If there’s one thing I really like, it’s the underdog. And I feel like Wichita, Kansas is an overlooked diamond in the rough which is why I was quick to agree to a press trip even among all the questionable comments from others. And mind you, our motto is “finding the unusual out of the ordinary” and this place hit the nail on the head. The irony of this story is now a lot of those same people now want to visit after sharing video highlights on my Instagram and TikTok accounts! Read on to see why…
Did you know Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas and the 48th-largest city in the United States? The population is approximately 650,000 and there is still affordable housing in the United States there as well. Wichita began as a trading post on the Chisholm Trail in the 1860s and was incorporated in 1870. Cattle drives traveling north from Texas to access railroads gave it the nickname “Cowtown.” In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established a number of successful aircraft manufacturing companies. Beechcraft, Cessna, (both now part of Textron Aviation) and other firms including Learjet, Airbus and Spirit AeroSystems continue to operate design and manufacturing facilities in Wichita today, and the city remains a major center of the U.S. aircraft industry.
That said, flying into Wichita, Kansas with American Airlines included a layover from Phoenix in my least favorite airport for layovers – Dallas. Mainly because it is just too big for its britches and they always have you running around like a chicken with its head chopped off. I did see signs for a straight flight from Vegas coming soon from Southwest though! So with all the travel, it’s about 4-5 hours from Phoenix, Arizona. I like to arrive a day early on press trips so I can get a full night’s rest in and be full of energy so that’s what I did!
The Drury Hotel in Wichita, Kansas was the home base for the week/end and offers a complimentary airport shuttle which was wicked fast to arrive and scoop me up and an airline crew. Submitted photo.
Let me just say, it was so enjoyable staying at Drury Hotel in Wichita, Kansas, right by the water. It’s walkable to either side of the Arkansas River to downtown or to the hip Delano district, has hot buffet breakfast, happy hour with three included cocktails and food daily, whisper quiet rooms and comfy beds (said to be getting makeovers soon), hot baths, its own delicious restaurant AVI Seabar & Chophouse, two hot tubs, indoor swimming pool and parking deck if needed. The staff went above and beyond to make sure I felt at home and were taken care of. I hope you got the cookies I left ya’ll!
The first thing I did after checking in was run around the city looking for a burger which was futile at 9 p.m. on a Wednesday with kitchens closing but I did find this Gallery Alley art alley which I loved instantly in Wichita, Kansas.And ironically ended up right back at the Drury Hotel where the kitchen is open late in Wichita, Kansas.I gobbled down this delicious burger and thick steak fries like it was the last food on earth. Sometimes you just need a big burger!That morning I was up and at ’em after a quick breakfast at the inclusive breakfast buffet and was awed by the amazing architecture at the Drury Hotel in Wichita, Kansas.A view toward the front desk and side entrance at the Drury Hotel in Wichita, Kansas.That morning I went for a walkabout downtown Wichita, Kansas which is a stark contrast from nighttime. These statues by artist Georgie Gerber were sprinkled all over the sidewalks.A fox catching its prey statue in Wichita, Kansas.Children in frozen in time play on the sidewalk in Wichita, Kansas.All the way down the street, a horse waits to cross the road in Wichita, Kansas. Insert joke here.Literally me and my pony Lollipop growing up with my dog Bo (from Dukes of Hazard) in Wichita, Kansas. Surreal!So much art in Wichita, Kansas. The city was still pretty sleepy at around 9 a.m.Beautiful architecture abounded in Wichita, Kansas.Soon I arrived at my destination in Wichita, Kansas.Espresso To Go Go had some fun names in Wichita, Kansas but that Sid Vicious would give me heart palpitations so I opted for the vanilla kerfuffle. Also, the writing is fantastic and done by the owner!My new friend Evan talked me into it and was right, I loved it and was soon zooming around the streets lightning fast!I went back to the spider alley and then noticed there were two – and more arts to explore in Wichita, Kansas.I found this sticker quite amusing in Wichita, Kansas.Don’t worry about the missing cat the sign reads in Wichita, Kansas. He’s getting groomed.Fell in love with this piece real fast in Wichita, Kansas.An astroturf park in the middle of downtown Wichita, Kansas.Not sure what this woman was up to in Wichita, Kansas. On my nighttime walkabout, I saw a man with no shoes statue he looked real from the back so heads up!Art and whimsey abounds in Wichita, Kansas.Gaining perspective and seeing what they’re pointing at in Wichita, Kansas.A piece of a school bus for children to climb in Wichita, Kansas.A whole building dedicated to art in Wichita, Kansas with an interactive park attached.A little girl and her cat also resonated with me in Wichita, Kansas. I have never been cat-less in my lifetime I realized.Geese hanging out in the grass in Wichita, Kansas. The hotel was right on the Arkansas River so wildlife was always nearby.The Drury Hotel in the daylight is a completely different vibe in Wichita, Kansas. It was time to begin Kansas Tourism + Visit Wichita media days!
