Disclosure: Finney County Convention and Visitors Bureau sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
Garden City is a Kansas town that deserves attention for a long list of fun things to do, so much so that you’ll likely need to stay overnight or for the weekend.
From unforgettable immersive experiences to a melting pot of cultures evident in its dining scene, Garden City should be at the top of every Kansas traveler’s bucket list. As the largest city in Finney County, you’ll never run out of interesting places to explore.
I had a blast taking in Garden City’s attractions and getting to know fellow Kansans.
UNWIND AT LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
The older, restored homes in Garden City are so visually appealing that many people choose to take the historic homes tour, which is offered every other year by the Finney County Historical Society and the Finney County Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Built in 1909, Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast‘s Victorian architecture transports overnight guests back in history while offering modern-day comforts.
SUNNYLAND BED AND BREAKFAST
Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast (501 N. 5th Street #5633) is a highly-rated vacation rental with Victorian charm providing guests a complimentary breakfast.
Upon arrival, I walked the downstairs parlor and adjacent dining room, admiring the owner’s meticulous restoration of turn-of-the-century woodwork.
A gorgeous tiled fireplace is an anchor in the sitting room amongst period furnishings.
The dining room’s tablescape was beautifully set with an artful arrangement of seasonal plates, flatware, and decorations. The owner prides herself on updating the table decorations often.
Original stained glass windows drew my eye to an ascending staircase, where private guest rooms awaited – each one named after a Bible verse. My queen bedroom, including a twin bed and private bathroom, was painted lavender and decorated with Victorian decorative touches, including handkerchiefs and florals.
After a restful night’s sleep, I joined other guests in the dining room for breakfast. The meal started with juice and coffee before a Monte Cristo-style croissant breakfast sandwich served with homemade jam was served.
Overall, my overnight stay at Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast was a delightful experience and one I’d recommend to travelers who seek unique accommodations and personable service. I enjoyed getting to know the owners, who live on-site, and socializing with other guests during the meal.
PRO TIP: You can choose to have your meal delivered to your room for an extra fee.
Reserve your stay at Sunnyland Bed and Breakfast.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES YOU WON’T FORGET
THE PAINT PLACE
Give yourself permission to be creative at The Paint Place (209 N. 7th Street), which offers people a chance to cut loose and have fun inside The Splatter Room. My group created individual masterpieces, splattering washable paint under black lights while listening to high-energy music.
Dressed in protective gear, we laughed as splattered paint was flicked with careless abandon – unlike any paint studio experience I had yet. The session took about 30 minutes, and afterward, I left with a cute gift for my five-year-old niece.
The family-owned paint studio also offers walk-in and reservable paint-from-a-design sessions like Boozy Art Club Paint Night. The large rooms are ideal for hosting kids’ birthdays, double date nights, or gal pal parties. Artists can bring their own snacks and drinks, including wine and beer.
PRO TIP: View upcoming events at the studio, including additional happenings in partnership with Hidden Trail Brewing.
LEE RICHARDSON ZOO
Free to explore, Lee Richardson Zoo (312 E. Finnup Drive) is one of the best small zoos I’ve explored in the state. As I embarked on an early-morning self-guided tour, I heard wild animals calling one another and a lion’s roar got my attention.
The size of the zoo and its variety of wildlife exceeds one’s expectations. While you can drive-thru the zoo for a fee, I recommend walking the grounds to each exhibit stopping to rest at designated benches when the mood strikes.
If you arrive during the animals’ breakfast feeding time, you’ll see an endangered black rhino, a main wolf, and an Amur Leopard actively moving about the enclosures. A Sarus Crane’s loud calls competed for my attention while a mal Addax African Lion roared his morning welcome atop a rock.
Sensory-accessible zoo areas are marked on a map, identifying loud and quiet places.
For me, the most enjoyable part of visiting a zoo is watching the giraffes. One reticulated giraffe in particular didn’t seem to mind me watching it strip bark from branches for several minutes before it joined its giraffe family.
You can expect to see native and exotic animals, ranging from the smallest invertebrates to large mammals. The river otters were not outdoors during my visit, so I can’t wait to return to see them at play in the water.
