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Winfield

Walnut Valley Festival: A First Time Visitor’s Experience

September 19, 2023 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Winfield Convention & Tourism. All opinions and photos are mine. 

Live music. Delicious food. Arts and crafts. Camping outdoors.

The Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, is an experience you must have, and my first visit was one for the memory book.

Murals
Murals at 515 Manning St.

After stopping at the 51st Annual Walnut Valley Festival entrance, a volunteer approached the driver’s side window and asked, “You have any aliens with you?”

“Not today,” I replied.

“Ok, just checking. Enjoy the festival,” he said.

“This is going to be a fun adventure,” I thought.

Campsite
We did spot aliens at a campsite.

The annual festival takes place the third weekend in September, drawing fans of Bluegrass, Americana, Celtic, Western swing, and Folk music.

LIVE MUSIC

I was impressed to discover that you’re bound to find live music anywhere you venture at the Winfield Fairgrounds. Over 200 hours of music is played on stages over four days from 9:00 a.m. – midnight featuring renowned performers.

Audience

FOUR STAGES

Stages 1-4 vary in size from grandstand to small venue. Because musicians play various stages throughout the festival, you can see your favorite band more than once if you check the schedule.

 

 

Walnut Valley Festival Pickers Paradise
Becky Buller Band

Since we attended the festival on a one-day pass, I wanted to make the most of the experience by viewing each stage’s performance at least once.

Becky Buller Band got audience member tapping their toes and clapping to the rhythm. Nominated for 2021 IBMA Songwriter of the Year, I appreciated the lyrics to many of her uplifting songs. Considered one of the First Ladies of Bluegrass, she moved the crowd to a roaring applause after each song.

Guitarist
Shane Hennessy

At Stage 2, we captured the experimental stylings of guitarist Shane Hennessy. The audience sat in awe as he used percussive guitar-playing techniques to deliver a lively performance.

Catching the last few songs of his set, I appreciated his approach to picking the guitar while using pedals to incorporate the sound of an entire band, from drums to lead guitar.

Walnut Valley Festival
Pretend Friend

Jam band Pretend Friend delivered a rousing performance from another nearby stage mid-afternoon. They sang original songs, and lead singer Grant Boesen’s vocals reached the back of the audience.

Backed up by well-revered musicians playing mandolin, bass, and banjo, the band delivered a high-energy, memorable performance.

Stage 2
Darin & Brooke Aldridge

We returned to Stage 2 (my favorite of the main stages) just as Darin & Brooke Aldridge and their backup band began a soundcheck. The audience’s smiles began to appear within minutes of their first song.

Their talented musicianship was evident as they riffed off one another, taking turns to play solo performances.

Festival Stage
JigJam

A fan of Celtic music, I wanted to catch JigJam‘s session on Stage 1. Delivering what they call “foot-stomping, high-energy, and lots of badass” Bluegrass and American Folk music. The lead singer, Offaly Jamie McKoegh, entertained the crowd by telling stories between songs.

PRO TIP: Take advantage of the Champion Showcase Concert, NewSong Showcase, and other championship competitions categorized by instrument and picking style.  View Walnut Valley News to view the winners.

CAMPGROUND STAGES

At Walnut Valley Festival, the jam never ends.

Multiple campground stages exist, like Stage 5 in the Pecan Grove. Weekend campers set up their makeshift stages, giving musician friends a venue to play.

Walnut Valley Festival Stage 5
Since 1987, Stage 5 has backed into its space to claim its campground spot. The stage is constructed on the bed of a 1954 Chevrolet truck.

One of the pop-up venues, Stage 6, is one of the oldest camp stages at the festival and hosted Feisty Music Camp for Kids, giving youth a place to perform a concert. Learn more about all of the campers’ stages.

CAMPING

It’s a full-tilt camper’s party and a picker’s paradise at Pecan Grove, and it starts with Land Rush when campers claim their site long before the festival starts.

