• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

A Lifestyle Blog

  • About
    • Work With Me
      • Delightful Life Media
    • Privacy Policy & Disclosures
  • Taste
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
      • Salads
      • Sandwiches
    • Dinner
      • Grilled
      • Sides
      • Pasta
      • Rice
    • Appetizers
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
      • Cocktails
      • Non-Alcoholic
    • Snacks
  • Travel
    • United States
      • Kansas
      • Missouri
      • Nevada
      • Nebraska
      • New York
      • Oklahoma
      • Texas
      • Wisconsin
    • Mexico
  • DIY
    • Projects
  • Contact
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die

prairie

Must-See Destinations in Goodland, Kansas

September 6, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Good things are happening in Goodland. Having never visited this western Kansas town, I was shocked at how much it had to offer. Established in 1887, it continues to offer residents and visitors fabulous options for entertainment. On any given day, you can experience magnificent art, museum tours, and an updated downtown scene.

LODGING

Goodland has excellent hotels located just off KS I-70. I stayed at the newly opened Holiday Inn Express & Suites (2725 Enterprise Rd.), which receives high accolades on social media for its comfortable amenities. The hotel truly rolls out the red carpet for guests.

My second-floor room included a small foray, king size bed, drink station with mini fridge, microwave, work desk, and an oversized bathroom. When you need a quiet, luxurious room to unwind after driving, this hotel knocks it out of the park. It’s the little things that make it special. I turned on the TV to see a message on the screen waiting for me, “Welcome to Goodland, Vanessa!” Wow.

The hotel accommodations also included a complimentary full breakfast. Other on-site perks included a state-of-the-art fitness center, snack counter, and free Wi-Fi. When in Goodland, choose the Holiday Inn Express & Suites for an overnight stay.

ATTRACTIONS

PUBLIC ART

Most Kansans have heard of the Giant Van Gogh, the World’s Largest Easel Painting. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth taking Exit 17 into Goodland from KS I-70. The 24’x34′ replica of the artist’s sunflower painting sits directly behind the town’s visitor’s center. It was erected on site on June 19, 2001. A must-see attraction, it’s easy to walk up to it using the brick-lined sidewalk and get a glimpse. You can expect to see other tourists taking selfies and photos of it.

The mural pictured below, “Rural Free Delivery,” was painted by Kenneth Adams and installed in the Goodland, Kansas post office in 1937. The painting, along with others commissioned by The Section for Fine Arts, were created to lift the spirits of people who suffered during the Great Depression. It was one of almost 30 murals commissioned in Kansas.

The post office was built in 1935 and is listed on the state’s register of historic places. The interior is stunning, especially the original woodwork and door finishes.

You don’t have to look far to discover beautiful artwork and architecture in Goodland, Kansas. The Director of Goodland Carnegie Arts Center, Abby Killingsworth, and a team of artists recently completed this mural “Ad Astra” downtown. Do you see the flying helicopter? I think it’s a nod to the replica on display at High Plains Museum in the area.

ARCHITECTURE

Some Main Street districts in Kansas have architecture that invites you to get out of your car to see it up close. Goodland is that kind of town. Many of the buildings were designed using Art Deco style.  The United Telephone Building (10th and Main) is an architectural wonder thanks to its bright colors and intricate patterns. Built in 1931, its design includes terra cotta panels set off by Aztec artwork.

Another downtown structure that deserves your attention is Elliot’s Inc. (1019 Main St.), a building filled with home furnishings. The original color combination and Mid-Century modern styling stopped me in my tracks as I walked along the sidewalk across the street to view its architecture. What do you think of it?

Without a doubt, Goodland has one of the most good-looking courthouses in the state. The same Art Deco design that is seen on the United Telephone Building is evident on the Sherman County Courthouse. I love the arched windows over the entry doors and the grille pattern on the windows.

Located nearby the courthouse, “They Came to Stay” deserves a visit. The sculpture by Goodland native, Greg Todd, tells the story of homesteaders on the prairie and their determination to settle on the Kansas plains. Remember, settlers to the area didn’t find trees (no timber for building homes), so they were forced to build their homes using sod bricks formed by hand. It was hard work that required true grit.

ART MUSEUM

Carnegie Arts Center (120 W. 12th St.), once home to the town’s library, gives art lovers a chance to see rotating exhibits in its first-floor gallery. During my tour, I appreciated the work of Harley Torres’ exhibition “Cigarettes and Tea, a Study of Self.” The visual artist’s pieces are made with neutral colors were ceramics unlike anything that I’d ever seen before. I encourage you to visit the gallery and appreciate the work of regional artists like Torres during a self-guide tour. The center also has a small retail section devoted to selling Kansas-made gifts. To plan your visit, check their hours and admission fees here.

