After my debacle of American Airlinestravel to Missouri, I was back to the constant air bus rotation of which one sucks less now and I landed on Southwest Airlines. Good ‘ol Southwest was my go-to back in the day but I strayed and got burned like cheaters always do. So I came crawling back and was pleasantly surprised they offer nonstop flights to Wichita, Kansas – from Phoenix only a couple hours in the air. This time my mom was invited to join me as my road trip buddy and see firsthand that indeed, press trips are NOT free vacations, just a lot of non-stop work. The seats are still first come, first serve so we didn’t fly together on the way there as I checked in last minute online. The key is to check in straight away at exactly 24 hours beforehand so you get in the A or B (first and second) boarding groups. The flight there was packed like sardines and fortunately, tiny 5-foot-tall mom was squeezed between two nice Midwestern young men. I lucked out with an aisle seat as I’m always over hydrated and running to the restroom. Once we landed, it was smooth sailing to get our (free) checked luggage (what a concept) and a short walk to pick up the car.
I explained to the Avis car rental desk clerk that our itinerary read “country roads” occasionally and since we all didn’t know what that meant exactly, he upgraded us to a Kia Soul – you know like the one with the hamsters driving it in the TV commercials. It seemed fitting and funny somehow. I was running on adrenaline after getting my energy back from deviated septum surgery so had some driving time in me still and it was still two hours earlier for us. So we drove to Salina, Kansas in the pitch black night so we would be closer to the first stop on the trip and less drive time in the morning.
Since it was dark driving there, it was rad to see all the green fields and blue skies in the morning. The wind was wicked and you could hear it howling through the night and into the next day.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Salina was a great hotel with a hot buffet breakfast and good coffee! Highly recommend it on a road trip.Our ride for the week, a Kai Soul 2023 from Avis that liked to keep telling me to stop and take a break every 10 minutes and my tire pressure was off (it wasn’t).We made a quick pitstop to Wilson Lake in Kansas.We stopped at the kiosk but no one was around, grabbed some pamphlets and drove down a gravel road to get closer to the water at Wilson Lake.The wind literally shut the door on my ear it was so strong here!But beyond the dam as a sort of wind blocker, there’s a whole world of things to do at Wilson Lake including wildlife management and recreation. Several parks are located along its shoreline, including Wilson State Park where you can stay and play.From there we zoomed over to Lucas, Kansas which you obviously can’t miss this sign.
Have you ever seen a dead body mummified? Me neither until last week at The Garden of Eden in Lucas, Kansas at the oldest intact folk art environment in the United States. The garden was created by Samuel Perry Dinsmoor, 1843-1932, who was a Civil War veteran, a teacher, sculptor and landscape artist in Lucas. He created “The Garden of Eden” on his property in Lucas and constructed over 200 concrete sculptures there which depict his views about Populism and religion. He also preserved himself in a mummy style coffin case with viewing window for future generations to see and all video and photography are strictly forbidden. So you have to visit yourself to see his ashen face, a memory I will never forget!
This structure certainly stuck out like a sore thumb in Lucas, Kansas.Weirdness made out of concrete everywhere at The Garden of Eden.Visionaries are always considered eccentric at The Garden of Eden.The top of a structure at The Garden of Eden.So many random buildings at The Garden of Eden.A pyramid garden because why not at The Garden of Eden.Then we ran through the main house at The Garden of Eden.I love antique velvet couches at The Garden of Eden.A bone chair is pretty dope at The Garden of Eden.A tiny kitchen inside The Garden of Eden.
