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Santa Fe

A Guide to Great Bend’s Go-To Places

August 16, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclosure: Explore Great Bend sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

When you’re looking for fun places to explore in Kansas, all roads should lead you to Great Bend. With an abundance of things to do, especially during a summer festival weekend, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you follow my trip itinerary exactly or use my experience to create your own, you’re going to love Great Bend’s go-to places.

bicycle Great Bend

REPERKS COFFEE SHOP

I had the pleasure of starting my Great Bend experience at RePerks Coffee Shop (1216 Main St.) in the heart of downtown. What is it about a coffee shop that seems to calm and center oneself? The smell of the roasted beans. A glass case is full of delectable desserts. Add a friendly barista, and it’s the ultimate start to the day.

RePerks
Look for the rooster to find the café. The coffeeshop’s new owners have renamed it RePerks although the original name remains on the building.

RePerks is a local hangout that attracts residents and out-of-towners in search of a scratch-made breakfast served all day. But that’s not all – the lunch and dinner menus promise hearty portions appealing to those who want down-home comforting meals. Known for Fried Chicken Friday and Prime Rib Saturday, the quaint coffee shop will exceed your expectations.

BLT Sandwich
Make a point of checking the dessert case prior to ordering. Inside, you’ll discover towering pies sold whole or by the slice.

Apparently, I didn’t read the menu close enough because I inadvertently ordered a BLT sandwich for my breakfast meal, but hey, it was delicious. I talked to the owner between bites and learned that they are also building another restaurant on the premises, Teller’s 1972. The steakhouse will open to welcome guests in October 2022.

PARTY IN THE PARK

Wet/Dry Parade

A big draw of visitors to Great Bend during the summer is Party in the Park. With minutes to spare after breakfast, I drove over to Veterans Memorial Park to watch the kickstart of the Wet/Dry Parade. My contact from Explore Great Bend picked me up in a golf cart, and we sped off to position ourselves on the “dry side.”

water paradeThe town’s first responders led a long trail of trucks and cars pulling floats. Kids sat in truckbeds poised with Supersoaker water blasters ready to spray parade bystanders. But the onlookers also had their own water canons! The energy was palpable as groups took their place on both sides of the railroad’s tracks that separated onlookers.

Later, we decided to drive the golf cart at the tail end of the parade. Just as I thought we were in the clear, an onery firefighter released a firehose in our direction soaking us from head to foot. Needless to say, it was a blast.

parade onlookers

Anything That Floats Race

I love a challenge, and clearly, the town’s residents were up for a challenge as well. Multiple teams showed up at the park’s 12-acre lake to compete in the Anything That Floats Race. As each team dropped in their float, you could hear teams ribbing each other in the competitive spirit of the race. Would the town’s police officers win? The mother-son team? Who would take home the trophy?

Anything That Floats Race
Fun Fact: The town was named “Great Bend” after the bend of the Arkansas River.

I laughed as I watched boaters paddle their way through the designated path on the water. It was a lot of fun to watch townies cheer on race participants, especially as “the interns” paddled their way to first place. People gathered on the shore to snap pictures of them with the trophy.

Interns

Car Show

Party in the Park’s car show was impressive with over 80 cars and trucks. Don’t you love a car show? If only we could take our pick of the selection and drive off in one, right?

If you’ve never been to a car show, you can expect the owners to sit in chairs behind their vehicles eagerly waiting to answer questions. Take a look inside and under the hood. Imagine yourself cruising down the road with the windows down. It’s the quintessential event of the summer.

Car Show

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK

The site of the festival, Veterans Memorial Park, offers quite a bit to do any time of year. I took note of a fitness trail, newly added playground, sand volleyball area, baseball parks, paddleboat & kayaks, disc golf course, and tennis courts. I was drawn to the monuments honoring the veterans located near the front entrance, which showcased a tank on display.

disc golf Great Bend
The Great Bend Disc Golf Course at Veterans Memorial Park includes 18 tees and three short tees. Tournaments take place every spring.

