Are you ready to slow down and enjoy mountain scenery?
I know the feeling. Having lived three years between Breckenridge and Minturn, I long for crisp summer air in the mountains.
A dog-friendly vacation rental search took us to Bailey, Colorado, about a one-hour drive Southwest of Denver along Highway 285.
Our scenic drive to a mountain getaway was just what we needed to unplug from daily demands.
Bailey’s slower pace and plenty to do gave us exactly what we wanted from a Colorado vacation.
Bailey, Colorado: Best Things to Do, See & Experience
UNWIND AT LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS
Secluded Cabin Sauna Hot Tub King Bed Creek
I can’t think of a better place to reserve for your overnight lodging than this secluded vacation rental just beyond town. The one-bedroom, one-bath cabin is a Guest Favorite on Airbnb for a reason.
We wanted a woodland getaway that would accommodate our golden retriever and offer us on-site amenities that we craved, like a hot tub, fire pit, and dry sauna.
What we discovered upon arrival exceeded our expectations.
The living area was ideal for us. We sprawled out, relaxing on the sectional couch with our pup resting at our feet when we weren’t dining outdoors on the patio.
Wine and conversation near the fire pit in the evening gave way to a relaxing hot tub session, followed by restful sleep in the king-size Sleep Number® mattress.
At sunrise, we prepared coffee using the Breville Espresso Machine and savored a home-cooked breakfast. A spa-like session in the dry sauna provided the early-morning reset we needed.
Our little corner of the woods, a tucked-away spot in the mountains, will always be a special memory for us.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
McGraw Memorial Park
As you enter town, McGraw Memorial Park is a must-stop to stretch your legs and enjoy the scenery dotted with historic buildings.
The park, which consists of 20 acres divided between the North Fork of the South Platte River, includes the Morrow Mountain Trail.
It’s a narrow, single-track dirt 1.3-mile loop that has some medium-sized boulders in places. We wanted to walk our leashed dog along it, but it was a bit much for her given the rocky and steep terrain in places.
The well-developed park has a shaded picnic area and public restrooms. Historic buildings on the grounds give a glimpse of how early Colorado settlers lived.
Kayakers can launch near the pedestrian bridge, which also doubles as a prime fishing area during warmer weather months.
Mount Evans Wilderness
The Mount Evans Wilderness region, consisting of more than 74, 000 acres of federally protected land, sits over the ridge north of Bailey, Colorado. It includes numerous trails, which range in hiking difficulty.
Because I was so enamored with our vacation rental, I chose to explore an easy, wide trail near it that offered elevated views and glimpses of summer wildflowers.
PRO TIP: Download the AllTrails app to access details about nearly a dozen nature trails in the area.
SIP & SAVOR AROUND TOWN
For a town the size of Bailey, there are quite a few restaurants in town and the surrounding area.
Note: Most Bailey sit-down or take-out restaurants are closed Sunday through Wednesday during off-peak season (summer), so check the hours of each of the following locations.
Off the Rails
Off the Rails is known for serving coffee brewed in a specialty system that batch-brews coffee in a pour-over style, which is to say that it’s damn good.
Order a coffee and walk to the bonus room, where you can sip caffeine while playing a fast-paced video game. A television aired Bob Ross painting “happy little trees” while I was there.
Cutthroat Cafe
We wanted to eat lunch at Cutthroat Cafe because we traveled with our Golden Retriever, and the casual eatery is known for its dog-friendly patio.
The roadside diner serves homestyle breakfast, burgers, and dinner entrees like Chopped Sirloin Steak and Fish and Chips.
Although the hamburger patty needed more seasoning, the chicken tender sandwich served on a toasted bun with chips checked all the boxes.
PRO TIP: Ask about the menu especially created for dogs.
Southpark Coney Island
Southpark Coney Island is a historical landmark.
The hot dog-shaped building was built in 1966, moved from its original location in Denver, operated in Aspen Park, and now resides in Bailey.
The restaurant appeared in Season 25, Episode 3 of the animated show South Park, making it ever more popular.
They use Nathans® hot dogs, and when topped with classic ketchup and yellow mustard, they taste like the ballpark dog we all grew up eating.
Expect to eat your hot dog outdoors. The best picnic table location is near the river beyond the parking lot.
Craft Mountain Brewing
Within five minutes of arriving at Craft Mountain Brewing, we had a craft beer in our hands and were making fast friends with a couple traveling from New York.
Whether you choose to sip an ale inside the taproom or relax with friends on the covered patio, the brewery’s laid-back setting invites you to kick back and relax and listen to live music.
The kitchen serves barbecue sandwiches and burgers Thursday through Sunday from lunchtime until at least 7 p.m.
Knotty Pine
The Knotty Pine is much more than a place to order soft-serve ice cream, although it’s very tasty.
Part lunch counter, part retail store, the Knotty Pine is worth stopping at if you want to eat a sandwich for lunch and then shop for a Bailey coffee mug or Colorado souvenir.
