You may already know that I reside in the ‘burbs, or, perhaps more succinctly, the middle of nowhere. But what you might not know is that it hasn’t always been this way. I lived in Wichita for many years, and bought my first home in the booming metropolis of Derby, Kansas. And though I do love my rural life, sometimes I miss the relatively urban existence I once lived. I think that Derby is a very happy medium; it is outside the “big city”, but still has, quite frankly, everything a person might need. Allow me to explain:

The shopping in Derby has never been better; it seems that every day a new store is opening and the reasons to go into Wichita become fewer and more far between. While Derby is home to many big-box stores, such as Target, Lowe’s, Kohl’s, Wal-Mart, and Dillon’s, it also offers a unique variety of local shops and restaurants to satisfy any taste.

First, I have to exalt the beauty of the best Mexican food I have found in… well… anywhere. Casa Martinez (204 W. Greenway) is run by an immigrant couple and their children – just about as authentic as you can get. I have never been disappointed by a single dish, but the wait staff (all Martinez family) will tell you exactly what you should order. Add in some kick-ass salsa and delicious sopapillas, and you have a recipe for the best dining experience in Derby.

Blackberry Lane Cookie Company (1710 E. Madison Ste. 300) offers a tasty variety of made from scratch cookies, cakes, and other delectable treats. They also sell a selection of products to help you create your own masterpieces. Their selection of whole bean coffees and teas compliments all of their choices, and their gift baskets make perfect presents for any foodie in your life. The Daily Grind (315 N. Baltimore) serves up Derby’s finest brewed coffee, in addition to scones and a variety of baked treats.

The recreation in Derby is second to none; Derby Bowl (444 S. Baltimore) offers a family-friendly environment in which to knock down some pins on a rainy day. And when summer finally hits, Rock River Rapids (1900 E. James) provides the perfect place for the whole family to have fun and cool down. Whether you roam the lazy river or wait for the big bucket-dump, you can’t go wrong with this all-ages aquatic amusement. For the more adventurous at heart, the Derby Skate Park offers a bowl, stairs, rails, and all other types of street-skating apparatuses.

Derby even supports its own college-age summer baseball team, the Derby Twins, who play in The Jayhawk League all summer long. They put on a great show, and it’s an inexpensive way to catch a game with the entire family. From May through October, Derby operates a Fresh Air Market, every Saturday from 7:00 AM to Noon, featuring homegrown produce and handmade crafts.

To end your day, Derby offers a trifecta of options for your drinking pleasure. Madrocks (1821 E. Madison, Ste. 100), the city’s newest addition, offers a smoke-free environment filled with big screen TVs for your sports-viewing pleasure. If you’re a little more laid back, visit Little Busters (457 N. Baltimore) for a spin on the jukebox, a turn at the pool tables, or a swing at Golden Tee. If you’re a little more in the mood for a dive (as you know I sometimes am) The Green Derby (132 Sunnydell) offers a little hideout away from the hustle and bustle of “city” life. It often offers a sampling of live entertainment of a wide variety; come ready to be entertained.

Derby has so very much more to offer; what did I leave out? Let me know in the comments!

Related posts:

1. [go] Garden City, Kansas
2. [go] What to Do in Salina, Kansas
3. [go] Venture to Cy’s Hoof & Horn in Sedgwick, Kansas
4. [go] Newton, Kansas
5. [go] Lindsborg, Kansas