Disclosure: Wichita Festivals, Inc., sponsored this blog and provided courtesy photos for it. All opinions are mine.
Every fall, I clear my calendar the second weekend of September to attend Autumn & Art at Bradley Fair Parkway in Wichita, a free community event hosting more than 100 artists from across the United States.
Autumn & Art is more than an artists’ exhibition. It’s a welcoming setting where enthusiasts can mingle with artists, hang out with friends and family amongst live entertainment and food trucks.
5 Reasons I Attend Wichita’s Autumn & Art Every Year
Meeting the Artists and Admiring One-of-a-Kind Creations
Autumn & Art offers attendees the opportunity to meet the artists and learn what inspires them. Unlike an art gallery, Autumn & Art provides access to the artists who enthusiastically greet visitors and are eager to make conversation.
I’ve met remarkable photographers, painters, jewelry makers, and ceramicists by introducing myself to them while admiring their work. Sometimes, you can catch a moment with an artist while they work on a new piece.
Wichitans will tell you the city is large, but it feels like a small town. After a brief conversation with photographer Mickey Shannon, we learned that we are Wichita natives who share a love of Colorado.
Drawn to his vibrant photograph of the Flint Hills at springtime, I found myself purchasing Shannon’s coffee-table book “Kansas is Beautiful.”
You can find artwork for sale at every price point.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the annual Featured Artist set up in the middle of the Parkway.
Local Food and Drinks Make It More Than an Art Show
A bonus to attending the fine arts show is pausing between shopping to grab a bite to eat and a beverage.
Friday night’s Patron Party, a ticketed event, kicks off the weekend and is a must-attend event. I’ve sampled cuisine from some of Bradley Fair’s premier restaurants under the shaded canopy of trees.
It’s an excuse to mingle with friends with a handcrafted cocktail between bites of local fare. You can count on a lively atmosphere with live music, and organizers always gift guests a swag bag at the end of the night.
Plus, food trucks are on site from Friday through Sunday for all Autumn & Art attendees to enjoy.
PRO TIP: You can purchase Patron Party tickets in advance or pay for them at the party’s entrance tent.
Live Entertainment Creates a Vibrant Fall Festival Atmosphere
It’s not uncommon to discover live entertainment along the Bradley Fair Parkway throughout the weekend, so I recommend bringing a lawn chair to enjoy performances by dancers and musicians at the Main Stage.
Additionally, the Autumn & Art mascot greets families and is available for group photos. The mascot is featured in the annual coloring book available for children.
Shopping for a Gift For Myself or Someone
For me, discovering artwork I love is easy. Deciding which piece to purchase is difficult.
One year, I adored a photograph of a flying falcon so much that I purchased the framed print. I simply had to gift it to my boyfriend, a pilot, who is fascinated with falcons.
As the photographer gently packaged the framed print for me, he told me the story of how he captured the moment on film.
I think about the photographer’s account of that day each time I admire the photo displayed in our home.
The Artwork Inspires Me To Create
As a travel content creator, my career is focused on writing and photographing destinations to motivate readers to experience leisure travel. Since attending Autumn & Art, I’ve tried a new medium.
I’ve allowed myself the creative freedom to paint.
My newfound hobby grounds me and allows me to express myself in a delightful way.
You’ll be glad you experienced Autumn & Art, whether you stroll Bradley Fair Parkway for an hour, stay for the day, or make a weekend of it.
I hope to see you there.
WHERE TO PARK: Autumn & Art attendees can park anywhere within Bradley Fair and make the short walk to the Parkway.
WHAT TO BRING: Tote a lawn chair so you can kick back and relax while watching performers at the Main Stage.
I grew up visiting the region, and my first visit to Larned confirmed that it’s a town deserving of an overnight stay to experience all it offers, from historical tours and outdoor adventures to strolling downtown businesses.
I recommend visiting midweek, when most shops and restaurants on Broadway Street are open.
They have a variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks, and I recommend asking to view the seasonal menu. I sipped a Queen Bee Latté between bites of a fresh-from-the-oven banana nut muffin.
Also known for serving Italian Cream Soda and Dirty Sodas, the shop will appeal to customers with a sweet tooth, offering drinks made with flavored syrups such as Cotton Candy Dream and Cocoa Caramel Kiss.
The 13-seat diner smelled of freshly cooked bacon as the morning sun made the vinyl-covered, cherry- red stools sparkle. A television played the news while I awaited a heaping plate of the day’s special: French Toast with eggs and bacon.
I ate every bite, watching as Larned residents came and went with pick-up orders in hand. The owners greeted each child by name and asked about their summer plans.
