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The Most Important Meal Of The Day

We don’t know how many times we have heard that phrase, but we know it is true. Why? Because it is the meal that starts with coffee. Let’s look at three breakfast options, which are scattered around the city. The Beacon Restaurant is a staple in the downtown area, and has been serving the community for decades. It was obvious that we had entered a local favorite by the wide variety of clientele who were dining here. (read more about them here>)

Many travelers come to Wichita to visit their zoo, which is on the west side of the city. We can be counted in that number, and while there we sniffed out a great breakfast location. The Egg Crate Cafe offers a wide variety of made from scratch dishes, which we found delicious. It’s a great place to fill your tank, before heading out for a day of exploring. (read more about them here>)

At Jimmie’s Diner we were treated like family. This local chain has locations around the city, but we visited their site on the south side. This old-style diner has tons character to accompany their unique dishes. This is a stop that is sure to be a family favorite. (read more about them here>)

Hand Held Wichita Dining

A good rule of thumb for us is that great meals can be found in sandwich form. Grabbing a quick bite during a day of activities is paramount, but we want to try to root out some of those local favorites. Wichita was once split between two sides, with the Delano area being the “rough and rowdy” section. These days it is home to a great selection of restaurants, and we seemed to keep finding ourselves in this area at meal time.

Now wherever we roam, we always try to locate at least one BBQ joint. I mean, we are from Kansas City, so we have a little experience with this cuisine. In Wichita, we stopped in Delano Barbeque Company to test the saucy waters of the region. While it may not be KC BBQ, it was certainly a delectable version, that stood on it’s own merits. This place is certainly a local favorite, especially at lunch time, so plan accordingly. (read more about them here>)

On another day we dropped by Monarch for a relaxing dinner. This eclectically decorated restaurant has a good variety on their menu. We found the sandwiches here to be something special. It’s not every place that smokes all of their own meats, but it certainly makes a difference in the flavor. (read more about them here>)

Our first restaurant that we tested was T.J.’s Burger House. We knew we had made a good choice when we entered the restaurant. This place was full of locals, and the old diner feel was truly nostalgic. Be prepared to eat, as the burgers are nearly 1/2 lb. after cooking. (read more about them here>)

Other Notable Wichita Dining Options

Spending four days in a city allows for lots of dining variety. We had satisfied our BBQ, burger, and my Cuban sandwich appetite. Now it was time to savor some of the other dishes available for Wichita dining options.

A stop at Il Vicino Wood Fired Pizza gave us a chance to enjoy a delicious pie. The bubbly crust compliments the ample toppings that come in a variety of combinations. This isn’t your regular pizza joint. Here you will get a great tasting gourmet pizza, which was designed by the founding chef. (read more about them here>)

Since we spent so much time in Old Town, it only makes sense that we find a great local restaurant in the area. Public at the Brickyard was a perfect fit for this category. This locally owned eatery prides itself in bringing the finest local ingredients into play with every dish. Their menu is focused on fewer options than some places, but they excel with the ones they offer. (read more about them here>)

During our stay, we did visit one steakhouse. Wichita has lots of them to choose from, but only one ranks in America’s top 20 for wine. At Scotch & Sirloin guests can enjoy exquisitely prepared dishes in a fashionable atmosphere. Be sure to sample some wine, and watch them serve from their unique Riedel decanters.

A Little Something Extra

While it is important to eat healthy, well-balanced meals, there is something to be said for those bonus items. Whether savoring a sweet treat or sipping a cool beverage, a few indulgences make it feel more like a special occasion.

We have visited a fair number of chocolate shops, but Cocoa Dolce was our first chocolate lounge. This specialty shop offers customers a chance to relax and enjoy their favorite type of treat. A wide variety of sweets can be paired with wine or spirits for a unique experience. (read more about them here>)

Aero Plains Brewery is a fun craft beer maker in the Delano section of Wichita. It is obvious that the owners have a true love for beer making, and pride themselves in delivering exceptional products. 

A fairly new option in Wichita dining is Milkfloat, which also resides in Delano. This specialty dessert shop offer house-made sweets in many forms. We had so many options to choose from, and wish we could have tested them all. I guess it gives us a reason to return to Wichita.  (read more about them here>)

As you can see, there are lots of great Wichita dining options to be discovered. When you make your visit to this Midwestern city, be sure to get off the interstate and sample some of the locally produced cuisines.

*We may have received support from some of the businesses listed. All of the writing and opinions are our own.

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Let’s Get Our Brains Humming

When seeking good family-friendly attractions in a city we’ve not explored, we find it a good approach to check out the local museums. In Wichita there are over a dozen museums, but our stay limited the number we would have time to see. A good first stop in the exploration of any city is the local historical museum. Our stop in the Sedgwick County Historical Museum allowed us to get a better understanding of the city we were about to explore. (read more about this attraction here>) This must-see attraction is housed in the four-story building that was the original old City Hall.

Head a little East of downtown, and you will find yourself in Old Town, which is home to the Museum of World Treasures. This old paper warehouse has been completely transformed to hold an amazing variety of artifacts. Kids of all ages will immerse themselves in the wonders that are found in the three story building. (read more about this attraction here>)

Located on a point of land overlooking the Arkansas River, travelers to Wichita will discover the Mid-America All-Indian Center. Here guests can learn about the history and cultures of the original inhabitants of the lands. The center has some interactive exhibits that help make history come to life. I can say from experience that these are fun for all ages, even us almost grown-ups. (read more about this attraction here>)

 Let’s Take This Outside

Not all Wichita attractions are indoors. In fact, there is an abundance of outdoor activities, so it’s easy to find something that will entertain everyone in your group. Our first outdoor visit was to the Sedgwick County Zoo. The big draw is their new elephant exhibit, which we found to be completely engrossing. Don’t just stop there, as there are tons of other areas to explore. (read more about this attraction here>)

At Old Cowtown, travelers will be transported through time to the days of the western frontier. The time is the 1860’s, and Wichita is just getting its start as a stopping point on the Chisholm Trail. Character actors help bring the past to life, as they interact with visitors. Be sure to stop in the saloon and mosey up to the bar for a refreshing drink. (read more about this attraction here>)

Just west of the city we found the suburb of Goddard, Kansas. This town is host to Tanganyika Wildlife Park, which is different than a standard zoo. Here guests can interact on a closer level with many species of animals from around the globe. We fed giraffes, lorikeets, lemurs, and even the rarely seen Okapi. This uniquely Wichita attraction is a place to make memories that last a lifetime. (read more about this attraction here>)

Taking Art To The Streets

While we did drive our car to Wichita, many times we found areas that were quite walker friendly. Our trip was hosted by Visit Wichita, who was quite engaged with us throughout our visit. While we started with a solid itinerary, our host was able to suggest a few “hidden gems” that we had not uncovered. One of these is the ICT Pop-Up Park located on Douglas Avenue, which is one of the main east-west thoroughfares. We dropped by after breakfast one morning, and found that the park is frequented by local food trucks. We grabbed a couple cups of coffee, (There is always room for another cup.) and talked with some of the other visitors to the site. They pointed out the sculptures that are strategically placed nearby, so I took a stroll to get a better vantage point.