If you don’t have time to sit at the lunch counter, order your meal or ice cream from the pick-up window.
BONUS PLACES TO EAT: Aspen Peak Cellars (tapas, flatbreads), The Shaggy Sheep (burgers, pizza, wine), and 2 Dads Eatery & Taproom (pizza, wings, sandwiches).
SHOP LIKE A LOCAL FOR TREASURES
The Chill Squirrel Trading Company
Candles, incense, candy, wind chimes, and children’s toys. The Chill Squirrel Trading Company is an eclectic gift shop that caters to shoppers seeking a whimsical gift of travel mementos.
PRO TIP: If you need to shop for groceries, walk next door to Rosalie’s Market for fresh produce and pantry staples.
Blossoming Boutique
I purchased the most beautiful greeting cards with nature scenes at the Blossoming Boutique. Shelves are stocked with hand-crafted makers’ products.
The owner is such a sweet lady, and her friendly dog is the best dog greeter.
MUSEUM MUST-HAVE STOP
Locals claim to have experienced Sasquatch sightings in Bailey, so it makes sense that a museum honoring the towering hairy creature is located in the center of town: The Sasquatch Outpost.
Visitors can pay to take a self-guided tour of the museum detailing Bigfoot lore, and if you’re short on time, the retail store offers plenty to appreciate.
PRO TIP: Walk through the replica cave to find the baby Sasquatch.
IF YOU HAVE EXTRA TIME
If this is what the scenery looks like in Bailey during the summer, can you imagine it during fall or winter?
I can’t stop thinking about Bailey and our overwhelmingly positive experience there.
If you’re seeking solitude punctuated by a bit of outdoor adventure at your pace, drive to this charming Colorado mountain town.
I recommend reserving lodging at 
Creating my custom candle was as easy as choosing a vessel, blending the chosen scent into melted coconut wax, and adding a clean-burning wick. Within hours, my candle was ready to pick up and enjoy.
The shop also sells beautiful, hand-crafted soaps that pair well with a candle to gift to someone.
Handbags, shoes, and a selection of charmed Kendra Scott® necklaces round out the clothing inventory from brands like Free People®, Risen®, and Thread and Supply®. Expect bold colors and plenty of Nebraska apparel.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss the clearance racks upstairs.
I had the pleasure of meeting the owner, who paused from a paint session to welcome me. Her seasonal door hangers are top sellers.
PRO TIP: The store is home to KTown Cakery, so be prepared to go home with a cheesecake, and they also serve a lunch menu from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
A journey into a back room that resembled an apothecary shop revealed an herbalist’s paradise with endless jars of medicinal herbs and CBD products.
If you’re used to shopping for vinyl records, you know that prices vary based on quality and release date. I appreciated that the store’s used records were affordably priced, ranging from $5 to $12.
The satellite store inside Crowne Plaza® Kearney appeals to a more mature shopper seeking a neutral color palette.
After sampling a couple of beers, I chose the Leatherhead Red Ale. The English-style beer delivered the maltiness and light caramel and toffee notes that I prefer.
A faith-based business, which is obvious given the names of beers like Glory Cloud and Holy Water. The atmosphere is laid-back. You’ll likely meet friendly locals at the bar.
The food menu features European-inspired appetizers like Scotch Eggs and Irish Nachos. Flatbread pizza, handhelds, and wings are common orders.
Monolithic Brewing’s Hazy Benevolent Sun was the perfect citrus-hoppy beer I wanted to mark the end of the summer season.
Known for their crepes and scratch-made breakfast menu, I chose the Kitt’s Classic Breakfast. The perfectly cooked eggs and bacon were satisfying, though the berry jam on my sourdough toast was more like juice than a spreadable topping.
If you choose a patio seat, check out the antique truck positioned outside, a homage to a cherished family member.
The sausage roll was flavorful, though surprisingly small for $4. Ask about their pastry selection; they also serve lunch.
Select from a menu featuring classic sandwich recipes and deli wraps. Each comes with a choice of side and a freshly baked cookie.
Set in a building dating back to 1890, diners can watch TV from almost anywhere, and a small indoor stage often hosts live music. Upstairs, the room has a more laid-back college vibe, and an outdoor courtyard offers an escape from the Game Day crowd.
Journal Bites, marinated steak bites, are as good as the hype. You could order a burger, sandwich, or steak, but the Strawberry Feta & Chicken Salad is hard to beat–even if it is served in a cast iron pan.
They prepare specialty pizzas with creatively chosen ingredients. The 10″ Alfredo Chicken Pizza, topped with spinach and fresh tomato, was delicious and offered plenty of food for a one-person lunch.
My server, Chanda, expertly reviewed the dinner menu with me, offering me advice when prompted about popular menu items like the Prime Rib and Palm Beach Mahi Mahi.
I ate every bite of the Grilled Salmon served with wild rice and sweet baby carrots before Chanda returned with a tray of house-made cakes to tempt me for dessert.
