Topeka, KS July 2023

Enroll Now in Topeka Public Schools!

Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, Topeka Public Schools will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, business and industry, and the greater community to develop students’ educational, physical, and social-emotional well being.

Topeka Public Schools Offers

• The largest school district in Shawnee County, serving almost 13,000 students.

• Multi Magna Award winning district from the National School Board Association for innovative education programs.

• The only PreK-12 Dual Language Program in Kansas.

• Full-Day Preschool, and Daycare, tuition-based.

• Two magnet elementary schools: Scott Dual Language and Williams Science & Fine Arts.

• Five signature campuses: Quincy (Fine Arts), RossEisenhower (Music), State Street-Chase (Performing Arts), Jardine Academy (STEAM), and Topeka West High School (Leadership).

• Three JROTC Programs: Air Force, Army, and Marine.

• College Prep Academy, an advanced program at all grade levels that prepares scholars for college and career success.

• Home of Topeka Center for Advanced Learning and Careers (TCALC) - A project-based learning environment in conjunction with businesses for real-life problem-solving. Open to all Shawnee County high school students while maintaining their home school attendance.

For more information or to enroll in Topeka Public Schools visit topekapublicschools.net

1212 SW STEEPLECHASE LANE IN TOPEKA, KS

THIS EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY IS OFFERED AT

Exquisite lakefront custom home in McFarland Farm Estates. Custom built by Heritage Homes in 2020 and site designed to take full advantage of the lake views from the inviting covered patio with outdoor fireplace. The award winning kitchen by Wende Woods is as functional as it is beautiful. The Owners’ retreat features a luxurious full bath, separate sitting room with cozy fireplace, and custom closet with private laundry. Neighborhood amenities include a private swimming pool, neighborhood lakes, and lighted walking paths. Conveniently located across from Gage Park, the Children’s Discovery Center, and Topeka Zoo; just minutes from the hospital district and downtown businesses.

Cathy Lutz

Associate Broker/Realtor

$1,690,000 by Cathy Lutz of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices First Realtors

2022 Chairman's Circle Gold Club, recognizing the top 3% of Agents in the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices network

Summer Fun Issue –Adventure Awaits

I hope this letter finds you lying by the pool or lake and soaking in some much-needed Vitamin D.

As the days grow longer and the weather gets warmer, I find myself more than excited about the arrival of summer. There's just something about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Sure, fall has my favorite flavors and scents, winter has its cozy charms, and I can't deny the beauty of spring. But when the summer solstice rolled around, I was more than ready for the long, languid days sitting by the pool or floating on a boat.

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in our Golden City. And even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore (because we're, you know, adults) we can still look forward to crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list. It could be throwing the perfect backyard event, maybe it’s getting the family a new RV and taking a road trip out west or just curling up with a new favorite summer read. (P.S. Teachers, you deserve this much-needed break!)

My husband and I enjoy the warmer weather by sitting outside in the evening around our firepit with friends talking, listening to music and of course, grilling. We also enjoy weekend getaways. Check out the article about a fantastic place to eat, shop and staycay only 50 minutes from Topeka. It’s quite the adventure!

Just like this season has a way of bringing people together, we hope the pages inside this month’s issue will enrich and enliven your experiences this summer!

Blessings,

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Hall | thomas.hall@eagleaerialworld.com

Kristol Kumar | kristol@kristolkumar.com

Lindsey Wagers | info@wagersphotography.com

STAFF WRITERS

Sue Baldani | suebaldani@yahoo.com

Kelsey Huber | khuber2@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

LeAnn Parker, Lauren Lane Culinarian

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Janie Jones

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

KATHY GRAHAM, EDITOR @TOPEKALIFESTYLE

Proverbs 3:5-6

Can My Spouse Adopt My Child?

YES! Stepparent adoption is the most common form of adoption!

