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[go] Southern Kansas

Claire Suellentrop — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:46:09 +0000

When hearing citizens of rural Kansas towns describe Wichita as a “big city,” I’ve never been able to keep a straight face. I mean, come on. Our skyline is backed by grain elevators. Drive an hour in any direction, and you’ll hit rows of fields. And if you’re thinking about using public transportation to travel downtown, you might be better off with a good pair of walking shoes.

However, a Labor Day road trip through southern Kansas may have caused me to put my “metropolitan” foot in my mouth. There was no better way to spend that lazy Monday than by exploring K-42, passing tiny towns that boasted little more in the way of public activity than churches and post offices. The trip was entirely free of McDonald’s, Wal-Mart and, for the most part, cell phone reception. Despite the lack of population, however, there was a distinct charm to be found along our state’s southern border. If you’re interested in some off-the-beaten-path sightseeing, check out these gems on a quiet weekend getaway:

Wind turbines outside Sharon

Rain or shine, these massive structures are an incredible sight. Shiny and white, their high-tech appearance contrasts sharply with the natural greens, golds and browns of the sprawling fields; however, their sleek build is far less of an eyesore than clunky grasshoppers and old farm equipment. Like the crops surrounding them, the rows of turbines extend for miles. Despite their colossal size, however, they’re almost silent, emitting no noise but the hum of their engines and the gentle whir, whir, whir of the blades.

Gypsum Hills

Located just past Medicine Lodge, this region is home to mesas, buttes and rugged terrain. It’s a far cry from our pancake reputation and the perfect setting for a scenic drive. The Gypsum Hills are so close to the Oklahoma border that the dirt is bright red—show up after a rainstorm, and the rust-colored mud will stain your shoes. Gypsum deposits sparkle in the sunlight, and the view from atop one of the hills almost took my breath away. Well, maybe that was just all the shouting I was doing—the echoes are crazy.

Origins Fair Trade Coffeehouse in Haviland

Only about five months old, Origins Coffeehouse sells fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate as well as artwork and crafts made by impoverished communities in Rwanda, South Africa, Bolivia and the Congo. Their mission is to provide a gathering place for students at the nearby Barclay College and to simultaneously support the families of indigent artisans across the globe. As an added bonus, their homemade granola is delicious—pour milk over it for the perfect mid-afternoon snack.

New developments in Greensburg

Greensburg is a town of visual contradiction. The jagged frames of mangled old buildings are interspersed with clean, bright, cutting-edge architecture. Although half the town is still a mess from the tornado that swept through the area in 2006, signs of environmentally friendly progress are apparent everywhere. The storm was devastating to Greensburg homes, businesses and schools, but it was also an opportunity for citizens to start fresh. The community is extremely earth-conscious, and all the new developments pay special attention to efficiency and energy conservation. Mini wind turbines dot most of the yards, and there seemed to be as many solar panels as there were people. Greensburg is an inspiring example of how a major tragedy can be turned around for the good.

To see the rest of Kansas’ great wonders would require a few more days on the road. Next up on my to-do list: follow the setting sun into the west. Before I do, though, I could use a few suggestions. What’s your favorite exploration spot?

[go] Pops 66

Steph Barnard — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:06:31 +0000

If you’ve never done a soda tasting, you might be surprised to know that it’s oddly similar to a beer or wine tasting. You drink way more of a beverage than you should, but it doesn’t feel that way at the time since the portions are so small. You keep going even though you know you should stop, because you want to try all the varieties. You feel high and silly for a little while… and then you crash and try not to get sick.

So it was a few weeks ago when some friends and I traveled to Pops 66 in Arcadia, OK. The iconic diner is a great day trip (about a 2.5-hour drive) for any Wichitan who loves soda, diners and/or ’50s nostalgia. You can’t miss Pops once you exit I-35 onto Route 66; you’ll know you’re there when you see the giant soda bottle sculpture and futuristic gas station design. The slanted glass walls are covered in shelves of real pop bottles (but don’t try to grab one – they’re glued in place).