After a morning of exploring, I devoured a well-seasoned bacon cheeseburger and a side of hot onion rings.
The staff serves beer and cocktails from a full bar, with additional seating near the cash register.
A bell rang, alerting my server to deliver my order: a combination plate featuring a freshly prepared chile relleño and a beef taco with guacamole salad, both from the Luncheon menu. Their salsa is some of the best I’ve tasted while road-tripping through Kansas.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialty entrees you’d expect, plus a rotating selection of bar drink specials, such as margaritas and Mexican beer.
You’ll also find 11 different burger options, steaks, shrimp, or fish with fries, as well as wraps, salads, and protein-packed sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak on the menu. Families are welcome at the bar and grill. The kids’ menu features seven meals.
An added touch of salt made my chicken-fried steak dinner better between sips of iced tea. I’m glad I ordered the “small” plate, which was plenty of food for one. My only regret is not planning ahead to enjoy the cheesecake egg rolls.
The 
Other areas of the park include a beloved duck pond, basketball and tennis courts, a water fountain, a playground, and picnic spots with grills.
Park at the gravel lot and then use the paved sidewalk to navigate to the shoreline or extended fishing dock.
Fancy a game of tennis? Bring your equipment to play at the courts before pausing for a hydration break on a tree-shaded bench.
The rusted, twisted piece of steel curved toward the sun. An original piece of the World Trade Center in New York, a relic of the 9-11 tragedy, it is a portion of the perimeter column located between the 34th and 35th floors of the No. 2 building.
PRO TIP: Look under the jagged metal at its base, which includes iron legs scaled to resemble the twin towers.
As a former high school golfer, I can attest that the fairways and greens were in top condition, given the hot summer temperatures. Golf carts meandered across the course as a men’s league wrapped up its play.
Before the railroad connected the West, wagon trains traveled the Santa Fe Trail carrying goods, dreams, and determination across the prairie.
For the most part, the Plains Indians respected the trail’s commerce. However, Kiowa Indians pounced upon Fort Larned on July 17, 1864, stealing over 170 horses and mules, thus creating a reason to escort wagon trains westward thereafter.
The best way to explore the fort is to arrange a 45-minute guided tour with a park ranger in advance, starting at the visitor center.
The park ranger’s key unlocked access to the men’s barracks, where 68 soldiers slept in iron beds (two men to a bed) in 1871. The smell of the original wood floors, foot lockers, and vintage wool jackets permeated the summer-warm air.
The soldiers’ humble living quarters stood in stark contrast to the officers’ spacious homes, decorated with hand-hewn furniture, rugs, and tables adorned with china and silverware.
The idea of working as a woman tasked with doing the soldiers’ laundry or tending the fort’s garden in the harsh Kansas heat and cold winters gave me pause.
To experience the fort in all of its glory with reenactors in costume giving demonstrations, attend one of the living history events during Memorial Day Weekend (May), Labor Day Weekend, Buffalo Soldier Fourth of July, Candlelight Tours (2nd Saturday in October), and Christmas Past (2nd Saturday in December).
ACCESSIBILITY: While much of the site is wheelchair-accessible over grass or a level, sandy trail, there are required steps to access buildings.
Indian artifacts, trade goods, and historic photos bring the trail era, dating back to 1821, to life.
Replica period rooms are designed to help museum-goers visualize what it was like to live in a middle-class home in the 1900s.
But my favorite part of the museum experience awaited me outdoors, where I took a self-guided tour of the historic Escue Chapel, the first church built by African American residents in the community.
Other outdoor buildings, like the dug-out house and sod house, represent how early pioneer settlers lived on the Kansas plains.
PRO TIP: The research library is free and open to the public, and if you’re interested in local genealogy, ask about access to the archives.
I didn’t see any original wagon ruts nearby, but I did stop to pay my respects at several Civil War graves.
Park at the gravel parking lot and follow the paved sidewalks to the interpretive signs that tell Pike’s story. Take note of the small mock gravestones honoring Private Robert Easley and Private Arthur Hughes, who perished in the area during the 1840s.
I was pleasantly surprised to find racks of colorful, fashionable blouses and jeans priced at $3 to $10.
Need a gift for a baby shower or a housewarming party? Shop the retail space for the ideal gift for someone, with country music playing in the background.
Owned and operated by two sisters, Scraps is a catch-all stop where you can purchase a grab-and-go meal or linger a while over coffee with friends from a comfortable couch.
Whatever you need, you’ll find it at Scraps. And should you require wedding supply services, the owners handle it all: catering, cakes, flowers, and tux rentals.
I’ve shopped plenty of antique stores, and this one is an experience. Located in the oldest church in town, dating back to 1897, Old Church Antiques showcases the collections of 18 vendors.