ESCAPE THE CLOCK
Test your puzzle-solving skills at Escape The Clock (124 N. Main Street #5458) with friends or family members before time runs out. First, choose the thematic room and challenge level.
Then, work together to figure out codes that reveal clues or unlock boxes with additional clues. The key to escaping the room before the one-hour time limit expires is to keep it simple.
My group escaped the clock with 52 seconds to spare inside Sunken Secrets, a deep-sea research submersible in peril. The two-room submarine was well-designed and kept our attention through each step until we successfully resurfaced.
The clue master had to help us a few times over the room’s speaker, but we solved it.
Afterward, we signed our group’s names on the wall with our ending time and snapped a photo to mark the occasion.
Each room design impressed with its details and storyline, and most of the rooms are appropriate for all ages. Walk-ins are welcome; however, you can preview room details and reserve a session online or via phone.
FINNEY COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
Touring the Finney County Historical Museum (403 S. 4th Street) and its True Crime exhibit is another worthwhile experience you must include during your visit.
It showcases timelines, actual evidence, and donated artifacts detailing several notorious crimes in the county, such as the 1959 Clutter murder case, inspiring author Truman Capote to write the novel, “In Cold Blood” about the deaths of the Herb and Bonnie Clutter family at the hands of prison parolees Richard Hickock and Perry Smith.
You’ll also learn about the Fleagle Gang, bank robbers, and murderers of the 1920s by criminals Baby Face Nelson, John Dillinger, Bonnie Parker, and Clyde Barrow. The temporary exhibit remains viewable due to its popularity.
Other museum areas are equally fascinating, detailing the county’s prominent people and industries. Start a self-guided tour in a room highlighting the area’s earliest residents, Native Americans. (Don’t miss the mammoth tusk!)
Meander into the main gallery to uncover historical facts about Buffalo Jones, a man who settled on 160 acres of ranch land in the area who worked with the town’s founders to convince two railroads, the Atchison-Topeka and the Santa Fe, to stop in Garden City.
A curious learner, I was intrigued by other exhibits, such as the 19th-Century Kitchen, Santa Fe Trail, Finney County Agriculture, and Take Stock in Finney County, that explain the area’s prolific cattle industry.
I’ve toured innumerable county museums, and this one is one of the best for its overall design and rotating exhibits.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss The World’s Largest Hairball removed from a cow’s stomach on display at the museum’s welcome desk. View the museum’s seasonal hours before making the drive.
FLOURISH HERBALS & AROMATHERAPY
Sometimes, you need to pause the hustle of travel to relax and unwind. Flourish Herbals & Aromatherapy (203 E. Laurel Street) is the place to do just that. You can purchase dried herbals by ounce to incorporate into recipes or home remedies, and you can enjoy a flavorful hot or iced tea prepared at the tea bar.
Additionally, the staff is ready to assist you in creating aromatic bath products or a room spritzer at the Blending Bar. After a few minutes inside the retail store, you naturally feel your shoulders relax, and with the owner’s guidance, you learn what herbals and essential oils best suit your needs.
I thoroughly enjoyed a 60-minute relaxation massage, which included red light therapy to reduce pain and inflammation. Afterward, I felt less stressed and my mood lifted. My hope is that you make time for yourself as well.
View the massage menu and pricing.
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL FOR TREASURES
After the railroad established itself in Garden City, the population of Southwest Kansas grew, and its downtown offerings appealed to people passing through town as they do today. Today, thriving downtown Garden City attracts people who prefer to shop and dine locally.
THE CORNER ON MAIN
Every town needs a store like The Corner on Main (324 N. Main Street). A third-generation business, the boutique offers various home decor, gifts, jewelry, baby products, and specialty food items. You could spend an hour shopping here.
My heart beat faster with excitement as I discovered item after item I wanted to purchase. Drink mixes, Kansas-made jarred products, lovely pillows, and jewelry with inspirational messaging. I left for home with a bag of goodies, and I suspect you will too.
SAGEHOUSE BATH & BODY
Nearby, SageHouse Bath & Body (312 N. Main Street) sells handmade soap, bath products, and home fragrances you can’t live without. Using goat’s milk, the owner’s handcrafted soaps are okay for even the most sensitive skin types for men or women. As the name implies, one will also discover purifying sage available.
