Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
Arma, located off Highway 69 and 11 miles north of Pittsburg, is not just another Southeast Kansas one-time coal-mining town.
Its identity is rooted in Belgian heritage and patriotism, kept alive by a community of welcoming residents who have proudly celebrated it. Since 1946, the town has hosted a V-J Homecoming, an annual celebration that draws hundreds of participants.
The town’s shops and city park make it a worthy day-trip destination year-round.
More than 1,100 residents call Arma home. I discovered that the town is just as charming as the locals are nice.
Small-Town Surprises: Best Things To Do in Arma, Kansas
Originally named Rust, the town of Arma lies along the Frontier Military Historic Byway.
Stop for the military history, stay the afternoon to shop its retail stores.
MILITARY HISTORY
VICTORY OVER JAPAN AMRA HOMECOMING
On August 14, 1945, Americans celebrated Japan’s surrender, signaling the end of World War II. The residents of Crawford County welcomed returning veterans two years later at the first Arma VJ Homecoming, which included a parade, dance, and contests.
The annual Arma VJ Homecoming continues for three days in August as a tribute to veterans and their families.
VJ Arma Homecoming attracts hundreds. Events like sports tournaments, Cruise Car Night, 50-50 Bingo, and a Spaghetti Feed. The Annual VJ Homecoming Parade is a spectacle with floats designed with the festival’s annual theme.
I felt the town’s pride of place as I walked through Arma City Park, watching locals set up arts-and-crafts booths and the hamburger stand for the weekend’s festivities. Food truck owners plugged in generators, and the band set up their equipment for the all-ages street dance.
Consider planning your visit to Arma around the next VJ Arma Homecoming.
MUST-VISIT LOCAL SHOPS
THE WELL TRAVELED CHEF
The Well Traveled Chef (401 E. Washington) is the newest addition to Arma’s downtown thoroughfare, and locals are lucky to have it.
A specialty foods store with imported oils, vinegars, and kitchen supplies, The Well Traveled Chef also hosts cooking classes.
Every once in a while, I stumble upon a locally owned business that is a jewel. The kind of store I want to tell everyone about as soon as possible.
The owner, who is also a lawyer, was inspired by her global travels and wanted to bring international products to her hometown community.
Rows of quality olive oils and vinegars line shelves, and customers are encouraged to sample them. Home cooks will find inspiration from cookbooks, Italian dried pasta, syrups, and honey hand-curated by the store’s owner.
After chatting with the owner, Angela, and her father, who was present on the store’s opening day, it was apparent that this locally owned store was the dream of a hard-working woman who wanted to provide her community with the quality pantry products she loved.
Kansas needs more stores like The Well Traveled Chef.
PRO TIP: Follow the store’s Facebook Events page to learn of upcoming classes and festive in-store celebrations.
KENNY’S HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLY
If you haven’t shopped at a small-town hardware store, you’re missing out
Kenny’s Hardware & Building Supply (507 E. Washington St.) may be small, but it has everything you could need under one roof, plus lumber in the back.
And Kenny is one of the best in the business.
The store smells of newly cut timber. Peg walls are organized by usage. Wooden bins filled with nuts, bolts, and gadgets remind shoppers that Kenny’s Hardware is the real deal. Established in 1973, the store maintains a loyal customer base.
But one item consistently flies off the shelves at Kenny’s Hardware.
The Electric Belgium Cookie Iron by Palmer.
A staple in Belgian households, the store sells 50-70 of them from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Maybe you need to prepare thin, crispy waffle-like cookies, too?
SCHROEDER’S BUTCHERING
I never miss an opportunity to stop into a local meat shop.
Some of the best-tasting meat I’ve eaten in Kansas came from a small-town butchery.
Schroeder’s Butchering (418 E. Washington) welcomes shoppers to walk in and order quality sausage products to go.
On any given day, you’ll likely see handmade salami, hillbilly bacon, smoked sausage, ground sausage, snack sticks, and beef jerky available for sale inside the refrigerator case.
Employees paused their cleanup work to ensure my questions were answered. They are helpful and eager to educate shoppers about their products.
