One of the things we enjoy most about traveling is discovering places that preserve their past in unexpected ways. That was exactly our experience at Central Station Bar & Grill in Dodge City, Kansas. Long before we took our seats for lunch, we were already captivated by the building itself. Housed inside a former train […]
Central Station Bar & Grill: A Dodge City Classic Read More »
Dust drifted across the prairie as freight wagons creaked westward along the Santa Fe Trail, carrying supplies through a landscape filled with uncertainty. Soldiers scanned the horizon for danger while traders pushed deeper into the frontier. Today, Fort Larned National Historic Site preserves those echoes of the American West with remarkable clarity. During Memorial Day
Fort Larned – Guarding The Prairie’s Secrets Read More »
It always amazes me how much we remember our first time doing something big. Our TBEX experience in Wichita arrived with a quiet mix of curiosity and resolve. We had attended one Midwest-focused travel blogging conference, which was enough to understand the basics. This one would put us on the international stage. That gap became
Our TBEX Experience in Wichita: The Work Behind Travel Blogging Read More »
It’s not every day you walk into a state capitol building and discover… It’s wearing a hat under a hat. That’s right—Topeka’s crowning star hides a secret above its stately halls: it has two domes, stacked one inside the other. From the outside, you’d never guess there’s another copper-topped giant nested quietly within. This unexpected
Kansas Capitol Dome Tour: A Climb Through History Read More »
There’s something about small-town Kansas that feels like flipping open the first page of a favorite book. Seneca, Kansas, isn’t trying to be flashy—but that’s part of the charm. It draws you in slowly: a breeze carrying the scent of lilacs, the creak of a bench along Main Street, and the sound of laughter echoing
One Day In Seneca, Kansas: Big Flavor, Small Town Charm Read More »
Have you ever rolled into a town and instantly felt like you’d stumbled onto a front porch gathering you didn’t know you were invited to? That’s exactly how it felt pulling into Seneca, Kansas. The historic downtown, with its brick-lined streets and quaint shops, set the tone before we even found a parking spot. There’s
Dining in Seneca Kansas Read More »
Have you ever felt the pull of history tugging you off the beaten path? That’s precisely what will happen when you set out to explore 5 historic stops in Southeast Kansas. This isn’t just a list of places, it’s a journey through time, through stories etched into the very soil of small towns and dusty
5 Historic Stops in Southeast Kansas Read More »
There’s a special joy in uncovering stories in places like Seneca, Kansas. The type of town that quietly holds onto its past, inviting travelers who appreciate history’s softer whispers. On a crisp Spring morning, we set out with curiosity and our camera ready for discovery. Seneca, nestled in Northeast Kansas, offers a treasure trove of
Seneca Kansas Historic Sites: A Day of Hidden Stories and Local Charm Read More »
In the heart of downtown Lawrence, Kansas, the Watkins Museum of History is a keeper of stories—some proud, some painful, all essential. The town it chronicles was never content to sit quietly in the margins of American history. It was born of abolitionist ideals and hardened by war and protest. Lawrence bears the scars and
Watkins Museum of History: Tracing Lawrence’s Fight for Freedom Read More »
The glow of an oil lamp casts long shadows over a worn wooden desk, where a letter waits patiently beside a pair of steel-rimmed spectacles. This quiet moment, frozen in time, greeted us as we stepped into the Pony Express Museum in Seneca, Kansas. It’s a small museum with a big story—one that rekindles the
Seneca Pony Express Museum: Carrying the Flame Read More »
There’s a particular kind of magic to a town that still waves at strangers. That was our first impression of Pittsburg, Kansas—a community rich with heart, history, and a hint of sweet nostalgia. Nestled in the southeastern corner of the Sunflower State, Pittsburg isn’t flashy or fast-paced. Instead, it invites you to slow down and
8 Reasons Pittsburg, Kansas Will Steal Your Heart Read More »