If you’re unsure which scented body product to purchase, the owner will help you determine a signature scent. When in doubt, the most purchased soap fragrances are Black Raspberry Vanilla and Kansas Sunset. Each one smelled natural and not overly perfumey.
PRO TIP: Inquire about SageHouse Bath & Body‘s individualized services such as an ion foot cleanse, red light therapy, salt therapy, and ear seeds.
BONUS RETAIL STORES TO SHOP
My itinerary for the day was tightly scheduled, so I missed visiting a couple of stores. I look forward to returning to downtown Garden City to shop at Klaus Wood Pellets & Outdoor Living and Main Street Market Hub.
EXPLORE PUBLIC ART & GALLERIES
HISTORIC STATUES
You’ll want to appreciate the historic statuary designed to beautify and educate passersby along Main Street and beyond.
If it wasn’t for Charles Jesse “Buffalo” Jones, Garden City wouldn’t be what it is today. A towering statue of the plainsman rests on the Finney County Courthouse lawn. Read the panel inscriptions to learn more about his legacy.
In patriotic fashion, the courthouse lawn is also home to a Little Sisters of Liberty replica statue, one of over 200 like it across the United States. In 1950, the Boy Scouts of America local chapter installed it as part of a national crusade emphasizing liberty and freedom.
Across the street, an oversized rustic metal sculpture resembling a geometric buffalo stands at attention. Stop here for a quick photograph before exploring the rest of the downtown area’s sculptures.
PRO TIP: Garden City’s walkable historical home tour is worthy of consideration if you appreciate architecture. View the locations.
MAGNIFICENT MURAL
A town that celebrates the arts by installing a mural conveys a happy personality. The Monarch Butterfly Mural (310 N 7th Street) represents a new life and the plant life is meant to reflect the town’s name and the diverse people who call Garden City home.
Look closely and you’ll see the stages of a butterfly’s life cycle. A local told me the city plans on adding an AI interactive component to the mural making it an engaging experience for those who stop to enjoy it.
GARDEN CITY ARTS
No other place in town honors the talents of makers and creators as much as Garden City Arts (318 N Main Street), a non-profit organization benefiting the community.
Stop in to view current art exhibits or inquire about taking a pre-enrolled single-session class. Walk-ins are welcomed if available spots are open.
I was happy to learn that not only is much of the gallery’s artwork is for sale, ranging from glass creations to paintings, but more creations are on exhibit at various locations around town.
PRO TIP: Garden City organizes public works of art projects, and you can contribute to them, so be sure to view the gallery’s events calendar.
SIP & SAVOR AROUND TOWN
PATRICK DUGAN’S
When craving a wake-me-up cup of coffee or a mid-day Italian soda, visit Main Street mainstay Patrick Dugan’s (301 N. Main Street). Since 2008, it’s served as a community gathering place for small groups chatting up about the day’s happenings and remote workers who make use of the Wi-Fi to get projects done.
I love a carefully crafted cup of java (they use Kansas-made PT’s Coffee Roaster’s Flying Monkey Espresso), but on the day of my visit I was craving a refreshing iced Italian soda. Its cherry lime flavor quenched my thirst.
If you’re visiting during morning hours, refer to the breakfast sandwich menu and don’t miss the seasonal specialty drinks offerings.
MILK & HONEY AT THE FLIGHT DECK
As a pilot’s girlfriend, I know something about flying into airports to appreciate on-field restaurant fare, and Milk & Honey at the Flight Deck (2215 S. Air Service Road) is certainly worth the trip to Garden City Airport. You don’t have to be a pilot to enjoy their elevated breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu items with views of the tarmac.
The cinnamon roll pancakes arrived stacked and covered with copious vanilla-flavored icing, which I’d recommend for diners with a sweet tooth.
I spied other savory breakfast items at fellow guests’ tables, such as shrimp and grits, biscuits and gravy, and a crab cake club. Maybe you’re craving eggs benedict? You’re in the right place.
Illuminated by sunshine from floor-to-ceiling windows facing the airport’s runway, the restaurant is also a go-to Sunday brunch destination. Seasonal menu items are highlighted on their Facebook page. No reservation is required.
