By KAREN MADORIN
Locals often overlook the charms of their own hometowns. I’d guess all Kansans share this guilt, me included. After several out-of-town road trips, I analyzed our village’s charms which involve more than a Christmas City of the High Plains promotion.
WaKeeney is worth a day trip and maybe an overnight stay. Start with Santa’s Village and snap a photo to reflect on small-town Christmas fun. This Main Street location leads to worthwhile stops nearby. To satisfy hunger, hit the Western Kansas Saloon for historic ambience including tin ceilings, western murals, wood floors, good food, and service.
Next door, visit Gibson’s Drug which sells medicine for what ails you, but it’s so much more. It reminds me of Grandma’s dime store with toys, household, school and office supplies, candy, greeting cards, floral arrangements, and best of all an old-fashioned soda fountain with sodas, malts, or flavored cokes.
Just north, find The Eagles Nest—a ceramic and wood working shop. Glaze a mug or trinket box or select a unique gift for someone special. Our oldest grand and I recently spent two hours creating family heirlooms.
After a paint session, cross the street to explore Queen of Stars quilt store. Quilting friends stop in regularly to purchase fabrics, talk shop, or sew in the company of like-minded souls. The building is worth a visit for sure.
Not far away, enjoy a nostalgic tour of the Trego County courthouse. The lighting and vintage woodwork link visitors to those who came before us. A peek in each office offers views of officials hard at work serving Trego County.
Pop down the west staircase and wonder whose hands that rail guided over past decades. Outside, head to the northwest corner of the square while looking for resident squirrels and birds that call this block home. Morning or evening arrivals can view one of several local buzzard flocks roosting on the water tower. Their presence inspires the annual Buzzard Bash.
Across the street, enjoy Mayberry-style shopping at Moeder Meats, Keyser Hardware, Hometown Bakery, and the recently reopened antique store. Speaking of vintage, check out the façade of the Kelly Theatre to see what changes lie in wait. While walking this street, you follow the steps of Milburn Stone of Gunsmoke fame who performed a vaudeville routine on the Kelly stage.
At the corner, turn west to sip The Well’s excellent coffee. A few steps further offers city hall, another WaKeeney architectural treasure.
South is local gold. Malay’s offers picnic basket supplies that include freshly cut fruits and veggies, deli salads, deviled eggs, lunch meats, cheeses, and homemade desserts. Before checking out, add love with a fresh bouquet. On a practical note, purchase hunting and fishing licenses before getting outdoorsy at Cedar Bluff Reservoir.
For in town picknickers, choose a park. I love the pool park where ample shade cools gramma while grandkids check out their options. To exercise dogs, head toward I-70 on Highway 283. Once there, explore local history, including a vintage jet, or refresh yourself at Rosie’s Bar and Grill or the nearby Brazen Bull. Go whole hog Laura Ingalls Wilder and sleep in a Conestoga.
These are only a few possibilities. A visit here is a Where’s Waldo search for charming overnight rentals, Shiloh’s stellar vineyard, wildflower loops, great fishing, car races, auctions, western and paleontological history in every direction, and welcoming locals to help tick items off your bucket list.
I may live here, but it’s fun to play visitor.
Karen Madorin is a retired teacher, writer, photographer, outdoors lover, and sixth-generation Kansan.