PRO TIP: Shop at Schroeder’s Butchering outside of the lunch hour, 12 pm-1 pm, when they are closed.
WORTHWHILE STOPS NEARBY
Bonus places to check near Arma include Chicken Annie’s in Girard and nearby Pittsburg, Kansas, which I recommend for a weekend getaway.
Arma, Kansas, is not a town you want to skip. It offers visitors the chance to pause and experience the calm, genuine charm of life in Southeast Kansas.
The quaint deserves to be discovered, whether visiting for the day or the Victory Over Japan Armada Homecoming.
It’s ranked as a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a good reason. The stylish property, beautifully renovated in a historic building, offers guests the comforts of home.
After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to make a steaming cup of coffee and watch the sun rise through the downstairs window with plants. The loft’s welcome book provided a list of things to do in the area, and a basket supplied on-the-go snacks for the day’s adventures.
Overall, my stay at
The baker arrives at 3 a.m., well before guests arrive, to make cinnamon rolls, chocolate-filled croissants, pies, and freshly baked bread. The short-order cook ringing the bell is audible from the kitchen. Servers pour coffee refills into diner-style mugs.
I listened to the news on a nearby television while enjoying a vegetable omelet and perfectly cooked hashbrowns. Full from my breakfast, I eagerly requested a to-go box for baked goods.
I stopped by for lunch and, after seeing the daily specials board, I chose the Mushroom Swiss Burger with a side of curly fries. As soon as my order was called back to the kitchen, I heard the sizzle of a flat-top grill and the bubbling of a hot fryer.
After eating my tasty lunch, I paid for my meal and headed out to explore Girard. In the parking lot, locals gathered around cars to chat about the day’s events and local news.
The coffeehouse also serves as a gathering spot for locals who want to use the high-speed Wi-Fi while drinking coffee.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant is known for its inventive weekly specials and seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients.
The appetizer exceeded my expectations for quality and flavor, setting the stage for the main course. But first, the server insisted I sample the day’s special: an Asian-inspired orange chicken with broccoli over rice, made fresh to order and delicious.
I listened to lively guests’ chatter and jazz cover songs until my dinner selection arrived. Smoked pork loin, coleslaw, and sautéed mushrooms made for one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Southeast Kansas.
Opened in 1971, the restaurant offers dinner specials that draw locals and out-of-towners to Girard from Wednesday through Sunday.
The chicken is hand-breaded and fried fresh to order, served with side dishes such as fried onion strings, mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.
Local folklore says the deer sculpture stands on the exact spot where a Pennsylvanian, Dr. Charles H. Strong, shot a deer. Moments later, he added a stake in the ground, declaring possession of the land.
Established in 1867, the courthouse makes the town the official county seat. The grounds feature a 
I’ve always told people that the best way to immerse oneself in a town is to start their visit at a historical museum. Museum exhibits showcase the town’s history using artifacts from 1868 to the present.
Girard has a long history of publishing, operating the largest presses west of the Mississippi.
The church alone is a magnificent example of late-19th-century architectural design. Its stained windows, made in Missouri, cascade colorful beams of light onto the church floor on a sunny day.
From the pulpit, one can fully appreciate the windows, which feature Christian symbolism.
PRO TIP: Girard Veterans Memorial Park hosts holiday events honoring military heroes.
I ascended the stairs to the top floor to view the books for adult readers, the same spot where monthly game nights and craft nights are hosted.
Shoppers will be delighted to discover Amish soaps, candles, jams, jellies, and jarred salsa rounding out the inventory.
One shouldn’t leave the store without visiting the bathroom to see its wallpaper, a nod to Girard’s history, told through old photographs and advertisements.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the retro soda pop brands available for purchase, located in the refrigerator near the candy cart.
The rear of the store features women’s clothing, jewelry, purses, body care products, and kitchen essentials.
Founded in 1886, 
The memorial honors the miners who lost their lives in the worst mining disaster in Kansas history at the Cherokee and Pittsburg Coal and Mining Company Mine No. 2 on November 9, 1888. Family members gathered at the mine’s entrance, distraught and waiting for news about their loved ones, many of whom did not survive the dust explosion.
