car insurance

hi..my son is going to travel across america with a mate, they are 19..is there any chance of car insurance, and who would you recommend...also how long will it take?and is it better to buy an old car when in america..or rent?

car insurance

The age 19 may be a problem for renting a car. I would check to see if that is an issue with the company he is considering.

That aside, I would lean toward renting, unless you are talking about a trip that takes several months. With an old car, he would be getting it just before the trip, possibly have to deal with significant repairs, and have to dispose of it at the end of the trip.

Car insurance is expensive for 19 year olds that live in the US.

Good luck!

car insurance

thanks for your help i will get him to look into fingers crossed!

Hutchinson Accommodation during state fair

Hi, can anyone recommend where we should stay for the 2008 state fair in Hutchinson? And also is there any night life in Hutchinson during this time?

Hutchinson Accommodation during state fair

We can help more if you tell us who is in your party (children, a couple, seniors, etc), what you would like the place to be like, and what your budget is.

Hutchinson Accommodation during state fair

We are a party of 2 adults (couple). I am not expecting a fancy hotel, just somewhere nice and clean and possibly with restaurants etc nearby.

Also will we have to book early? Does Hutchinson get extra busy during the state fair? We are coming over from Australia as we are grain farmers and want to look around the area. I just thought timing our visit with the state fair would be a good idea.

There are a cluster of motels on the east side of town including several of the moderate to inexpensive national chains. I usually stay at a fairly large local motel, the Grand Prairie Hotel %26amp; Convention Center. It has the extra feature of a modest indoor water park. The last time I stayed there it was just over $60 a night, but I believe that the prices are higher during the Fair.

I would expect the places in Hutchinson to book up fairly early, but it sounds like you may be staying only one day in Hutchinson. If that is the case, you might stay at other communities in the area. For example, Wichita is only about a hour away. I stayed in Wichita on a weekend during the Fair this year and had no trouble getting a reasonably priced room a couple of days in advance.

BTW, if you happen to be interested in Space or aviation, The Kansas Cosmosphere in Hutchinson is World Class.

As part of my job, our office sends me to work at the State Fair so have a couple ideas for you.

I would not recommend the Grand Prairie (1400 N Lorraine) since we have several offices who must stay their due to contracts with the hotel and the employees state it is dirty, rundown, services (such as air conditioning) are in constant repair, and just overall not well-managed. (it used to be a beautiful Holiday Inn Holidome)

Our office has booked us at the Microtel (1420 N Lorraine...next to the Grand Prairie) and Holiday Inn Express (1601 Super Plaza...just to the east of the Microtel) that are both clean and had good service from the staff. The reason we switched to the Holiday Inn Express is that the amenities and breakfast are a notch above the Microtel, and that is usually our only meal for the day (other than fair food) :)

Let me know if I can offer more suggestions to you, oh and need to book now for 2008...we book for the next year when we close our the current year charges.

state fair accommodation

Thanks for your help everyone, i will make my reservations and probably try holiday inn express. We are staying 2 nights in hutchinson and 1 night in Wichita (the night before we are due to fly out).

state fair accommodation

For an inexpensive place to stay in Wichita, after visiting several places I didn%26#39;t care to revisit, I have been happy with Wichita Days Inn South at 4875 S. Laura.

living in Manhattan

My family and I are planning on relocating and are thinking of Manhattan or Grand Junction. We are having trouble finding a true look at the cost of living and the median salary range. Does anyone have any idea where I can find out some of this information?

Burned out in San Diego!

living in Manhattan

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce has some related information on their website. They site the salary information as coming from the Kansas Dept of Labor.

living in Manhattan

Also epodunk.com has a lot of that type of information for towns and cities across the US.

I grew up in Manhattan and have been to Grand Junction a couple times if you have more questions.....I%26#39;m a litle biased to Manhattan! :)

urban decay

Anyone ever heard of Harry's Downtown

I heard that we should go eat there but can not find any info on the restaurant. Anyone ever been there?

Anyone ever heard of Harry's Downtown

I was there in March.

The building is quite nice and works well with the eligance they are striving for. The food was less impressive. Not bad, but not a place I would single out as special.

Over all, I was disapointed.

Anyone ever heard of Harry's Downtown

Harry%26#39;s downtown is located on Poyntz Avenue, in the historic Wareham Hotel building. I have always had a great time eating at Harry%26#39;s. New owners just took over last month and it seems everything is going well.

Welcome to the Board, Dennis!

Any secret finds to share in your part of the state?

If you want a place to eat in Manhattan, there are lots of choices. One of my favorite places is in Aggieville. The Hibachi Hut is great. It has a different kind of menu with some cajun stuff and grilled items. It%26#39;s attached to the Texas Star Cafe, which has great Mexican.

I would rather eat in a locally-owned place like that than in a chain restaurant anyhow.

The Hibachi Hut is still there? I remember it from 1969, when I was a frosh at K-State! Is Raoul%26#39;s still in town? I have fond memories of it from years gone by, too.

I%26#39;m from Northern Michigan and go to Manhattan each year for a golfing weekend/week... I/we love Harry%26#39;s.. Never had a bad meal, great ambience, and the best place in Manhattan. The Hibachi Hut is also good, but not of the caliber of Harry%26#39;s. Get the Lobster Martini appetizer !!

Here%26#39;s Harry%26#39;s website: http://www.harrysmanhattan.com/

You def should eat at Harry%26#39;s!! There is lots of history in the building and it%26#39;s probably the nicest restaurant in Manhattan. The Seafood Extravaganza meal (think that is what it%26#39;s still called) is great and the deserts are to die for!

However, a really nice Italian restaurant just opened too called Della Voce: http://www.dellavoce.com/

Other favorites are Coco Bolos: http://www.cocobolos.com/ and Habatchi Hut (suggested from others too)

What shall I do today?

My husband and I are from England, living in Wichita since August and at a loss for something to do over the next 3 days.

I%26#39;ve heard something about snow geese somewhere close by and would like to see them, but can%26#39;t remember where they are.

Happy to drive up to 2 hours and maybe stay overnight somewhere. Already been to Cottonwood Falls and surrounding area and might just go back there.

Any ideas? Thank you.http://www.tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i14061-Relax_in_the_Flint_Hills.html

What shall I do today?

I don%26#39;t know about snow geese wintering over in the area, but huge flocks stop over during migration. You might check on Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Refuge near Great Bend.

I saw this flock at Squaw Creek refuge north of KC in early March of %26#39;05 http://www.mightymac.org/neb18.JPG %26amp; http://www.mightymac.org/neb30.JPG

There are a lot of interesting places north of you within a 2 hour drive. For example, Lucas is pretty cool, unique and wouldn%26#39;t be weather dependent. tripadvisor.com/GoListDetail-i10929-Lucas_Ka…

What shall I do today?

You might try www.explorekansas.org or a nice day trip would be to go to Medicine Lodge which is about an hour and a half southwest of Wichita. The surrounding area reminds one of New Mexico or other areas of the American southwest. It definitely is worth a trip,even in the winter.

Although not open today Watermark Books has copies of a book by Marci Penner ,she has the Explore Kansas web site, listing things to see and do in practically every town in Kansas.

Although it is over a two hour drive Lawrence,Ks. is a very interesting town,with many good restaurants,shops, and the museums located at the university. It%26#39;s down town area is the way towns in this part of the country looked 50 years ago before shopping malls became a blight on the landscape.

If you are in Lawrence this weekend, you will probably see some eagles.

The Kansas River near downtown Lawrence stays open when much of the surounding water is iced over and the Eagles take advantage of it. Paticularly, just downriver from the 2nd Street Bridge.

What did you end up doing? Would love to read your impressions of Kansas.

What to see along I-70 this summer?

My family will be making a road trip from northern KY to Colorado during late June or mid July and will be traversing KS along I-70. We have an 11 and 7 yr old who will need regular breaks in the driving. What sites can you recommend that we see? If it involves an overnight stay, that could work out well also.

What to see along I-70 this summer?

There are a great many places.

Places I would particularly recommend include Rolling Hills Zoo in Hayes, the various quirky grassroots arts attractions in Lucas, Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays and either or both of Monuments Rocks %26amp; Castle Rock Badlands farther west.

http://www.kansastravel.org/ has pages devoted to all of these.

What to see along I-70 this summer?

If you have any interest in American history the Eisenhower library and museum in Abilene are worth a visit. Also the Cathedral of the Plains at Victoria would be worth a short stop. It is about mid-way between Russell and Hays. This is Wild Bill Hickok and General Custer territory. Hickok was a marshal there and Custer%26#39;s troops were sent to protect the workers building the railroad.

Something of interest along the road are the limestone fence posts. When the first settlers came here there were no trees to use for fence posts so they cut ones from the nearby limestone deposits.

Check out this link to find many ideas for your trip on I-70 through Kansas.

http://www.travelks.com/s/index.cfm?aid=118

It is an I-70 Ready Made Adventure from Kansas%26#39; Travel and Tourism website. There is also a Family Fun Ready Made Adventure that features kid-friendly attractions, many of which are also located on I-70.

You can find tons of travel information from their site at www.travelks.com.

You will also find some good information here: http://www.visitkansas-i70.com/

Hope this helps!

B & B near Wichita State

I%26#39;ll be doing research at the Wichita Stat U. archives for 3 days in February. Any recommendations for B%26amp;Bs, especially if they are relatively close to the campus. Otherwise I%26#39;ll stay in a downtown hotel.

Thanks

B %26amp; B near Wichita State

You might try this web site www.collegehill bedandbreakfat.com. I know nothing about the place but it would be about a five minute drive to WSU.

B %26amp; B near Wichita State

That is www.collegehillbedandbreakfast.com. Some how a space jumped in there.