Many of the sculptures create an interactive desire in those around. A restaurant counter frozen in time beckons travelers to hop on a stool for a photo opportunity. Smaller scale replicas of the Keeper of the Plains line the street-side sidewalk of the Pop-Up Park. The use of moving water helps bring an added layer of realism to the art. All of these elements work together to help create a bond between those who created the art, and those who merely wish to enjoy it.

After Hours Wichita Attractions

So far everything we have highlighted has been daytime activities, but don’t worry that the nighttime will be uneventful. Each evening the river lights up from the five fire drums located below the Keeper of the Plains sculpture. Be sure to arrive early to take a look around the plaza area behind the statue. The fire show runs for 15 minutes, and looks especially amazing from one of the two pedestrian bridges that lead to the statue.

A trip to Old Town isn’t complete without dropping by Mort’s Martini Bar. On Monday evenings they cut the price in half on their 160 varieties of martinis. Of course, they have specials just about every night, so don’t worry if your schedule has you there on a different day. By the way, Mort’s has live music seven nights a week, so you can always find some great local tunes.

Speaking of entertainment, while you are in Old Town be sure to schedule a visit to Mosley Street Melodrama. This local live theater hosts interactive comedy shows, as well as musicals. be sure to come early for the barbecue dinner. You certainly won’t leave hungry. Be aware that some of their shows will be topical to the region in and around Wichita. Fortunately, if you visited the history museum you will be able to keep up with the references.

Some Well Deserved Rest

There are tons of places to stay in Wichita, and lodging choices abound throughout the city limits. During our visit we actually had the opportunity to stay at two hotels. The first was the Hotel at Old Town, which allowed us to be in close proximity to tons of dining and entertainment venues. Like so many of the businesses in this area, the hotel started it’s life as a warehouse in 1906. These days it has been transformed into an elegant Victorian-era decorated boutique hotel. This place certainly went above and beyond in making us feel welcome.

Our second stay was at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, which is located beside the Arkansas River. This urban hotel is right beside the river walk, and offers dramatic views of the area. The decor is contemporary, and the location is within walking distance to many downtown attractions.

As you can see, our list of Wichita attractions is diverse, but no where at all close to complete. We hope some of these will fit into your itinerary, as you plan your own adventures in Wichita.

*While we did receive support from some of the businesses listed above, all of the writing and opinions are our own.

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We want to thank the Museum of World Treasures for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Eclectic Much?

When we arrived at World Treasures, we had a short wait until the staff member could meet us in the gift shop. This gave us a few moments to explore some of the replica artifacts that can be purchased. It only lasted a moment, before our host arrived. We had the honor of receiving a tour from Lon Smith, the Chief Development Officer. He explained to us that the name was carefully chosen, as this is not a standard history museum. The collections are from a local doctor, and his wife’s hobby of purchasing artifacts. Over time it has grown, and eventually needed a larger home. That is how it ended up in its current location.

He started at the beginning (I know, that should be obvious.) of the geological timeline for the World Treasures Museum. The first exhibit is also the most popular. Ivan the T-Rex has a prominent spot in the museum, as there are few examples as complete as this one. The fossil gallery contains an assortment of dinosaur skeletons, both land and sea dwellers.

As we walked through this section, we passed a piece of the Berlin Wall. Lon pointed out that it would be better suited on the second floor, which holds the World War II exhibit. Since it weighs around 9000 lbs., it seemed logical to keep it on the first floor. We agreed with him on this. We passed through the fossil zone, and entered into an area filled with world treasures from various foreign cultures.

World Travelers

The doctor and his wife spent a good deal of time traveling. They also visited quite a few auctions, where they procured some of their world treasures. Lon described their purchasing pattern, as we walked through the Asian, African, Ancient Greece, and Roman displays. It was astounding the number and variety of pieces that they had amassed.

The next section was all about the Pre-Hispanic period in Central and South America. This shrunken head exhibit is surely popular with kids, as are some of the other features of this area. Interactive exhibits teach counting by using the Mayan number system. Visitors can also touch materials that represent those found in many of the pieces in the displays.

The final section on the first floor is reserved for the Ancient Egypt exhibit. A variety of items can be found in this area, but my favorite was the replica of an ancient tomb. The walls are beautifully decorated, and they even have two mummies on display. It is certainly an interesting exhibit.

Onward and Upward

We headed up to the second floor, which is all about conflicts. We started in the “Creating the Crown” exhibit, which highlights various periods in European monarchy. There is an area where guests can play the part of a royal dignitary, much like Queen Crystal did. On the way toward this area, we had a bird’s eye view of the dinosaur display in the atrium below us. Be sure to check it out for a different perspective.

The largest portion of the second floor is dedicated to modern warfare. WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and Vietnam War each have exhibits in this area. The amount of information and artifacts is overwhelming. There was just too much to show even a fair portion, so I’m just adding a handful of pictures to give you all a feel of the scope of the exhibits.

Wrapping It Up

We finally made the third floor, which has the smallest amount of displays. Part of this floor is used for offices, as well as an event space that can be rented. A children’s activity center was not being used during our visit, but is available. Since our time was running out, we focused on the main exhibit for this floor. “Romancing the West” focuses on how the idea of westward expansion was romanticized in an effort to draw more people to the newly opened lands. A lot of the displays show the grittier “real” life of pioneers during those days, even though to this day many times those days are still seen in an unrealistic light. It was a great way to wrap up our visit to the Museum of World Treasures. This is clearly a must-see attraction for families, and travelers who like history. Just be sure to set aside at least a couple of hours.

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We want to thank the Mid-America All-Indian Center for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Keeping a Watchful Eye

Our first experience with this area of Wichita, occurred with the nightly “Ring of Fire” that is held at the Keeper of the Plains statue. This 44 foot tall steel sculpture was created by Blackbear Bosin, a Kiowa-Comanche artist. The 10,000 lb. sculpture cuts an impressive figure in the landscape of the city. A pair of suspension foot bridges allow visitors access to the area. It was by chance that we found out about this event, and barely made it there on our one available evening. We were scrambling so much, that I didn’t have time to grab the camera. Fortunately, we had a follow-up visit planned to tour the museum and grounds.

During our longer visit, we had time to examine the displays located behind the base of the sculpture. These are filled with information about the local tribes who used to inhabit the area. The ability for the city to connect with the American Indians is crucial, as there are more than 10,000 natives, representing 72 unique tribes, residing in Wichita. The area surrounding the sculpture has an inviting feeling to it. Joggers traverse the bridges on their daily workouts. Locals stroll through on their way from one side East to West or visa-versa. Many people linger to read the historical plaques or just to take in the calmness of the site.

Gathering of Nations

The time for our visit to the museum drew nigh, so we made our way to the entrance. The staff was very welcoming, and gave us a brief overview of the exhibits we would find inside. Before entering the main exhibit area, we stepped out into the Gallery of Nations. This is a multi-use area, that can be reserved for individual events. the ceiling is lined with the flags of many of the American Indian tribes. It is an impressive collection, and begs visitors to explore.