The Drury Hotel in Wichita, Kansas has so much space, you could easily get lost! Tucked in the first floor in the back conference room, we all checked in, got our passes and started meeting and chatting with tourism boards across the state as well as enjoyed a light lunch buffet style. I loaded up my goodie bag and had to empty it upstairs before we all loaded the bus for a fun-filled day of adventure. Wichita, the Heart of the Country, certainly does radiates friendliness. The city boasts over 50 museums and attractions and for the foodies, over 1,200 eateries. And boy do they like to feed you! We were told at lunch to eat light and glad I listened.
A small business shipping container store mecca is Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas.The full list of businesses at Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas. Not all were open when we went but worth a visit.Walking in, there are swings to your right at Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas.A good view of the space at Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas.For cooler temps, a firepit is available in Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas.We swung by The Loud Cicada at Revolutsia in Wichita, Kansas to see artist Delilah Reed‘s shop. She was also painting earlier in the media day in real time!Soon it was time for more food! Prost claims to be the best German food in Wichita, Kansas.Beer steins locked away for the regulars in Wichita, Kansas.The first floor at Prost in Wichita, Kansas.German flags fly proudly at Prost in Wichita, Kansas.We enjoyed beer samples and bierock, a pastry sandwich filled with meat and onion fillings at Prost in Wichita, Kansas.A classic German charcuterie board at Prost in Wichita, Kansas. That pretzel was delish!All the things we tasted at Prost in Wichita, Kansas. A self contained fun zone, make sure to hop on a swing and smile before you leave!Next on the tour was Mark Arts in Wichita, Kansas. Usually I’m chatty Cassie on press trips but this day I was not well rested so was more quiet on the bus and the tours. But don’t worry, I made up for it later!
Mark Arts has interactive structures and also a vibrant culinary scene. The studio provides art instruction, a culinary teaching kitchen, outdoor sculpture areas and local artists featured inside which I fell in love with. It’s super cool because Wichita, Kansas gets that food is art too and combined them all under one roof.
A sculpture of a girl in nature at Mark Arts.Of course I fell in love with this cat and the artist at Mark Arts.Other worldly art and love the dark colors at Mark Arts.Also feel this country core in my soul at Mark Arts.Also this piece at Mark Arts with its dark edge.We all popped outside for a run through this interactive art that glows at night at Mark Arts.Our chef talked us through some snacks from the area, which I knew all about and realized I really do enjoy all types of food at Mark Arts.Cleveland Corner tour and tasting at Viola’s Pantry was next on the list with this awesome mural in Wichita, Kansas.
Lots of locally owned businesses thriving at Cleveland Corner boutique in Wichita, Kansas. We got a taste of the Old World at Viola’s Pantry, an Italian eatery and market with some of the best focaccia bread I’ve ever had and local coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up.
The mastermind behind Cleveland Corner, a very hip and funky shop in Wichita, Kansas, holds up the telltale Wichita sign which may be hanging on my car jewelry now (a much smaller one though lol I’m not Flava Flav).When you walk into Cleveland Corner in Wichita, Kansas. So funky and fun!There’s a whole funky style section brand called Eightball in Wichita, Kansas.Viola’s Pantry is not to be missed in Wichita, Kansas.I think the main character was the bread honestly at Viola’s Pantry.Chocolate cookies at Viola’s Pantry were thick and savory.But this bread… made out of olive oil and heaven at Viola’s Pantry.True story at Cleveland Corner in Wichita, Kansas.The Cleveland Corner building itself is a whole vibe in Wichita, Kansas.