There’s a quiet poetry to small-town museums, the kind you only hear if you lean in close enough. We found that on a damp morning walk through the Crawford County Historical Museum in Pittsburg, Kansas. It’s a place that whispers stories from the rafters and breathes life into dusty corners of America’s past. One such
From Coal Dust to Corn Liquor: Bootlegging in Southeast Kansas Read More »
Some stories are hidden just beneath the surface, waiting to be dug up and dusted off. In the rolling fields of Southeast Kansas, we found one such story, rooted in grit, sweat, and the stubborn resolve of everyday people. My introduction to it came during long, humid summers spent at my grandparents’ house in West
Miner’s Hall Museum: The March of the Amazon Army Read More »
Back in the days when folks dressed up for Sunday dinner and fried chicken was king, Crawford County, Kansas, had its own version of the Wild West. But instead of gunslingers and cattle rustlers, fried chicken joints waged battle—each claiming the crown for the crispiest, juiciest plate in town. One of the front-runners in this
Gebhardt’s Chicken Dinners: A Nostalgic Bite of Crawford County’s Famous Chicken Wars Read More »
Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Rolling Hills Zoo offers a delightful mix of adventure and education. During our visit, we discovered that this Salina gem holds more than just animals; it’s packed with hidden wonders waiting to be explored. From the immersive wildlife museum to up-close animal encounters, every turn revealed something unexpected. This
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From windswept prairies to small towns brimming with character, Southwest Kansas is a destination that exceeded our expectations. As locals, we thought we knew the state well, but our first FAM (familiarization) trip had us discovering new facets of Kansas life that we’d never experienced before. From the quirky roadside attractions to the rich history
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Southwest Kansas: A FAM Trip Full of Surprises Read More »
Living in Tornado Alley, an area stretching from Texas to Nebraska, means grappling with both the thrill and the challenge of nature’s raw power. For decades, Greensburg, Kansas was known for being the home of the largest hand-dug well in the world. On the evening of May 7, 2007, their history would be forever changed. Residents
Greensburg, Kansas – A Tale Of Rebirth Read More »
We are on a mission to show people that interesting stories are found all across North America. One of our favorite historic destinations is Abilene, Kansas. This northern stop along the Chisholm Trail has plenty of Wild West history, but the stories don’t end there. Our news feed is often filled with new things to
Buckle Up For An Abilene, Kansas Day Trip Read More »
Being flatlanders doesn’t mean we have no resources for fun. With Kansas City as our starting point, we have a multitude of potential destinations within a 3-4 hour drive. On a beautiful Spring day, we hightailed it down the road for a Wichita adventure. The largest city in Kansas was calling our name and we
Wichita, Kansas – A Nutty Adventure Read More »
Abilene, Kansas held a few surprises for us. Some of you may have heard of the Brookville Hotel, which originated in Brookville, Kansas in the late 1800s. When it moved closer to the interstate, the story moved to a new page. Another generation of fried chicken lovers began discovering this iconic classic. The story doesn’t
Legacy Kansas – Writing The Next Page Read More »
Being Midwesterners, we were looking forward to our visit to Old Cowtown. Wichita has a lot of similarities to our hometown of Kansas City. Both cities were frontier towns, that grew famous for their cattle trade. They also have the confluence of two rivers in the heart of their city. It was near this junction
Old Cowtown – A Step Back In Time Read More »
Over the years, we have made many trips to the largest city in Kansas. While we usually focus on the downtown region, we recently took time to check out Wichita’s east side. This suburban region is filled with the residents who keep this city running, so we were anxious to sample some new finds. What
Wichita’s East Side Read More »
Exploration Place is the perfect Wichita stop to act like kids again.
