Visit Wichita Archives - Olio in Iowa

May 20, 2019

5 Ways to Experience the Unique History of Wichita, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Wichita hosted my trip to Wichita, Kansas. However, all opinions are my own.

When it comes to visiting somewhere new, I can be a bit of a history nerd. I love learning about how communities came to be and discovering their quirkier details. Like so many other cities across the Midwest, the history of Wichita, Kansas did not disappoint.

During my time in Wichita, I was so impressed not only by the quality of the city’s museums but also by their variety. From institutions recognizing the contributions of African American and Native American communities to a museum dedicated to two men’s passion for pizza, Wichita truly has something for everyone.

Everywhere I went, locals were gracious with their time and excited to share their stories. Really, I shouldn’t have been surprised after experiencing the city’s public art scene or phenomenal culinary creations.

Maybe historic sites and museums aren’t usually your cup of tea. But when it comes to Wichita, I can’t encourage you enough to step outside your comfort zone. This community has so much to offer and I can’t wait to share everything I discovered with you. The next time you visit, don’t miss these five ways to experience the unique history of Wichita, Kansas.Continue Reading…

December 17, 2018

12 Terrific Places to Eat in Wichita, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Wichita hosted my trip to Wichita, Kansas, and paid for my meals at some of the places listed below. However, all opinions are my own.

Some cities are known as foodie cities. But you might not expect to find small batch coffee roasters, craft breweries, and world-class restaurants in the middle of Kansas. Then again, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’ve probably realized that I love a good hidden gem. So it should come as no surprise to hear that there are tons of incredible place to eat in Wichita, Kansas.

Over the course of my travels, I’ve visited some truly delicious places. But Wichita has an entirely different culinary vibe. From an urban chop shop to a bakery offering late night desserts and hand pies, everywhere I went people were immensely friendly and proud to share the stories of their community. In my experience, that’s Wichita—passionate, hardworking, and creative.

In my experience, those traits absolutely translate to the city’s culinary scene, leaving a bevy of options for every type of traveler to enjoy. The next time you’re in town, grab a bite at one (or more) of these 12 terrific places to eat in Wichita, Kansas.

Plus, I’ve created a free digital download so you can keep track of all of your favorite Wichita eats!Continue Reading…

October 15, 2018

Find Inspiration When You Explore Public Art in Wichita, Kansas

Disclosure: Visit Wichita hosted my trip to Wichita, Kansas. However, all opinions are my own.

There were a lot things that unexpectedly delighted me on my recent trip to Wichita, Kansas. But the city’s blossoming arts scene was easily one of my favorite surprises. No matter what part of the city you’re in, everywhere you look, there is incredible public art in Wichita. From bronze sculptures to large-scale murals, there are all sorts of ways to appreciate art around the city.

Coffee in hand, I spent two mornings during my visit tracking down some of the city’s coolest murals and basking in these little bursts of inspiration around every turn. In the same way that I love roadside attractions for their unexpected nature, public art has a distinct power to surprise and delight. In a city passionate about public art, you never know what will be around the next corner or down the next alley.

The next time you need a dose of inspiration, explore one of these five unique places to discover public art in Wichita, Kansas.