What We Do

Adoption is all we do, and my dedicated adoption services law firm guides expectant mothers and adoptive parents in giving the gift of family to a child

Who We Are

At Adoption Services & Law Group, we serve prospective adoptive parents throughout Kansas and around the country, including matching with expectant mothers We have over 60 years of experience in all types of adoptions

"Words cannot express the gratitude towards Lisa and her firm for the help they were in forming our family through adoption. We highly recommend! Their legal experience accompanied by their kind spirits were priceless to have

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Yoga On The Go

Former contestant for Miss Kansas and instructor Misha Reed specializes in relaxation and the mind body connection. She teaches Yin Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Gentle Yoga and Yoga Nidra. Yin Yoga is a slow paced meditative practice that targets our connective tissues. This practice gives you space to turn inward and tune into both your mind and the physical sensations of your body. Other services offered are myofascial release and Reiki both having benefits. Visit yogaonthego.org .

Scan to read more.

New Professional Car Cleaning and Detailing Service

Squeaky Clean Wheels is a local Topekan-owned professional auto detailing company. We all spend a lot of time in our cars. If you need your car deep cleaned, stains removed, odors removed, headlight restored, or a ceramic coat, we are the company for you! If you have a messy car and you want it to feel like new again, give us a call at 785-338-6989 or go to our website squeakycleanwheels.com.

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Topeka Periodontics Offers New Services

Dr. Swift is excited to announce the new services offered at Topeka Periodontics. The addition of a Fotona Lightwalker LASER allows for: minimally invasive surgery, easier recovery and less inflammation, additional options for facial esthetics to include reducing fine wrinkles and increasing volume to lips without fillers. Additionally, Dr. Swift and her team are now offering options for TMJ pain issues and facial esthetics - using neuromodulators, like botox, fillers and collagen threads. Visit topekaperiodontics.com

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Mindfulness - The Art of Gardening the Heart

Monica Fowler, IPTF, owner of Life's Healing Journey is offering a three week course which helps cultivate a growth mindset in your life. Designed to help you recognize the power of pulling weeds of emotional toxicity and planting seeds of truth in the garden of the heart. Session 1: July 6, 13, and 20 from 6:30pm-7:30pm. Session 2: July 8, 15, and 22 from 6:30pm-7:30pm. In service courses also available to corporations. Register at lifeshealingjourney.com .

BE INVOLVED TOPEKA - Family Service and Guidance Center

Family Service & Guidance Center is a regional leader and innovator in children’s mental health, specializing in providing top-quality mental health care services and brings hope to over 10,000 children, teens and families from more than 30 Kansas counties each year. The Works of Heart fundraiser will have an exciting live auction featuring FSGC children's artwork. Doors open at 5:30pm at the Townsite Avenue Ballroom. Contact Megan Starbuck at mstarbuck@fsgctopeka.com for more information. fsgctopeka.com

Want to be featured?

At The Dirty Dog Pet Services, we understand that no two pets are alike. Like us, they are individualseach with their own individual personalities, preferences, abilities, and needs. While we aim to be your one stop shop, offering a wide variety of services: Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming, and Training, we know there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to pets. We take the time and put in the effort to listen to and understand each pet as an individual and curate a service plan to meet their specific needs for 1. Safety and 2. Enjoyment!

DIRTY DOGS HAVE MORE FUN!

Each of our highly trained, and certified, Pet Care Professionals are passionate about what they do - PROVIDING THE ULTIMATE PET CARE EXPERIENCE!

CoolVu Glass & Surface Solutions

WINDOWS WERE JUST THE BEGINNING

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL & COOLVU

With a strong background in firefighting and rescue, and after serving a few years in the Navy as a Corpsman with the US Marines, Zachary Wagers started his CoolVu franchise serving NE Kansas and beyond. You might think buying a window film franchise seems a bit boring as a career choice for someone like Wagers, but believe it or not, he said that being in sales and talking to people was more frightening than anything he faced in his previous jobs. “In the beginning, I would get nervous when I  went to talk to a customer.  It was outside my comfort zone, so it was another way to challenge myself each day,” he laughed.

