Disclosure: Explore Crawford Kansas sponsored my trip. All opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
It’s time you discover Girard, a charming small town in Southeast Kansas with historic sites, restaurants, and overnight lodging ideal for curious road travelers.
From chatting with locals over breakfast to taking a guided tour of its museum, I was pleasantly surprised by Girard’s attractions, and the residents welcomed me warmly.
Things to Do in Girard, Kansas: History, Dining, and Charming Overnight Lodging
Located at the junction of Highways 7 and 47, Girard is a community of fewer than 2,500 residents, founded initially as a railroad town. Today, the county seat thrives, with most tourism-worthy stops surrounding the historic Crawford County Courthouse.
I discovered there was more than enough to do downtown and in the surrounding area, making Girard a destination for an overnight stay.
Unique Lodging
The Long Branch Loft
When traveling, I welcome the opportunity to stay at a unique vacation rental. The Long Branch Loft, a one-bedroom, one-bathroom downtown getaway, is located in Girard, within walking distance of activities on the square.
It’s ranked as a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a good reason. The stylish property, beautifully renovated in a historic building, offers guests the comforts of home.
I spent my evening streaming television shows from a plush, oversized chair before retiring for the night in the loft’s king-size bed. Despite its central location between two businesses, the area was quiet after business hours.
After a good night’s sleep, I awoke to make a steaming cup of coffee and watch the sun rise through the downstairs window with plants. The loft’s welcome book provided a list of things to do in the area, and a basket supplied on-the-go snacks for the day’s adventures.
Overall, my stay at The Long Branch Loft was peaceful and pleasant thanks to its modern furnishings, cleanliness, and amenities. The quaint vacation rental is ideal for solo travelers or couples visiting the area. Check availability and reserve The Long Branch Loft.
Note: This is not an ADA-accessible vacation rental due to its open staircase design to the loft bedroom.
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and prefer to block out all light when you sleep, I recommend using an eye mask to block out streetlight through the windows.
Delicious Dining
Eastside Cafe
For breakfast, you have to dine at Eastside Cafe (120 S. Ozark Street).
The baker arrives at 3 a.m., well before guests arrive, to make cinnamon rolls, chocolate-filled croissants, pies, and freshly baked bread. The short-order cook ringing the bell is audible from the kitchen. Servers pour coffee refills into diner-style mugs.
I listened to the news on a nearby television while enjoying a vegetable omelet and perfectly cooked hashbrowns. Full from my breakfast, I eagerly requested a to-go box for baked goods.
Eastside Cafe serves breakfast all day, and the lunch menu features sandwiches, burgers, and a daily special after 11:00 a.m.
PRO TIP: Order the hand-breaded onion rings, a local favorite.
Hiway Inn Restaurant
When it’s an affordable lunch like grandma used to make that you crave, there’s no better place to eat than the Hiway Inn Restaurant (600 W. St. John Street).
Open until 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, the eatery has served locals homestyle meals for decades. Today, the owner continues the tradition her grandmother began almost 40 years ago.
I stopped by for lunch and, after seeing the daily specials board, I chose the Mushroom Swiss Burger with a side of curly fries. As soon as my order was called back to the kitchen, I heard the sizzle of a flat-top grill and the bubbling of a hot fryer.
Surrounded by locals eating their lunches in silence, the restaurant’s phone rang continuously with to-go orders.
After eating my tasty lunch, I paid for my meal and headed out to explore Girard. In the parking lot, locals gathered around cars to chat about the day’s events and local news.
PRO TIP: HiWay Inn is also known for its breakfast. A line of regular customers forms at the door before it opens daily. Bring cash.
C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store
If you’re seeking a place to enjoy coffee, tea, an energy drink, or a fruit smoothie, C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store (102 S. Ozark Street) is a guaranteed good stop.
The coffeehouse also serves as a gathering spot for locals who want to use the high-speed Wi-Fi while drinking coffee.