CASA MARIACHI
Mega margaritas, sizzling tacos, and smothered burritos are some of the delectable menu items at Casa Mariachi (125 W Pine Street). But first, sample their chips and salsa, which are some of the best in the state.
Chomp chips while you peruse the six-page menu and listen to Mexican dance music over the speakers.
After careful consideration, I chose a pork burrito smothered in green verde sauce and white queso. My server helped me find what I was craving on the menu, and I was pleased with the pork’s soft texture and savory spices.
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.
TRADITIONS SODA & SANDWICH SHOP
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.
Traditions Soda & Sandwich Shop remains a hometown favorite. Regular customers are recognized by name, and locals stop by for to-go orders. Not many old-fashioned soda fountain counters remain in Kansas, and this one is well worth the visit.
PRO TIP: Borrow a Garden City yearbook from the restaurant’s collection and flip pages while you dine.
NAPOLIS ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Do yourself a favor and dine at Napolis Italian Restaurant (2204 E. Kansas Avenue #5) for traditional Italian chicken entreés, pizza, and sizzling baked pasta dishes rich in flavor.
If you partake in a pre-dinner drink, ask your server for the wine menu or select from an imported beer list. During my dinner-time visit, I found the service attentive and friendly.
The house salad was good, and while I enjoyed the balsamic dressing and crunchy lettuce, it left me wishing it had less cheese and more sliced vegetables. But it was okay because the star of the dinner was the baked ziti pasta served bubbling hot.
The cheese stretched with every sauce-coated bite, making it a rave-worthy meal. Regretfully, I was too full from my meal to enjoy cheesecake or a cannoli, but that’s just another reason to return.
PRO TIP: The restaurant posts meal discounts and themed dinner nights to its Facebook regularly, so follow the page to stay in the know.
HIDDEN TRAIL BREWING
Hidden Trail Brewing (2010 E Schulman Avenue) isn’t just another Kansas brewery. Since 2021, it’s been a place where community and visitors alike can hang out and feel welcomed, including families with kids and dog owners who want to relax with a craft beer on the patio.
Unlike other breweries I’ve visited, Hidden Trail Brewing hosts live music and a food truck and encourages people to bring a cake and decorations for an impromptu celebration.
The brewery uses a large, on-site production facility. Three flagship pours are served on tap, and the remaining nine taps are reserved for rotators. The bartender told me the brewery’s gluten-free Wicked West Cider is popular with regulars.
The evening of my visit, an acoustic original songwriter sang while newcomers milled about chatting with friends. I appreciate the brewery wide selection of beer types choosing best-selling El Compadre, a adjunct lager, and maltier Irish ale, Clurichaun.
BONUS PLACES TO SIP & SAVOR
Time ran out before I could sit down for a meal at Hannah’s Corner (comfort food) or Baron’s Steakhouse & Bar (American cuisine), which my host highly recommended. Locals tell me karaoke night at Loving’s Moon bar brings down the house on Saturday nights.
IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME
GARDEN RAPIDS AT THE BIG POOL
Garden Rapids at the Big Pool (504 E Maple Street) is the end-all-be-all of public swimming pools with multiple areas for aquatic fun. Endurance swimmers will appreciate the competitive lap pool, while families with kids are likely to gravitate to the elephant slide, Otter Rapids or Dolphin Dive.
If the outdoors is more your mode, consider playing 18 holes at Buffalo Dunes Golf Course or Southwind Golf Course. Prefer to see nature from two wheels? Ride your bike along the Talley Trail greenway.
No matter the itinerary, you can make unlimited happy memories exploring Garden City, a Southwest Kansas destination sure to exceed your expectations.
We watched feats of bravery as each pilot pushed their aircraft to the limit overhead. The show boss called the action to the backdrop of high-energy music choreographed with each pilot’s show.
The crowd engaged with applause and often jumped out of their seats to examine the action on the ground before takeoff.
Our seats, positioned directly behind the guide rope, gave us unobstructed close-up views, which you don’t often get at big city airshows. The Saturday and Sunday daytime shows were spectacular. Unfortunately, due to rain, we didn’t watch the Twilight Airshow.
