Updated May 2026
Disclosure: Holton/Jackson County Chamber of Commerce and Jackson County Tourism Council sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own. Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
When I think I’ve experienced the Sunflower State’s top towns, I discover Holton, Kansas.
Located 30 minutes north of Topeka, Holton offers road trippers a variety of activities, from outdoor recreation and downtown shopping to casual dining and coffee shops.
I’ve taken two road trips to Holton since 2022, and each visit reaffirms my love for the county seat.
Use my comprehensive travel guide to plan a day trip or an overnight stay in Holton, without missing a moment of its small-town appeal.
Plan the Perfect Trip to Holton, Kansas
EVENTS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
Glory Days
Holton’s annual celebration, Glory Days, is one you must experience firsthand in late May.
High school alumni cruise around the Jackson County Courthouse square, throwing candy and beads; the sun sparkles on classic cars’ chrome at the car show, and kids play joyfully in bouncy houses nestled among vendor booths as families chat nearby.
The hum of food trucks’ generators can be heard over the festival announcer’s voice.
If you want to experience Americana, I mean real-deal Kansas roots, you have to attend this annual festival. Especially if you appreciate classic cars.
Car Show
If your heart races when you see a pristine, restored classic car with perfectly buffed chrome fenders, you’ll want to attend the Glory Days Car Show. Vehicles of every type, including a row of motorcycles, are positioned around the courthouse square.
I couldn’t resist striking up a conversation with a couple who sat ready to chat about their car to passersby. They told me the story of the car’s restoration using original parts with pride.
Vendors & Kids Zone
Glory Days participants can expect to park their cars in the surrounding neighborhood and walk to the hub of activity on the courthouse lawn, which features vendor booths and a Kids Zone with games and bouncy houses.
If you buy a maker’s creation or a homemade cookie, you’re likely supporting a small business or a worthwhile local cause.
Fall Fest
Holton’s Fall Fest celebration showcases shopping and food vendors, a scarecrow contest, a Shut The Back Door contest, and a chili cook-off.
Residents gather on sidewalks in front of tables serving chili samples from various businesses. Children wait in line to get their faces painted. Townies greeted one another in passing. The town bustles with activity.
Shut the Door Contest
A handful of local businesses in town paint a back door as an entry for the Shut the Door Contest. Each colorfully painted door draws foot traffic to a business while beautifying downtown’s back alleyways.
During my self-guided tour, I came upon whimsical paintings depicting flowers and landscape scenes. One door showcased a Mexican restaurant’s theme.
PRO TIP: You don’t need a map to find the back door murals. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk down the alleyways in the downtown area.
Quilt Show
They say, “to quilt is to live.” The quilts displayed in the Fall Fest show were wow-worthy, intricate patterns. People file in and out of a courthouse room to get a glimpse of the handiwork of the town’s top quilters.
With names like “Giraffes on Parade,” “Random Scraps,” and “Flying Geese,” each quilt is an expression of the creator’s personality. Table toppers and queen-sized bedding creations draw attention.
PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to appreciate the Modern Eclecticism style of the courthouse’s architecture, from its marble walls to its tile floor.
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
I won a costume contest dressed as a scarecrow. So, I’d like to think I’m a good judge of creativity when it comes to putting one together.
The entries at Fall Fest are positioned on the Jackson County Courthouse lawn in all their splendor. The overstuffed scarecrows are dressed as recognizable animals, movie characters, and celebrities.
Cruise Night
What’s a small-town festival without a Cruise Night? Locals lined up their vehicles one by one in the shadow of the courthouse on the evening of Fall Fest. Gearheads talked shop.
The smell of exhaust hung in the air. Locals walked by each car, checking under the hoods. And every so often, you’d hear the roar of an engine starting up as a driver left the lineup to take a cruise around town. Classic.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss other Holton’s festivities throughout the year, like fireworks during July Jubilee and the Holton Country Club Golf Tournament.
WALK THROUGH HISTORY
Jackson County Historical Museum
For me, the best way to get to know a town I’m visiting for the first time is to visit the county museum. Who are the town’s founders, and why did they choose the area? What industries flourished in the area?
Jackson County Historical Museum (327 New York Ave.) is a treasure box of valuable information and artifacts.
You can expect a free, self-guided tour featuring exhibits on one-room schoolhouse items, Carrie Nation history, barbed wire history, World War I & II memorabilia, and the tools of 1900s trades.
View aged photographs of the people and places that founded the county, agricultural tools, period furniture, and millinery relics round out the collection.
Originally a tin shop, the building itself is historic because of its aging architecture and pressed-tin ceiling tiles.
Welcoming history lovers since 1984, the museum is also known for rotating art exhibits, and the artwork is often for sale. View the museum’s hours here.
Sign the guestbook at the visitor’s desk when you arrive.
Historical Homes & Landmarks
Sears and Roebuck Co. Historic Home
Historical homes make up a portion of Holton’s residential area. I took a self-guided driving tour to see them and discover other landmarks.
The homes on the tour are private residences except one, which is maintained by the Jackson County Historical & Genealogical Society.
I was amazed by the Sears Roebuck and Co. (216 New York St.) concrete block house, originally featured in the 1908 catalog, which is a 2 1/2 story house with four bedrooms.
If you want to view the home’s interior, make an appointment with the Jackson County Historical Museum.
Jackson County Courthouse & Historic Installations
The Jackson County Courthouse (400 New York St.) anchors the downtown area, open to the public Monday through Friday.
