Disclosure: Great Plains Ventures sponsored this post, and Aloft Wichita sponsored my overnight stay. All opinions and photographs are my own.
District 96 is your destination for a multitude of entertaining activities and boutique hotel lodging in Northeast Wichita, located at K-96 and Oliver Street. Imagine checking into a fresh, modern hotel, savoring a chef-prepared meal, and pausing to play indoor pickleball or golf, located steps away.
The neighborhood gem makes it easy to plan a weekend that feels like a getaway, whether you’re visiting Wichita for the first time or simply rediscovering this area of the city.
A Wichita Lineup You’ll Love: Food, Fun, and Sports at District 96
ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE: SAVOR A SOUTHERN-INSPIRED BREAKFAST OR LUNCH
The locally owned Wichita franchise, Another Broken Egg Cafe (4862 E 35th St N) offers diners a comforting Southern-style breakfast or lunch meal prepared made-to-order with fresh ingredients.
I’ve raved about Another Broken Egg Cafe before, and the breakfast menu selection just keeps getting better. The seasonal food and drink selections keep it interesting, offering diners quality Southern fare you won’t find anywhere else in the city.
Unlike a diner-style restaurant, Another Broken Egg Cafe layers each meal with ingredients such as seasonal produce and fresh herbs.
A successful restaurant must serve quality meals consistently at a standard that exceeds the competition, and this one checks all the boxes.
Go for a Southern brunch or lunch duo featuring a half-order sized meal with soup or salad. Indulgent Bourbon Street Pancakes, spicy shrimp and grits, or the Southwest Scrambler are repeat-worthy orders.
The locally-owned eatery at District96-ICT is at the top of my list when people ask me, “Vanessa, where should we go for a really good, fresh breakfast in Wichita?”
PRO TIP: On a sunny day, order from the patio table or walk-up to the pass-thru window to order a spritzer, cold brew cocktail, or mocktail.
TAPNPADDLES: PICK UP A PADDLE FOR PICKLEBALL
Joining friends for a game of pickleball is a way of life for sports enthusiasts who love playing at TapNPaddles (4656 E. 35th Street). Whether you’re a die-hard player or want to drop in for a one-hour court session, the pickleball venue offers a places where players of all skill levels can compete.
As a beginner player, I felt comfortable learning the game on one of 12 indoor, air-conditioned courts. We reserved a court during Open Play, and surrounding courts were occupied by Senior Open Play and one-on-one training sessions.
Open to the public and Tap Elite, Plus, and Choice Members, TapNPaddles makes it easy to reserve a court online. If you fancy a game of table tennis or cornhole, reserve Courtside Social, a portable professional-grade game set available for no charge on a first come, first served basis.
After a fun game of pickleball, we cooled off with a District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Norton’s Brewing at the TapNPaddles bar. I was surprised to discover the Bar & Court Menu features dips, burgers, and pita pocket sandwiches as courtside bites during kitchen hours.
The cocktail lounge is the ideal place to quench your thirst while watching pickleball on television or playing a game of chess.
The pickleball venue is located next door to Raha Mediterranean, a more laid back eatery serving chef-prepared cuisine with bold flavor. Honestly, I could’ve spent half a day at TapNPaddles having fun.
PRO TIP: Arrive dressed in your sports gear. The locker room is for members only.
K96 LIQUOR: SHOP FOR SPIRITS, WINE, OR BEER
K96 Liquor (4858 E. 35th Street North Suite B), is the ideal place to shop for a bottle of wine, spirits, or beer before retiring for drinks at Aloft Hotel or before returning home.
The locally-owned liquor store works with distributors to carry a vast selection of well-known brands, and I was pleased to find spirits on the shelf produced by Wichita makers, including Una Vida Tequila and Greatness Vodka.
The store’s owner helped me located the perfect bottle of dry red wine to take back to the hotel. As shoppers came and went, I noticed how she knew what some of the regular customers wanted before they located it.