The park is large enough that you may want to drive and park your car depending on the areas you choose to explore. With ample shade trees and plenty of parking, you’ll find it easy to navigate to the ideal spot.

HANDLEBAR BAR & GRILL

I was feeling energized after the festival’s morning festivities and ready to eat lunch. Handlebar Bar & Grill (807 10th St.) is open six days a week serving classic sports bar grub with a full bar of cold drinks.

When I pulled into the parking lot and scanned the area for open space, I didn’t find one and instead created my own under a shade tree. Inside, vintage motorcycle helmets and Harley Davidson relics dangled from the ceiling.

The restaurant is incredibly popular with locals who bring their families to dine on everything from buffalo wings and nachos to ribeyes and street tacos. Whatever you’re craving, you’ll find it on the menu. The Shrimp Po’ Boy hoagie sandwich came recommended, so I didn’t hesitate to order it. The addictive sriracha mayo and crispy breaded shrimp were appetizing.

If you arrive during the peak lunch or dinner hour, expect to wait for a table. If dining alone, it’s easy to snag a seat at the bar. Happy Hour is 4 pm -6 pm Tuesday-Friday. Ask about the bartender’s drink special and the featured menu item.

PoBoy Sandwich

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Make the most of a road trip to Great Bend by making your way downtown to shop locally. The first stop? Heart of Kansas Mercantile and Miss Pretty Pickles (1212 and 1214 Main St.).

With a little something for everyone, the Heart of Kansas Mercantile store carries a large selection of home decor and specialty foods made in The Sunflower State. Tables and shelves are stacked with jellies and jams, jarred pickles, candles, kitchen towels, artwork, and more. Walk past the register and you find yourself inside Miss Pretty Pickles, a boutique store that stocks plush toys and children’s clothes.

candle
Kansas Earth & Sky Candle Co. is located in Ellinwood, a 13-minute drive from Great Bend.

Sweet Dreams Candy Shop (1403 Main St.) is a family-owned and operated store specializing in gummy candy, gum, retro hard candy, and flavorful sodas. The smell of sweet treats hits you as you enter the front door. Rows upon rows of brightly colored packaged candy await purchase on store shelves.

I chose to build my own six-pack of cream sodas and root beers to use for an at-home soda flight. If you love fudge, this is the place to shop for it. Loaves of Pecan Turtle, Belgian Chocolate, and Mint Chocolate fudge sit in a glass case ready to be sliced and sold.

Note: At the time of publication, Sweet Dreams Candy Shop was for sale. According to their Facebook page, if a buyer doesn’t take over the store, it will close by December 23, 2022.

candy shop

Rosewood Wine Cellar (1901 Lakin Ave.) is a shop devoted to vino enthusiasts. Of course, you’ll find a wine tasting bar (free samples!) as well as rows of handcrafted wine bottles for sale, but the store is much more than another retail store. Rosewood Wine Cellar’s products are made or harvested by client-employees with disabilities. Each time you make a purchase at the shop, you sustain employment for them.

The staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about the award-winning wines. They carry two dozen varieties of wine that are grown a short drive west of town. I was pleased to discover that they carried dry wines that were not overly sweet. However, if you’re someone who appreciates fruit-forward sweeter wines, you’re in luck. The store is an excellent place to bring a friend or purchase a gift for one.

wine

You won’t leave empty-handed at Rosewood Winery Cellars. The inventory includes jars of gourmet relishes, salsas, honey, crackers, and more. If you’re on the lookout for a housewarming gift for someone, bath products, kitchenware, or aprons make shopping a breeze. Seasonal displays beckon home decor shoppers in search of accessories.

wine tasting

MURALS & SCULPTURES

Calling art lovers! Lace up your sneakers and head out on the Great Bend Mural Walk to see street art created by students, community artists, and professional painters. Several locals encouraged me to find the newest installment by artist Ryan “ARCY” Christensen. Located at the corner of Forest and Williams, the scene is aviation-themed and was partially inspired by a 1940s poster.