The dining table at The Garden of Eden.Down the tiny stairs we go in The Garden of Eden.Slightly obsessed with claw foot anything at The Garden of Eden.Antique record player worth a pretty penny in The Garden of Eden.Someday I will have this velvet lounge chair in The Garden of Eden.Also obsessed with the metal bed frames at The Garden of Eden.I’ll take both at The Garden of Eden.Then the front desk lady asked if I want to see the owner embalmed at The Garden of Eden. No photos or videos allowed and people get fired all the time for it.Picture this man except like the crumbling Crypt Keeper in The Garden of Eden. Samuel Perry Dinsmoor was born on March 8, 1843, in Ohio and was way ahead of his time with unique folk art attraction starring Biblical & political sculptures.As we said goodbye to this weird place, looking back I think it was my favorite.
Located in the same town right down the only main street, it was off to America’s most artistic giant toilet at Bowl Plaza in Lucas, Kansas! What a weird way to go to the loo, we swung by and were laughing at the huge concrete toilet paper, mosaic and toy covered walls in the mens and women’s restroom and just sheer oddness of it all. The concept was the town needed a handicapped and wheelchair accessible john so the artists in town teamed up to make it a roadside attraction and experience. You certainly won’t get bored in that bathroom!
I had no idea what to expect at Bowl Plaza in Lucas, Kansas.Certainly not a giant concrete toilet paper roll!Notice it is shaped like a giant toilet at Bowl Plaza?Walking inside, it is air conditioned and these guys are sitting on a high ledge in Bowl Plaza.A whole wall of illuminated bottles sits behind the ladies room door at Bowl Plaza.In the ladies room at Bowl Plaza.In the mens room at Bowl Plaza.Full frontal view of the ladies in Bowl Plaza.And the side wall in Bowl Plaza.More moziac artwork at Bowl Plaza.And the big ol’ TP roll at Bowl Plaza. Luckily no one stole it during Covid!Then I popped my head into Brant’s Market real fast.Looking down the street from Brant’s Market, it’s a tiny town.But tiny towns produce the best and freshest meats at Brant’s Market.Would you like some fresh made bologna at Brant’s Market? It’s a central Pennsylvania classic snack too.
I found Waldo at a park in the tiny town of Waldo, Kansas! Waldo is a city in Waldo Township, Russell County, Kansas and as of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 30. So now we know he likes to escape to tiny towns where no one can find him! Just one of the many quirky stops available on our Northwest Kansas road trip. Make sure to visit Instagram @explorewithcassie and @cassiehepler TikTok to see more!
Where’s Waldo? He’s in Waldo, Kansas.
All that looking at delicious meat made me hungry so soon it was time to enjoy a cheeseburger in Paradise, Kansas! I’m not a huge Jimmy Buffet fan but I do love me some fresh, real beef burgers and french fries with a Coke. Classic Americana!
But first let’s enjoy this hilarious Halloween bale of hay.The tower in Paradise, Kansas.Cassie Hepler eating a cheeseburger in Paradise, Kansas.
Dorothy returned to Kansas to visit the 15-foot-tall metal twister! Made by Tobias Flores and Danielle Robinson, faculty members at Fort Hays State University, it was dedicated on the 100th anniversary of the third tornado, which killed one-tenth of the town’s population of 100 people. The cyclone sculpture memorializes tornadoes that hit the town of Codell three straight years on May 20: 1916, 1917, and 1918. This odd timing event is in Ripley’s Believe it or Not!