PRO TIP: Sit bar-side for Happy Hour between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., where the forest green booths and dark wood beams resemble an old European pub. Stained-glass skylights illuminate vinyl records that hang from the ceiling.
Indoor seating is limited, and there are only two tables outdoors, so expect to eat your ice cream on the go if the shop is busy.
And if you know me, I never miss a chance to celebrate the arts.
Visitors can take self-guided tours at no cost (donations welcome), perusing three floors of art galleries showcasing work done by artists who were born, lived, trained, or worked in Nebraska.
Lounge areas and a children’s room are bonuses. The retail store sells pottery, jewelry, apparel, and print works from Nebraska makers.
Impressed by the flowering planters and murals beautifying downtown, I complimented the town to a local who replied: “It’s a great place to live.”
I attended a performance by Joseph Hall, Elvis: Reflections Tribute Show. You would have never guessed the performance drew a modest crowd, given the high-energy show and the audience’s enthusiastic reception.
I suggest arriving at least 15 minutes before the show to admire the theatrical artifacts in the lobby lounge, including original movie scripts.
A retro-themed candy store sells sweet confections.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with Miles, the life-size sandhill crane bobblehead statue.
Upon entering the first room, lights flickered as rolling thunder over the Nebraska plains served as a backdrop to the pioneers’ story.
Onward, the history of the region unfolded until I stood near an early 20th-century touring car.
Perhaps the most fascinating part of the tour is realizing the museum is built directly over Interstate 80, and the view you can enjoy from the diner’s windows.
Artistic sculptures of flowers, butterflies, and birds are displayed throughout meticulously landscaped gardens. Native grass grows alongside flowering plants. Vibrant color emerges from the ground at every curve of the paved walkway.
Hungry? Grab something quick to eat at The Marketplace or settle in for Happy Hour followed by a Midwest-inspired dinner at 
Female travelers will appreciate 
Guest rooms are simple in design yet spacious. I took full advantage of the fully stocked coffee station and work desk each morning.
Road-trippers can enjoy free parking, though the hotel guest lot is a bit of a walk from the main entrance, since most of the prime spots are for restaurant guests.
I can’t say enough good things about 
Wichitans will tell you the city is large, but it feels like a small town. After a brief conversation with photographer Mickey Shannon, we learned that we are Wichita natives who share a love of Colorado.
It’s an excuse to mingle with friends with a handcrafted cocktail between bites of local fare. You can count on a lively atmosphere with live music, and organizers always gift guests a swag bag at the end of the night.
The county seat of Sumner County, Wellington, is an agriculture/railroad town of about 8,000 residents. The town was established in 1871. At a stop along the Chisholm Trail, cattlemen drove herds through town.
Railroads made it a bustling town in 1879, and you still hear the occasional train horn blow. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad passes through town, and the Union Pacific Railroad’s main lines run north-south. Another industry, aircraft parts manufacturing, also helped the town’s economy.
Fast forward to today, Wellington draws people to town for its walkable downtown district, outdoor recreation, and community events.
Brick, limestone, and artistic wood details make the historic buildings ‘ details awe-inspiring. A drive along Washington Avenue reveals a glimpse into the past.
Another can’t-miss architectural wonder,
Completed a few years later, Memorial Hall became an attractive downtown building, featuring stained-glass windows and wrought-iron staircase railings.
Outside, the historical tour continues with the Bronze Field Guns exhibit. The cannons were delivered upon the request of the Grand Army of the Republic James Post of Wellington in 1909. Delivered in 1915, they serve as a memorial.
The sound of falling water caught my attention. After walking to a concrete overlook, I spotted water dropping about 20 feet at the Slate Creek Dam Falls.
The park also features picnic and fishing areas, plus playground equipment for families to utilize.
Wellington Lake, consisting of 674 acres of water and 10 miles of shoreline, is the ideal place to destress and unwind..
Feel free to bring your dog if you walk them on a leash. Doggy bag stations are positioned around the park.
I discovered bakery trays of scones, brownies, and cinnamon rolls heaped with vanilla icing inside the glass case. I couldn’t resist ordering a scone with an iced latte from the Summer Drinks menu.
Muffin Top Bakery also serves lunch menu selections featuring salads, quiche, and sandwiches. If you’re visiting the bakery with kids, inquire about the Wild Sodas beverage menu.
Wood-paneled walls with framed photography of local happenings adorn the space. The smell of fresh-baked glazed donuts, bear claws, and long johns filled the air of the family-owned shop.
A flight of small-pour beers gave me a chance to sample four beers from a menu consisting of pale ales, IPAs, a sour, a hard seltzer, and a porter. I thought they were all drinkable, but the Galaxy Frontier Pale Ale was by far my preferred beer for its hop flavor that wasn’t overly pronounced.
The brewer/owner stayed busy behind the counter pressing hamburgers on the grill and preparing my Italian-inspired sandwich served with my choice of chips.