Thanks Patrick, I%26#39;ll give that a look. If anyone has stayed there, please chime in.

Kansas 400 September - need help with tickets

Hi

My husband and I really want to see Dario Franchitti in his first Nascar season this year and usually vacation in September. We would like to come to the Kansas 400 but having made various enquiries have been told as far as tickets go our only option is to buy a 4 race package - 2 of the races are earlier in the year though and there is no way we could attend them so it seems a real waste.

Does anyone know if there is a legitimate way we could buy tickets for the race only (and qualifying if needbe)? I know there are other Nascar races in Sept howerver they are all East Coast and we would rather spend our vacation in the Kansas area so we could spend some time in Dallas and catch the state fair before we flew home.

Thanks- I%26#39;m grateful for any bright ideas.

Gill

Kansas 400 September - need help with tickets

Try ticketsolutions.com

They are a very large, reputable ticket broker in the area.

I think they would be your best bet.

CSBM

Kansas 400 September - need help with tickets

thanks, that gives me some options to consider

The speedway%26#39;s website offers weekend hotel and ticket packages: kansasspeedway.com/tickets/tickets_travel/

There may be other tour operators with packages.

Hotel near Lawrence

My husband and I will be in the area at the very end of February for a grad school interview at UMKC, as well as a visit to KU. We are looking for a cheap place to stay, though it does need to be clean. We just don%26#39;t really need anything fancy, and actually, it would almost be better if it were between Kansas City and Lawrence. Any suggestions?

Hotel near Lawrence

You might try the Motel 6 in Lawrence. My wife and I stayed there in September and it was fine,rooms were clean and had been newly painted. One thing you need to check on if there is a basketball game at that time. Some of the less expensive places can be full.

Hotel near Lawrence

If it%26#39;s over the weekend of Feb 29-Mar 2, there is a big basketball game in town, KU-KSU, and hotels will start filling up soon. You might check staying in The Legends area on the edge of KC on the way to Lawrence. There is a Holiday Inn Express there.

Or there is a Super 8 off I-70 at the Bonner Springs exit. That%26#39;s even more in the middle of KC and Lawrence.

Super 8 Bonner Springs

13041 Ridge Avenue

Bonner Springs, KS 66012 US

urban decay

Places of Interest

This is my first visit to Holten, Netherlands.

Please furnish me with tourist attraction must visit or places of interest.

Places of Interest

I suspect that you will not find your way back here to check for answers, but in case you do - The forum is for Holton, Kansas in the USA, not for Holten, Netherlands.

Good luck!

Looking for weekend get-away location.

My husband and I are looking for a weekend get-away in March/first part of April (Fri-Sun). We are from eastern South Dakota so we are looking for something within driving distance. We are looking for some R%26amp;R plus a little siteseeing and something fairly reasonable in price.

We are open to anything - from a cabin on the lake to staying in a hotel in the city.

If you have any suggestions please post them. Thanks.

Looking for weekend get-away location.

There are so many options, that I don%26#39;t really know where to start. But I will throw one out, and your reaction may help us get closer to what would please you.

How about Lawrence, a medium sized college town, midway between Kansas City and Topeka?

It is a nice community that still has a real downtown like towns did 40 years ago. Massachusetts Avenue has clothing, book and appliance stores and many interesting local restaurant and entertainment options. The has interesting buildings dating back 150 years, museums at the University of Kansas, and other things such as nearby wineries to make up an interesting weekend.

In addition to the usual chain hotels, you might look at staying at Halcyon House B%26amp;B or the Eldridge Hotel.

http://www.thehalcyonhouse.com/

http://www.eldridgehotel.com/

Looking for weekend get-away location.

I would recommend Lawrence also. It%26#39;s a cool little town. In addition to pp recs, I%26#39;d recommend checking out The Circle S Ranch. It%26#39;s a B%26amp;B north of Lawrence. It%26#39;s a really cool place to get some R%26amp;R. They have a hot tub in the silo and some spa services. You%26#39;d have to make sure there isn%26#39;t a wedding being held there that weekend. www.circlesranch.com

Possible Wichita Relocation....help!

Hello! My husband is possibly relocating to Wichita for an executive position. I will be staying put for a bit, but eventually joining him...so I have a couple of questions.

First, a little bit about us. We are a (fairly) young couple in our early thirties with no children, so short term we are not concerned with school districts, etc. We are more interested in a vibrant area with lots of great restaurants, things to do, etc. While we do like nights on the town, we aren%26#39;t really into the ';club scene,'; more interested in the arts, sports etc. We would be moving from Oklahoma City, which while not huge is larger, so want to try to maintain a sort of ';city feel.';

To begin with, he will be renting an apartment, so would like some information on good areas for him to do that, preferably not an ';apartment setting';, but more of a loft feel. Any thoughts on the area surrounding Via Christi Hospital; that would be close to work for him?

Look forward to any and all insight, both on areas to move to and things to do in the area. Thanks in advance!

Sherie

Possible Wichita Relocation....help!

escantrell, Hi,---It sounds like what you are looking for would probably be on the east side of Wichita. It is more upscale than the west side with more restaurants and shopping areas. There are actually two Via Christi%26#39;s here ,St. Francis and St. Joseph. The areas around either one would probably not have what you are looking for. You might try a search for extended stay apartments and see what you get. I know that Marriott and Candlewood Suites both have apartments here. Also the hospital Human Resources department should be able to be of some assistance.

There are actually many cultural events here. Opera,symphony,several different theatre groups,mostly musical ones. Also a great zoo.

I hope this will at least give you someplace to start.

Pat

Possible Wichita Relocation....help!

Patrick-

Thanks....what about the downtown area? Is that a fun/good area to live in? He was looking at the Garvey Center and some lofts.

Sherie, I am afraid I know very little about living in the down town area. There are several good restaurants and numerous bars in old town which is an area of reclaimed warehouses but as to what it actually is like to live there I have no idea. There is a 15,000 seat arena to be built in the southeast part of downtown. I believe construction is to begin next spring but am not sure about the date.

First of all, Welcome to Wichita.. It%26#39;s a great place to live..and to raise children.. I might also suggest going to the Wichita Chamber%26#39;s website, http://www.wichitakansas.org/index.asp. They have several helpful links about relocating to Wichita. They also have a spouse career network, which caters to spouses of new employees to the Wichita area. If you have any questions, I%26#39;m sure anyone at the Chamber would be happy to assist you.

Best of luck to you.

Cathy

Sherie-----There is an article in todays Wichita paper you may be of interest to you. It is about loft living in downtown Wichita. Go to www.kansas.com and you will see the story.

Pat

I really should proof read these before sending them.

Pat

Hi Sherie,

My husband and I are also young (28 %26amp; 30), no kids, only dogs. We live in the College Hill area. It%26#39;s super cute, tons of trees, and older homes, great area for walking around. It%26#39;s pretty much between the east side of town and the downtown area. The east side definitely has better shopping and food thann any other part. About 5 min. either way. I own a business close to downtown, so I drive through it everyday. It%26#39;s definitely not a big city, but it%26#39;s getting there. The downtown lofts are very cool but expensive, at least $200,000 last time I checked. I%26#39;d be happy to give you restaurant/shopping recommendations if you%26#39;d like. Good luck!

Wow! Thanks BU...we%26#39;ll def. be in touch as things get closer. You guys sound perfect to clue him/us in to the town....appreciate it.

Sherie

No problem...I also have a great realtor that%26#39;s very familiar with the area, if you need one.

Well, it%26#39;s all set....he%26#39;s getting a place in the Lofts at Old Town Square. We visited last weekend...had dinner at the Uptown Bistro (great), the Larkspur (okay) and Imbiss Grill (aweful). Also had lunch at Sweet Basil (ick) and hit a few spots for some drinks....(Anchor, RC Brewing Company and Mort%26#39;s).

Any other suggestions?

Mid Priced Hotel near restaurants?

Hi all. I need to be in Wichita for one night. I saw last time some hotels near chain restaurants that I could walk to. I cannot remember which hotels. I am looking for your basic business hotel, Fairfield, Hampton Inn or similar. I looked at the Courtyard Old Town but out of the budget. I get in around 7 and really just want to walk to a meal have a glass of wine....thanks!

Mid Priced Hotel near restaurants?

There is a Holiday Inn Express and a Wichita Inn about a mile from the airport that have a Ryans, a Texas Roadhouse and a very good Chinese restaurant(LEES) all within walking distance. The Wichita Inn is locally owned and less expensive than the Holiday Inn. They have microwaves and frigs in the rooms. Ph.# is 1-800-272-6609. The Holiday Inn is right next door. There is also a bar that serves sandwiches next to both of the hotels.

Mid Priced Hotel near restaurants?

Thanks Patrick, I was thinking about the area on the other side of town. It seemed to me the hotels were newer?

The Holiday Inn is about a year old. The Wichita Inn is about five years but is very well maintained. To be honest with you I am not that familiar with the hotels on the East side of Wichita.

What about the Homewood Suites at the Waterfront? I%26#39;m not sure if it%26#39;s out of your budget, but it%26#39;s avg price is a little cheaper than Courtyard. The hotel is nice and it%26#39;s in a nice location with lots of restaurants, for example The Fox and Hound or PF Changs.

http://www.thewaterfrontwichita.com/home.php

Also nearby at the Waterfront is an Abuelo%26#39;s, Red Rooster, Chesters Chop House, and more.

Back from Wichita I did stay at the Hilton Waterfront. It was great. 119.00 a night special rate. Ate at the Bonefish Grill (?) not sure I got the name right. Had burnt crabcakes for dinner, but a decent glass of wine. Will try the other restaurant sugestions next time. Thanks all

Seafood anyone??

