Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Geary County Convention & Visitors Bureau and its partners. All opinions and photos are my own.
Welcome to Junction City, the home of a thriving restaurant scene with international cuisine and plenty of things to do during an overnight stay.
Although I visited Junction City in the past, this trip proved that the town is rich in diverse food culture. Its military presence, U.S. Army Fort Riley, brings people from across the globe to the Kansas town. If you love tasting ethnic cuisine, take a food tour of Junction City, and don’t miss its notable attractions.
During a two-night stay in Junction City, I dined at the following restaurants and food trucks across town. There are more eateries to discover, so I returned for a deeper dive into the restaurant scene.
TAKE THE INTERNATIONAL DINING TOUR
Korean Garden
Sometimes, it’s worth driving off the beaten path to discover a restaurant worthy of distinction. Korean Garden (310 N. Grand Ave.) is worth the short drive from downtown Junction City for its authentic meals, particularly Main Dish No. 7 Bibimbap, a rice bowl topped with marinated beef, egg, sautéed vegetables, and served with a spicy yet sweet sauce.
I was the second customer of the day after Korean Garden opened its doors for the day, and a Korean woman behind the counter was taking to-go orders by phone and hurriedly packaging styrofoam containers. The grill sizzled in the kitchen as I placed my order, and she ushered me to my appointed table.
Within minutes, my bibimbap entree arrived at the table with a complimentary side dish of pickled salads.
Each one was freshly prepared, and a couple tasted toasted sesame oil, of which I was a big fan. Just as I expected, I loved the traditional bibimbap, having tried it many times. The meat was tender, and the remaining ingredients added a tangy flavor.
PRO TIP: You must order from the dinner entree menu on Saturdays. Bento Boxes are available during the week. Expect a $10 minimum purchase for credit card orders.
La Hacienda Taquieria En Ruedas
Across town, La Hacienda Taquieria En Ruedas (720 Caroline Ave) serves traditional Mexican food from a food truck window to customers and food delivery drivers. It’s permanently located in the commercial business parking lot near Bird Dog Saloon.
The 15-minute wait for my freshly prepared carnitas street tacos was worth it. The double-layered tortillas arrived brimming with succulent, flavorful meat, white onion, and cilantro.
s a fan of medium heat, I used the verde salsa on each and left the much hotter sauce in the box.
PRO TIP: Order online before arriving if you’re in a hurry. Prepare to dine in your car. No outdoor tables are available. If you’re lucky, you may also discover a barbecue food truck parked nearby.
Negril Caribbean Restaurant
Several locals advised me to dine at Negril Caribbean Restaurant (127 W. 7th St), so I didn’t hesitate to go. Preferring an early dinner, I was the only customer at 5:00 pm, but that wasn’t because it wasn’t a reflection of the quality of the food; my curry shrimp entree was delicious.
For 20 minutes, I watched Fast & Furious from a nearby television while sipping a sweet Jamaican bottled soda. Then, the colorful seafood dish served with pickled cabbage and rice was delivered to my table by the owner.
Originally from Jamaica, she moved to Junction City to be near family and decided never to leave. The restaurant is open seven days a week, offering customers genuine Jamaican cuisine consisting of 12 entree selections, including Brown Stew, Curried Goat, and Jerk Chicken.
PRO TIP: Strike up a conversation with the owner. Her love of Junction City is infectious, and her business story is admirable.
Taste of India
The food tour of global cuisine continues at the Taste of India food truck (901 N. Washington St.). Situated near other food trucks in a dedicated parking lot in downtown Junction City, the owner prepares authentic vegetarian and meat dishes in a small kitchen on wheels.
Rather than ordering a large entree, I opted for Veg Samosas, a fried pastry stuffed with diced potatoes, seasonings, and peas served with a thin yogurt-based sauce. Each deep-fried bite was piping hot, delivering a mild flavor. Two samosas per order are a light lunch, but you’d want to order more food for a substantial meal.
PRO TIP: Order food online for pick-up. Locals rave about Tikka Masala and Butter Chicken dishes in online reviews.
Thomas Taste of Chicago
What could be more American than enjoying a tasty hot dog? Thomas Taste of Chicago (105 W. 7th St.) serves classic handhelds, including Vienna-style all-beef hot dogs, stacked burgers, sausage, gyros, and salads. According to the owner, the fast-casual restaurant earned No. 4 Best Burger in the State.