After we had a quick refresh at the hotel where I squeezed in a 20 minute power nap, it was off to pet all the animals at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. This unique space allows visitors to interact mindfully with the mostly free range animals such as sloths, porcupine, kangaroos, giraffes, rhinos, penguins lemurs, lorikeets and more. Tanganyika is the only park in the USA with at least 10 interactive encounters where you can touch, feed, and even swim with a unique species. The name Tanganyika comes from East Africa and indeed, it felt like a safari – with plans to expand into just that down the line with the 51 acres of huge fields of milk thistle out by the rhinos. So many things I checked off my bucket list I didn’t even know I had like pet a kangaroo!
From the front, the building looks pretty plain at Tanganyika Wildlife Park with only a hint of metal animals.But first we loaded up buffet style for dinner with drink tickets who I gave to some new friends on their first press trip at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. This was a deconstructed buddha bowl and delicious!Then the fun began! We all got to meet and pet a sloth at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. He looks like he’s smiling here.He was very snuggly with his handler and treated her neck like a tree at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.Proof I pet a sloth at Tanganyika Wildlife Park! He was softer than expected.Then when you pop out the back doors, it’s a whole green animal kingdom at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.Large lions play at Tanganyika Wildlife Park who just had cubs too!Cassie Hepler taking a selfie with a lemur at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.The lemurs made a sort of cute screeching sound at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.And then I pet this porcupine at Tanganyika Wildlife Park which was crazy cool!I also got to pet this soft kangaroo’s back who was just chilling and hang out with all her friends in Tanganyika Wildlife Park. The male has to be gated away as he’s too aggressive – and jacked.So cool being in an enclosure with all these kangaroos at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.We then went over to the giraffes who roamed free minus a deep ditch at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.This guy really liked his greens at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.And then I got to feed a giraffe which was so fun at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.We then loaded up a park van and headed over to the rhino area where they were playing and running around like puppies at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.The handler shows us how to feed and then pet the rhino at Tanganyika Wildlife Park much like a horse with palms up.Through the back of the barn, a haystack waiting to be devoured at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.And an endless field of milk thistle waiting to be turned into a huge safari, much like you would experience in Africa at Tanganyika Wildlife Park is the plan.Back to the main building and I got to pet a penguin who’s fur has a slick kind of coating to it at Tanganyika Wildlife Park. This little lady kept running off much like a toddler.Such a cool experience at Tanganyika Wildlife Park!
Soon it was time for bed and this gal was pooped! Those 12 hour days are not for the weak – or out of shape. Huge shout out to James from Visit Wichita who saved my feet from certain agony by getting me some comfy insoles for my crappy but stylish white shoes. Our group was a lot of people from Kansas and surrounding states with one lone Philadelphian (who of course knows one of my friends) so not many had jet lag. I enjoyed a hot bubble bath and fell asleep fast, ready to rock the next morning.
Bright and early we loaded up to head to the Kansas Maze, a field of sunflowers in the country.The sisters behind the beautiful sunflowers share a moment at Kansas Maze.Every which way you look, there is beauty at Kansas Maze.
The best way to start the day was the Kansas Maze sunflower fields! The bees were buzzing, the butterflies were flitting about, the air was still cool and crisp for a morning frolic through the flowers. A very Kansas view with the bright yellow flowers and blue skies, it was a photographer’s dream. With photo opp spots everywhere and everyone happily absorbing nature, we were all lit up afterwards buzzing like the bees. Make off peak day plans to visit, this place gets crazy booked up and parking extends for miles down the road.
Watching the bees buzzing around the flowers at Kansas Maze.I purposely matched the sky for this part of the tour at Kansas Maze.So pretty with sunflowers for miles at Kansas Maze.
We were buzzing afterwards from such a beautiful morning so it made sense to get a different kind of buzzed with wine and cheese for lunch. Family owned Grace Hill Winery is situated on the iconic Kansas prairie just north of Wichita, Kansas with seven acres of vineyard to explore. Wine tastings, tours and all the doggos are welcome at this cheery space complete with an event venue where we tasted all the wines, enjoyed cheesy paninis and charcuterie boards as well as getting interviewed for television after a couple of glasses of wine but I did fine!