Originally from Connecticut, Christensen has painted murals in urban areas across the country. His trademark? He paints a “hidden” Mickey Mouse in all of his murals. Do you see it?

mural

Located nearby, I spotted a brightly colored Kansas landscape painted on the side of a commercial property by artist Melanie Ryan. The scene depicting Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area took up the entire west side of the building and wrapped around its backside. Located five miles north on US Highway 281, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is a marsh where birdwatchers flock to see shorebirds and waterfowl. In fact, 356 of the 482 species of birds currently known to occur in Kansas have been spotted at Cheyenne Bottoms.

farm mural

A short drive across downtown led me back to Main Street to view “Starting Line,” a 3,000-square-foot mural serving as the perfect backdrop for race fans. If you’re headed to the dragstrip west of town, make a detour to this mural for a selfie or group photo.

starting line mural

Directly across the same parking lot is another beautiful mural on the side of the building housing Dilly & Doc Creative Studio (1110 Main Street). The paint-your-own creation studio welcomes wannabe artists and hosts private parties.

These large-scale paintings are a small sampling of the new and old ones you’ll discover in the area. For a map and self-guided tour of the murals, reach out to the City of Great Bend at 620-793-4111.

The sculptures outside of Barton County Courthouse in the center of downtown dot the landscape. Great Bend has been the county seat since 1867; however, the courthouse that exists today wasn’t built until 1918. According to its website, “Barton helped to provide medical supplies to soldiers during the Civil War and founded the American Red Cross in 1881.”

monument

Situated in front of the Great Bend Library (1409 Williams Street), you’ll spot sculptures with natural patina. Nestled amongst native grass, shrubs, and river rock, each sculpture depicts children enjoying reading or playing in a garden setting. Go inside the library to inquire about scheduled events such as movie night for adults. statue

If you’d prefer not to walk or drive to each public art installation, consider renting a free electric scooter. You’ll spot groupings of scooters sitting around the downtown corridor. Simply download The Bird app and take a ride.

Each downtown planter features a hand-painted birdhouse.

PARTY IN THE PARK

In a hurry after viewing public art, I raced back to Veterans Memorial Park to partake in more of the festival’s entertainment. The sun was shining and it was hot. I spotted a shade tent with a crowd of people preparing for an event. It was the annual eating contest.

FRUIT LOOP EATING CONTEST

If you could choose one food to eat in a hurry to beat the clock, what would it be? This year, the festival’s eating contest served a pan of Fruit Loops marshmallow treats and boy were the contestants pumped to compete. After snapping a few photos, I had to look away out of fear of what could happen. The winner was the person I predicted to win. She took her Fruit Loop speed eating responsibilities seriously.

food contest

BEST MULLET CONTEST

If you had told me that I was going to serve as a guest judge for Party in the Park’s Best Mullet Contest, I would have immediately raised my hand for a high-five. “Yes!” The hair trend is back, and it was a complete thrill to join others in judging contestants’ hair that screamed: “business in the front, party in the back.”

We asked them questions like “Can you, please turn and move your hair?” and “Where do you get your hair cut?” of each contestant. In the end, each age group’s winner won a trophy and entrance to the festival’s evening live music show and fireworks display. Party on, man!

judges
As judges, we gave points based on the following categories: Length, Quality, Style, Presentation & Flow, and Overall Outfit & Look.
CONCERT IN THE PARK

Rock on! Party in the Park always ends with a live music performance followed by fireworks. This year, Fool House – The Ultimate 90s Dance Party had festival goers jamming in their seats. After the band’s first set, people danced their way to the stage and boogied down to cover hits by the Backstreet Boys, Madonna, Spice Girls, and Blink 182. If attending the annual outdoor concert, tote a collapsable lawn chair and a BYOB cooler.

festival goers

THE PAGE

Earlier in the day, I appreciated a relaxing dinner at The Page An American Bistro (2920 10th Street). Another local favorite, the inconspicuous restaurant sits directly behind Perkins Restaurant & Bakery. If you blink, you might miss it.  For those craving a more upscale meal for a romantic dinner or gathering with friends, The Page is the place.