As you might imagine, Wagers brings a lot of passion to all of his jobs. “I was looking for a new direction and had heard about CoolVu through a colleague,” Wagers said. “The more I learned, the more excited I got.” When they learned that CoolVu offered special programs for veterans and first responders, Wagers and his wife Lindsey, jumped at the opportunity in November of 2022. “It seemed like this was just meant to be.” Wagers shared.   After attending training, he said he was blown away by the new products offered. “There’s so much more to this business than window film,” he said. “Yes, we help

Photography by Thomas Hall

Zachary & Lindsey Wagers and family

homeowners and businesses reduce glare, keep furniture and floors from fading and lower energy costs - that’s what most people know about. But we’ve got Smart Glass film that lets you flip a switch and the entire wall of glass goes frosted for privacy. It’s amazing!” They also offer security film, wall and window graphics, and Wagers’ favorite - architectural surface finishes.

“The architectural wraps have been popular in Europe for years, and they are finally catching on in the U.S.,” he explained. “Instead of throwing out the old and replacing it with new to keep a business looking modern, these wraps

can transform everything from doors, cabinets, and countertops to wall panels and elevators.” CoolVu offers hundreds of looks in these specialty fusion films including metal, leather, wood, stone, marble, and more. The sky’s the limit when it comes to design. Architects and interior designers are finally discovering all the possibilities. But one of the biggest advantages is that these films can be installed without the downtime of a typical renovation. There’s no need for building permits and it cuts down on construction waste, keeping it out of landfills.

“These specialty fusion films can transform everything from doors, cabinets, and countertops to wall panels and elevators. We offer hundreds of looks including metal, leather, wood, stone, and marble.”

CONTINUED >

“I’m excited

because I see the potential and I think this is going to be the way of the future,” Wagers said.

While Wagers is excited about new business opportunities, he also feels a strong sense of commitment to the community. “Topeka is a great place to live and raise a family,” Wagers said. “I look for opportunities to give back whenever I can.” One of those opportunities is a benefit concert to help bring awareness and support to first responders with PTSD - Heroes Salute Project. This cause is close to Wagers’ heart. ”When they called, I said, ‘You don’t have to ask me twice. I’m all in!’” he shared. The concert is on September 29th at The Aurora at Vinewood. “I think we’ll have a great turnout,” Wagers said. “Topeka is awesome when it comes to supporting each other!”

To learn more about CoolVu Glass & Surface Solutions, call (785) 380-8703 or visit CoolVu.com/Topeka . Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

“I look for opportunities to give back whenever I can.” One of those opportunities is a benefit concert to help bring awareness and support to first responders with PTSD - Heroes Salute Project.

MEET THE FUTURE IN MOWING

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL/EAGLE AERIAL SOLUTIONS

HOW A TOPEKA LAWN AND LANDSCAPE COMPANY STAYS ON THE

CUTTING-EDGE

It all started in 2016 when Ian Robbins, owner of Yardcrafters, was laid off from his job. “I was bored and all I wanted to do was mow,” he said. “So I started Yardcrafters and it just took off. I had to hire another person that first year just to keep up.” Today Yardcrafters consists of a dozen people and offers many more services than just lawn mowing. Sure, they do the regular lawn maintenance and weed and fertilizer applications, but they also offer landscaping services like installing flower beds, patios, walkways, outdoor kitchens, and even water and fire features. Need a spring or fall cleanup? Yardcrafters is the place to call.

Yardcrafters is not your typical lawn and landscape company. What sets them apart? Robbins shared his philosophy: “I don’t judge myself against the others. I have my own standards. We’re very particular about our employees. We hire based on integrity and values and we treat our guys like family.” Robbins explained that most of his employees are young and he puts an emphasis on training. During weekly team meetings, they learn about quality standards, stay on top of new developments in the industry, and are indoctrinated into the Yardcrafters brand. “I know our employees

are trained correctly and will deliver on our promises to the customer,” Robbins explained. “These guys are young, energetic, and love what they do!”

“Our company is not like other lawn care companies in Topeka,” Robbins explained. “Yes, we exist to make a profit, because that’s what a business is, but our number one core value is to deliver wow!” Part of that “wow” experience is staying on the cutting edge of the lawn care industry. Yardcrafters is very excited to be the first lawn care company to bring robotic lawnmowers to Topeka. Yes, you read that right - robotic lawnmowers.