Pecan Grove BannersVeteran campsites use banners to identify their location, making it easy for friends to find them and join their jam circle. The more years a group has camped at the festival, it seemed the larger their banner and gathering site.

And the creative decorations are often thematic to match the campsite’s name. Would they win first place for the best-designed space? It’s up to the judges.

Water
Campers using RV hookups or DIY showers find a way to rig their systems.

But these campers realize someone that newbies like us didn’t realize until seeing it first-hand. Walnut Valley Festival is its own community. It’s a welcoming place where great music, food, and conversations make it worthwhile.

Campsite
Some items that appeared at campsites included parachutes for shade, hammocks, hay bales, peace sign decor, string lights, and the occasional sofa.
Golf Cart
It’s common to see decorated golf carts positioned around the fairgrounds.

I saw campers of all ages at the festival. Adults played cornhole, kids got their faces painted, and everyone generally loved the atmosphere.

FOOD TRUCK SCENE

Festival organizers know that you have to have excellent food concessions. Walnut Valley Festival’s food court includes over two dozen vendors. Fried food, vegan dishes, ethnic entrees, smoked meat dishes – no matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it.

Food TruckIndian TacoWokMost food truck items started at $5 and went up. I suggest bringing $20 per person to enjoy a full meal with a drink.

Smoothies TruckPRO TIP: Don’t assume all food truck vendors accept credit cards, although most do. ATMs are available.

BEER & WINE GARDEN

We were thrilled to see Ladybird Brewing Company (Winfield) and several regional craft breweries on tap in the Picker’s Pub. I enjoyed Ladybird’s Picking’ Pale Ale from shaded picnic table seating while watching a live show perform on Stage 1.

I loved the souvenir festival cup, although the price of the first beer was expensive at $15. (Each additional beer pour is $5.)

Picker's Pub

ARTS  & CRAFT VENDORS

Another festival highlight is perusing the Paulette Rush Arts & Crafts Show, which hosts makers nationwide. Over 100 vendors sell clothing, wood crafts, instruments, candles, artwork, and jarred jams and jellies.

IncenseColorful tapestries hang from booth walls. Tie-die shirts, dresses, and many hats hang from clothing racks. Shoppers leisurely wind their way in and out of booths.

Tie-DieIf it’s a band’s merchandise you’re after, you’ll find it available in a designated area after each band’s show. Musicians often remind fans where to find them when they wrap a set.

Band Merchandise Table
Pretend Friend’s merchandise table

FARMERS MARKET VENDORS

A handful of farmers’ market vendors sell fresh produce and gourmet foods from tables near the Pecan Grove campsite.

Farmers Market This mini grocery market of sorts is just the thing campers and festival-goers need to stay fueled during a weekend. Besides, you never know when you may want to share a whole fruit pie, right?

FIRST-TIME VISITOR TIPS

WHAT TO EXPECT

First, expect the unexpected. A sofa at a campsite? Check. Massage therapy sessions inside a barn? Check. Golf carts decorated with party lights? Check.

Painted FenceSecond, the festival is well-managed and a safe place to hang out. Staff and volunteers do an excellent job of keeping attendees comfortable and happy to the best of their ability. Attendees take pride in the festival by keeping the fairgrounds clean.

Massage Thirdly, you’ll be surprised to see people getting work done on laptops and phones. Our cell phone signal, typically strong elsewhere, wasn’t strong at the fairground – except at The Wi-Fi Café.

Wi-FiLastly, bringing collapsible chairs is advisable as standing to watch shows isn’t appreciated (blocks the view!), and typical band sessions last 45 minutes.

Folding ChairWe appreciated the Walnut Valley for First-Timer’s landing page that detailed what to expect and proper attendee etiquette. After some study, we’re glad we didn’t wear white T-shirts. (You’ll find out why if you do a little reading.)

WHAT TO PACK

For what it’s worth, we were glad we packed a refillable water bottle, bagged chairs, a change of shoes, and sunscreen.