The ribeye steak came with one choice of vegetable side and complimentary warm rolls with butter. Although I asked for medium rare, my steak was cooked medium. That didn’t take away from the steak’s flavor made better by the herbed butter on top. It also came with a bourbon sweet dipping sauce, but I preferred to stick with the herbed butter. The restaurant’s menu also features burgers, wraps, and pasta dishes.

ribeye

Before the main course arrived, I devoured a dinner salad and sipped a glass of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay. The bar has a decent selection of wines including the town’s ever-popular Rosewood Cellars selections. House wine by the glass is $6.

The dining room is small in size so once it’s full, chatter from other tables creates white noise as diners enjoy their meal underneath a wall of TVs broadcasting sporting events. I recommend arriving early to beat the dinner rush.

salad

BRIT SPAUGH ZOO

During the early morning house of Day 2 of my Great Bend adventure, I drove to Brit Spaugh Park for a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo (2200 Main Street). Regular zoo-goers know that the best time to catch most of the animals active is during the breakfast hour. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

The zoo features species from all over the world. Unlike some small town zoos I’ve toured, Brit Spaugh Zoo impresses with the number of mammals on-site. Big cats, grizzly bears, and monkeys keep it interesting. Animal lovers in search of wild birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates will find it equally impressive.

zoo entrance

I observed several grizzly bears in a tall grass habitat lounging on rocks and inside a man-made pond. The siblings played with one another and splashed around under the waterfall providing an opportunity to observe the bears’ natural behavior. Later, I was given the chance to use a slingshot to toss apple slices to them, which they happily enjoyed. Would you feed a bear if given a chance? Watch a video of the experience here.

grizzly bear

Another amazing animal encounter was when I had the privilege of meeting a Great Horned Owl named Thurston. Raised in captivity since it was a baby on a Kansas farm, it wasn’t skittish around humans. In fact, I stood six feet from it as it mimicked the sounds a zookeeper called to it. It mimicked clucking sounds like a chicken! Today, Thurston comes along for zoo presentations to school children and small groups.

owl

The sister lions in the photo below took an interest in me. Perhaps it was because I was tagging along with a zookeeper. Whatever the reason, it was fascinating watching them sun themselves and flick their tails. The male African lion was inside a building out of sight, but I heard that he is large for his size and most certainly dominates his territory.

lions

After winding your way through the zoo (look for the colorful murals painted by school children!), head inside to check out the reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates housed in aquariums. The education center consists of informative displays to aid visitors in understanding the life of raptors. If you’re lucky, you may see a veterinarian at work on the other side of the display window.

zoo interior

lizard

Overall, you’ll find the zoo’s animals awe-inspiring and the staff to be cordial. They welcome school groups if reservations are booked in advance. Please consider making a donation near the cashier’s counter inside the gift shop. A surprise awaits those who choose to drop in bills or coins inside the box.

BONUS PLACES TO VISIT IN GREAT BEND

GREAT BEND COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Great Bend Community Theatre is an Art Deco architecture wonder in the center of town. Plan a stop at Rosewood Wine Cellar and then head next door to watch a live theatre production. View the current season’s upcoming show calendar here.

THEATRE

BRIT SPAUGH PARK

Looking for a place to splash in a pool on a hot summer’s day or take the kids to run around on playground equipment? Brit Spaugh Park (2303 Main Street) near the zoo is the ideal location. Wetland Waterpark is open for the season on the Saturday before Memorial Day. With plenty of areas to retreat from the sun, parents can watch as kids take to the slides or play under the tipping bucket.

pool
Fun Fact: The swimming pool opened in the 1930s and underwent a significant renovation in 2005.

You’ll also discover a Santa Fe train engine on full display near the entrance. The town was home to an Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe railway station at one time served as a connection between Los Angeles and Chicago.

santa fe train

The park is also home to softball fields, horseshoe courts, picnic shelters, and a skateboarding arena.

