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.