If you hate mowing your lawn, you’re going to love this! The Husqvarna robotic lawn mower will cut your grass automatically while you do other things. The easiest way to describe it is to say it is like a Roomba for your lawn. It can be programmed to cut your lawn any time and features boundary wire to create a perimeter around the lawn. The built-in sensors and GPS-assisted navigation, allow it to mow around flower beds, trees, and it even has a dog poop sensor! “It’s absolutely amazing,” Robbins said. “We just got certified last October. There was a lot of training involved and

we are excited to roll it out for the spring season.” Yardcrafters is the exclusive dealer and a one-stop shop in Topeka for installation, sales, and service of the Husqvarna robotic mower.

One of the best features of this driverless mower is that it can be controlled from your smartphone. You can set up a specific mowing schedule to ensure your lawn looks perfect all the time without any extra effort on your part. Robotic mowers are great for commercial (think HOAs, cemeteries, retirement homes, sports facilities, etc.) and residential use. With the ability to handle larger lawns, uneven terrain, and narrow passages, robotic mowers are the perfect option to maintain a meticulous lawn with ease.

The robotic mower is electric and relies on battery power to operate. So not only is it very quiet, it’s more environmentally friendly than gas-powered mowers. When it comes to power supply, the mower makes use of a charging station and can return to the station on its own when its battery is running low. It even features a rain sensor that automatically postpones mowing during wet conditions. “They’ve thought of everything,” Robbins said. “It’s an extremely impressive machine.”

“Yardcrafters exists to provide services to enrich our customer’s lives,” Robbins said. “Life is short and our goal is to create amazing spaces where people can relax and unwind. We want to give people back leisure time and this mower does exactly that.”

“I love what I do, and I love making people’s lives easier,” Robbins shared. “This company is more like a family than a business. I think that’s rare these days and I feel very lucky to be able to run a business like this.”

To learn more about Yardcrafters or the Husqvarna robotic lawn mower, visit yardcraftersks.com.

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

“Yardcrafters exists to provide services to enrich our customers’ lives.”

BADA$$ RVS

TAKING

GLAMPING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEYSTONE RV

Recreational vehicles, better known by their nickname - RVs, are super popular right now. Part of their rise in popularity is due to that ghastly global goblin we refer to as the Coronavirus. After being quarantined for so long, people found that RVs provided the perfect way to leave home without leaving their home. They could obey quarantine rules and keep their families safe while seeing new places and enjoying a little bit of nature at the same time. So, while COVID-19 wreaked havoc on most businesses, the RV industry was one of the lucky few that not only survived, but thrived. The pandemic created a booming market full of first-time customers - many of whom will turn into lifetime purchasers.

This surge in RV sales has led to more and more people embracing the lifestyle. While the RV crowd used to be retired couples, today, the industry enjoys a slew of new customers including everyone from millennials, to young families, to remote workers traveling the country because they can. The pandemic also forced many people to reassess their lives, which led to simplifying, downsizing, and saving money. This minimalist approach fits in nicely with the RV lifestyle because it makes vacationing more affordable.

Considering flight costs, hotels, and rental cars, traveling in an RV is much more budget-friendly. One night at a hotel is equivalent to a 3-day weekend in an RV park. And since you bring your kitchen with you, preparing your own meals saves big money compared to eating out. RVs are the perfect way for families to spend quality time together, friends to travel affordably, and retired couples to downsize and simplify their lifestyles. Throw in the ability for many to work remotely, and it’s clear why the allure of the RV has been amplified.

So naturally, with demand on the rise, RV manufacturers have stepped up their game to create some amazing campers with awesome features that will take your RV experience to the next level. Let’s look at some of the most exciting additions. Today’s RVs will blow you away.

Let’s start with the kitchens. Gone are the days of no counter space, tiny fridges and miniscule microwaves. Today’s RVs feature full-size stoves, ovens, and microwaves and even islands and pantries. Luxury amenities like solid-surface countertops, deep bowl

farmhouse sinks, high-rise, pull-down single-lever faucets, and residential inspired backsplashes adorn these kitchens. You’ll enjoy solid wood custom cabinetry with adjustable hidden hinges. Oversized drawers glide effortlessly on ball-bearing drawer guides, and you may even find a wine rack above the microwave. These babies have gone from basic to bougie!