My husband and I will be spending a few days in Topeka and we are looking for someplace that serve seafood. Does anyone have any suggestions??

Seafood anyone??

Sorry I didn%26#39;t see this sooner...should check here more often, I guess :(

Anyway I hope the info about the Row House Restaurant was helpful, and please post if you do eat there to let others know about this place.

Plaza or Downtown Hotel

My fianc茅e and I will be spending the night in Kansas City before we fly out the next morning to go on our honeymoon. We are very familiar with Kansas City (i use to live there) and want to stay on the plaza or downtown so we can get some dinner and/or a drink or two that night to celebrate.

Any suggestions on what would be a good, luxuary hotel to stay at? Since it%26#39;s only one night and we are basically starting our honeymoon, we%26#39;re ok with splurging on the room.

Also, any suggestions on fine dining for the evening?

Plaza or Downtown Hotel

check out argosy casino hotel and spa. near the airport also.

www.stayargosy.com

Plaza or Downtown Hotel

For the first night of my honeymoon, I would pick the Raphael Hotel. Both for the rooms and for the intimate dining.

http://www.raphaelkc.com/info/plaza.shtml

Keith

Thanks, both are great ideas....I had thought of the Rafeal for the plaza, but had never been there before. And the casino is a great idea! Will talk it over with the fianc茅e and make a decision.

Congratulations on your wedding!

Thanks lighthouselovertoo!!! I%26#39;m very excited to have the wedding in Kansas, where I%26#39;m from...I now live in Boston, where all of my fianc茅e鈥檚 family lives. I%26#39;m very excited for all these Bostonian%26#39;s to experience all Kansas has to offer!

How about The Elms resort in Excelsior Springs? I went there many years ago and really enjoyed our stay. It has ben renovated since I%26#39;ve been but is supposed to be a very nice resort %26amp; spa.

The Elms resort looks wonderful...has anyone been there recently?

Do you know how far this is from the KC airport?

I think The Elms would be too far to just get up and go for a morning flight.

I vote for Fairmont on the Plaza or Mariott at the airport for ease. I stayed there the night before my honeymoon- they treated us well, had a nice breakfast buffet, and gave us an upgrade on a room for the occasion. COngrats!

urban decay

First visit!

Hi there! I see that this forum is not so busy, so I%26#39;m not expecting many responses, but...

DH %26amp; I will be in town for the Colorado / KU game February 16th. He%26#39;s crazy about KU Basketball %26amp; even looking to attend for his Master%26#39;s in the fall. Will the city be very busy for this particular game? Any awesome places to eat that we must try (any local favorites)? And, what%26#39;s the weather usually like mid-February?

Anything else we need to know?

Thanks in advance for your input :)

First visit!

If there is a B ball game the town is always busy. We put 16,300 fans in Allen Fieldhouse regardless of who the opponent is.

As for restaurants I enjoy Tellers or Genovese. Miltons is a must for breakfast. These are all located on Mass. Avenue which is the main downtown street. There are many more restaurants which I am not familiar with. Free State Brewery can also be good,love their Copperhead Pale Ale. It is a brew pub and has been very popular since the early 90%26#39;s when it first opened.

As for the weather, it could be 70 or it could be 0.

First visit!

First, I%26#39;m so jealous you%26#39;re getting to go to the KU game -- if you%26#39;ve never been, get ready for a GREAT experience! The stadium will be packed of course and since it%26#39;s a weekend, people will most likely be hanging out on Massachusetts street before and after the game. Massachusetts street is kind of like the entertainment district of Lawrence...this is where I would suggest you going to eat.

My personal favorite place to eat in Lawrence is Free State Brewery (as the previous post mentioned) on Mass Ave -- GREAT beer and GREAT food!

Weather will most likely be cold...in the 40%26#39;s??? Bring a coat for sure!

…and I hope DH does decide to go to KU for his masters....GO HAWKS!

Free State is a favorite of ours also. I also like Milton%26#39;s for breakfast. There is usually a wait on the weekends. If the wait is too long, other breakfast places we like are First Watch or Wheatfields.

Temps usually are not higher than 40 in Feb, but you never know. It may snow also.

Freestate has good food and an interesting menu. Good entrees at Free State Brewing Company include the fish %26amp; chips bourbon barrel strip steak, and chicken %26amp; crawfish gumbo.

The atmosphere isn%26#39;t much, but I also love the food at the Orient Vietnamese Cuisine.

Other good places in Lawrence include Hayes Hamburger %26amp; Chili, and Mad Greek Restaurant.

Are you driving across Kansas to the game? There are lots of interesting restaurants across the state.

Thank you all for your responses! Wow, I%26#39;m surprised!

Great info on the restaurants, looks like Free State is the place to go - we%26#39;ll definitely give them a try. We%26#39;ll be flying into MCI, so no road adventure, although that does sound fun! Eating our way to the KU game, my idea of a great vacation! I wonder how long the drive would be.....

I%26#39;m kind of up in the air about moving there for DH%26#39;s schooling, we%26#39;ll see how it goes. I love Idaho so far and there are so many things to situate...jobs, home, MONEY!!! I%26#39;ll just take this little adventure as a start for now.

Thanks again!

free state, tellers, and jeffersons. you shoudl also try the wheel pizza

Cross Country Trip–Feedback on Route? (Updated/Reposted)

Based on feedback that I have received from fellow TA travelers, I have adjusted this schedule and wanted to re-post for additional feedback. I apologize for the long post (and posting it in multiple places). Not sure where to post something like this. In early April of 2008, I will start a three-week journey driving from Raleigh, NC ending in Sacramento, CA. I have bought a book called “120 Scenic Drives in America” and I am using this to help guide my route. The real purpose of the trip is to see the country, significant points of interest along the way, and just get away.

Below is what I have laid out– and is subject to additional change based on my fellow TA’s advice. I have attempted to split it up to drive around 200 miles/day. The places that seem a bit strange to stop are those places along my routes that have a TA highly rated place to stay that are in my price range (~$100/night). I frequent Hampton Inns and that class of hotel. I will need internet connectivity along the way as I will be working some. If you know of a “must see” close to my route, please let me know.

Any input or advice on my journey would be very much appreciated. I am very open to your suggestions – I have received awesome advice from you guys thus far.

Day 1: Raleigh, NC to Lewisburg, WV. One of the “scenic drives”, the Midland Trail, starts in White Sulphur Springs, WV to and goes to Charleston, WV. 244 miles.

Day 2: Lewisburg, WV to Morehead, KY. Finishes the Midland Trail. 225 miles.

Day 3: Morehead, KY to Cave City, KY. Route includes the “Bluegrass to Pennroyal” drive. 239 miles.

Day 4: Cave City, KY to Metropolis, IL. Finish the “Bluegrass to Pennroyal” drive and get a little gambling in Metropolis. 184 miles.

Day 5: Metropolis, IL to Mt. Vernon, IL via the “Shawnee Hills Scenic Byway” along the IL/KY border. 155 miles.

Day 6: Mt. Vernon, IL to Jefferson City, MO. Will start the “Missouri Rhineland” drive. 221 miles.

Day 7: Jefferson City, MO to Topeka, KS. 221 miles.

Day 8: Topeka, KS to Oklahoma City, OK. 285 miles.

Day 9: Oklahoma City, OK to Amarillo, TX. 275 miles.

Day 10: Amarillo, TX Raton, NM. 215 miles. (Via Clayon, NM to start one of the scenic drives along northern NM.)

Day 11: Raton, NM to Santa Fe, NM. 167 miles. (May stay in Albuquerque instead).

Day 12: Santa Fe, NM to Winslow, AZ. 325 miles.

Day 13 and 14: Winslow, AZ to Sedona, AZ. For two nights. (via Camp Verde). 149miles.

Day 15: Sedona, AZ to Williams, AZ early to catch the steam train to see the GC. 61 miles.

Day 16: Williams, AZ to Las Vegas, NV. Via “Route 66”. 217 miles.

Day 17: Las Vegas, NV to Stovepipe Wells, CA. 152 miles.

Day 18 Stovepipe Wells, CA to Mammoth Lake or Lee Vining, CA. 180 miles.

Day 19 and 20: Mammoth Lake or Lee Vining, CA to S. Lake Tahoe. For two nights. 138 miles.

Day 21: S. Lake Tahoe to Sacramento, CA. 110 miles.

Day 22: Fly back to NC.

Cross Country Trip%26ndash;Feedback on Route? (Updated/Reposted)

I would skip Topeka and go Jefferson to K.C to Oklahoma city, and OKC to Tucmacari N.N..That is unless you only want to drive four/five hours a day

Cross Country Trip%26ndash;Feedback on Route? (Updated/Reposted)

If you do skip Topeka, take I-35 from Kansas City past Emporia. Before you get to Emporia, you%26#39;ll come to the US75/I-35 Junction. It%26#39;s called Beto Junction, with Beto standing for Burlington, Emporia, Topeka, Ottawa. There a big ol%26#39; truck stop there. They have a website, just google Beto Junction. It%26#39;s been a while since I%26#39;ve been there, but it had the best sausage gravy and biscuits, and cinnamon rolls the size of dinner plates that were unbelievably good. If that doesn%26#39;t suit, take a little detour to Council Grove, KS. Stop in at the Hays House, the oldest continuosly operating restaurant west of the Mississippi, since 1857. In addition to the food, the drive through the Flint Hills is gorgeous.

Even if you do stop at Topeka, you can take US75 south to Beto Junction and still drive through the Flint Hills. Topeka has a good zoo, is the state capital, and has a very good museum.

Enjoy your trip!

