Kansas

Carroll Mansion – Decking The Halls

Christmas decorations can run the gamut but one of our favorite styles is Victorian. There is an elegance to this era that remains the benchmark for holiday exhibits. A visit to Leavenworth, Kansas offered a chance to check out the Carroll Mansion, which was all decked out for the season. This impressive family home has stood on a hill since it was originally built in the late 1850s. Subsequent additions have transformed the residence from a four-room home to the stately mansion that we see today. Let's head inside to see what surprises we can discover. We want to thank Visit Leavenworth and [...]

By |2022-12-23T06:07:17-06:00December 23rd, 2022|Kansas, Leavenworth, Midwest|6 Comments
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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 palm-sized bites of beef. He got the idea from White Castle, who had begun operations one year earlier in Wichita. Churning out dozens of mini-burgers at a time, he would slide them down the counter atop sheets of waxed paper. It's likely that this was where the term "sliders" began. We stopped in to check out their burgers by the bagful and find out what has kept this business in the forefront for over a century. 100 Years [...]

By |2022-11-18T07:27:30-06:00November 18th, 2022|Kansas, North Central, Salina|4 Comments
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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 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. The fertile rolling hills have attracted visitors for thousands of years. Many came to make a home, while others were merely passing through the Crossroads of the Heartland. With all of this activity, we were glad to see that the Smoky Hill Museum has recorded some of these [...]

By |2022-10-07T06:09:52-06:00October 14th, 2022|Kansas, Midwest, Salina|2 Comments
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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 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 built in 1905. In 2022, it's unusual to find a place that still has the original appliances and electrical components. As we toured this massive house, we felt like we were in a living time capsule. We want to thank Travel Kansas and Visit Abilene for hosting our [...]

By |2022-09-23T06:08:52-06:00September 23rd, 2022|Abilene, Kansas, Midwest, North Central|2 Comments
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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 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 man who served as the 34th President of the United States. Our first visit occurred during renovations, so we were excited to get the opportunity to see the space after its facelift. This time, we were able to view the exhibits and discover how Ike handled issues he [...]

By |2022-11-29T12:52:10-06:00August 23rd, 2022|Abilene, Kansas, Midwest|4 Comments
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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 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 refuel was obvious from the growing feelings of hunger. There are plenty of options, around downtown, to satisfy any urge. After hearing about a special treat being offered by The Pennant, we knew it was the right choice for this particular excursion. Catching Our Attention On a previous [...]

By |2022-05-10T04:17:11-06:00May 20th, 2022|Kansas, Midwest, Topeka|0 Comments
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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 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 created barriers that precluded black Americans from enjoying the same opportunities as whites, especially in the southern half of the country. Leveling the field would require a fight that led to the Supreme Court. Brown v. Board Museum We've visited Topeka many times, but have somehow missed the [...]

By |2022-04-15T06:09:00-06:00April 15th, 2022|Kansas, Midwest, Topeka|0 Comments
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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 taste of any destination requires experiencing it firsthand. Over the years, we have discovered a formula that helps us make the most of our time. This has been used for large and small destinations and we always leave with a sense of accomplishment. A recent itinerary we created was designed to show you how to sample Atchison, Kansas in one day. This city of 11,000 people has some unique flavors that make for a great day trip. Meet [...]

By |2021-09-09T14:13:53-06:00March 30th, 2021|Atchison, Daytrips, Guides|10 Comments
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The Search For Amelia

On a high bluff overlooking the Missouri River, Amelia Earhart came into the world. While the small town she grew up in may seem quiet, the urge for adventure stirred deep in her heart. The two-story cottage stands as a reminder of the amazing flying feats performed by this aviation pioneer. The world knows her for the many aviation records she set, but there was so much more to this girl from Atchison, Kansas. We embarked on our own search for Amelia with a visit to the Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum. Humble Home From our home in Kansas City, it is only about [...]

By |2021-03-16T06:17:23-06:00March 16th, 2021|Atchison|20 Comments
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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. 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 memory. As settlers flooded into the region, the room was needed for farming and cattle herds. While buffalo hunters came to the Oakley, Kansas area for potential profit, we came out hunting history. Gearing Up for the Hunt Not everyone looked at the buffalo the same way. Native [...]

By |2023-02-02T20:00:49-06:00January 8th, 2021|Guides, Kansas, Midwest, Oakley, One Day Stays|2 Comments
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