Pony up to the counter, seated on a saddle-covered stool, to sip a cowboy-style black coffee or a Lasso (frappe) prepared with frozen hot chocolate.
Bushel & a Peck
By far, Bushel & a Peck (820 S. Summit) is the best restaurant for a chef-prepared meal, where locals line up at the door by 5 p.m. to claim a table.
Open Wednesday through Saturday, the restaurant is known for its inventive weekly specials and seasonal menus featuring fresh ingredients.
I was greeted by name upon arrival and escorted to my table, where I ordered a glass of wine and an appetizer of whipped goat cheese topped with tomatoes and herbs.
Soon, I noticed that other dinner guests were watching the servers as they presented neighboring tables’ food, a sign they were enthusiastic about the menu’s offerings.
The appetizer exceeded my expectations for quality and flavor, setting the stage for the main course. But first, the server insisted I sample the day’s special: an Asian-inspired orange chicken with broccoli over rice, made fresh to order and delicious.
I listened to lively guests’ chatter and jazz cover songs until my dinner selection arrived. Smoked pork loin, coleslaw, and sautéed mushrooms made for one of the best meals I’ve eaten in Southeast Kansas.
Chicken Annie’s Girard
You know the fried chicken is worth traveling for when you arrive before the restaurant opens and see cars already parked in the lot awaiting the owner to unlock the door.
Chicken Annie’s of Girard (498 KS-47) is an iconic stop on the Freedom and Fried Chicken Trail.
Opened in 1971, the restaurant offers dinner specials that draw locals and out-of-towners to Girard from Wednesday through Sunday.
The chicken is hand-breaded and fried fresh to order, served with side dishes such as fried onion strings, mashed potatoes, green beans, and coleslaw.
Public Art
Sunflower Mural
Girard’s Sunflower Mural is a picture-perfect selfie spot, located just off the town square at the Girard Civic Center, at Ozark Street and Forest Avenue.
Quilt Mural
A Quilt Mural celebrating Girard’s 150th anniversary was added to the side of a building at Summit and Prairie Streets.
The folk-inspired quilt pattern design includes symbolic references to the town’s history, such as the Ice Barn and McFarland Lake, built in 1896, and the Little Blue Books published locally through 1978.
Deer Sculpture & Historic Marker
The Deer Sculpture, with a historic marker at the corner, is likely the most distinctive public art in the area because of the story associated with it.
Local folklore says the deer sculpture stands on the exact spot where a Pennsylvanian, Dr. Charles H. Strong, shot a deer. Moments later, he added a stake in the ground, declaring possession of the land.
Girard is named after his hometown in Pennsylvania.
Historic Attractions
Crawford County Courthouse
The Crawford County Courthouse (111 E. Forest Street) not only serves as the centerpiece of Girard, but its Greek Revival design, with Tuscan columns, has a grandeur that draws the eye.
Established in 1867, the courthouse makes the town the official county seat. The grounds feature a Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial and a gazebo adorned with banners honoring the area veterans.
Girard History Museum
At first glance, one might think they were viewing a church, which is true, but its contents may surprise you.
The Girard History Museum (300 S. Summit), located inside the former St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1888, is well worth a visit.
I’ve always told people that the best way to immerse oneself in a town is to start their visit at a historical museum. Museum exhibits showcase the town’s history using artifacts from 1868 to the present.
Girard has a long history of publishing, operating the largest presses west of the Mississippi.
The work of Julius Augustus Wayland, whose socialist weekly journal “The Appeal to Reason” became the largest circulated newspaper of its kind in American history in the early 1900s.
Emanuel and Marcet Haldeman printed “The Little Blue Books,” how-to manuals, which were distributed at businesses.
The church alone is a magnificent example of late-19th-century architectural design. Its stained windows, made in Missouri, cascade colorful beams of light onto the church floor on a sunny day.
From the pulpit, one can fully appreciate the windows, which feature Christian symbolism.
