Growing Up In Kansas

For my final blog post, I chose to have a podcast about growing up in Kansas. I wrote about all of the things to do in Kansas and sites to see, but unless you hear a real life review on a subject, it's not as persuading. I am so thankful to have grown up in the great state of Kansas. This podcast says why I am thankful to have grown up here. If you are looking to move to Kansas or are interested in visiting, I highly recommend it, it is a great state and I'm lucky to live here.

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Tour to the Kansas State Capitol

I could go on and on about the cultural beauty of the historic Kansas state capitol. This video, though it may not be the best quality, takes you on a tour of the 1st-5th floors of the building. I won't bore anyone with the history of the capitol, you need to go there and appreciate the history and beauty of it yourself. The John Brown painting, the golden pillars, and the 597 steps to get to the top of the dome are all the things that make this historical place, historical. Go to your state capitol in Topeka, Kansas and take a minute to appreciate all of the work put into the building, and not only that but to appreciate the people who work in the building, too!

Schlitterbahn Waterpark

With this horrible freezing weather we have had lately, I know I am not the only one who has had the summertime blues, so for my next post, I am going to direct my subject to a more fun summertime event. For this post I chose Schlitterbahn Water Park, because like I mentioned, we have all had a little bit of the summertime blues and would like to have something to look forward to, when these cold months come to a wrap. Schlitterbahn Water Park is located in Kansas City, Kansas, right by The Legends, which I mentioned in one of my earlier posts. Another reason I chose Schlitterbahn for this post is because I saw that 2014 season passes are now on sale. At the waterpark, there are many rides targeted at all ages. Verruckt is the anticipated ride this summer. This ride is designed for four people to be in a raft and then plummet down a 17 feet building structure. While at the park you can also rent a private cabana for you and your family or whatever guests you may bring. They are a private area where you and your guests can share private space. You can find out there operating schedule at

Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum

The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum is located in Atchison, Kansas.  Construction for Amelia's birth home started in 1861 by her grandparents.  That home was located 223 North Terrace.  Amelia, as well as her sister Muriel grew up mostly with their grandparents because her father was a lawyer and was so busy.   Amelia always considered her grandparents house in Atchison her home, her birthplace.  That house was lived in by her grandparents until 1912, when had both passed away.  The museum, located in Atchison, Kansas is historical and educational.  I think it is a liberating experience, one that everyone should seeing our famous female aviator's home and about her life in a museum.

Check out the Casino's in Kansas

If you are over the age and are looking for a weekend getaway or an event for the nightlife in Kansas, Kansas City Star Casino in Mulvane, Kansas. Though there are a variety of casinos to choose from in the great state of Kansas, the Kansas City Star Casino is one you can't miss. I have personally never been there, I am not of age, but my parents, aunts, and uncles went there on a weekend getaway and had nothing but positive reviews of the casino. There you can stay, play, and dine. There is a hotel linked to the casino which is the Hampton Inn & Suites. The Hampton Inn & Suites offers 150 deluxe rooms, as well as 50 king suites. They offer top of the line service for your stay. The casino itself offers 1,850 slot machines, 50 table games, and 10-table poker rooms. There is also five restaurants located in the casino. There is everything from fine dining to just grabbing a quick bite to eat. There is also a gift shop located in the casino. Visit South-Central Kansas and experience a great weekend. Visit to find out more information.

Symphony in The Flint Hills

Founded in 2004 by leaders in Morris, Chase, Lyon, and Wabaunsee counties the Symphony in The Flint Hills is an ongoing, annual tradition. Jane Koger was the original inspiration for the project. Her original idea was for her 40th birthday party. Jane resided in Chase County and gathered those in her county for her celebration, calling it 'Symphony on The Prairie', Thanks to Jane being the inspiration, it is now called Symphony in The Flint Hills for all of the neighboring counties and for tourists. The Kansas City symphony has performed there for eight consecutive years and is expected to go on for the ninth year this upcoming summer. The event is held Fort Riley for one weekend in the summer in the month of July. 22 counties make up the Flint Hills, so you can make a weekend escape out of it. You can see the Symphony in The Flint Hills, as well as plan to visit other destinations in the neighboring counties on your weekend stay. If this interests you, tickets for the event in 2014 go on sale on April 5, 2014. You can purchase them through the KC Symphony box office or online at www.kcsymphony.org.

