Each week, the verb [ICT] team will answer your burning (or not-so-burning) questions. Is there something you’d like to know about us? E-mail the editors or leave a comment.

This week, reader Ara Bartemes wanted to know: “Where do you go in Wichita to relax and get away from it all?”

When I was in high school you could always find me at the Hyatt Hotel. In the summer, I would splash around in the fountains to cool off. In the winter, I would bring a good book to the lobby and settle into one of the huge, overstuffed chairs for a long read. At night (depending on who was manning the desk) I would play piano outside of the conference halls. After a home game at the baseball stadium, I would stand by the rock face and have the best possible view of the fireworks. These days I don’t feel as much need to “get away” from anything, so I only ever visit the Hyatt when I’m feeling sentimental. If, however, you need to feel far away and out of reach, I recommend Botanica. Never mind that it’s an “off” season… That’s when it’s most enjoyable. Just find a bench and relish the feeling of being disconnected. It doesn’t hurt to find yourself surrounded by beautiful winter greenery and stone fountains, either. - Jenn Garvin

I go to Barnes & Noble, grab a stack of books and magazines, and sit and read. - Amanda Scuglia

When I lived in Delano, I walked my dog almost every day by the river on the bike path off of McLean. There’s the beautiful Keeper of the Plains to walk by, but I like it best between Seneca and Central on the south side. There are benches to sit on and enjoy the scenery. I like to watch ducks or geese and the people that pass by. My dog liked to sniff everything. Every season brings its little joys; the growth and renewal of plants and animal life in spring, the warm summer sun on my shoulders, the changing color of the fall leaves and the crunch beneath my feet, the sting of the bitter winter wind in my face. Through every season, I could just sit there and know I was home. It’s not far or hard to get to, so if I need to get away from it all, I will sometimes drive up and park near the river and visit one of my old benches. I’ll soak in the sights and sounds of my hometown and know that this is where my heart is. - Amanda Mundt

When you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go… to the downtown library. This is one of my Wichita sanctuaries. When I’m having a bad day, I know I can head down to the Central Library at 233 S. Main and relax. Favorite calming activities include riding the elevators up and down, reading the latest magazines while relaxing in one of the lounge chairs and looking at whatever art or photography they might have displayed in the third floor gallery. It’s always quiet, it’s huge so it never feels crowded and, let’s face it, you just can’t beat that library smell. - Ashley Perkins

I love going to the parks to read. Riverside Park is my favorite because of the amazing greenery and, let’s face it, Riverside is just an interesting and eclectic place to be. I have fond memories of the rocket ship in the park and that, combined with the art and geese and easy-goingness of Riversiders, makes it one of my top spots in Wichita to get away. – Andrea Anglin

I love to go to Sedgwick County Park to relax. Depending on my mood, I will either take some coffee to drink while I read a book, bring some bread to feed the ducks or grab some ice cream from Freddy’s and swing (on the swing set, people. Get your minds out of the gutter). Regardless of what activity I do while I’m there, I am always able to take in the scenery and get away from whatever stress I may be feeling that day. It also has an awesome trail around the park for walking. - Carly Holmes

There is an amazing, little park on the corner of Douglas, across from Eaton Place, that I love love love. Weather permitting, I spend a lot of time there in the afternoons when I’m stressed out (which seems to be more and more lately…) You’ll find me on the bench overlooking the pond with my iPod and Bible. It’s right in the middle of the city, but I feel so disconnected from everything else. It’s the only place I can really think. - Veronica Hill

My northeast Wichita neighborhood is eclectic, older and established, with huge trees lining the streets. I like to leash up my pugs and take them on a leisurely stroll. I have a slight obsession with design and architecture, so I love to examine the differences between the houses and give them mental makeovers. This is oddly calming. And by the time we make it back to our house, we’re all much happier. - Shea Sylvia

Now it’s your turn – leave us a comment and tell us where you go to catch a break from the daily grind.

(image source)

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