Nothing says spring like the rows upon rows of beautiful plants and flowers. Kansas is home to several bountiful gardens open to the public to enjoy. And for those with a green thumb who enjoy caring for their garden, there are plenty of plant stores to inspire their landscapes.
TAKE A GARDEN TOUR
BOTANICA, WICHITA
Get lost in the stunning beauty of nature as you tour over 18 acres of plants and statuary at Botanica Wichita (701 N. Amidon). Even after several visits, you will discover something new every time you walk through the gardens. Don’t miss the children’s garden and the Koch Carousel Gardens.
I love walking the paved paths as they wind through different thematic garden spaces. Keep your eyes peeled for Kansas native flowers and birds. Sculptures dot the landscape. You can walk through the gardens or schedule a seasonal tour or carousel experience here. Wear comfy shoes or inquire about golf cart personalized tours.
BARLETT ARBORETUM, BELLE PLAINE
Bartlett Arboretum (301 N. Line Street) is a 20-minute drive from Wichita in Sumner County. Popular events like the TreeHouse Concert Season, Tulip Time, and Art at the Arb keep die-hard fans returning yearly. It’s a natural wonderland for photographers hoping to catch colorful backdrops of tulips in the spring or fall foliage in the fall. Photographers are encouraged to schedule a Thursday evening session.
The nature sanctuary and historic landmark are seasonally open on weekends from 9 am-5 pm. Check the Facebook page to view updated information about craft workshops and events.
OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS, OVERLAND PARK
As soon as the first crocus bulb blooms, it’s time to plan a visit to Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (8909 W 179th St.). I enjoyed touring its many gardens via paved pathways and groomed hiking trails. arden areas have something for all ages, from wildflowers to wetlands plants at Margaret’s Pond. Bird watching stations, a sculpture garden a miniature train display with a life-sized train car deliver wow factor.
Night at the Arboretum and Wine Tasting on the Terrace events in the spring are worth checking out. Check the Facebook page for details.
TED ENSLEY GARDENS, TOPEKA
What could be better than panoramic views of Lake Shawnee near a garden filled with nature’s vibrant colors? Ted Ensley Gardens (3650 SE West Edge Rd) are open to the public on nearly 37 acres of well-manicured land. Bring your camera, your leashed dog, and the entire family for a stroll through the gardens.
Over 1,500 species of flowers and plants, trails, and rock gardens are maintained by volunteers. Visitors will lose track of time as they meander through tulip-lined paths. Plan your visit from 6 am-11 pm during peak season, and don’t miss Tulip Time, a popular event.
The following Kansas walk-thru gardens are on my travel bucket list: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains (Hesston), Parsons Arboretum (Parsons), and K-State Gardens (Manhattan).
STORES FOR PLANT LOVERS
VALLEY FLORAL CO., KECHI
In an inconspicuous warehouse building in the heart of Kechi sits one of the largest plant stores I’ve ever seen. Valley Floral Co. (6200 N. Oliver) is well-praised on social media for its vast inventory of every kind of plant imaginable. They were known as a greenhouse with rows of baskets and plants to sell to commercial stores, but now they also are open to the public for retail sale most days of the week.
Prepare your car with a blanket because you’ll leave the store with potted plants and flower baskets. It’s a nice place to shop for a gift for someone, especially for Mother’s Day. View their hours here before heading to Kechi.
FAMILY TREE NURSERY, SHAWNEE
Whether you’re a novice gardener or a plant expert, Family Tree Nursery (7036 Nieman Rd) is the place to shop for botanicals and garden tools. During the holiday season, the retail store becomes a winter wonderland with a magical display of decorated Christmas trees. Visit during their fall event to enjoy live music and food. Since 1981, the Shawnee location has attracted customers to the garden center.
Café Equinox serves coffee drinks and locally baked pastries.
THE STONE CHIMNEY, MCPHERSON
If you’re someone who doesn’t like the upkeep of live plants, I recommend shopping at The Stone Chimney (1500 E. 1st St.). The popular McPherson store carries a large inventory of silk plants and flowers. They are known for taking special orders for silk floral arrangements.
The backroom is filled with high-end candles and more home decor. You’ll discover bath and body products, jewelry, and battery-operated candles and lanterns in the main retail spaces.
THE FLOWER SHOPPE, PRATT
A short jaunt from Main Street, I encourage you to visit The Flower Shoppe (201 E. 4th St.). Florist Lou Lynne Moss has been designing silk and fresh floral arrangements for happy customers for years. After you place your custom order, cruise through the shop to select from the beautiful decor.
