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![The authors pose with the World's Largest Belt Buckle.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/IMG_0706.jpg)
Buckle Up For An Abilene, Kansas Day Trip
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,
![Crystal shops at Nifty Nut House.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Nifty-2-scaled.jpg)
Wichita, Kansas – A Nutty Adventure
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
![Brookville Hotel has become Legacy Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1-title-shot-1-5.jpg)
Legacy Kansas – Writing The Next Page
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
![During the Civil War event, Old Cowtown is filled with costumed characters.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/watching-scaled.jpg)
Old Cowtown – A Step Back In Time
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
![Check out these six family-friendly stops in Fort Worth, Texas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Stockyards-3-scaled.jpg)
Six Family-friendly Spots In Fort Worth
Since Fort Worth’s start, way back in 1849, this city has been known as a cowboy town. These days the city still embraces its rowdy
![With only One Day in Dallas, we needed to make the most of our time.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/texas-animals-2-scaled.jpg)
One Day In Dallas
Texas holds a special place in our hearts, so we always enjoy visits to the Lone Star State. With so much to see and do,
![A view of downtown Grapevine, Texas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/grapevine-scaled.jpg)
Grapevine Texas – One Day Of Discovery
Our visit to Grapevine, Texas may have been short but it was packed full of fun. When the first settlers arrived in this region, they
![Downtown Palestine had plenty to keep us busy.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/feature-scaled.jpg)
Palestine Texas – A Piney Woods Adventure
Just a couple of hours southeast of Dallas is the historic city of Palestine, Texas. Nestled in the Piney Woods region, this area is where
![A visit to First Mile Kitchen landed us in Wichita's east side.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Menu-scaled.jpg)
Wichita’s East Side
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
![](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fishing-for-fun-scaled.jpg)
Act Like Kids At Exploration Place
Exploration Place is the perfect Wichita stop to act like kids again.
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Decking The Halls – Carroll Mansion
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
![Judge Parker's courtroom was one of the Top 8 activities in Fort Smith.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Ft-Smith_126-2.jpg)
8 Top Activities In Fort Smith, Arkansas
Nestled at the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers, Fort Smith began as a frontier military post. Barely a decade after the Louisiana Purchase,
![The Cozy Inn is a long=time classic for burgers by the bagful.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Cozy_19-2.jpg)
The Cozy Inn – Burgers By The Bagful
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
![The authors cheese it up while visiting Wisconsin Dells without getting wet.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/IMG_1119-2-scaled-2.jpg)
Visiting Wisconsin Dells Without Getting Wet
Wisconsin Dells has earned the unofficial title of ‘Waterpark Capital of the World’. Making our first pass through town, it quickly became apparent where this
![The Smoky Hill Museum reflects the importance of being located in teh Crossroads of the Heartland.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Museum_10-2-1.jpg)
Smoky Hill Museum – The Crossroads Of The Heartland
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
![Shopping is one of our favorite activities when spending couples time in St. Charles.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/shopping-Main_10-2-1.jpg)
Couples Time In St. Charles
While many of our excursions are designed to showcase family-friendly travel destinations, sometimes we look for a different type of getaway. While searching for something
![The airy atmosphere at Fort Smith restaurants makes them enjoyable for diners.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Ft-Smith_235-2-1.jpg)
Eating Our Way Through Downtown Fort Smith
For us, there is a big difference between eating to sustain and dining for pleasure. During our visit to this historic Arkansas destination, we tried
![The Seelye Mansion is a landmark in downtown Abilene, Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/selfie_52-2-1.jpg)
Seelye Mansion – A Living Time Capsule
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
![The capital building in Wisconsin is one of the 7 reasons to visit Madison.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Capitol_14-2-1.jpg)
7 Reasons To Visit Madison, Wisconsin
We enjoy visiting the Upper Midwest during the summertime. Cool nights and warm days are perfect for exploring new destinations. During a multiple-city trip, we
![Ike was an adept soldier who regretted the use of war.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/selfie_55-2-1.jpg)
War and Peace – Eisenhower Presidential Library
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
![Our table filled with foodie delights during a visit to The Pennant.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Pennant_16-2-2.jpg)
The Pennant – Where Fun And Food Collide
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
![The Monroe Elementary School has been preserved as a National Historic Site.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BrownVboard_2-2-2.jpg)
Leveling The Field – Brown Vs Board Of Education
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
![There are plenty of interactive opportunities for travelers to experience in Bentonville, Arkansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/8th_36-2.jpg)
Interactive Opportunities Abound In Bentonville, Arkansas
During our travels, we like to figure out what each city has for an overarching theme. Bentonville, Arkansas has focused on creating an urban area
![Sculptures along the roadways add extra sights during our 24 hours in Mason City.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mason-City_187-2-2.jpg)
24 Hours In Mason City
Whenever we visit a new destination, we keep our eyes open for a theme. Some cities are all about history, while others can focus on
![We discovered a beach party vibe at Clear Lake, Iowa.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Clear-Lake_42-2-2.jpg)
Beach Party Vibe – Clear Lake
Each new city and town we visit has its own particular feel. Some are historic sites with ages of artifacts. Others are artistic centers that
![The beauty of the Louisiana River Parishes is found in abundance.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Houmas_8-2-2.jpg)
Louisiana River Parishes – Exploring The River Road
Summer brings a combination of heat and humidity to the lands along the Gulf Coast. For some, this signals a move indoors or excursions to
![The authors enjoyed a visit along the Andouille Trail.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Le-Bon-2.jpg)
Collection Of Flavors – Louisiana River Parishes
No matter where we wander, it’s a given that we will be sampling some local cuisine when we arrive. During the planning of our Louisiana
![The authors tag base during their 7 sensational stops in downtown Mobile.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/we_37-2-2.jpg)
7 Sensational Stops In Downtown Mobile
Have you ever found yourselves with just one day to see as much of a new destination as possible? This would be the situation we
![The Tulip Toren adds a magnificent backdrop to the blooming tulips in Pella, Iowa.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/eats_27-2-2.jpg)
Tulip Time Trek In Pella, Iowa
We find that festivals are an excellent way to really experience the culture of a city. With a distinctly Dutch heritage, we couldn’t wait to
![We were in explorer mode for our day downtown in Oskaloosa, Iowa.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/eats_4-2-2.jpg)
A Day Downtown – Exploring Oskaloosa, Iowa
Long ago, we discovered that the downtown is the center of a community. The very pulse of the city can be felt in this area.