This Metal twister sculpture commemorates the tornadoes that wouldn’t quit tearing up the town of Codell, Kansas.You can see the mass destruction this natural disaster had in Codell, Kansas during just one round.Next we headed over to explore Palmer Hargrave Lighting in Plainville, Kansas.Handcrafted, made to order lighting for 75 years at Palmer Hargrave Lighting.Co-owners Chris and Kelli Hansen bought the lighting company and added high standards of quality and design set by the company’s original founder.This is the kind of lampshade I would like at Palmer Hargrave Lighting but its just for spooky fun.Pieces of brass cuttings from all the many worldwide designs Palmer Hargrave Lighting creates.A custom, hand blown bulb awaits its legs for a lamp at Palmer Hargrave Lighting.Next up we swung by Rooks County Health Center that is built to look like a barn.Landscape photography artwork lines the walls inside Rooks County Health Center.And they were having a pumpkin decorating contest which I suddenly wanted to join at Rooks County Health Center.This candy corn pufferfish legit made me giggle at Rooks County Health Center. One of the two above better have won the contest!A quick peak at the Barn Quilt Wall in Stockton, Kansas before getting back on the road again.When you say Barn Quilt Wall in Pennsylvania, that means quilts that you put on your bed that grandma made. This was paint on wood and a whole new world of quilt patterns to us.A little peak at fall in the park in Stockton, Kansas before back in the car!Our next stop was in Phillipsburg, Kansas where we met one of the tourism members at Hometown Grounds.A view outside the coffee shop at Phillipsburg, Kansas.Caffeine was the fuel that kept me going and driving at Phillipsburg, Kansas!Chocolate and coffee are two of my favorites on a warm sunny day in Phillipsburg, Kansas.Women power with this hometown doctor in Phillipsburg, Kansas!The barn quilts are auctioned off through the city of Phillipsburg, Kansas and sprinkled around town to display.This dope concept of Oz Brewing didn’t flourish in Phillipsburg, Kansas and sadly closed. Anyone want to buy a brewery?The building where the brewery is in Phillipsburg, Kansas.This vintage style theatre sounded very interesting, if only I had a clone and time machine to see and do all the things!The courthouse with all the markets in the summertime in Phillipsburg, Kansas.Probably my favorite barn quilt in Phillipsburg, Kansas.During the summer festival, they painted sunflowers on the road in Phillipsburg, Kansas a bit faded here but still pretty.
The next stop was something I never thought I would see or experience in my lifetime but literally that’s the point of exploring! Check out the tiniest railroad system at C&R Railroad Museum that includes tiny people, over 57′ mountain range, 1,200′ of track, 94 engines, 170 cars and 34 cabooses. This intricate system has a complex switch system that as you can imagine could potentially cause chaos just like in real life! From mastermind local photographer Bill Clarke who built the C & R Railroad, the C in name comes from his last name and the R is for his wife maiden name Loretta Anna Reiss. The adjacent room houses the Clarke Studio Museum full of every type of photography equipment available as well as a treasure trove of old photographs. Put a conductors hat on and operate the train yourself!
The tiniest town you may ever see at C&R Railroad Museum!Such an amazing display of pure imagination at C&R Railroad Museum.And think of all the planning that went into this at C&R Railroad Museum.And more cabooses in storage if needed at C&R Railroad Museum.The view from behind the controls at C&R Railroad Museum.The map to know how to control the tiny trains and other fun features takes two people at C&R Railroad Museum.
The man behind the master plan in full uniform at C&R Railroad Museum.You could spend days playing here at C&R Railroad Museum.Even the non-moving parts had movement at C&R Railroad Museum!Choo choo coming through at C&R Railroad Museum.Every tiny town needs an amusement park at C&R Railroad Museum.Just sheer imagination and talent at C&R Railroad Museum.He was also an amazing photographer with an array of vintage photos captured those 60s and 80s hairstyles forever – and some antiques too.
For dinner, most places were closed on a Monday so ironically we had Mexican food, which is everywhere in Phoenix so you know I was going to be a food critic about it.
Located right downtown, it was pretty packed at El A De Oros.Fajitas came out sizzling and tasty at El A De Oros. Certainly worth a visit if you’re craving Mexican food!
That evening we stayed at the Rodeway Inn & Suites in Phillipsburg, Kansas with all the truckers which was not my favorite place but honestly there’s not much hotel lodging in the area. There are however some pretty rad Airbnb options like farm cabins and guesthouses that I would look into for a more authentic stay experience. The next morning we were up and at ’em before the sun for breakfast and then back on the road again! The hotel did offer included breakfast but it looked questionable.
