With the holiday season upon us, it is time to begin thinking about gifts, big meals, and all of the other goodies that go hand-in-hand with this special time of year. Do you have the honor of hosting this year’s festivities? Don’t despair; your friends at Only in Kansas are here to help… with entertaining ideas, that is! If you need a fun and memorable location to take your out-of-town visitors, check out these 11 undeniably fun places:
1. Flint Hills Scenic Byway
Since we have had such warm and mild temperatures, why not take your visitors for a beautiful drive along the stunning Flint Hills Scenic Byway? Enjoy the vibrant colors, rolling hills, and scenic views that you and your guests won't find anywhere else.
2. Kansas Originals Market (Wilson)
You have seen the billboards and have spotted the building off the interstate... but have you stopped in? If you haven't, you are missing out on fabulous art, food, gifts, and decor that are created by Kansas locals.
3. Lindsborg
When you visit Little Sweden, U.S.A., your guests will think they have left Kansas altogether with the unsurpassed shopping, culture, and authentic Swedish cuisine found in Lindsborg.
4. Crawford County Fried Chicken
Let me put it this way: If you take your guests to this Pittsburg area phenomenon, you won't have to cook! (Although—fair warning—Crawford County's better than "finger lickin' good" fried chicken will ruin you for life.)
5. Cathedral of the Plains - St. Fidelis Catholic Church (Victoria)
I feel confident in saying that Kansas is home to the most beautiful churches in the country, so pick one to show off to your out-of-town guests. (My advice is to visit St. Fidelis—partly because I was married here, but mostly because it is jaw-droppingly gorgeous.)
6. Gella’s Diner & Lb Brewing Co. (Hays)
Do you have a beer and/or German food lover coming to stay? Bring them to Gella's for some of the yummy cuisine and unique brews that have put this small town on the map. And while you're in Hays...
7. Sternberg Museum of Natural History (Hays)
...stop by the famous Sternberg Museum of Natural History for a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the past.
8. Paul Boyer Museum of Animated Carvings (Belleville)
Okay, so carvings may not sound like the most interesting thing, BUT Paul Boyer's animated works of art most certainly are! See these fun sculptures for yourself and get ready to be amazed.
9. Cosmosphere (Hutchinson)
Now that you have traveled to the past, it is time to soar to the future at the famous Cosmosphere, which houses the largest collection of spaceflight artifacts in the world.
10. Strataca (Hutchinson)
Located just down the road from the Cosmosphere is the fascinating underground world of Strataca. Did you know that out of the 15 working salt mines in the country, the Hutchinson Salt Company mine/Strataca is the only one that allows visitors? Cool, right?
11. Lucas
Last but not least is the town of Lucas (AKA the quirky capital of Kansas). Go for the distinct grassroots art collection; stay for the wold's second best bathroom (located at the iconic Bowl Plaza).
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