I’m not alone in the belief that Reba’s restaurant and bar is reason enough to make the short drive to Newton. From my northeast Wichita home, I can get there and be seated (provided I have called ahead to reserve a table) more quickly than I can drive to and be seated at any local restaurant. It may be a couple of weeks until owner Reba Ballard and her team rise from the ashes of a November 23 fire that threatened the historic Old Mill Plaza building that houses the popular restaurant, so in the meantime, explore the other enjoyable things to do in Newton, many of them on a multi-block strip of Main Street.

Ten Thousand Villages is a favorite of my friend Rebecca, who goes completely batty over the jewelry and holiday ornaments in the well-stocked shop. Unique, handmade gifts, jewelry, home decor and personal accessories represent (and product sales go to support) the diverse cultures of disadvantaged artisans in 38 countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Ten Thousand Villages is a founding member of the International Fair Trade Association (IFAT) and in 2008 was named one of the “World’s Most Ethical” companies by Ethisphere Institute and Forbes Magazine.

Linked together are Kitchen Corner, Pages Books & Coffee and Prairie Harvest. The Kitchen Store is full of culinary delights. You’ll find gourmet foods, coffee, bulk spices, dishware, kitchen gadgets galore and even cooking classes (sign up in advance). If you entertain, you’ll want to buy everything in the store. Consider yourself warned.

Connected is Pages Books & Coffee, which serves up culture and cuisine and is a great place to pause for a rest during an afternoon shopping trip. And you’ll want to have a snack so you don’t shop on an empty stomach at Prairie Harvest, which offers organically grown foods and features a deli. Make your own peanut butter and take it home in a jar you can buy from the store, or bring your own.

There’s no shortage of clothing or antique stores on Main Street, each with its own personality. Some will appeal to you and others you’ll quickly decide to bypass. But don’t miss the Et Cetera Shop. This secondhand shop attracts shoppers and donors of all socio-economic makeup. I don’t think I’ve ever gone in without walking out with an item that I didn’t need but couldn’t live without. One thing this store, which benefits the work of the Mennonite Central Committee, is known for are rag rugs made from old jeans.

Also on Main Street is The Breadbasket. Their all you can eat German buffet is served Friday and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will satisfy the hungriest of appetites. It’s practically a requirement that you pick up baked goods to take home with you.

The Newton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Bureau has an easy-to-navigate website with listings of and links to businesses in Newton, as well as for information on festivals and community events. I have attended and recommend Art & Music in the heart of Newton held in April, Main Street Mania held in June and Taste of Christmas held in November.

On my list but not yet visited is the Kauffman Museum. Permanent and traveling exhibits emphasize the natural history of the Central Plains and the immigration of the Mennonites to Kansas in the 1870s.

My list represents just a small portion of things to do in Newton. If you have suggestions or adventures of your own to share, sound off in the comments.

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