Welcome to Grace Hill Winery in Kansas!Sit a spell and take in the views at Grace Hill Winery.Vineyard field at Grace Hill Winery.The nets are to keep the birds from eating all the grapes at Grace Hill Winery.My three favorites from the tasting at Grace Hill Winery all with impressive artwork.The lineup which they were very generous with their pours at Grace Hill Winery. One of my new friends smiling in the background!A very dog friendly place, this great dane’s name is Modi and his owner Adam were inseparable.Did you know my last name Hepler comes from the vineyard? Maybe that explains my wine obsession at Grace Hill Winery.There’s a small, private tasting table in the basement for VIPs at Grace Hill Winery.Some of the oldest bottles available at Grace Hill Winery.Then we were off to where the wine is made at Grace Hill Winery with Adam.Barrels abounded at Grace Hill Winery.The smell of these grapes were delish at Grace Hill Winery.
Right after this, I was invited to be on Channel 3 KSN NBC for Wichita, Kansas and after a couple glasses of wine, was feeling fine and let the words flow easily. You can see the full feature on Explore’s YouTube channel, also the finished product online on their website.
For lunch a plate of cheese and meats, paninis and more wine at Grace Hill Winery.Of course you have to grab a bottle or three to go at Grace Hill Winery.Wondering now if they will ship me some bottles for Friendsgiving at Grace Hill Winery…
The next stop on the list was probably one of the weirdest places I’ve been to yet and I loved every single part of it. Halloween hits hard at Lazy Moon Ranch! Where farm and art collide at this Pankratz family hobby farm in Butler County, Kansas. There’s a whole spooky barn filled to the brim with glow in the dark scary and funky fun. Step outside and there’s nooks and crannies of weirdness, animals including rabbits, donkeys, goats, miniature ponies and of course painting with alpacas. We painted some pretty psychedelic sunflowers, maybe it was all the wine but what a good time. I bet those Halloween parties are lit!
Welcome to Lazy Moon Ranch in Butler County, Kansas.Watch out, a sasquatch crossing at Lazy Moon Ranch!A skeleton in a bathtub because why not at Lazy Moon Ranch.There’s also a little shop of weirdness to take home at Lazy Moon Ranch.Skeletons just hanging around at Lazy Moon Ranch.The barn filled with Halloween vibes at Lazy Moon Ranch.Right outside the barn at Lazy Moon Ranch.Stepping inside the funky barn at Lazy Moon Ranch.Everywhere you looked, it was glorious chaos at Lazy Moon Ranch.Lots of spooky vibes at Lazy Moon Ranch.The Jason table at Lazy Moon Ranch.So much nonsense going on here at Lazy Moon Ranch and yes that is a real casket.Then we were back outside heading to the animals at Lazy Moon Ranch.They have an Airstream for friends but not for guests quite yet at Lazy Moon Ranch.What a cute ass at Lazy Moon Ranch!Goat chaos when we were hanging with animals. This guy looked hungry for that straw hat!Their eyes are so strange at Lazy Moon Ranch.Let’s not forget the sheep at Lazy Moon Ranch. My grandmother used to raise them.The ponies were so cute too at Lazy Moon Ranch.The softest big bunny at Lazy Moon Ranch.Then they unleashed the alpacas to paint with at Lazy Moon Ranch.Our art setup with random guest appearances at Lazy Moon Ranch. Peekaboo!To my right, a snack happening at Lazy Moon Ranch.And voila! My trippy sunflower, influenced by wine at Lazy Moon Ranch. It’s giving Stranger Things.
RISE Rooftop Gardens in downtown Wichita, Kansas followed by cocktails and planting at GROW Plant Shop was the best time! I was loving the rooftop gardens set in downtown concrete jungles as it shows how nature can thrive anywhere if you take care of it properly. We also stepped aside here for a fast interview about the city for Visit Wichita as well. And the adorable plant slash cocktail bar space is the best idea for groups to interact and create while enjoying their favorite cocktails. Truly a unique experience and such a “green” vibe!