Walk its grounds to admire the war memorial honoring US Army Sergeant Bernard Lee Deghand in the town’s courthouse square. You’ll also be within walking distance of a cannon statue, “Erected by Will Wendell in 1913.”
The cannon pictured below is dedicated to Civil War soldiers and sailors and rests at the base of the town sign.
As you continue your walk around the courthouse, you’ll find an original horse water trough, circa 1880, positioned at the base of an old tree, indicating where riders would let their horses hydrate when stopping at the original courthouse square.
BONUS: Find another livestock water-trough marker north of the Linscott Park tennis court, within walking distance of downtown.
ADMIRE PUBLIC ART
Mural Tour
Several murals dotted the town’s urban landscape, including one of my favorite street art installations, painted by Wichita artist Lindsey Kernodle, on the exterior of the Jackson County Museum (327 New York Ave.).
As you drive into town, its striking colors and storytelling images will beg you to pull over.
Kernodle’s two-frame mural showcases an early version of how the Tallgrass Prairie used to look when it flourished. The second painting on the right represents the current state of the prairie.
During my visit, I chatted with the artist and discovered how important it is to preserve the remaining native prairie. Comparing both images gave me pause and inspired me to revisit the area.
Other murals around town will grab your attention. Cruise just beyond the downtown boundary to see murals like the one pictured below, painted on the side of a building at Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 KS-16).
These murals are a small sampling of the public artwork available throughout Holton and Jackson County. Refer to Murals in Jackson County to learn about each one and their locations.
DINE LIKE A LOCAL
HotSpot Coffee Shop
The next morning, I made my way to HotSpot Coffee Shop (316 Pennsylvania St.).
The quaint café serves patrons gourmet coffee, pastries, and quick bites like breakfast burritos. I opted for two seasonal favorites: an Apple Crumb Macchiato and a warm cinnamon roll.
Seated indoors, I noticed that most of the morning café traffic came via the drive-thru. I found the café’s interior inviting. The employees were patient as I chose my menu items and were more than welcoming.
Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff
Another stop for those seeking a caffeinated beverage or early-morning bite to eat is Mare’s Coffee Shop and Cool Stuff (413 New York Ave.) After some of my social media followers recommended it, I confirmed the coffee shop is wildly different from most.
The entire place is adorned with frogs. Paintings, toys, and sit-a-bouts feature the green-colored amphibian. A life-size astronaut sculpture keeps watch over them.
It’s a hangout if you want to sip a specialty latté while putting together a puzzle or reading one of the $1 books. At lunchtime, order a sourdough panini.
Jhett’s Pizza
Since 2006, Jhett’s Pizza (401 New York Ave.) has been the locals’ go-to place for a satisfying slice. The restaurant’s dining room was nearly full during the lunch hour.
I ordered an 8″ Meat Lovers Pizza at the counter and sat down and waited for it. Families continued to pour into the restaurant looking for open seating. Customers with call-in orders approached the counter. The phone never stopped ringing.
PRO TIP: Beat the lunch rush or call the restaurant for a to-go pizza, especially if you’re visiting Holton during a community festival. Bring cash for payment or pay a fee when using a credit card.
Trails Cafe
At lunchtime, I was famished, so local friends joined me at Trails Cafe (601 Arizona Ave.) on the edge of town.
The eatery is well-documented in regional travel magazines and on food review websites for its irresistible pressure-cooked, or “broasted,” fried chicken.
As we made our way to a table, I stopped to peer into a double-door refrigerator stocked with plates of sliced pie. I knew I wasn’t leaving the restaurant without devouring a slice.
For lunch, I had a garden salad, followed by a two-piece chicken entree with my choice of potato and vegetable side dish. Although I was stuffed, I stuck to the plan and ordered a hefty slice of a lemon meringue pie.
The meal lived up to the hype, and the cafe is worthy of a repeat visit.
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill
Boomers’ Steakhouse and Grill (401 Colorado Ave.) will send your taste buds into overdrive with a delicious menu of hand-cut steaks cooked to perfection on the broiler.
Other menu items include broasted chicken, smoked pork chops, seafood, and a long list of crave-worthy sandwiches.
Boomers’ Steakhouse, Grill and Catering gets my vote for the best dinner experience in Holton for its friendly service, quality steak dinner, and strawberry pie (don’t skip dessert!).
The restaurant includes full bar service, so if you’re hoping to complement your meal with a hand-crafted cocktail, cold beer, or glass of wine, you’re in luck.
PRO TIP: The waitstaff is efficient and checks on guests often. A couple of them attempted to remove my plate before I was done eating, so beware of hasty hands.
Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill
For diners seeking a casual, bar atmosphere where locals gather for a sizzling burger and hand-cut fries, Kat Ballou’s Bar and Grill (325 New York St.) delivers. A full menu plus weekly specials is served during lunch, 11 am to 2 pm, and dinner, 5 pm to 9 pm.
I chose the last open seat at the bar to order a BLT and fries. Packed with Glory Days attendees looking for a bite to eat, I waited about 30 minutes for my meal. Bar-seat diners can watch as staff drops handfuls of fries and appetizers into boiling-hot fryer grease.
The local hangout is the ideal place to enjoy a bite to eat if you want to watch the game or chat over burger baskets with friends from a vinyl booth.
Ozzie Bakes
Homemade cheesecake in a jar? Scratch-made bierocks, pillowy soft sausage rolls, and savory meat pies?
You’ll find it all, plus grab-and-go lunch and dinner sandwich options at Ozzie Bakes (119 W. 4th St.).