Pops is a diner, “soda ranch” and gift shop/convenience store all in one. You can dine in, grab sodas and snacks to go, or even fill up on gas. We arrived on a crowded Saturday afternoon, but still only waited about 20 minutes for a table for five. In the meantime, we checked out the coolers and brought our soda selections to the table with us when it was ready.

There’s a drink for just about every taste at Pops: dozens of varieties of root beer, cream soda, cola, citrus soda, fruit-flavored drinks, and the list goes on. (If you can’t swing a trip to Pops in the near future, I’ve also found some of the same unique sodas at The Donut Whole in Wichita.) From a citrusy drink called Kickapoo Joy Juice to a pink Leninade featuring Communist imagery on the bottle to a crisp, bubbly Grown Up Soda, there was more than enough liquid sugar to go around. Our server was more than happy to give us extra cups and ice as we all shared tastes of each bottle.

The menu is standard diner fare and includes fountain sodas to which you can add flavor syrups, Jimmie’s Diner-style, if none of the bottled sodas attract your attention. I had the grilled PB&J, which was surprisingly savory and paired well with the sodas. My dining companions had great things to say about the grilled cheese and the Pops Burger. Pops also serves breakfast on the weekends, as well as dessert and milkshakes if you feel your teeth are not yet coated in quite enough fructose.

After our meal and with hundreds of grams of carbs coursing through our veins, we wandered through the well-maintained grounds and checked out the gift shop before heading for home and a well-deserved teeth brushing. And much like after a night at the bar, I swore off drinking soda ever again, only to be tempted by its sugary goodness again later on.

Have you been to Pops? Where do you go to get your soda fix?

(Image Credit)

[listen] Wichita Jazz Festival

Stephanie Cloud Seery — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:08:33 +0000

The Wichita Jazz Festival actually kicked off Wednesday, with a free concert hosted at Abode Home. Featuring four local jazz groups, it was a perfect beginning and showcased some of the best jazz talent that Wichita has to offer. The jazz festival started in 1972, and still continues to play an important role in the development of musical talent throughout this region.

According to the Wichita State University website, this year’s festival is promoted as a showcase for women in the arts and society, and will also address issues in women’s health.

The rest of the events are as follows:

Thursday, April 14

“No Family History,” a documentary film. 7:30 p.m. Campus Activities Center Theater, Wichita State University campus. Free. Features Sabrina McCormick and a screening of her documentary film, which follows the story of one woman’s experience with breast cancer. The film was an independent selection at the Philadelphia Film Festival of 2009 and was selected as Best Real Time Documentary at the event.

Friday, April 16

Jazz All Day! Starting at 8 a.m. at the Campus Activities Center Theater, Wichita State University Campus. $10. This event will feature bands from local and regional middle schools, high schools, and colleges who have worked hard for this chance to perform before professional clinicians. It promises to be a long way from listening to your little brother squeaking on his saxophone in the basement after school!

Jazz Symposium. 7:30 p.m. at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University Campus. Free. Features jazz journalist Michelle Mercer, filmmaker Sabrina McCormick and guest artists Kathy Kosins, Linda Oh and Nicole Mitchell. Finally, local jazz artist Lisa Hittle will perform.

Saturday, April 17

Creativity Workshop. 2 p.m. McAdams Recreation Center, 1329 E. 16th St. Free. Features opportunities to interact with guest artists and witness their individual approaches to artistic creation. Kathy Kosins will discuss the relationship between jazz and visual art, while Nicole Mitchell will work with composition and improvisation.

Connoisseur Series Concert, 7:30 p.m, at the Campus Activites Center Theater, Wichita State University campus. Opens with Kathy Kosins, followed by Linda Oh and then Michelle Mitchell. Although it is one of the few events for the entire festival that is not free, it promises to be worth every penny! Tickets are $15, $13 and $6 through the Fine Arts Box Office, (316) 978-3233, and at the door. It is advisable to plan to arrive early for the best seats. While children are allowed, I would not advocate bringing any who are under about 12, and certainly none who don’t love music.

Detroit-based jazz singer Kathy Kosins, is a performer of almost 30 years, and renowned for her nontraditional approach to the jazz tradition. Local musicians Bill Caldwell (tenor saxophone), John Goering (WSU assistant professor, piano), Mark Foley (WSU associate professor, bass) and Steve Hatfield (drums) will accompany her.