After ordering at the counter, I sat listening to soul music play from a speaker in the dining room where families and downtown workers enjoyed lunch. A buzz with activity near the door, a steady stream of locals arrived to order to-go meals.
I ate every bite of my overflowing, messy hot dog. The sausage snapped with every bite, just as one would expect from an authentic Chicago hot dog.
PRO TIP: The classic hot dog with all the toppings is spicy, so specify no hot peppers if your heat tolerance is low.
Mill Pizza at Highwind Brewing Company
Highwind Brewing Company (726 N. Washington St.) is part taproom, part food hall, and the latest addition to the downtown restaurant scene. Brewery-goers order one of 12 craft beers available on tap (8 are flagship beers) before ordering food from on-site restaurants Mill Pizza or 726 Bistro.
After claiming my bar counter seat and ordering an Azacca Hazy IPA, I took my place in a short line at Mill Pizza, selecting the Italian Chopped Salad for dinner. The staff gave me a buzzer, which sounded only minutes after a few sips of my beer.
Known for signature pizzas like Pesto Chicken and Flint Hills Burn, Mill Pizza serves a hearty, flavorful salad. I enjoyed each bite between sips of my beer while listening to patrons at neighboring barstools discuss their work day.
Stay tuned to the brewery’s Facebook page for announcements about its rooftop bar set to open during Summer 2025, according to one of the restaurant’s partners who chatted with me at the bar.
PRO TIP: If you’re not a beer drinker, don’t worry. The bar is fully stocked with cocktail liquors and wine. Restaurants are open after 4:00 pm. 726 Bistro was closed on the day of my visit.
Other international dining restaurants to check out: Bella’s Italian Restaurant (I ate there in 2021!), Jin Jin Garden Chinese Restaurant, El Patron Dos, Onolicious Hawaiian BBQ, and 10th Street Deli Bulgogi Box.
Bonus Dining or Drinks Must-Stops
D’z Lounge
If you’re craving an after-dinner cocktail, D’z Lounge (714 N. Washington), within walking distance of the brewery, is the place. They serve coffee drinks by day and house-made cocktails at night to patrons who want to unwind with friends or partake in Karaoke Night on Fridays.
I sipped a specialty cocktail made with whiskey, wine, and lemon-lime flavor, which reminded me more of a sangria than a whiskey-forward drink. The quaint bar, designed with black and gold furnishings, included a television.
I was the only customer until more people arrived around 8:00 pm. My impression was that the lounge is known for serving a late-night, adult crowd, a sentiment the staff confirmed.
PRO TIP: If you order from the specialty cocktail menu, expect to spend over $10 per drink. The bar staff can also prepare standard drinks of your choosing.
Frost and Flour
When you’re craving dessert after enjoying dining downtown, Frost and Flour (725 N. Washington St.) serve imported Bliss Artisan ice cream by the scoop and homemade baked goods. The sweet smell of freshly baked cookies (the size of small plates!) fills the space.
I was offered tastings of any ice cream and ultimately decided on Brown Sugar Maple in a small cup. Resisting waffle cones and cookies was tough, but after a long day of sampling great food, I wanted a small portion. The ice cream was creamy and rich in a cinnamon roll-like flavor.
PRO TIP: Ice cream flavors rotate weekly. Ask about gluten-free dessert options.
Paradox Coffee & Bistro
Paradox Coffee & Bistro (419 N. Washington St.) offers early morning guests roasted coffee drinks and breakfast menu items you won’t find at standard cafés. Inside, plush lounge seating near an electric fireplace surrounded by farmhouse-style wall decor is the backdrop to a busy coffee counter.
I devoured avocado toast between sips of Reverie Coffee Roasters drip coffee by the fireplace. I recommend the scratch-made breakfast to anyone seeking a healthier meal option.
PRO TIP: Look for grab-and-go retail items for sale, including bagged coffee, t-shirts, and branded coffee mugs.
SHOP FOR GLOBAL GROCERIES
Food connoisseurs typically appreciate shopping for exotic ingredients and unique gourmet condiments. In Junction City, there is no shortage of ethnic grocery stores, and most of them are locally owned.
El Coqui Latino Market
For a taste of Puerto Rico, a visit to El Coqui Latino Market (914 Grand Ave.) is a must. While I didn’t spot a restaurant counter, their Facebook page showcases their traditional rice dishes. The store is a treasure trove of grocery staples for preparing authentic Puerto Rican meals, and following their social media page is a great way to stay updated on their newly stocked inventory.