Welcome to RISE Rooftop Gardens in downtown Wichita, Kansas.It was cool seeing the city from the rooftop at RISE Rooftop Gardens.A setup of the soil and layout, not what you would use for your potted plants at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Immediately struck by greenery at RISE Rooftop Gardens.All of this delicious edible food at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Not sure what these windows are but they intrigued me at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Looking out toward the highway at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Plants in every direction at RISE Rooftop Gardens.And of course a greenhouse to grow them at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Loving the juxtaposition between green and concrete at RISE Rooftop Gardens.Right below RISE, there is a craft cocktail meets plant lady oasis called Grow Giesen Plant Shop. These are craft tables to create potted plants.The brains behind the brand are genius at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.Plants and nooks everywhere at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.But first we got a cocktail at Botanic at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.Someone requested a cosmo to start at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.And then came my super dirty martini at Grow Giesen Plant Shop. That little air plant was a take home souvenir too!Looking pretty in pink at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.And I might have had an old fashioned too but hold the ice next time at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.Two of my new friends and I created our mullet plant at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.Some of the end results but all were given away to area businesses at Grow Giesen Plant Shop.
For dinner that night, we arrived at Public, known for its farm to table menu full of craft beer and dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, some from RISE mentioned above. Adjacent to the distinctive outdoor music venue Brickyard, the restaurant is located on the bottom floor of a restored 1916 warehouse where Wichitans once made caskets.
Our menu for the evening including drinks, I went with mezcal as usual at Public Wichita.My table of new friends at Public Wichita.Brickyard Wichita where all the bands come and play. If I wasn’t working this trip, I would have ended up here.I made some fast friends outside who told me how rad the music scene is at Brickyard Wichita.We then delved into a shared dining experience that was delicious at Public Wichita.Pork lettuce wraps Korean style are my new favorite thing at Public Wichita. My second favorite were these huge slabs of steak! I was too busy eating and enjoying to shoot which is a good thing.Holy cannoli at Public Wichita, I ate the chocolate ends off mine.The chef making the magic happen at Public Wichita. Bravo!That night after dinner we took at walk to see the Keeper of the Plains in Wichita, Kansas and just caught this sunset.Trying to capture this in all its glory with the fire spurts was tricky in Wichita, Kansas.You can kind of see its silhouette in Wichita, Kansas.
The Keeper of the Plains is a sculpture of an Indian Chief and is one of Wichita’s iconic images that stands between the Arkansas and Little Arkansas Rivers. Each night the city pays homage to him with a fire show which was pretty impressive, you for sure have to be there to experience it.
The next morning I awoke a bit groggy but ready to walk over the bridge in Wichita, Kansas.Right across the bridge sits Delano District the hip and happening place to be in Wichita, Kansas.The Chisholm Trail roundabout in Wichita, Kansas is nothing compared to New Jersey! Traffic is always pretty light too.A better view of the iconic Keeper of the Plains statue in Wichita, Kansas.I was looking forward to this morning stop at Bohemia in Wichita, Kansas.
A retreat for rejuvenation, Bohemia Healing Spa in Wichita, Kansas offers a holistic escape with its range of therapeutic treatments and peaceful ambiance, beckoning to unwind and restore well-being. I’m not usually one to get a massage at 9 a.m. but when in Rome… and in the spirit of going with the flow, I obliged. Also didn’t realize my back was as stabby as it was!
Noah at Bohemia Healing Spa was there to help me unwind. It turned out that we were almost the exact same Virgo birthday and vibed very well. He told me to return the next day to get the rest of my knots out so I did and thankfully so! This place is a gem for sure.Magical, healing potions to help your body at Bohemia Healing Spa.Two hallways flanked either side of the checkin counter at Bohemia Healing Spa.My massage room with Noah who was quite insightful at Bohemia Healing Spa.In case you need a luxurious bath at Bohemia Healing Spa, that have that too! I thought about it but would be pretty useless afterwards.
We had a bit of a pause in the day after spa time by going to verify I was in fact a human who existed at Enterprise Rental Car by the Wichita airport. We picked up a buzzy little Nissan and I was on my way back to exploring with car this time!