Bedrooms feature extra-large storage drawers under the bed, LED overhead reading lights, convenient bedside outlets, and are prepped for bedroom TVs. Bathrooms boast one-piece countertops with large, undermount sink bowls, one-piece fiberglass showers with sliding glass doors and on-demand water heaters. Some RVs feature fireplaces and entertainment centers and even have a place for a washer and dryer. Modern RVs offer all the comforts of home - wherever that home may roam.

For information on purchasing a new or used RV, visit lairdnollerrvs.com . Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

A Magical World of Collector Cars and Automobilia

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR PHOTOGRAPHY

SHARING A PASSION FOR RESTORATION AND CREATIVITY WITH OTHERS

When Todd Williams was 12, his neighbors had antique cars that he would sometimes get to ride in. “I thought they were so cool, and when my dad saw how interested I was, he bought an old unrestored Ford Model A he thought would make a great father-son project,” he says.

Since they didn’t know anything about restoring cars, they learned together. “When we finished, it wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was still fun, so we thought, ‘Let’s do another one.’ It kind of snowballed from there, and each one got better and better.”

During and after college, people started asking Todd to work on their cars too. “This kind of supported my car addiction. I would do a couple of cars for customers and that would pay for me to do one for myself.” He was able to add a car to his collection every couple of years, and after he became a firefighter, he kept right on doing it.

Today, Todd has about 23 restored cars ranging from 1912 to 1972, including a 1919 American LaFrance Firetruck, a Model A Roadster with a rumble seat, a 1940 Ford Woody, and a 1969 Mustang Mach 1. This last one he bought around four years ago to work on with his son, Parker, who was 12 at the time and loved muscle cars.

When they found the Mustang, it only had 33,000 miles on it, but since it had been sitting in a barn since the 1980s, it was in pretty bad shape. “That was his first worst job.” Todd laughs. The car was full of mice droppings and they ate all the wiring and chewed through the upholstery. “I made Parker wear goggles, gloves and a respirator mask. I wouldn’t let him bring the car

inside until he cut out the headliner and pulled all the seats and carpet so it wouldn’t stink up the shop,” he says. Over the next couple of years, father and son did a total body off restoration. “I did it the same way my dad did it,” says Todd. “I wouldn’t work on it unless Parker was helping me, and he got his hands just as dirty as mine. He actually sanded so much that at one point he couldn’t open his cell phone with his fingerprints because he had sanded them off. We went through and rebuilt everything.”

Since then, they’ve taken it to an Antique Automobile Club of America National Meet, where Parker won a First National, as well as two Mustang Nationals, where he received gold awards.

In addition to collecting cars, Todd also started collecting what’s called automobilia like old porcelain signs, and antique gas pumps. Over the years, his collection has grown tremendously, and on his five-acre property, he has an over 7,000 square-foot combination garage and display area. What he has created there is like his own personal museum.

“I was talking to another fireman at the station one day who, on his days off, does construction work. His dream job was to work for Disney and build their downtown. I’d been wanting to do something like this, but I needed some help because I’m not really a wood guy.”

Together, they created a magical world right here in Topeka. First, they built a fire station façade, with two fire trucks sitting out front. Then they built a barber shop with a real barber’s pole that lights up and spins, a movie theater with a little mannequin behind the ticket booth and a marquee displaying The Wizard of Oz , and a café that is a replica of the one his father worked at in high school. “We duplicated the Snow White Café down to the correct address,” says Todd. “I also hung a picture of my dad in front of it.”

The two men also built a grocery store and a pie shop with little pies in the window. “I’ve got a 1912 Model T delivery truck, and before restoring it, you could

“I get a lot of satisfaction in taking a pile of junk that no one thinks is that cool and then when I get done restoring it, everybody really loves it.”

barely read the original sign on the side. Since my grandma made really good pies, I had someone paint her portrait on the side, and then on the back doors, in gold leaf, write ‘Grandma’s Pies and Pastries - Baked fresh and delivered twice daily.’”

There’s also a replica of a 1920s-era gas station with gas pumps and a Coke machine. As with the others, there’s a lot of detail, so the station has a little rubber hose with a bell that dings when a car rolls over it.