Gee’s Sari Sari Filipino & Asian Grocery
At Gee’s Sari Sari Filipino & Asian Grocery (908 Grant Ave), you’ll likely find the ingredients you need, including fresh fruit and frozen meats. The shelves were stocked full of inventory also featuring ceramic gifts.
Whether its canned coconut cream or quail eggs or bottled soy sauce, they sell it.
Kabayan Sari-Sari Store
Across town, Kabayan Sari-Sari Store (835 W. Ash St.) is known for their robust inventory of Asian groceries. Trust me when I tell you that the shelves stocked deep with every kind of prepared food or spice you’re hunting for and more. Reach-in coolers house stacks of exotic seafood and hard-to-find cuts of meat pre-packaged for quick sale.
Bonus Foodie Shopping Finds
Looking deeper into Junction City’s shopping scene, I discovered gourmet foodie gifts ready for sale at places you may not expect.
Hildebrand Farms Dairy
Like me, you probably appreciate learning where your food comes from. Hildebrand Farms Dairy (5210 Rucker Rd.) offers guided tours of its cattle farm and milk production facility, and boy is it interesting.
During my tour with Operation Manager Melissa Reed, I gained an appreciate for the multi-generational business nestled in the Flint Hills. We started with a tour of its retail store, which showcases not only its sought-after milk products but also other Kansas-made products.
With a cup of fresh ice cream, we toured the farm, starting with the baby cows’ barn and venturing into other buildings where cattle dined happily before exiting into the open prairie. Melissa taught me that the dairy farm consists of 120 bred Holstein cows that eat 59 pounds of daily feed. Twelve cows are milked at a time more than once a day, producing fluid milk.
Trucks deliver processed fluid milk, butter, whipping cream, and ice cream mix to Kansas retailers.
PRO TIP: Follow the dirt road to the white building, where the retail store is located. Don’t make the mistake of following Apple Maps using the address, which leads you to their private residence like I did.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (115 N. East. St.) is a food shopper’s delight. Most people think it’s only a homestyle restaurant serving comfort classics such as chicken dinners or breakfast pancakes. Aside from seasonal clothing and toys, the retail/general store features shelves of curated food items.
Shoppers can select from condiments, sweet syrups, and jarred jellies. But beware! The store’s hard candy inventory takes up a fair amount of space, tempting shoppers with handmade fudge and nearly every kind of retro candy you can imagine.
PRO TIP: If don’t see what you’re looking for while shopping, order items online for front-door shipping.
Found 31
A local hinted that I might enjoy perusing a home furniture and decor store, Found 31 (207 E. Spruce St.), and she was correct. The store is a hidden gem across the railroad tracks and near Tractor Supply Co. As soon as I walked inside, I wanted to buy everything for my home, including its inventory of food-related gifts.
Amongst cutting boards and kitchenware, the store displays Finch + Fennel pantry staples. The jarred condiments, seasoning blends, and bottled barbecue sauces designed to make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable.
PRO TIP: The store is only open on Saturdays from 9:00 am -3:00 pm.
Cups of Culture, International Food Tour
Junction City’s robust international culinary scene deserves its celebration, and why not two festivals? Each is located downtown, and the fun begins at Cups of Culture on the first Friday in May. Participating businesses serve drinks and appetizers to patrons ages 21 and older.
International Food Tour kicks off the next day when participants are encouraged to pick up a passport, courtesy of Junction City Main Street, to sample culturally diverse food at booths located at the 100 block of West 8th Street. Passports are $15 per person if purchased in advance or $20 on the event day.
The festival coincides with the first Main Street Market of the season. Other food-related festivals of note include Oktoberfest, Hildebrand Farms Harvest, and Wine and Wassail.
MORE THINGS TO DO WHILE IN TOWN
Work Off Calories at Tallgrass Trail, Milford Nature Center
Foodies need to exercise, am I right? I walk the Tallgrass Trail at Milford Nature Center (3415 Hatchery Dr.) when I want to explore nature and get in my steps. Open seven days a week, the nature center is its draw for its live animals and hands-on interactive exhibits. Combined with a scenic 1.5-mile looping trail with views of a pond and natural prairie, it’s a sure win.
During my second visit to the center, I paused to admire the rehabilitated birds of prey housed outside before trekking the trail. Owls, eagles, falcons, and vultures watch quietly as you approach, and if you’re lucky, a few will engage with you by making noise or to a nearby tree branch.