Regular customers watched horse racing and golf on TV while families tended to younger patrons and dined on sandwiches. If you go, Lauren and Amber will take good care of you.
Some of my happiest childhood memories after our softball team won a game were eating at Big Cheese Pizza, so I was eager to revisit the Wellington location.
The restaurant is a community favorite, often hosting groups in its party room. Vinyl banners of school teams honoring Lady Crusader Tennis and 4A State Girls Wrestling cover the walls. Kids love the toy crane machine.
At the concessions counter, a lava lamp sat upon a display housing autographed memorabilia from some of the best bowlers in the nation.
I tried something out of my comfort zone and sampled the highly recommended fresh pork rinds with pepper jack cheese and spinach queso, which I devoured. The rinds arrived at the table, crackling fresh from the fryer.
My server recommended saving room for dessert, and even though I was full, I couldn’t pass up caramel churros with vanilla ice cream, drizzled with honey and chocolate. 100% delicious.
PRO TIP: Visit on Thirsty Thursday for a 1/2-price margarita.
After the sun goes down, the music volume goes up, and it becomes a hangout for locals who want to play billiards while listening to a local DJ play current music.
I stopped in for a beer after already having eaten dinner elsewhere. The two-room, small bar was quickly filling up with locals on a Saturday evening.
Goff wants the mural’s vibrant colors to attract viewers who use it as an interactive backdrop to take selfies. The artist said she may not sign the mural because “it belongs to the town.”
Artist Majorie Hall Bicker painted a scene depicting moments in Wellington’s history around the corner from BeeHive Quilt Shop on 7th Street. Dedicated to the city in 2000, visiting the mural should be part of everyone’s visit to town.
Keep an eye out for ghost signs that appear on downtown buildings. The Jacob Engle Dry Goods sign at the corner of Washington Avenue and Lincoln Street was recently restored for Wellington’s 150th anniversary.
Edgar Oil Company, a local independent operator based in Wellington, is depicted in a mural on Broadway Avenue.
Another ghost sign peeking out above a downtown roofline is the old Harry’s Cafe mural. The restaurant was founded by Harry Clements and operated from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Murals are impressive in size, but it’s the tucked-away sculptures like the whimsical frog and a child reading a book that catch my attention at the Wellington Public Library.
Wellington’s newest art installation, co-created by Ursula Goff and Greg Flickinger, is located at Heritage Plaza on the former Antler’s Hotel Lot.
Follow the theatre’s 
I chatted with the co-owners who clearly share a passion for the sport and providing delicious meals and beverages for visiting bowlers.
Check the lanes’ seasonal hours and current specials, regularly posted on the 
One of 63 Carnegie libraries in Kansas, the Neo-Classical building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors without a library card can take advantage of available resources: exhibits, events, and workshops. I sat down and helped complete a puzzle.
Not all Carnegie libraries still serve as such, so a visit to the 
As a one-time competitive golfer, I appreciated the course’s well-maintained fairways and greens, which appeared in solid condition despite the summer heat.
Each tee box includes four options, including competitive tee markers. As a player’s course, you can expect to spend about four hours completing a round.
You don’t have to pay to use the Splash Pad accessible by the Candy Cane City playground nearby.
The extinct Ice Age elephant skull was found by Tim Kelly in 1992, and records show that the county’s first farmers found similar bones dating back to the 1870s.
The only museum in the nation that accepts all American glass companies, each case is organized by pattern. During my guided tour, we wandered from case to case, admiring the handiwork of glassblowers and creators.
I was mesmerized by the designs, especially with the glow-in-the-dark collection. Brightly colored bowls, muted colored vases, translucent plates, glass utensils – the list goes on.
The building itself is a historic treasure. Formerly known as Hatcher Hospital, the facility was operated by Dr. A. R. Hatcher and his staff, who treated patients using state-of-the-art equipment in pristine condition. The building was gifted to the Chisholm Trail Museum in 1965.
I was fascinated by the room designed to resemble a vintage soda fountain, complete with a vinyl booth, ice cream dishes, and the Let’s Sell Ice Cream book once used at the Chief Drug Soda Fountain until 1986.
You’re bound to stumble upon a curated item that speaks to you at the museum. Locals will appreciate the high school artifacts.
PRO TIP: If you’re interested in touring with a group or outside business hours, contact the museum directly or complete a 
At age 85, Perry enthusiastically leads guided tours of the museum, pointing out items he curated or was gifted, such as the two-sided depot bench and original Santa Fe merchandise featuring the company mascot, Chico.
It’s possible that Perry’s love for the railroad will rub off on you. Not only did I learn about railroad employees’ work, but I also had a better appreciation for the industry that helped develop so many Kansas towns, including Wellington.
PRO TIP: Take a photo with the 1903 AT&SF steam locomotive on display across the lawn from the museum at Sellers Park.
Having visited several quilt shops across Kansas, I was impressed by the staff’s knowledge of on-trend designs and how to teach others the techniques for every kind of quilt.