SHOPPING

If you’re cruising down the downtown area in search of a women’s clothing store, Lou Lou’s Boutique (110 E 11th St) is the best one in town. The highly-rated shop is known for friendly service and high-quality apparel. I thought the fashion-forward jeans and jewelry were affordably priced.

The two-room shop is stocked to the gills with on-trend home decor and gift items. During my visit, a local woman came in to chat and shop for a gift for someone. It’s the kind of place where you’re bound to leave with a full shopping bag. The owner is a sweetheart and is willing to help you find that perfect something for yourself or someone special.

Do you love to hunt down antiques? Goodland has a premiere antique mall that you should visit. Mor Mor’s Antiques (212 E. 17th St.) is just around the corner from the downtown district. Antique dealers sell their finds from rented booth spaces.

From glassware to seasonal decorations and old books to jewelry, you’ll discover it and more at Mor Mor’s. Some of the booths are also stocked with handcrafted gifts making it a one-stop shop if you’re seeking a present for someone. I recommend heading into the back room to view vintage signs and larger furniture pieces. I loved the massive chandelier pictured below.

MUSEUMS

To experience Goodland’s heritage, you only have to drive a short distance from downtown to the High Plains Museum (1717 Cherry St.). The museum curators have done an excellent job of telling the story of the people of western Kansas. The outside of the building is a bit misleading as one might think the only thing on display is an old helicopter. Not true!

During my visit, a traveling exhibit from the National World War II Museum in New Orleans, “Manufacturing Victory” was on display. Video testimonials, artifacts, and information walls covered in photography that showcases the men and women who dedicated their work to the cause.

Just beyond the WWII exhibit, I discovered a museum filled with treasures. The largest of them was a full-size, automated replica of the first patented helicopter in America. Push the button and watch the blades go! Inspired by the Wright brothers, William Purvis and Charles Wilson built the two-story helicopter in Goodland. The 1910 design was an ambitious one. The helicopter’s full-size version never flew vertically and eventually crashed. Even though a patent was released for its design about the same time, the two men returned to their day jobs after realizing the helicopter project was unsuccessful.

A 1902 Holsman rope-driven car is the second largest exhibit in the museum. It was the first automobile driven in Sherman County and was owned by Dr. A.C. Gulick. The car was meticulously restored. A prominent figure in the community at the time, you will still see the name displayed in town including a city park that is named after him.

Of the 8,000 objects on display, a few left me thinking about the early days of Goodland. It was the story of two train robbers. The criminal’s original black masks, gun, and a money box sit on display. During the early 1900s, the Jones Brothers boarded a Union Pacific Train east of Limon, Colorado and robbed its passengers while they slept. One man tried to stop the robbery and was killed. Eventually, the robbers made their way to Goodland on foot where they sought refuge on Bartholomew’s ranch. It was there that the Texas outlaws were shot dead by the Goodland Posse.

I consider museums an extended classroom, and High Plains Museum is one you should visit in Goodland. Admission to the museum is free, but donations are gladly accepted. Don’t forget to sign the guestbook!

The Ennis-Handy 1907 Victorian House (202 W. 13th St.) is a must-see destination worthy of a tour. The Sherman County Historical Society has worked diligently to restore and maintain the property. The two-story home has a colorfully painted exterior and ornate woodwork inside. Over the years, the home has seen a lot of changes.

The house dates back to 1907. Widowed and with daughters, Mary Ennis pushed forward with plans to build the home after her husband’s death. They resided there until 1917. Later, the home became a boarding house and then a funeral home. Eventually, Calvin Handy bought the home in 1956 and it stayed in the family until Edythe Handy died in 2000. (Fact: Edythe died in the home’s dining room. Ask more about that during your tour.)

Today, you can view the home’s craftsmanship first-hand and learn more about the influential families who resided in it. I appreciated the beautiful stained-glass windows above the front staircase and the second-floor patio.

DINING

There is no shortage of restaurant options when looking for a place to dine in Goodland. For breakfast, I’d recommend driving to the edge of town to Good Grounds Coffee Shop & Bistro (2402 Commerce Road). The drive-thru and lobby stay busy proving that it is one of the best places in town to enjoy a specialty coffee with breakfast.

The Vanilla Latte and Egg and Cheese Biscuit gave me the fuel I needed for a full day of exploring Goodland. If you’re in search of a substantial breakfast, check out the Daily Specials that often include full plate meals. The Bistro Originals chalkboard features hearty sandwiches and wraps if you’d like to stop there for lunch. I suggest viewing the unique artwork for sale on the gallery wall while you wait for your meal to be prepared. Free Wi-Fi is available.