We made our way into the main gallery area, and began exploring. This museum has a wide variety of displays, with many being interactive. Here visitors can learn about the history of the American Indians, and some of their traditions and beliefs. Exhibits show the importance of the animals that inhabited the lands, and the connection they held with the people of the region.

There are a variety of displays designed to engage visitors of all ages, and Crystal was more than willing to showcase one of them. We had arrived at the opening of the day, so for a short time we had the run of the place. Soon we were joined by a large group of American Indians who had traveled from Utah to visit the area. They were in town to perform at a nearby event, but had carved out some time to visit the museum.

Meeting American Indians

One of the ladies in attendance was from the Navajo tribe. She was kind enough to pose for a picture, while wearing a traditional Ojibwa “Jingle” dress. This particular dress is used for a dance of healing. Multiple rows of metal cones would ring as she moved about the museum gallery. It made a wonderful sight, and sound, but I would imagine it may be difficult to sit down. It was unfortunate that we didn’t have time to go watch the performance.

I made my way back to find Crystal, and discovered her watching some of the other visitors. A group of young men were discussing a ceremonial drum that was on display. This is another of the interactive exhibits, and it was obvious they were familiar with it. Soon one of the men began playing the drum, while singing a delightful native sing. Some of the others showed us some of the dance steps that they had perfected. We discovered that this group of young men were also slated to perform later that day at the off-site location. We felt honored that we were able to witness a little of the show in a private setting.

Blackbear Bosin

Soon our new found friends had to head to their prior commitment. We thanked them for the entertainment, and bid them safe travels. Now we had moved to the section of the museum dedicated to the artist, Blackbear Bosin. Born and raised in Oklahoma, he moved to Wichita after high school. After serving with the Marine Corp in World War II, Blackbear returned to Wichita. This self-taught artist had a style that was unique, and combined surrealism with Native Indian mysticism. One section of the museum showcases his life with pictures, artifacts, and a video.

Over time his portfolio of work expanded to include abstract pieces. His most famous piece is the keeper of the Plains sculpture, which he donated to the city of Wichita to commemorate the American Bicentennial. To this day, his work is still highly prized for his creative use of vivid watercolors and acrylics. A visit to the Mid-America All-Indian Center, in Wichita, will give you an opportunity to see more of his work. It is also a great place to gain a better understanding of the peoples who lived with the land long before it was discovered by Europeans.

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We want to thank the Visit Wichita for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Historic Delano

We had scheduled our visit to Delano BBQ for a Friday lunch period. Susan, from Visit Wichita, had asked to join us. Earlier in the week we had met her for breakfast and enjoyed her company so much that we were glad to have another opportunity to chat. We arrived a bit early, which gave us  a chance to walk up and down a few blocks of Douglas. We popped in a couple of stores, and visited with some of the shopkeepers. It was a pleasant way to build up our appetites for the upcoming meal. As the time drew nigh for our visit, we took our purchases back to the car, and headed into the restaurant.

We arrived a few minutes before Susan, which gave us a chance to find an open table. This place is certainly a popular lunch choice for many of the locals. It was quickly apparent that the food appealed to a wide range of people, since we saw every type of worker, from business suits to construction workers. The ordering system at Delano barbeque is fairly simple. Diners enter and move into the line that leads to the register. Here you place your order, get your beverage glasses, pay, and then head to find a table. In a short period of time someone will call out your order, and you go to a different counter to pick it up.

Sampling Delano Barbeque

It almost never fails that people tend to gravitate toward specific menu items when they visit a specific style of restaurant. A good example is Crystal when we visit a BBQ joint. She almost always picks the burnt ends. I bet I could just go up and order a burnt end plate, and she would almost always be okay with it. Now to be fair, I don’t consider this a bad thing, since it gives her a very methodical way to test the quality of the product that the restaurant is offering. For Delano barbeque, she gave them a passing grade on their burnt ends, which she ate without the bun. The ends are good-sized cubes of meat, and very tender. the flavor was obviously acceptable, as she never added additional sauce. Her fries were tasty and crispy, and I know this because I stole a few from her. In my defense, I gave her an onion ring in exchange.

Now as much as Crystal always picks a certain item, I have to admit that I am partial to ribs. Of course, here I chose to divert from my norm, and ordered a brisket sandwich with onion rings. The meat is plentiful, and has a good flavor and texture. The brisket is chopped instead of shredded, so the bites are not so chewy, which is a good thing. It also means that when you take a bite of the sandwich you don’t have a long string of meat pulling out of the bun, and slapping you in the chin. The onion rings are crispy, but I would have accepted a few more in my order.

A Third Meal

As I mentioned in a previous article, I had forewarned Susan that her meal would become subjected to photography prior to being eaten. Once again when this arose, she was a trooper and sat patiently waiting for me to finish. For her order, she selected the one meat dinner, which comes with two sides. Her meat of choice was the chicken breast, which she told us is delicious. Her sides were the spicy Cole slaw and onion rings, and they also toss in a piece of garlic toast. As we dined we talked about all of our adventures to date in Wichita. Susan also told us a little historical background on the Delano area. It appears that this part of the city was frequented by the cowboys fresh off the trail, so it had it’s seedy side at times. We are pretty sure that if cowboys were still driving the cattle into Wichita today, they would be visiting Delano Barbeque Company for a hearty meal.

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We want to thank Public for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Underground Dining

Our visit to Public was a great compliment to our itinerary. We had spent our first two nights being the guests of the Hotel at Old Town. It made a good home base for many of our excursions, and even had lots of places to explore within walking distance. Public happened to be about a half block from our hotel, so it seemed to be a perfect fit for the itinerary. We had a tour of a nearby museum in the afternoon, so hitting up Public for lunch made lots of sense. Fortunately, we had made arrangements for our visit, since the place was packed with diners. Most appeared to be locals taking a lunch break from the nearby businesses.

The Old Town area is a collection of converted warehouses and factories, which were built in the 1800’s. Just entering the building you could feel the age, and it added tons of ambiance to the experience. We were quickly seated, and started to review the menu. The owner sent a tray containing Yoder salami, horseradish cheese, and toasted bread slices to our table. This gave us something to nibble on while we decided. There was also a small jar of homemade sweet pickles, which were delicious. On our servers next visit, we discussed some of the menu items.

Digging In

Crystal was in her salad mood, and chose the house version. The greens are peppered with walnuts, goat cheese, dried cherries, and bacon crumbles. The whole thing is then tossed with a balsamic dressing. Our server suggested that Crystal may wish to add grilled vegetables to the dish. This is not something I ever thought she would agree to, but much to my chagrin, she agreed. I figured there would be some type of bell pepper involved, and she has always declined the ones I have grilled. As she started eating , I waited for her reaction.  She loved it. Bite after bite, she savored this new addition. I’m guessing that I will get her to eat the ones I make now.