Walk downstairs to the lower level to purchase homemade baked goods from 
One visit to Old Church Antiques and Blessings Bakery won’t suffice. The store’s inventory and the bakery’s specials are updated frequently, so plan a return trip.
The store is a mainstay for the community, having recently celebrated 20 years of providing fresh floral arrangements, houseplants, gifts, body products, and candy.
Women will appreciate the keychains, dish towels, and coffee mugs with imprinted phrasing that speaks to them. Many of the home accents are floral-themed, making it a one-stop shop for the gardener in your life who deserves a gift.
Within minutes of my arrival, Dody took me under her wing, showing me interesting treasures, which included the store’s vast collection of framed artwork and prints.
PRO TIP: Walk into the store’s back room to explore shelves of out-of-print, national publications, from magazines to newspapers.
Located in its current spot since 1952, the store occupies 25,000 square feet of retail space, offering exactly what you need and want for your home.
In awe, I told the owner that I wished I had shopped for our furniture at her store rather than making multiple trips to various Wichita furniture stores to redesign our living room.
I adored the store’s selection of classic separates and in-season fashions, and I tried on a cute, floral dress. The store’s inventory ranges in sizes from small to extra large and appeals to most age groups.
Dress It Up makes it easy to pull together pieces to create new outfits, adding jewelry and shoes to complete the look. Tessa has her finger on the pulse of the latest fashions and hand-curates pieces for the shop.
Ready to repaint the interior of your home? The staff at the Paint Shop can personalize your purchase to your DIY needs.
What makes shopping at Doerr’s Ace Hardware even better? They fundraise for community causes. That’s why I love a locally-owned hardware store.
I was pleasantly surprised to find on-trend apparel at a price point most women ages 30 to 70 can afford.
PRO TIP: Watch Crossroots Boutique’s 
Installed in 2016, the towering, life-size figure with impressive details was made in Los Angeles by Bronzeman using the lost-wax process. A plaque reads, “For the Love of the Game,” in memory of Michael Bartz.
Die-hard mural seekers will want to keep their eyes peeled for murals adorning buildings at Larned’s city parks as well, like the one pictured below at Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park.
Library staff member encouraged me to use the complimentary high-speed WiFi and to explore the book shelves. During my Kansas Room work session, a second employee checked on me, proving that Larned residents truly are some of the nicest folks.
View the theatre’s Facebook page to review 
If you love discovering places where history comes alive and pausing to shop and dine at local businesses, add 
Visitors of all ages will appreciate the on-site activities, including the Magical Forest Ice Skating Trail and Glacier Slides Snow Tubing. You don’t have to be athletic to participate in either one. Schedule your arrival time, sign the waivers, and give it a go.
Although I’m not much of an ice skater, it was fun to try it. Finding a pair of skates that fit me was a bit of a challenge, but it was worth the experience once we snapped photos as the sun set and the holiday lights became aglow.
We watched families defy gravity at Glacier Slides Snow Tubing, which offers two options for ascending to the bottom: a kid-friendly “bunny hill” and a 30-foot-tall slide.
Participants screamed with glee as they slid downhill, and kids often begged their parents for a second run. Chris loved the speed and thrill of the descent.
Afterward, we listened to a pianist play and sing holiday tunes inside the Bah Humbug Sing-A-Long Piano Bar. I sipped spiked cider and, yes, found myself singing popular jingles. I felt the Christmas spirit.
We perused vendor booths before entering the second floor’s Tipsy Tree Lounge; we enjoyed another cup of holiday cheer while watching families explore the park below.
The festive experience concluded after selecting an ornament for our tree from the gift shop, a memento of our date night experience.
PRO TIP: Upgrading your tickets to include the VIP Pass is worth it, providing access to lounges, fast pass lanes, a welcome drink, a $10 gift certificate, and a to-go swag bag. 
We made a beeline for a tented room where Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome families. To my surprise, we had them to ourselves, so we chatted joyfully about their holiday duties before I requested a photo with them. A jolly time, indeed.
The Renaissance-themed holiday fun continues throughout the park as hobbyists perfect their craft.
Knights of Lights is designed to be a fantastical experience. 
You may love it so much that you’ll want to return when all vendors are available during the 
PRO TIP: Planning a date night? Purchase a 
A directory of apparel stores includes brands such as Kate Spade, J. Crew, Michael Kors Outlet, and dozens more. During a recent visit, we purchased three pairs of sneakers at Adidas for under $100.
Not only do many of the stores advertise low prices, but some offer additional coupons and clearance merchandise.
