North West

It was an unexpectedly cold and wet day in the middle of Kansas. We arrived at Taco Shop for an early lunch with our new friend Janet Kuhn. Our visit to Hays was winding down to the last few hours, so this would be our last get together. It was fitting that our last meal was in this long-running eatery. What had started out 50 years ago has grown into a local haunt that draws in crowds from all around. Now it was our turn to sample the menu. We want to thank Hays CVB and Taco Shop for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are [...]

The year is 1865 and the Civil War has just ended. While westward expansion had significantly slowed during the war, it did not take long for it to resume. As settlers pushed for new territories to be opened, it would spark a resurgence of the American Indian War. Out on the westerns front, in Kansas, soldiers were tasked with taming the plains for the influx of new arrivals. Our visit to Fort Hays State Historic Site offered a glimpse at life in this outpost during those tumultuous times.  We want to thank Visit Hays and Kansas Historical Society for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are [...]

We love finding cities that have recaptured the magic of their downtown corridor. For decades this nation has seen the urban flight, which has left the inner cores of our cities empty. With all of the existing infrastructure still in place, these areas are ripe for redevelopment, like what we found in Hays, Kansas. During our first day of exploring, we had an opportunity to sit down to dinner with Janet Kuhn, one of our friends from the local tourism bureau. It was a great time to eat, drink, and enjoy at Gella's Diner and Lb. Brewing Co. We want to thank Hays [...]

When we visit a new destination, one of our goals is to learn about its unique past. Every city and town has its own stories to tell, it just requires finding the right storyteller. To learn about the early days of hays, we tapped into the knowledge of Katie Annett, from the Ellis County Historical Society Museum. Unfortunately, due to COVID, the museum was closed to the public, but Katie was more than happy to walk us through the other buildings. We want to thank Visit Hays and Katie Annett for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. The Early [...]

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, especially when traveling. It sets the tone for the entire day and provides the start needed to fuel a morning of exploration. While many newer restaurants are focusing on Instagram worthy plates, there is still much to be said for good old-fashioned breakfasts. On an unexpectedly cool September morning, we stopped by Pheasant Run Pancake House for some family-friendly feasting.  We want to thank Visit Hays and Pheasant Run for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.  Family is Key Have you ever visited a restaurant that made you [...]

It may be hard to believe, but millions of years ago Kansas was part of a huge inland sea. Traveling across the western half of the state, it is not an ocean that comes to mind. It takes excursions off of the interstate to expose the true history of the region. We made a visit to the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, in Hays, to get a look at life in dinosaur days. Time to break out our explorer gear and do a deep dive into our state's watery side of history. We want to thank Visit Hays and the Sternberg Museum for [...]

Like most college cities, the mascot can penetrate almost every aspect of life. As we rolled into Hays, Kansas, we expected to see the gratuitous display of Tiger memorabilia. After all, Fort Hays State University has used the tiger mascot since 1914. We always welcome this deep-seated local love and embrace the pride that each community has in its history. Discovering a restaurant that was founded by two local investors was just an added bonus. Since the lunch hour had passed us by, we knew a good meal was needed to rescue us from our ravenous hunger. Time to check out Tiger Burgers. [...]