I noticed their Cuban sandwich on the menu, but I had just eaten one of those the prior evening. Instead I was mulling around the idea of ordering the Bahn Mi sandwich. It comprises sweet & sour Hoisin sauce flavored smoked pork, which sounded completely different than anything I could remember. Our server said it was one of her favorites, and assured me that I would enjoy it. Alright, let’s go there. Topped with Cilantro, Jalapeno peppers, and a scrumptious sauce, this sandwich was so good I didn’t want to set it down to take a drink. Adding the sweet potato fries to the meal was an absolute genius idea. Good thing our server thought of it.

Unusual Origin

After our meal, Brooke, one of the owners, came out to meet us. As she explained the story of the restaurant, she led us to an attached outdoor venue. Named The Brickyard, this area is used to host outdoor entertainment events. It even has a “food trailer”, which works like a food truck to serve the outdoor crowd. This space is also used for weddings, rehearsal parties, and charity events. It makes a great addition to the main restaurant. We walked back through the restaurant dining area, and Brooke gave us a short history lesson of the building. Evidently it was at one time a coffin factory. She even toyed with the idea of naming the place “Coffin”, but second thinking prevented this from occurring. We decided that the name doesn’t really matter when you serve such delightful meals.

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Palace of the Plains

The Sedgwick Historical Museum is housed in a magnificent City Building, which was constructed in 1892. Formerly the old City Hall, the building had a questionable future when the new City Hall was opened in 1975.  After major renovations, the museum opened in its newly refurbished  location in 1981. The location in downtown Wichita, made it a perfect fit for our visit, as we traveled from lunch at TJ’s Burger House towards our stay at Hotel in Old Town. With full bellies from our substantial lunch, we were looking forward to walking some of it off.

After paying the $5.00 each for admission (children are $2.00 each), we headed up to the second floor. Here we viewed a replica of a typical corner drugstore from the early 20th century. It included a soda fountain (pictured at top of article) much like the ones found all across the Midwest in those days. This floor also contained an assortment of children’s toys, as well as a lot of silver-plated tea services. Much of this wasn’t going to teach us about Wichita specifically, so we gave it a cursory examination, and then moved up to the third floor.

The Early Days at Sedgwick Historical Museum

On this floor we began learning about life in Wichita specifically. One of the first exhibits we encountered was “A Wichita Cottage”. This was a set up as a replica of a typical Victorian period house. Set around 1890, the rooms showcase the ornate furnishings that would have been found around that time period. It also happens to be the timeframe that many “modern” conveniences were beginning to appear. In one room we saw a wooden icebox, while the parlor had a mix of electric and gas lighting. It puts all of our comforts in perspective.

The third floor is also home to a chronological walk through the first 50 years of the city’s history. We found many of the displays were helpful in teaching us about Wichita’s role as the end of the Chisholm Trail. in fact, Jesse Chisholm established a trading post in what would be Wichita in the 1860’s. Here many cattle drives deposited the merchandise from Oklahoma and Texas into the western side of the growing city. From Wichita, the cattle were sent to large cities to the North and East. Many would head to the stockyards in Kansas City and Chicago for processing. At the Sedgwick Historical Museum, we learned about the creation of two cities separated by the Arkansas River. The eastern city was home to the “prim and proper” folk of Wichita. This side kept the rowdies in check by employing various lawmen, including the now famous Wyatt Earp.

The western city was called Delano, and was where the “rough and rowdy” crowd were found. It was a village of saloons and brothels set up to service the cowboys, and had a reputation for lawlessness. In 1880, Wichita annexed Delano, and became the third largest city in the state. The lawlessness was brought into check, and it allowed for the future growth of the city.

Onward and Upward

We moved up to the fourth, and final floor of the Sedgwick Historical Museum. This area displays the more modern history of the city from 1900 to present. In the 1914, oil was discovered in and around Butler County. Wichita soon became the home of twelve refineries and many retail outlets. Derby and Vickers were two names that became synonymous with oil in the Wichita area. The boom was short-lived, and by the end of the 1930, only three refineries remained.

Many are well aware of the importance of Wichita to the aircraft industry. It would be fair to say that the city and this industry grew side-by-side. The museum has an impressive display of artifacts form the early days of aviation, as the city grew to be known as the “Air Capitol of the World”. Cessna, Boeing and Beechcraft are three of the more well-known manufacturers to call Wichita home. Many flight suits are on display, as well as information about other aspects of the aviation industry. In this area we also found a display on the USS Wichita, which was a heavy cruiser built in the 1930’s. It saw action in World war 2, in both the European and Asian theaters.

Moving across the hall, we found the display on “100 Years of Furniture 1860-1960”. The exhibit ties itself to the first century of Wichita’s history, and features some interesting pieces. The western set pictured above really caught my interest. I can almost picture a 1950’s era family at home watching Howdy-Doody or the evening news, while gathered on this iconic furniture set. It just doesn’t get much more American than this. Does anyone remember having a set of this furniture growing up?

We Never Knew

One of the most remarkable portions of the Sedgwick Historical Museum is the area displaying notable Wichita residents and visitors. In the early days, Wyatt Earp wasn’t the only famous western character tied to Wichita’s history. Catherine McCarty, the lone woman to sign the city’s original charter, was the mother of a teenage son, who after leaving Wichita would gain the nickname of Billy the Kid. In 1900, Carrie Nation visited Wichita for the purpose of shutting down the saloons. On December 27th of that year, she destroyed the interior of the Carey House in the downtown area.

Crystal found a display on Joseph McCoy to be quite captivating. Maybe it has something to do with McCoy being her maiden name. Whatever the reason, this area of the museum was quite entertaining, as well as educational.

My Favorite Display

One of my favorite displays is the Jones VI automobile, which is exhibited in an early days garage setting. John Jones, a Wichita Ford dealer, believed he could produce a better car than Henry Ford. He created the Jones Motor Car Company, and started production in 1914. His vehicles sold well, with peak production of over 1000 autos in 1918. A large fire destroyed half of his factory in 1920, and led to the eventual demise of the company. It was amazing to me that they were able to maintain one of these classic vehicles, since they purchased it in 1966 from a Wichita resident. We finished our visit on this high note, and headed back downstairs. It was time for us to make our way toward our hotel, but we did it with a basic understanding of the history of Wichita. We now felt ready to start our exploration of the largest city in the State of Kansas.

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We want to thank the Jimmie’s Diner for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

The Early Days

Jimmie’s is named after A.J. “Jimmie” King, who had a long history with Wichita restaurants. He began by working for Walt Anderson, who created the White Castle chain in Wichita. It was the first hamburger stand in the nation, and it was right here in Kansas. King worked his way up the ranks, and eventually purchased the Wichita branch of White Castle in 1938.  It was at this point that he changed the name to Kings-X. The business flourished after WWII, because of smart business practices. Good foresight told A.J. to expand to a full-service dining format, and Kings-X became known for family dining.

In 1987, Kings’ son opened the first Jimmie’s Diner, which he named after his father. The restaurants remained a family business until they were purchased in 2007 by Jack and Linda Davidson. Their son Joe joined them a year later, and they decided to keep the name Jimmie’s in honor of the chains interesting past. It was Linda and Joe who joined us that last morning in Wichita. It didn’t take long to see how dedicate they are to delivering great customer service. They greeted everyone who entered with a warm smile. After filling us in on the history, they returned to mingling with the other customers, and left us to surf the menu. Jimmie’s is a fun place to dine. The servers all dress like 1950’s carhops, and have names to match. Our server dropped back by to refill our coffee, and we chatted for a short bit. Everyone working at Jimmie’s were so friendly, we felt like locals.