The sun started to peek up at Farmhouse Kitchen & Katering. It’s certainly a local favorite and we can see why.I got the big breakfast with all the sides that morning, fueling my tank for another long exploring day at Farmhouse Kitchen & Katering. It hit the spot with fresh ingredients.
Soon it was back on the road to behold the majestic St. Joseph Catholic Church in Damar, Kansas with population of around 112! It was built in 1912, added to the National Register in 2005 and underwent a restoration project, completed in 2007 that included faux marble but you wouldn’t know unless I told you. It was designed in the Romanesque Revival architectural style and the doors are always open to the public, crazy to think about that option in larger cities. And best yet there is an Amen app available to download, I guess churches are also getting hip, eh? Blessed be!
St Joseph Catholic Church is so majestic and the doors are always open in Damar, Kansas. You can see my mom in blue for scale.Stepping inside St Joseph Catholic Church.Beautiful stained glass at St Joseph Catholic Church.The altar at St Joseph Catholic Church.Because the church needs an app too!Imagine this in your home at St Joseph Catholic Church.Quite impressive architecture at St Joseph Catholic Church.Faux marble columns at St Joseph Catholic Church saved some money.Such beautiful paintings at St Joseph Catholic Church.
Up next was the whirlwind that was exploring Nicodemus and Hill City, Kansas! Nicodemus is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River with a whopping 17 residents while Hill City is the county seat of Graham County and as of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 1,403. Certainly some small places with big personalities and flavors we enjoyed as well as local gems like Average Joe’s, 2C Farmstore, Goddard Place, Jack Creek Pumpkin Patch, Graham County Art Museum, a huge gift basket and more.
Historic Nicodemus was established in 1877 and became a National Park Site in 1996 under President Bill Clinton. The Kansas Black Farmers Association (KBFA) is headquartered there and also hosts educational camps for kids in the summer. Historian Angela Bates gave us a great tour in cousin Karla’s red truck which was a nice break from driving for me … yee-haw!
Formerly enslaved African Americans left Kentucky at the end of the of post-Civil War Reconstruction period to experience freedom in the “Promised Land” of Kansas. Nicodemus represents the involvement of African Americans in the westward expansion and settlement of the Great Plains. It is the oldest and only remaining Black settlement west of the Mississippi River. We met our amazing tour guide Karla here and jumped into her truck for a day full of adventure.
A Black church in Nicodemus, Kansas.We learned these silhouettes are everywhere in Northwest Kansas along the highways in Nicodemus.The history trail which would have been a nice hike if we had the time in Nicodemus.A farm scene in Nicodemus, Kansas.The history of this tiny town is amazing in Nicodemus. The unfortunate part is the government stole land from the residents in true systematic racism fashion. Now they are offering residents money back but not the land… after they jump through paperwork hoops and red tape.Fortunately the residents have kept the land they do own in the family as much as possible in Nicodemus where farming reigns supreme. Rain clouds loom overhead, letting us know winter is coming soon.Flour is a primary crop in this tiny town as this silhouette portrays in Nicodemus.We popped by this cool concept store in Hill City, Kansas called 2c Farmstore where you can grab, pay and go.Grad your favorite food from the counter, fridge or freezer, self pay and leave by the honor system in Hill City, Kansas.This delicious box of gifted sweets came in clutch during our road trip! My fave was the tiny cake, moms was literally everything else.We were supposed to have the best BBQ in town however it wasn’t done cooking so we headed to Average Joes in Hill City, Kansas.The food we gobbled down was fresh, twice fried and tasty at Average Joes in Hill City, Kansas and leftovers boxed up and ready to go.And much to my surprise, a quick stop at the local park for some promo pictures of me receiving this beautiful, bountiful basket in Hill City, Kansas. The long sleeve t-shirts were so needed toward the end of the trip when temps dropped!Soon we were driving into the trees to visit the Goddard Place, a safe space for addressing the needs of at-risk youth and families through traditional therapies and lessons in life skills, responsibility and work ethic.Goddard Place is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that addresses the needs of youth and families with a house attached and all these acres.A fire pit space for all ages to fit and relax at Goddard