I chose to enjoy a late lunch at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill (1618 Main St.). Several locals told me to visit the restaurant because it was “like a museum” and a “step back in time.” Of course, I had to check it out!

The owner, who also doubles as the cook, has filled the restaurant with antiques from floor to ceiling. Nothing is off limits at the bar and grill. Bicycles dangle above your head. Road signs cover the walls. The bar is an antique salvaged and transported from San Francisco.

I sat in a wooden booth and reviewed the menu. Did I have the appetite for the infamous pork tenderloin sandwich? It’s enough to feed two people. Instead, I ordered the Crazy R Burger and a side of homemade onion rings. An oldies radio station played in the background while locals stopped in for a mid-day meal. I look forward to returning to Goodland on a Wednesday to take advantage of the Prime Rib Special.

Because I wasn’t able to visit all the places I wanted to while in Goodland, I’ll plan to stop by again on my next KS I-70 road trip west from Wichita. I still want to check out McKinney’s Sweet Treats, the Sherman Theatre, Flatlander Fall Festival, and to hunt down the Giant Grasshopper, a roadside metal sculpture on Highway 27. Oh! And I want to try Go Goodland Bingo, a fun way to enter to win a gift card while exploring the town.

Have you visited Goodland? What other destinations should I add to my bucket list?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: antiques, architecture, art, Art Deco, boutique, ceramics, easel, Goodland, helicopter, historic, home, Kansas, Midwest, mural, museums, prairie, rural, Van Gogh, Western Kansas, WWII

Experiencing the Best of Manhattan, Kansas in a Weekend

March 20, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 9 Comments

Disclosure: Visit Manhattan sponsored this post, however, all opinions and photographs are my own. 

To visit Manhattan, Kansas is to fall in love with it. The town, referred to as The Little Apple for its founder’s New England roots, offers something for everyone from exciting entertainment to eye-opening experiences. “Oh Man!” there is a lot to do in the town!

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

FLINT HILLS DISCOVERY CENTER

The Konza Prairie serves as the majestic gateway to Manhattan. The tallgrass prairie once covered over 170 million acres stretching from Canada through Texas and east to Ohio. Settlers discovered that the prairie soil, although difficult to til, was loved by bison. Today, visitors to the area can learn about the prairie and reconnect with it by visiting the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Located near the downtown district, the three-story education center’s primary focus is to teach visitors about the prairie’s important purpose and the conservation that keeps it a rolling landscape of prairie grasses and wildflowers today.

To fully appreciate the Flint Hills, you must buy a ticket to the “Tallgrass Prairie: Tides of Time” movie screening. It’s a completely immersive experience! The life-like simulations put you right in the heart of the prairie.  Your senses come alive as you learn about range burning, prairie regrowth, and the ecology of the Flint Hills.

After the film ends, I recommend trying the hands-on, interactive exhibits that teach you about geology, the cowboy lifestyle, and the importance of soil composition. You’ll have a new appreciation of the beautiful Konza Prairie today. An entire floor is dedicated to teaching children about the prairie and its animals. Plan a visit for the family here.

If you’re interested in planning a nature walk through the Konza Prairie, check out this easy 2.7-mile trail loop via All Trails.

MARIANA KISTLER BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

There is no better place to view renowned works of art than the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art located on the Kansas State University campus. The museum has more than 10,000 objects in its collection and often has extraordinary pieces on loan. You can expect to see permanent and rotating exhibitions including regional art and pieces from around the world. Admission is FREE!

With a focus on educating visitors of all ages about the visual arts, it makes perfect sense that its employees are mostly comprised of college students. Designed to help visitors “Think ANEW,” they have found innovative ways to bring the arts to visitors using the Smartify app, which identifies 2D and 3D artworks when one’s phone is directed at them. Tada! The app returns audio, text, and video interpretation about the piece. You have to try it!

During our visit to Manhattan, the museum remained closed to the public due to COVID-19 concerns. However, we were able to arrange a private tour to view the exhibit “Inside Out,” which showcased window installations of art from the permanent collection. Illuminated at twilight, every window of the museum functioned as public art with “yard” signage that detailed each piece.

The museum plans to reopen in Fall 2021. Are you interested in booking a free tour? Reserve one here or by calling 785-532-7718. In the meantime, you have the option of taking three virtual tours or taking advantage of their virtual art discussions and live stream conversations here. If you interested in becoming a friend of the museum after your visit, ask how to support an exhibit or one of their many educational programs. Parents rave about the children’s programs, so be sure to ask about those as well.