The owner/baker moved to Kansas from Australia, bringing her culinary talents to a loyal following of customers. She prepares a rotating selection of more than 150 cheesecakes sold by the jar.
PRO TIP: Looking for gluten-free cheesecake? Inquire about her specialty cheesecake recipe of the week, which is also sugar-free.
SHOP AT LOCAL BOUTIQUES
A number of shops in the downtown area make spending your dollars to support local businesses a fun experience. I suggest parking near the courthouse and walking the four-block radius to discover each one.
Holton Mercantile
Holton Mercantile (415 New York Ave.) is a general store that carries everything from cards and seasonal decorations to kitchen tools and puzzles.
It’s the kind of store where you shop for essentials, but you also walk away with something you didn’t know you wanted, like cookware or a decorative sign for your home.
But it’s more than a general store. It’s where locals make memories, from purchasing sweet treats to reserving tuxedos for the high school prom.
Everyone in town raves about its old-fashioned soda fountain, so I had to order a classic chocolate ice cream cone. The owner is known for preparing homemade lemonade, and if you’re lucky, baked goods, tempting add-ons to any ice cream order.
During my visit, I watched as parents pushed strollers and ushered their kids up to the old-fashioned, original ice cream counter to order for them.
I also spotted kids in the store gleefully looking at the candy shelves and asking their parents for retro candy or premium chocolate bars, which are among the store’s biggest sellers. It’s an after-school drop-by spot for kids who want to buy bulk candy on their way home.
Holton Mercantile is a mainstay, dating back decades. You’ll appreciate the building’s original floors and tin ceiling. Go for the nostalgia, the ice cream, and shop the store’s inventory to support local.
Beverly Brown Boutique
Offering a large selection of women’s and men’s apparel, Beverly Brown Boutique (124 W. 5th St.) resembles a big city clothing store. You’ll be hard-pressed not to find something that you’ll want to try on.
Family-owned and operated, the boutique carries well-known brands and an extensive selection of denim jeans. I found the customer service to be helpful when inquiring about jeans in my size.
Shoppers earn discounts if they sign up for the “Text Club” and are willing to ship items via USPS to you. If you join their rewards membership, you earn one point per pre-tax dollar you spend.
More Than Lemons
Have you shopped at a store featuring blown-glass creations?
More Than Lemons (424 Pennsylvania) features one-of-a-kind glass gifts made in the owner’s hot shop. Every glass item you see in the store is an original handcrafted creation.
Glass orbs hang from delicate strings on display. The sunlight through the store’s windows shines through pretty paperweights and beams through bowls and colorful vases.
You can also make your own glass project with two colors of your choice, if you schedule an appointment. The cost of each project varies.
PRO TIP: Check the More Than Lemons Facebook page to plan a visit during a glass-blowing demonstration by the owner behind the building.
Heart To Home
Jewelry. Candle warmers. Bath and body products. Designer purses. Farmhouse decor. You’ll find it all and then some at Heart To Home (105 W. 4th St.). As soon as you walk inside, your eyes dart around the store, looking at items you want to bring home.
Shoppers travel miles to shop at the store for Nora Fleming, Spartina purses, Vera Bradley bags, and Melissa & Doug toys. The front of the story features in-season displays.
NOTE: The store’s owner is closing its doors for good after 12 years of business on June 27, 2026.
The Gossip
Also located on The Square, The Gossip (409 New York) was voted Favorite Vintage Shop in Kansas by Flea Market Style. The 4,000-square-foot shop also sells antiques in the rear of the store, artfully displayed amongst newer, on-trend market finds.
Displays of battery-operated candles flicker from store shelves nestled next to beautiful plates and framed art. Love the table or the armoire? It’s probably for sale. Seeking Kansas-inspired artwork? Check out Triple B Hilltop Farm’s items.
At the front of the store, I spied a pop-up floral display with fresh, locally grown flowers for sale on the day of my visit. Jewelry, handbags, and some body projects were displayed near the register.
In addition, you’ll discover more Kansas-made products, from home decor to packaged specialty foods, on display. You’re bound to want a canister of hot chocolate mix, apple butter, or bread mix.
Midwest Dixie
Women who want to add fashion-forward pieces with vibrant colors to their wardrobe will want to shop at Midwest Dixie (405 New York St.). Think: polka dot pants, cropped sweaters, floral dresses, and feminine blouses to pair with jeans.
Nearby women discussed accessories as I shopped the rear of the store, which displayed children’s plush toys and clothing and accessories for girls who love pattern and ruffled dresses.
Benevolence Total Wellness
At Benevolence Total Wellness (115 W. 4th St.), you’re invited to make better health a priority, from booking massage therapy to shopping for holistic products.
Rows of all-natural dietary supplements and essential oils line store shelves. T-shirts, hair accessories, jewelry, and Natural Life® gift items can be purchased to create a gift basket for someone you appreciate.
785 Antiques
Walking into 785 Antiques (400 Pennsylvania) is a picker’s dream, as nearly every inch of the store is filled with vintage items, from collectibles to furniture.
The inventory consists of twenty-two vendors’ hand-curated antiques, and like me, you’ll find yourself wandering from room to room in search of a nostalgic item that triggers a memory.
PRO TIP: Road-trippers will want to view the stairway covered in vintage license plates, a photo-worthy backdrop.
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts
Petals and Praise Flowers and Gifts (215 E. 5th St.), located inside an old school building, was closed during my return trip to Holton, so I’ve added it to my travel bucket list for the next time I’m in town.
The Holton florist sells fresh floral arrangements for every occasion, and also retails Doyle Beef Iron Horse BBQ products in its retail section.
