Kansas Blog

There will be that place in a ride that you feel the pull to stop.  Pull over to the side of the highway.  Soak in every sight, sound, smell around ...

Endangered birds and unusual geography are just two of the clues in this contest.  Name these attractions across Kansas by June 24 in the comment section below, and you'll be entered into a drawing to win four admission tickets for the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum. You have a bit of a photo and a short clue for each one. The winner will be announced Friday, June 28. Hit the road and visit them all this summer! 

When I moved to Topeka ten years ago, the stretch of historic buildings lining North Kansas Avenue  between NE Norris and NE Gordon were a bit run-down to say the least. Neglected and mostly abandoned, there were few bright spots along this stretch that led towards one of Topeka's top tourist spots - The Great Overland Station. As newbies to town, we thought that seemed too bad, but like many people, we kind of saw it as a dead-end. 

Scott City State Lake, nestled in amongst the rising bluffs of Scott County, is home to some great Kansas historical sites and outdoor recreation. The campsites and lake were hopping with visitors when we toured the area over Memorial Day and I could tell right away that this would be a great place to spend a long weekend. 

With our busy schedules and little time to cook, our family eats out quite often. But after having one of the best meals out we've ever experienced in our hometown of Topeka, Hubby and I agreed that from now on, we will gladly sacrifice a couple drive-through dinners and a sit-down chain each month to be able to enjoy the RowHouse Restaurant.

Mother Nature continues to amaze us with her timing.  There have been some absolutely beautiful days, perfect times for wind therapy on the Wide Glide. Ironically, they have been during the work week when cruising a byway isn't really possible due to those day jobs that we need to keep the lights on.

Believe it or not there is a wind and water phenomenon in Kansas-it's called kiteboarding. Many players partake down in the southwest region with the warm temperatures keep the lakes enjoyable and the windy conditions are ideal for riding the wind. 

The railroad is so closely tied to the Kansas story of adventure, opportunity and progress that it only seems fitting those visiting the state should take the time to ride the rails. Amtrak service is limited in our state, but excursion trains to provide a unique and relaxing opportunity to enjoy this piece of history.

While working at a marina in college, I pulled out dead minnows from our live tanks and threw them off the dock every day. Usually, I'd watch the minnows float away to see carp and crappies come up to snatch an easy meal. One slow morning, a big fish appeared out of nowhere, grabbed a minnow, and was gone in a flash. I ran up to the marina to grab a hook and line. I dangled another dead minnow just off the dock and before I knew it, my line snapped by that same lightning-fast strike.

Once a punch line of toilet-themed jokes, the soccer team formerly known as the Kansas City Wiz (and later the Wizards) is now the ideal franchise in all of American sports.

Their matches are also the hottest ticket in Kansas City.

After 12 years of sharing the cavernous football stadium and three more years in a tiny baseball park, rebranded Sporting Kansas City opened its first true home in 2011. Since opening Sporting Park near the Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County, the club has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity.