Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own.
Frontenac, Kansas, is a town proud of its place on the map. Located on the Frontier Military Historic Byway, it is renowned for its rich coal-mining history and vibrant community spirit, making it one of my top small-town destinations in the Southeastern region.
Founded in 1886, Frontenac is the second largest city in Crawford County and is located less than a 10-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg. The population boomed after the Santa Fe Railroad attracted immigrants to the area in search of work opportunities. An area rich with coal, immigrants mined in the Cherokee Crawford Coal Fields, which was a primary occupation until World War II.
Today, the population totals almost 3,500 residents, and the ones I met were welcoming and kind. Everyone was eager to share their pride for Frontenac.
Find Your Fun in Frontenac, Kansas: Where Coal Mining History Meets Community Spirit
Miners Park
Your first stop when touring Frontenac should be Miners Park, located across the street from the new Frontenac Public Library (200 E. McKay) in the heart of downtown.
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 Little Balkans Days over Labor Day Weekend.
Heritage Hall Museum Inside Frontenac Public Library
Not only is Frontenac home to a new museum, but the town also gained a new library in 2025. The Heritage Hall Museum (200 E. McKay Street) offers an immersive experience for visitors, featuring replica buildings and exhibits that bring Frontenac’s mining, entrepreneurial, and religious past to life, while honoring its roots in Southeast Kansas dating back to 1886.
I can’t emphasize enough how impressive this museum is, particularly in its handcrafted design and thoughtfully curated artifacts.
Frontenac residents have a lot to be proud of, and you owe it to yourself to visit the Heritage Hall Museum at the Frontenac Public Library. Museum-goers begin a self-guided tour at the front desk. Meandering through a pathway that led me to each replica building felt like I was stepping into Frontenac’s past.
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.
McKay Street Coffeehouse
Next, visit McKay Street Coffeehouse (200 E. McKay), which is accessible via the Frontenac Public Library as well. Serving espresso drinks, Italian sodas, tea, and pastries, I thought the quaint cafe was the ideal place for an early-morning Bootlegger Bourbon Caramel Latté served over ice.
If you’re unsure which coffee drink to order, the staff told me locals love a signature drink, The Raider, prepared with dark and white chocolate syrup. They also feature a Drink of the Month, farm-to-table salads daily, and homemade pie one day a week.
The locally owned coffee shop sells Signet Coffee Roasters beans, a Pittsburg-based roastery operated by a couple who admittedly became coffee lovers later in life. You can also purchase scones, muffins, and bottled drinks.
During my visit, a steady stream of locals came and went, accompanied by music playing from a Bluetooth speaker.
PRO TIP: Visit the Free Little Library to select a complimentary book. Don’t miss the game wall, stocked with board and card games to play over coffee and conversation.
Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill
Shooters Neighborhood Bar & Grill (311 E. McKay) serves a tasty lunch or dinner meal in a sports bar atmosphere where televisions flank every wall and the billiards table is often in play.
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.
If it’s a juicy burger you crave, you have come to the right place, as the menu includes various styles, including a two-patty stacked burger named after the bartender, the Big Merle.
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.
Drinkers will find five beers on tap, and the complete bar can “make any drink you want,” according to a posted sign.
Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop
What if the key to living a long life was to eat a bowl of ice cream before going to bed every night? The woman who inspired Granny’s Chip Chocolate Ice Cream & Candy Shop (214 E. McKay Street) lived to be 102 years old.
Add Frontenac’s favorite ice cream shop to your Southeast Kansas road trip. Open six days a week, it’s more than a place to grab a cone. It’s where the community gathers to swap stories over nearly 50 irresistible flavors of premium ice cream.
They serve super premium crafted with 16% butterfat for an unbelievably rich, velvety bite in every scoop. Go classic with a single or double scoop, blend your favorite into a thick, dreamy milkshake, or order an ice cream flight to sample four flavors in one go.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie? Yes, please. Chocolate Chip? Of course.
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 Facebook page for seasonal hours before arriving.
PRO TIP: If you’re unsure what ice cream flavor to order, ask for samples. They provided me with several during my first visit.