Heaps of Helpings

Jimmie’s Diner serves breakfast throughout the day, but it was morning, and the only type of food on our mind. All of the menu items sounded good, and we were struggling to decide. We wanted to try something different than our standards, but what it was eluded us. About that time Linda and Joe stopped back by. I asked Joe what was the most picturesque breakfast item, and he quickly helped me choose my meal. Crystal had been speaking to Linda, and the selection she suggested must have been spot on, since Crystal put her menu down. That is a certain sign she has decided. Linda asked if we had ever tasted Fried Corn Meal Mush, which we had not. They insisted we sample it, as well as the apples with bacon, and headed off toward the kitchen. The Fried Mush was fairly bland on its own, but is served with honey to add sweetness. I’m not sure this is a dish I would pick on my own, but it is evidently fairly popular. The apples with bacon was another story. They were cinnamony (yes I made that word up) delicious. The bacon flavor was so slight that we barely noticed it, but we repeated our attempts until the dish was empty. Of course, this was done in the name of research.

I was a little surprised when Crystal chose pancakes for her meal. Now she eats them at home, when I make them, but I can’t remember the last time she ordered them at a restaurant. Her meal came with a couple of eggs, and her sausage links. She was quite satisfied with her choice, but allowed me a taste of the fluffy cakes she had been served. They had a nice texture, and were pretty light. I gave them a thumbs up, but Crystal wasn’t watching at that moment.

What Did I Get Myself Into?

My request to Joe for a picture friendly dish resulted in my choosing the Montecristo Omelette. When it arrived, I quickly saw the folly of my decision. Perhaps if we hadn’t had the extra side dishes, I might have been able to put a dent in this plate. As it was, I knew right away that I would be leaving a good portion on my departure. The omelet is made with three eggs, and a blend of ham, turkey, swish cheese, and American cheese. Did I mention that it is also stuffed with French Toast? To sweeten the deal it is topped with raspberry jelly. Of course, that alone would be a meal for most, but they toss in a serving of hash browns, as well. The combination of flavors in this Frankensteinish (another new word) creation is amazing. The savory meats and cheeses compliment the sweetness of the jelly and toast, so that it is difficult to find a stopping point. We finally threw in the towel, and pushed the plates away. We thanked everyone for their genuine kindness, and bid our goodbyes. I have to say that we almost felt as though we were leaving a family get together, it was that friendly. We certainly know where we will be eating breakfast on our next visit to Wichita.

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We want to thank the Cocoa Dolce for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Cocoa Dolce’s Lounge

Our research of Wichita uncovered something we had never heard of before. The idea of a chocolate lounge was intriguing, so we arranged a visit, and added it to our itinerary. Cocoa Dolce’s lounge is a place for customers to relax and enjoy their visit. This is a concept we had not had the pleasure of participating in at other shops. Sure, we have been to plenty of chocolate shops in many cities, and quite a few have some small tables and chairs set up for customers. Usually it is more of an afterthought, designed to allow people to hurriedly finish a small treat that they had purchased. Cocoa Dolce has taken the idea to a whole new level.

During our visit we saw people lounging over coffee or an over-sized scoop of gelato. We have all seen people at Starbucks working on their laptops while sipping a cappuccino. Well imagine that same scenario, except with a glass of wine and scrumptious chocolates. Yes, I said wine! At Cocoa Dolce they offer a selection of reds, whites, bubbly, dessert wines, and even a few craft beers. For those preferring a hot beverage, you can order a hot chocolate, mocha or espresso. To these you can add a wide range of flavorings, as well as a few enticing spirits.

Chocolate Heaven

Okay we all know you don’t head to a chocolatier just for a drink. Sure they make a great compliment, but we were there for the chocolate. The chocolatiers at Cocoa Dolce have taken chocolate making to the level of artwork. Customers waiting to make their purchase are tempted by a wide range of flavors. Salted caramel, raspberry, coconut cream, lemon, and key lime are a few of the many choices you will face. Every piece has its own artful decoration, and is almost too beautiful to eat. I said almost! What a shame it would be for these delicate wonders to be left uneaten. Just as we had a purpose to visit Cocoa Dolce, the chocolates had a purpose as well. To be savored for all of their chocolaty goodness.

Our visit was timed to take place just before dinner, so we had to refrain from tasting the chocolates until later.  After our research interview, we were sent home with a goodie bag filled with a wide range of their products. I’ve said it before, there are some perks to being bloggers. Once back in our hotel that evening, we tasted the salted chocolate caramels. These were so delicious that we were tempted to finish off the box in one sitting. Of course, we still had many other varieties to test. It is difficult to imagine, but every new item we tested seemed even better than the last. We were in chocolate heaven, and you will be too. Have you ever visited Cocoa Dolce? If so, what was your favorite treat from all of their products?

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We want to thank the Sedgwick County Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Chilly Start

The morning we visited the Sedgwick Zoo was unseasonably cool. The previous day had actually seen snow in the forecast, which was certainly not what we wanted in May. Of course, we are in Kansas, so drastic weather changes are too often the norm. Our timetable was tight, so we decided to hit the biggest draw attractions. On our way, we passed by the Children’s Farm, the fairly new Penguin Cove, and the Amphibian & Reptile displays. A stop in the tropics offered a chance to enjoy the warm temperatures, as we waited for the sun to do the same outside.

We were delighted to see all the beautiful plumage on display from the tropical birds. It seems that Crystal is a magnet for all species of animals, and had some fine-feathered friends checking out her boots. Fortunately, she is not timid, and actually delighted in the extraordinary attention. Soon enough we had peeled off our jackets, as the warmth overtook us. We knew it was time to move along.

Back On Track

We passed quickly through part of the North American zone, since we had seen this before, and we were hunting newer exhibits. The next area was one we had not experienced, so it definitely piqued our interest. The entrance to the tiger exhibit is dramatic, and highlights interesting facts about the big cats, as you close in on them. Soon enough, we arrived at the main display.

During our visit we saw two tigers. They had them separated into two areas, with one clearly more active than the other. We love to watch these beautiful creatures move, and are always amazed at the size of their paws. We stayed for a bit, and then went to see the red pandas. Unfortunately, they were a little more lethargic, so our stay was pretty short.

Into Africa

Our next destination was the Africa section of the Sedgwick Zoo. This was the area that we felt held the largest changes, since our last visit. One of the first displays we came to was the Gorilla Forest. We took a few moments to ponder what this large male gorilla was contemplating, as he sat on a rock. I would like to believe he was wondering what we were thinking, as well.

As we moved a little farther into Africa, we spotted the elusive Okapi. These secretive, and secluded beauties are a relative of the giraffe. They are so rare that they are only on display at about 35 zoos worldwide. Later that day we would have the chance to get a lot closer to one. You can read about that experience here.

