Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Seneca Area Chamber & Downtown Impact and its partners. All opinions and photos are my own.

Country music plays in downtown Seneca, Kansas, as American flags wave in the wind from light poles. Locals gather at Main Street coffee shops as store owners display open signs. Seneca’s Main Street is a hub of activity with multiple shops, restaurants, and museums, making it a town worth pulling over from Highway 36 to explore.

I loved it.

The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.

Seneca offers something for everyone, whether it’s a round of golf and touring the Pony Express Museum or enjoying ice cream at an old-fashioned soda fountain.

Small Town Charm: A Fun-Filled Weekend in Seneca, Kansas

Hit the Bricks: Shop Main Street’s Local Shops

The beauty of a small town’s downtown district is that locals smile at you when you walk past them on the sidewalk. Business owners welcomed me warmly, and with nearly a dozen locally-owned retail stores, Main Street is a walkable shopping destination you’ll love exploring.

Picture This

If you love perusing store shelves for the latest home decor trends, or perhaps you’re seeking a gift for someone, Picture This ( 322 Main St.) is where you’ll find it. The owner, Leah, curates items ranging from scented candles to textured pillows to create beautiful vignettes.

Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.

I was pleased with my gifts, which included a handcrafted bath soap by Walnut Street Soaps. The locally-produced line includes scents like Backwoods Hike and Bergamot Tea and Cucumber.

The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.

PRO TIP: Store staff is known to offer a glass of wine or snacks while you shop. The boutique’s holiday open house takes place at the beginning of November, and I’m told the Christmas trees and decor displays are stunning. Follow the Facebook for upcoming event announcements.

Heinen True Value & Just Ask Rentals

What’s not to love about a locally-owned hardware store? Walking inside, the smell of fertilizer and rubber machinery belts welcomes you. Heinen True Value Farm Supply & Just Ask Rentals (307 Main St.) is your go-to store for lawn and garden supplies, machinery parts, and power tools.

Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.

PRO TIP: Shop for clothes. They stock a large inventory of durable clothing and footwear from brands like Ariat® and Carhartt®.

The Market Greenhouse & Garage, The Market on Main

The Market Greenhouse & Garage (33 North 5th) is one-stop shopping for outdoor plants and refurbished furniture. During my visit, several women busily hand-painted furniture and wall decor pieces.

Outside, women shopped for blooming hanging baskets and summer vegetable and herb plants from inside a bountiful greenhouse.

At the business’s retail shop, The Market on Main (515 Main Street), I shopped over 20 vendor booths and eventually purchased handcrafted greeting cards.

You can expect to find one-of-a-kind gifts made by local artists, including framed photography, ceramics, wall hangings, apparel,  and gifts printed with inspirational messaging.

Seneca Variety

I love a shop that carries a bit of everything, and Seneca Variety (425 Main Street) is where shoppers go when they need a gift from someone or a little something special for themselves. The well-organized store has aisles of inventory displayed by theme, making locating greeting cards, home decor, jewelry, or quilting supplies easy.

Unlike a dollar store, Seneca Variety carries quality merchandise catering to shoppers looking for a specific item. I was impressed with the large selection of children’s toys featuring well-known brands.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.

Uniquely Gifted LLC Ft. Soul Provider

A faith-based business, Uniquely Gifted LLC Ft. Soul Provider (521 Main Street) is where one shops when purchasing a sentimental gift.

Holiday gifts are usually available, while the rest of the store is stocked with wind chimes, religious figurines, books, and coffee mugs.

Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.

Fitted

The latest trends in fashion, footwear, and jewelry are sold at Fitted (426 Main Street), one of the newest stores downtown. It’s the ideal place to bring friends for a shopping extravaganza – ask for a beverage and let the fun begin.

The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.

PRO TIP: The staff is available for personal styling sessions, and small groups can reserve sessions in advance by making an appointment.

CMT DeSigns

At CMT DeSigns (409 Main Street), what started as a screen printing and embroidery business morphed into a gift shop and smoothie counter. The store is stocked with clothing and accessories ladies will love, plus much of the inventory is devoted to gifts for young girls.Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, Haus Nutrition, to enjoy while you shop – new monthly flavors available.

PRO TIP: Check the store’s Facebook page for exclusive Sip and Shop events, which include mega sales and new product arrivals.

Midwest Ink Co.

Across the street, Midwest Ink Co. (408 Main Street) creates custom screen printing, signage, and engraving services. The majority of the store is filled with ready-to-wear t-shirts and hats.

If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.

Seneca Furniture Store

Sometimes, you only realize you need new furniture once you enter a showroom filled with new pieces. In business for over 30 years, Seneca Furniture Store (401 Main Street) is a massive store selling couches, accent tables, chairs, lamps, and mattresses.

The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.