Pickled Pete’s Bar & Grill
At Pickled Pete’s Bar & Grill (303 E. McKay), live music, performed by local and national songwriters, is the draw on Fridays and Saturdays. The kitchen, which serves fried appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, nachos, and chili, operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to dine there since I was only visiting Frontenac for a few hours before driving on to explore more of Crawford County. But I’ll definitely be back.
The locally-owned sports bar prides itself on honoring first responders and the military community.
PRO TIP: View the upcoming live music and trivia calendar.
Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market & Deli
In 1909, a grocery store opened by Atillo Pallucca and Enrico Moriconi in Frontenac. A family-run business, Pallucca’s Italian Meat Market & Deli (207 E. McKay Street), continues the tradition of providing Italian deli meats and meals to shoppers as well as serving sandwiches to walk-in customers.
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.
Palluccas is a fantastic option if you want to purchase meals made from original recipes, such as take-and-bake lasagna, stuffed shells with cheese, or pulled pork. Preview the menu to order online.
PRO TIP: Attend Festa Italiana: A Taste of Nations festival, which draws up to 3,000 people in September at the Raider Sports Complex. You won’t want to miss the cannoli-eating contest.
Barto’s Idle Hour Steakhouse & Lounge
A stop on the Freedom Chicken and Fried Chicken Trail, Barto’s Idle Hour Steakhouse & Lounge (201 Santa Fe Street) serves double duty as a dinner destination and bar where live music plays on Friday and Saturday nights for a dance-happy crowd.
In business since 1951, the restaurant’s famous fried chicken keeps folks coming back. Why fried chicken? That’s what the owner, Ray Barto, liked to eat, so they perfected the recipe.
The restaurant wasn’t open when I was in town, but what a thrill it will be to mark it off my Kansas fried chicken restaurant bucket list the next time I’m in the area.
Farmhouse Cafe
If you’re seeking a breakfast sit-down meal, Farmhouse Cafe (4130 S Parkviews) serves large portions of comfort classics seven days a week. Not only do they serve breakfast all day, but the menu features lunch items and a daily dinner special.
I wasn’t overly hungry when I arrived, so I chose a toasted breakfast sandwich with a side of fresh fruit instead. The owner, Ismail, introduced himself, and within minutes of talking with him, it was easy to see how passionate he is about cooking scratch-made meals for the community. His recipes use fresh ingredients and homemade sauces.
PRO TIP:
Bonus Stops
Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Frontenac City Park Lake (700 N. Cherokee Street), a scenic spot to drop a line at the fishing dock or teach kids about nature, seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Crawford State Park, Lake, and the Farlington Fish Hatchery are about a 30-minute drive northeast if you are interested in camping, fishing, boating, hiking trails, wildflower walks, or taking a tour of the hatchery (appointments required).
Are you more interested in shopping local? Past Time Antiques & Flea Market (4030 Parkview Drive) is a treasure hunter’s escape. Old furniture, sports equipment, home decorations, and more await those who are ready to find a deal.
I promise you will delight in how much it offers visitors who visit during a day trip. I’ve explored several small towns in Kansas, and Frontenac makes my list for communities that exceed expectations.
If you’re interested in extending your trip, consider my blog post, The Ultimate Travel Guide to Pittsburg, Kansas.
BONUS: Before departing from the historic site area, look across the street at the mural, “First Kansas Colored Infantry” painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2023. Click 
A major fan of his work and a previous photography teacher, I was elated to tour the museum to glimpse Parks’ cameras, his framed photography, and to view a replica of Park’s New York City apartment.
Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour by the museum’s director, who informed us about the international impact Parks’ work as a photographer had, but also as a filmmaker, writer, and musician. Parks taught himself how to do it all.
Later, we went on a special guided 
Born in Fort Scott, he lived in the Kansas town for the first 16 years of his life only to return later to document the town in a photo essay. He filmed scenes for his movie The Learning Tree at Gunn Park, which was also included in our tour. He wrote the screenplay, directed, acted, produced and wrote the musical score for the semi-autobiographical film.
Another stop of our tour took us to a mural depicting Parks painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc. Located at 18 E. Wall Street, Tribute to Gordon Parks “No Place Like Home” includes a portion of his Homecoming poem.