CELEBRATE THE ARTS ON STAGE
Holton Community Theatre
Reserve a ticket to a show at the Holton Community Theatre (401 New Jersey Ave.), a short walk from downtown.
Performances include local actors, and I was impressed by the caliber of talent while watching “Now and Then,” a romantic comedy in which a young man and woman discover their destiny by meeting their future selves.
Prior to the performance, attendees enjoyed a catered homestyle meal with dessert at community tables with other audience members. Affordable cocktails were available for purchase.
Later, the lights dimmed, and the room was illuminated by stage lights and candles on each table. About 60 audience members watched the thought-provoking performance.
I’d highly recommend planning your trip to Holton around the theater’s upcoming performance. To view the event schedule and reserve a ticket, visit the box office details here.
MORE REASONS TO PULL OVER
Beck Bookman Library
The nearby Beck Bookman Library (420 W. 4th St.) wows passersby with its bleached white exterior and awe-inspiring architecture.
It was named in honor of Major and Mrs. Milton Moses Beck, who were early residents of the town. The library has remained open to the public since 1952.
Check its Facebook events calendar for activities available to the public.
Linscott Park & Veterans Memorial
Linscott Park (4th and Iowa St.) is historic in many ways. Named for Shephard Linscott, a banker and real estate investor who built a mansion on the property in the 1800s, stone pillars mark the property’s original entrance.
The Veterans Memorial impresses. Holton is a Purple Heart City, so the on-site memorial honors every medal recipient. A World War II memorial pays tribute to Company “E” of the 137th Infantry who died at war.
The park features tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, and a shelter house available for reservation. The park is one of six public parks and recreational facilities in Holton.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Holton Municipal Pool
The Holton Municipal Pool at Rafter’s Park (7th and Nebraska St.) was constructed as a Works Progress Administration federal project in 1938. It is considered one of the largest municipal pools in Northeast Kansas, open from Memorial Day weekend until early August.
No matter the season, take a moment to walk the grounds and look at its stone construction. A one-time kiddie pool is now a sunflower mural.
Banner Creek Reservoir & Watch Your Glass Orb Hunt
Continue your outdoor adventures at the lake, where tucked-away treasures await discovery.
I set out to discover Banner Creek Reservoir (10975 K-16 Hwy), a short drive outside of town. Not only did I set out to take in the views of the no-wake lake surrounded by native vegetation, but I was also determined to find a glass orb.
Jackson County’s Watch Your Glass Orb Project initiative encourages tourists to find one of 100 glass orbs hidden in the county. The hunt was on.
As I looked for a clear or colored orb, I appreciated the picturesque views, including fishing piers, a 9-hole disc golf course, and campsites. Walking trails weaved around the lake.
Unfortunately, I didn’t find an orb, but I enjoyed the search.
If you find one, you can keep it. But should you locate a second orb, you are encouraged to leave it where it is or hide it again. Maybe I’ll have better luck next time! View a map of the area here.
The reservoir, established in 1997, is an outdoor lover’s playground with free access to miles of hiking and biking trails, campsites, bird-watching, and fishing for catfish, walleye, and largemouth bass.
The Banner Creek Science Center & Observatory, an educational center featuring hands-on activities that honor nature and Native American culture, remains on my travel bucket list.
Lane Freedom Trail
No visit to Holton is complete without a drive along the Lane Freedom Trail. The site of the Battle of the Spurs, where John Brown led slaves to freedom, is located south of this roadside historical marker.
You will be in awe of the shady spot surrounded by a canopy of trees for its historical significance
After visiting countless Kansas towns, I’ve decided that Holton is not only one of the most welcoming, but it also offers more than enough to see and do during a visit. You may need to visit multiple times, like me.
As they say, you can have it all in Jackson County. Holton embraces its visitors, and you’ll feel just as welcome as I did.
Travel to Holton for an overnight stay to explore a small-town setting with some of the state’s top attractions. You’ll never lack for something to discover in this charming town north of Topeka.
If you have questions about visiting the area or suggestions for nearby destinations, leave them in the comments below.
Built in 1910, the renovated loft space beautifully showcases the historic building’s architecture, from its brick-exposed walls to the original wood floors. The 1,600 square foot, two-bedroom, one bath loft sleeps four guests.
You’ll appreciate the private parking with front door or back door self-entry keypad access. Once inside, it feels like home with amenities such as a washer and dryer, full kitchen, streaming television channels, Bluetooth compatible speakers, and high-speed WiFi.
A bonus room includes a poker table and additional couch with television for lounging with friends or family.
The bathroom, designed with his and her sinks, is spacious and includes in-shower products. Plush body-size towels and a motion detector for the overhead light are added touches you don’t always find in a vacation rental.
Pro Tip: Shop the loft owner’s store, 
PRO TIP: Don’t expect to be able to check in early to your room, but instead, ask if the hotel will hold your bags until 4 pm check-in.
It sits as short walk on campus from the bronze gorilla sculpture in front of PSU’s Student Center.
PRO TIP: Use 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. Are you ready for a game?
The family-friendly urban park welcomes musicians after dark on Friday nights and hosts other events, such as movie nights on occasion. Come early to grab a table. I recommend purchasing a snack or a beer at the permanent food stand or ordering from the menu of a food truck.
Visitors to The Greenway who craft a craft cocktail can stop inside 
Shoppers will also appreciate its high-quality grooming supplies, candles, shoes, and shelves of on-trend ballcaps. I couldn’t leave without a beer logo t-shirt and stylish socks.