LODGING 

It’s always nice to put down your bags after time on the road. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Great Bend (3821 10th Street) set the tone of a fabulous road trip the moment I arrived. The front desk staff was eager to welcome me to town and tell me about the accommodations. Located on 10th Street, a major highway through town, it’s an ideal place to stay overnight for its proximity to attractions like the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, Brit Spaugh Zoo, and the Wetlands Water Park.

hotel room
My fourth floor window view was the ideal spot to watch Party in the Park’s illuminating fireworks display while enjoying the air conditioning.

My king suite room was spacious enough for two people to enjoy and included copious amenities. I set down my bags and gave myself a tour noting a fully equipped mini kitchen complete with a refrigerator and single-serve coffeemaker. Near the hotel’s lobby, you can enjoy a free self-serve breakfast in the lobby every morning. An indoor swimming pool, 24-hour fitness center, and on-site business center provide all that you’ll want and need during your stay.

The room was complete with furnishings and plenty of room to relax, which is what I was seeking after a long day exploring Great Bend. The hotel was bustling with families visiting for a wedding party, but I didn’t hear a sound once in my room. The peace and quiet were delightful.

bathroom

During a return visit to Great Bend, I hope to spend time at Dry Lake Brewing (1305 Main Street). Unfortunately, it wasn’t open before I had to leave for home. You know me – I love craft beer! I’ll add it to my bucket list of places to check out the next time I’m in town.

sculpture Main StreetSo much had changed since my childhood visit to Great Bend. It’s more than just another Kansas town surrounded by farm fields. Located 95 miles outside of northwest Wichita, it is worth the two-hour drive.

You can expect to be wow-ed by its attractions, summer festival, and restaurant and shopping scene. The downtown corridor has a delightful surprise around every corner. Are you ready to experience it for yourself?

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: bar and grill, bear, cafe, candy, car show, coffee shop, electric scooter, festival, Great Bend, Kansas, live music, Main Street, Midwest, mullet, murals, parade, park, Santa Fe, sculpture, steak, street art, swimming pool, tasting room, theatre, train, winery, zoo

The Top Attractions in Leavenworth, Kansas

December 6, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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

Leavenworth is the ideal choice for an overnight stay to explore the state’s history and appreciate modern attractions. From breakfast time until long after the sun goes down, the northeastern Kansas town has more than enough entertaining things to do including shopping, dining, and strolling the historic district.

There’s a lot to love about Leavenworth.

Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. Buffalo Bill Cody spent time there as a youth.

Historic Fort Leavenworth is the oldest Army post in continuous existence west of the Missouri River. It played a key role in keeping the peace between Indian tribes and settlers heading west.

President Abraham Lincoln’s final speech in Kansas took place in Leavenworth during an overnight stay. (The steps are now located on the lawn of the Carroll Mansion.)  Additionally, the Frontier Army Museum includes an exhibit about Lewis and Clark who made part of their expedition through Leavenworth. The gallery includes tools and military artifacts of the time. The Buffalo Soldier Monument is a must-see stop when tracing the history of the military.

Today, the town is a bustling community made up of welcoming folks. On a return trip to Leavenworth, I explored the best of the town’s attractions and overnight accommodations.

LODGING

Hampton Inn & Suites isn’t just another hotel chain. It is one of my top choices for places to stay for the price when searching out hotel accommodations. Not only do they have modern, clean facilities, but they also serve a full complimentary breakfast to guests. The Leavenworth location (405 Choctaw St.) also has some of the friendliest staff you’ll meet.

During my check-in, the front desk employee was kind and offered concierge services on the house. I was debating between a couple of restaurants for dinner and he helped make my decision an easy one.

My guest room was perfect. Spacious and comfortable, the in-room amenities included a refrigerator, microwave, and work center. Within walking distance of historic downtown, the view from my window showcased the town’s skyline.