![The Kanza indians were some of the first people to call the region around Atchison home.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/history_13-3-2.jpg)
How To Sample Atchison, Kansas In One Day
It’s easy to find the statistics for just about any city or town, but they will not tell the whole story. To get a true
![The Atchison Historical Museum offers plenty of stories of locals rising to the challenge.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/history_29-2-2.jpg)
Rising To The Challenge – Atchison History
The city of Atchison, Kansas has a long history of rising to the challenge. Squatting along the banks of the Missouri River, the town was
![The fall landscape begins to show signs of the coming colors.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Town_50-2-2.jpg)
Amtrak Escape – All Aboard For Hermann, Missouri
It’s hard to believe we had never taken a real train trip. The stories that friends have told, about experiencing the views along the rolling
![Our Missouri Route 66 Road Trip brought us up close to some wonderful sights from days gone by.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Route-66_23-2-2.jpg)
Route 66 Road Trip – Road From Rolla
Our country is filled with an array of vacation opportunities. Just about any type of diversion can be found, if you know where to look.
![Hannibal, Missouri is where Twain meets real life.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Twain-History_32-2-3.jpg)
Where Twain Meets – Hannibal, Missouri
The river town of Hannibal, Missouri rests along the banks of the “Mighty Mississippi”. Growing up in such a world, during the mid-1800s, would have
![Buffalo Bill was one of the bigger than life characters we discovered when we were hunting history in Oakley, Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Oakley_3-3.jpg)
Hunting History – Oakley, Kansas
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.
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The Kansas Badlands – Little Jerusalem State Park
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
![The Topeak Zoo is just the right size for going on safari with our grandkids.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Topeka-Zoo_254-3.jpg)
Going On Safari – Topeka Zoo
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
![We learned that we could do some self-serve banking at Brew bank in Topeka, Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Brew-bank_3-3.jpg)
Self-Serve Banking – Brew Bank
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
![Always the showman, Evel Knievel was a flamboyant personality.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Evel-Museum_4-3.jpg)
Always The Showman – Evel Knievel Museum
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
![Our date with history included a visit to the Sternberg Museum to learn about the prehistoric creatures of Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Sternberg_59-3.jpg)
A Date With History – Hays, Kansas
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
![For 50 years and counting Taco Shop has been serving their fans in Hays, Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Taco-Shop-1-3.jpg)
50 Years And Counting – Taco Shop
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
![Taming the Plains still left plenty of time for soldiers to contemplate being out on the western frontier.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Fort-Hays_50-3.jpg)
Taming The Plains – Fort Hays
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
![When you see Dorothy and Toto your mind begins to be filled with the familiar phrases from the classic movie.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Marysville-KS_450-3.jpg)
Familiar Phrases – Oz Museum
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
![The interior design is reminiscent of days gone by in downtown Hays.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Gellas_10-3.jpg)
Eat, Drink, and Enjoy – Gella’s Diner
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 early days of Hays saw an influx of German emigrants.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Historical-Society_6-3.jpg)
The Early Days Of Hays – Ellis County Historical Museum
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
![The locals love the family friendly feasting they find at Pheasant Run Pancake House.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Pheasant-Run_2-3.jpg)
Family Friendly Feasting – Pheasant Run Pancake House
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
![An archeologist works on a fossil that helps explain life in dinosaur days.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Sternberg_40-3.jpg)
Life In Dinosaur Days – Sternberg Museum
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 Chalk Pyramids rise to the sky in Western Kansas.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Monument-Rocks_33-3.jpg)
The Chalk Pyramids – Monument Rocks National Landmark
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
![It is easy to fall in love with Marysville, kansas and the welcoming spirit you find from the locals.](https://www.ourchanginglives.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Marysville-KS_333-3.jpg)
Fall In Love With Marysville, Kansas
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