A proud Wichitan, I especially love witnessing people admire the airworthy 
A DTWA helicopter whizzed overhead, providing non-stop rides over the airport and the surrounding area. Attendees needing speed fastened their seat beats for a Drive Experience with Precision Exotics racing down the tarmac.
At the DreamBig Entertainment experiences, airshow attendees paid a small fee to climb into a stationary F-18 or F/A 18 cockpit for a photo opportunity.
The presence of these remarkable aircraft is fitting, given that Great Bend Army Field was a United States Air Force base. Today, it operates as Great Bend Municipal Airport, the same airport I took my first flight at as a second grader.
Constructed in the 1940s, the installation honors pilots trained to fly the Superfortress bombers and the B-29’s support staff.
PRO TIP: Bring a lawn chair to position it where you’d prefer to watch the show. Keep in mind some vendors only accept cash. Parking is free.
I ordered a single Build Your Own Burger with cheddar cheese and delicious homemade potato chips. The Philly sandwich arrived stuffed with sauteéd mushrooms, peppers, and onions with melted Swiss cheese on a hoagie roll.
PRO TIP: Order your meal when you put in your drink order to accommodate a busy dining room. Prepare to spend more if you order side sauces like au jus or ranch dressing.
The well-designed restaurant’s dining room transports you to Mexico, and the bar area, complete with televisions, is the ideal place to watch the game.
I devoured a traditional chicken and chorizo entreé with savory beans, rice, and warm tortillas. After a visit to the Salsa Bar, I topped each bite with a creamy avocado salsa for added heat.
If you love enchiladas or burritos, you have a variety to choose from, and the steak burrito covered with white queso is worth ordering.
PRO TIP: Visit the restaurant on Taco Tuesday for $2 tacos with your choice of six meats.
The smell of carne asada permeated the air as we ordered street tacos and burritos for an early lunch. Sitting at one of a few booths, we sipped bottled drinks, watching as people arrived to pick up to-go orders.
The food was crave-worthy. Mary’s Kitchen deserves its stellar online reviews.
The cafe is the go-to place for local coffee groups who chat about the day’s news amongst friends. The barista busily prepares steaming hot coffee and tea drinks while the kitchen staff cooks morning meals.
My bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast pizza served on crispy thin crust was some of the best I’ve eaten, and I happily requested a to-go container for leftovers. It tastes better than Casey’s breakfast pizza.
I’ve drank craft beer at over 30 Kansas breweries, and this one is easily one of my favorites for its beer quality and selection. The staff, who took time to get to know us, was friendly and attentive.
We loved our experience so much on Friday night that we returned to celebrate Oktoberfest on Saturday, which included a laugh-inducing stein-holding competition. (If you don’t drink beer, Dry Lake Brewing serves seltzers and signature cocktails and can make just about any drink from its full bar.)
PRO TIP: Lazy Bacon BBQ makes regular appearances in Great Bend. Check its 
The store carries brands including Pendleton, Liverpool, and Wrangler. If you’re in a rush to find a comfortable pair of jeans or shirt for a last-minute date night, you’ll find it here.
Aside from shoes, leather handbags, and hats, their inventory of women’s jewelry impressed me. Ask to try on a turquoise necklace or ring from inside the Southwest jewelry case.
Mosey to the rear of the store to the 
Known for its therapeutic horse-riding program, Rosewood names each wine varietal after one of the horses. From dry to sweet wine, we loved the Smooth Movin Sheik Malbec enough to purchase a bottle.
The shop’s owner stocks various Kansas-made products, including souvenir gifts for travelers seeking a sunflower or Wizard of Oz trinket. However, I spend the most time perusing the shelves in the back of the store shopping for jarred condiments of dip mixes – samples available
The other side of the store is devoted to selling women’s apparel and jewelry. Look for the clearance shelves for deep discounted finds.
If you’re shopping for a gift, consider purchasing Blind Date With a Book (mystery title!) or one of the many screen-printed graphic t-shirts available.
The best part? A massive indoor enclosed patio at the rear of the store is home to new and antique must-have gifts ranging from garden displays to signage with messaging. Refined Medley sells an assortment of great finds hand-selected by its owner, and I’ll cherish the seasonal decor I purchased.