Also featured this weekend will be bass star Linda Oh, who in 2008 received the ASCAP Young Jazz Composer’s Award. She now teaches at the Manhattan School of Music. Chicago-based flutist Nicole Mitchell and her trio will close both the concert and the festival. Mitchell was honored by Downbeat magazine as No. 1 in its Critics’ Poll for Rising Star Flutist 2006 and was named “Chicagoan of the Year 2006″ by the Chicago Tribune.

[go] Lindsborg, Kansas

verb [ICT] staff — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:00:38 +0000

Guest post by Marco Benitez

Nestled in the rolling hills of the fertile Smoky Valley, Swedish heritage is alive and well. Välkommen till Lindsborg!

Lindsborg was settled in 1869 by a group of Swedish immigrants from the Varmland province of Sweden who envisioned a community rich in culture, learning, religion, business and farming.

These values remain strong as indicated by a city rich in the performing and visual arts. It is also home to the Smoky Valley School District and Bethany College, and multiple churches thrive there. Lindsborg is a place where businesses flourish and agriculture continues to play an important role in the community.

I embarked on a voyage across Lindsborg and here are some things to do, sites to see and places to eat that I recommend to visit for a complete Little Sweden experience.

Activities and Events

Search for the Wild Dala – For those of you asking, “What the heck is a Wild Dala?”, don’t be ashamed, I had to ask too. A Dala is a bluntly rounded, tail-free horse, usually red with white stripes, and is perhaps known as Sweden’s best-known icon.

The Dala can be found everywhere in Lindsborg. Traditional horses are on front porches, on coffee mugs and even on the side of police cruisers. In 2000, inspired by Chicago’s cows on Michigan avenue, Lindsborg transformed the traditional Dala shape into a fiberglass form. These horses add a boosted feel of Swedish heritage as these uniquely decorated and themed horses parody aspects of the city’s culture. Open-air tours of the Dala horses are available, and new Wild Dalas are still being rounded up.

Messiah Festival of Music & Art – Going on now until Easter Sunday, Lindsborg continues an annual tradition started by Johann Sebastian Bach. This year marks the festival’s 200th anniversary. Concerts featuring the music of Handel and Bach will be performed at Bethany College during Holy Week. In addition to the concerts, the Birger Sandzen Memorial Gallery hosts the Midwest Art Exhibition. The exhibition features works from the permanent collection and new works by regional artists.

Restaurants

Butcher, Baker & Candle Stick Maker (130 N. Main) –This locally owned shop features daily fresh bakery items, deli sandwiches, traditional Swedish soups, hand-poured candles and farm fresh meats.

Courtyard Bakery & Café (125 N. Main) – Courtyard offers a variety of homemade Swedish specialties, including cardamom rolls, kringler, Swedish Limpa and rye bread, skorpor, rusks and mouth-watering tea rings.

Jalisco (107 N. Main) – This is one of Lindsborg’s most pleasant surprises. Jalisco is a Swedish-themed Mexican restaurant. I was a little disappointed Jalisco did not offer a Swedish twist to the Mexican cuisine, but their traditional and Tex-Mex dishes did not disappoint.

Swedish Country Inn (112 W. Lincoln) – This bed and breakfast serves a lavish Swedish breakfast buffet to Inn guests and the public. The menu includes Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, (It’s an acquired taste) knackerbrod, cheeses, and waffles with lingonberries.

Shopping

Hemslojd (201 N Main) – Located at the north end of downtown, Hemslojd is one of the country’s largest Scandinavian gift shop, and it sells everything Swedish. Swede pop CDs, movies, candy, postcards, novels and wooden crafts are the tip of the iceberg of what Hemslojd has to offer. A woodworker or folk painter is usually at work in the store’s arts and craft center. Hemslojd offers free workshop tours and presentations on how to make a Dala horse.