Ahem...do NOT skip Topeka! We have plenty to offer here (some of which has been mentioned), and you can stay in a nice Hampton Inn here on Wanamaker Road if you prefer that chain.

I also suggest you consider Highway 75 rather than the I-35 route to OKC if you want to take a slower pace and see some pretty country.

weekend apartment or home to rent for visiting family

Was wondering if anyone knows of a Condo or home that can be rented for a weekend? April 11-13. We are a family of 6. This would be ideal for all of us. Checked out VRBO....nothing there...looking for something clean and nice. Not the usual university housing....thanks

weekend apartment or home to rent for visiting family

I lived in lawrence for 5 years and never heard of any opportunities like that. But there are a few really sweet B%26amp;Bs. I would look into that.

weekend apartment or home to rent for visiting family

Thanks Rockchalk,

Guess you could only be from K.U. w/ a name like this!!!

Have widdled down the family to 2-3 for this trip so, looking at the Eldridge. Ever stayed there?

Outlet Mall in Overland Park, Kansas City area

Where would anyone recommend going to an outlet mall in the overland park or Kansas City area. We are coming in from Tulsa, so a bit of a drive is not a worry.

Thanks!

Outlet Mall in Overland Park, Kansas City area

The only one around there is the Great Mall of the Great Plains in Olathe. Right of I-35 on your way into the aeaa from Tulsa.

I%26#39;m not that impressed by it, but I%26#39;m not much of a mall person to begin with.

Outlet Mall in Overland Park, Kansas City area

After working a few years at this mall I can tell you there is not a whole lot to see but it is the only outlet mall (and only some stores are actually outlet) in the Kansas City area. there is a burlington coat factory that is pretty good, finish line, hibbett sports, eddie bauer outlet, nautica outlet, steve and barrys outlet, and a few more. You might look for their website, but it might be outdated. You might try Oak Park, Town Center, Independence Center, The Legends (also has Gap and Banana Republic Outlets) etc. Good Luck!

What malls would you recommend? My mom and I do do this shopping trip once a year and it is really to catch up and look around. My husband and I have gone down to the Plaza (?) mall and really like the Z gallerie as they do not have one where we are from and it is fun and reasonably priced.

Are there any good consignment stores around the overland park area?

The Great Mall in Olathe also has a VF outlet. Vanity Fare and also lots of Lee products. I usually get all my Lee jeans there

There is another Outlet Mall East of Kansas City in Odessa, Mo. on I-70 maybe 30-40 miles or so. I haven%26#39;t been there in several years so don%26#39;t really know what is there + I hate to drive on I-70 east of the KC area.

The Ozarks has a nice shopping outlet at I believe Sunrise Beach and there are a couple of outlet malls in Branson, Mo as well.

Good Luck and Good Shopping...

If you liked the Plaza you might like Town Center Plaza in Leawood. It has a lot of great stores. You can also go to the Oak Park Mall no outlet stores at either of these but they are nice places to shop.

What type of consignment shop are you looking for?

Not sure if you are still looking for shopping places or not, but if you are looking for outlet shopping, go to Legends!!! http://www.legendsshopping.com/ It%26#39;s right off I-70 (not sure if that helps) and you can easily make a day out of the trip. There are Banana Republic, Gap, Cosmetic, Nike, Ann Taylor outlet stores...plus more! AND there are good restaurants, a bowling ally, Dave %26amp; Busters (arcade), etc.

If you are interested and want more info, let me know!

Skip The Great Mall- it isn%26#39;t worth a trip!

For indoor mall, try Oak Park Mall in OP.

For outdoor shopping, try Legends, Town Center or the Plaza.

Oak Park is a good mall, but it is about as far away from being an outlet mall as you can get.

I live very close to the Great Mall -- NOT a great mall at all. Do not bother! I love shopping and there are not great deals at these outlet stores. I couldn%26#39;t believe the selection of stores, (i.e. Nautica, Eddie Bauer etc.) but IMHO, most of the clothes look like they have been worn several times, then returned and resold at these outlets. I would never go here after dark alone. Here are my favorites: 1. Legends 2. Prairie Village (reminds me of Chicago outdoor mall) 3. Town Center- They have Pottery Barn and a huge Crate and Barrel a couple blocks further down from the rest of the shopping. Even if you don%26#39;t buy anything there they have 2 floors of great ';window'; shopping with clever decorating ideas. 4. Crown Center

PM me and I can give you exact addresses and more info!

lovinlife, I agree with everything that you say except ';I would never go here after dark alone.';

I would feel as safe or safer at the Great Mall, than any of the other places you mention.

Linwood Trip

Planning to attend an anniversary party in Linwood around July. Coming from Houston, Tx. Where would you all recommend we stay? Looking for 4+ star or above but not too far, also one which will maybe accomodate a little dog. Willing to drive to close by cities as we are driving in. Something with food and shopping nearby as well. Thanks!!!!

Linwood Trip

Anyplace close by (Lawrence or western suburbs of KC) will be 3 stars at best. 4 stars will require driving into Kansas City, Missouri.

Places to consider would include the Hotel Phillips, Raphael Hotel, Westin Crown Center, and Hyatt Regency Crown Center.

The Westin permits small pets. I haven%26#39;t encountered the pet policy at the other 3.

Linwood Trip

Thanks so much. I%26#39;lll check on that. Is there shopping, etc. in that area you spoke of?

The Crown Center Hotels are attached to a small enclosed mall (Crown Center) that is also attached to Union Station and Hallmark%26#39;s World Headquarters.

The Raphael Hotel is on the edge of the Country Club Plaza - a nationally known shopping and entertainment district the was built in the early 1920s and modeled on the architecture of Seville, Spain.

The Hotel Phillips is downtown with very little shopping nearby.

My advice would be to stay in the Legends area of Western Wyandotte County. This will allow you to be close to Linwood (where you%26#39;re coming to visit..it%26#39;s just a short trip down the road) and close to lots of entertainment/shopping in the Legends. Legends is a beautiful shopping/entertainment district located near the Kansas Speedway. Check them out online at www.legendsshopping.com

Although clearly NOT 4 stars...I think the Hampton Inn in Village West and/or the Holiday Inn Express in Village West are excellent choices.

Within the Legends, I recommend Yardhouse for dinner (www.yardhouse.com) or Granite City Brewery. Of course, we like STIX for a change of pace too.

Cheers!

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I think we will try to stay closer to Linwood.

Business hotel

Hi. I%26#39;m travling to Wichita on business and want to know a good upscale hotel with business amenities. Any suggestions?

Business hotel

The first one that comes to mind is www.hotelatoldtown.com. There are also two different Marriotts and a Hyatt regency, also the ';Inn at Tall Grass';.

Business hotel

The best choice in town right now is the Homewood at the Waterfont. It%26#39;s not your average Homewood Suites, amazing furnishings and the best location in town. It%26#39;s on the East side which is where most of the good restaurants, corporate parks, and shopping are located.

urban decay

Place for large family get together

I%26#39;m looking for some place for my extended family to go for a weekend in Wichita. We like to golf, shop and eat. I%26#39;m looking for a place that%26#39;s not too expensive where we could possibly have a large place to get together as well as rooms of our own, maybe a suite of some kind or several suites or something. I%26#39;m looking for ideas for a large group of many ages. Not sure of the number of people, possibly 20ish or more. Any help is greatly appreciated!

Place for large family get together

Try the Best Western Airport Inn %26amp; Conference Center. It would be perfect for what you need!!! You can call them at (316)942-5600

Place for large family get together

The Homewood Suites on the Waterfront would be great since they have breakfast and dinner provided in the cost of the hotel, indoor pool and jacuzzi, a meeting room that holds 50-100 and is close to lots of good restaurants and a new cinema. It%26#39;s only a year old and families would like it since it%26#39;s suites.

chili dogs

where can i get a decadent chili dog in kansas city?

chili dogs

For a decadent one, I would go to Quick%26#39;s Bar-B-Q at 1007 Merriam Lane, Kansas City, Kansas.

1/2 pound hot dog, spiral cutm then deep fried, served on top of a huge bun and covered with chili, onion and cheese. Though I have them hold the cheese.

They also have great fresh French fries.

chili dogs

how could i possibly go to quicks and not eat bbq? i think it%26#39;s the best i have ever tasted, especially the bone alone. but next time i will try to hold back and sample the chili dog. i am sure it%26#39;s excellent. we loved the place! thanks for the info

I%26#39;m hoping that someone else will chime in. Would love to find some new places.

A couple others that you might try are Town Topic and Fritz%26#39;s Chili.

There are a couple of Town Topics in downtown KC, MO, but there is also a closer one on Johnson Drive in Mission. The building is an old Valentnie Diner. http://kshs.org/diners/history.htm tells the history of them.

Fritz%26#39;s Chili is a whole %26#39;nother animal. Most people wouldn%26#39;t call it chili. The place sure is cool and is worth a visit at least once. http://www.kansastravel.org/fritzschili.htm

Also I%26#39;ve never had their chili dogs, but 7th Street BBQ in Kansas City, KS has good chili, so the dog may be good. It is opperated by another son of Earnest Quick.

Try Charlie Hooper%26#39;s. It is in the Brookside area, south of the Plaza. I don%26#39;t know about decadent, but they are pretty good and it is a nice place to drink a few beers.

Visiting MidAmerica Nazarene University

We are visiting MNU on Monday and it will be a second visit for my son to see if he would like to attend school there in the fall. I was wondering if anyone knew about the school and if there are some places we should visit while we are in Olathe and near Kansas City. Thank you.

Visiting MidAmerica Nazarene University

Sorry, but I didn%26#39;t see this until today. If you make another trip, give us some idea of what types of things interest you, and I will give it a shot.