K96 Liquor is one-stop shopping if you’re seeking a variety of wine, beer or spirits to purchase for your next gathering with friends or family. And if you’re a guest at someone’s party, consider purchasing one of the pre-boxed bottles that come in gift-worthy packaging.
PRO TIP: Inquire about holiday-themed gift sets.
ALOFT WICHITA: OVERNIGHT IN STYLE
Aloft Wichita (3642 N. Oliver) is a hip hotel that feels like a staycation for locals and it’s the ideal retreat for leisure or business travelers. Between bold design, unexpected fun, and local art connections, this spot makes it easy to blend work and play in one trip.
Newly renovated, the boutique hotel has a swimming pool with outdoor seating and fire pits, views of a lake, and a swanky hangout, W xyz® Bar. Aloft Wichita is not another hotel. It’s a vibe.
The lobby is home to games (Ms. Pac-Man, anyone?), a complimentary coffee station, and a sunken lounge area where a musician plays music on Tuesday evenings, the same night W xyz® Bar serves a taco and margarita special.
After check-in, we sipped District 96 Strawberry Blonde Ale by Nortons Brewing Company at the bar to the sounds of live music. The lobby was filled with hotel guests and drop-in locals who socialized from velvety, stylish couches and around a billiards table. Business travelers worked from laptops at a central desk area.
Later, we explored the hotel’s art gallery by Envision, which displays remarkable works completed by Wichita artists with vision loss. The breathtaking collections change throughout the year.
Guests who want to make the most of the available amenities during the day will appreciate the fitness facility’s collection of state-of-the-art machines and weights.
When it’s time to slumber, one can count on Aloft Wichita’s beds to be some of the most comfortable ones thanks to soft Marriott Bonvoy® bedding and blackout curtains guaranteeing a good night’s sleep.
Our Aloft King room was equipped with a workspace and a mini fridge to keep my bottled water ice cold. The in-shower bath products are top quality.
The pet-friendly hotel provides dog bowls, toys, and laundered pet beds for its four-legged guests weighing up to 40 pounds via the ARF (Animals Are Fun) program.
In the morning, the Re:Fuel by Aloft℠ grab-and-go yogurt with fruit cups or hot breakfast menu is open for early-morning bites. My preference? The OG B.E.C Sandwich served on a Brioche Bun.
Assorted beverages, snacks, and cookies are available for a mid-day munch. At night, one can purchase non-alcoholic and boozy beverages from the reach-in cooler.
Wichita’s Aloft Hotel felt less like a stay and more like stepping into the city’s creative pulse. The best part? It’s minutes from downtown Wichita, and steps from The Kitchen, RAHA Mediterranean, Another Broken Egg Cafe, Tap N Paddles, K96 Liquor LLC, and ShotSuite.
Reserve a guest room for your next staycation or trip to Wichita.
PRO TIP: Pick up an Una Vida Tequila Passport to complete a cocktail tour of District 96’s bars and restaurants.
RAHA MEDITERRANEAN: INDULGE IN GLOBAL CUISINE
Adjoining TapNPaddles, Raha Mediterranean (4956 E. 35th Street N.) serves a menu of lunch or dinner fare catering to diners who appreciate flavorful main dishes blending indulgent and nutritious ingredients.
To set the mood, we ordered an Indigo N Ginger and Keepers Heart Old Fashioned from a cocktail menu consisting of eight drink options. A beer and wine list equally impressed.
In a city with many Lebanese restaurants, we agreed that Chef Rickard’s Roasted Mushroom Hummus was some of the best we’ve tasted, and the Labeneh and Muhammara served with warm pita bread were award-worthy.
Don’t miss a chance to sink your teeth into Smoked Brisket prepared with labneh, blueberry barbecue, and sliced sweet peppers. Served with Persian Fried Rice, the dinner service surpasses typical Mediterranean restaurant cuisine in the city.