Lastly, our trolley tour ended with a visit to the town’s newest tribute, the 
Interpretive panels inform about the church’s namesake, Bishop Wayman, previous pastors, and a timeline of events documents its history.
A bricklayer’s fingerprints can still be seen in the church’s original bricks, which were added to the Wayman Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Commemorative Park established on the site where the church once stood.
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum. Many displays include a video component or touchscreen interaction. Don’t miss the outdoor displays, and look for the stars during a self-guided sidewalk tour.
During our two-hour workshop, I learned how the owner sources Bourbon County clay, prepares it for projects, and uses it to create stunning kitchenware and decorative pieces.
If you’re interested in an art class (they range in mediums from painting to pottery), view 
Be sure to shop for a new treasure in the art gallery. Handcrafted items include oversized whimsical clay designs, dinnerware, coffee mugs, wall art, and jewelry.
Also known for an equally dynamic lunch menu, Cohn’s Cafe on Main, offers diners another reason to visit. The Green Lantern dinner menu features main dishes such as German Goulash and Short Rib Ravioli.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the 100 South Main Mercantile & Market, which sells Kansas-made gifts and Fort Scott memorabilia.
PRO TIP: Check for the day’s menu specials on 
During my visit, I learned that the commercial kitchen space with state-of-the-art equipment can be rented by food truck operators and small business chefs.
A retail marketplace at the front of the space, The Kitchen C+C, is where kitchen tenants can sell grab-and-go cuisine, including daily lunch specials.
To learn more about Fort Scott, view Kansas Tourism’s 
I chose the Cinnamon Dolce Chai Tea Latte served over ice during my visit. I didn’t mind the short wait for my iced coffee because I was keen to sit in a tiny alcove of the café decorated with modern finishes and seating for two people. It provided a private space to enjoy my beverage while using free Wi-Fi to catch up on work.
I know I’m biased when I tell others there is always great dining and fun entertainment in Wichita, but it’s true.
The town was hosting the 15th Annual Fall Fest the day I arrived and the Kansas weather couldn’t have been more beautiful.
Shut the Door Contest
During my self-guided tour, I came upon whimsical paintings depicting flowers and landscape scenes. One door showcased a Mexican restaurant’s theme. You don’t necessarily need a map to find the back door murals. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down the alleyways in the downtown area.
With names like “Giraffes on Parade,” “Random Scraps,” and “Flying Geese,” each quilt was an expression of the creator’s personality. Table toppers and queen-sized bedding creations drew attention.
You can expect a free, self-guided tour to see exhibits featuring one-room schoolhouse items, Carrie Nation history, barbed wire history, World War I & II memorabilia, and the tools of 1900s trades. The building itself is historic because of its aging architecture and tin ceilings. View the museum’s hours 
Kernodle’s two-frame mural showcases an early version of how the Tallgrass Prairie used to look when it flourished. The second painting on the right represents the current state of the prairie.
Other murals around town will grab your attention. Cruise just beyond the boundary of the downtown area to see murals like the one pictured below painted on the side of a building at Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 KS-16).
I ordered an 8″ Meat Lovers Pizza at the counter and sat down and waited for it. Families continued to pour into the restaurant looking for open seating. Customers with call-in orders approached the counter. The phone never stopped ringing.
But it’s more than a variety store. Everyone I talked to in town raved about its old-fashion soda fountain, so I had to order a classic chocolate ice cream cone. Kids in the store gleefully looked at shelves of candy asking their parents to buy Laffy Taffy or suckers. The store is a mainstay in Holton dating back decades. You’ll appreciate the building’s original floors and tin ceiling.
Shoppers earn discounts if they sign up for the “Text Club” and they are willing to ship items via USPS to you. If you join their rewards membership, you earn one point for every pre-tax dollar you spend on a purchase.
Employees keep shoppers intrigued by offering specials from $5 Grab Bags to discounted merchandise specials. Stay up to date on the latest inventory and deals by checking their 
In addition, you’ll discover new items from home decor to packaged specialty foods. You’re bound to want a canister of hot chocolate mix, apple butter, or dipping mix.
Prior to the performance, attendees enjoyed a catered homestyle meal with dessert at community tables with other audience members. Affordable cocktails were available for purchase.