You can often find vinyl records for sale, which I’ve purchased for my home collection. They also support music performances at the 
Committed to adopting out the cats in their care using a strict vetting process, I was impressed with the store’s mission to provide cats and book lovers a space where they could relax and get to know one another.
As I shopped, I watched as a new pet parent returned with a cat carrier to take her pet home. The staff was elated for the owner and her feline family member.
The store carries books of every genre from bestselling titles to juvenile fiction and young reader must-haves. And like any business that favors felines, they stock an array of merchandise for shoppers smitten with kittens, such as stickers, bookmarks, and apparel.
The massive warehouse was filled to the brim with antiques from every decade. Love depression glass? College memorabilia? Old watches? You can find all of it and more tucked inside the booth spaces of Paradise Mall Antiques.
As I made my way through the store, I noticed many of the booths’ contents showcase the vendor’s preference in antiques. Sometimes you have to bend down, look around, and dig through a box to find a buried treasure. Paradise Mall Antiques is where you go shopping for yourself and that hard to buy for friend or relative.
Serving happy customers since 2019, the brewpub prides itself on its multiple beer taps and New York-style pizza selection prepared in a brick oven.
The brunch selections are a draw but the lunch and dinner classics paired with a thoughtfully crafted cocktail have earned the eatery high praise. To my surprise, each dining experience starts with complementary chipotle seasoned popcorn.
Menu selections during my dining experience exceeded my expectations for beautiful plating, quality, and value. Appetizers like Almost Deviled Eggs or the Warm House Ricotta and Garlic with sourdough are guaranteed good bites.
At mealtime, dig into tasty Avocado Smoked Salmon Toast or a dinner-size Grilled Cajun Shrimp Salad, served with a zesty house-made dressing.
The owner/chef’s creativity shines in the For the Boys whiskey-and-honey cocktail, and any of her after-dinner desserts with creamy gelato are surefire winners.
PRO TIP: Watch my 
Whether you’re in the mood for a cold beer, hot coffee, or fruit smoothie, the cozy watering hold delivers. Come hungry and enjoy affordable meals like a Walking Taco, Philly Cheesesteak, or a Turkey Wrap. I found a shaded spot under a patio table’s umbrella to relax.
Deep blue walls, flanked by a dark-wood bar, welcome guests as jazz standards play in the background. The bartender hummed the melody as he prepared a Lemon Tea Fizz prepared with house-made syrup, a cocktail you won’t find on any other menu in town.
PRO TIP: The bar opens at 5 pm. on Wednesday-Saturday. Arrive early to claim the best seat or be prepared to order your drink in a to-go cup to drink on 
But you’ll find more than beverages on the menu as the owners are culinary pros using their skills to prepare pastries and crepes daily as well as breakfast handhelds like a waffle or bagel sandwich. At lunchtime, ask about bread bowls, quesadillas, and protein and veggie-packed sandwich wraps.
The tradition of serving full-flavor fried chicken began when two women opened restaurants on the same street catering to hungry coal miners during all hours, and it was a way to support unemployed, disabled men enduring the hardships of the Great Depression. A competition between two restaurants led to more fried chicken houses opening in the region.
Each restaurant is recommendable, and my favorite spot is a 22-minute drive northeast of Pittsburg to 
On Mondays, a line forms at Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinner door. The draw? Chicken and noodles.
In the mood for a live show? 
Built in the 1900, the bungalow home’s interior design mimicked the home’s historic character. During the evening, I streamed a movie from the living-room’s television Roku streaming service and kicked back and enjoyed the free high-speed WiFi.
The primary bedroom includes a queen bed with a new, firm mattress. A shared full bathroom connects to a second bedroom featuring two single beds. I appreciated that the host provided guest toiletries as well. I didn’t want for anything during my stay.
Adjacent to the dining room, a full kitchen also includes a bonus coffee station complete with Keurig pods and snacks. A refrigerator was stocked with complimentary drinks, making me feel right at home.
PRO TIP: Lounge with Fido outdoors. The pet-friendly home includes an astroturf lounge space with a small fenced backyard illuminated by string lights at night.
While I love to indulge in sweet waffles, I also appreciate their savory waffle with sausage gravy. The waffle options are ever-changing, but you’re guaranteed to find sweet and savory options with creative toppings.
I needed a sidekick to go with my breakfast waffles. I ordered a Dirty Chai Tea Latté. It arrived to my table in a mug so large that I had to use two hands just to sip my tea. Norm’s serves locally-sourced espresso and specialty coffee drinks.
The coffee bar is also well-liked by locals. You will always find a few people in line or waiting for their to-go coffee orders. The service is swift, so you never wait long.
As I savored each bite of my scrambled egg with sauteéd vegetables breakfast bowl, a group of locals chatted over coffee at a nearby table. The sizzling sound from a flattop grill and the clamoring of the cook’s metal spatula hummed as a steady order of meals was prepared.
PRO TIP: Cash or check only. An ATM is available within walking distance.
My sandwich’s exterior was perfectly crusty and the cheese was melted just the right amount. The chicken and rice soup was a solid choice.
Located one block off of Main Street, the restaurant is a must-stop when in Newton. Not only does it have a spacious patio for alfresco dining, but the interior setting is uber cool. It was you’re stepping inside a retro garage complete with road signs, concrete floors, and exposed brick walls.
Known for their delicious wood-fired pizza, I asked an employee and a local waiting in line which one of the signature pies I should order. I chose the Graffiti, a 1o” pizza topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, onion, peppers, and black olives.