Act Like Kids At Exploration Place Read More »
We find Christmas time to be a magical season. Everywhere we wander our views are filled with twinkling lights and brightly colored decorations. A day trip to Leavenworth, Kansas provided us with a special bonus. We missed the Carroll Mansion on our past visits, but fortunately this time we had time. They had recently finished
Decking The Halls – Carroll Mansion Read More »
100 years and 16 presidents ago, The Cozy Inn opened in Salina, Kansas. Bob Kinkel, the original owner, used his tiny space to whip up palm-sized bites of beef. He got the idea from White Castle, who had began operations one year earlier in Wichita. Churning out dozens of mini-burgers at a time, he would
The Cozy Inn – Burgers By The Bagful Read More »
We are going to let you in on a little secret. There is gold in the Smoky Hills. It’s not be nuggets of the shiny substance that has been the reason for mass migrations. The precious treasure we are talking about is found in the local attractions found in a variety of towns and cities.
Smoky Hill Museum – The Crossroads Of The Heartland Read More »
Who’s up for a little time traveling? A visit to Abilene, Kansas can take you back to the early 1900s just by touring the Seelye Mansion. This turn-of-the-century home has 25 rooms and more than a few fascinating features. One fact that surprised us was that the furnishings cost more than the home, which was
Seelye Mansion – A Living Time Capsule Read More »
Our trip to Abilene, Kansas would not be complete without a visit to the site that honors one of the most famous Kansans. The Eisenhower Presidential Library and Boyhood Home is a top destination for travelers from all over the country and the world. They come to Abilene to pay homage and learn more about the
War and Peace – Eisenhower Presidential Library Read More »
These days there are lots of restaurants vying for your attention. Wherever we roam, we have noticed that more eateries are finding unique ways to draw in a crowd. The Pennant, in downtown Topeka, has discovered a pleasing mix where food and fun collide. Our day of exploring was chugging along, but our need to
The Pennant – Where Fun And Food Collide Read More »
American history is filled with events large and small, but some created a reverberation felt throughout the country. While the Civil War had legally brought an end to slavery, it did not prohibit the inequality of segregation. Black people were told they were free, but real life didn’t represent this change. Jim Crow laws had
Leveling The Field – Brown Vs Board Of Education Read More »
Crossing through western Kansas, we can imagine herds of buffalo charging across the plains. Large numbers were roaming the territory when white settlers first arrived. The end of the Civil War brought expanded interest and development to Kansas. The “Border War” was fought on the eastern edge of the state, and seemed like a distant
Hunting History – Oakley, Kansas Read More »
The more we explore the Midwest, the more we discover that it is filled with surprises. For instance, how often do you hear people say that Kansas is flat and devoid of any significant landscape features? To many, you must travel to the coast or the Rockies to find amazing sights. Reality shows that this
The Kansas Badlands – Little Jerusalem State Park Read More »
Spending time with our grandkids has opened up opportunities to visit some fun destinations. Being able to share our love for zoos with them helps us build a stronger bond while learning more about the world we live in. A recent excursion had us going on safari to the Topeka Zoo for a morning filled
Going On Safari – Topeka Zoo Read More »
How many of us remember that special friend we had when we were growing up? Wouldn’t it be great to have the opportunity to meet back up and join forces later in life? This is exactly what happened to a pair of kids who grew up in the middle of the Heartland. After going their
Self-Serve Banking – Brew Bank Read More »
It is fair to say that Evel Knievel is one of the most recognizable names in daredevil history. While there have been many before and after him, he set the bar for showmanship. With over 75 ramp-to-ramp jumps to his fame, he spent the bulk of his life creating the legend that many of us
Always The Showman – Evel Knievel Museum Read More »
Picture a vast inland sea teeming with an abundance of prehistoric creatures. Along the edge of the water laid a vast swamp filled with an assortment of dinosaurs. Overhead, Pteranodons floated on the warm air currents, as they scanned the horizon for an easy meal. This is the scene that would have played out in
A Date With History – Hays, Kansas Read More »
It was an unexpectedly cold and wet day in the middle of Kansas. We arrived at Taco Shop for an early lunch with our new friend Janet Kuhn. Our visit to Hays was winding down to the last few hours, so this would be our last get together. It was fitting that our last meal