I spotted two new-to-me oversized creations, which prompted me to get out of my car for a closer look at “Leave a Legacy” by artist Melanie Ryan (1307 Lakin Avenue) and a Kansas-themed mural by artist Brady Scott at 1125 Williams Street.
Other artistic creations in the downtown area include painted boxes with varying whimsical designs.
Not to be missed is the awe-inspiring bronze statue of Jack Kilby in front of the Barton County Courthouse, “The Gift,” by local artist Chet Cale (1400 Main Street). It depicts the microchip inventor, a man who grew up in Great Bend, transmitting knowledge from one generation to the next.
Another sculpture installation, “Remember When,” donated by Tommy Hammond, is located at Rosewood Furniture Gallery (1607 Main Street). It features four aging men of distinctive character looking forward to a vision of their youth.
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.
As mentioned, the park is home to native and non-native trees to pay homage to the Battle of Argonne Forest. If you walk the paved sidewalk through the park, note signs near trees explaining the variety.
Bonus reasons to spend time at Veteran’s Memorial Park include the Kiwanis Club Fitness Trail, new playground equipment areas, tennis courts, ballparks, and sand volleyball.
PRO TIP: Spend a few minutes admiring the restored tanks at the park’s entrance, which are displayed beyond a row of flagpoles.
Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism, the education center is a must-stop for nature lovers who want to learn how the state’s ecosystems evolved from the days of its earliest inhabitants to today.
An illuminated floor display and tactile exhibits made the self-guided tour engaging and one that kids would certainly appreciate. We especially enjoyed viewing snakes, rodents, and fish in the classroom’s aquariums.
Before returning to the car to drive the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve and admire birds, we learned more about the recently spotted waterfowl in the area.
Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve is a birder’s paradise offering glimpses of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds. Before embarking on our trek, a helpful staff member provided a handheld map, which came in handy navigating the acreage.
As we meandered dirt roads on a portion of the 41,000 acres, we spotted a half dozen bird varieties and picturesque views of the Kansas scenery. You’ll love this free outdoor activity.
Outdoor and Indoor Habitats
During our Sunday visit on a cool fall morning, exotic birds mimicked our whistle calls, a grizzly bear used its claws to expose soil in search of grub worms, and a female lion tracked our steps from a raised platform.
Wild birds escorted us, including swans, ducks, and a peacock from habitat to habitat. Periodically, we stopped to take photos at interactive photo displays and bronze sculptures.
For a truly immersive zoo visit, I recommend an animal encounter session led by a zoo keeper, reservable in advance.
You can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by a zookeeper who explains each animal’s story and daily behavior.
PRO TIP: Bring cash for a donation in lieu of admission, if you wish. The zoo’s retail store is stocked with keepsakes ideal for the youngest animal lovers.
The renovated 1950s-era single-family home sleeps four guests and features a queen bed and two twin beds. The highly rated vacation rental, outfitted with traditional-style furniture, is designed with a patriotic theme.
Wood floors creaked underfoot as we toured the home after self check-in (4:00pm). The home was meticulously clean and each room was designed for a comfortable stay with extra blankets, alarm clocks, and charging stations.
We avoided cooking a meal or grilling outside to prevent clean-up, however, I used a Keurig coffee machine and supplied coffee daily.
Although the home doesn’t allow pets, the fenced backyard is a decent size and includes a quaint patio seating area and Blackstone Grill.
REMINDER: The provided house manual emphasizes the house rules and clean-up tasks, which you should adhere closely to avoid added fees.
Nearby towns 
After exploring Salina, it was nice to come “home” to modern amenities and comfy beds. We took advantage of the indoor pool and spa for ultimate relaxation. A complimentary full breakfast topped our list of must-have accommodations making Hampton Inn a smart choice for an overnight stay. “Hampton’s On the House” breakfast is served daily from 6 am-10 am.