Back Alley Pizza also prepares salads, toasted subs, and cannolis for dessert. They keep the menu choices simple allowing diners to choose from 11 signature pizzas or to customize their own.
Given the choice of protein options, I selected ground beef, steak, and carnitas street tacos served with rice and beans. The steak had the best flavor, the ground beef satisfied, although the carnitas was served a bit dry. I added homemade green verde salsa to all of them for full flavor.
After sampling a few dry white and red varieties, Kansas Icon made with 100 percent Chambourcin grapes with a hint of oak and cherry was by far my preferred wine.
PRO TIP: The Barrel Room Saturday is open from 12pm-5 pm or guests can reserve private in-depth wine tasting experiences online. Bring-your-own food is welcome.
Shoppers are greeted with the same warm smile and “How can I help you?” Just as the store’s entrance reads, you can expect to be treated just as they would want to be treated with kindness.
PRO TIP: Look for a small section of free books. Bring cash. Credit cards are not accepted.
The store’s shelves are neatly stocked with rows of specialty foods. The refrigerator cases keep locally sourced meats, cheeses, and produce chilled. The smoothie bar is ready to serve customers.
They offer options for buying in bulk in multiple stations around the store. I recommend you bring your own container to purchase grains and spices. Top off a growler with fresh Tea-biotics kombucha. Fill a plastic jug with liquid soap.
I purchased most delicious ice cream that I’ve tasted in a long time. Made in Newton, Salted Creamery Ice Cream comes in a variety of flavors sold by the pint. I took home Berry Cheesecake and Key Lime Pie.
The store continues to expand its inventory, which includes outdoor gear, wellness products, and children’s toys.
I love to support a locally owned store while buying globally sourced products for fresh pan dulce pastries or hot sauces to add to a home-cooked recipe.
Since 2015, the store is operated as a non-profit with the hope of connecting people with the resources they need. I spotted books and supplies for every age. Parents with children in tow will appreciate the kids’ section devoted to their reading needs.
If you’re seeking a journal for devotionals or an inspirational book of quotes, Faith & Life carries a large inventory of gifts.
The second-generation family run meat shop regularly rotates the meat case’s offerings, but you can alway count on homemade sausage and steak cuts available for purchase. They carry Kansas-made brands, including edro Lopez Mexican food products, Grandma Hoerner’s mustard, Jelly Lady fruit spreads, and Toritilleria Los III Potrillos flour tortillas. Service is friendly and welcoming.
PRO TIP: Shop on Wednesday for bierocks and cream puffs or Thursday for breakfast beirocks.
The quaint store includes several racks of trending shirts, bottoms, and dresses at reasonable prices. A fitting room is available to try on outfits.
The customer service was genuine and helpful during my visit. Employees, who are experience quilters, are eager to swap project stories or assist shoppers of all quilting experience levels.
PRO TIP: The quilt store is located on the 
The building, which was once a Pepsi™ warehouse, is filled to the highest corners of the ceilings with vintage collectibles, ranging from farm tools to furniture. The newest addition to the store includes a refreshment counter serving drinks and baked goods.
PRO TIP: Follow 
I was impressed to see well-organized clothing racks full of brand named shirts and pants in new or slightly used condition. A woman’s wool v-nick sweater by Express was priced as low as five dollars. A display at the front of the store displays seasonal decoration and wearables.
From retro drinking glasses to reminders of your childhood like toys and lunchboxes, you’ll find something to bring home.
If you love the challenge of looking high and low for the ultimate find, spend at least a half hour perusing countless vendors’ booths.
As I walked from room to room, I spotted depression glass, collector coins, pottery, jewelry, furniture, and signage. The owner has expanded the store over the years and recently added more space with booths.
Some of the oversized vibrant paintings extend the full length of buildings in full view of passersby while others are tucked-away gems situated along alleyways.
A trip to Newton isn’t complete without taking a photo in front of the massive flower mural at 100 block of E 6th Street.
Newton is also home to a couple of public art installations. You must see 
One of the oldest and most intriguing art installations in Newton is 
I referred to the 
He was instrumental in the Mennonite migration to the area and he single-handedly brought Turkey Red hard winter wheat to the area and made it a staple crop. Have you heard Kansas referred to as the Breadbasket of the World? We can thank Warkentin for helping to make that happen.
Warkentin and his wife, Wilhelmina, and their two children moved into the Queen Ann-Style mansion in 1888. Now, it is a museum that offers tours by appointment January-March and on weekends depending on the time of year.
The Warkentin’s spared no expense when designing their home down to the smallest details. I was enamored by the door’s metal finishes, the changing wood floors from room to room, the expansive size of the bedrooms, and the imported furnishings.
Visiting the home allows everyday people to get a glimpse of what luxury living looked like during a time when rural Kansas was just beginning to prosper. I recommend taking a moment to enjoy the view from the home’s wrap-around porch. To view the museums hours and plan a visit, visit their Facebook page 
“Immigrant People” is an exhibit that documents how Mennonites packed their belongings and traveled by rail or wagon and eventually by steam-powered ships to America. Later as homesteaders, they took root in the open prairie in what is now Newton. While some had money, most were poor yet hopeful for the future.
I appreciated the Historic Farmstead and Gardens, which are open to tour with a museum employee. The outdoor buildings were built in 1875 and 1886 and were moved to their current site.
Fantastic 
To plan a trip to Kaufmann Museum and learn more about their current and upcoming exhibits, visit their 
The museum, which is located inside a stunning Carnegie Library building, is free to visit although donations are welcome. Don’t forget to sign the guest book.