Buggy Days Antiques

I knew I was at the right place when the chalkboard sign in front of the door at Buggy Days Antiques (509 Main Street) read, “Welcome, Vanessa.” Personalized customer service is a tradition for the owner who sells vintage collectibles inside a historic hardware store.

The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.

PRO TIP: Regrettably, the shop’s owner is closing when the right buyer takes over the building. Put it at the top of your list of places to find must-sell items.

DON’T MISS DOWNTOWN EVENTS: Follow Seneca Chamber’s Facebook page to learn of upcoming shopping events like Seneca Shop & Stroll (April), Citywide Garage Sales (June), and Highway 36 Treasure Hunt & Garage Sales (September).

Fill Up on Flavor at Can’t-Miss Restaurants

Sweet Pea’s Bakery

Make Sweet Pea’s Bakery (420 Main Street) your first stop in Seneca. Start the day with a soft, homemade pastry or a slice of warm breakfast quiche.

The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.

My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.

Spanky’s Bar & Grill

At Spanky’s Bar & Grill (405 Main Street), the food is delicious, the beer is cold, and you can always find sports playing on the TVs over the bar.

Although the bar and grill is considered a go-to restaurant for hamburgers, I took the advice of a local and ordered the Chicken Pecan Wrap (available as a salad). The substantial lunchtime meal satisfied my cravings, and I ate every bite.

I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.

PRO TIP: Ask about the Dessert of the Day, or about chocolate bars behind the bar for purchase. Note: The restaurant closes between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm Monday-Saturday.

Freddy’s Pizza Palace

If you ask the locals to tell you stories about growing up in Seneca, many of them will tell you they frequented Freddy’s Pizza Palace (32 N. 5th Street) after ball games. Since 1969, it has remained a popular local hangout, with families gathering at long tables to share pizza or broasted (fried) chicken meals.

Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.

PRO TIP: If you bring kids, they’ll likely want to play five arcade games. Bring a roll of quarters.

The 19th Hole

You don’t have to play golf at Spring Creek Golf Course (1800 Spring Creek Drive) to sit down for luck at The 19th Hole, but if you decide to book a tee time, you’ll likely appreciate the public course as it’s rated the best in Kansas by NBC Sports.

I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.

Cornerstone CoffeeHaus

Cornerstone CoffeeHaus (431 Main Street) is an architectural gem. When shopping along Main Street, step inside the 1874 bank building, which is now part coffee shop, and part old-fashioned soda fountain.

Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.

Forget your cares as you sip a latté or enjoy an ice cream sundae at the horseshoe counter, an original from Harsh Drug Store.

I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.

Allie’s Cafe

The smell of bacon and the sizzle of eggs on a griddle welcomes early-morning diners at Allie’s Cafe (811 North Street), where locals pour each other coffee refills and chat about the day’s happenings. At lunchtime, daily specials like goulash and chicken fried steak sell out almost as fast as pie slices.

Eager for breakfast, I ordered the #7 Breakfast Combo and an orange juice. Surprisingly, it was delivered within minutes, just as the rest of the dining room’s tables filled up with families.

PRO TIP: Don’t make my mistake; leave room for pie. View the dry-erase board for the day’s selections, which includes six to eight varieties.

Time Travel at Museums and Stroll Downtown’s Historical Walk

Pony Express Museum

When in Seneca, you must experience one of its most historic treasures, the Pony Express Museum (4th and Main Street).

A relic of the Wild West, the museum covers the story of the town’s role as a stop on the Pony Express mail delivery trail in the late 1800s. Seneca claims the Smith Hotel was the first home station.

As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.

Don’t leave without learning the fascinating history of westbound rider, Johnny Frey. I appreciated reading about how local women fed him baked goods. Since he was in a hurry, they added a hole to each one so he could hold the food easily while riding his horse. Perhaps it was the invention of the donut?

PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.

Volunteer Fire Department Museum

Firefighters are brave, and those who volunteer to serve their community deserve to be recognized. At Seneca Volunteer Fire Department Museum (6th and Main Streets), visitors can get a behind-the-scene look at antique fire equipment by appointment.

The 1922 Model K Baby Stutz fire engine on display was purchased by the City of Seneca, and it has undergone two restorations. A new truck was purchased in 1947.

The museum is small, but well organized and includes fire station relics unique to its location.

Nemaha County Historical Museum

Once the home of the county sheriff and the Nemaha County Jail, the Nemaha County Historical Museum (113 N. 6th Street) is one of the most unique museums of its kind in Kansas. Built in 1870, the home/jail and its interior are maintained for tours, and some of its contents will amaze you.

You can expect to see original jail cells where women and men were housed only steps from the sheriff’s personal home built in 1879. Can you imagine living under the same roof with criminals? It was the longest in-use county jail in Kansas.