Once on the trail, walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations. The information plaques detail types of wildlife and teach onlookers what to watch for during their hike.
PRO TIP: After exploring the Tallgrass Trail, spend a few minutes inside Milford Nature Center (donations encouraged). The education center consists of live animal exhibits, such as snakes, prairie dogs, lizards, and more.
Snap Photos of Murals and JC Statues
Another way to add exercise to your visit when not dining at Junction City’s incredible restaurants is to walk its downtown corridor, taking note of vibrant art installations. As I approached Mural Alley (a few blocks north of Heritage Park west of N. Washington St.), I was surprised by the sheer number of street art additions.
At some point, I lost count of the number of murals and began to admire each one. But then I started to notice something. I recognized some of the artists’ names.
Slick Rick, Mindy’s Murals, and others were names I’d seen scrawled on street art designs in other towns. A collaborative effort in the spirit of creativity, Mural Alley is a must-see attraction in downtown Junction City.
Other buildings in the immediate area serve as a canvas for artists. Walk in either direction, and you’ll discover more creations.
A new art installation, JC Statues, continues to tell the story of the town’s history and its residents. Each one is painted by an individual artist, unveiling a theme represented by symbols and paint colors.
Junction City celebrated its 164th birthday in 2023, and these statues serve as a reminder of the connectedness of the community.
PRO TIP: To find them all, stop by the Geary County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau (222 W. 6th St.) to pick up information on how to locate each one.
Admire Architecture in Historic Downtown
Native limestone is a building material used in many downtown buildings, including some of the most awe-inspiring. I recommend carving out time to walk the downtown area (remember to look up!) and admire each one’s architectural design.
If you only have time to see one first-hand, walk to C.L. Hoover Opera House (135 W. 7th). Limestone and red brick combined with tall windows resemble Romanesque Style. The performance venue remains in operation. Read about my tour of it in 2021 in an earlier blog post.
PRO TIP: Take a deeper dive into Junction City, founded in 1858, by clicking this expandable link.
Explore the Past at Geary County Historical Museum
When in Junction City, I don’t pass up the opportunity to explore Geary County Historical Museum (530 N. Adams St.), and neither should you. The building is another stunning example of how masons used native limestone to handcraft a beautiful building, but what’s on view inside is even more intriguing.
Museum staff and volunteers created three floors of thematic exhibits with relics of the county’s past to convey the story of Geary County.
They designed each exhibit a full sensory experience. You hear the sound of the locomotive pulling into station. Sniff History stations make a self-guided tour an immersive experience, and flip-to-learn-more installments test one’s knowledge of pioneer life.
The museum’s third floor consists of local business history, and its newly installed old-fashioned soda fountain sets the scene of the town’s early days. My favorite museum exhibits are found on the main floor, a multi-room layout of Native American and early Geary County history. Don’t skip the basement. Firefighter history awaits.
PRO TIP: If you want to tour Starcke House, another crown jewel of the Geary County Historical Society, on the same property, group tours of the period home can be arranged.
WHERE TO BOOK LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS
Hampton Inn
Junction City offers several nationally known hotels, including Hampton Inn (1039 S. Washinton St.), which is near downtown.
I had not stayed at the hotel before. The room reflected the design and amenities I’d come to expect from Hampton Inn, but the considerable lobby construction for its renovation was a surprise. So, I parked in the back and used the stairs to access my second-floor accommodations.
PRO TIP: Keep in mind, that the hotel offers a fitness center and complimentary hot breakfast. Pets are allowed with a non-refundable $50 fee.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed getting familiarizing myself with Junction City’s food culture, and I suspect I’ll return again in the coming years to find new restaurants gems.
It wasn’t my first time visiting the northern Kansas town. During a 2021 road trip along KS Highway I-70, I stopped in Junction City to explore its top points of interest. Read Junction City: Incredible Places to Visit to learn about other restaurants and Heritage Park.
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.
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 
You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotting the district’s landscape make shopping the area entertaining.
One of the newest additions to Downtown Shawnee’s storefronts, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick, caters to women who love brightly colored, fun, and sometimes whimsical gifts. The hilarious greeting card selection makes gift-giving easy.
Each item in the store is hand-selected by its owner. I appreciated that she stocks handcrafted items by other independently-owned businesses, ranging from jewelry to candles.
Shoppers can expect 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.