NOTE: If the waitstaff asks what kind of water you want to drink with dinner service, inquire about pricing.
PRO TIP: The restaurant’s private dining space, resembling an enclosed patio with refined seating, is available if you want to reserve it for an upcoming event.
SHOTSUITE: PERFECT YOUR GAME
At first glance, I thought ShotSuite (4854 E. 35th Street N) was only an indoor golf simulator venue, but it’s so much more.
ShotSuite offers a plethora of games for virtual sports, ranging from bocce ball and rugby to dodgeball and carnival games. Add an upscale bar serving scrumptious eats with handcrafted cocktails and it’s the ultimate one-of-a-kind experience for a date night or a group outing.
Participating is as easy as reserving a suite and participants don’t have to bring equipment or know how to play each game. Each crafted experience is tailored to you, mixing competition and entertainment.
I shared laughs with a friend while throwing soft dodge balls at a screen of approaching zombies, and Full Swing golf allowed me to work on my swing on one of over 50 courses, including a Battleship-style game via Target Golf.
The quality of the game simulator’s censors combined with the multitude of games was better than any indoor sports simulator venue I’ve experienced. And the food menu? Think elevated game day food.
Order the house-made Salsa And Guac appetizer before selecting lunch or dinner. Don’t sleep on the Bogey Dogs menu, which includes the best-tasting Chicago Dog outside of the Windy City. The Hot Honey Pepperoni is the top choice when selecting from a four types of flatbread pizza. (View the menu.)
I especially enjoyed unwinding after gaming with a Dubai Chocolate Martini and Azalea Martini as a golf tournament aired from bar-side television. The bartender’s inventive cocktail recipes are well-balanced.
PRO TIP: If you love your ShotSuite experience, inquire about membership perks and shop the pro shop‘s apparel selection. League play is also an option.
THE KITCHEN: INDULGE IN A COMFORTING, CREATIVE MEAL
When I want to eat a healthier restaurant meal made with the freshest ingredients, I indulge in a flavorful Buddha Bowl, sandwich or dinner-size salad at The Kitchen (3622 N. Oliver).
The restaurant, known for its scratch-made bistro classic fare, was created by Chef Natasha Gandhi-Rue, who with her husband, won Guy’s Grocery Games Season 23, Episode 11, appearing on the Food Network.
Shareable appetizers like the gravy-drenched Disco Fries and Jalapeño Cheddar Bites are worth ordering; however, if you want a lighter option, order the Steak Lettuce Plater served with sliced Bavette steak and vegetables.
Chef Gandhi-Rue’s scratch-made pasta entreés are irresistible, and I liked customizing my pasta by adding bacon, mushroom, and chicken. Another hearty meal, the Thai Bowl is one I’ve ordered repeatedly over the years, much like the Fajita Bowl.
The best value for the experience is Tuesdays Dinner for 2, featuring three courses and a dessert to share for $40. Take it from me, The Kitchen’s cake selection is worth the visit alone.
PRO TIP: Seat yourself indoors or on the patio, and then ask your server about the updated Happy Hour bar menu or order from one of 24 beer taps, which include locally-brewed beers.
If you love The Kitchen, think about hosting a party in their reservable room that seats 32 people or ask about catering options.
Overall, you’ll find there is more than enough to do at District 96 during your day trip or overnight stay. Simply park and walk to food, fun, and sports adventures – some of the best experiences in Wichita.
District 96 is more than a commercial district. It’s an entertainment destination for locals and travelers who want unforgettable lodging, dining, shopping, and sports-themed attractions in one place.
I’m not a regular disc golf player and I’m definitely still learning how to throw. But my boyfriend is an avid player, so I’ve walked countless courses, interviewed a course designer for the blog, and I’ve attended a tournament to observe how the pros play.
