’s special, Sweet and Sour Chicken, and sat in a retro diner booth to sip my fountain drink. My meal arrived steaming hot on a bed of white rice.
You could choose a Blue River Fish Sandwich or a Meat Lover’s Burger, which are probably fantastic, but then you’d miss out on perfectly grilled 14-ounce ribeye. I paired my steak dinner with a Blue Moon Belgian Ale (six domestic beers on tap) and enjoyed a leisurely dinner.
I struck up a conversation learning that not only is the store’s retail created entirely by Sue, but she also teachers individual and group pottery painting classes.
Whether you’d like to drop in and paint a pottery piece to take home or shop for ceramics, South Hill Pottery provides visitors with an immersive experience.
It’s the kind of place where women could spend a half day pampering themselves and then shop for a little something special.
The shelves are stocked with gifts for all ages, including toys for kids, Hallmark ornaments for collectors, and collegiate merchandise for sports fans.
The store has a decent amount of inventory, and you’ll likely find clearance items marked for sale each season.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with a black squirrel sculpture after placing your custom apparel order, which is available for pick-up the same day.
The inventory includes pendant, earrings, bracelets, and a classic bridal jewelry.
The building is a piece of art of its own. Built in 1903, the tall windows cast light indoors on the art gallery and studio workroom.
After a full day of exploring, my Airbnb retreat provided the modern, comfortable amenities I’ve come to expect from a rentable home.
I walked some of the trail’s northern edge during the cool early morning hours, enjoying the serenity periodically interrupted by bird sounds.
If you’re interested in traveling to Marysville when a 
I loved the concept of adding my selection of condiments from the Keep It Saucey station, adding pico de gallo and hot sauce to my heaping mound of nachos.
Whether you’re visiting Casa Mariachi for a lunch or dinner date or watching soccer while devouring a scrumptious meal, the festive vibe and menu selections deliver a party vibe
PRO TIP: Cash only. An ATM is located at a bank nearby.
Many of the predominantly Swedish town’s residents gather there for an early-morning coffee and breakfast pastry, and the restaurant recently started serving lunch for mid-day diners.
You’re alway guaranteed to find the owner’s famous cinnamon rolls under the glass case. Don’t miss a chance to purchase his family’s jarred jams and jellies.
Tasty Pastry Bakery & Coffee Shop is open every day except Sunday. Arrive early to order the best pastry selection. The coffee is hot, and the donuts are fresh.
Other bakeries in Lawrence worth checking out include 
Not only do they serve delectable pastries for early-morning crowds, their baristas can prepare a short list of classic coffee or hot tea drinks. Late-day patrons may appreciate the bar menu.
The display case is refilled with cake and old-fashioned style donuts as they run out. Expect to find bottled drinks, including cold coffee brands and milk in the reach-in cooler.
I judge a donut shop by a perfectly soft, glazed donut. Carol Lee Donuts knows what they’re doing. Add it to your Salina travel bucket list.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches. The berry scone was to die for.
The lunch menu includes multi-layered sandwiches, salmon cake, BBQ meals, and more.
The display case was filled with every kind of donut you could imagine. Apple fritters the size of your hand. Blueberry cake donuts. Cinnamon rolls. And classics like maple long johns and old-fashioned crullers.
Use a scoop and bag to stock up on bulk candy priced at $10/lb. My lemon macaroon was perfectly soft, and the no-bake cocoa cookie lasted only minutes.
Other Wichita must-stops for donuts or pastries include 
As I devoured a chocolate cake donut and a melt-in-your-mouth glazed donut, customers came and went with brown bags filled with tasty early morning treats.
If you’re not into sweets, consider order their yummy meat and cheese breakfast burritos – don’t forget to ask for salsa.
If you’re someone who loves to order a steaming cup of coffee with their breakfast, please read my blog post, 
Getting hungry from exploring the outdoors? Stacy’s Restaurant serves an authentic diner breakfast menu, Highwind Brewing Company serves craft beer and menu items from three on-site restaurants, and Bella’s Italian Restaurant knows how to make customers happy with pasta entrees baked to perfection.
I recommend planning ahead for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return.
Explore the Kansas Museum of History, Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, tour the Kansas Statehouse, and shop eclectic stores in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. Take a break for lunch at The Pennant or choose upscale dining and cocktails at The Weather Room.
Located between Topeka and Lawrence, the quaint town is home to a friendly community that welcomes tourists interested in learning about its impact on American history. In addition to historical buildings and tours, travelers will appreciate the downtown area for its charming small businesses. Enjoy breakfast at Aunt Netters Cafe before exploring the area, and leave time to sip wine at Empty Nester’s Winery.
Touring the KU campus offers visitors a chance to fall in love with its many attractions. Whether you’re a sports fan or love touring historical museums, I know you’ll find your experience on campus to be a positive one. For dining options, I recommend Johnny’s Tavern North to devour scratch-made pizza by the slice, and 715 Restaurant for an unmatched upscale dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
The tucked-away town near Kansas City offers visitors incredible downtown shopping. Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso, and Third Space Coffee fits the bill. Other attractions, such as Moon Marble Company, The Fuel House, and Quentin’s BBQ, guarantee a good time. Treat yourself to an ice cream float atthe Old Mill Ice Cream Shop or end the evening with a cocktail at Ten & Two Coffee Bar.
The city touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. The award-winning town deserves the accolades it gets.
Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. You’ll appreciate its historic homes, dynamic eateries (enjoy pasta at Luigi’s 418 & Mario’s Pizzeria & Gelato), and a vibrant downtown shopping scene. The buildings’ architecture is stunning.
I dined on crave-worthy Mexican food by visiting taquieras on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail. If there is one thing Kansas City does best, it’s barbecue. Take your place in line at Slap’s BBQ in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood.