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for someone else while shopping for your next book. A hand-curated selection of whimsical greeting cards are for sale.
Many of the gift items are adorned with funny sayings and hilarious phrases. Shoppers know that the owner frequently replenishes the inventory with new items; sometimes, a line of customers forms outside the storefront before it opens.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee. One bite and you’re likely to buy a bag of it.
Melt-in-your-mouth Sea Salt Caramel, Imperial filled with creamy, chocolate ganache, and Vanilla Bean chocolates are some of my top recommendations if you’re creating a bag or box of sweet treats.
Animal lovers will appreciate the selection of domestic and exotic animals. The family owned and operated store’s greeter, Frankie, a Capuchin monkey, excitedly jumps around its cage attracting shoppers’ attention.
For me, the chirping colorful birds and fluffy bunnies were the highlight of the visit.
As I perused the shelves, I noticed the owner carries mostly Midwest brands of bath bombs, personal hygiene products, and household cleaners.
If you’re someone who prefers a sustainable lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the store’s thoughtfully selected inventory.
Suds Refillery hosts a candle filling event every third Thursday of the month, so bring an empty vessel with you when you arrive.
The ideal accommodation for travelers seeking a beautiful vacation rental that sleeps four people or a business traveler who wants more space and comforts of home than a hotel provides, 
Soft pillows and a floor rug are comfortable additions to the living room, a spot where I snuggled up under a blanket to stream my favorite TV shows as the snow fell outside.
The simplicity of the room’s design provided a clutter-free relaxing experience. When I wasn’t resting peacefully, I streamed a movie from the Roku TV options while nestled under a plush duvet. A cellphone charging station on the bedside table made it a hassle-free experience.
Luxury amenities, including Tommy Bahama bath products, a hair dryer, make-up removal washcloths, and soft white towels conveyed Cozy in KC’s sense of care for the guest experience.
The apartment’s second bedroom was equally spacious providing plenty of room for added guests to feel at home. Like the master bedroom, the walk-in closet included a hangers, a luggage rack, and a soft king-size microfiber blanket.
For those seeking a relaxing soak, the second bathroom’s shower/bathtub combination meets one’s needs. The window streaming natural light and spacious countertop gave it a suite-like feel.
A nearby built-in cabinet provided access to placemats and essential barware.
While staying the weekend, I appreciated the state-of-the-art appliances when preparing breakfast before heading out to explore Shawnee. It was nice to wake up after restful sleep and prepare a pot of tea. If I felt like coffee, I used the K-Duo® Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker and the provided coffee grounds.
Known for a gastropub menu of hearty classics ranging from flatbread pizzas to comforting classics like meatloaf, the food arrives at the table artfully plated and tasting delicious. When you go, leave room for towering slice of Carrot Cake or Chocolate Tort.
While you can order to-go food online or have it delivered via Uber Eats (
If you’re not a fan of beer, a selection of wine, cider, Prosecco, and Mom Water are available alternatives. Although they don’t serve food, it’s common to see a food truck parked outside or you can bring your own food to enjoy in the taproom.
Next door, 
The town’s largest mural, painted by artist Jacob Cromer, is located at Johnson Drive and Neiman Road and it’s not to be missed.
For more travel inspiration, read my bonus suggestions for exploring town: 
Historically known as the birthplace of female aviator Amelia Earhart, Atchison is a thriving town once home to the Kanza Indians. Lewis & Clark explored the area in 1804. Later, it became a hub for steamboats, railroads, and manufacturing.
In 1870, the Atchison railroad served as a learning rail town in the state, but times changed. The last Santa Fe train left town in the early 1990s, but the museum’s inventory of authentic artifacts keeps history alive.
I started the self-guided tour by watching a computer-generated video of Amelia Earhart welcoming guests. The life-like pilot spoke in quotable phrases inspiring museum-goers to go after their dreams.
The Virtual Reality Flight experience was worth the added time and ticketed cost. Donning a headset and using an airplane’s yoke, I attempted Amelia’s historic 1932 flight across the Atlantic Ocean. I didn’t make it to Paris, but I did land the plane safely in a farmer’s field.
A gift to his wife, Evah, the mansion features 25 rooms filled with period antiques, including an 1893 World’s Fair bedroom set, elaborate stained glass windows, and high-quality furnishings.