If you’re already visiting Kauffman Museum, take a walk outside the building through the wooded tree line to find one of the markers “The Story of Land and People.”
Referred to as the Trail Between Two Cities, one can also bike the Bethel College path system. To view all of the trails in the area, visit this All Trails 
It includes a wheelchair ramp, communication board and noise-making, puzzle-like stations for interactive play.
Take a break after the front nine holes to enjoy a grab-and-go meal at Caboose 305 Café before finishing a round.
After reserving a lane, head the 
I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my love of Newton. It’s a charming town within a short drive from Wichita that offers visitors plenty to do and see.
Have you traveled to the area already? I’d love to hear about the sites you added to your trip in the comments below.
I was the second customer of the day after Korean Garden opened its doors for the day, and a Korean woman behind the counter was taking to-go orders by phone and hurriedly packaging styrofoam containers. The grill sizzled in the kitchen as I placed my order, and she ushered me to my appointed table.
PRO TIP: You must order from the dinner entree menu on Saturdays. Bento Boxes are available during the week. Expect a $10 minimum purchase for credit card orders.
PRO TIP: 
For 20 minutes, I watched Fast & Furious from a nearby television while sipping a sweet Jamaican bottled soda. Then, the colorful seafood dish served with pickled cabbage and rice was delivered to my table by the owner.
PRO TIP: Strike up a conversation with the owner. Her love of Junction City is infectious, and her business story is admirable.
Rather than ordering a large entree, I opted for Veg Samosas, a fried pastry stuffed with diced potatoes, seasonings, and peas served with a thin yogurt-based sauce. Each deep-fried bite was piping hot, delivering a mild flavor. Two samosas per order are a light lunch, but you’d want to order more food for a substantial meal.
PRO TIP: 
After ordering at the counter, I sat listening to soul music play from a speaker in the dining room where families and downtown workers enjoyed lunch. A buzz with activity near the door, a steady stream of locals arrived to order to-go meals.
I ate every bite of my overflowing, messy hot dog. The sausage snapped with every bite, just as one would expect from an authentic Chicago hot dog.
Known for signature pizzas like Pesto Chicken and Flint Hills Burn, Mill Pizza serves a hearty, flavorful salad. I enjoyed each bite between sips of my beer while listening to patrons at neighboring barstools discuss their work day.
I was the only customer until more people arrived around 8:00 pm. My impression was that the lounge is known for serving a late-night, adult crowd, a sentiment the staff confirmed.
I was offered tastings of any ice cream and ultimately decided on Brown Sugar Maple in a small cup. 
I devoured avocado toast between sips of Reverie Coffee Roasters drip coffee by the fireplace. I recommend the scratch-made breakfast to anyone seeking a healthier meal option.
Amongst cutting boards and kitchenware, the store displays Finch + Fennel pantry staples. The jarred condiments, seasoning blends, and bottled barbecue sauces designed to make cooking at home effortless and enjoyable.
During my second visit to the center, I paused to admire the rehabilitated birds of prey housed outside before trekking the trail. 
Once on the trail, walkers gain access to an open-air pathway leading to learning stations. The information plaques detail types of wildlife and teach onlookers what to watch for during their hike.
PRO TIP: After exploring the Tallgrass Trail, spend a few minutes inside Milford Nature Center (donations encouraged). The education center consists of live animal exhibits, such as snakes, prairie dogs, lizards, and more.
A new art installation, JC Statues, continues to tell the story of the town’s history and its residents. Each one is painted by an individual artist, unveiling a theme represented by symbols and paint colors.
Museum staff and volunteers created three floors of thematic exhibits with relics of the county’s past to convey the story of Geary County.
They designed each exhibit a full sensory experience. You hear the sound of the locomotive pulling into station. Sniff History stations make a self-guided tour an immersive experience, and flip-to-learn-more installments test one’s knowledge of pioneer life.
PRO TIP: If you want to tour 
The staff is eager to direct you to places to explore in the area, plus the center houses display cases showcasing the town’s history. Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, West Plains is steeped in history.
I was impressed with the well-stocked inventory of regionally made products ranging from honey to home decor items.
PRO TIP: If traveling by RV, you’ll love the center’s expansive parking lot, water fill, and dump station. Visitors with dogs will love the shaded grassy areas to take a stroll.
After exploring the downtown area, we drove to spots around town, seeking out other permanent paintings.
We sipped ice-cold lattés while listening to the staff give instructions on throwing techniques and the rules of play. Despite my best efforts, the hatchets and Ninja stars I threw toppled off the target, coming to rest on the ground.
Watching others take turns throwing sharp weapons at the wood wall with better success was fun, and the coffee drinks made it a delightful experience.
One of the best parts of visiting the family-run business is their pride in selling locally sourced baked goods, coffee beans, and gifts.
PRO TIP: Look at the framed photographs on the wall for a few minutes. Each one captures historical moments when Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton visited West Plains. The building is where Wagoner launched his famous career.
As the book states, “Sometimes a bottle or flask was handed around from person to person, and some people complained about the loud, rowdy behavior exhibited by some of the dance’s inebriated patrons.”
Did a prohibitionist cause the explosion? Did J. M. Weiser, found dead behind the building with a door knob in his hand, cause the accident that killed 39 people and injured 23 others?
Photographer Joyce McMurtrey’s work “King of The Ozarks” was on display on the day of our visit. The native Missourian captured portraits of family members and neighbors of H. King Davis while interviewing them.
According to Explore West Plains, services were held in every church in town on April 19, 1928. This memorial remembers the 19 unidentified people laid to rest along with 20 identified people.