The staff went above and beyond by gifting me a box of warm cookies, a welcomed surprise left in my room. I already felt at home in Leavenworth and I hadn’t even explored the town yet.

BREAKFAST

THE DEPOT

At the edge of the town’s 28-block historic downtown district is The Depot (781 Shawnee St.), an always-busy restaurant known for serving excellent breakfast and lunch classics. The eatery is located inside a beautifully restored Santa Fe train depot established in 1887. Voted Best Breakfast & Brunch, the place was filled with happy customers.

Walking the creaky wooden floors through one of several dining rooms, I eventually settled into a table. Tiffany lamps hung from the ceiling. Lace curtains flanked tall windows. Framed photographs of locomotives decorated the walls. It truly felt as if I was dining inside a train depot in the 1800s.

I ordered the Broken Yolk Sandwich made from eggs, bacon, and cheese from a menu listing hearty breakfast plates and a la carte items. As I looked at the plates of other guests, the portions were large. Satisfied with my choice, I knew I return to enjoy the Smoked Turkey Hash that I heard my server describing to another guest.

In the meantime, I snacked on the complimentary “duffin” before my meal arrived. The cinnamon and sugar breakfast bite is a part muffin, part donut, and all kinds of delicious.

They serve breakfast and lunch from 7 am-1:30 pm every day of the week. Like most businesses in Leavenworth, the family-owned restaurant offers a military discount. Go for breakfast, return for lunch, and if you’re feeling like a cocktail, ask about the drink special on the “Prohibition Ends at Last” card displayed on your table. Plan your visit and view The Depot’s hours here.

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN

RIVERFRONT COMMUNITY CENTER

I discovered the Riverfront Community Center purely by accident when in search of my breakfast destination. The building once served as the Leavenworth Union Depot and was the center for transportation and commerce in town after its completion in 1888. Now, it’s where locals and visitors can use recreational facilities.

The lobby is a must-stop for history buffs who want to familiarize themselves with the town’s beginnings. A framed photograph of Colonel Henry Leavenworth hangs on the wall. He founded the town near the Missouri River and the military post known as Fort Leavenworth also known as “the post that opened the west.”

C.J. Gift Co.

Nearly all of the buildings located in downtown Leavenworth are historic architecture. C. J. Gift Co. (30 Delaware Street), a home decor boutique, is located in an old bank building.

While there are many boutiques and antique stores in the historic shopping district, I’m a repeat visitor of C.J. Gift Co. I never leave empty-handed.

If you’re in search of a gift for yourself or your best friend, stop here to pick up unique seasonal decor items, jewelry, or candles. Not sure what to buy the sports fan in your life? Their shelves are also stocked with collegiate gear. Because the town is the home of Fort Leavenworth, C.J. Gift Co. has home decor items specifically designed for military families.

The husband and wife team is incredibly friendly and helpful. During my visit, I wasn’t finding what I was looking for right away. Thinking she didn’t carry the particular item, she returned from the back of the store with exactly the kitchen decor item I wanted. Not only that, she packaged it up so it would travel home with me without breaking.

When in Leavenworth, make your way to the boutique to do a little shopping. Check their store hours and upcoming events here.

Z&M TWISTED VINEYARD & TASTING ROOM

Everywhere you turn in Leavenworth, there is a business or group that proudly supports the military. Z&M Twisted Vineyard & Tasting Room (620 Cherokee St.) is no different. They partner with Homegrown by Heroes and Farmer Veteran Coalition Kansas to produce locally sourced wine.

The veteran-owned and operated winery’s tasting room is centrally located downtown across from Hay Market Square. They are open for wine tastings and retail shopping. I chose a seat at the tasting room counter and ordered the Tasting of the Month, a flight of five selections.

The wines were tasty and worth trying, however, I appreciated the Mulled Wine the most for its spicy, seasonal flavor. All of the wines were unique, especially Hellfire, which is made with jalapeños providing surprising heat with each sip.

