Full disclosure: I want to live in Halstead one day. My boyfriend was born and raised in “The Biggest Little City in Kansas,” and during our relationship, I have come to really love the place.

Halstead has many things to offer, both seasonally and year round. Here, I offer a few ideas to start planning your day trip to this big little city.

You can begin your day with breakfast at Golden Harvest (240 Main St.). The portions are big and the prices are reasonable. Just bring cash, because debit and credit cards are not accepted.

Since you’re already on Main Street, you can continue to explore the most happening part of town. The Tortoise Gallery (128 Main) is a cute place to start. The gallery features different artists and occasionally offers classes on things like sculpture and knitting.

Next, you can check out the Old Hardware Store (208 Main). This store has been standing strong for over 130 years and carries old hardware that can’t be found at other stores. According to the store’s website, “there are over 600 drawers of vintage hardware,” and the owner can tell you what’s in each one.

Also located on Main street is the Kansas Learning Center for Health (505 Main). This might be a good place to stop if you have kids with you, or if you want to see Valeda, the Transparent Talking Woman. The center offers information about general health, nutrition, fitness and other topics.

If you’re still hungry after your hearty breakfast, stop at D’Angelo’s Pizza (247 Main). I recommend trying “The Mobster” pizza, which is topped with just about everything you could imagine and is delicious.

If the weather allows, head over to either Scout Park or Riverside Park after lunch. In August, these parks are the sites for many of the events during Old Settlers. A fun fact about Riverside park: The 1955 Academy Award-winning movie Picnic, starring Kim Novak, William Holden and Cliff Robertson, was filmed there.

Maybe you’ll fall in love with the town and feel like you just have to stay the night. The Heritage Inn is a quaint hotel where you can soak up small town charm.

Wherever you decide to go when you’re in Halstead, I can pretty much guarantee that the best part of your visit will be the people you encounter throughout the day. Almost every time I’m in town, I meet another friendly member of the community.

If you have suggestions or Halstead adventures of your own to share, let us know in the comments.

Photos courtesy of Paula Burke (pstout3@cox.net)

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