There are incredible mannequins throughout many of the displays, including a movie ticket agent, a waitress, and a fireman showing a little boy the Bugtussle Fire Department fire trucks. Some of the real-life fixtures, such as the barber’s pole in front of Floyd’s Barber Shop, light up and move.

A very large collection of pedal cars are on display as well, along with old bicycles, an amazing motorcycle, parking meters, stop lights, children’s mechanical rides, and old pinball machines. There’s just so much to see and experience in this wonderful little “town.”

Many groups, including the Northwest Missouri Model A Club, the Topeka British Car Club and the Rotary Club have come for tours. One of his cars, a 1931 Model A Victoria, even had a role in the movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?  with George Clooney and John Goodman.

Luckily, his wife Kathleen fully supports his hobby. “She’s usually game to go for a ride and go to two or three car shows every year,” he says. “She actually found an old rocket ship dime store ride on a playground and bought it. The power cord had been cut off and the children played on it as a stationary toy. I rewired it and got it running. I could see the faded original paint colors, so I took a picture and was able to restore it just like new. I even sprinkled glitter on the wet paint to make the moon and stars shine.”

Being able to share his passion for restoration with son Parker is also a blessing.

“It's something that we can do together that keeps us closer than a lot of children and parents who don't have that common thread.”

“It’s something that we can do together that keeps us closer than a lot of children and parents who don’t have that common thread,” says Todd. As the collection evolves, Parker is influencing the types of cars they choose. He is a fan of 60’s muscle cars, Corvettes, Mustangs and Camaros. “Collector cars are a hobby that you can share with others,” Todd says. “You can take you

friends for a ride around town, or out for ice cream. If you are careful when you buy your project car, and you do the work yourself, it’s a hobby that pays you back like an investment. You can never pay too much for a collector car, you just bought it too soon.”

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

Here at Tiki Taco Shack, we have the best Chili Con Caso in town and we serve cuisine such as Taco Salads, and Taco & Enchilada platters. Also, for the adults we serve frosty margaritas and cold beer. Enjoy cuisine such as Tacos, Burritos, and Tex-Mex. The atmosphere is casual dining, chill, and good for kids. Food types include comfort food, kids menu, quick bites, and vegetarian options. We offer a variety to please the entire family. Order online for carryout or delivery! tikitacoshack.com

SIP 'N SAVOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL/ EAGLE AERIAL SOLUTIONS

The Golden City's Food & Drink Guide

TRY

TUESDAY: 3 Carne Asada Tacos

FRIDAY: House Made Tamales

WEDNESDAY: Pulled Pork Sandwich or Cuban Sandwich

THURSDAY: 2 Chicken Tostadas or Philly Cheesesteak and a side

& MONDAY IF

Closed BREWING BEER FOR DOGS’ BEST FRIEND 785.730.2498 | happybassetbrewing.com 510 Southwest 49th Street, Topeka, Kansas 66609 41 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/TOPEKA JULY 2023

WE GIRLS BE TRIPPIN'

A Junction City Jaunt

ARTICLE BY KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSEY WAGERS/ WAGERS PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, Junction City is just a hop, skip and a jump from Topeka. Located one hour due west of Topeka in the heart of the Flint Hills, this historic town offers fun shopping and dining opportunities and even a rustic cabin on a lake for an adventurous stay.

WHERE TO SHOP

Ours was a girls trip, so the first stop was shopping. Just a few minutes south of downtown Junction City at 207 E. Spruce Street is the most amazing home decor shop - Found 31. The store is located in the refurbished Acme dairy barn built in 1865 and run by a husband and wife team, Kendra and David Dunbar. “David is retired Army, so early in our marriage he’d be gone 200 days a year and every time he came home I had rearranged the house,” Kendra laughed. “He said, ‘You need a store.’ It’s true, if we didn’t have a store we’d look like hoarders.” They opened their first brick and mortar location when they lived in Moriarty, NM about seven years ago. But once David retired, they moved back to Kansas to be closer to family. She has Topeka ties. Her brother is Chef Adam, owner of the White Linen.