Please consider this list a starter guide to disc golf courses in Sunflower State. Of course, for a comprehensive list, consult the 
Serious disc golfers travel from afar to compete in the 
Each hole can be played two ways from concrete pads. Only a couple of water hazards make it challenging. The course hosts five to seven tournaments a year.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
The golf course is located close to public restaurants, drinking water, and a hiking path.
Part of the thrill of playing the amateur course is pausing to spot black squirrels running up and down trees amongst the fairways.
The moderately challenging course is designed among beautiful trees of nearly every variety. Concrete tee pads and highly visible red baskets make it idyllic for a round of 18 holes.
Due to the 12-acre lake, novice players will find a couple of holes challenging, so I recommend they pack a retriever or floating disc.
Each hole of the 18-hole course has three tee pad options, some fairways are considerably tree lined or tree covered while others are open and easier to play.
Parts of the fairways meander adjacent commercial-use buildings and the sound of traffic hums.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the course includes dirt pads and golfers will need to be watchful of the pond in the center.
Established in 2016, the course includes concrete pads and wide fairways make for relaxing play. Pause between holes to rest on a nearby bench under a canopy of trees or snap pictures of a nearby waterfall.
For most disc golfers, many of the course’s holes are considered easy to moderate. The course is ranked the 113th-best course in the state.
The 
If you choose to play the 18-hole course, expect the wooded areas to offer a bit of a challenge. The course is a mix of open fields and covered trails. All 18 holes are a par 3.
Scott City is also home to a second course, Lake Scott State Park, which is located outside of town. You need to pay for a $5 park day pass or use your Kansas State Parks Vehicle Pass to enter the area. Established in 2019, the course is uneven terrain with dirt tee boxes.
My journey to discover more about disc golf culture has only begun. I look forward to improving my skills as I travel to more courses throughout Kansas and elsewhere.
We perused shelves of gently used books for sale available for purchase with a one-dollar donation. At a nearby window, we watched bluebirds compete for nesting boxes as butterflies flew from flower to flower at the library’s garden. To my surprise, I also discovered a partially completed puzzle on a table, which I sat down to work on for awhile.
Additionally, the library offers endless fun for families. The children’s section includes activity bags parents can check out that teach kids about science, baking, and the outdoors.
PRO TIP: The Andover Public Library hosts events open to the public. View their 
We played the 
On occasion, a basket is partially hidden or elevated, making for unique shot opportunities. We were the only ones walking the course during the early morning hours on a weekday, and very few people walked the paved pathways near the course.
Walking from Hole 1 to 2 requires golfers to meander a woodland path under a tree canopy. Holes 13-18 are designed around Lake George, a home to waterfowl.
If you need to rest between holes, I recommend choosing a shaded bench seat near Hole 13 and 15.
Pro Tip: The park is home to Capitol Federal Amphitheater®, which hosts live events. Bring a lawn chair and a friend to enjoy concerts and theatrical performances when you’re not playing disc golf.
The cozy store is stocked to the brim with treasures. I recommend walking to the rear of the store to view the clearance table, where each item is priced at one dollar. The owner is also known to announce store-wide sales.
Reward yourself for scoring good deals with a slice of homemade pie, a cupcake, or a cinnamon roll. Renew Consign & Cafés outdoor patio is open year-round.
The staff member told us that most of their meat selection is processed in El Dorado. A fan of sourcing groceries close to home, I also appreciated their dry goods inventory and jarred pickled vegetables.
Whether it’s a thick-cut fresh or frozen steak or pork chops you’re after for dinner or a package of Honey BBQ Snack Sticks, Walnut Valley Meat Market’s got your covered.
Add men’s and women’s new and gently used apparel and shoes to your closet. Well-organized racks of kids’ clothing for all ages, toys, and board games are displayed.
You can feel good about purchasing items at Sunlight Thrift Boutique because proceeds from each purchase are donated to Sunlight Children’s Services, which provides resources and a temporary safe home for abused and neglected children and their families.