The staff is excellent at finding a toy or game that matches a child’s skill level and interests. If you’re seeking Lego® build kits or puzzles, Bee Creative Toys’ inventory has you covered.
PRO TIP: Follow the store on 
Whether you’re interested in a custom-made ring or shopping for a bracelet, ring, or necklace from designers like ASHI® or Ostbye®, you’ll find what you’re seeking at the downtown fine jewelry store.
From small collections to individual pieces, glassware of every hue and shape rests amongst antique clocks, lamps, and candle holders with fancy patterns.
Interestingly, I discovered a second room stocked with jeans, shirts, and hats leftover from the now-closed Frazer’s Menswear. Inventory includes trusted brands like Levis®, Wrangler®, and Pendleton®.
PRO TIP: View the store’s 
The two-story shop carries a variety of gently used items, ranging from antique home accents to books. The store is divided by vendor spaces, so it’s not uncommon to also find handcrafted jewelry for sale next to retro drinkware.
The employees behind the counter sat quietly while shoppers like me perused the displays.
Although there is less inventory upstairs, it’s worth checking out.
A local resident told me they carried jarred, gourmet food, and although they didn’t have Kansas-produced honey, I did find jarred pickles, relish, dip mixes, and old-fashioned soda pop sold by the bottle.
The center aisle displays are home to gift-worthy items like 500-count puzzles, kids’ toys, and packaged candy.
Friendly employees inquired if I needed any assistance, proving that the local lumber shop is more than just a place to buy home-building supplies.
Dropping my bags at the door, I toured the second-story apartment, discovering an open-kitchen concept, a one-bedroom space with a king-size bed, and a spacious bathroom with a rain shower and a soaking tub.
The kitchen and bathroom’s skylights flooded the space with diffused sunlight.
After a day of exploring Wellington on a hot summer day, I just happened to run into the owners in the courtyard, where we chatted about the town and why they love it.
In the morning, I sat at the kitchen’s island sipping freshly brewed coffee between bites of homemade quiche and scones prepared by the owners’ daughter. To say that I felt pampered is an understatement.
Plan to stay awhile? Campers have access to laundry facilities and you can purchase firewood and propane on site. Review the 
The festival was on my bucket list for years. Finally, I was able to attend and it lived up to the hype.
People placed lawn chairs along the parade route to eat food truck burgers awaiting the biplane flyover. An evening of live music concluded full days of activities, ranging from sidewalk chalk contests for the kids to the Antique Rod & Custom Car Show.
In fact, there are so many action-packed activities taking place each festival day, it’s best to carry the official schedule of events with you.
In true Kansas fashion, vendors taught festival attendees about agricultural practices like threshing wheat and milking cows, giving the festival a state fair quality.
Wellington is a wonderful place to explore top attractions in south-central Kansas. A 36-minute drive from Wichita, it’s the ideal day trip or overnight stay when combined with a full itinerary, including a community event.
If you love a road trip within driving distance of Wichita, I encourage you to check out 
The city is the ideal blend of urban attractions, a thriving art scene, and outdoor recreation. You can wake up at a luxury hotel, take a guided historic tour, and sip award-winning 
Use this comprehensive guide to plan your Winston-Salem getaway, a memorable vacation spent amongst locals who exude “twice as nice” Southern hospitality. Although the metro area is home to about 550,000 residents, it feels like a smaller town with big city amenities.
The interior’s metal finishes and Art Deco styling meld seamlessly with a color palette of dark hues with pops of vibrant color. Rentable bikes, an ornamental sailboat on display in the lobby, and nautical oars on the walls embrace a lifestyle of active exploration.
After dropping our luggage in our guest room, we lingered over craft cocktails and an exquisitely prepared dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, 
We appreciated how quiet and secluded our room felt despite the hotel’s full capacity. Our leisurely mornings began with complimentary coffee from soft duvet-covered bedding, before embarking on a full day of activities.
Our weekend getaway at the hotel felt like a continuous date night, with complimentary Happy Hour drinks and game-on competition in the 
For us, Kimpton Cardinal was the ultimate luxury hotel experience and the each employee we met went above and beyond to make sure we experience da comfortable, memorable stay.
BONUS: Kimpton Cardinal welcomes 
The restaurant is known for its Huevos Rancheros and Hot Honey Chicken, but we leaned into our cravings for the Eggs Benedict served with Virginia Ham and sweet tater tots, which impressed.
The service was prompt and friendly, and the value for the quality of the meals won us over. Seeking an early-morning meal with a boozy coffee or mimosa? 
We beat the morning rush, ordering two biscuit sandwiches: a Bluebird and a Hangover Helper, each served with brined and fried chicken. Every savory bite left us craving more.
And the coffee? It was downright perfect. But if you crave a boozy beverage, the bar is poised to prepare an Irish Coffee or Espresso Martini to your liking.
You’ll feel like a kid again, selecting your cake doughnut flavor and icing. No doubt, my warm chocolate doughnut (ready within minutes of my order!) was divine, but the savory scone was scrumptious.