MIDWEST DREAM CAR COLLECTION

A gearhead’s dream come true, the Midwest Dream Car Collection is a must-stop in Manhattan. Ward and Brenda Morgan made it their mission to display an eclectic collection of cars from every decade ranging from classic roadsters to speed-defying muscle cars. To walk through the building is to take a journey through a visual timeline of cars. Visitors can gaze at the permanent collection featuring 65+ cars representing automotive history, a breathtaking experience. They even offer self-serve wine and beer to enjoy! In addition to the vehicles on display, the curator works diligently to have temporary exhibits on loan from car owners. Would you like to sit inside one of the stunning cars or trucks? Ask an employee to direct you to the cars that allow full visitor access.

I fell in love with a number of stunning cars, but two classic vehicles stole my attention. The curves and chrome of the navy blue Hudson made my heart pitter-patter and one look inside the Volkswagon Window Bus’s two-tone green interior and I was squealing with delight. Oh, the road trip I could take in that beauty!

Each car’s history tells a story about the designers, engineers, and decade that ultimately created it. I recommend taking part in one of their unique programs to take your appreciation for automobiles to the next level. A popular outdoor event, Cars & Coffee, takes place on the first Saturday of the month. But for those looking to dig deep into their knowledge of cars, the Morgan Lecture Series includes presentations that appeal to car aficionados. Kids also appreciate visiting the Midwest Dream Car Collection since there is an entertainment space dedicated to them as well as a monthly program, Kids Studio. Plan your visit and view hours here.

DINING & DRINKS

TACO LUCHA

This restaurant is a long-time favorite among locals and visitors! Nestled deep in the heart of Aggieville, Taco Lucha calls itself “a full sit down, cocktail driven, funky Aggieville taqueria.” From the moment you walk into the restaurant, you are greeted with colorful lights set against a dimly lit eclectic interior. Popular for serving Mexican street food with a twist (the portions are large!), everyone raves about the food. When at Taco Lucha, I strongly recommend ordering “The Nancy,” a beer cocktail made with Old Milwaukee beer and pineapple juice. Everyone orders it! They also make a mean michelada. We made fast friends at the bar while dining on spicy jalapeño poppers, stuffed tacos, and a mega burrito (ask about the “secret menu” options). I plan on trying the popular Raspberry Bean Dip on a return visit.

View the latest food specials and hours here.

SO LONG SALOON

Adjacent to Taco Lucha is their sister business, the So Long Saloon. Known for “lip-smacking good grub,” we enjoyed a sandwich and hearty salad while seated at the bar. The waitstaff was beyond accomodating and brought us drinks while we waited for seats to open up. This is the kind of restaurant where you instantly make friends when talking with the bartender. The cozy space includes an imported saloon wood bar. Voted to have the best Kansas beef hamburger in town, I’ll return to try it! Check out their hours and the latest “Manhappenings” here.

THE GUILTY BISCUIT

If you’re craving total indulgence food, make your way to The Guilty Biscuit. How about Fried Bologna & Chorizo stacked inside a buttery, homemade biscuit? Why not! Go for broke and order my selection, the Chicken Nugget ‘Po Boy made with creole maple mustard aioli, homemade pickles, caramelized onions, fried potato crisps, and lettuce. The first bite will send you to food heaven. The final bite puts you in a food coma. Make your way to their dine-in, pick-up location here.

AUNTIE MAE’S PARLOR

You haven’t had had the quintessential Aggieville experience unless you put a few beers or craft cocktails back at Auntie Mae’s Parlor. Originally the town’s speakeasy during the Prohibition era, this live music venue/dive bar is dripping with historical charm. While patrons enjoy access to a pool table and window bar upstairs, the place you want to be is downstairs. You might catch an up-and-coming band playing! On less rowdy nights, I recommend picking one of the many board games to enjoy with friends.

Many of the servers and bartenders are second-generation Auntie Mae’s employees. Once you visit, you’ll understand why they choose to follow in their family member’s footsteps. Get a closer look and check it out here.

POWERCAT SPORTS GRILL

A short walk from the Midwest Dream Car Collection sits the Powercat Sports Grill where locals meet to cheer on the Wildcats in good company. Referred to as the “watch party headquarters” on game day, it is the place to sit among fellow K-State fans. If not watching the big game, the outdoor patio features numerous yard games to enjoy. Be sure to ask for a menu! We saw several guests dining on their popular pizza pies and build-your-own burgers. Find your fun here.