Place.Soon we jumped into a tiny cart to check out the walking paths at Goddard Place.A trickling stream comes from off these rocks and makes a nice fairytale land for children and adults alike at Goddard Place with a fun draw bridge.This space will continue to make more room for all children at Goddard Place like plans for this shed soon.We then zipped over to Jack Creek Pumpkin Patch, a working farm that was in peak autumn vibes season before Halloween.Better known as Jack Creek Salvage, we had some onlookers.The barn available for rentals, weddings, events and more at Jack Creek Salvage.Very farm vibes at Jack Creek Salvage.Pumpkins for all at Jack Creek Salvage.Inside the barn at Jack Creek Salvage.Plenty of space for whatever you can dream up at Jack Creek Salvage.I love me a funny setup at Jack Creek Salvage.Watch out for roosters at Jack Creek Salvage!Any funny chickens at Jack Creek Salvage.A pumpkin head farmer at Jack Creek Salvage cracked me up.Follow the black cat to Halloween at Jack Creek Salvage.The maze almost open as night falls at Jack Creek Salvage. Seasonal displays and events are their bread and butter besides the farm.A huge trampoline pumpkin ready to inflate which could be tons of fun at Jack Creek Salvage.The very kind owners at Jack Creek Salvage pose for a photo.We zoomed back to Hill City, Kansas to speed tour our last stop there, Graham County Auto and Arts Museum.Graham County Auto & Art Museum is located at the intersection of Highway 283 and Highwaywy 24 in Hill City, Kansas. Cars from the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and 60’s as well as a variety of prints and original artwork from local artists are displayed.I grew up watching The Dukes of Hazard so this painting resonated at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.So many cars and so little time at Graham County Auto & Art Museum. I’ll post all the pretties I captured!I’ll drive this sexy beast at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.And get in retro pinup attire for this hot rod at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.This car housed a celebrity at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Such pristine condition at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Can you even imagine this popcorn at Graham County Auto & Art Museum?Morticia vibes at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Gomez vibes at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Green machine at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Two sweet red rides at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.I would slay in this purple speed racer at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Zoom zoom at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Blue and big at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Reminds me of the 70s in Graham County Auto & Art Museum.I love black cars at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.But cleaning black cars is hard at Graham County Auto & Art Museum.Blood red ride at Graham County Auto & Art Museum. And then we zoomed off to the next stop in our not as very sweet ride!We then zipped over to They Also Ran Gallery in Norton, Kansas which is inside the First State Bank.On the second floor of the bank, it’s pretty much portraits of presidents who also ran but didn’t win as we can see here Trump still has his story to tell…Based on this book, They Also Ran by Irving Stone.
We than poked around the town with a guided tour by Rose, the most energetic 82-year-old I’ve ever met! We told her we were pretty tired from the whirlwind touring but she was the energizer bunny showing up the whole town, running up and down steps and just so vibrant. I hope to be her someday!
Since sewing is on my brain again, we swung by this sweet shop Stitch up a Storm in Norton, Kansas.Inside the sewing store, everything you can think of to create in Norton, Kansas.Hidden in the back of the store, a whole coffee shop with snacks in Norton, Kansas.And in front of the coffee shop, the cutest little boutique store in Norton, Kansas.Building space for events is available downtown in Norton, Kansas.With a lounge space too in Norton, Kansas.Down the street is the Cultural Arts Center in Norton, Kansas, fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation.In the basement of Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center, a spa awaits lucky clients. I could have used a massage for sure!Beautiful architecture in the Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center.A work station free to all to use at Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center, wish we had this in Phoenix!A view from across the street at Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center.A whole other event space at Gloria Nelson Cultural Arts Center.