Local Attractions

Coronado Heights – Three miles northwest of Lindsborg, Coronado Heights is a dominant geological feature of the Smokey Valley. It rises 300 feet above the surrounding plains, giving an admirable view of the landscape below. The park was crowned with the “Spanish Castle” built with federal WPA funds in 1936. The park is a comfortable yet exciting place for a picnic and is accented with miles of tree-graced trails.

Kanopolis Lake (105 Riverside Dr, Marquette, KS) - This 3,000-acre lake 20 miles west of Lindsborg provides anglers a fishing paradise which includes a series of caves, horseback riding and boat rentals. Kanopolis’ most sought-after species include crappie, white bass and channel catfish.

[go] Garden City, Kansas

Jenn Garvin — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:48:42 +0000

Just like every person on Earth is really great at something, so is every city. Some people are talented painters, knitters, kissers, or pickle makers. Some cities are amusing, tranquil, sprawling, or else host exceptional naked bike rallies. Garden City, in western Kansas, is excellent at being a strong community. In fact, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from my visits to the “Tumbleweed Capital of the World” it’s that you’ll find absolutely nothing to do if you’re by yourself, and you’ll find weeks worth of entertainment if you’re willing to make friends.

More than any other city I know, Garden City is dependent upon its residents to supply their own diversions. There are no four-story stadiums, professional ballet companies, all-night jazz clubs or renowned art museums. Instead, there is an ever-full high school auditorium, an outdoor theater, city dances and community potlucks. It probably doesn’t sound like any place you’ve traveled to while looking for fun weekend getaway, but then again, maybe it’s been too long since you’ve tried something outside of the ordinary lineup of Midwest hot spots. (Another stroll down the KC plaza, anyone?)

Here are some reasons to make the four hour trek from Wichita to Garden City, provided you aren’t shy or a strict vegetarian:

The Entertainment: Visit the GCHS calendar of events to find an Orchestra Concert or a Show Choir showcase. Everyone in town attends, so you’d better know when these performances are if you don’t want to find yourself in an abandoned restaurant or an empty bar. Also check out the most recent edition of Legend Magazine, available in shops and cafes across Southwest Kansas. It has a pretty comprehensive calendar of upcoming events.

The Food: Finney County is about 50 percent Hispanic, with 20 percent of the population having been born out of the country. What does that mean? To me it means bright colors, lively music and absolutely delicious Latin food. On every major corner in town, you’ll find a pollo barbeque stand, a family owned enchilada restaurant, a busy bar advertising margarita specials and signature salsas, or a taquaria drive thru. I recommend Las Margaritas or El Zarape, both of which very popular restaurants in town (a characteristic any wise traveler looks for when it’s time to eat.)

The Locals: During the day, you’ll find the good people of Garden City at the Lee Richardson Zoo, which is enormous (and free.) They might also be at “The Bean Dip” or “The Big Dipper” which is a public pool so huge that you can water-ski in it, or else watch the zoo elephants take their baths before it is washed out and refilled. In the evening, you can expect the locals to be dancing at the Fairgrounds, or else standing en masse on bleachers, totally engrossed by a rodeo.

If you have any time to spare between all of that excitement and the various dinner engagements you’ll surely have made, you should get a cup of coffee at Patrick Dugan’s. Then go antiquing downtown. Then go on a Midwest safari across the Finney Game Refuge. Then catch a baseball game. Then take a telescope to a public astronomy lecture. Then… well, you get the picture: You won’t be bored.

After you’ve rediscovered what a vacation can be (refreshing, memorable, relaxed and inexpensive) pick up the Garden City Signature Souvenir: A decorated tumbleweed from Prairie Tumbleweed Farm. In fact, pick up a dozen. You can give them to your friends, spreading the community love you’re sure to have felt while exploring Garden City.

image credit

[go] Derby, Kansas

Bailey Ketterman — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:41:10 +0000

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!

[go] Salt Mines in Hutchinson

Carly Holmes — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:06:15 +0000

I knew about the Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson, but never really had much interest in checking it out… until I found out we could wear hard hats and ride in a trolley. I was sold! So, last week I went with my friend Mel to see what this museum was all about. I left pleasantly surprised.