Every store corner has something you’ll want to add to your shopping haul. It’s a delightful store! Don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with puppy kisses from the story’s mascot, Louie, the pug.
WORLDWIDE CACTUS AND EXOTICS, WICHITA
It’s a small space, but many plants are ready for a new home at Worldwide Cactus and Exotics (2630 E. Central). Specializing in “cool plants and good vibes,” the store has tiered rows of new arrivals.
The owners are generous and often give away free plants and cuttings. So check their Instagram or Facebook page for details before driving to the store to stock up on all your favorites.
GROW, WICHITA
Grow (320 S. Market Suite S), with every kind of plant you can imagine. It’s a houseplant lover’s dream, plus they serve botanical-infused drinks at the bar.
Think of Grow as a one-stop shop for succulents, houseplants, and cacti. She doesn’t sell the typical plants you’d find in a big box store but caters to green thumbs wanting unique plants. The shop is well-stocked with gifts for plant enthusiasts, from notecards and magnets to coffee mugs and jewelry. View the Facebook page to view the store’s hours.
FREE STATE FLORA, WICHITA
Free State Flora (2910 E. Douglas Ave.) carries plants, fresh flowers, and dried and artificial flowers. If it blooms, you may find it there. You can’t miss the storefront as you drive by. It’s usually covered in flowers.
Even though the store’s website says it’s open by appointment only, I walked in and shopped without issue. The inventory consists of more flower bouquets and single stems than plants.
WELL GARDEN INDUSTRIES, WICHITA
Located in the heart of the historic Delano district, Well Garden Industries (1440 W. Douglas Ave.) is a plant lovers oasis. Nearly every square inch of space is covered in indoor plants and cactus. Thanks to addition of an outdoor hoop house, the store will expand its inventory.
The owners are knowledgable about all types of plants, so bring your questions. They often host sales, so refer to the store’s Facebook page for updates.
Other Wichita stores to add your indoor plants shopping list include Dutch’s Greenhouse and Tree Top Nursery.
Do you know of a scenic public garden that should be added? Where do you spend your dollars locally when shopping for houseplants? Drop a comment below.
If you love plants but are not the best at keeping them alive like me, check out 10 Hard to Kill Houseplants You Can Leave While on Vacation. Are you ready to try indoor gardening? Follow my step-by-step instructions for How To Grow An Indoor Garden.
It wasn’t easy narrowing down a list to only 100 things to do. I thought to myself, “Who would need this book?” I wrote it as a resource for visitors to Wichita, long-time residents, and newcomers. Actually, the book features more than 100 things to do, as I’ve also bonus lists and insider tips.
People love the book! It earned 1st place in the Kansas Professional Communicators’ 2023 Communications Contest in the Adult, Nonfiction category. The judge wrote, “What a delightful book. the one-page descriptions really work, and your voice sings as your love of the venues shines through.”
Follow 
Stay curious. 
I took advantage of a sunny weather day to visit most of the Saturday events. The impressive lineup of things to do kicked off with the parade on Andover Road. Parents and kids lined both sides of the street ready to grab flying candy thrown from floats passing by.
As soon as the parade came to an end, families gathered their belongings and headed to 
Car enthusiasts gathered at the 
Gearheads grabbed their phones to snap photos. Vehicle owners chatted about their love of all things cars. In my opinion, the shining star of the show Ford Falcon Squire Wagon. The white-wall tires, candy red paint, and classic design caught my attention as well as that of passersby. What make and model do you hope to see on display at a car show?
Parents shuttled their kids to the carnival where the rides like the ferris wheel and fast-moving Tilt-a-Whirl awaited. I think the best part of the carnival was witnessing adults taking their kids on rides for the first time.
Festival Tip: For $25, you can purchase a wristband that lets you ride as many rides as you want during the carnival. While a button is required for entry to Greater Andover Days, the wristband provides hours of entertainment Friday-Saturday.
While the fishing clinic at Lake George and hot dog eating contest took place, I returned to the carnival to buy concessions food and check out the games. I asked the concessions stand worker, “Which should I buy…cotton candy or a snow cone?” Once I saw the massive bag of spun sugar, I opted for a cherry snow cone, a yummy choice.