At this point, I was about to just curl up in that park grass and take a nap so was happy to check in to Sleep Inn & Suites in Norton, Kansas. It started getting foggy and misty at this point outside and there was construction across the street so also thankful they put our room to the back of the building. I literally lay down on the bed, passed out with my shoes on (almost, mom took them off) and took a dead to the world nap. I woke up about 10 minutes before we had dinner plans and just threw on my shoes and went back out the door.
The Sleep Inn & Suites in Norton, Kansas is a newer, more upscale hotel for the area. The beds were amazing and we actually got great sleep here, the hot breakfast was delicious and good coffee. Would most def stay there again!
For dinner that night, we were invited to go to the Norton Eagle Lodge and since my mom was well versed in the Eagle lodges in Central Pennsylvania, she was excited. It’s kind of like a country folks country club but not… hard to explain so let me show you.
This Norton Eagle Lodge was actually a barn building.Corn fritters to start at Norton Eagle Lodge.Some chicken wings because meat at Norton Eagle Lodge.Mom liked her big baked potatoes at Norton Eagle Lodge.And I kept eating country fried steak so kept with the theme at Norton Eagle Lodge. Our host told us all about his plans for a greenhouse selling ceramics and their Airbnb which I thought was pretty rad. I would certainly return to this small town with lots of potential! Maybe skip all the fried food though.
We woke up to the weirdest, thickest fog where you couldn’t see 10 feet in front of your face so we had to alter the sightseeing itinerary and also couldn’t keep up with the pace driving safely… if only we had a private jet we could have! Goals… anyway, we missed out on the Arikaree Breaks in Saint Francis, Kansas as there would be nothing to see – except fog so here’s a photo from the tourism website.
The breaks are located on the extreme northern edge of Cheyenne County. This area of extremely rough terrain, with its deep ravines and gullies is a marked contrast to the plains generally associated with the area. The breaks were formed by wind deposited sand, silt, and clay particles, called loess. The breaks are 36 miles long and approximately two to three miles wide. They extend into Rawlins County and several miles into Colorado.
So our first stop ended up being Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas. The mission of the Tri-State Antique Engine and Threshers Association is to receive, collect, display, and demonstrate items from the past showcasing life on the high plains of Western Kansas. It was a huge lot of land with tons of long, metal barn buildings containing so many blasts from the pasts.
Being the clothing lover that I am, these tiny dresses from the past were interesting but no touching allowed as our hand oils will ruin a garment in a second at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.We enjoyed the scenes that were thoughtfully set up time period accurate at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.If I were traveling back in the day at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.Lets not forget our American nurses who are heroes at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.This was creepy af at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas. Not a fan of dolls.My mom was having flashbacks with this room setup at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.Don’t worry, this is just for show at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas but those pastels… even the toilet paper!Patterns of dresses reminding me to start sewing at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.Slightly obsessed with this bed frame too at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas. Notice the chamberpots aka portable toilets?Then we moved onto the farm equipment barn at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.So many large, impressive and expensive pieces of farm life at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.In the main building, a book of all the farm equipment you can imagine… they may have it here at Tri-State Antique Engine in Bird City, Kansas.
Bummed out about the fog blocking nature’s beauty, we proceeded onto to the next stop and crossed our fingers we could see it! This 24 by 32-foot Vincent van Gogh replica painting sits on an 80-foot easel weighing 40,000 pounds and is one of only three in the world in Goodland, Kansas. “Three Sunflowers in a Vase” is one of Van Gogh’s most well known pieces of art and pays tribute to the state’s sunflower. Cameron Cross’s Big Easel Project started in 2001 and is located in Goodland, Kansas as a roadside attraction. We experienced some weirdly foggy days but you can still see its epic size!