Observe at the Cosmosphere and Space Center

Located in Hutchison, Kansas is the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. At the Kansas Cosmosphere there are a plethora of different venues you can visit. You can visit the Hall of Space Museum, a Carey Digital Dome Theatre Documentary, a Dr. Goddard's Lab show, a Justice Planetarium show, and the naviGATOR flight simulator while there. The great thing about the Cosmosphere is that you can buy an all day mission pass, to visit all of these exhibits or you can just buy a single venue ticket, if there is only one exhibit that interests you or that you have time for. An all-day mission pass is $20.00 for children ages 4-12, $22.00 for adults, and free for children ages 3 and under. That is a deal you can't miss out on, if you are up for an all-day event. If you aren't up for doing all of them, the prices for the single events vary depending on event. You can visit to find out more information on pricing. The Cosmosphere in Hutchison, Kansas has so much to offer when visiting. They even offer various camps for people ages 2nd grade through adults. It is a great experience. Not only is it a fun, family oriented experience, but also an educational one.

Come Out to The Country Club Plaza

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday and time of year, as I think it is to a lot of people. In honor of that, my next post is the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City. The 15 blocks of endless possibilities,the Plaza, is located in Kansas City, Missouri, but it is so close to the Kansas border that it is worth going over during the winter season. Winter time at the plaza is simply magical. On Thanksgiving night they have a traditional ceremony in which tourists and Kansas residents gather to 'countdown' to the turning on of Christmas lights strung throughout the entire Country Club Plaza. The ceremony begins at 5:00 p.m., Thanksgiving day. The day after, they have Black Friday shopping at the plaza. Along with the magnificent ceremony in the winter, they also have horse drawn carriage rides touring the plaza. If you are looking for a night out with the girls or a romantic night on the town, the Plaza is filled with numerous shopping stores, as well as a plethora of fine dining restaurant choices for your specific needs and wants. Below is a link to the website to find out more on the Plaza. http://countryclubplaza.com/

Dine at Bobo's Drive In

Like I mentioned in the post prior, I will be picking two restaurants that are unique to the great state of Kansas. My first selection was Smokey's BBQ, located in Wellsville, Kansas, my second is Bobo's Drive In, located in Topeka, Kansas. Bobo's Drive In first came to Topeka in 1948 and found it's home location on 10th Avenue in 1953. This restaurant is located in the capitol of Kansas, bringing a lot of tourists in. I personally have never been to Bobo's, but I have only heard good reviews. I am a current freshman at Washburn University, so I am new to Topeka, but plan to attend all the hotspot eating locations over the next four years. In 2007, Richard and Tricia Marsh bought Bobo's. In the reviews, their best items are their cheeseburgers and fries. On a few websites it is known as Topeka's Best Burger. In December of 2007 the restaurant was featured on the hit tv show, Diners, Dine-Ins, and Dives. Mostly, though, they are known for their Spanish burger and apple pie. Bobo's Drive in is a classic drive-in, giving you the feel of the 50's while you are there. If you want an old time feel, or just a good burger, stop in the capitol city to Bobo's Drive In.

Stop in at Smokey's

For my next two posts I am going to do them on restaurants that are unique to Kansas.  For my first one I am going to focus on a bbq restaurant.  I chose bbq first because Kansas is in the Midwestern United States and we love a good barbeque restaurant.  One that is original to our state is one that is near and dear to my heart, Smokey's BBQ.  Smokey's BBQ is located in my hometown of Wellsville, Kansas.  The restaurant was originally called Hotwicks, but it burned down in the 90's and that is how it got it's new and improved name Smokey's.  The restaurant has brought in tourists from all around.  I personally have seen license plates from Texas, Wyoming, Las Vegas, and many more on the brick Main Street, parked in front of Smokey's BBQ.  It is under management of a local family and they keep it in tip top shape, always looking for ways to improve.  Growing up in Wellsville, I have been there thousands of times and sometimes forget how unique that is to not only our town, but to Kansas in general.  They are famous for their fried pickles, which in an appetizer you can get.  Next time you're around those parts or passing through, stop in for some quality food and a good feeling restaurant.  Located below is the location of the restaurant in Wellsville, Kansas.

Sun and Stampede

       Hosted by 94.5 country, the Country Stampede is held in Manhattan, Kansas every year in the month of July.  Every year there is a line up of famous country singers, ranging from someone very well known to a rising star.  This past year Jason Aldean was the main singer, bringing in a lot of fans(especially from the female population).  This four day event is held at Tuttle Creek State Park.  While attending the stampede, you can either camp on the camp grounds they provide, or stay in a nearby hotel.  For all you country fans out there, in 2014 it has been announced that the main singers are Luke Bryan and Eric Church.  Both some of country's hottest artists.  During the event, a charity auction is held to benefit the regional charities.  All items given at the stampede are unique and original.  Some of those items are a meet and greet with a singer, a signed instrument from the artist, and things donated from the local businesses.
       This event again is a four day event.  Each day is filled with different artists and a lot fun.  Right now there are tickets you can pre-order for the 2014 Country Stampede.  If you are a country fan or someone who wants to have a good time.  Get on http://countrystampede.com/ and order your ticket today.  According to their website, only 234 more days until the next one!  You will not regret buying your ticket.

Run to the Renaissance

The Renaissance Festival in Kansas City is a treat for the whole family.  Whether you are a tourist or a resident of the state, this is a great activity to do in the fall season.  The Renaissance Festival goes on for seven weekends from August to October.  They have so much to offer at this event.  There are seven themed weekends, 20 entertainment venues, over 100 artisan booths, and to top it all off, live armored jousting.  The festival is set back in the 16th century, the 'Medieval Time Period'.  This event is a double whammy in itself.  It is a fun event, while at the same time educational, taking a blast into the 1500's.  A huge benefit to this event is that there is endless entertainment.  It has everything from stage acts, musical entertainment, games, and other miscellaneous activities.  A few years ago my family attended the festival, and each member of my family enjoyed it for its different activities.  This event is so diverse, no matter what your interest is, you will find something that interests you.  Below is a link to the website for further information.  Be diverse and broaden your horizons-attend the festival.  There is one more week available to go this year, if not get your ticket in advance for next year!

http://kcrenfest.com/

Meet at the Mill

If you think you've had good apple cider, think again, you haven't visited the Louisburg Cider Mill.  The Louisburg Cider Mill is located just off of 33 highway.  It's good for all kinds of visits like family outings or a class field trip.  In the video above you will learn about the history of the mill as well as seeing how the cider is made today.  The cider mill is only 20 minutes away from my hometown, so I have been fortunate to have been there plenty of times and drink they're famous apple cider.  It may be known for the apple cider, but they have so much more to offer.  In the month of October they provide a pumpkin patch around the mill, which is fun for all ages.  In addition to that, they also have cider doughnuts, which are to die for.  If you haven't been, you're missing out.  If you're in the Halloween spirit and haven't gotten your pumpkins for the holidays, go to the Louisburg Cider Mill to get your pumpkin and enjoy their delicious cider and doughnuts!

Hope everyone had a blessed and safe weekend!

Fun at the Fair

     With the summer season coming to a wrap, I think everyone has a little bit of the summer time blues.  In honor of summer, this week I chose to write about an event that makes everyone think and reminisce on summertime, the state fair.  The annual state fair is held in Hutchison, Kansas.  It is a very popular event for us Kansans, as well as visiting tourists. The state fair has been going on for 100 years as of 2013 and every year it gets better.  It is a 10 day long event, which reals in thousands of people to this exciting event. 
   Like every fair, it contains animals, rides, and cotton candy but the state fair has way more to offer.  No matter which day out of the 10 days you attend, something different is offered every day. 
   Though the state fair only occurs once a year at a certain time, it is absolutely worth the wait and certain time to come.  There are many highlights to this event.  My personal favorite are all the performers they have, which are usually country artists!  This past year hit artist Toby Keith performed, as well as other hit country artists, bringing in quite an audience.
    From the parade to the tractor pulls, there is so much to offer at this event located in Hutchison, Kansas.  It's an event worth attending with your family, friends, or significant other and one in which you won't regret.