Upon arriving at the Salt Museum, we were told the next tour was leaving in two minutes. That meant we had 120 seconds to purchase our tickets and get in and out of the restroom if we wanted to get on the this tour. Since the next two-hour tour wouldn’t start for another 40 minutes and the only restrooms underground are Port-A-Potties, Mel and I knew what we needed to do. It was like a little adventure before the adventure, but we made it with time to spare and saved ourselves a Port-A-Potty experience.

Next, we went into a little room where we were given our hard hats. Sadly, there were no lights on the hats. We were also handed a box attached to a strap which contained a breathing apparatus that could be used in case of fire underground. It gave us two hours worth of breathing time in order to get safely out of the museum. I started getting slightly worried about what I had gotten myself into. Then, the guide informed us the apparatus would help us breath but it would most likely burn our lips off in the process. This was the point when I wanted to get a refund and take that money to go buy my own hard hat that I could wear around whenever I wanted above ground, thankyouverymuch.

But we were there to see the salt museum, so I sucked it up and continued on. The two guides (one was in training), Mel and I plus four more visitors got into the elevator and the tour officially began. The door to the elevator shut and we plunged 6,500 feet below the ground. This may sound like an overly dramatic statement, but IT WAS PITCH BLACK. (My heart is racing just thinking about it again.) Mel and I started giggling uncontrollably, mostly to avoid crying. Thankfully, the guide in training turned his hard hat light on at this point. I’m sure he could sense that our anxiety was getting a bit out of control. This little gesture helped make the ride better, and if there had been some Barry Manilow playing in the background, I would have felt completely comfortable.

Once we arrived safely underground and my heart rate returned to normal, the rest of the tour was a little less intense. Our guide gave us a bit of history about how salt was discovered in Hutch and about the how the mine was first built. The mine is one of 16 in the U.S. There are only two other museums, located in Austria and Poland. The majority of salt mined in Hutchinson is sold to Chicago and used for road salt.

After getting some background information, we were given time to individually explore in-depth exhibits on salt mining and to look at artifacts left behind by miners. It was interesting to see these items and to watch videos about the mining process.

At the end, we toured a small exhibit loaned from Kansas Underground Vaults and Storage. This exhibit contained items such as George Clooney’s Batman outfit, sunglasses from Men in Black and Dean Cain’s Superman outfit. Also stored at the vault but not on display are the original negatives of classic movies such as Gone With The Wind, The Wizard Of Oz and Ben Hur as well as not-so-classic flicks like Jack Frost. After that we took a tram ride through mined out areas where we could see naturally occurring geologic formations and at the end we were able to dig through a pile of mined salt and take some as a souvenir.

This keepsake is now proudly displayed on my desk as a paperweight. It serves as a reminder of the slight panic attack I had regarding the breathing apparatus and the elevator plunge, but it also reminds me that I got over it and completed the tour anyway. As for the pictures Mel and I have of ourselves while underground? Well those serve as a reminder of how ridiculous we look in hard hats! $13.50 well spent, I’d say.

Photo courtesy of Eric Wittman

[go] A Guide to the North Side

Ashley Perkins — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:05:39 +0000

I grew up in Park City. And I pretty much hated it. Since I went to Wichita schools, it meant I was far away from sleepovers and the mall, and going over to a friend’s house to hang out always seemed overly complicated. I lived north of Wichita for 22 years, and when my parents moved to the east side six and a half years ago, I didn’t think there would be any reason for me to go there again.

But, the more I thought about it, the more I felt my distaste for the north side wasn’t fair. As an adult, maybe I would find things to love rather than loathe about the area. So, I set out on a journey to explore, not just Park City, but Valley Center and Kechi. Here’s what I found.

Valley Center

Growing up, I spent a lot of my summers at the Valley Center pool, but I didn’t know much about what else the city had to offer. However, my boyfriend works in VC and is always telling me about the great lunches he has at Spirits Pub (231 E. Main). The pub also has Open Mic nights on Tuesdays, Karaoke on Mondays, and live music on various days. If you go there to eat, try the pizza.

If you’re looking to do a little shopping, Annie’s Attic (205 S. Meridian ) and Meridian Street Art Glass (326 S. Meridian) are two local places to check out. The art glass store offers locally created sculptures, paperweights and wall hangings. Annie’s Attic is a gift shop with a variety of knick knacks.