A little too relaxed now, I needed a pick me up of matcha and oat milk at Leslie Coffee Co. in Wichita, Kansas.Leslie Coffee Co. is an old bank with rich espresso blends, delectable pastries, and a cozy atmosphere both inside and out. Il Primo stands as a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking a taste of European café culture. I also gifted them my air plant, sure to die during my travels. We named him Spiky.Everyone said I had to check out this Hatman Jack’s hat shop in Wichita, Kansas because I may have a hat hoarding problem.Walking inside Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, Kansas.Any hat your heart can imagine at Hatman Jack’s in Wichita, Kansas. I fell in love with a steel blue wool hat but pointless in hot Phoenix! I farted around at some other shops then headed to the land of ice old air conditioning in an unusually hot summer.Up next, Wichita Art Museum in Wichita, Kansas with this telltale buffalo.WAM looking pretty plain from the outside in Wichita, Kansas. Insert 80’s music here.Make sure to look up as soon as you enter the Wichita Art Museum in Wichita, Kansas.And look off and up to your right in Wichita, Kansas.As well as this glorious glass piece in Wichita, Kansas.Wichita Art Museum offers beautiful spaces to rent in Wichita, Kansas.
Art and culture flourish at the Wichita Art Museum! This cool space houses an impressive collection of American art, spanning from the colonial era to present, set within an architecturally stunning building and interactive art pieces like the bridge at the entrance – shoes off first though. Fridays are free to the public and lunch at farm to table 1400 by Elderslie is an experience in itself with its picture perfect bar space and bright windows.
1400 by Elderslie encourages culture through carefully curated food as an art-inspired restaurant located within the Wichita Art Museum.Farm to table lunch at 1400 by Elderslie with a chicken BLT. A 20% gratuity is always included immediately.Once my belly was full and happy, it was time to explore the Wichita Art Museum and this strange and unusual sculpture caught my eye.The background behind the sculpture at Wichita Art Museum.A very Kansas painting at the Wichita Art Museum .Lots of space to roam among the clouds and open fields at Wichita Art Museum.The mood this sets is lazy Sunday at Wichita Art Museum.I loved this small bronze statue at Wichita Art Museum with its pops of pink.What hell looks like at Wichita Art Museum.A very gothic mirror wall piece at Wichita Art Museum which I loved.Everybody loves pop art at Wichita Art Museum.I want to model this claw necklace at Wichita Art Museum.More contemporary art at Wichita Art Museum.An up close view of the bottom of the glass chandelier at Wichita Art Museum.A whole children’s cove was available at Wichita Art Museum called The Living Room.Even the restrooms had amazing art nearby at Wichita Art Museum as I prepared to drive to my next stop.
Probably the most whimsical place in Wichita, Kansas, the Botanica Gardens have a whole fairytale inspired well, almost everything expect for the Chinese Gardens but even that had a huge, ceramic dragon built into the wall. As soon as I saw this space, I was inspired to recreate the classic Dorothy Gale outfit from Wizard of Oz and wouldn’t you know it, I found an exact replica and the shoes second hand. And let’s not forget the carousel that was saved from certain death from the closed down kids park Joyland. It’s an experience in creativity and nature and not to be missed!
I was happy to finally get this creative vision out of my head at Botanica Wichita Gardens.I went straight to the image in my minds eye at Botanica Wichita Gardens by the children’s section.And switched up outfits real quick at Botanica Wichita Gardens. Go to my Instagram to see the finished product!This squirrel was watching me the whole time at Botanica Gardens Wichita. I also had a request for a guest to pose as I did for her photo as well as help some others capture images.This was pretty rad as it was saved from another park that closed and offered air conditioning at Botanica Gardens Wichita.There’s something nostalgic about a carousel at Botanica Gardens Wichita.And seats for those that can’t ride a fake horse at Botanica Gardens Wichita.Stumbling upon this sleeping troll at Botanica Gardens Wichita was so cool! You can climb his back as well.A tic tac toe turtle because why not at Botanica Gardens Wichita.A huge blue dragonfly at Botanica Gardens Wichita.Tree houses for the Ewok in all of us at Botanica Gardens Wichita.A very pretty peacock looks over the grounds at Botanica Gardens Wichita.A beautiful stained glass ceiling in between the main building at Botanica Gardens Wichita.As a tribute of friendship to Wichita’s sister city, Kaifeng, Botanica displays traditional Chinese gardening in a majestic showcase of art and architecture.A hidden oasis at Botanica Wichita Gardens.I spotted a dragon tail at Botanica Wichita Gardens.It went all the way up to the head of the arch at Botanica Wichita Gardens.And of course you have to feed the fish at Botanica Wichita Gardens.