We bought new-to-us board game and a couple of men’s polo shirts. You’ll be shocked at the low prices of most items. New inventory is added six days a week.
I was curious about the latest trend, Forever Jewelry, a product and service the store offers during appointment-only sessions. Designed to be worn every day, a gold or silver necklace, bracelet, or anklet’s end pieces are welded together. The store also offers charms or a connector for each piece during select events.
The family-owned and operated jewelry store’s selection will please you. Whether you desire a new treasure for your jewelry box or need one repaired or restored, K. Westphal Jewelers does it all.
Made-to-order sandwiches like The Philly are prepared with sirloin (more like a ground beef patty than sliced meat), onions, Swiss cheese tomatoes, and crushed ripple potato chips. The non-traditional lunchtime meal is one of eight featured sandwiches, including their signature sandwich, The Bistro Burger. It was my favorite of the two options.
But it’s not your usual burger. Expect unique ingredients added to toasted Cuban bread. Burger meat is topped with grilled portobello mushrooms, fresh arugula, Fontina cheese, and red onion and drizzled with copious amounts of balsamic sauce. Side items are available upon request.
I was pleasantly surprised to find non-dairy sorbet and 100 percent vegan, plant-based 
Of course, CuppaYo’s topping stations include chunky bites of chocolate, cookies, and gummy candies, but for more health-conscious customers, you’ll also find fresh sliced fruit and nuts available.
A staff member weighed my frozen yogurt bowl at checkout to finalize pricing. It was less than four dollars. The experience was so much fun that I signed up for the loyalty program to earn points toward free frozen yogurt.
A newly constructed sports park, it is truly a remarkable place for families and friends to gather. Open to the public, an event lawn is available for hosting events and food truck parking. With so many options for exploration, we immediately selected one of four available pickleball courts for a game.
I had a blast learning how to play the game, and let’s just say we didn’t keep score. All the same, I appreciated the newly surfaced courts, positioned at a comfortable distance from other pickleball players.
PRO TIP: Bring your sports equipment, and don’t forget to pack sunblock. Follow Andover Parks and Recreation’s 
The rail-trail features different surfaces depending on your route of choice for walking or biking, including concrete, crushed limestone, and gravel flanked by wooded areas.
The trails are 10 feet wide, making it easy for dog walkers, joggers, and bikers to navigate together. The Andover-August rail trail is well-marked, and free parking is available at the 13th Street trailhead.
Our host ushered us to a dining table with a view of the putting green, Hole 1, and Hole 18. Seated near a stone fireplace and dark wood accents, we sipped Oak Grove wines by the glass between appetizers, bone-in wings, and ahi tuna bites.
Happy Hour specials feature $3 off wine by the glass, $3.50 well drinks, and $3 Coors Light and Bud Light draft beer on Tuesday-Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and all day on Wednesday.
We appreciated watching golfers at play and chatting about the day while waiting for a dinner selection; a Grilled Chicken Caeser wrap with a choice of side dish. Opting for the roasted Brussels sprouts, I loved them even more than the sandwich wrap as they were perfectly prepared and sitting on a bed of semi-sweet sauce.
The locally owned and operated restaurant, known for its American cuisine, serves a variety of appetizers, lunch, and dinner options for every kind of diner. I recommend dining on the patio (weather permitting) or indoors with a remarkable golf course view.
PRO TIP: Our drop-in visit on a Tuesday did not require reservations; however, groups will want to reserve a table or private room in advance. Arriving solo? Sit at the newly remodeled bar.
I’m a big fan of Andover’s 
Even though I don’t exercise much (she inspires me to get moving!), Jennifer and I share quite a bit. We’re native Wichitans, and our pride for the city runs deep. We both appreciate making the most of each day and seeking adventure in everyday life. It’s that inner spirit that drives us to make life more delightful.
Did we inspire you to explore the city? Wichita is nestled between two rivers and linked by several bike trails. Building your own adventure and finding your favorite fuel around town is easy and fun.