Specialty shops such as Gamestop, Claire’s, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory make shopping for kids a breeze. I never miss a chance to shop for seasonal gifts at Home Goods.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite for holiday shopping, stop for a meal at one of over 20 
It’s our tradition to stop at the massive Christmas tree for a photo for our holiday card. Bringing kids? They can drop a letter to Santa in the mailbox at AMC Legends 14 Theater.
PRO TIP: Participate in the 
I recommend ordering two breakfast burritos per person, and the carne asada burritos are excellent. If you’re extra hungry, consider ordering the Torta Memo, a stuffed bread sandwich with peppers, grilled steak, and cheese.
PRO TIP: The green salsa is mild, and the orange salsa is extra spicy.
I recommend ordering the shareable Poke Nachos for an appetizer, which our server told us is the restaurant’s most popular request. Layers of marinated ahi tuna, peppers, truffle sauce, and Asian-inspired ingredients sit atop crispy wonton chips.
For lunch, I chose the Baja Shrimp Taco and Vampire Taco with a side house salad, a delicious balance of spicy seasoning and fresh ingredients. Our table also enjoyed a juicy Truffle Cheeseburger with truffle fries, a decadent combo.
Yard House is an excellent choice for dining, especially if you want to watch the game from a bar television.
For over 25 years, guests have ordered seafood stuffed po’boys, crawfish étouffée, and plates of pasta swimming in Creole-spiced cream sauce.
We sat at the bar to avoid a wait at the hostess desk, where two bartenders introduced themselves and told us about the three-piece live jazz band playing on the second floor. Expect live music every night of the week starting at 6:00 pm.
I ordered Shrimp & Scallops Pontchartrain, which was so rich in flavor and seasoning that I mopped up every bite of the tequila cream sauce with complimentary baguette bread. A bite of my boyfriend’s seafood fettuccini proved too spicy for my palette but so tasty.
PRO TIP: Although it’s not a sports bar, Jazz bartenders confess it’s a great place to enjoy a meal during a televised Kansas Chiefs football game because there is never a wait.
As an IHG Hotel Rewards member, I expect the hotel’s comfortable amenities, including a fitness center, indoor swimming pool, and high-speed free Wi-Fi.
PRO TIP: Pack earplugs and a sleep mask for a guaranteed night’s slumber.
I’m a big fan of the 
But there’s more! If you extend your holiday vacation in Kansas City, Kansas, consider reading my blog posts 
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.
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.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
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.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
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.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
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.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
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.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, a replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm, and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 pm. To guarantee a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small but well-organized, and it includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the model building’s layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history.
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 
I was impressed with the accommodations, so I immediately called home to tell others about them. 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 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.
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 on Main Street increased, I felt sad knowing I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
From big items like old handmade furniture and saddles to delicate antique glassware and jewelry, 
Serious shoppers will want to devote at least an hour or more to scanning shelving and peering into glass cases at 
Two store employees quickly asked me if there was anything they could help me find, but I wasn’t in search of anything specific. Because the store’s vast collection can seem overwhelming upon entry, it may help to preview featured items on the 
Some of the booths’ owners did an excellent job of displaying items by theme, and I was surprised to find handcrafted items like unique lamps or embroidered tee towels nestled amongst antiques.
PRO TIP: Ask about layaway options if you want to add an investment piece to your collection.
PRO TIP: The charming store, located in a historic building, is an antiquity. Walk to the back of the store and look up at the tin ceiling and architecture.
The darkroom was left untouched, including images drying on a clothesline. 
Although I didn’t visit during one of those events, I still found it worthwhile to tour. Beyond the “main street,” it includes the Grove Ill Schoolhouse relocated from the Lincoln Township. A 1859 settler’s cabin is also a noteworthy sight.
PRO TIP: Ask about their latest addition to the baked goods line-up, miniature homemade pies. The day’s menu special is written on a wall chalkboard.
I happily devoured my lunch while watching customers order at the counter and grab a seat at tables and a nearby couch. Surrounded by music-themed artwork, I felt relaxed as I enjoyed vintage rock music.
PRO TIP: If you’re a sports fan, M&R is a great place to watch the game, with TV views from a dining room booth. chi
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to walk next door to the Central Kansas Free Fairgrounds to locate another Cowboy Boot Art installation. You can’t miss it.
The Big Spur stands 28 feet high and weighs one ton. Constructed in 2002 by Larry Houston, it’s certified by Guinness World Records as the largest.
PRO TIP: Each boot is located at a commercial building, so parking is usually not an issue. View the 
Across the street, a similarly designed blonde brick building once used as the Union Pacific Freight Station (110 N. Cedar St.). 