When you arrive, ask to see the seasonal drink menu, or trust that any coffee or tea will satisfy.
You can order doughnuts individually, by half, or by a full dozen.
You can expect to find French-inspired pastries available to select from well after the morning hours. Ask about their breads and baguette sandwiches.
I sipped a Red Oak Bavarian Amber Lager from a can in between bites of a toasted reuben sandwich and potato salad. The patio was filled with senior adults chatting about their day as a musician set up his gear.
Our table ordered the Spicy Crawfish Eggrolls, which arrived freshly rolled, hot, and crispy. Although I didn’t taste a seafood flavor, I enjoyed them for the crunchy exterior and shredded vegetables inside. The Pimento Cheese served with flatbread and pepper jelly was a table favorite.
I can attest that the kitchen knows how to prepare an excellent sandwich. The Fried Green Tomato BLT, stacked and slathered with pimento cheese spread, arrived with my choice of side dish, roasted Brussel sprouts.
Most locals recommended Mozelle’s to us and suggested ordering the restaurant’s famous Tomato Pie. The kitchen sources as many of its ingredients as possible from local farms, brewers, wineries, and creameries.
We ordered the Southern Spring Rolls served with sesame ginger dipping sauce as a pre-lunch appetizer, which I was delightfully surprised to see on the menu.
The Seafood Cream Pesto Pasta lunch special was a hearty portion with small chunks of salmon and scallops, both equally delectable.
We ordered the escargot as a prelude to a smoked pork chop with grits and braised beef short rib served in a red wine sauce. To say the least, the well-plated meal was one of the best-tasting we’ve had during all our travels.
I couldn’t resist ordering the Trinity Tray, a sampling of queso, guac, and salsa with chips for a shareable appetizer over conversation.
PRO TIP: Follow the restaurant’s 
We sat at the pizza counter quietly awaiting Chef Peyton’s welcome to the Pizzakase tasting experience, which gave us a front-row view of the kitchen where he hand-stretched dough. He asked us, “What are you interested in eating tonight?” Our reply, “Chef, we’re leaving it up to you.”
We chatted with Chef Peyton about his college soccer-playing career and his travels. He told us he travels to Italy more than once a year, as he explained the technique for preparing double-fermented dough.
For me, the best-tasting of the two pizzas served was the Neapolitan-style fried pizza dough that puffs up into a golden crust and is topped with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
After our server informed us about the evening’s singular dinner special, we chose the Tuna Tuna, an appetizing starter of tuna served two ways over Asian Slaw. Sitting amongst two other couples in the tucked-away room, the setting felt intimate, and we quietly chatted over the backdrop of jazz music.
My Cab Filet Mignon arrived beautifully plated and cooked to my liking, served on a bed of creamy horseradish with mushrooms, spinach, goat cheese, and gnocchi.
After a rich-tasting meal, I wanted a dessert that included fruit but appealed to my craving for a Southern-inspired dessert. The server recommended the Peach and Blueberry Cobbler, which didn’t resemble the biscuit-style classic dish, but it was served warm with vanilla ice cream, and the cake-like dessert satisfied.
After waiting quite a while for the server to bring the requested check, we paid for the meal and explored the restaurant’s patio, which featured landscaping, a bubbling fountain, and enclosed dining areas.
Imagine a speakeasy setting for only a few guests in a curtained-off, dimly lit room where guests are encouraged to let a roll of the dice determine their cocktail order.
Upon return, it was our task to sip, savor, and guess which spirits were used to create each concoction. Surprisingly, most of my guesses proved correct.
PRO TIP: Check their 
A sprinkling of rain began to fall, but we didn’t acknowledge it while sipping small-batch craft beers in good company.
Some of the beers are poured directly from the tanks, while others are kegged and poured from draft lines. It’s this authenticity of the craft and attention to detail that make their beer top-quality, and yes, they do pour non-boozy drinks as well.
The owners, JW and Kristen Ray, began their winemaking journey with 
I can vouch for Bistro Europa’s excellent cuisine, which earned it a prestigious Diner’s Choice Award by OpenTable.
Paired with the Cabernet Franc and the Vidal Blanc, the dining experience was exceptional, topped only by the personable waitstaff.
Online 
The rustic Old-World style is evident in defined by rocks walls and dark wood beams. Inside, visitors discover a massive tasting facility complete with a restaurant,
PRO TIP: Reserve 
We walked the grounds with a volunteer guide, pausing to learn about specific species of 
Some of the Greater Gardens are color-themed, as Katharine wished, while other sections are dedicated to growing a variety of plants, herbs, and produce, with yields up to 2,500 pounds donated to the non-profit organization, H.O.P.E., to fight food scarcity.
Following the breathtaking pathways, we discovered original buildings that the Reynolds children used as playhouses. One can explore more than two miles of trails, many of which are paved pathways through thick woodland, which opens up to a meadow.