After a hot, sweaty day in an unusually hot summer, it was time to dine at Larkspur which is located downtown in Wichita, Kansas.
Larkspur’s menu is a unique blend of Mediterranean, French, Italian and American entrées in Wichita, Kansas.Larkspur Wichita is one of the fine dining establishments in the area.I ordered off the happy hour and heads up, the portions are HUGE. This was the hummus with a side of veggies and pita for a steal.This huge container of happy hour brussels and bacon ended up coming to the airport with me for lunch the next day. So good!And let’s not forget the steak and mushroom wraps, I ate all of this up!I zoomed back over by the river to catch a photo of the troll – and Keeper of the Plains in daylight at Wichita, Kansas.The best picture I could get with my lense shoved down of the troll in the gutters of Wichita, Kansas. I called it an early night that evening as just relaxed at the hotel.
In the morning, I had the hotel buffet breakfast and saved some room for caffeine at Il Primo Espresso Cafe, a charming coffee destination that delights patrons with rich espresso blends, delectable pastries, and a cozy atmosphere perfect for both quiet moments and friendly gatherings. With its commitment to quality and a refined coffee experience, Il Primo stands as a haven for coffee enthusiasts seeking a taste of European café culture.
Away from the downtown, Il Primo Cafe is a buzzing little coffee shop with a drive though line for miles.Inside offers space for remote working at Il Primo Cafe.Always support mom & pops like Il Primo Cafe!The seasonal menu had my heart and I enjoyed a Witches Brew Latte it tasted like coconut chocolate at Il Primo Cafe.
Once thoroughly buzzing with caffeine, I zoomed my way through Great Plains Nature Center to explore its walking trails and educational exhibits, providing an immersive experience into the diverse ecosystems and wildlife of the region. Always a nature enthusiast, the hot summer was taking a toll across the USA.
I was walking with purpose and before it got too hot at Great Plains Nature Center.Lots of families out walking around at Great Plains Nature Center.Another area was pretty dried up and I forgot my sunscreen so time to hightail it back at Great Plains Nature Center.I did sit and attempt to meditate at this shady spot at Great Plains Nature Center.Thrifting is always a fun past time and I needed to take a peek at The Second Story in Wichita, Kansas with this woman who kind of looks like me. Lots of older items and antiques too!Keep an eye out for the fat orange cat in the window at The Second Story. I almost missed him leaving!Rule #1 of travel, if you vibe with someone from the area ask them where to go in Wichita, Kansas. That’s how I ended up at Clifton Square.My favorite store I found in Wichita, Kansas was this seemingly plain front.I was in love at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe. The woman in charge was not there but her nice husband gave me the tour!All the herbs for all the spells at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.Upstairs offers a whole world of readings, events and more at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.This whole building is a vibe at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.It felt like home at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.No store is complete without an alter at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.My thoughts exactly at La Vie Boheme Apothecary & Curiosity Shoppe.I was getting hungry so off to Ziggy’s Pizza in Clifton Square it was!Feeling like a Cheers moment at Ziggy’s Pizza.I gobbled down one of the specials and for an East Coast hoagie snob, it was excellent at Ziggy’s Pizza.
Soon afterwards, it was time to take the rental car back which was such a breeze at Wichita Airport as its still so small and not chaotic like other airports. Security is also easy peasy because there’s just not the volume of other large cities. I was super relaxed on the flight until we hit Dallas, Texas so if you can skip that layover, do so. They gave me 20 minutes to get to a whole other gate with a flight change and I was a hot, sweaty mess when boarding. So you know how much I enjoyed my time in Kansas, we might be going back again very soon! It surprised me in a great way and for a foodie, it’s quite dreamy as well. I look forward to exploring more!