Whenever I approach a memorial, I vow to read every name inscribed on it, and this time was no different.
PRO TIP: Clear your calendar to attend Frontenac’s 140th birthday at Mining Days on June 5-7, 2026. The Heritage and Homecoming Celebration is an annual event featuring family-friendly activities and historical tours. Don’t miss 
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the 
Original artifacts curated from local families added a storytelling quality, enhancing the high-quality exhibits. I was amazed by the attention to detail, from the testimonials of miners to the newspaper clippings about business openings.
The history of Southeast Kansas, and Frontenac in particular, is the story of European immigrants, miners, bootleggers, religious devotees, and family members who looked out for one another and supported the community.
Walking inside the bakery, I felt as if I were a customer seeking to buy a loaf. Tools of the miner’s trade and newspaper clippings about the worst mining disaster in history adorned a room dimly lit by lanterns. A peek inside a replica chapel revealed the history of long-standing Catholic and Methodist communities.
Another aspect of the museum that makes it better than most is that the director thought to include an interactive component, adding visual and audio stations, making it more accessible for visitors. Due to the museum’s proximity to the Frontenac Public Library, its artifacts are deeply rooted in the area’s genealogy.
Former and current Frontenac residents will relish the displays featuring curated Raiders memorabilia. Peering inside the displays, it was as if I could hear the football players and cheerleaders rooting for the Raiders to win the high school’s first-ever state football championship over Stockton in 1994.
Visiting the Heritage Hall Museum, located inside the Frontenac Public Library, is well worth it, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural legacy and mining history of Frontenac and the greater Southeast Kansas region.
The locally owned coffee shop sells 
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
The dining room was already filled with locals when I stopped by on a weekday for a midday meal of boneless chicken wings coated in Sully Sauce. With my choice of side dish, my meal was appetizing and one I’d order again.
On Saturday nights, Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill is a popular hangout attracting diners seeking the Chef’s Choice special. Happy Hour specials are served Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
And for the kids (and young-at-heart), there’s a self-serve candy station, perfect for mixing and matching your favorite sweets by the pound. It’s the ultimate sugar-fueled pit stop for your Kansas adventure.
I would refer to the shop’s 
In addition to slicing deli meat by the order, refrigerated glass cases house homemade sausage, pasta meals, and pre-made sandwiches. A few tables provide a place for lunch-goers to sit down and savor a panini prepared with bread from the local bakery.
Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
A bonus room includes a poker table and additional couch with television for lounging with friends or family.
The bathroom, designed with his and her sinks, is spacious and includes in-shower products. Plush body-size towels and a motion detector for the overhead light are added touches you don’t always find in a vacation rental.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 
PRO TIP: Don’t expect to be able to check in early to your room, but instead, ask if the hotel will hold your bags until 4 pm check-in.
It sits as short walk on campus from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center.
PRO TIP: Use 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. Are you ready for a game?
The family-friendly urban park welcomes musicians after dark on Friday nights and hosts other events, such as movie nights on occasion. Come early to grab a table. I recommend purchasing a snack or a beer at the permanent food stand or ordering from the menu of a food truck.
Visitors to The Greenway who craft a craft cocktail can stop inside 
Shoppers will also appreciate its high-quality grooming supplies, candles, shoes, and shelves of on-trend ballcaps. I couldn’t leave without a beer logo t-shirt and stylish socks.
You can often find vinyl records for sale, which I’ve purchased for my home collection. They also support music performances at the 
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care using a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers a space where they could relax and get to know one another.
As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her pet home. The staff was elated for the owner and her feline family member.
The store carries books of every genre from bestselling titles to juvenile fiction and 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.
The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.
As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.
Serving happy customers since 2019, the brewpub prides itself on its multiple beer taps and New York-style pizza selection prepared in a brick oven.
The brunch selections are a draw but the lunch and dinner classics paired with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail have earned the eatery high praise. To my surprise, each dining experience starts with complementary chipotle seasoned popcorn.
Menu selections during my dining experience exceeded my expectations for beautiful plating, quality, and value. Appetizers like Almost Deviled Eggs or the Warm House Ricotta and Garlic with sourdough are guaranteed good bites.