NOTE: Casual photo-taking is approved, but formal photography sessions need to be scheduled.
PRO TIP: Visit during the morning hours during cooler weather. Start the tour in the 
While you can tour it at your own pace, we chose a docent-guided tour that welcomed us to experience the exhibit, “Layered Looking: Making Sense of Art,” freely and without overinterpretation.
It’s an architectural wonder. Constructed in 1878, it was crafted by interior designer Jule Gilmer Körner as a showcase of his design work, but it doubled as his family’s residence.
Narrow doorways open to reception rooms, and the Cupid’s Park Theatre is awe-inspiring, as it is believed to be the first private little theatre in America.
Other points of interest that stopped us in our tracks were the porches with marble picnic tables and a separate home, Aunt Dealy’s Cottage, where an enslaved woman, Clara, lived with the family.
About 40 costumed interpreters demonstrating their craft, from making earthenware to cooking a meal over an open fire, welcomed us to learn about Moravian culture as we entered each building.
At the Miksch House, a woman gave an oral history of the first family home in Salem. An interpreter told us the history of the sole medical doctor’s practice and how the garden’s herbs were used in tonics.
Our two-hour tour was comprehensive, covering the history of the Moravian community and its people.
You could spend all day at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. I’d love to return to explore the 
Our guide led us through downtown streets, stopping to tell us about the town’s historic buildings and parks.
Triad Eco Adventures offers 
Lake lovers can rent Jon boats or kayaks, or drop a line from the marina’s Fishing Station.
Despite our fear of heights, we made it to the edge of the overlook and were rewarded with a spectacular view.
You can drive directly up to the parking, and the viewing platforms are paved.
I grew up visiting the region, and my first visit to Larned confirmed that it’s a town deserving of an overnight stay to experience all it offers, from historical tours and outdoor adventures to strolling downtown businesses.
I recommend visiting midweek, when most shops and restaurants on Broadway Street are open.
They have a variety of specialty coffee and tea drinks, and I recommend asking to view the seasonal menu. I sipped a Queen Bee Latté between bites of a fresh-from-the-oven banana nut muffin.
Also known for serving Italian Cream Soda and Dirty Sodas, the shop will appeal to customers with a sweet tooth, offering drinks made with flavored syrups such as Cotton Candy Dream and Cocoa Caramel Kiss.
The 13-seat diner smelled of freshly cooked bacon as the morning sun made the vinyl-covered, cherry- red stools sparkle. A television played the news while I awaited a heaping plate of the day’s special: French Toast with eggs and bacon.
I ate every bite, watching as Larned residents came and went with pick-up orders in hand. The owners greeted each child by name and asked about their summer plans.
After a morning of exploring, I devoured a well-seasoned bacon cheeseburger and a side of hot onion rings.
The staff serves beer and cocktails from a full bar, with additional seating near the cash register.
A bell rang, alerting my server to deliver my order: a combination plate featuring a freshly prepared chile relleño and a beef taco with guacamole salad, both from the Luncheon menu. Their salsa is some of the best I’ve tasted while road-tripping through Kansas.
The restaurant serves lunch and dinner specialty entrees you’d expect, plus a rotating selection of bar drink specials, such as margaritas and Mexican beer.
You’ll also find 11 different burger options, steaks, shrimp, or fish with fries, as well as wraps, salads, and protein-packed sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak on the menu. Families are welcome at the bar and grill. The kids’ menu features seven meals.
An added touch of salt made my chicken-fried steak dinner better between sips of iced tea. I’m glad I ordered the “small” plate, which was plenty of food for one. My only regret is not planning ahead to enjoy the cheesecake egg rolls.
The 
Other areas of the park include a beloved duck pond, basketball and tennis courts, a water fountain, a playground, and picnic spots with grills.
Park at the gravel lot and then use the paved sidewalk to navigate to the shoreline or extended fishing dock.
Fancy a game of tennis? Bring your equipment to play at the courts before pausing for a hydration break on a tree-shaded bench.
The rusted, twisted piece of steel curved toward the sun. An original piece of the World Trade Center in New York, a relic of the 9-11 tragedy, it is a portion of the perimeter column located between the 34th and 35th floors of the No. 2 building.
PRO TIP: Look under the jagged metal at its base, which includes iron legs scaled to resemble the twin towers.
As a former high school golfer, I can attest that the fairways and greens were in top condition, given the hot summer temperatures. Golf carts meandered across the course as a men’s league wrapped up its play.
Before the railroad connected the West, wagon trains traveled the Santa Fe Trail carrying goods, dreams, and determination across the prairie.
For the most part, the Plains Indians respected the trail’s commerce. However, Kiowa Indians pounced upon Fort Larned on July 17, 1864, stealing over 170 horses and mules, thus creating a reason to escort wagon trains westward thereafter.
The best way to explore the fort is to arrange a 45-minute guided tour with a park ranger in advance, starting at the visitor center.
