Kansas Blog

I have always been fascinated by the rise and fall of places. I’m talking about spots in our world where hope and optimism brought people in droves and then, somehow, failed to keep them. These are places where the world literally changed pace – and then reverted back to nature. If you have ever driven the Kansas Turnpike near El Dorado, you came near one of these places, and I’ll bet you never knew it. 

Imagine starting your day as you would any normal day, heading downtown to work or to run a few errands at the hardware store and bank. As you go about your business, you catch word that both banks in town are being robbed by five famous train robbers: the Dalton Gang. Did I mention that you're imagining life in 1892? 

 

As you travel through Kansas, you will find many ways to learn more about the 1890s, but it was the 1980s we were delighted to explore on a recent trip to Exploration Place in Wichita. It was a temporary exhibit, set up to explain the technology behind, and development of, video games that captured our attention.

 

I'm not much of a gambler, but my friends who love to visit casinos want Hubby and me to come along. While the others wager their money on blackjack or poker, I'll try my luck at the slot machines and bingo for a while. And when I am ready for a break

Recently I took a short drive to Overbrook with my family to see some "real, live" buffalo. After all, it is our state animal and my kids and I had never seen one up close. We pulled into the Lone Star Ranch and had a picture perfect view of the snowy Kansas prairie and the herd, settled in and grazing just beyond the old fashioned country store. We were greeted right away by Terri Gibbs, who along with her husband Don, owns the property. The buffalo were a majestic sight indeed and unlike us, were not bothered by the winter temps in their thick fur coats. 

 

 As the sun rises over the water, the silhouettes of the decoys begin to take shape, contrasted with the muted pinks and blues in the sky. Huddled in a brush-covered blind, we impatiently wait for the first birds of the morning, hearing their calls long before we can see them. The birds have been flying consistently, and with greater numbers each day. Even though the temperature is close to freezing this morning, enthusiasm is still running rampant. 

My dad used to dabble in backyard barbecue and I consider him the family expert on the subject. I knew I wanted to take him along when making my first-ever visit to Oklahoma Joe's in Roeland Park. Friends raved about this Zagat #1-rated barbecue joint and encouraged us to dine at the original location, housed in a gas station at 47th & Mission. That, and how the place got its name, are a whole other story worth checking out on the restaurant's website. Just know that these folks are pros (two words-American Royal).

Lurking off in western Kansas are two of the state's most fascinating attractions ... the rocks (as I like to call them). Igniting the scientific curiosities from within, these rock formations are some of the state's most bizarre and beautiful natural landmarks. 

Looking for a special treat for that hard-to-please person? How about a trip to Liberal to take in a dinosaur-airplane experience?

Yes, dinosaurs and airplanes will be on display together this spring at the Mid-America Air Museum in Liberal. 

At the sound of the clip-clop of hooves on pavement and the jingle of bells, I could feel the excitement building amongst the crowd standing around me on a street corner in downtown Lawrence one chilly morning.