Hotel that allows small dogs in Lawrence????

I am at my witts end.. can%26#39;t find a hotel in Lawrence area that allows small dog. Can anyone help? I hve received a few suggestions in Kansas City area, etc. but none of which allow pets. We are attending an event in Linwood can anyone suggest a place to stay? We are looking for 4+ or better with places to eat, and allows small dogs... HELP, DESPERATE

Hotel that allows small dogs in Lawrence????

None of the nicer hotels in Lawrence allow pets. I found this website:

http://www.1clickpethotels.com/kansas.htm

Days Inn, Quality Inn and Ramada Inn seem to be the only pet friendly hotels in Lawrence.

Hotel that allows small dogs in Lawrence????

Thanks so much for your help, I will check into this. I actually looked into Overland Park, there seems to be some nice places that allow dogs there. Not too far from Linwood. Would you say it about a half hour drive?

Depending on where you are in OP, a half hour sounds about right. Another idea is the Super 8 in De Soto, it%26#39;s off K-10 and closer yet to Linwood. They allow pets.

super8.com/Super8/…

Try the Candlewood Suites in Village West. They do charge a surcharge for pets, but most do anymore.

ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cw/1/en/hotel/mkchr…

Was there a particular reason you decided against the Westin Crown Center?

They are unusually accommodating to people that have pets. Even put them on a floor that has a walk out are for taking dogs.

The Westin Crown Center is a nice place to stay-I didn%26#39;t know they allowed dogs. I%26#39;d do this!

Peace-

Veggie

Lighthouselovertoo,

I looked at the Westin and thought it was a nice place to stay, and yes they accept small pets... however, my spouse wanted to stay a little closer to Linwood, but I will sure keep this one in my back pocket.

paxico ks

this has to tbe the best small town in all of america

paxico ks

Well that is a very nice compliment...we lived there for 14 years!

paxico ks

i loved my visit there more than all the other small little towns we went through. warm friendly folks, good food, plenty of it,and very cold beer. more than anything i think i enjoyed the remoteness and the fact that when the sun went down you could see it 360 degrees around out in the flat fields. lovely place, heaven on earth i thought. and still think so.

Any unique restaurants? :-)

No restaurants....when we lived there, Nickerson Farms was ';THE'; place to eat probably in a 4 or 5 county area. We both worked there at the time, and it wasn%26#39;t unusual to see a line waiting to get into the restaurant for the home-style all you could eat chicken dinners.

There was a great little tavern/grill that was locally owned but was sold several times after we moved back to Topeka so not sure who now owns it.

We also used to have a grocery/hardware store, but it also closed after we moved. About that same time, a local guy opened a store that specialized in antique wood burning stoves...now Paxico is the place to go antique shopping since there are other stores that operate on a full-time basis.

I do know west of Paxico and on the north side of

I-70 (around McFarland exit), there is a restaurant in a big red building called Grandma Hoerner%26#39;s that is supposed to have good food. I think they also sell honey and jellies...we%26#39;ve not been there so only know what others have told me.

There is also a place in Maple Hill (in part of the original bank building) called Puffy%26#39;s Steakhouse. It is either REALLY good or not so good...just have to take your chances since there have really not been good consistant cuts on their steaks so tenderness does vary.

Grandma Hoerner%26#39;s is where the jellies and other food items are made. It also has a small retail store, but no restaurant when I was there.

I tried Puffy%26#39;s twice, but had the ';no so good.'; The building is interesting, and the concept of entering and leaving thruogh the little market.

Oh thanks for the Grandma Hoerner%26#39;s update Lighthouselover, because they used to have sandwiches (hamburgers)...so must have decided to discontinue that part of the business.

Paxico has (or at least had, 8 years ago) some great little antique shops. I remember the Nickerson Farms well.

earl quicks' bbq

i was full from eating bbq all day. i had been to gates, been to okla joe%26#39;s and arthur bryants earlier. but he bone alone i had at earl quicks was the best of them all. great joint, low key, looked like what my idea of a bbq joint ought to without my having to look at a flip up card. casual, great service and excellent bbq. i cannot wait to go back and try a chili dog! maybe next time, if i can get past the bone alone which i seriously doubt. I LOVE KC BBQ!! is there any better?

earl quicks' bbq

Quicks has the most unusual chicken you will find in Kansas City - hickory smoked, then deep fried and served covered with BBQ sauce.

And possibly the best service I have had at a KC BBQ restaurant.

Here is a review with photos: http://www.kansastravel.org/quicksbarbq.htm

earl quicks' bbq

now i have to choose from the bone alone, the chili dog and the chicken...sounds like an impossible mission. thanks for the info!

urban decay

Kansas Forum moves up to 49th place

After years of being 50th out 51 States %26amp; DC, The Kansas Forum now ranks 49th in number of Forum posts. At least today, the Kansas Forum is leading both North Dakota and Iowa (and is gaining fast on Nebraska).

Not that it means anything other than being a small measure of the interest in discussing travel by state:-)

Kansas Forum moves up to 49th place

Hi there and thanks for the up lifting post....actually I like being ignored by the rest of the forum participants since we don%26#39;t have to share the secrets of our state! :)

Kansas Forum moves up to 49th place

I had to reply because at the moment, Kansas is tied with Iowa. Now we have one more! ;-)

LOL, thanks Zoey:-)

5 months ago, Iowa was 100 posts ahead.

It%26#39;s as big as you think!

Lincoln, NE to San Antonio, TX - Family trip in June by van

We are traveling from Lincoln, NE to San Antonio, TX in June 2008. Any ideas on places to stop or stay along the way. We plan to go to Sea World but beyond that we are open to any family activity. Kids are 7, 11, and 13.

Lincoln, NE to San Antonio, TX - Family trip in June by van

Assuming that you are driving I-135 to Wichita, then picking up I-35:

The Paul Boyer Museum Of Animated Carvings in Belleville is a hoot. Paul builds fascinating mechanical creations with mechanisms to animate them. The mechanisms are as beautiful as the sculptures and many of the sculptures are funny.

Rock City about 5 miles west of I-135 near Minneapolis is a small park which contains about 200 huge natural rock spheres up to 27 feet in diameter and you are encouraged to climb on them.

The Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center in Hutchinson is about 35 miles out of your way, but if anyone on your family is a space and aviation fan, they will be blown away. If they enjoy the SAC Museum, they will LOVE the Cosmosphere. You could easily spend a day there.

Wichita offers many inexpensive motels, interesting local restaurants and a variety of attractions. It may be a good place for an overnight stay.

Lincoln, NE to San Antonio, TX - Family trip in June by van

I%26#39;d do like everyone else, and put the hammer down right on through Kansas and Oklahoma. If not, then you could stop at the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita to stretch out ... but it%26#39;s clear on the other side of town from I-35. Farther south, around Davis, Oklahoma, is Turner Falls Park, which has caves, waterfalls, hiking, swimming beach, picnic area, etc. It%26#39;s a pretty area, if there%26#39;s not a drought, and is a good place to get out and stretch ... or, they have cabins if you want to stay overnight (or there are motels back at the interstate).

Before you get to San Anton%26#39;, you may want to check out Austin. They have a bridge on South Congress Street that has bezillions of bats that fly out at sunset every night in the summer, and Barton Springs in Zilker Park is a great place ... also has a little train they can ride, if they%26#39;re not too old for that. Between Austin and San Anton%26#39; is New Braunfels, home of Schlitterbahn -- the greatest water park on the planet! Wonderful family place that lets you bring your own picnic cooler with you, and has rides and slides for all ages. The kids will love it, and you can even get a condo right at the park. San Antonio has a lot of good places for kids, many of them quite touristy. The Market Square (I think it%26#39;s called) is right off I-35 west of the Riverwalk area ... you can park in a lot just off the ramp, and walk about 1/2 block into the market .. interesting for kids and their parents, and breakfast/lunch/dinner is good on the outside patio at Mi Tierra restaurant, where strolling musicians will sing and play you a song (please, please don%26#39;t requets La Bamba), and the kids can feed tidbits to the pigeons who stop by to check out the place. There are tons of other things in SA, including Dave %26amp; Busters on the northwest sides, which is chock-full of cool video games, bowling, etc., but go early because kids can%26#39;t be there late in the evening.

One last tip, for the trip back ... I-35 from D/FW to SA can be brutal. You can avoid all the trucks and the traffic of Austin by taking US Hwy 281 north from SA to Johnson City, Marble Falls, Lampasas, then cut back to I-35 if and when you get the urge ... you may want to take the kids into Fort Worth to the Old Stockyards area if you haven%26#39;t gotten enough cowboy treatment yet. Otherwise, work your way around the metroplex, then rejoin the trucks. US 281 is a really good road, well-maintained and lightly travelled. The first part of the trip north from SA goes through some beautiful Hill Country territory around LBJ%26#39;s ranch. And if you%26#39;ve had your fill of TexMex and BBQ, there is a small local chain called ';Storms Great Hamburgers'; that really does have great hamburgers and shakes and such, and they have family-friendly restaurants in Lampasas, Burnet and Marble Falls, and our favorite in Hamilton, where you can sit outside on a lattice-shaded patio if the weather cooperates.

Have a great trip!

Mountain Oysters

Although there are occasional special meals or festivals, I know of only two restuarants in Kansas that serve mountain oysters - the Prairie Nut Hut in Altoona and Seabrook Tavern in Topeka.

Are there any others?

Jumpin%26#39; Catfish in Olathe once had them, but does no longer.

Mountain Oysters

i can see why!

Mountain Oysters

Bricks in Oldsburg Kansas has darn good ones!

Cool.

Thanks so much. I was starting to give up.

Do you happen to know if they have them everyday, or just as a special?

I give up. Where is Oldsburg?

Olsburg, Kansas is northeast of Manhattan (Tuttle Creek Reservoir) and east of Randolph.

Things don%26#39;t look good for it still being open. I found a listing for the sale of all the fixtures on October 10, 2007. And no one answered the phone when I just called.

Bricks is still open (though they are almost invisible online). Wednesday - Sunday only, they don%26#39;t open until 5PM, and the kitchen opens a 5:30.

Their mountain oysters turned out to be identical to Seabrook Tavern in Topeka, They must have the same supplier.

They also serve buffalo steaks.

Thanks for the lead!

fort leavenworth

great historical site, interesting tour and suprisingly professionally run historical landmark. as a novice i had no idea what i was getting into but left amazed by the legacy. beautiful grounds, an exceptionally well run, organized tour. i%26#39;d heard about the place all my life but upon seeing it and going inside the gate they really made it all come home. well done!

fort leavenworth

Visitors should expect to provide identification for everyone in the vehicle, and to step outside the car while the trunk, passenger compartment and undercarriage are inspected.

Which isn%26#39;t as big a deal as it sounds.

While in the Leavenworth, I think it is worthwhile to also visit the National Cemetery on the south side of town, and the unique Chapel of the Veterans on the nearby grounds of the VA Center. The Gothic chapel has gargoyles on the outside and separate sanctuaries for Protestants and Catholics. www.kansastravel.org/chapeloftheveterans.htm

Wichita chili dogs

I saw the previous posts about chili dogs in the KC area and was wondering about places in ,or close to, Wichita that may have good chili dogs besides ';Dog %26amp; Shake';?

I realize I am supposed to be the so called Wichita ';expert'; but have not had a chili dog in years.

Wichita chili dogs

Only place I have tried is the original Nu Wafe Cafe. They did a good job, but then I have found them consistantly good with drive-in type fare.

Wichita chili dogs

The mother of one of my coworkers lives in Wichita, and this is her suggestion for you;

Central and Hydralic Dog N Shake. She said it isn%26#39;t necessarily the best neighborhood but it is always packed. It is her favorite place in town...so there you go :)

packing my bags now, yall are singing to the choir here. thanks for the info

asian market downtown

we were wowed with selection. does anyone know the name perhaps, as it escapes me now. i%26#39;ve never seen so much unusual food, most of which i could not pronounce and had little idea how to use, but what a selection!

asian market downtown

Is this the place?

Kim Long Asian Market %26amp; Rstrnt

(816) 221-8892

511 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64106

asian market downtown

sounds about right, thanks!

Was this just this past week or longer? Was it in the City Market on the Missouri side?

I heard a while back that the large place that was there for many years had closed.

Oh that is too bad :(

There are several other small shops (more like convenience stores) in that area, but my sister loved going to the large supermarket type store.

TopekaDucky, there is a large Asian Market in Overland Park at 103rd and Metcalf (west side of Metcalf). Also a neat little Korean restaurant a few doors away (not the Korean Restaurant at 105 %26amp; Metcalf).

Oh we%26#39;ve been to those too! LOL

My cousins live out in that part of the city...my aunt and uncle used to raise horses and lived out near Bucyrus. We can%26#39;t believe the farm is gone, and there are housing developments way south of there now!

Hubby wont go into asian market downtown- says way too stinky- have a TON of fresh fish

urban decay

Extended Stay Hotel Needed Near Olathe

Hello: Looking for a quiet, clean hotel that can provide two queen beds for a one week stay as near to Olathe as possible. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Extended Stay Hotel Needed Near Olathe

A new Candlewood Suites is opening on April 15.

15490 South Rogers Road

Olathe, KS 66062

(913) 768-8888

Extended Stay Hotel Needed Near Olathe

marriott residence inn right off 1-35 and 119th

March Madness 2009

Hi all!

A group of mid to late twenties canadians (8 to be exact) try and hit the first round of march madness every year. This is a classic boys only weekend so we are interested in great food, great drinks and plenty to see and do during both the day and night.

I am pulling for Kansas City to be our 2009 location. I have done a bit of research on the city and I was wondering if anyone could help me out with a few questions.

1) Where would the best area (or even hotel) for us to stay? It would be nice to be in a spot with planty of restaurants (BBQ!), brewpubs and nightlife all relatiely close to the sprint center.

2) Will we need to rent a car for our stay or is getting around town easy enough?

3) I plan on checking out the art museum, jazz museum and possibly the world of fun in addition to the NCAA games. Are there any other attractions or lessor known spots that I simply shouldn%26#39;t miss?

4) Any suggestions for restaurants, pubs, jazz clubs etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot and hopefully see you in 2009!

March Madness 2009

Kansas City is an easy city to drive in, most places have plenty of free parking. and few people use mass transit. You will probably want a rental.

The area around the recently opened Sprint Center is developing quickly and may be tremendous in a few years, but next year I think a group like yours would still be happier in Westport. It will be more of the nightlife that you are looking for.

There is pretty good bus service between Westport and Sprint Center.

The two attractions that I think are the most unique may be less likely to interest your demographic but I will mention them: National World War One Museum %26amp; the Steam Boat Arabia.

Hope you have a great time!

March Madness 2009

BTW, when you are searching for these places online, they are in Missouri.

Although metro Kansas City is pretty evenly spread across both states, and the places we are talking about (including the arena) are within a mile of the state line - they are the Missouri side.

Flint Hills Site

I have just stumbled across a site containing information about the Flint Hills.

www.kansasflinthills.travel

Would someone please send me a private message explaining how to type in a web site where you only have to click on it to access it instead of having to type in the complete site. Thanks.

Flint Hills Site

Things changed a couple of weeks ago. The links now work automatically.

I assume that will stay the same unless TripAdvisor starts getting a lot of link spam.

Flint Hills Site

I see what you mean,that%26#39;s great.

Thanks for the link! I went to high school in Fredonia and that brought back memories.

needinsun,

Can you tell me anything about ';beefburgers'; and Fredonia? They were first described to me as loosemeat burgers like a Nu-way, but when I had one at the Tri-Mee Drive In, it was more like pate.

I have the impression they are more of a Fredonia thing, not just at that drive in.

Rock Chalk

Rock Chalk Jayhawk---Go KU.

Defeating North Carolina was almost as sweet as winning it all.

Rock Chalk

I was going to post this morning about our beloved KU team, but you beat me to it! LOL

In case anyone else sees this and is interested...the team lands here in Topeka around 1:30 today at Forbes Field.

Memorial Stadium will be open (rain or shine), and the team is expected to arrive there around 3PM...Whoo Hoo KU!!!!!

As Mr. Foster (our long standing band director) used to say;

';It%26#39;s a great day to be a Jayhawk!';

Rock Chalk

The KU-Memphis game was so exciting, and KU winning was the icing on the cake! What a long proud tradition KU basketball has.

And it%26#39;s a beautiful campus to visit (just keeping it travel related ;-) )

I saw that there were 28,000 in attendence at Memorial Stadium to meet the team yesterday afternoon, but several of my coworkers were there and said they thought there were more people than that in the stadium...we had a great turnout here in Topeka when they landed at the airport. Whoo Hoo KU!

Oh yes and to keep it travel related, I hope people will think about including Lawrence, Kansas in their travel plans this summer since it is halfway between the Capitol of Kansas here in Topeka and tons of things to do in Kansas City.

Restaurants in Manhattan, KS

We will be in Manhattan, KS at the end of March and are looking for some great dining options. Any ideas for a group of 20 looking for an outstanding meal? We would like a little privacy to socialize. We also would love ideas for a party of 2-6 or so. Thanks!

Restaurants in Manhattan, KS

For private dinning for 20, I would suggest The Little Apple Brewery (serves local meat and their own brewed beer) whom has a private room that actually fits 50 or Harry%26#39;s (WONDERFUL FOOD!!) who has a private room called the Rose Room. Make sure to call them to reserve the private rooms:

http://www.littleapplebrewery.com/

http://www.harrysmanhattan.com/

For just general eating, here are a couple of my personal favorites (would be great for the 2-6):

Hibachi Hut: http://www.hibachihut.com/

Della Voce: http://dellavoce.com/

Lemmy%26#39;s Pizza

Restaurants in Manhattan, KS

Ooohhh...and Coco Bolo%26#39;s for the smaller party. GREAT atmosphere, food %26amp; drinks!!!

http://www.cocobolos.com/

Can you tell I miss home? :)

I agree that Harry%26#39;s and the Brewery have great food and are well suited for groups of 20. For groups of 2-6 I would recommend 4 olives. The food is great, there%26#39;s an extensive wine list and they make great cocktails. However, if you have a child in the group that is a picky eater, they probably won%26#39;t find any thing they like because you won%26#39;t find chickn fingers or hot dogs at 4 olives.

AWESOME! Thank you so much. These places are exactly what we are looking for. Their menus all look soooooooooo good! I am excited to try them all (if we have time!)

Are you familiar with Bobby T%26#39;s, Tyme Out Steak House, Washington Bar and Grill or Happy Grill and Bar? These all were recommended to us as well. Thanks so much!

I (and friends) have had bad luck with the steaks at Harry%26#39;s. Better luck with their hamburgers.

Bobby T%26#39;s (unless it has been redone in the past couple years) is a little bit of a dive bar...I would suggest staying in Aggieville if it%26#39;s bar food you want.

Don%26#39;t think I%26#39;ve heard of the other restaurants you mentioned...

Thank you! I think we%26#39;ll go with your original choices...they look awesome! :)

Thanks for the recomendation of Hibachi Hut. I stopped there this weekend and will eat there again.