Display cases showcase photographs and personal effects donated by locals. For example, did you know that Girard resident, Sarah Alice Haldeman, was the first female bank president in Kansas?
A neighboring building within the museum houses a collection of farm and firefighting equipment dating back to the late 1800s.
PRO TIP: View the museum’s Facebook page to review its hours and recent news.
Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the lawn of the Crawford County Courthouse stops one in their tracks and is deserving of attention.
Granite walls are inscribed with 777 names of Kansans who gave their lives in Vietnam during the war. In the foreground, a UH-1H Huey Helicopter is at rest.
The aircraft was used to transport soldiers and cargo, evacuate soldiers from battlefields, and carry armed soldiers who could fire on the enemy.
PRO TIP: Girard Veterans Memorial Park hosts holiday events honoring military heroes.
Girard Public Library
Not every town in the state can boast that its library is an official Carnegie Library, but residents in Girard are proud to have one. At the time it was built, it was the smallest town with a Carnegie Library.
The Girard Public Library (128 W. Prairie) offers the community book rentals and programming for all ages.
I ascended the stairs to the top floor to view the books for adult readers, the same spot where monthly game nights and craft nights are hosted.
PRO TIP: View the library’s event calendar in advance of your visi.
Must-Stop Shops
Girard General Store & Antiques
I received the warmest welcome to town at the Girard General Store & Antiques (117 S. Summit Street). Its owner, a local historian and author, sells antiques, old-fashioned candy, and homemade ice cream.
The newly constructed building contrasts with its contents, which contain nostalgic keepsakes from an earlier time.
Shoppers will be delighted to discover Amish soaps, candles, jams, jellies, and jarred salsa rounding out the inventory.
One shouldn’t leave the store without visiting the bathroom to see its wallpaper, a nod to Girard’s history, told through old photographs and advertisements.
PRO TIP: Inquire about the retro soda pop brands available for purchase, located in the refrigerator near the candy cart.
C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store
As mentioned earlier, C4 Coffeehouse & Country Store (102 S. Ozark Street) is a go-to destination for an early or midday coffee, and it also offers gift-worthy retail.
The rear of the store features women’s clothing, jewelry, purses, body care products, and kitchen essentials.
Painted Barrels
I plan to shop at Painted Barrels (127 S. Summit Street), a consignment vendor, on my return visit to Girard. I simply ran out of time, but its inventory of home decor, clothing, and items sold by area farmers makes it a stop I won’t miss the next time.
Just Beyond Town
Nine miles north of town, the 500-acre Crawford State Park is an outdoor adventurer’s playground featuring campgrounds, cabins, as well as fishing and boating opportunities.
While you’re in the area, view other town to visit using my Ultimate Guide to Pittsburg and find your fun in Frontenac: Where Coal Mining History Meets Community Spirit.
The seaside restaurant is known for its extensive menu of rum drinks and fresh seafood, which have received rave reviews. It was incredibly windy, so we dined indoors near a window. The service was excellent. Our waitress took the time to review the menu with us and give her recommendations.
We knew we were in the right place. I ordered a cucumber mojito and a seared tuna appetizer. Tossed in peanut vinaigrette, the chilled rice noodles, veggies, and herbs paired nicely with the seared tuna. It was a large meal for one diner, yet perfect for sharing for two people. The mussels appetizer was tasty but wasn’t nearly as large a portion.
If you can, visit Doc Ford’s near St. Pete’s Pier. It’s a go-to destination for locals and visitors alike. The deck seating area is a choice spot for snapping a photo with Tampa Bay in the background
We hopped on a free shuttle from the gateway to Pier Teak, a rooftop bar serving cocktails and beer. The view of the city’s skyline was in the background as sailboats and yachts sat docked near shore. We admired the city’s architecture noting a contrast between modern skyscrapers and Art Deco, brightly painted buildings.