Walking the rest of the home’s interior, you’ll discover a 200-year-old walking wheel winder used to spin yarn wool. The parlor’s upholstered, open-arm couches with dark wood and framed artwork showcase the luxury the Hetherington family enjoyed.
Outdoors, an elaborate driveway leads to a restored carriage house that begs to be photographed.
The Evah Cray Museum is more than just another stunning home in Kansas. It’s a time capsule from the past when a family decided to settle in Atchison and live in the home for 80 years. Given their wealth, they could have chosen to reside anywhere. They chose Atchison.
My tour, led by the museum’s docent, was exceptional. Expect to pay a moderate admission if you go, and you’ll want to plan to spend at least an hour touring the home.
PRO TIP: Ask about the home’s small theater, where you can watch a film about Atchison architecture. Visit the gift shop in the carriage house.
The 14-room home served as a showroom, displaying the types of wood his business provided and the intricate ways they could be used. You’ll notice he combined oak, walnut, and mahogany into its design from floor to ceiling. He incorporated non-traditional wall materials, such as leather, into the wallboard design.
The cafe is where locals meet to catch up about the latest happenings in town. Where travelers like me enjoy quiet time and peruse the internet using free Wi-FI. And where you can shop for gift items from kitchen towels to home decor.
You’ll find the comfortable cafe is just what you need to set the tone for the day. The menu features freshly baked pastries and specialty coffee drinks. Return mid-day for a Signature Cocktail like The Atchison Mule of Amelia’s Final Flight.
Between bites, I enjoyed learning about Ann’s heritage, which included the Lopez & Vallejo families’ tradition of serving the community delicious food and treating customers “like a part of the family.”
I took my friend’s advice and chose the carbonara prepared with a garlic Parmesan cream sauce over spaghetti. You can expect Italian pasta dishes, shareable plates (crab cakes, anyone?), and chef-inspired main dishes ranging from Steak Diane to Chicken Madeira on the menu.
PRO TIP: The restaurant does accept walk-in diners, but it’s a popular place, so consider making a reservation.
You can count on our favorite bar-and-grill menu items. The list includes burgers and sandwiches, chicken wings, and sirloin steaks.
I chatted with the manager, Steve, while enjoying a Chicken Club Salad. This restaurant is one of two Willie’s Sports Pub locations in Kansas; the second is in El Dorado.
Whether you are shopping for blue and white ginger jars, holiday decorations, or faux botanicals, you’ll find them at Presley Pierce Interiors. Every corner of the shop draws the eye, and the window displays inspire one’s creativity.
Shoppers so appreciate the store’s merchandise that the owner often hosts pop-up events off-site in people’s homes. To track new inventory arrivals and learn about upcoming events, follow the store’s 
PRO TIP: Collectors will appreciate Thorne’s House Hot Packs, which offer budget-friendly starter packs. View the store’s 
To call the Backroad Atlas a store would be to underrepresent its size. It feels more like an antique mall. Staff members are eager to assist you if you’re hunting for a particular item.
Shopping for a unique item is all the more charming thanks to the store’s cat, who occasionally greets customers.
A physician and the front rooms, once owned the house, were his examination rooms. As the story goes, the doctor operated on a 6-year-old child, Sallie, before the anesthesia took effect, and she died in the house. Years later, renters reported mysterious happenings, and the man felt as if he had been scratched.
You can tour or stay overnight in the home known for its paranormal activity. Items sometimes crash to the floor. Figures are seen in the windows. Doors slam in the night.
A highlight of my visit was standing in the shade of the Moon Tree, a Sycamore grown from a seed taken to the moon on Apollo 14. Underneath, the names of 17 astronauts who gave their lives are recognized in the memorial.
Manicured gardens and tree spaces dot the landscape. Find the gazebo to enjoy a shaded space of solitude.
PRO TIP: Take note of Memory Lane inductees’ names, paying homage to aviation greats such as the Wright Brothers and Eileen Collins.
Families with young kids will appreciate the state-of-the-art playground, then walk to nearby horseshoe pits to teach them how the game is played.
PRO TIP: On-street parking is free.
My visit was peaceful as I scanned the horizon, lined with trees overlooking the Missouri River, which runs from St. Joseph, Missouri, through Atchison, and toward Leavenworth, Kansas.
The dedicated marker remembers the Atchison man who was the victim of violence after accidentally injuring a white man while hunting.
PRO TIP: Earhart created her own fashion line, often wearing clothing from it. Learn more from 
PRO TIP: Visit the 
Final Thoughts