MANHATTAN BREWING COMPANY

One of the youngest breweries in town, Manhattan Brewing Company entered the craft beer scene offering a long list of brews and housemade sangria. Their focus is on “quality beers, community spirit, and beer education” While sipping on their pilsner, The Townie, I chatted with employees who were very cordial. What I appreciated about the beer menu was that it had a variety of choices for every kind of craft beer drinker from sours to stouts and porters to pilsners. Learn more about downtown’s newest neighbor here.

VARSITY DONUTS

Serving “donuts that make people happy,” Varsity Donuts has been serving warm, fresh donuts to the masses since 2011. I arrived early hoping to find full cases of donuts and boy was I surprised at the large selection! The second-best aspect of stopping in Varsity Donuts is learning about the building’s historic charm. It still has the original flooring, counter, and barstools from its days as a soda fountain. Look up and you’ll discover pages of K-State yearbooks hanging overhead dating back to 1939. After devouring donuts, visitors have the option of renting vintage bikes to take a spin around Aggieville. See what you’re missing here.

ROCK-A-BELLY DELI

This Aggieville restaurant bar is one that most people say they’ve visited when in town. Only steps from the K-State campus, Rock-A-Belly Deli serves cold beer and delicious sandwiches for those joining up with friends for great conversation. We opted to sit on the back patio, but you should try to dine indoors if seats are available. You’ll be surrounded by kitschy retro decor that sets a vintage vibe. View its location and hours here.

AJ’S NY PIZZA

After working up an appetite touring downtown, I suggest ordering a pie from AJ’s NY Pizza. This pizza is some of the best I’ve ever tasted, and I live with someone from New York so I’ve eaten a lot of it!  The bartender at Manhattan Brewing Company recommended stopping here and one bite later, it made total sense. I can vouch for The 18th and 8th pizza made with homemade meatballs. Scrumptious.

This list of eateries and bars only scraps the surface of the many places there are to eat in Manhattan! Locals gave high praises to The Varsity Truck (order the “Charlie”), Vista Drive-In, and Bourbon & Baker — all places I plan to visit on my next visit to town.

LODGING

If you want to stay in complete comfort with amenities aplenty adjacent to Aggieville and campus, book a room at the Bluemont Hotel. I was fond of the spacious guestrooms (living room area included!), the pet-friendly accommodations, and the complimentary breakfast. The boutique hotel was designed to mimic the look and feel of the limestone buildings in the neighborhood. A great place to watch the game and enjoy a cocktail, the hotel touts that “Manhattan’s best voted bartender” crafts cocktails in the lounge. Schedule your stay here.

SHOPPING

Be sure to carve out some time to shop local while visiting Manhattan! The Dusty Bookshelf houses bestsellers and gently used books. I picked up a “Mystery Bag” of vintage cookbooks for $20 and scored a few gems. If you’re looking for quirky novelty items sure to make you laugh, visit Acme Gift. It’s one of those stores where you can find a cleverly written mug or a greeting card for someone guaranteed to make them smile. I picked up some Kansas-themed postcards from their sister store, Acme Local. Aggieville is full of shop small opportunities!

I’m so glad I returned to Manhattan to experience it like a local after a long hiatus. I’m planning a return trip during better weather conditions to explore the Konza Prairie, try disc golf, and perhaps some fishing at nearby Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

It’s easy to see why it was voted #2 in the 10 Best College Town by Livability in 2019. If given the opportunity to spend a weekend taking in the college town, you’ll find the locals to be incredibly welcoming and you’ll have a blast visiting all of the attractions and restaurants. Get a jump start planning your itinerary by checking out the Visit Manhattan website.

Are you already a fan of Manhattan? Tell me in the comments below which destinations I need to add to my return trip to The Little Apple!

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel, United States Tagged With: Aggieville, artwork, brewery, campus, cars, college, flint hills, K-State, Kansas, Konza, Manhattan, Midwest, museums, off-campus, prairie, Wildcats

Primary Sidebar

SEARCH

Ammar
Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

Archives

Contact Us

  • Email
    info@onedelightfullife.com

Popular Posts

Back to School Brain Breaks12K Total Shares
Going Underground in Historic Ellinwood, KansasGoing Underground in Historic Ellinwood, Kansas7K Total Shares
Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend VisitWeston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit2K Total Shares
Cucumber Lime Vodka SplashCucumber Lime Vodka Splash1K Total Shares
How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, NebraskaHow to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, Nebraska484 Total Shares
  • About
  • Taste
  • Travel
  • DIY
  • Contact
  • Lifestyle
  • 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die

© 2023 · onedelightfullife ·