Regulars know the drill. You see more people wearing hats than not, and umbrellas are not out of the question on a hot Kansas day.

Walnut Valley Festival AudienceDo you need a bicycle or golf cart to navigate the fairgrounds? Not necessarily, but you should be prepared to increase your step count if walking to and from campsites. Ask about Festi-Cab, a golf cart ride for a minimal fee.

BikesYou’ll want to buy the latest festival T-shirt to wear with pride to next year’s celebration. We noticed dozens of audience members wearing them.

T-ShirtSTAYING INFORMED

DAILY NEWSLETTER

A paper newsletter is distributed daily at no cost to attendees from the fairground office. Media staff compiled news, cartoons, and contest information into a two-page document.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

You should download the Walnut Valley Festival mobile app to stay up-to-date on happenings and receive the latest notifications. It’s a one-stop resource for most things you’ll find in the festival program in the palm of your hand.

AudienceEXPLORING WINFIELD

For bonus ideas of things to do in town, check out my travel post, Winfield, Kansas: Day Trip Ideas for a Guaranteed Good Time. Many downtown businesses run promotions in celebration of the festival.

Winfield KansasDidn’t get to join the jam? Save next year’s celebration date, September 18 through 22, 2024, for the 52nd Walnut Valley Festival on your calendar. Land rush will be here before you know it.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Someone told me at the festival, “Once you experience Walnut Valley Festival, it gets in your bones, and you’re hooked.”

He was right.

We had an epic experience, and I can’t wait to return. Will I camp? I have yet to decide, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you hear me utter the phrase, “I can’t, I’m going to Winfield.”

SelfieClick my Instagram reel for a video recap of the 51st Walnut Valley Festival.

 

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: acoustic, arts & crafts, autoharp, banjo, bluegrass, campground, camping, Celtic, dulcimer, fairgrounds, festival, fiddle, finger style, flatpicking, folk, food trucks, guitar, Kansas, land rush, live music, mandolin, music camp, musicians, Pecan Grove, pickers, river, songwriters, South Central Kansas, Walnut Valley Festival, Winfield

Winfield, Kansas: Day Trip Ideas for a Guaranteed Good Time

May 31, 2022 by Vanessa Whiteside 2 Comments

Disclosure: Visit Winfield sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

The residents of Winfield have a good reason to be proud of their Kansas town. Now that I’ve experienced it first-hand, I’d say there are more than enough reasons to love the town.

Less than an hour from Wichita, Winfield is a fun day trip destination for families, couples, or solo travelers. I arrived early Saturday morning and the town was just coming alive.

Winfield KansasOutdoor enthusiasts love it for its recreational options. It sits on the edge of the Flint Hills and near waterways in Cowley County. Shoppers appreciate the downtown corridors for the town’s long list of boutiques and retail stores. I discovered noteworthy dining while spending the day in Winfield as well.

WALNUT VALLEY FARMERS MARKET

I could hear the bluegrass band playing as I approached the parking lot that was dotted with merchants under covered tents. It made perfect sense that bluegrass music set the backdrop for the opening day of Walnut Valley Farmers Market near Island Park. Winfield is home to the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival where people far and wide have arrived at the Flat-Picking Championships to hear the best musicians play every September. The market’s scene was set.

Walnut Valley Farmers MarketFarmers MarketDuring the opening day of the market, I purchased a baked lemon loaf and walked away with a jar of preserves. Other vendors sold seasonal produce, leather goods, jewelry, soaps, and gifts.

PRO TIP: Bring cash to the market. Not all vendors accept credit cards. Don’t try to park adjacent to the vendor booths, which are reserved for them. Parking is available across the street.

COLLEGE HILL COFFEE

I made the short drive to College Hill Coffee (403 Soward St.) in desperate need of caffeine with a side of breakfast.