A flight lets you discover a wine that you will appreciate the most – take home a bottle for your personal collection. They also sell jarred jellies and gifts for all of the wine lovers in your life. Plan a visit to the tasting room by viewing their hours here. Call head to book group visits and reserve space for events.

LUNCH

FIRST CITY CHEESE MARKET

If wine had a partner in crime, it would be cheese. Directly next door to Z&M Twisted Vineyard is First City Cheese Market (610 Cherokee St.). Walking into the shop is like stepping into heaven if you’re a cheese lover like me. Refrigerated cases are full of artisan cheese wheels, sausage, and samples ready for tasting.

Several business owners around town told me that I’d love the food at First City Cheese Market. Still feeling full from my mega breakfast, I ordered a grab-n-go charcuterie cup consisting of cheese, crackers, grapes, and nuts.

The staff makes gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches Tuesday-Saturday and serves a Soup of the Day. You can expect fine cheese stacked atop sandwiches like Gobble-Gobble made with smoked turkey or the Roast Beef Explosion prepared with cheddar cheese and spicy horseradish. Be sure to ask the staff about the monthly sandwich specials priced at $9.99/each.

Also a retail space stocked with top-of-the-line kitchen gadgets and specialty foods, shop First City Cheese Market for household essentials while waiting for your lunch to be prepared. They also sell 24 different whole bean coffees by the pound.

C.W. PARKER CAROUSEL MUSEUM

It’s been a long time since I feel the pure joy I experienced as a playful kid, but I felt it again at the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (320 S. Esplanade St). Tucked away at the edge of downtown, a massive building is a home to a beautifully restored, fully operational carousel built in 1913.

With my feet kicked up and smiling with glee, I rode the carousel and felt like a kid again.

You can also take a ride on the carousel for the price of admission to the museum. Named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, it has 24 horses, four chariots, and a Wurlitzer band organ donated by one of the town’s most famous residents and musicians, Melissa Etheridge.

Volunteers operate the museum and happily give guided tours to visitors. Parker started a career manufacturing amusement park rides including carousels. Also known as the “Carnival King,” he built his first carousel in 1892 and started the company two years later eventually moving it to Leavenworth. In fact, Leavenworth has produced more carousels than any other city in the world. He was a millionaire by age 30.

Perhaps you’ve ridden another one of his carousels at the Dickinson County Heritage Center in Abilene?

The corn cob and jackrabbit symbol designed on some of the Parker carousel horses are some of his design trademarks.

Opened in 2005, the museum tour begins with a 15-minute film in the theatre room to learn the history of Parker and his company. During my visit, a gracious volunteer took me on a tour of historical photos and pointed out the intricate work done by volunteers to bring the beauty of the carousel horses back to life.

The museum’s upstairs gallery is a showroom of historical photographs, carousel horses, and advertisements from 1850s amusement parks. (Pro Tip: Ask to see the woodshop where the work is done to restore each carousel horse.)

The facility is also home to two other carousels including the oldest known working American carousel. The Primitive Carousel (pictured below) is believed to have been made before the Civil War between 1850-1860. Each horse was made from eight pieces of wood.

I know you’ll smile ear-to-ear during your visit to the museum as well. The volunteers and I became instant friends. It’s a rewarding experience for the entire family.

Get a glimpse of what you can expect by watching this entertaining video or to plan your visit and view the museum’s hours, visit the Facebook page.

LEAVENWORTH LANDING PARK

Directly across the street from C.W. Parker Carousel Museum is the Leavenworth Landing Park (2 Cherokee St.). A quarter-mile parkway with beautiful landscaping along the Missouri River, visitors and locals can stroll the walkway with scenic views. If you’re lucky, you may spot an eagle in flight.

Symbolic sculptures reference riverboats, railroads, and wagon escorts. Scan the information kiosks along the trail to listen to an audio tour guide. Keep in mind, the park serves as the entrance to the Three-Mile-Creek Trail ideal for walking and biking no matter your skill level.