I have many fond memories of concerts and Thunder games at the Kansas Coliseum (1229 E. 85th St. N.). My first concert ever, New Kids on the Block, was at the Coliseum, and it was a life changing event. It may not be the most modern looking building around, but it’s brought a lot of entertainment to Wichitans throughout the years.

Park City

Ah, my old stomping grounds. Good ol’ PC does have several places to find serious entertainment, including 81 Speedway (7700 N. Broadway) and Hartman Arena (8151 N. Hartman Arena Dr.). I’ve been to 81 Speedway once and found it too dirty and noisy for my taste, but it gets packed during the summer, so obviously there are plenty of people who love it. If you decide to go for the first time, just be aware that you will have dirt flying in your face all night long, so don’t plan to do anything fancy afterwards, unless you make time for a shower. I’ve never been to Hartman Arena, but any place that brings New Kids on the Block back to our fair city is OK with me.

Now, I know Cracker Barrel isn’t a local place, but I think it is worth mentioning as an important part of Park City. This restaurant really started the makeover of Park City – we got more stoplights and other restaurants and fast food places once the Barrel came to town. Another good breakfast place in PC is Auntie C’s (425 E. 61st St.). I recommend the omelettes.

Can a review of Park City really be complete without mentioning Dennis Rader (BTK)? If you find yourself stuck in PC without anything else to do, just start asking the locals if they ever had any interactions with him. He’s been in the backyard of my childhood home, and I know plenty of other people who have similar stories. Creepy.

Kechi

If you’re looking to indulge your creative side, I highly recommend Kechi. There are a couple cute antique shops on Kechi Road (aka 61st St.). Also, the Kechi Playhouse (100 E. Kechi Rd.) offers some really good productions in the summer and fall.

Karg Art Glass (111 N. Oliver) is another neat attraction in Kechi. They have a gallery full of beautiful glass pieces, and they also offer glass blowing demonstrations on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 8:30-3 and Saturday 8:30-11.

Did I miss anything? What do you like to do when you’re north of the ICT? Sound off in the comments.

[go] Winfield, Kansas

Bailey Ketterman — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:28:08 +0000

For me, like most who grew up in southcentral Kansas, Winfield has always just been… there. It had the necessities (Dillons, Walmart, JC Penney), and apart from that and the drug store, I never gave it a second look. However, now that I have returned to the area as an adult, I am seeing it with different eyes. Now I can recognize the beauty, the character, and… well, the things that are, quite frankly, out of place in this rural area.

Winfield is ranked #56 in the top 100 Small Towns in America, according to its community website. Though I never would have made this leap on my own, it’s easy to see why a judging committee would appreciate this tiny city. As you enter Winfield on Highway 77, you will be greeted by Island Park, which has a beautiful driveway winding through the playground equipment and by the Walnut River. It’s a delightful mix of shade and views of the sky, with activities for all ages. In the summer, the Winfield Aquatic Center offers a large swimming pool with diving pit, water slide, and kiddie pool complete with water-spraying dragon.

Next on your tour will be a pit stop at The Burger Station, a tiny hut of a house on 7th Street just off of Main. If you think you’ve had the best burger of your life, you have not unless you’ve been to The Burger Station. However, said burger must be consumed within five minutes of eating, or the bag that it is in will turn clear and may fall apart. Take it to Island Park and make a picnic. That is the way this delicacy is meant to be enjoyed.

While discussing eateries, I must mention the fine Mexican food offered in Winfield. I don’t know how they acquired such authentic cuisine, but it is the best I’ve found in the area. El Maguey, on 9th Street, is a hit for both lunch and dinner for the working crowd. There is no substitute for this quick stop (and a refreshing beer) after a long day’s work. However, if you’d like a more family-friendly, sit-down experience, please try Neives’ at the corner of 9th and Millington. It is, by far, the best Mexican cuisine to be found in southcentral Kansas, and it is not to be missed.

While in the area, make note of the beautiful building housing The Winfield Courier and walk across the street for some coffee and a pastry at Cuppa Joe’s. Bucking the Starbucks trend, Winfield has embraced this small coffee shop and maintained its loyal patronage.