I had heard recs for it before, but never got past the name. Who would think it was a 50 year old Cajun restaurant?

Glad you enjoyed Hibachi Hut. It%26#39;s always been a family favorite of ours!

Lodging near Norwich??

My parents will be visiting the cemetery at Norwich KS this Memorial Day and need somewhere close by to stay. Any hotel ideas? Maybe in Wellington or Harper? Nothing fancy, but must be clean! They will continue on to the Benton/Towanda area after.

Thanks for any help

Lodging near Norwich??

When I am doing things out that way, I usually stay in Wichita. The Days Inn South is pretty good for an inexpensive place.

Lodging near Norwich??

Where will they be coming from?

Parents are traveling from the Dallas Texas area to visit cemetery and friends at Norwich. Will be going on to Benton/Towanda to visit other friends. Would prefer to stay as close as possible to Norwich for one night, then will probably stay in Wichita the rest of the visit.

I would suggest since they are coming in from the south to stay in either Anthony or Harper. I think Harper just has the one motel and I really know nothing about it. I was in Harper last week and from the outside it looks fine. I believe some on the rooms has been refurbished recently. Anthony is a larger town and would offer more of a choice in places to eat but once again I can%26#39;t be of any help in what the motels are like.

urban decay

Wichita Botanica

If anyone will be in the Wichita area for the next few days they should make it a point to take in Botanica. They have planted 44,000 tulips,most of which are in bloom at the present time and are simply magnificent. Hopefully the strong wind we are having now will do them no major damage.

Wichita Botanica

sounds beautiful, and though i%26#39;d love to see them i doubt we%26#39;ll make it that far away for a while yet.

Extended stay in Wichita

Hello, My husband will be staying in Wichita for three weeks on business, my son (3 years old) and I plan to join him for a week. We are looking for an extended stay hotel with kitchen, pool and an outdoor area off our hotel room or a balcolny. Also ideas on attractions? I hear the zoo in excellent and I also read about the firehouse museum. Thanks for your input.

Extended stay in Wichita

I am assuming you want something on the east side of Wichita. The Residence Inn by Marriott would probably meet your requirements. There are several extended stay hotels but most do not have pools.

When will you be here? Wichita Botanica is certainly worth a visit. The Space Museum and Cosmosphere and the Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson are about an hours drive and certainly worth a visit.

Places to eat/drink near the airport

We are staying overnight in Wichita near the aiport before an early morning flight. Just wondering if there are any good places to have a burger and beer near the airport?

Places to eat/drink near the airport

The best place would have to be the ';Oasis Lounge'; 4121 W. Maple . It is about three miles from the airport and serves a huge burger and fries. When Arnold Palmer has his Cessna Citation in town this is where he goes.

The newspaper USA Today did an article on hamburgers and the burger at the Oasis was voted one of the top ten in the country.

A google search will give you additional info.

Places to eat/drink near the airport

Thanks very much, we%26#39;ll check it our for sure.

flint hills national wildlife refuge

this place looks fantastic, has any one been that can share their experience? we want to go next visit, if time allows. i may have to make time to allow!

flint hills national wildlife refuge

Well I didn%26#39;t reply right away since I haven%26#39;t been there (you do mean the one near Salina?)

My Mom and sister have been so will try and remember to ask them...if I remember, they said it was worth the drive.

flint hills national wildlife refuge

The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located along the Neosho River upstream (north and west) from John Redmond Reservoir. It is popular with birdwatchers and, perhaps ironically, hunters. Areas north and east of the Neosho River are closed to all access November 1 thru March 1 -- that%26#39;s the %26#39;refuge%26#39; part, but are open to the public (for the most part) the rest of the year. Areas south and west of the Neosho are open all year (unless posted otherwise). There are 2 trails I know of ... one is at the Refuge office at Hartford, and the other, my favorite, is Dove%26#39;s Roost, which you can reach from I-35 by exiting at Lebo, going South through town and continuing on a good paved road south for 7 miles, follow the curve East onto 19th Road and look for a sign in one mile ... turn south on Garner Road, a decent gravel road, go south about 1/2 mile turn right at the sign and you%26#39;ll see the parking lot and a small observation tower at the trailhead. It%26#39;s a fairly short and manageable trail, with woodlands, prairie, and seasonal views of the adjoining wetlands and, in spring and fall, about a bezillion migratory birds. The link for the official site is http://www.fws.gov/flinthills.

If you%26#39;re in the area and interested, get back on the blacktop and follow it east, then south, then east ... cross US Hwy 75 north of New Strawn and visit the Environmental Education Area adjacent to the large cooling lake for the Wolf Creek power plant. They have good habitats, exhibits, nesting raptors, etc. Well worth the trip and just 10 miles south of I-35 and 1 mile east of US 75. There%26#39;s a good little cafe hidden at the golf course on the north end of New Strawn, or you can go back to BETO Junction at I-35 %26amp; US75 and eat the good buffet with the truckers.

If this wasn%26#39;t the area you were asking about .... well, it should have been.

tallgrass national prairie

When is the best month to visit the park in the spring? Plan to go sometime soon, but want to be sure I don%26#39;t go too early.

Thanks,

tallgrass national prairie

Go the weekend of April 11. That way you can also attend the Prairie Fire Festival.

For something unique in Kansas, on the drive down stop at the The European BakeShop in Hartford (off I-70 a few miles before you get to Emporia). www.kansastravel.org/europeanbakery.htm

tallgrass national prairie

Thanks - if I go during the festival though will the hiking be crowded? I know they limit the number each day, but I don%26#39;t want to see a lot of people while out on the trails.

I will check out the link you sent.

Thanks for replying!

One small correction about Hartford. It is south of I-35 about 10 miles east of Emporia---not I-70

Thanks Patrick.

The bakery in Hartford is truly amazing ... and has to rank as one of the most unexpected pleasures in Kansas.

When to visit the Flint Hills? It depends on what you want to do, but my favorite time is in May to early June. The prairie will have greened-up after burning, there will be loads of wildflowers and birds, and the chiggers will not be out and about quite yet (though ticks already are). You should come back after it gets hot and dry, though, because the fireflies are incredible out there.

Hotels in Hutchinson, more advise please!

We have our dates set for our trip to Kansas now, we are staying 3 nights and will be visiting a couple of farms and might go to the state fair also.

After phoning most of the hotels in Hutchinson they are all booked out for the dates that we require. (3, 4 %26amp; 5 September). The only hotel i have been able to book into is the Best Western Sundome in South Hutchinson. It doesn%26#39;t seem to get very good reviews (i have searched on a few different web sites), although it sounds good by it%26#39;s description. And i wonder if the location is any good as it is in South Hutchinson? Can you please tell me what you know about this hotel and what eateries are near it??

The only other option i have is to book into one of the other hotels for 1 night on 3 Sept (they have vacancies for that night only before the fair starts) and then either stay at a B%26amp;B or move to Best Western for the last 2 nights.

If i did this, which hotel do you recommend for location etc? These three are all in a similar location:

Holiday Inn Express

Comfort Inn

Best Value Inn

Grand Prairie

And these hotels are in a similar location:

Hampton Inn

Econo Lodge

Alaskan Motel

We are not overly fussy people - i never stay in fancy hiltons etc! As long as it%26#39;s clean and in a safe area it%26#39;s fine.

I was also thinking we might go for a drive to another town for our last night, like maybe Dodge City or Lindsborg (although dodge city is 2.5 hour drive away - is it worth visiting)? Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

Also what is the mall like in Hutchinson?? Hopefully i will have some time for shopping.

Sorry for so many questions - gee i love tripadvisor!

Hotels in Hutchinson, more advise please!

Well these are only my thoughts so someone else may not agree, but the Sundome is probably fine for what you want...it is just an older facility. (no bugs or rats roaming around) LOL

Anyway I prefer the Holiday Inn Express, Comfort Inn, or Hampton Inn since they are part of nationwide chains so pretty consistant. There is also a Microtel next to the Holiday Inn Express (nothing fancy but has always been clean when we%26#39;ve stayed there)

Lindsborg is a quaint town with a strong Swedish background and worth a stop to chat with the local folks and see the little downtown area....at least I prefer it over Dodge. You can also stop in Yoder (not far from Hutch) to see a true Amish community and buy the best breads...yum!

The mall in Hutch is small but has nice stores just like we do here in Topeka. If you do have more specific questions, please feel free to send a personal message to me since I am not here on the Kansas forum daily...and hope you have a nice trip!

Hotels in Hutchinson, more advise please!

Of the ones that you are considering, the only one I have stayed at recently was the Grand Prairie. It has done a fair amount of renovation in the past few years and I have been happy with it. As far as location in Hutchinson, it isn%26#39;t a large community, if a hotel is otherwise fine, I wouldn%26#39;t worry about location.

For B%26amp;Bs, you might check on Hedrick%26#39;s Exotic Animal Farm Bed and Breakfast in Nickerson. I haven%26#39;t stayed there, but looked at the rooms when I toured the animal farm. I think the place is pretty cool.

Dodge City is probably a much more familiar name outside of Kansas, but as far as things to do, IMO there are many more interesting communities that are closer - starting with Wichita.

You will find driving in Kansas to be easy. Even the two lane roads tend to be straight, wide and have 65 MPH speed limits.

We visit Hutchinson monthly and I would say the recommendations of the first responder are correct.

We%26#39;ve stayed at the Sundome, and though it is nothing special, it is perfectly adequate. If you cannot find a place to stay in Hutch, I would recommend looking at hotels in Newton (best western) and McPherson- they are about a half hour from Hutch and a easy drive. Dodge City is a much longer trip. I%26#39;d look at Wichita before I%26#39;d drive to Dodge City.