    Here is a link to the Kansas state fair's website if you inquire further information:  http://kansasstatefair.com/

Tour the Twine

     The largest ball of twine is located in Cawker City, Kansas.  Frank Stoeber is the man who created the ball of twine, starting his project in 1953.  In 4 short years, after the ball was created, it weighed 5,000 pounds and was 8 feet tall.  As of today, the huge ball weighs a whopping 19,873 pounds.  
      If you want to be apart of the "World's Largest Things" every August Cawker City holds a Twine-A-Thon, where those attending add more twine to large ball, nevertheless, making it more giant than it already is. 
     Cawker City, Kansas is a town to stop in, especially to see the "Largest Ball of Twine."
     The slideshow below are pictures capturing the giant ball and tourists visiting!

There's No Place Like Home

     While passing through Kansas, a site to see is The Oz Museum in Wamego, Kanas.  "There is no place like home," couldn't be more true in this case.  This cute cozy museum in the small and inviting town of Wamego, makes you feel right at home while also viewing scenes from the legendary 1939 movie Wizard of Oz. 
     The movie Wizard of Oz, is set in Kanas, right in 'Tornado Alley'.  If you aren't familiar with the movie, it is about Dorothy, a young girl who is raised by her aunt and uncle, who is swept away by a tornado taking her and her dog Toto to the magical land of Oz.  The museum contains scenes and views from the movie and over 2,000 artifacts from 1900's to present day.  The museum itself offers viewing of artifacts, as well as souvenirs from 'Auntie Em's' gift shop. 
    Rates to attend the museum are:  Ages 13 and up: $7.00, Children 4-12:  $4.00, Children 3 and under:  FREE. 
    Location:  511 Lincoln Wamego, KS 66547
    Below is a Google map of Wamego, KS. Enjoy!

View Larger Map

Visit the Kansas City Zoo

    In the great state of Kansas there are many zoos, but one of the major ones is the Kansas City Zoo.  The Kansas City Zoo is home to a variety of animals.  Stated on the zoo's website, their mission is to conserve and provide experiences with wildlife in order to entertain and educate our audiences and to instill a lifelong respect for nature.  Along with their mission, their vision is to be the most family-friendly zoo in the country anchoring Kansas City as the "edu-tainment" capitol of the Midwest. 
     Growing up in Kansas, I went on field trips to the zoo, as well as visits with my family and each time I went, there was something new to see.  It is an exciting and liberating experience to see the different types of cultures of animals.
     On weekdays, the zoo is open from 9:30a.m. to 4p.m. and on weekends the hours are 9:30a.m. to 5:00p.m.
     From animals in the zones of Africa, Australia, and Africa, visiting will enhance your appreciation for cultured animals.  There is also a KidZone and a new exhibit called the Polar Bear Passage.  All of these animals and attractions are worth visiting and your time.  If you're looking for a day out with the family, this would be the attraction to go see, together.
     Linked is the website to the Kansas City Zoo, which will be helpful when deciding what to see and do at the zoo, and just to further your knowledge on the history of the zoo.  www.kansascityzoo.org

Live It Up at The Legends

     The Legends is the place to be, if you are looking for a day or night out on the town.  This outdoor outlet mall is filled with a variety of shops, plethora of restaurants, and a top notch movie theatre.  Recently making its way to Kansas, it added a uniqueness and designer outlet mall to the state. 
     The 1.2 million square foot structure, known as The Legends, is located off of I-70 and I-435 in Village West.  Village West is the largest tourist attraction in the state of Kansas, due to its surroundings.  Village West is filled with Nebraska Furniture Mart, Cabela's, Great Wolf Lodge, Sporting KC, Schlitterbahn Waterpark, Kansas City T-Bones Baseball Team, and Hollywood Casino.  All of these attractions are ones worth visiting, especially since they are surrounded by The Legends Outlet Mall.
      In the mall itself are plenty of attractions.  One in which brings in a lot people is Dave & Busters, a restaurant/gaming adventure.  Dave & Busters has a variety of food on their menu, while also allowing you to play your favorite arcade games as or before you eat.
     Like I mentioned before, The Legends is the place to be if you want a 'Girls Day Out' shopping or going to a movie or a 'Guys Night' at one of the many fine dining restaurants.  I highly recommend stopping in.  It's a choice you won't regret!