During our visit, locals gathered around the bar during Happy Hour. Nearby, a father and son played a game of pool while arcade games like Big Buck and Golden Tee flickered in the background.
Known for their wings, we shared a 5-piece basket with our choice of sauces: Thai Chili and Spicy BBQ – cooked and sauced to perfection. The Traditional Chef Salad with ham and eggs was fully loaded and crave-worthy. Our server said they are adding a salad bar.
If you order a burger, expect it to be stacked high like the West Plains Pride served on a jalapeño bun with pepper jack cheese, onion, and mango habanero sauce.
PRO TIP: Opt to sit outside on a nice weather day. They host local musicians on Saturday nights – no cover charge.
The brewery has a variety of beers for every kind of craft beer connoisseur, but for us, it was an easy choice.
To our delight, friendly locals joined us outside to raise a glass to West Plains.
The menu includes unexpected delights like homemade baked goods, avocado toast on artisan bread, and handcrafted breakfast sandwiches.
The faith-based gathering space is also a boutique that supports local makers and creators. The retail shelves ran the length of a brick-exposed wall and were piled high with irresistible merchandise from apparel to home decor.
PRO TIP: Look at the menu boards or ask a friendly barista for the day’s drink or food special.
The spring produces 6.5 million gallons of water per day, flowing beneath sandstone blocks.
The mill is closed to the public., but consider taking advantage of beautiful walking trails, putting your feet in the cold water (28 million gallons per day!), or primitive camp nearby.
PRO TIP: Park your car in the gravel lot at the base of the mill. None of the privately owned buildings are open to the public, so walking the grounds for stunning Ozark views is advisable.
Specialty sandwiches, burgers, and wraps dominate the menu. Our friendly server suggested the French Dip Sandwich and zesty Cuban sandwich, both equally scrumptious. The meat was juicy, the bread soft, and the flavor delivered.
The Brick Oven Pizza menu includes 8″ personal pizzas cooked to order if you crave something other than a sandwich.
We peered into display cases featuring military items and clothing once worn by the town’s residents. Equally interesting, old photos, newspapers, and Zizzer high school yearbooks were accessible.
You’ll see everything from vintage toys and coins to furniture and depression glass inside 22,000 square feet of retail space. I was drawn to an illuminated glass case filled with relics from the town’s past.
The signature of Elwin Charles “Preacher” Roe, a professional baseball player who retired after the 1954 season and opened a supermarket in town, was scrawled upon several artifacts. Roe played with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Brooklyn Dodgers.
A gift-giver’s go-to shop, Country at Heart is known for its handcrafted baskets decorated for themed parties.
The specialty store carries toys, books, novelty socks, candles, and more. You’ll find it hard to resist buying a gift or candy for yourself or a friend once you walk inside.
Why buy a generic print for your home’s wall when you can purchase an exquisite painting or photograph?
Located a short walk from downtown West Plains, the gallery is a place to admire the talent of regional artists while igniting your own creativity.
The smell of leather. The overwhelming rows of boots, handbags, and accessories make HB Boot Corral the number-one place to shop for western apparel.
PRO TIP: Pack brightly colored discs should you unintentionally throw one into a tall grass, wooded area.
As we entered, the staff directed us to an available table. We chose instead to pony up to the bar, a place I prefer so we can watch the action and have a direct view of the beer taps.
We worked up an appetite while sipping on a Belgian Blonde and Marzan, eventually ordering a stone-fired meat pizza and a plate of house-smoked tri-tip steak with sides.
PRO TIP: With dozens of flavorful beers on tap, locals rave about the brewery’s cream soda and root beer ordering growlers of it to go.
I heard, “Hi honey, how are you?” upon entering the store, where I waited patiently in line to order an iced vanilla latté and breakfast quinoa protein bowl to go.
The dual-purpose space was tastefully decorated with fresh floral arrangements, holiday decorations, and grab-n-go gifts for any occasion.
Just as I was leaving to take my breakfast to the park to enjoy it, I felt a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, the owner handed me a rose.
I settled into a picnic table under a canopy of towering trees to enjoy breakfast and coffee. A couple stood at the park’s map, choosing a walking trail while birds and butterflies fluttered about.
Owned and maintained by the city, it features a wood bridge over a creek, benches for relaxation, a pavilion, a children’s play area, and a paved walking trail.
PRO TIP: The park is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Dog walkers must bring a leash.
Regina Willard is a contemporary impressionist painter who captures the natural world with every brush stroke. Her business partner, Ellen Hones Martin, is a wheel-thrower who creates unique pottery – each sells their creations at the studio.
Whether they are teaching students how to create a masterpiece or creating their own, the studio is abuzz with activity. I witnessed local shoppers in awe of for-sale artwork as the owners welcomed them to an open house party.
PRO TIP: The best resource for learning about upcoming workshops or events at the collaborative gallery and studio is to check the 
Sandwiches and quarter-pound burgers dominate the lunch menu. We couldn’t resist a Club Sandwich and Fried Bologna Sandwich that hit the spot. I hope to return again to order the infamous Chicken Fried Steak dinner.
Will you order a soda float, a cup of classic chocolate ice cream, or a shareable sundae?
I took my time gazing at the selection of ice cream flavors before settling on a classic cone of sweet and creamy Chocolate Chip Cheesecake. You can’t rush a good thing.
Spring Dipper is the perfect way to end a weekend in West Plains.
Before the celebration, stop by 
I hope my travel guide inspires you to explore West Plains in the heart of the Ozarks, which deserves recognition for its attractions, shopping, and dining scene.