We moved along, and ended up in what looked like a small African village. Throughout the Sedgwick Zoo, we noticed many of the necessary buildings are designed to blend well with the area where they reside. The picture above includes a refreshment stop, and a maintenance building. The interesting design makes them fit much better into the landscape.

Sedgwick Zoo Goes Big

Our arrival in the Zambezi River Valley was the exhibit we were most anxious to see. This sprawling area encompasses more than five acres, which makes it the third largest elephant habitat in the United States. Yes, it is right here in Wichita, Kansas. This is the kind of exhibit that most people would expect to have to travel to one of the coasts to see. Of course, we have found that there are plenty of great sites in our “fly-over” states.

Our first impression of this new area was Wow! The open expanse is HUGE. Now many times when parks decide to open up more land for an exhibit, they don’t always consider the layout’s access for visitors. That is certainly not the case at Sedgwick Zoo. The open space wraps around a center-point, which contains a covered veranda for guests to watch these gentle giants. A stream runs through the area, which supplies fresh water for the elephants, and entertainment opportunities for the public. All of this area was easily visible as we wandered along the paths that run beside the enclosure.

While I was setting up for a quick selfie, I had my attention focused away from the exhibit. During these few moments a family of ducklings came ashore. They wandered fearlessly toward a dining pachyderm, until it made a sudden movement. They quickly reversed direction and made their way back to the water. I missed it, but Crystal had a bird’s eye view. (I know that was another terrible pun.)

Wrapping Up Our Visit

Too soon, we had to move along, and next came upon the lion exhibit. We were quite impressed with the design of this area, as well. A large boulder in the middle of their island allows them to keep a watchful eye on the other exhibits. We watched the pair interact for a while, and then started moving again. A quick look back showcased the photo that I took for the header of this article. We had to stop for this opportunity, and once I was pleased with the composition, we started back up.

As we continued strolling, we took in views of the hooved animals, and finally the African Painted Dogs appeared ahead. I was interested in watching them for a while, but they seemed to be ready for a mid-day nap. Oh well, we still had plenty of great views that day, and lots of good photos to edit. It was time to wrap this visit up, and head to lunch. We are hopeful we will have more time on our next visit, since we are confident there will be more new attractions for us to see. When was your last visit to Sedgwick Zoo? Don’t you think it’s time to plan another?

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Eclectic Decor

The restaurant sits on the edge of a roundabout in the Delano section of Wichita. We heard many stories about the West vs. East sides of this city. The basics of the stories were that at one time the West side was where the cowboys hung out. The East side was for the more dignified citizens. So the gist of it is that the Delano section was the “rough and rowdy” part of town. These days the city has melded into a cohesive unit, but local pride is still apparent during conversations with residents.

Since we were on the “wild” side, we were expecting to see a little “edge” during our visit. The interior of Monarch is an eclectic mix of artwork, flea market finds, industrial lighting, and even a Keeper of the Plains statue. The restaurant has a good number of tables, both inside and outside on a patio. Since it was a weekday evening, the crowd was primarily the after work type. A long bar is situated across one end of the room, and is well stocked with a wide array of liquors. Since our plans called for a dessert location later that evening, we decided to stick to water.

Monarch Munches

We both agreed that a sandwich sounded like a good meal. Crystal found a Chicken Caprese, which is served on a ciabatta roll. It is loaded with smoked chicken, which is topped with Mozzarella cheese, tomato, and pesto. The flavors complimented each other very well. For her side she went with a mixed greens salad with roasted red peppers. While she usually shies away from peppers, these she found to be a good accent for the greens.

As I mentioned earlier, I was looking forward to the Cuban sandwich. For those unfamiliar with this delicacy, it is a mixture of ham, smoked pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and spicy mustard. This mixture of flavors all come down to the pickle and mustard, for me. The Cuban at Monarch was just how I like them. The mustard offered just enough heat, but the pickle cut it well. My side was a serving of sweet potato tots. The crunchy little morsels were a perfect compliment to my sandwich. They were so good, that Crystal had to steal a few away. Considering the size of the servings, I was not going to try to stop her.

The final verdict is that our dinner choice was exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring. The food was delicious, the service good, and the atmosphere laid back. We could see the draw of the place, since the location is a prime spot for people watching. Our only wish is that the weather had been warmer, so we could have enjoyed the patio. Well maybe on our next visit.

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We want to thank the Il Vicino Wood Fired Pizza for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

What is Il Vicino?

The story of Il Vicino starts with three guys who grew up working in the restaurant business. During part of these formative years, the three of them worked together at the same restaurant, and became fast friends. Tom White left for a while to attend culinary school, and earn his chef hat. After his return, the three worked together to open a couple of high-end Italian food restaurants. Chef White proposed the concept of a wood fired pizzeria that used high quality ingredients. The dishes would be served in a casually upscale atmosphere. The idea was just what the group wanted to present to the public.

The name Il Vicino means “the neighbor”. To show their commitment to the community, the restaurant offers fundraising opportunities for local organizations. A simple three step process is used to help groups earn a percentage of sales during their events. This is another thing that makes this chain stand out from others.

The Experience

Our visit to Il Vicino came at the end of a long research day, so we were definitely ready to eat. Looking for a good representation of their offerings, as well as a balanced meal, we started with a salad. The pizzeria’s namesake salad is loaded with roasted chicken, diced egg, artichoke hearts, chopped walnuts, and Gorgonzola cheese. The flavor was bold, and had so many different layers. The house vinaigrette was an excellent accent. A nice cocktail made with a Moscato and orange was an refreshing bonus.

For our main course, we decided to sample the Molta Carne, which is loaded with pepperoni, sausage, Capocolla ham, Kalamata olives, mushrooms, and fresh oregano. Wow! That is a load of toppings. I walked over and watched our pie being prepared. It’s always been interesting to me, since I worked in a local pizzeria during my high school years. Soon our entree was served, and after snapping a few pictures, it was time to taste it. The light, bubbly crust was a perfect texture to support the mixture of flavors on top. The pie was delicious, and soon disappeared. The entire meal was just what we needed after a long day. We think those three guys really know what they are doing.

*We may have received support from some of the businesses listed. All of the writing and opinions are our own.

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 Buried Treasure

The Egg Crate Cafe is located in a strip mall at the edge of a residential area. This place was not easy to discover, but we were hoping it would turn out to be a great find. This morning we were being joined for breakfast by Susan, from Visit Wichita. We were looking forward to finally meeting her, and her excitement about our restaurant choice was another positive sign.

It was actually fairly easy to find the location, and soon our guest joined us. I made sure to explain that she would have to wait to eat, until after I had taken pictures of each of our meals. Fortunately, this was completely expected, so we were all ready for our dining experience. After our server brought our coffees, we placed our orders. Susan went for the classic Eggs Benedict, and chose a side of fruit. The presentation was very pleasing, and she was completely satisfied with her selection.