Level 2 of the St. Pete Pier is the Driftwood Cafe. It is quaint in size and offers vast views of the bay in a cozy setting. We found ourselves inside Pier Gear & Gifts on Level 1. After purchasing new sunglasses, we headed outside to the fishing deck.
If you’re an angler, you’ll appreciate the option to catch fresh seafood and clean it on-site. Gator Jim’s Tackle sells last-minute fishing supplies if you find yourself in need.
Further down the pier’s walkway, we discovered the Family Park with a splash pad nearby. Families stood in line for ice cream at a nearby creamery. The weather might have been windy, but the sun was shining, and everyone was enjoying themselves.
Whether relaxing in an Adirondack chair in the shade under a canopy of palm trees or watching children play on the beach, you’ll find more than enough to do on a good weather day. Adults can peruse the Marketplace to shop from local vendors, while art enthusiasts can seek out 
I particularly appreciated “Morning Stars,” a mosaic mural of geometric shapes created by artist Xenobia Bailey. As I walked back and forth, it appeared as if the shapes took their own movement.
A visit to St. Pete isn’t complete without spending time at the pier. Parking at St. Pete Pier requires payment, but it’s inexpensive. Once you park, make a note of the parking space number and walk to a payment kiosk to deposit $4 for two hours. It’s a small price for access to pristine beaches and the pier’s grounds.
We stopped by 
Known for serving craft beer, mead, and cider, Green Bench’s slogan is “It’s more than beer. It’s community.” If you’re unsure what to order, they’re happy to pour you a sample or two. The menu is constantly changing. The staff goes out of their way to make patrons feel right at home.
Several group members ordered the Cuban sandwich made with roast pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mayo, and mojo served on crusty bread. The sandwich’s flavor was no joke. I could’ve easily eaten another one. Latin pop music played over the stereo. It was a festive experience.
Pro Tip: When visiting Bodega, order at the window on the sidewalk. They will give you a number to take to the table, and servers will run your food. View the menu 
I settled for the Fish & Chips, which arrived at our table piping hot. The Garlic Steamed Middle Neck Clams didn’t last long either. Other good-looking menu items included Mahi Mahi Tacos and the Grilled Garlic Shrimp Roll.
I chose the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs served with fresh fruit and toast. Our family seemed just as happy with their menu selections ranging from chocolate chip pancakes for the kids to omelets and breakfast skillet meals. The server was a pro at managing a bustling restaurant, ringing orders, and attending to our needs. The restaurant experience was 5 stars.
Highlights of the world-class aquarium include listening to animal handlers as they feed turtles, fish, and dolphins. Also serving as an animal hospital, many exhibits showcase information on the walls about each animal in captivity and their rehabilitation story.
We took the aquarium at our own pace rather than booking an animal experience session. However, if you’d like to get an up-close look at what it is to care for dolphins or have a photo moment with one, you can book a hands-on Animal Care Experience 
Pro Tip: If you arrive in your vehicle, you can go ahead and park in the nearby parking garage. Ticketing is on the third level near the entrance. We parked in the neighborhood and walked to the aquarium’s third level to purchase admission. You can plan your visit and get directions to the aquarium 
A popular destination for anglers, you can fish from the pier if you pay for admission. It’s the spot to see dolphins, hammerhead sharks, and other fish like grouper and snapper. 
Pro Tip: Parking at Pier 60 requires depositing money at a pay station. Be prepared to deposit $4 per hour at nearby lots. A downtown-to-beach trolley runs every 30 minutes Monday-Thursday, and every 15 minutes Friday-Sunday.
Popular with tourists and locals, the restaurant is known for its fresh gulf grouper dishes, fish tacos, and Boom Boom Shrimp Bites. I opted for a House Salad with Blackened Mahi. The Stuffed Flounder and Clam Chowder were other menu items that caught my eye for a future visit.
Pro Tip: To get a sneak peek of the restaurant’s upper deck view, check out their live web cam 