Vincent van Gogh’s sunflower paintings on giant easels in seven different countries around the globe.Trying to zoom in on it through the fog but imagine a Kansas sky blue background!We were hungry and cold by the time we arrived at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill in Goodland, Kansas and thankful for all the shirts we were gifted. Maybe 5 layers deep here!I love me a deer head with silly hat and sunglasses at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill and also Boulevard Brewing Co.A saloon meets bar feeling at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill.Knick knacks hanging everywhere at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill.I enjoyed a chicken sandwich and salad as I needed to eat more clean at Crazy R’s Bar & Grill. Potato chips don’t count!Next on the itinerary was Fort Wallace Museum to learn about the history and see Rhea’s Pump Organ display in Wallace, Kansas.A giant buffalo statue at Fort Wallace Museum.Ace of Scouts statue at Fort Wallace Museum.I immediately liked this children’s book inside Fort Wallace Museum, A Dragon’s Tale.One of the many priceless organs they have on display at Fort Wallace Museum.This painting has so much emotion at Fort Wallace Museum.I enjoyed this amazing outfit at Fort Wallace Museum worn by “Roman Nose”.It’s giving Cinderella vibes at Fort Wallace Museum.What’s missing on this flag at Fort Wallace Museum?I imagine myself in a castle playing Dracula songs while singing and drinking red wine here.A whole room full of organs… oh my at Fort Wallace Museum.
Arrowheads always fascinate me and I may have some jewelry like this at Fort Wallace Museum.The buildings outside are sometimes open at Fort Wallace Museum.Yes, we were still in the middle of the country at Fort Wallace Museum.Imagine trains running through at Fort Wallace Museum.Inside one of the buildings, it smelled stale and old at Fort Wallace Museum.Imagine life living in one of these nowadays when we have RVs at Fort Wallace Museum.The tiny white church at Fort Wallace Museum.
After I walked out of the church, I started to feel strange and dizzy and knew exactly what that meant. A good ol’ sinus infection was trying to creep its way into my still healing from deviated septum surgery sinuses…. so I hightailed it to find mom and let her know we had to go to the next hotel asap so I could rest it off or it would become ten times worse. We were supposed to visit the Colby Visitor’s Center which offers a unique building of Kansas limestone surrounding a grain bin but went straight to the Comfort Inn in Colby, Kansas instead so I could sleep off the funk. The hotel is located in a plaza with anything you can ever want nearby including Chinese takeout which was my saving grace after a scalding hot bath and 3 hour nap. Just don’t park under or near the trees. I have never seen so much bird crap on a car in my life and made for a particularly gross and funny morning clearing it off.
That morning we swung by the Buffalo Bill Cultural Art Center in Oakley, Kansas to learn about the lay of the land.A very Kansas sculpture of hunting buffalo at Buffalo Bill Cultural Art Center.We heard we might see some roaming buffalo on this drive at Buffalo Bill Cultural Art Center.Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks are certainly worth the drive.These are certainly country roads however not in bad shape at all at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks. You are in the middle of nowhere however so plan accordingly. We were lucky my mom had Verizon and I had Spring otherwise we would have been lost a lot. And make sure you get a map, like a folding paper one just in case. GPS signal lost happens often out here!So beautiful from afar at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks.The blue skies were back in the other direction at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks.I was wearing a mask at this point to not further anger my sinuses and really wanted to hike down to the lookout but opted to be smart instead at Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and Monument Rocks. Pack your walking/hiking shoes and follow the trails if you go. We loaded up to the next stop at a slower, less jam-packed pace to keep my limited energy battery running.
Down a country road sits Shiloh Vineyard and Winery, a small, family-owned winery, nestled in the plains of western Kansas. Founded in 2008 by owners Kirk and Treva Johnston, they bring their story to life through their exquisite wines, breathtaking venues, delicious Kansas meat, cheese and more. It feels like you are in the middle of nowhere and you can even stay in the Airbnb they have available with more coming as they expand overnights into the silos. Kick back, put your feet up and enjoy those sunsets. I wasn’t able to enjoy the excellent weather outside on the patio but did some light tastings inside the tasting room.