Kendra says her husband is a big part of making the business successful. “I love decorating, but some of my ideas require a little help,” said Kendra. “I give him an idea and he runs with it. Or sometimes he says, ‘That’s HGTV, Kendra. We can’t do that.’ But for the most part he just goes with my craziness.” One of the big projects David helps with is building custom reclaimed wood tables from 8 to 12 feet long. “I like finding lost pieces and giving them a home," Kendra said.

Kendra skillfully mixes old vintage pieces with modern decor to create just the right combination of homey and high-end. Her displays look like they belong on the cover of a home decor magazine. “One of my favorite things is when people bring me a picture of the room they are wanting to decorate,” Kendra said. “It’s the connections you make that make this job worth.”

Found 31 is only open Saturdays from 9-3 and by appointment during the week. To see more, follow them on Instagram @foundthirtyone and Facebook @found31

Follow on Facebook

@Sixonsixth

WHERE TO EAT

Our next delightful surprise was lunch. We ate at a historic restaurant called Six on Sixth, located on the corner of Sixth Street and Washington. These small towns are just drenched in history and this restaurant had a great story to tell. It is in the historic Bartell House built in 1878. The Bartell House was a busy hotel all the way through WWII. Over the years it has housed many businesses including a post office, a barbershop, a cigar shop, and an auto garage. Today, it houses The Bartell Place Apartments above and Six on Sixth restaurant below.

The new owners updated the space but were careful to let the charm of the original building shine through. Brick walls and warm wood floors play nicely with large paintings from local artists. In the large bar area they masterfully mixed old tin ceilings with modern neon lights.

But the star of this show was the food! Chef Irving, we were told, creates tasty twists on American cuisine and he didn’t disappoint! We tried a Cobb salad, a Nashville chicken sandwich, and a shrimp pasta - all delicious. From presentation to palate, the whole experience was wonderful! Stop into this new veteran-owned-and-operated restaurant.

WHERE TO STAY

For your overnight accommodations, we’ve got just the spot. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but once you arrive, you realize that “off the beaten path” is just what you were looking for. This one-of-a-kind cabin in the middle of 400 acres of pasture overlooks a private fouracre pond perfect for swimming and fishing off the dock, or you can take the jon boat or canoe for a little ride. Relax on the screened-in porch and watch for deer and other wildlife to wander by. There’s even disc golf and a trampoline to entertain the kids.

Megan and her husband Tim Rusch are the owners. Tim’s dad had always wanted to build a cabin at the pond, and when he turned 70, the timing aligned to begin the project. Tim built the cabin by hand using a chainsaw and electricity from the solar on his camper to charge his tool batteries. It took most of a year to finish, and was a complete labor of love. Tim did a great job of creating a cozy cabin with all the creature comforts yet still making it feel woodsy and outdoorsy. From the 3-inch thick chainsaw milled log countertops to the corrugated tin backsplash in the kitchen to the raw wood walls and live tree steps on the staircase up to the loft, everything about this cabin says “rustic.” Ducks, deer and pheasant adorn the walls and ceiling giving it a true hunter’s cabin feel. But this cabin is comfy with air conditioning in the summer and heat in the winter.

This cabin is peaceful and secluded and there won't be another soul in sight. To make reservations, visit  airbnb.com/h/karibucabins .

Get going. Summertime adventure is only an hour away!

Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

Backyard Summer Entertaining

CREATE A BEAUTIFUL AND SIMPLE BACKYARD PARTY

Lauren Lane Culinarian and LeAnne Parker have teamed together to create a beautiful and simple backyard party that is tasty, fun and keeps guests cool in the summer heat.

ARTICLE BY LAUREN LANE CULINARIAN/LEANN PARKER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

Make-Ahead Italian Pressed Sandwiches

These make-ahead sandwiches combine hearty ciabatta bread and are loaded with delicious Italian deli meats and cheese. This sandwich is impressive, tasty, and perfect for pool parties, picnics, and tailgates.

ingredients:

• 1 Ciabatta baguette or loaf

• 3 Tbsp butter

• 3 medium red peppers

• 3 cups arugula, spinach or mixed greens, rinsed and patted dry

• 1 ball of mozzarella, sliced thin

• 10 oz assorted Italian deli meats

• Olive oil

• Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper

instructions:

1. To roast the red peppers: Set your pepper on your cooktop flame or grill. Cook until they are mostly black, turning as needed. Place the peppers in a plastic ziploc or paper bag and let sit for 15 minutes. Remove peppers from bag and peel off the blackened skin. Discard the skin and slice the peppers into wide strips. Place in a bowl and drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Set aside.

2. To prepare the sandwiches: Butter each piece of ciabatta and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Butter will help prevent moisture from getting into the bread.

3. Place a generous layer of overlapping cold meats. Top with cooled roasted red pepper strips.

LeAnn’s Backyard Tablescape

• Thrifted Blue Goblets

• Blue Willow Dinnerware Set

• Woven Placemats

• White Scalloped Plate Charger

• Blue Gingham Accent Rib

• Natural Wood Charcuterie Boards

4. Tap dry your mozzarella slices with a paper towel. Top the red peppers with a layer of the mozzarella slices. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Top with a generous layer of arugula. Top with top slice of ciabatta.

5. Wrap each sandwich tightly with plastic wrap and place on a platter or baking sheet. When all the sandwiches are prepared, place the platter in the refrigerator. Top with a heavy skillet or brick. (alternatively top with another baking sheet and place some large cans on top for the weight).

6. Refrigerate at least six hours or ideally, overnight.

7. When ready to serve, remove from plastic wrap. Slice into pieces using a serrated knife holding the sandwich in place while using a sawing motion.

Honey Citrus Melon Salad

ingredients:

• 2 small cantaloupes

• 1 small honeydew

• 1 tablespoon lime zest

• juice of a lime

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon fresh mint

instructions:

1. Use a melon baller to scoop round spheres out of each melon and place them into a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl, combine honey, lime juice and zest. Whisk to combine and pour over the melon. Gently toss together before serving with torn fresh mint leaves.

NOTES

• Sub watermelon for any or all of the melons.

• Sub basil for mint.

• If making in advance; chill melon then toss with honey lime syrup and garnish with fresh mint right before serving.

No-Bake Dessert Bites

ingredients:

• 1- Store-bought pound cake

• 1- Can of store-bought icing (I used buttercream)

• Berries

• Powered Sugar (optional)

instructions:

1. Cut cake into squares or circles. I used a square cookie cutter.

2. Place icing in a ziplock bag. (see note)

3. Snip the tip off the corner of the bag to allow the frosting to be piped out. Be careful with how large you create the hole based on how you’d like to pipe out your frosting. Start small, you can always make it bigger.

4. Squeeze a dollop of icing onto each cake bite.

5. Top with berries.

6. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

NOTES

If you want to elevate the taste of store-bought icing, mix in a package of softened cream cheese or a stick of butter.

Semi-homemade Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Upgrade store-bought cookies by decking them out with delicious ice cream pairings and toppings.

ingredients:

• 12 store-bought cookies

• 1 pint vanilla ice cream or flavor of your choice

• Miniature chocolate chips, sprinkles, or chopped nuts

instructions:

1. Top cookie with a scoop of ice cream. Top with another cookie; press down with the palm of your hand gently to ensure the cookie doesn’t break.

2. Roll sides of ice cream sandwich in chocolate chips, sprinkles or nuts.

3. Wrap in plastic. Freeze until serving.

For more tips on all things hosting, cooking and decorating and more follow, LeAnn at silvertoothhome.com and Lauren at lauren-lane.com. Visit CityLifestyle.com/Topeka to view additional photos from this article.

LISTING SPOTLIGHT

6 BEDS 4 BATHS

3,152 SQ FT $449,500

Amazing layout in this larger-than-it-looks story-and-a-half home! Walking in the large open foyer enjoy the soaring ceilings of the open floor plan in the living room and dining room Tuck into the kitchen for a quick snack and head outside to the deck and Rockfire walking paths or head downstairs to the spacious entertaining space with full bath. Upstairs separates 4 bedrooms and landing zone from the secluded and large primary deluxe en-suite with large walk in closet. Great gated area on the large lot in the backyard and oversized garage with finished flooring, all on a quiet cul-de-sac. HOA includes clubhouse with indoor pool, gym, and party space!