beyond lawrence
(Day Trips) Kansas City
Hays
www.visitkc.com
Kansas City is known for much more than the KC strip. The metropolitan hot spot straddles the Kansas and Missouri border, sharing its attractions to a wide following of both states. In recent years the downtown district has undergone a major overhaul. With the completion of the Sprint Center centered in what is now known as the Power and Light District, entertainment is constant in the city. Other areas of attraction include the Country Club Plaza with exceptional shopping and dining plus beautiful architecture inspired by its Spanish sister city of Seville. Kansas City is also home to the famed Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art as well as the American Jazz Museum. The art and culture of Kansas City have easily made it a Midwest destination. As for athletics, Kansas City Chiefs fans are hoping for the best from the NFL team. The Kansas City Royals generate their fair share of fans as well. After a renovation of Kauffman Stadium, Royals fans are sure to enjoy a day at the ballpark. Kansas City is also known for vibrant casino boats where live music, entertainment and gambling play a role in the nightlife.
Wichita
www.gowichita.com
Located in the south-central part of Kansas, Wichita is often known as an industrial and agricultural mecca. Nearly 4 million visitors grace the city every year. More than 1,000 restaurants have set up shop in Wichita featuring a variety of cuisine while shopping choices abound. The artistic and historical sides of Wichita reveal Botanica, The Wichita Gardens, Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Kansas Aviation museum and Exploration Place, a children’s museum. These unique attractions offer hands-on exhibits, historic artifacts and regional art. Nightlife abounds in Old Town where patrons emerge to enjoy dancing, food and drinks. Annual events also draw visitors, such as the well-known Wichita River Festival or the Tallgrass Film Festival.
www.haysusa.com
Hays offers a number of attractions, including historical sites pertaining to the frontier, a celebration of the area’s Volga German heritage, hunting, camping, Fort Hays State University and stops for those interested in agricultural tourism. But Hays also has a unique, and unexpected, offering for shoppers. The area has developed a reputation as a craft and antique lover’s paradise. With more than 30 storefronts of unique destination shopping, visitors will find specialty home décor, crafts, antiques, boutiques and hobby and gift items. The Chestnut Street District is known as the downtown shopping area, and nearby is the modern general store, C.S. Post & Co., offering an inventory with unique furnishings. Be sure to top off the day of shopping at Hays’ own microbrewery, Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co. Courtesy of Hays Convention and Visitors Bureau
Fort Scott
www.fortscott.com/visit.php
In the southeast part of the state, Fort Scott has a growing population of more than 15,000 and boasts a history that’s worth experiencing. At the Fort Scott National Historic Site, re-enactors celebrate the past and highlight the struggles that protected the area. The U.S. National Cemetery was one of 14 designated by President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and honors brave Kansans who fought for their country. The quaint 1881 Fort Lincoln School can be viewed on request. The Gordon Parks Center for Culture and Diversity recognizes the lifetime achievements of this Fort Scott native. Here visitors can feel his powerful stories and learn more about the man who changed the arts forever. Those with an urge to shop can enjoy an array of unique antiques in downtown Fort Scott.
Manhattan
www.manhattancvb.org
The Little Apple has easily become a favorite destination among Kansans. With summer festivals and nature’s bounty in the Konza Prairie, this treasure in the Flint Hills draws more visitors and residents each year. The ever-popular Country Stampede, www.countrystampede.com, roars into town every June featuring some of country music’s hottest artists. Meanwhile Kansas State University, home to the Wildcats, makes its own cultural footprint with the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art, www.k-state.edu/bma, and performances at McCain Auditorium. Tour the trails of the Konza Prairie or boat the day away on Tuttle Creek Lake. If history strikes your fancy, Manhattan maintains many unique museums through the Riley County Historical Society. Even if you’re not a Wildcat, it’s easy to enjoy the fall football games and Catbacker Power anytime of the year.
30 DouglasCounty Newcomers Guide 2010/2011