The coffee shop is located in a residential neighborhood and draws locals for its relaxed vibe. People sit on patio tables on the front porch or at tables inside what is a converted old house. It feels homey and comforting like someone invited you over for breakfast.

College Hill CoffeeFrom the breakfast options I could see from within the glass case, I chose a slice of Farmers Quiche to go with a steaming cup of cappuccino. It was made from delicious ingredients and had a flaky crust. It hit the spot.

I took time to enjoy the meal from a quiet spot inside the converted house. The walls were adorned with local artists’ work and a small amount of retail (bagged coffee, jewelry, and artwork) is for sale. Music played from the room’s speakers and a cool spring breeze passed through open windows.

When in Winfield, promise yourself you’ll stop at College Hill Coffee. You can order from a window on the porch (seating available!) or dine inside. They serve breakfast all day and menu choices range from waffles and avocado toast to breakfast sandwiches and baked goods. Stop in for a salad or cup of soup at lunchtime.

PRO TIP: Order a dessert to go. I recommend a soft snickerdoodle cookie.

ELAM’S LAVENDER AND HONEY BEE FARM

Do you love the smell of lavender?  You can pick your own $5 lavender bundle at Elam’s Lavender and Honey Bee Farm (5226 142nd Rd) which opened recently to the public. Simply borrow a pair of scissors, snip a bundle, and head to the retail store to make a purchase.

lavender fieldI learned from Rick about the numerous plant varieties and the growing habits of lavender as we walked the property. The farm has 28 varieties and he plans to add 15 more in due time. His family is dedicated to providing lavender to as many people who want it.

lavender They grow lavender from seedlings inside a greenhouse and eventually move it outside to be planted in rows. What started as something to do in Rick’s retirement has blossomed into a farm where the public can come out and experience it for themselves.

Why pick your own lavender? You can use it in your cooking, home decor, craft projects, and the oil can be used in soaps.

 I was excited to borrow a pair of scissors and sip stems. Afterward, I took my bundle to a farm employee at a cart who added a rubber band to it and directed me to the retail shop to pay $5 for the lavender. The process is easy and one you’ll appreciate.

When in Winfield, drive to 5226 142nd Rd, a short drive from downtown to the farm. Follow the lavender scent.

PRO TIP: Follow the farm’s Facebook page to learn about upcoming You Pick events.

THE FARM AT QUAIL VALLEY

The Farm at Quail Valley (934 194th Dr.) isn’t just an event center located outside of town used for weddings and large events. It’s also the site of the #1 disc golf course in Kansas that is also ranked #58 in the world. For disc golfers, it’s the holy grail of courses.

The Farm at Quail ValleyThe 18-hole course is casually referred to as The Beast because of its challenging design that includes many opportunities to potentially lose one’s discs in water hazards and challenging holes. Designed by disc golf world champion Eric McCabe, the course often hosts tournaments.

disc golf coursewedding venueShady tree-covered areas and tall grass surround fairways. The meticulous maintenance of the course makes it a beautiful setting. Each hole has two tee boxes made with turf pads. The basket placement ranges. Some baskets sit under trees near a water’s edge, others are hidden in cleared areas around trees, while others are located more in the open. For example, Hole 8’s basket is elevated atop a mound of sand and large tires.

disc golf basketDuring my tour, I learned that golfers could arrive during course hours and pay cash using the honors system inside a converted train railcar or pay online. Inside the rail car retail shop, you can also purchase new discs. The course was technical and challenging, especially as a new disc golfer. Be prepared to look for baskets that have been moved and don’t always match what UDisc app shows.

The farm invites campers to pitch a tent or pull up an RV for overnight accommodations for a small fee. If you feel like fishing in one of the small lakes, you can drop a line after registering to fish.

PRO TIP:  See a video overview of the course by clicking this link. Upon arrival at the farm, follow the gravel road until you reach a parking lot near the event center. Walk to the green railcar to pay to play the course.