Shopping in Winfield is a lesson in shopping local. Besides Maurice’s and JC Penney, there are no chain stores to be found. Instead, for the best flowers and home decorations around, go to Donna’s Designs. For modern fashion with a little local flare, go to Josephine and Co., but also stop next door at Eagle Nest thrift shop to ensure you’re getting the best deals the town has to offer. The town also boasts three liquor stores (to my knowledge) that each offer drive-thru service. If that’s not shopping at its greatest, I don’t know what is.

As far as bars and taverns are concerned, Winfield has its own hopping establishments, all conveniently located within a block of one another! O’Kelley’s is not your traditional Irish pub; you will find more two-stepping than dancing jigs, but it is an ideal small-town setting for drinking the worries of the field away. Across the street is PC’s, which offers karaoke on the second Saturday of every month. And just up the road lies my personal favorite, if for name alone: The Jumping Jukebox. If you can’t have fun there, you’re just not trying.

The last, but perhaps most important, thing to do when daytripping to Winfield is to admire the gorgeous architecture. Many downtown buildings are originals only slightly refurbished since the town’s inception. Many of the tree-lined streets also boast houses from the 19th century, in various states of repair and paint, but for the most part, breathtaking. Be sure to travel the length of both 11th Street and South 7th; you will not be disappointed. Also, take in a glimpse of the Southwestern College campus; its original stone buildings make for a stunning educational setting. Stop by the caffeine-monger of choice for Southwestern students, College Hill Coffee Shop, then burn off your mocha calories by climbing the seemingly endless campus stairs. On your way out of town, pause to admire the mental institution-turned-veterans’ hospital and the fabulous correctional facility by its side. Don’t be afraid; it’s minimum-security. Just be sure to follow the signs – don’t pick up hitchhikers!

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[go] Main Street in McPherson

Jana Curl — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:10:05 +0000

Whenever I end up in a small town, the first place I want to go is Main Street. Every town has one and some have more life than others. McPherson, Kansas, has a Main Street that will keep you busy, full and entertained for an entire day.

To make sure you have enough energy to complete your Main Street McPherson journey, you must get a good breakfast. Neighbors Café is the place to be. With cinnamon rolls the size of your head and homestyle breakfast offerings, you will not go away hungry. But get there early to get a table!

Make sure your wallet is full, because you will find unique and fun gifts for yourself or others on Main in Mac. The Cake Lady has just about any flavor of homemade muffin mix that you can imagine and a variety of scrumptious Kansas-made food items. Fruits of the Spirit is a fabulous store where you will find jewelry, apparel, candles and custom flower arrangements.

If you go to McPherson and don’t visit the Cook’s Nook, you haven’t really been to McPherson. I heard of this place for years and when I finally went, I saw what all the fuss was about. If you aren’t impressed by their vast array of kitchen gadgets and cookware (impossible if you like to cook, or even eat for that matter), you will definitely be impressed by their staff. The Cook’s Nook ladies are helpful and very knowledgeable, which makes for a fun shopping experience.

Recently renovated to its original glory, the McPherson Opera House will have its grand reopening on Jan. 28. I was lucky enough to get a tour while I was there, and it is strikingly beautiful. Originally built in 1888, it was the center for performing arts in the area. After years of abandonment and disrepair, some passionate McPhersonites rallied to save and restore it. The Opera House will host movies, musicals, bands and comedians in the coming years. The building is sprinkled with work from local artists, and the VAAM Art Gallery next door has even more pottery, paintings, and jewelry by area talent.

Are you exhausted yet? Well, you’ll probably need to eat again, and there are more tasty options. Try Amics for Mediterranean cuisine or The Courtyard and Main Street Deli for soups, salads and sandwiches. I wish you luck if you try to pass up the homemade fudge or pies at Main Street Deli. And if you are beat from walking the street, chill out in a comfy chair with a cup of joe at Java John’s or The Well.

While this is just a peek into what Main Street in McPherson has to offer, I hope you’ll head up there soon and discover more. Share your Mac Town experiences in the comments!

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