At mealtime, dig into tasty Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast or a dinner-size Grilled Cajun Shrimp Salad, served with a zesty house-made dressing.
The owner/chef’s creativity shines in the For the Boys whiskey-and-honey cocktail, and any of her after-dinner desserts with creamy gelato are surefire winners.
PRO TIP: Watch my 
Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, hot coffee, or fruit smoothie, the cozy watering hold delivers. Come hungry and enjoy affordable meals like a Walking Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, or a Turkey Wrap. I found a shaded spot under a patio table’s umbrella to relax.
Deep blue walls, flanked by a dark-wood bar, welcome guests as jazz standards play in the background. The bartender hummed the melody as he prepared a Lemon Tea Fizz prepared with house-made syrup, a cocktail you won’t find on any other menu in town.
PRO TIP: The bar opens at 5 pm. on Wednesday-Saturday. Arrive early to claim the best seat or be prepared to order your drink in a to-go cup to drink on 
But you’ll find more than beverages on the menu as the owners are culinary pros using their skills to prepare pastries and crepes daily as well as breakfast handhelds like a waffle or bagel sandwich. At lunchtime, ask about bread bowls, quesadillas, and protein and veggie-packed sandwich wraps.
The tradition of serving full-flavor fried chicken began when two women opened restaurants on the same street catering to hungry coal miners during all hours, and it was a way to support unemployed, disabled men enduring the hardships of the Great Depression. A competition between two restaurants led to more fried chicken houses opening in the region.
Each restaurant is recommendable, and my favorite spot is a 22-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg to 
On Mondays, a line forms at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinner door. The draw? Chicken and noodles.
In the mood for a live show? 
For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.
The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.
It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.
The geologic formations and rolling rolls make the drive in this area of Russell County spectacular. Kansas is NOT flat. In fact, many mountain bikers like to twist and jump along the Switchgrass Bike Trail that winds 7.5 miles over the hills. Not much for adrenaline sports? Wilson Lake is also a 
I continued on Hwy 232 from Wilson Lake to 
With the 
More artistic talent is on view at the 
Many of the artists’ works show their appreciation for recycling objects to find new uses for them. I suggest you step inside the building’s old bank vault to see the work of Overland Park artist, James Peruca. He used recycled objects to create art that surrounds the viewer. What do you recognize in the photo below?
Admission to the Grassroots Art Center doesn’t necessarily include a guided tour but the helpful employee that works there is more than happy to provide background information about the artwork on display. If you spy a piece that you’d love to take home with you, there is a good chance it’s for sale.
I was fascinated by Dinsmoor’s use of wire and cement to build massive structures that told a story. The photo below shows his interpretation of bringing down civilization. The Goddess of Liberty has one foot on the trusts. The man and woman are sawing off the “chartered rights limb,” which represents Dinsmoor’s thoughts on big business overtaking an individual’s rights.
I sarcastically mumbled to myself during the tour of his property, “Because, why not? That seems perfectly normal.” For its wow factor, I recommend visiting the Garden of Eden, located 16 miles north of KS I-70. Admission includes a self-guided sculpture tour, however, the employee on-site eagerly took me and a visiting family around the property.
After lunch, I dug in my heels and started checking out the town. The murals of Russell are eye-catching. When traveling along KS I-70, pull over into this quaint town to see them up close.
The home of U.S. Senator Bob Dole, the area honors veterans, agricultural, oil refining, and their residents with beautiful street art. Other attractions worth seeking out include Bob Dole’s childhood home, downtown shops, and 
Driving through town, I saw buildings made with the region’s most readily available material, limestone. The churches, schools, and early homes in Russell were constructed with stunning sedimentary rock. Visitors can pay to tour some of them like the 
With a bit of exploring under my belt, I drove to 
Not far from my hotel, I checked in and found the hotel and amenities comfortable. 
Near the hotel, 
Russell is a town that I passed without stopping along KS I-70 from Kansas to Colorado dozens of times. My mistake! Russell and the surrounding towns offer travelers warm hospitality and sights that surprise them. Good people, interesting attractions, and a variety of dining options make Russell County a sure-win.