CARROLL MANSION

One of the top attractions in Leavenworth is the Carroll Mansion (1128 5th Ave.).  The Queen Ann Victorian home is listed on the National Historic Register and is the oldest continuously operating museum in the county. Built in the 1880s, it is worth seeing up close for its beautiful stained glass windows, opulent furnishings, and hand-carved woodwork.

My guided tour was led by a member of the Leavenworth County Historical Society. Unlike some of the restored mansions I’ve toured in Kansas, this one was different because several families had lived in the mansion at different times prior to it becoming a museum.

The home itself had underground multiple expansions over the years. In fact, it was initially a farmhouse for the Foster family in 1858. Over the years each family added to its square footage.

Each room is filled with elegant antiques from the Victorian era. Large mirrors, long curtains that pooled up on the floor, and a Victrola are symbolic of the Victorian style of the time. I was silenced by the beauty of the study’s handcrafted built-in bookshelves and lavish fireplace. (Pro Tip: Look for the framed map of Leavenworth on the wall of the study.)Guided tours take about an hour. Open Tuesday-Saturday, admission is $6 and worth every penny. Touring the mansion allows you to virtually step back in time when the town’s most prominent residents spent their wealth on lavish homes and furnishings. Be sure to ask about the dog statue situated on the front lawn. It’s an entertaining story.

Keep in mind that the town hosts a Historic Homes Tour at Fort Leavenworth in April if you want to combine both tours in one visit to town. Plan your visit to the Carroll Mansion here.

MELISSA ETHERIDGE’S CHILDHOOD HOME

Leavenworth is the hometown of singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. She was born there and lived in the town until 1979. Many of her songs reference Kansas.

Out of curiosity, I drove to her childhood home (1902 Miami St.) to take a look at it. It was a modest middle-income neighborhood that included a nice park. If you decide to include the home as part of your Hometown Tour, download the brochure that details all 15 stops in Leavenworth here.

DINNER

LUIGI’S 418 ITALIAN RESTAURANT

After a full day of exploring Leavenworth, I was excited to dine at a restaurant that I had spied on social media and heard good things about, Luigi’s 418 (418 Cherokee). Even though I arrived during the onset of the dinner hour, the hostess was already greeting a short line of waiting customers. I opted for a seat at the bar for instant service.

The ambiance was sophisticated without trying too hard. Shelves of wine bottles decorated the wall near the bar. Seating encompassed the entire bar while patrons in the dining room sat at windows seats facing historic downtown.

All of your go-to Italian entree classics are available on the menu. I was warned the portions were big, and the bartender wasn’t kidding. Maybe I shouldn’t have eaten so much of the herbed garlic bread. It was irresistible.

The Picatta pasta arrived in an oversized bowl. Prepared with spaghetti and a white wine sauce, it was topped with copious amounts of capers, tomatoes, and chicken.

I concluded my dining experience with a chilled glass of Limoncello liqueur, which I’m told the owner makes herself. It’s essentially infused vodka. The traditionally Mediterranean drink is a staple in Italian households. I appreciated the smooth, authentic lemon flavor.

Sitting at the bar, I was privy to the hustle and bustle of the waitstaff. The phone rings constantly with to-go orders. Luigi’s 418 is a popular restaurant for a reason. The delicious food the courteous staff makes it one of the most highly recommended restaurants in town.

MORE PLACES TO VISIT

I retired to my hotel for the night all the while thinking of the places I look forward to visiting in Leavenworth given more time. Fort Leavenworth National Cemetary. Lewis and Clark Center. Leavenworth Antique Mall. Sis’ Sweets for a cupcake.

I certainly will return to Kansas’ “First City.” There are just too many things to love about Leavenworth.

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: Army, calvary, carousel, Carroll Mansion, cheese, depot, Etheridge, First City, Fort Leavenworth, Italian, Leavenworth, Lewis and Clark, limoncello, Luigi's, mansion, military, Missouri River, pasta, railroad, Santa Fe, soldier, wine, winery

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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!

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