I’d highly recommend you try to plan your trip to Holton around the theater’s upcoming performance. The actors’ talent was impressive. To view the event schedule and reserve a ticket, visit the box office details 
Seated indoors, I noticed that most of the morning café traffic came via the drive-thru. I found the interior of the café to be inviting. The employees were patient as I chose my menu items and were more than welcoming.
All of the homes on the tour are private residences except one that is maintained by the Jackson County Historical & Genealogical Society. I was amazed by the 
The nearby 
During my drive around town, I got out of the car to get a closer look at the statuary honoring Holton’s residents. Be sure to check out the war memorial honoring US Army Sergeant Bernard Lee Deghand in the town’s courthouse square. You’ll also be in walking distance of a cannon statue “Erected by Will Wendell in 1913.”
Military memorials at the park are impressive. Holton is a Purple Heart City, so the memorial on site honors every medal recipient. A World War II memorial pays tribute to Company “E” of the 137th Infantry who died at war.
The town’s
As I looked for a clear or colored orb, I appreciated the picturesque views that included fishing piers, a 9-hole disc golf course, and campsites. Walking trails weaved around the lake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find an orb but I enjoyed the search. If you find one, you can keep it. But should you locate a second orb, you are encouraged to leave it where it is or re-hide it. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time! View a map of the area 
As we made our way to a table, I stopped to peer inside double-door refrigerator housing plates of sliced pie. I knew I wasn’t leaving the restaurant without devouring a slice.
I loved my visit to Holton. As they say, you can have it all in Jackson County. Holton embraces visitors and you’ll feel just as welcome as I did.
I encourage you to travel to Holton for an overnight stay to explore a small-town setting with some of the state’s top attractions. You’ll never lack for something to discover in this charming town north of Topeka.
Located in Kiowa County, less than a two hours drive from Wichita, Greensburg is a small town reimagined. Rebuilt with sustainability in mind, many of its homes and buildings put the “green” in Greensburg thanks to water-saving features, alternative energy, and earth-friendly design.
Just as I contemplated if I wanted to venture into the well, a busload of gleeful schoolchildren arrived and eagerly walked to the bottom. I’m scared of enclosed spaces and heights, so I chose to stay on the ground floor. The American Water Landmark is truly a sight, and even if you don’t want to walk down into it, seeing it first-hand is worthwhile.
If you visit 
The grounds of the museum include a playground area for kids and free bikes you can borrow to tour the town. The Fleener Family Memorial on display outdoors honors those who perished in the tornado.
PRO TIP: Before visiting the museum, view its hours and admission rates 
Stop four on the tour gave me pause. All that remains of a church that once stood there and later housed Fran’s Antiques Shops is a set of stairs. Red bricks, stairs, and a small pile of rubble.
Other stops worth noting on the bike tour included Starlight Public Art Park and Main Street in the downtown corridor. The park is home to one-of-a-kind sculptures. Nearby native plants and Russian Sage decorate Main Street in concrete planters watered by rainwater captured in underground cisterns.
The summer matinee was a popular choice. When not screening films. the theatre is used by the high school and area groups as a performing arts space.
Open six days a week for dine-in or drive-up orders, the restaurant is a local favorite. They show up for a hearty meal or select steaks or sausage from the refrigerated case to grill at home.
PRO TIP: You need to leave room for dessert. Kook’s is where I rediscovered my love of pie. Regina knows how to make them better than anyone. She had me taste every pie and cake in the refrigerated case! They tasted divine.
Catherine’s Massage & Bodywork (101 S. Main, Suite 206) instantly transports you to a place of zen. The owner, a certified kinesiologist and massage therapist welcomes customers needing to improve their health. The retail space carries an abundance of personal care products, jewelry, and gift items. Don’t forget to check out the clearance shelf for marked-down deals.
PRO TIP: Plan your visit when the majority of downtown shops are open Thursday-Saturday. Check each of the links above. I can’t wait to return to visit a few stores that were closed, including
Inside, visitors can peruse the gallery’s artwork at no charge; however, donations are gladly accepted. During my visit, I fell in love with the work of Kansas artist/farmer 
After my indoor gallery tour, I walked the property and back buildings outside. The contents were left untouched since his death in 2017.