I purchased a freshly brewed coffee with creamer and a flaky croissant. The place was abuzz with activity, so I took a number and waited for my order. Trendy music played while baristas filled cups with cold-brewed coffees and prepped fruit smoothies. Moka’s Coffee has perfected the cafe formula. Modern atmosphere + Delicious Menu Items = Must-Visit Café. I’ll certainly return for a Mile-High Sandwich for lunch sometime.
SculptureTour Salina encourages you to vote on your favorite sculpture using a ballot deposited into a box at mid-block pedestrian crosswalks. With so many incredible works on display, how do you pick only one? We loved “Butterfly Tree” by Reven Marie Swanson from Colorado. The engineering of the piece kept the butterflies balanced and moving, a design element that made it unique from the others.
All of the sculptures are available for purchase. The sculptures are replenished downtown as each one sells. However, some remain on exhibit like my personal favorite, “Off the Merry-Go-Round” by Jodie Bliss, which was purchased by Homewood Suites. To learn more about SculptureTour Salina and how to cast your vote, visit their 
The collection of fiber artists’ work continued throughout the gallery showcasing thread painting, beadwork, weaving, and quilting techniques. As a frequent museum-goer, I’m used to seeing paintings and drawings. “
We loved the variety of choices on Food Row. The hardest part was deciding what to eat thanks to so many delicious options. The smell of bbq permeated the air. The sizzling sound of paella drew onlookers. The line formed for Tex-Mex. In the end, I decided to order a Walking Taco. It is a snack-sized bag of Doritos filled with taco toppings that you eat with a fork! My boyfriend couldn’t resist ordering an Italian sausage served with peppers and onions. Honestly, this food court rivaled some of the best I’ve seen in quality and selection.
Visual arts are a focus of the festival. A portion of the festival is devoted to artists selling their work and demonstrating it. We enjoyed visiting with a landscape photographer at his vendor tent and talking about the many places he worked. Art installations were added on the festival grounds for people to enjoy. The festival features eight artisans and almost two dozen installations. It truly is an #EpicArtsParty.
The festival’s live music is astounding. At any given time, there were bands playing on various stages around the park. We walked between stages to enjoy the sounds of The Marcus Lewis Band, SunDub, and The Hooten Hallers. All of the bands were talented, but we enjoyed 
We could’ve stayed all day, but we had more of Salina to check out. Our experience at Smoky Hill River Festival was memorable and one that I look forward to repeating next year. Parking was a non-issue, the park’s trees provided ample shape, and the option to bring a cooler of canned drinks was a pleasant surprise. To plan your visit to next year’s festival, check their 
The family-owned restaurant is always bustling with locals and tourists enjoying the sports bar-like atmosphere. The in-house craft beers on tap include standards you would want to see plus specialty beers like Hatch Green Chili Cream Ale or my favorite, Watermelon Crawl.
During our visit, we quickly became friends with a brother and sister duo from the area. Whitty, fun, and super knowledgeable about Salina, we compared travel stories and talked about our love of craft beer. They told us about Blue Skye’s award-winning Bloody Mary bar and brunch menu. So, of course, we returned the next morning to try it. It was fun! The server brings you a glass of ice with a shot of vodka. Your task is to make craft your own Bloody Mary recipe using a variety of tomato-based juices, hot sauces, and add-ins. As you can see in the photo below, we had a blast using the skewers to make a bouquet of tasty treats.
I’d recommend putting Blue Skye at the top of your list of places to eat when in Salina. The locals are welcoming, and the menu exceeds your expectations. Insider Tip: Don’t forget to check out the hallway leading to the bathroom.
The place was voted by Google as a Top Rated Burger and Best Burger Joint in Kansas 2012 from USA Today. A Single Cozy is $1.29, Double $2.19, and multiple packs start with six burgers up to 36. They are so yummy, that people buy them frozen to go! We ordered a six-pack of burgers with a bag of chips and a soft drink to enjoy at an outdoor picnic table. Between bites, I noticed people eating in their cars, riding up to the stand on bikes, and newcomers devouring burgers for the first time. They’ll all return for more. It’s a rite of passage to eat at 
All in all, we had a fantastic time in Salina. If it’s been years since you’ve traveled to the area, it’s time for a return visit – so much has been updated! Should you ask yourself, “Where could we visit in Kansas that promises a good time?” Salina is the answer.
