Wander through a patchwork of colorful blooms from spring through autumn.

What began as a shop inside a converted grain bin on the edge of Burlington has blossomed into Lulabelle’s Flower Farm, a year-round destination with areas for brunches, workshops, live music, and wine and cocktail tastings. A new walk-in cooler means more precut beauties for assemble-your-own bouquets.

Arrive early at the Abilene Farmers Market (Saturdays from May through October) to snag a seasonal arrangement from Bella Ren Fields, or head out to Sara Olberding’s farm for U-pick events when dahlias, zinnias, lisianthuses and other summertime showstoppers are at their peak. In June, the lavender is busting out all over at Purple Meadows Lavender Farm in Spring Hill. Breathe in the aroma as you wander the fields and cut your own stems before venturing into the gift shop for handmade oils, candles, soaps, teas and syrups.

Sunflower Spectacular

The Sunflower State earns its nickname in August and September with dozens of golden fields that practically beg to be photographed. At Grinter Farms in Lawrence, Ted Grinter plants about a million seeds annually and then allows thousands of visitors to roam the farm for free (donations encouraged).

In Buhler, the Gaeddert family’s Kansas Maze is more like a winding trail through 20-plus acres of sunflowers, but you still might get lost in the beauty. Painting classes, giant outdoor games and a jumping pillow entice throughout the season, while a late August festival boasts a crafts market and a 5K and/or 1-mile trail run with a complimentary pancake breakfast at the finish line.
 

Grinter Farms (Doug Stremel)

Kansas may be known for its beef cattle, but you can also meet alpacas, dwarf goats, elk and others.

Book a Painting with Alpacas party at Lazy Moon Ranch and see how these fluffy creatures can fuel your creativity. Visitors to this 10-acre hobby farm near Augusta can also hang with miniature donkeys, dwarf Nigerian goats and canine ambassador Willie the Great Pyrenees. Meanwhile, Providence Hill Farm in Atchison has officially gone to the goats. Sign up for a goat yoga session or make fresh mozzarella cheese and soap from goat’s milk during a workshop.

Near Garnett, hop on the open-air tram at Valley View Elk Ranch and follow a herd of more than 130 elk, including bellowing bulls, nursing cows and frolicking calves depending on the time of year. A few hours (or an overnight) at Pulliam Cattle Company and Treehouse Retreat in Mulvane means bonding with Texas longhorns and Highland cattle— both known for their impressive horns. Visit during calf season and you can help bottle-feed.
 

Providence Hill Farm (Starboard and Port)

By focusing on their own backyards, these farms, shops and eateries serve the freshest ingredients.

After one taste of the unfiltered, infused and creamed honeys at Hillside Honey Apiary, you’ll understand the buzz surrounding this Easton gem. Take a candle-making class or suit up for their 90-minute beekeeping tours. So much more than a small-town grocery, McCune Farm to Market serves fresh meals in addition to stocking local produce, meats and just-baked breads.

The in-store cafe specializes in classic ribeye dinners, fried pickles and loaded tots adorned with pulled ribs. Dating back to 1885, the building that houses Sugar Creek Country Store in St. Marys was once a clothing store. Beyond the striped awnings, you’ll now find a tasty assortment of Amish bulk foods, Kansas-made sauces, and a New York-style deli with grilled sandwiches like the local favorite Pullman Panini (roast beef, cream cheese, onions and jalapeños).
 

Sugar Creek Country Store in St. Marys

Prairie vistas are sweeter while enjoying a glass of wine made with grapes grown and crushed on-site.

Raise a glass to the late Growltiger the cat (the beloved feline is featured on the El Gato Moscato label) during painting classes, artisan fairs, live music events and tastings at Grace Hill Winery in Whitewater. After planting its first vines 20 years ago on the edge of Kansas City, Rowe Ridge Vineyard and Winery now spans 5 acres and nurtures nine grape varieties, including Seyval blanc, Chardonel and Chambourcin.

Sample their bounty while relaxing on the tasting room deck, strolling the vineyard or fishing in the stocked pond. Sip flights in a Western-style barn at Wahlmeier Farms Vineyard in Jennings. Their Dirty Joe, a bold and earthy red, pairs nicely with the Kansas cheese plate, a sampler of seven types of cheese curds from Kansas’ own Alma Creamery.
 

Wahlhmeier Farms Vineyard (Courtesy of Wahlmeier Farms)

Witness the full farm-to-table journey at these signature dining establishments.

After being greeted with a craft beverage at The Burning Barrel in Lecompton, you’re encouraged to tour the livestock pastures before gathering at long raw-edge tables for a multicourse meal. The seasonal lineup of dishes includes handmade pasta, locally harvested greens and fire-roasted proteins. Farm-fresh cuisine also reigns at Elderslie Farm in Kechi. Weekend fine dining in the restaurant showcases hyper-local ingredients and artisanal cheeses like Westfork, a nutty aged Gouda-style from on-site Elderslie Creamery.

The whirlwind story of Saltwell Farm Kitchen in Overbrook includes a dilapidated farmstead, a devastating fire, a community-fueled rebound and a James Beard nod. Each prix fixe meal—served under the walnut trees or in the farmhouse dining room—features a series of expertly handled dishes like beet and chèvre terrine and fireroasted chevon goulash.
 

Saltwell Farm Kitchen (C2 Photography)