Welcome to Shiloh Vineyard and Winery in WaKeeney, Kansas.Inside the first floor of Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Inside the second floor of Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.In love with this chandelier on the second floor of Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Views from the second floor patio at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.And to the right on the second floor patio at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Outside patio space at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.And the whisper quiet Airbnb for guests to enjoy at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Inside the Airbnb at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.I would definitely stay here at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Loving the slanted ceilings at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.And the rustic living room at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.A den for the dining room at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.And some lounge chairs by the fire at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.The rusted tin roof adds ambiance at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.It’s wide open fields beyond Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Inside the tasting room at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.Lots of seating, restrooms and AC at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery.We can this girl lunch at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery, full of outstanding Kansas cheese and meats which is rare as cheese if not their major export.There was a medley of wines, the sweeter side seemed to be my faves at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery but my tastebuds may not have been at their best.I do know this Paisley Pear was outstanding and wish I brought a bottle home from Shiloh Vineyard and Winery. My mom purchased a fashionable purse for my aunt at their boutique store however. They also had jewelry but I will need a whole wall soon so passed on purchasing more but very pretty and unique options.And let’s not forget this four legged friend who lives here at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery and followed us around.Untapped vines to expand at Shiloh Vineyard and Winery. This is a very lovely and zen space, I would go back and stay overnight in a heartbeat!Up next was driving to downtown WaKeeney, Kansas to take a tour of this tiny town.Gotta keep drinking caffeine at The Well in WaKeeney, Kansas. Proceeds give back to the community.It’s like a step back in time with good coffee for $2 in WaKeeney, Kansas.We headed over to the North Pole Christmas Village in WaKeeney, Kansas.Santa knows when you’re naughty in WaKeeney, Kansas.A street scene in WaKeeney, Kansas with water tower.Loved the stained glass on this building in WaKeeney, Kansas.
Off to Hays, Kansas we went next and it felt very similar to the small, old towns with amazing architecture in Pennsylvania.
A mural explaining the town’s history in Hays, Kansas. It was one of the larger towns we visited.
When in Hays, Kansas, you have to eat at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing! This revitalized small town is buzzing with a vibrant downtown scene nowadays full of art, boutique shops and more to explore. This space is a huge, sleek, bustling brewpub with live music and an open kitchen dispensing modern American grub including my first Kansas City steak, seared and cooked to perfection. The pumpkin beer was all sold out so you know it must be good. Put it on your road trippin’ bucket list!
Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing in Hays, Kansas.Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing located in a historical building.The interior of Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.It’s a huge space with so many options at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.A solid beer list at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.A beer flight is always the way to go when visiting a new brewery at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.The correct size for a pretzel at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.And the best way to end a press trip, a Kansas City steak seared to perfection at Gella’s Diner and LB Brewing.
After this meal, my internal battery was at 1% so we went to our last hotel of the road trip at Fossil Creek Hotel & Suites in Russell, Kansas which was acceptable however our window faced a gas station and there was a ruckus, a cat and other questionable things happening. Another bear nap later and we ate through our many, many leftovers and prepared to clear out our haul to pack into small suitcases for the next day’s travel. We even gifted some foodie things to the front desk gal who seemed very happy about it. The next day was a rough travel day for me. We stayed in the hotel as long as they let us until driving back to Wichita. Since we had hours to kill, we enjoyed some BBQ before we checked in the (bird crap covered) car which everyone got a chuckle about. The flight was connecting and long but at least we had a whole row together which I did lay down at one point as it felt like my ears were exploding. Fun times with a sinus infection! When we got home, mom started sneezing too and I thought oh no, not you too… then about 10 days of sickness later as she had Covid and I tested negative (twice). Fortunately my sinuses were still able to heal perfectly after some antibiotics. But looking back, it’s amazing we able to squeeze so much into one week! Would we do it again? Absolutely but with more places spread out and funky Airbnbs or cabins most likely. If you’re road trippin’ the best idea is to know roughly where you’re sleeping each night and a couple highlights each day. Then just go where the wind blows you… but not into the lake!