More Egg Crate Cafe Favorites

Crystal selected the Ham and Cheese Omelet with an English Muffin. They were not skimpy on the ham or the cheese, so this ended up being a filling choice. That was a good thing, considering our day’s itinerary included two zoological parks. So, there I sat with everyone around me enjoying savory breakfast meals. It looked like it would be up to me to test the sweet side of the menu.

The manager had stopped by prior to our ordering, and mentioned the popularity of the French Toast. Being one of my all-time favorite breakfast dishes, it didn’t require much prodding to get me to order some. Unlike most places, at Egg Crate Cafe this meal comes with two eggs. The toast had a wonderful texture and flavor. It was so filling that I was unable to finish it all. As we dined, we discussed all of the places we had slated to visit during our stay in Wichita. After a cold first day, which caused a last minute itinerary change, we were happy to see a return to more pleasant weather. We finished our meals, and bid our goodbyes, as we went off in search of adventure. The Egg Crate Cafe ended up being a great start to a day at the zoo.

*We may have received support from some of the businesses listed. All of the writing and opinions are our own.

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Why Milkfloat?

Once we determined the type of shop we had found, our next question was about the interesting choice of name. The term “milk float” refers to horse drawn wagons in the olden days, which would deliver fresh dairy products to customers. The owners of this unique store, with a renaissance name, wanted to associate their products with the use of fresh ingredients and local suppliers. Upon entering their establishment, we could also see it was about offering a relaxed atmosphere in which to enjoy their specialty desserts.

Now I don’t know about you, but I have no issues with partaking in delicious treats. Studying the glass-fronted cases at Milkfloat was creating a bit of decision anxiety. There were so many great choices, but I knew that I should only have one. I ran through all of the reasons in my mind why I should sample everything, but the recent dinner in my stomach kept bring reality crashing back down. I made note of the handmade pop-tart style treats. These would make a great breakfast. I didn’t say nutritious, I said great. These I would pass on for now. My hope was that Crystal would choose one, and then I would still get to try it. I know it’s a little devious, but all is fair in love and desserts.

Decisions, Decisions

We watched other shoppers enter, walk up to the counter, order their treats, and then proceed to head to a table to savor them. How could they be so nonchalant about such an important decision. I decided they must be locals, who can always drop back by on another day for a different choice. That is one drawback to being a traveler. You are often limited in the chances you have to sample a specific location’s offerings. Finally the realization hit me that these other customers may end up buying the dessert that I ultimately would want. Time to make my own decision, but it was so hard.

Crystal had clearly not suffered with the same decision making issue that I had. She had already ordered a chocolate shake, and was watching it being constructed. Now that she had committed to a liquid dessert, it made my decision much easier. I knew a more solid item would fit well with her choice, and we would end up sharing each others. The fruit filled galettes sat atop the display case, but I passed on them, as I moved down toward the layered cakes. Served in glasses, these single serving size treats would make a nice compliment to a shake, but not tonight. Still further down the case I moved, until I came to the crème de’ la crème. My choice beamed at me with its beautiful yellow filling, and delicate ornaments. The Key Lime Pie had to be it. We paid for our treats, and headed to a nearby table to sample them. They were everything we had imagined, and then some. The shake was creamy and fun, while the pie was bursting with flavor. after finishing every crumb, we said our goodbyes to staff. We thanked them, and headed out into the Wichita evening, knowing we had found a “sweet” hidden gem.

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Strange Name

The Beacon sits downtown next to the Wichita Eagle building, which houses the local newspaper. For us non-locals, this seemed rather unconnected. A little research uncovered that the newspaper was once called The Wichita Beacon. It changed names in 1989, and since then the restaurant’s name is only synonymous with being a local favorite. Of course, since the interior is covered in various lighthouse artwork, we assumed that was the origin of the name. Without the extra research, we would have been satisfied with this wrong assumption.

Our visit occurred on a weekday morning, so we had a chance to see the average crowd. What we found was an eclectic collection of business people, construction crews, and other downtown workers. Throw in a few mail deliverers, and other route runners, and we knew this was certainly a local hot spot. Our wait was only a couple minutes, and then we were seated. Our server came over with a pot of coffee, and two cups. It was clear that most customers start their visit with this morning necessity, and we didn’t want to buck tradition. A quick review of the menu, and we were ready to order. While we waited for our meal, we watched the interaction between customers and staff. It was obvious that a large portion of those arriving were regulars, and were greeted warmly.

Beacon Breakfast

We picked our standard breakfast, which includes eggs, hash browns, bacon, and toast. A couple cups of Joe, and some orange juice rounded out our meals. While this seems pretty boring to most, for us it supplies all of the protein and carbs we need for a day of exploring. The food was served quickly, and the flavor was much better than what we would find at chain breakfast spots. So at this unique little eatery, in the middle of downtown, we found just what everyone had told us we would. A good meal, friendly service, and a local hidden gem.

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Seeing The Need

The day we visited Tanganyika was cooler than expected. Fortunately, the sun was out in full force, and it tried to warm us up. The animals all seemed a little less phased by the chill in the air, and that was what was important. Now we have mentioned before how much we love zoos. To us they are an opportunity to observe creatures from around the globe, that under usual circumstances we would never see. When our research uncovered a park that actually allows visitors to interact closely with various species, well it sealed the deal that we would be visiting. The park was formed from the ideas of one man, Jim Fouts, who had a vision to preserve species from around the world. He started as a keeper at the local zoo in Wichita, where he would find his passion for animals.

He began his breeding program with birds from South America, and soon moved on to include African species, as well. Within 10 years, he became a leading importer of rare birds, and many zoos would come to him for assistance. In 1985, he bought the land which would eventually become Tanganyika Wildlife Park. By 2000, they were giving guided tours in their “backyard”. As more species were added to the collection, the number of visitors continued to climb. It was time to pull the trigger on building a world class park. In August of 2008, Tanganyika Wildlife Park officially opened for business. They had 15 exhibits, and hosted 3 interactive experiences. Over the past few years, they have grown to the 3rd largest animal collection in the State of Kansas. These days they feature 40 exhibits, and 9 interactive stations.

Early Interactions

The park is quite manageable, being about 1/6th of a mile across. The majority of the landscape is a fairly flat surface, so a good option for most everyone. One of the first exhibits you see upon entering is the nursery. In 2016, Tanganyika saw the birth of 21 cats, 2 giraffes, 4 kangaroo, 2 penguins, 17 primates, and over 20 other babies. Many of these are rare and endangered species, which will eventually wind up in zoos around the world. The work they do is helping to preserve some of the world’s endangered species.

Guests purchase wristbands that allow for a predetermined amount of encounters. Since Tanganyika receives no federal, state or local funds, these ticket purchases help cover the costs of caring for the animals in the park. One of the park’s first interactive exhibits was feeding giraffes. Even today, this is a very popular option. Children of all ages (Yes, even my age) have a chance to feed one of these beautiful creatures. During our visit this was quite the popular stop, and the giraffes seemed happy to see the crowd. Giraffes are one of my personal favorites, so I truly enjoyed the experience.