The man collected 6,000+ coffee cups. Why? No reason. His work glove still sits on the ground near the building’s entrance. Welding tools, an old fan, and racks with splattered paint block the entrance. You simply have to walk the property, see his artwork, and imagine the artist welding metal together.
Liggett’s artwork has to be seen in person to appreciate it. Like the artist, it is unique, bold, and strikingly curious.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barn was built in 1912. It stands 50’ tall and 70’ in diameter. The structure has fourteen hours stalls on a perimeter. The Fromme family were homesteaders who farmed the land and owned prize-winning horses.
You can expect comfortable beds, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi with access to a business workspace. The price per night seems reasonable given the amenities.
A small town’s pride is undeniable. You rarely get to see it on permanent display, so I appreciate museums that include relics from the past that pay homage to school spirit. I imagine it wasn’t easy to curate items for the display after the tornado destroyed the town, but they managed to assemble a respectable collection.
Be sure to visit the restored 
PRO TIP: Feeling super hungry and perhaps a little adventurous? Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.
PRO TIP: A table near the entrance houses new non-fiction books, and a good-sized library area is devoted to children’s books. Ask about upcoming events designed for kids, like the weekly craft session and reading programs.
The restaurant is furnished with farm-themed decor. Guests enter under a massive metal windmill covered in lights, and framed prints of horses cover the walls. Country music plays in the background. Light fixtures made of minnow buckets and tractor sets hang overhead.
One step inside the building, and you immediately realize its design is unlike any school building you’ve seen before. The ceiling and walls are made from reclaimed wood from Southeast Kansas barns, which absorb sound. Natural light floods into every hallway, gymnasium, and classroom. In 2013, they added a new addition to the school outfitted with a limestone exterior and cypress wood salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Designed to be a Smart building, the HVAC system is state-of-the-art. Each classroom draws fresh air, which is recirculated outside. Underground geothermal wells maximize energy consumption. The same wells provide renewable energy to many of the town’s community buildings.
Lockers made from recycled plastic line the hallways for the students in the upper grades. School children sit in classrooms outfitted with top-notch technology, looking out of windows to landscape spaces. Outdoors, rainwater is collected on the rooftop and stored in four cisterns. Drought-resistant native grasses dot the open spaces.
If you get the opportunity to tour the
Greensburg is a town that will surprise you. The community’s determination to rebuild itself as a thriving community and now tourism destination is impressive. I encourage you to book an overnight stay or take a day trip from Wichita to experience its attractions first-hand.
I spent an overnight stay in Bonner Springs, which I was glad for because between sunrise and sunset I was busy exploring and needed the extra time. My first stop? Checking into my lodging accommodations at 
Guests have access to a complimentary hot breakfast, indoor heated pool and hot tub, as well as an up-to-date fitness center with treadmills. The rooms are quiet and spacious – two must-haves for exhausted travelers who want a place to relax after a day of exploring Bonner Springs. Parking was a non-issue despite the fact the hotel stays busy with guest arrivals.
Not only does Ten & Two prepare specialty drinks and drip coffee, but they also serve breakfast sandwiches and pastries. A steady flow of customers consisting of locals and out-of-towners came in the door while I enjoyed a homemade cinnamon roll and a cup of signature coffee from a comfortable couch.
I spied beer on draft and a menu of specialty cocktails behind the coffee bar. Sure enough, Ten & Two transforms into a taproom after dark.
I drove a few blocks from The Fuel House to the Historic Downtown District to do a little shopping. Correction: A lot of shopping. Within three short blocks, I saw numerous boutiques. A few appealing eateries. I was delighted. I parked the car and set out on foot to see what I could find. My wallet was burning a hole in my pocket.
The tiny store was stocked to the gills with packaged seasonings, jams, and retro candies. The refrigerated case teased shoppers with whole cheesecakes, ice cream treats, and copious amounts of cheeses and meats. The food store is the place where neighbors visit with one another and the town’s sheriff stops by for a to-go snack.
If you’re someone who appreciates knowing where their food comes from, Karen’s Country Kitchen is the place to shop. Every package’s label lists a farmer or maker by name including the town where the food was sourced.
Owned and operated by female entrepreneurs, it’s the kind of place where they serve wine slushies or mimosas for special events.