In a separate page on my blog, up above, there is a list of all of the stores and restaurants to find at The Legends Outlet Mall.  Check it out!
        
Hours of Operation are:  Monday-Saturday 10:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. and Sunday 11:00p.m. to 6:00p.m.

Hope everyone had a safe weekend and has a blessed week!

Hang With The Hawks & Chant With The Cats

     Fall entails cooler weather, beautiful scenery, and also the game of football.  Since the season is approaching, I thought it was only fitting that the first event to do in Kansas, was to attend a football or basketball game (specifically football since it's that time of year) at two of our Division 1 schools. 
     From 'Waving The Wheat' to the traditional Rock Chalk chant, Kansas University takes pride in the achievements of their athletic teams.  A must see for the Kansas go-ers is a KU sporting event.  Growing up in the sunflower state, I've been born and bread a Jayhawk fan.
     The University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, Kansas, originally founded in 1865.  Memorial Stadium, where football is played, was built in 1921 and Allen Fieldhouse, where they play basketball, was founded in 1955.
     The event to see is the Sunflower Showdown between Kansas rivals, KU and K-State, which is November 30, 2013 located at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri.
     Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, Kansas, originally founded in 1863.  The Bill Snyder Family Stadium, where they play football and is named after the head coach, just put its final touches on the advancements to it, making it a bigger and nicer complex.  The Bramlage Coliseum, where they play basketball was built in 1988.  Kansas State University thrives on the concept of 'Family', and you feel like just that attending one of their events, especially when all do the Wabash Cannonball in the stadiums. 
     Both of these schools have top notch athletic departments and school pride.  'Waving The Wheat' and the 'Wabash Cannonball' are techniques used by each school to amp up the crowd at halftimes, time outs, and when a point is scored for their team.  As a Kansan I have been to both a KU and K-State sporting event.  They are filled with excitement, tradition, and pride.  While in Kansas, it is a definite to do, to get the full feel for our Kansas 'sporting vibe.'  Also, the town of Lawrence and Manhattan are great tourist attractions, with many sights to see! Below this text are links to the sports schedules for the year 2013-14, so take a look at those dates and find one that works for you.  If you don't, you'd be missing out.

Enjoy!

http://www2.kusports.com/schedules/football/2013/kansas/
http://www.kstatesports.com/calendar/events/


Sources:
http://www.kuathletics.com/
http://www.kstatesports.com/


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Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Mikayla Douglas.  I was born and raised in the small town of Wellsville, Kansas, population 2,000.  I am currently a freshman at Washburn University, majoring in Mass Media with an emphasis in Public Relations.  For my mass media class, I am creating my own individual blog and am excited to begin my blogging journey.

This blog is dedicated to portray the interesting/fun events and sights that Kansas has to offer.  It is targeted towards those residents living in Kansas, who aren't aware of all this state has to offer, and to those tourists looking for activities to do while visiting.  From The Legends, to the Amelia Earhart festival, this state has a lot intriguing events, that most aren't aware of.  The 'heart' of the United States is normally overlooked by the beaches in California, or Times Square in New York City, but it is unique in it's own way.

I have found 20 interesting and entertaining things to do in the great state of Kansas and can't wait to share them with you over my blogging quest.  As this post comes to an end, I will leave you with a picture capturing the majestic beauty of the sunflowers, symbolic of the 'Sunflower State'.



Image from http://mostbeautifulflower.com/sun-flowers/sunflowers-flowers-are-always-growing-towards-the-sun.html/attachment/beautiful-sunflower-picture-4