Finally, if you are not adverse to a hour and a half trip, I would certainly recommend looking into the Prairie Fire Spa and Inn in Strong City Kansas for at least a night. Its in the flint hills, not far from the tall grass prairie preserve, and presents some excellent scenic opportunities. If you want to truly spend a night on the prairie, go there and travel the road from matfield green to cottonwood falls.

I reread your post and have a couple of comments. Unless you have a real interest in feed lots, I would strongly recommend Lindsborg or the Flint Hills over a drive to Dodge City-

I meant to say the road between Cassoday and Council Grove- the recommendation for the Prairie Fire Spa stands- if you decide to look into the route, make a post and I%26#39;ll give you some stops.

Our experience with eateries in Hutch is not overly encouraging we%26#39;ve yet to find the local steak house or grill that is over the top. Yoder, Pretty Prairie and some of the surrounding communities may yield the gem you are looking for, but the classic Kansas grass fed beef is a rare find.

Like plants? The Dyck arboretum in Hesston is a good place to see native prairie.

Finally, go to the State Fair and pig out! Its probably the worst food you could possibly eat for a healthy diet, but its got the basic fair food groups of fat, fried dough and sugar. Who needs a four star meal when you can find a coronary on a stick!

I would recommend the Grand Prairie. If you have kids, stay in the south part, near the water park. If not, stay in the north part, with its own quiet atrium area. The Mall is nearby, as is the street to the Cosmosphere, which has space exhibits and a domed IMAX theatre.

I agree with the crowd on Dodge City ... it%26#39;s a long drive with no pay-off at the end ... except for a really bad smell. Lindsborg is nice, as are the Mennonite communities.

If you are looking for some Old West of the animal kind, you could go to the Maxwell Game Preserve as a side trip from Lindsborg -- it%26#39;s about 10 miles east, and 5 miles south from Lindsborg, and has bison (buffalo) and elk in a wild prairie setting. You could grab a picnic lunch on your way out of Lindsborg to enjoy in the hills. You could also dash into Wichita to visit the Old Cowtown and the Mid-American All Indian Center, just west of downtown, for an even-handed old west account.

While in Hutch ... everybody is raving about the Salt Mine Museum. I haven%26#39;t made it there yet, but many friends have told me it%26#39;s a really great experience, and much better than they expected.

urban decay

Sandstone Amph

Hi KS ers-- Anyone have parking info on Verizon/ Sandstone Amphitheater? Comin in early July to drop the teens at an all day show. Wondering how the drop off/ pick up situation is at that place....Thanks!

Sandstone Amph

There is construction around the area - and on site so you may want to call direct and find out the easiest way in for drop off - either of State Ave or I70

Their number is 913-721-3400

Sandstone Amph

Sandstone isn%26#39;t set up very well for dropping off.

You%26#39;d better just let the kids take your car.

:-)

You can take part in a Prairie Burning in the Flint Hills

Article on KCUR (public radio) about an Emporia area ranch where you can join in the buring of the prairie: publicbroadcasting.net/kcur/news.newsmain…

Available in text or MP3, plus a slide show.

You can take part in a Prairie Burning in the Flint Hills

If the burning isn%26#39;t enough, you can take part in fixing fence and cutting brush, too! Just e-mail me and we can arrange a time and upon remittance of your Prairie Experience Fee, you can get right to work ... er, get right to enjoying the prairie.

You can take part in a Prairie Burning in the Flint Hills

Dave(not), the article finishes with the owner of the ranch talking about starting to rent out the extra seats on farm equipment at $100/day.

Restaurants

What are some good restaurants for dinner in Coffeyville?

Restaurants

Tavern on the Plaza is a good, basic steak house. Limited menu, but quality and well prepared.

Other than that, I think C%26#39;ville mostly has Chinese places and chain fast food.

Restaurants

I agree that Tavern on the Plaza is reasonable and good.

If you are willing to drive to Independence, Uncle Jack%26#39;s is worth the drive. http://www.kansastravel.org/unclejacks.htm

Lake Cabins

We are considering a family re-union in the Salina area and wanted to know what type of accommodations are available by the lakes and where the lakes are located etc. We would also want to know if there are picnic pavilions by the cabins; that sort of thing. Your help would be appreciated.

Judy Berry

Lake Cabins

I think the closest would br cabins at Kanopolis State Park, but I%26#39;ve never checked them out.

Lake Cabins

Milford Lake-in the Manhattan/Junction City area has some really nice cabins and picnic areas at Thunderbird Marina. Easy access from I-70 as well.

There is a cabin now provided to rent by the Kansas Parks and Wildlife at Ottawa County Lake which is actually closer to Salina than Milford or Kanopolis Lakes. Although Ottawa County State Lake is not a big reservoir as the other two lakes, it does provide a very nice shady respite, perfect for bird watching and fishing. There are private homes and cabins around and not quite the large crowds.

berry573, I hope your reunion went well, and I realize this might be a bit late for you to plan for your reunion, but maybe this could be helpful for future reference.

Planning short summer visit-Ideas??

My husband and I and our 13 yo son are planning a 3 day stay in Wichita in early June.

Would love to know what attractions are a must do while we are there and what ones we should avoid. We love museums and our son is dying for me to ask about skate parks in Wichita.

Any advice on interesting places to eat would be appreciated.

Also would like a hotel suggestion. We don%26#39;t need anything super fancy but we don%26#39;t want to stay in a dump. Will pay more if it%26#39;s worth it.

Thanks for your help.

Planning short summer visit-Ideas??

The Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is one of the best in the county. And I think that a 13 year old would love the Museum of World Treasures.

But I would plan on running out to Hutchinson (about an hour away) to vist the Kansas Cosmosphere and Space Center. It is one of the best in the world.

I%26#39;ve been disapointed with several of the inexpensive chain hotel locations in Wichta. A couple of the exceptions have been the Days Inn and Comfort Inn on South Laura. Of the two, the Days Inn has been a little better.

For a special treat for your son, you might do one night at the Hedrick%26#39;s Exotic Animal Farm Bed and Breakfast in Nickerson, close to Hutchinson. A stay there includes seeingthe animals and feeding and/or petting them. The tour concludes with a pony ride for the kids and camel rides for all.

Planning short summer visit-Ideas??

There is a skate park on South St. Francis street where it goes under Kellogg Street(US 54) but there was a news story a few months ago that the concrete was cracking and needed repairs. I will see what I can find out and let you know.

Zoo and Museum of World Treasures are good ideas as is the Cosmosphere in Hutchinson,also in Hutchinson is an underground salt museum that details the history of salt mining in the area. Oh yes, it is 650%26#39; below ground.

The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is very close to the Museum of World Treasures if anyone is interested in Kansas sports.

In June Wichita Botanica should be in full bloom and is definitely worth an hour or two visit.

The best family hotel for this getaway would be the Homewood Suites on the Waterfront - lots of good hotels and two NICE cinemas nearby, it%26#39;s in the best area of town, indoor pool, jacuzzi and two bedroom suites. They provide a decent breakfast, and a snack HOT supper (salad, spagetti, wine/beer all included, changed daily).

I live in Derby, which is about a twenty minute drive from Wichita. I do spend a lot of time in Wichita and I would say the must-see places are:

The East 13th Street Warren. It%26#39;s one of the nicest movie theaters you%26#39;ll ever see. They also have a restaurant in the building and they%26#39;ll let you take your dinner into the theater ;)

http://www.warrentheatres.com/

The Exploration place is an awesome hands-on museum. I usually go with small children, but they have some amazing exhibits for older children and adults. If you like museums, this is where you want to be.

http://www.exploration.org/

The Museum of World Treasures is nice. It%26#39;s home to one of the largest complete dinosaurs in the world (or so the man in the parking lot told me, lol) If you%26#39;re into dinosaurs, it%26#39;s probably worth checking out. I found the museum a bit boring. However, I had two small children with me that I was trying to entertain. If I had just gone by myself, I may have had a different opinion. Not really sure about this one.

http://www.worldtreasures.org/

The Sedgwick County Zoo is really great. They have added a lot of new exhibits in the past few years. During the summer they have their summer concert series and their wet and wild days.

http://www.scz.org/index.html

You definitely have to come out to the Starlite Drive-in some night. This is probably one of the best drive-ins in the country. It%26#39;s a great place for families, and something I think your 13 y/o would really enjoy. My family and I have been going since I was a baby. I%26#39;m 17 now, and my friends and I still go pretty regularly. They play the same new movies that the other movie theaters are playing. There are speakers outside so you can set up lawn chairs if you want. If you want to sit in your car, they also broadcast the movie on your fm stereo. We usually bring our own drinks and snacks, but they do have a full dinner menu snack bar.

http://starlitefun.com/

I%26#39;m not sure about skate parks in Wichita, but I do know that we have a skate park here in Derby (only a 20-30 minute drive)It%26#39;s where the old municipal pool used to be. I%26#39;ve never been, but I%26#39;ve heard that it%26#39;s really cool.

If you%26#39;re coming down to Derby, you have to check out Rock River Rapids. The water park was built a few years ago, and it%26#39;s been very popular. There are six water slides, a lazy river, a diving area, and a regular pool. Admission is not expensive, $5-7 depending on age, and it is not very crowded.

http://www.derbyrec.com/RockRiverRapids.htm

Hi, I%26#39;m writing an article for The Boston Globe about summer travel deals and want to interview people who are going to vacation in Wichita. You sound like the perfect person. I%26#39;d like to do a quick phone interview with you about your vacation plans. Can you call me? My direct line at work is 617-929-3150. Also, email is nwong@globe.com.

Thanks!

Nicole

(Other people planning to vacation in Wichita this summer can also contact me. Would love to hear from you.)