SHINDIGS BAR & GRILL

It was time for lunch, and I was famished. I drove back to Shindigs Bar & Grill (500 Main St.) and found a seat at the bar. The friendly bartender welcomed me and told me about the day’s specials, which included a dollar off a pint of beer, but there was a catch. We had to walk upstairs to “reverse pour it” from a 57 Chevy Truck. I was all in.

chevroletShe added a magnet to the bottom of the glass, set it on a base, and added pressure. Suddenly, the pint glass began to fill with beer from the bottom up. It was quite a sight.

Before we headed back downstairs to the bar, she excitedly gave me a tour of the upstairs dining room, pointing out refurbished railroad relics in the interior design. The outdoor patio was a showstopper. Traffic stoplights hung overhead patio tables, and from that vantage point, dinners could look down over the town’s train rails.

patioBack at the bar, I enjoyed the Smokey Turkey Club with onion rings with a side of sauce for dipping. It was made from top-quality ingredients and tasted delicious. In fact, everything on the menu looked crave-worthy.

lunchSporting events played on TVs as patrons filled the dining room. The bartender told me how the family, who has owned the restaurant for several years, sandblasted and reused industrial items to decorate the space. The entire restaurant almost felt partially like a museum, from the rustic chandeliers to the hostess stand.

PRO TIP: The design inside the bathrooms is a must-see. Trust me. When walking through the restaurant, look up, look down, and take time to appreciate the smaller design touches.

DOWNTOWN SHOPPING

Winfield’s downtown corridor is dotted with at least a dozen retail shops worth checking out. It’s a haven for shoppers searching for locally-made items, antiques, and outdoor recreation stores.

I strolled into The Junk Generation (420 S. Main St.) and met the owner, who told me about her love of curating primitive antiques to sell at the store. The inventory included handpicked new items creating the perfect mix. Seasonal displays simplified holiday shopping.

The Junk GenerationThe store is a gem for shoppers on the hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces who don’t want to pay big-city prices.

PRO TIP: Store hours vary. View the store’s hours via the Facebook page before driving to shop there.

Walnut Valley Outpost (107 E. 7th Ave.) is a hub for gravel cycling and road biking. It is the kind of place where cyclists gather to swap stories and offer tidbits of advice. The shop also offers basic bike tune-ups and tire services.

In the market for a new bike? The owner is happy to educate shoppers on the models available for sale. Gravel cycling is popular in this area of the state, so she is your go-to expert on riding in the area and often hosts rides and events throughout the year.

PRO TIP: Ask about the option to rent a bike in the area. The owner stocks bikes for touring the town on two wheels. The store is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Snappy Chicks Boutique (1019 Main St.) is where ladies shop for jewelry and clothing apparel in Winfield. They specialize in interchangeable snap jewelry, so you can create customizable bracelets, necklaces, keychains, and more. Customers pick out a jewelry piece and select the snaps for it.

PRO TIP: If you have a custom snap design using a personal photo, ask Leslie or Marla to create it on the spot. It takes only minutes to prepare it for you.

Snappy Chicks BoutiqueThe staff at Field to Fabric Quilt Company (907 Main St.) is passionate about quilting, just like their customers. The shop is located on the Kansas Barn Quilt Trail Map and is featured in the All Kansas & Nebraska Shop Hop magazine. Known for carrying a large selection of cotton fabric, notions, and floss, it’s one-stop shopping. Beginners and veteran quilters can take advantage of on-site classes.