If you don’t find the ideal gift for someone, they will custom create it for you. Their staff can print any word or phrase onto apparel or drinkware. Now, that’s great customer service. View the 
I fixated on the front display showcasing a Christmas tree and shelves of miniature gnomes. They certainly know just what shoppers are looking for during the holiday season.
Say for example that you’re on the hunt for items for a photo shoot or to gift to someone who collects vintage sit-abouts, you’re in luck. The store is filled with retro finds. Perhaps you’re more in the mood to shop for a new candle or a pretty piece of jewelry. Yowza Antiques is one-stop shopping.
I found just what I was searching for… a knit headwrap to keep my ears warm just in time for winter. And the price was reasonable – score!
New to the neighborhood, they’ve earned a loyal following. Farmhouse-style decor, t-shirts imprinted with positive sayings, and go-to gifts for friends who need a good laugh are just what fans flock to the store in search of. Preview the latest inventory for sale on their 
A firefighter standing in line behind me said I couldn’t go wrong with any of the sandwich options and that I should also “order the brownie.” My turkey avocado bacon sandwich was served on pillow-soft bread with a side of chips. I settled into a cozy seat near the rear of the cafe and watched as customers made their way to the counter.
Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso or meal with conversation. If you prefer reading while sipping a latté, check out the “Borrow a Book or Buy It $1” display in the rear of the cafe.
The Wi-Fi is free. The coffee is flavorsome and the food is so good you won’t have a single crumb left on your plate. View Third Space Coffee’s hours 
Breslow, who started as a woodworker, is passionate about his craft. He took me around the retail area of the store to teach me the difference between marbles. Some marbles are used in competition while others with ornate designs and for display purposes.
He is also known for designing miniature glass sculptures. Ask him to show you his design of eggs and bacon in a frying pan. You’ll discover more whimsical designs as you tour the shop. All of his creations are made with beautiful Italian glass and created on-site at his workbench.
As of now, shoppers are asked to schedule their visits in advance. Once inside, the world of marbles and toys envelopes you. Everywhere you look there are colorful displays of blown glass and marbles. Moon Marble Company also specializes in carrying a large inventory of retro games and traditional toys. I had never seen so many board games for sale in one place.
If your kids complain that they’re bored, take them to Moon Marble Company for a visit. They’ll be in awe of the toys at every turn. Many of the games in stock are ideal for adults. Party planning? Need a gift for someone? The store carries timeless classics as well as trending games ideal for group play.
But not all was lost. I learned about the historical significance of the area from the outdoor exhibits, which referenced tribal ancestry. As the sign reads below, the Wyandot people who lived in Ohio were moved to this location. To read more about their friendship with the Shawnee tribe, visit this informative 
Also located in front of the Wyandotte County Historical Museum rests the World War II Bomber Builders Monument to honor the aviation workers of Kansas City, Kansas who built over 6,000 bombers. Women fulfilled many roles at the Fairfax Bomber plant since men were overseas serving their country during the war.
Admission to the museum is free. To plan your visit and view upcoming exhibits, glance at their information page 
Let me tell you something. I’ve eaten at most of the barbecue joints in the Kansas City area, but this one served some of the best-tasting smoked meat that I’ve enjoyed. The sliced brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends were exceptional. I wasn’t about to sacrifice any of it just because I was full. It was worth packing the leftovers on ice until I could get them home to Wichita to share with others.
Quentin’s BBQ is so popular that they’ve since opened in a restaurant located at the same site as Ten & Two Coffee and The Fuel House. If the dining room is full, take your specialty sandwich or meaty meal outdoors to enjoy on the patio. Afterward, play a lawn game or head inside the complex for dessert at Olde Mill Ice Cream.
If ice cream floats are more your thing, they’ve got you covered. Choose from one of eight flavors from the Stubborn Soda fountain. Open during evening hours, the dessert shop also serves customers milkshakes and ice cream sandwiches.
Bonner Springs blew my socks off. From the attractions to the shopping and delicious meals, I loved visiting the area. With almost a dozen boutiques located in the historic downtown area, I’ll return to do more shopping. Besides, the people were incredibly kind and I want to see them again.