The park ranger’s key unlocked access to the men’s barracks, where 68 soldiers slept in iron beds (two men to a bed) in 1871. The smell of the original wood floors, foot lockers, and vintage wool jackets permeated the summer-warm air.
The soldiers’ humble living quarters stood in stark contrast to the officers’ spacious homes, decorated with hand-hewn furniture, rugs, and tables adorned with china and silverware.
The idea of working as a woman tasked with doing the soldiers’ laundry or tending the fort’s garden in the harsh Kansas heat and cold winters gave me pause.
To experience the fort in all of its glory with reenactors in costume giving demonstrations, attend one of the living history events during Memorial Day Weekend (May), Labor Day Weekend, Buffalo Soldier Fourth of July, Candlelight Tours (2nd Saturday in October), and Christmas Past (2nd Saturday in December).
ACCESSIBILITY: While much of the site is wheelchair-accessible over grass or a level, sandy trail, there are required steps to access buildings.
Indian artifacts, trade goods, and historic photos bring the trail era, dating back to 1821, to life.
Replica period rooms are designed to help museum-goers visualize what it was like to live in a middle-class home in the 1900s.
But my favorite part of the museum experience awaited me outdoors, where I took a self-guided tour of the historic Escue Chapel, the first church built by African American residents in the community.
Other outdoor buildings, like the dug-out house and sod house, represent how early pioneer settlers lived on the Kansas plains.
PRO TIP: The research library is free and open to the public, and if you’re interested in local genealogy, ask about access to the archives.
I didn’t see any original wagon ruts nearby, but I did stop to pay my respects at several Civil War graves.
Park at the gravel parking lot and follow the paved sidewalks to the interpretive signs that tell Pike’s story. Take note of the small mock gravestones honoring Private Robert Easley and Private Arthur Hughes, who perished in the area during the 1840s.
I was pleasantly surprised to find racks of colorful, fashionable blouses and jeans priced at $3 to $10.
Need a gift for a baby shower or a housewarming party? Shop the retail space for the ideal gift for someone, with country music playing in the background.
Owned and operated by two sisters, Scraps is a catch-all stop where you can purchase a grab-and-go meal or linger a while over coffee with friends from a comfortable couch.
Whatever you need, you’ll find it at Scraps. And should you require wedding supply services, the owners handle it all: catering, cakes, flowers, and tux rentals.
I’ve shopped plenty of antique stores, and this one is an experience. Located in the oldest church in town, dating back to 1897, Old Church Antiques showcases the collections of 18 vendors.
Walk downstairs to the lower level to purchase homemade baked goods from 
One visit to Old Church Antiques and Blessings Bakery won’t suffice. The store’s inventory and the bakery’s specials are updated frequently, so plan a return trip.
The store is a mainstay for the community, having recently celebrated 20 years of providing fresh floral arrangements, houseplants, gifts, body products, and candy.
Women will appreciate the keychains, dish towels, and coffee mugs with imprinted phrasing that speaks to them. Many of the home accents are floral-themed, making it a one-stop shop for the gardener in your life who deserves a gift.
Within minutes of my arrival, Dody took me under her wing, showing me interesting treasures, which included the store’s vast collection of framed artwork and prints.
PRO TIP: Walk into the store’s back room to explore shelves of out-of-print, national publications, from magazines to newspapers.
Located in its current spot since 1952, the store occupies 25,000 square feet of retail space, offering exactly what you need and want for your home.
In awe, I told the owner that I wished I had shopped for our furniture at her store rather than making multiple trips to various Wichita furniture stores to redesign our living room.
I adored the store’s selection of classic separates and in-season fashions, and I tried on a cute, floral dress. The store’s inventory ranges in sizes from small to extra large and appeals to most age groups.
Dress It Up makes it easy to pull together pieces to create new outfits, adding jewelry and shoes to complete the look. Tessa has her finger on the pulse of the latest fashions and hand-curates pieces for the shop.
Ready to repaint the interior of your home? The staff at the Paint Shop can personalize your purchase to your DIY needs.
What makes shopping at Doerr’s Ace Hardware even better? They fundraise for community causes. That’s why I love a locally-owned hardware store.
I was pleasantly surprised to find on-trend apparel at a price point most women ages 30 to 70 can afford.
PRO TIP: Watch Crossroots Boutique’s 
Installed in 2016, the towering, life-size figure with impressive details was made in Los Angeles by Bronzeman using the lost-wax process. A plaque reads, “For the Love of the Game,” in memory of Michael Bartz.
Die-hard mural seekers will want to keep their eyes peeled for murals adorning buildings at Larned’s city parks as well, like the one pictured below at Doerr Vernon Splash Pad and Park.
Library staff member encouraged me to use the complimentary high-speed WiFi and to explore the book shelves. During my Kansas Room work session, a second employee checked on me, proving that Larned residents truly are some of the nicest folks.
View the theatre’s Facebook page to review 
If you love discovering places where history comes alive and pausing to shop and dine at local businesses, add 