Annex buildings house thematic displays detailing the life and work of Nemaha County residents over the decades. An extensive collection, visitors who appreciate a thorough tour will need to plan on spending over an hour between the jail/sheriff’s home and the artifacts collection rooms.

PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the a model buildings layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.

Temple of Honor Military Museum

I was emotionally moved when touring the Temple of Honor Military Museum (33 North 6th Street). Many of the displays are family tributes to soldiers, and the collection in the one-tine Masonic Temple is extensive.

When I saw an authentic draft card lottery bin, I was transfixed by its contents. Each card listed a town and draft card number. Another room showcased three quilts of valor embroidered with soldiers’ names in cursive writing.

Nemaha County Historical Society volunteers do an excellent job displaying donated items in thematic vignettes ranging from the Civil War to the Iraq War. You can expect to view uniforms, photographs, military combat artifacts, and documents, which collectively tell the story of the local soldiers’ experiences serving the country.

PRO TIP: Temple of Honor Military Museum is open Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or by appointment, if you call two weeks in advance. Combine it with a tour of the Nemaha County Historical Museum, on the same city block within walking distance.

Main Street Historical Walking Tour

Seneca, established in 1858 by farmers and merchants exiting the Oregon Trail is the county seat of Nemaha County. Many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of History Places, making the Main Street Historical Walking Tour a must-do activity of history enthusiasts.

You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history. A self-guided walking tour requires at least 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you’re like me and want to take photos of the architecture while taking your time.

PRO TIP: Walking tour brochures are available at 4th and Main Streets. Access an audio version of the walking tour on iTunes.

Set the GPS to Quirky Landmarks Worth Pulling Over For

The somewhat strange, sometimes tucked-away attractions keep it interesting, and Seneca has two landmarks you have to see to believe.

Widest Historic Hand Dug Well

Seneca boasts the Widest Historic Hand Dug Well in Kansas. No longer in use, it’s open for tours by appointment. Over 130,000 bricks and 100 cords of stone were used during construction in 1895.

The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the Nemaha County Historical Museum at (785) 336-6366.

Beloved Parrot’s Grave

During my tour of the well, I chatted with my host about odd roadside attractions. She mentioned the town’s beloved buried parrot in the city’s cemetery, and I had to see Beauty’s gravesite market for myself.

The subject of local folklore, the parrot belong to a Seneca resident Henry W. Fuller who admired it so much his feathered friend is buried next to him. He taught Beauty how to talk, and she was thought to have a 300-word vocabulary. She died at age 50. (Fun Fact: I also visited Polly the Parrot’s grave in West Plains, Missouri.)

Snap a Photo at a Colorful Mural Backdrop

Men & Wheat Mural at Seneca’s Post Office

Stop by Seneca’s post office (607 Main Street) to view a WPA New Deal mural project, “Men & Wheat” painted by Joe Jones in 1940. A local resident informed me the tractor featured in the lobby’s artwork was repainted green, a nod to John Deere.

I mailed a postcard, which seemed appropriate given the town was a stop along the Pony Express route.

Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural

You can’t miss it. The Seneca Sampler Quilt Mural (425 Main Street) is the most vibrant and colorful one in town. Seneca native Ellie Haynie painted a collection of quilt blocks, each submitted with a donation by community members. The mural includes 43 panels designed in honor or memory of individuals or couples. 

PRO TIP: If you are a quilter, shop at Seneca Variety for fabric and appliqués.

Streetscape Interactive Mural

Park the car to explore a three-dimensional mural streetscape, a tourist attraction downtown located at 301 Main Street.

Greetings from Seneca Mural

Like a retro postcard design, the Greetings From Seneca mural (532 Main Street) contrasts with the white exterior of Koelzer Lumber Co. Look closely to recognize scenes from the town’s historical moments and prominent buildings.

Stay Overnight in a Charming Downtown Airbnb

The Bricks

Pack your car with your friends or family and stay overnight at The Bricks (510 Main Street). The restored 1904 loft-style Airbnb sleeps up to 10 guests and includes new appliances and amenities. Located within walking distance of downtown attractions and dining, it’s ideal for a weekend retreat.

I was so impressed with the accommodations that I immediately called home to tell others about it. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.

Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the the kitchen.I had my choice of two large bedrooms, and settled on the one pictured below featuring a queen bed with jersey knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.

After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.

Two candy bowls filled with chocolate bars tempted me, so I indulged myself while watching my favorite TV show.

The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic increased on Main Street, I felt sad knowing that I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.

I’ve spent overnights in dozens of Kansas towns, and Seneca is one of the most welcoming, friendly towns I’ve visited yet. Besides, with so many fun things to do and see, I’ll return again.

Seneca is located a short drive from Manhattan, Holton, Topeka, and Belleville, towns that inspired travel blogs – so make it a multi-town road trip. If you’re traveling to Seneca from Wichita, you can expect to drive three hours with view of the beautiful Flint Hills.