As we moved on through the park, it became apparent that the exhibits are set up to allow the best views for guests, while still maintaining the safety of the animals. In the primates area, we watched a park staff member lecture visitors about some of the species on display. Staff would try to answer all of the questions they heard from the public. This was an interaction we do not see at most large-scale zoos. It certainly makes the experience that much more personal for guests, and helps form a better appreciation for the various species. A collection of squawks signaled our approach to the Lorikeet area.

Our wristbands allowed access to feed these brightly hued creatures. Since I was on camera duty, Crystal became the star of the show. With nectar cup in hand, we moved into the enclosure. It didn’t take long for them to recognize a prime opportunity, and one came to rest on her hand. Of course, where there is food, there will be competition. Soon a second and third Lori arrived for a chance to feed. We aren’t sure how dominance is determined, but there was certainly a pecking order in place. (I know, bad pun.) The birds emptied the cup, and all but one returned to nearby branches. The straggler hung around to finish up the drops that had spilled on Crystal’s hand.

More Feedings

The most popular feeding experience is the Ring tailed Lemurs. We spotted them on a small island, and watched as some other park guests fed them. We knew this was an experience we could not pass up. Our wristbands allowed us to access this attraction, as well. When it was our turn, we shed the backpack and camera gear to head across the bridge, and meet these curious creatures. Staff instructed us to hold our hand out, and they placed a craisin in our palms. The lemurs had formed a line on an elevated wooden beam, and waited anxiously for the treat. You reach over and they take the fruit piece from your hand. One of them held onto my fingers for a while, and looked to me for another treat. Their fingers are so soft, and they are certainly fun to watch. This was definitely a highlight moment for both of us. We were creating a closer bond with the animals, and that is exactly the park’s goal.

There are other feeding stations to visit, but our itinerary change had unfortunately left us with limited time. As we walked back toward the front, we saw guests feeding bunnies, tortoises, and guinea pigs. There are also feeding machines available for treating alpacas, Nigerian Pygmy goats, and Koi fish. The date of our visit happened to match up to the exhibit improvements taking place with the Indian Rhino, and Pygmy Hippos. These are also on the list of animals that visitors can purchase access to feed. While we were disappointed to miss the opportunity, we could appreciate the desire for the park to do continuous improvement for the animals. Oh well, maybe on our next visit. For now we were on our way to the most exciting part of our visit.

Tanganyika Main Events

The park also offers a few experiences that surpass the others. While these do have a higher cost, they offer guests a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were two “Behind the Scenes” activities that piqued our interest. The penguin experience offers a 45 minute tour, where you will learn about Africa’s only species of penguins. You will get the chance to feed them, and even walk away with a small painting made by the penguins. While this sounded like a really cool experience, the other one trumped it. Our choice was the chance to meet an Okapi. Now many have never even heard of this rare African hooved creature. These deer-like mammals are only found in a small pocket of tropical mountain forest located in Central Africa. They are as striking beautiful, as they are elusive, and were not even correctly classified until the early 1900’s. Considered extremely endangered, this was an opportunity neither of us could pass up.

We met up with their handler, Robert Olmstead, who would be leading us on a personal tour. (Yes, there are some perks to being bloggers.) We started with Robert giving us a history lesson on the discovery of these magnificent beasts. Tanganyika has two of them, but they don’t mingle, since they are solitary animals in the wild. We were surprised to learn that they are a relative of the giraffe, but later it would become quite apparent. After this brief history lesson, we started our walk to the holding pens. As we crossed through the middle of the park, we passed the giraffe enclosure. The day was waning, and the animals had gathered to prepare for their night inside. Robert took this opportunity to introduce us to these curious creatures, who took turns checking us out, as well.

Meeting Amaranta

We moved into the enclosure area, and Robert explained all of the facility additions that were required, to be able to properly care for these elusive animals. Since we were passing the other enclosures, he also told us about how they care for pregnant giraffes. Tanganyika has had great success breeding these creatures, and has one expecting soon. We discussed all of the recent online hype about another expecting giraffe mother. Robert told us that it is always difficult to pinpoint a due date with any accuracy, so they just go with the notion of prepare for it, but let nature take its course. That seemed pretty logical to us. We approached the two pens that are used for the Okapi. We were to meet Amaranta, who was in his pen, but staying back aways. Upon seeing Robert, he moved forward. We had been told about how skittish these creatures are, and were surprised when he allowed Crystal to scratch him. He seemed to quickly take a liking to her, which helped cement our experience even more.

We discussed more details about the species, and then it was time for the feeding. Robert led us outside to the back of the enclosure, and then went inside to fetch Amaranta. A little slow to come out at first, but once he did peek out, he knew he was going to get a treat. Staff is very careful to watch the diets of all of the animals in their care, and Robert explained why they use romaine lettuce for the hand feeding. Robert demonstrated how to feed Amaranta, and then we each took our turns. The relationship to a giraffe was apparent when Amaranta wrapped it’s 12 inch tongue around each leaf. Crystal was in awe of how velvety the hair is on the Okapi, and she continued to pet him, while we finished feeding the last of the lettuce. Of all of our zoo experiences, this one far exceeded all of the others. I have to admit I felt a little giddy after getting this opportunity. Our visit to Tanganyika Wildlife Park will be one of those memories we will look back on for years to come. Isn’t it time for you to have your own up close experience with these beautiful animals?

*We would like to thank the staff at Tanganyika Wildlife Park for sponsoring our visit. As always, all opinions are our own.

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Back in Time

TJ’s is your basic burger & fries style diner, and is decorated with a retro theme. Checkered tile floors, vinyl booth seats, and plenty of 1950’s memorabilia brought the malt shop feel to our minds. The reason it caught our eye was all of the buzz about their burgers. Now we aren’t saying we are burger experts, but we have tasted our fair share. We arrived on a Sunday about mid-day, and the place was already fairly busy. Some of the reviews I had read spoke about avoiding a weekend visit, due to long waits. While it did have a steady flow, we never saw people wait more than a couple of minutes for a table. We picked a booth, and settled in to check out the menu.

This is where TJ’s separates themselves from other burger shacks. The menu is packed full of options. Wings, salads, and chili are good starters. A handful of chicken sandwiches are available, as well as B.L.T.’s, hot dogs, and some awesome looking baked potatoes. Of course, our research had set our minds on their burgers, but all of the dishes we were seeing at other tables made it hard to stick to our plan.

TJ’s Heavy Side

Crystal went old school, and ordered the standard cheeseburger with fries. I decided to go with the Mushroom & Swiss burger, paired with the onion rings. Nowadays it is standard that a burger runs in the $5 to $7 range at most places, and at TJ’s this is also the case. What is unusual about this visit is that TJ’s burgers are 7 ounces AFTER cooking. To put it in perspective, a quarter-pounder is 4 ounces, so this burger is almost twice that size. For those brave souls, you can even make it a double. Of course, neither of us could even finish a single. We were both a little shocked at the weight of our sandwiches when we picked them up for the first time.

From first bite it was obvious that these are not premade frozen patties. The beef is juicy and tender, and yes, very filling. Both of our sides were good, but we both seemed more stricken with the burgers. While we gave it a good try, we finally called it quits, and waddled out into the cool afternoon to start our exploration of the largest city in Kansas.

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