I have three words for you, what a weekend! We spent the weekend in Wichita, KS, our first time to visit, and it was such a fun town! Quick story! Years ago, when we lived in Kansas City the first time, I danced with a local ballet company. We performed yearly at a theater located downtown, and usually rehearsed well into the evening. On these late nights, when my dad picked me up, we would head home and see highway signs to Wichita. He would always ask me if we were up to a quick trip, being 11:00 at night, and I would say “Maybe next time.” It was all in jest, but it was finally next time! It wasn’t with my dad, my parents stayed home, but the three of us took to the highway for the three hour trip!
Jessica Sawatski, the Pubic Relations Manager for the city, created the most incredible itinerary that included all the things that make Wichita such a cool city! Fun fact, did you know that Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas? We personally thought it was Kansas City, forgetting that we are a metro made up of cities in both Kansas and Missouri, so Wichita holds the title. This city is rich in arts, supporting their local artists and musicians. The murals these artists have created around the city are vibrant and thoughtful. The foodies get their taste buds popping with local flavors from all kinds of local restaurants. I haven’t eaten this well in ages! And this mama needs to go back for a weekend of girl time just to partake in their craft beer tour! Followed by all of their local coffee spots! Small businesses are booming and this city shares their pride!
We left on Friday morning and the drive is super easy! The scenery is pretty, especially the Flint Hills which you pass about an hour and half in. McKinley’s fourth grade class discussed Kansas history and historical sites around the state of Kansas and the Flint Hills were discussed in the early part of the year. The land stretches for miles and it’s so unbelievably green. And the sky looks like it’s going to touch the ground at the horizon. Beauty outside your car window! Roughly 20 minutes outside of Wichita is the small town of Benton, KS. And within Benton is an airfield and sitting along side that airfield is a bar and grill. Stearman Field Bar and Grill is a must! I recommend patio seating so you don’t miss a bit of the action. The runway is set just off to the side of the large covered patio where you see planes take off and land. Small Cessna’s, bi-planes, and other small models land, refuel, take off again, or just rest their engines for the day. And you get a front row seat to it all. McKinley’s favorite thing was that he could eat for a minute, grab the phone when he heard an engine, and then take off for the iron fence where he captured all the activity. Speaking of eating, the food was so good. We had their pretzel and queso, split their Bi-Plane Burger, a half pound patty with cheese, and McKinley had their 6” cheese pizza. We waddled away, full as ticks! This is seriously the coolest thing we’ve done in a very long time!
Once in Wichita, we kept that aircraft theme going with a tour of the Kansas Aviation Museum. Wichita is considered the Air Capital of the World and this museum highlights the history of aviation in the state of Kansas. Housed inside the original Wichita Municipal Airport, this three floor museum houses everything from engines, propellers, vintage aircraft such as the 1944 Beech Staggerwing, and so much more. Take the winding staircase to the old control tower and look out over the outdoor aircraft which I’ll get to in just a moment. While looking out the 360 degree view, you may also be able to catch the Air Force base taking off and landing their massive aircraft.
So let’s talk about the outdoor aircraft. McKinley was over the moon! A Boeing 737, B-52D, 727, and B-47. And I have to say, the B-52D was quite a sight! A massive aircraft with quiet the history behind it. Part of the Vietnam War from 1966-1975, this aircraft was housed at several different Air Force bases during the war. Eventually, it was retired in 1978 for use in developmental mockups for later models of B-52s. There are other Air Force aircraft, Cessna’s, a Learjet, and a retired FedEx plane. McKinley loved being able to wander under the larger aircraft, examining the mechanics that were exposed, telling us where bombs and other explosives may have been housed, and having a birds eye view inside the cockpit of the smaller Cessna’s.
Once back inside, make sure you make your way to the education center for a little hands on learning. For all ages, even us adults, you can take hold of one of their many joysticks and take flight with their upgraded simulators. Or, head inside the cockpit of a Cessna 210 and take flight on the Nu-Tek simulator. If you or your kid(s) are into aircraft, flight, and aviation as a whole, this is definitely the museum for you.
Douglas Ave, in downtown Wichita is where it’s at! Take time to explore this city because there is so much to see. Grab a walking map, or download the PocketSights app, to get all the deets on the Wichita History Walk. Originally a trading center, or meeting place, it wasn’t until 1863 that the first permanent settlers made their home in Wichita. J.R. Mead was the first white settler to the region, opening a trading post and establishing the area as a base for the Chisholm Trail. By 1870, Wichita has become an incorporated city, know as “Cowtown” for cattle drives that took place from Texas.
We took to the walking map and strolled along Douglas Ave, turned up and down side streets that are still brick lined, just looking at store fronts, fun locally owned restaurants, and taking in the sounds of the city. We found a gorgeous William Shakespeare mural, vibrant in color and inspiring in quotes. The city is known for their bronze sculptures and we found the Rails and Wheels project, located along the railroad tracks. Parts actually move! So cool. The Gallery Alley is a fun meetup space, however it’s temporarily closed until July 2nd when new art will line the walls and open for viewing from 6:00-9:00. Until then, you can still walk up and down this side street that’s lined with fun sculptures, some interactive, and take a cute selfie along the painted brick street.
As we made our way to dinner, we walked under the railroad trestle and found some cool iron work along the sidewalk railings. Make sure you look for the little things in this town! We dined at The Kitchen, a family owned restaurant loaded in the Union Station historic Baggage Claim Building. We sat on the patio so we could continue to soak up the city vibe. The food was amazing! The boys had deli sandwiches with their homemade chips and I had their Cobb salad with homemade ranch dressing! Even the turkey for the sandwiches was roasted in house! Talk about fresh clean food!
As stuffed as we were, that didn’t stop us from having dessert. Peace, Love, & Pie was up next. Thank goodness it was within walking distance! We could walk off some dinner! Located just within Natzger Park, this quaint pie shop offers several slices from iconic to playful bites. We all tried different versions so we could taste along the pie journey. McKinley got Cookie Dough Pie, I got Lemon Custard, and Joel got the All American Apple. Served to go, which is what we did, we took our slices out to Naftzger Park and found fun wooden seating overlooking this family friendly, synthetic lined turf space. Between bites, and exclamations of how good dessert was, we watched families play, young adults catch up with one another, and kept up with upcoming events on their scrolling billboard. I loved everything about this little bit of green space in the heart of the city.
Once back at the hotel, McKinley swam to burn off energy, although I have no idea how he had any after that first full day, but swim he did! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Wichita, which is located along the Arkansas River, and the view from our room was gorgeous. The river ran right in front of us. Riverfront Stadium, home of the Minor League Wichita Wind Surge was just within sight and a Friday night fireworks display was just outside our window! Once all the excitement died down, it was time to lay down our weary heads, replay the events of the day, and rest up for our second day of adventuring!
No longer a Cowtown, this city is full of color, life, energy, and entrepreneurs. From the early years of Mead, to the names of Lloyd Stearman, Walter Beech, and Clyde Cessna, these business owners are working hard to make this is a destination for everyone. And that they have done! Come back for part two of this Wichita tour as we explore world treasures, step onto large modes of transportation, continue to dine along the city streets, and make summer memories in this family engaged city. Stay tuned……
XO,
Andrea
*This post was sponsored by the City of Wichita. All photos and opinions expressed are my own.