The sound of arcade games and a ringing of the winner’s bell rang out only steps from the concessions stand. A lifelong fan of Skeeball, I had to check it out. With every toss, kids and their parents worked hard to win oversized stuffed animals.
More activity was bustling at the Business Expo/Craft Fair where artisans sold unique gifts and local store owners talked with festival-goers. In a nearby tent, kids excitedly picked out the design they wanted to have painted on their faces while parents introduced themselves to one another. Entrepreneurs talked business and chatted about local happenings.
Nearby, small groups of kids ran to the nearby bouncy houses, a highlight of Saturday’s KidFest. Children couldn’t kick off their shoes fast enough. Piles of sneakers sat outside the entrance of an inflatable castle as kids jumped and giggled inside. Long lines formed to climb the towering stairs to slide down slides where parents waiting poised with cameras.
The 
The young performers delivered a show-stopping performance that entertained while educating kids. Afterward, kids jumped up to burn off energy at three family-friendly stations nearby: hay maze, water balloons, and pedal cars.
I took a break from the activity to grab lunch at the food court where there were many choices for street food fare. I walked by a barbecue food truck and a grilled hamburger station but ultimately decided to order a “tacone” from 
I knew just the place to sit down and enjoy my meal. The beer garden. Set up on Central Park Lodge’s patio within viewing distance of the concert stage, it was the ideal setting to people watch and listen to the band’s perform soundcheck.
The excitement of the day was topped off by a spectacular firework show that lit up the night sky over Andover Central Park. Onlookers craned their necks to admire the colorful splendor.
The room’s amenities include a flatscreen TV, liquor pantry, coffee cart with snacks, and an Alexa personal assistant. For those who need to get work down during their stay, the in-room desk is large enough for a laptop and then some.
Italian music played as I dined on an appetizer board of chef-selected meats and cheeses. I particularly loved the Italian herb cheese and the fresh made-in-house peach jam. The board was large enough for two to three people to enjoy before ordering dinner with a bottle of wine.
After devouring my delicious meal, I followed the signs leading to the bottom level of the hotel. I was led into a candlelit foray with a mysterious wooden door. I had arrived at 
The speakeasy pays homage to the building’s history while providing guests ambiance they won’t find anywhere else in the city. According to Dockum, the rules for enjoying the bar are simple, “Be good to us and we’ll spoil you.” It was definitely my kind of tavern.
Street art is a bonus surprise for visitors to Wichita. 
Another indoor space to view art, much of which is usually the work of talented regional artists, is 
Hockey fans visiting the area must experience an action-packed 
If you’re interested in catching a local band at a smaller venue, consider walking to 
There is no shortage of attractions beyond the doors of the Ambassador. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a returning guest, the downtown area is the best place to experience what makes Wichita wonderful. Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a Wichitan, but I promise you’ll love your experience staying at 
Do you have questions about exploring Wichita’s downtown district? Want to learn more about the hotel? Drop a comment below. I’m always happy to give travel advice.
The rest of the hotel was equally impressive. The Drury Hotel Plaza Broadview features an indoor pool and whirlpool, business center, fitness center, guest pantry, and outdoor hot tub. Soon after checking in the hotel, I made my way to their free 5:30 Kickback®, a “happy hour” kind of event open to guests every evening. I presented my Kickback® card to the bartender and was given three complimentary drinks (wine, beer, or cocktails) to accompany self-serve appetizers. You’ll love this amenity.
Located in the heart of downtown Wichita and only a short walk from shopping and dining, its prime location is perfect for adventure seekers who want to enjoy the city. Using downtown transit is easy and there is a map available online to plan your Douglas Avenue route 
The next morning, I made my way to the second-floor mezzanine where an elaborate breakfast buffet awaited my arrival featuring a full lineup of delicious menu options. Adjacent to the buffet was a cereal station, coffee counter, and make your own waffle setup. I chose biscuits and gravy with a side of sausage. The freshly brewed coffee was just what I needed to give me a boost for the day.
Later at the hotel, I continued my historical journey by viewing the framed prints adorning the lobby’s walls. Did you know the 
If given the chance to walk into one of the hotel’s larger event spaces, the ballroom, you can view a mosaic designed by American Indian artist, Blackbear Bosin. He is the same artist who designed the city’s iconic Keeper of the Plains sculpture that stands proudly amongst the downtown skyline. The 1,550 square foot mosaic is the largest continual mural in Kansas. Ask the front desk attendant if the ballroom is accessible to view it.
All in all, I adored my experience as a guest at 