50 Years And Counting – Taco Shop Read More »
The year is 1865 and the Civil War has just ended. While westward expansion had significantly slowed during the war, it did not take long for it to resume. As settlers pushed for new territories to be opened, it would spark a resurgence of the American Indian War. Out on the westerns front, in Kansas,
Taming The Plains – Fort Hays Read More »
It is no surprise that the pieces and parts of The Wizard of Oz have saturated our daily lives. Based on the children’s novel, written by L. Frank Baum, it has been declared as “America’s greatest and best-loved homegrown fairytale”. How many times have each of us uttered one of the familiar phrases that are
Familiar Phrases – Oz Museum Read More »
We love finding cities that have recaptured the magic of their downtown corridor. For decades this nation has seen the urban flight, which has left the inner cores of our cities empty. With all of the existing infrastructure still in place, these areas are ripe for redevelopment, like what we found in Hays, Kansas. During
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy – Gella’s Diner Read More »
When we visit a new destination, one of our goals is to learn about its unique past. Every city and town has its own stories to tell, it just requires finding the right storyteller. To learn about the early days of hays, we tapped into the knowledge of Katie Annett, from the Ellis County Historical
The Early Days Of Hays – Ellis County Historical Museum Read More »
Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, especially when traveling. It sets the tone for the entire day and provides the start needed to fuel a morning of exploration. While many newer restaurants are focusing on Instagram worthy plates, there is still much to be said for good old-fashioned breakfasts. On
Family Friendly Feasting – Pheasant Run Pancake House Read More »
It may be hard to believe, but millions of years ago Kansas was part of a huge inland sea. Traveling across the western half of the state, it is not an ocean that comes to mind. It takes excursions off of the interstate to expose the true history of the region. We made a visit
Life In Dinosaur Days – Sternberg Museum Read More »
You have probably heard people refer to Kansas as “flat as a pancake”. To many along the coasts, our fly-over state is bereft of any tourism value. Fortunately, we know better. Scattered across our home state is a slew of unique oddities and interesting stories. The drive along I-70 opens up a lot of possibilities
The Chalk Pyramids – Monument Rocks National Landmark Read More »
If you Google Marysville, Kansas you will find that it is listed as a city in Marshall County with about 3300 residents. While these statistics seem commonplace, they do little to tell the city’s story. To truly understand the dynamics of this historic town you have to experience it firsthand. Our short jaunt from Kansas
Fall In Love With Marysville, Kansas Read More »
Our style of travel can certainly make a body weary. Since many of our trips are designed to gather as much research as possible, we can find ourselves worn out by the end of each day. Fortunately, there is always a place nearby to lay our heads. In Marysville, Kansas we had planned an action-packed
Feeling At Home In Marysville – Trailhead Suites Read More »
With a trail of dust in their wake, Pony Express riders sped across the prairie on their journey toward California. After leaving St. Joseph, they would find a fresh horse waiting for them about every ten miles. A quick stop allowed them to trade mounts and in a flash, they were back on the route.
Pony Express Barn Museum – Rest For The Weary Read More »
Imagine life 100 years after the United States had won its independence. The year is 1876 and things are changing rapidly in America. Alexander Graham Bell has just invented the telephone. Heinz Ketchup and Budweiser beer make their debut. Here in Kansas, Wyatt Earp is hired to work in Dodge City. The Pony Express had
Koester House Museum – Capturing A Moment In Time Read More »
One of our favorite parts of exploring new destinations is sampling the local cuisine options. When we roll into a new city, we like to keep our eyes open to dining choices that are loved by the locals. Marysville, Kansas has plenty of those, but with just over 24 hours to explore, we realized we
Marysville Dining – Fuel For Exploring Read More »
Exploring new destinations is always an eye-opening experience. One of our first stops is usually the local history museum. This helps us learn the background stories that are found in every community. That is how we landed at the Marshall County Museum in Marysville, Kansas. Pulling up in front of the 1891 courthouse had our
Background Stories – Marshall County Museum Read More »