PRO TIP: Walk down to The Great Hall of Quilts to see handcrafted masterpieces.

quilt shop

GOTTLOB LAWN & LANDSCAPE

Calling all gardeners and green thumbs! Gottlob Lawn & Landscape (5001 E. 9th Ave.) is more than a landscape center. Inside, the retail shop carries a large selection of healthy houseplants, gardening tools, and unique gifts tailored for people who can’t get enough plants.

plant storeI also appreciated the outdoor gardens with walkable paths that lead underneath arched to whimsical spaces and greenhouses. If you’re shopping for herbs, native plants, and hardscaping options, or just need to talk shop about lawn care, Gottlob is where you go.

garden centerPRO TIP: Follow the Facebook page to stay current about monthly sales and upcoming events. Owner Alex Gottlob has big plans for developing an outdoor patio where guests can relax in a serene setting. Ask about picking wildflowers to place in a mason jar, $5.

BADGER CREEK STONE ARCH BRIDGE

Cowley County is home to 18 stone arch bridges, and since Gottlob’s was only a little over three miles from Badger Creek Stone Arch Bridge (13814 196th Rd.) I made the journey. During the 1800s, Walter Sharp was a bridge builder who used native stone to construct one hundred bridges in Kansas.

As I drove the damp dirt road, the road curved to the left before I pulled over for the bridge. It was difficult to navigate the embankment to get a photo of the bridge, but the view in both directions from on top of it was nice. The water was traveling quickly from recent rains.

PRO TIP: View a map of the self-guided tour using this brochure.

bridge

LADYBIRD BREWING COMPANY

I discovered a new stop on the Kansas craft beer trail at Ladybird Brewing Company (523 Main St). Located in a converted gas station, the brewery serves a rotation of ales typically featuring regionally sourced ingredients.

ladybird brewing companyPeople drive from out of town to visit the brewery open Thursday-Saturday. The shaded patio and indoor seating areas were filled with craft beer drinkers. Inside, you can select from 6-8 beers on tap.

I couldn’t decide which beer I wanted, so I created a flight of 3 oz pours. Cool Mom Pomegranate Saison was a winner. But honestly, I enjoyed all of the beer in the flight.

craft beerThe brewery doesn’t serve food, but snacks were available for purchase. The vibe was relaxing as alternative music played in the background.

PRO TIP: Look for the cornhole boards on the patio to enjoy a friendly game while you sip on suds.

LUIGI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT

Hungry for a bite to eat before driving back to Wichita, I chose Luigi’s Italian Restaurant (124 E 9th Ave.), located down the street and around the corner from the brewery. A few locals recommended the fettuccini alfredo with chicken or the homemade pizza. I chose the pasta ($10.95), a large portion served alongside a basket of complimentary garlic bread.

Luigi'sThe prices were affordable, and the staff consistently visited the table to check on me. Other menu options ranged from baked pasta like lasagna and manicotti to stromboli sandwiches and meatball subs. In search of lighter fare? Order a Greek or caesar salad.

PRO TIP: Ask about the daily specials and wine by the glass. Six desserts are listed on the menu, including cheesecake, cannolis, and tiramisu.

pastaMy trip to Winfield was long overdue. When I told friends I was traveling to the area, everyone had good things to say about the Cowley County town. It turns out they were right. Winfield is wonderful. I know you’ll also appreciate a day trip to explore its many treasures. 

mural in winfield kansasOn my next visit to Winfield and the surrounding area, I plan to stop at Wheat State Wine Co. to take a driving tour of historic homes, and I want to rent a bike from Walnut Valley Outpost and ride along the levee trail.

downtown WinfieldHave you visited Winfield or attended the Walnut Valley Festival? Leave your comments below to provide your travel suggestions for the area.

Winfield

 

Filed Under: Kansas, Travel Tagged With: agritourism, antiques, bar & grill, beer, bluegrass, bluegrass music, boutiques, brewery, bridge, coffee shop, Cowley County, craft beer, disc golf, farm, farmers market, garden, gardening, Italian food, Kansas, lavender, Main Street, pasta, quiche, quilt, railroad, South Central Kansas, venue, vintage, Winfield

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Hello! I'm Vanessa. Welcome to One Delightful Life, a blog created to add more delight to your life with delicious recipes, travel destinations, and lifestyle improvement ideas. Thanks for exploring my blog!

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