Anybody Ever Have Any Fun in Wichita?

[tarheelmjfan]

Yes, they have a lot of people who have worked there more than ten years. They were just starting a major refurbishment when the Pandemic hit, so they closed until the refurbishment was completed (about two years). Many of their employees found other jobs during the interim but I would say at least 80% of them came back when her hotel reopened, probably more. Of course, that all comes down to the working conditions and culture, and they have a good manager there who is firm but fair. Having a good boss can make all the difference.

I agree with including bartenders and servers when it comes to recommendations. I have also asked bell services when they are taking my bags to the room. It’s an easy conversation starter and I never know what info I will receive.

It sounds like she works at the great hotel. It's too bad they're not all like that. When you're constantly on the go, you spend most of your time kind of flying by the seat of your pants as far as travel planning goes. It really helps, when you happen upon a knowledgeable staff.

 

[Kitty 34]

We're headed there this upcoming weekend to see an old friend. We're all out-of-towners; agreed to meet in Wichita because it's halfway between where he lives in northern Kansas and OKC, where we'll be flying into. We've got one full day. Besides just sitting around the hotel and visiting, is there anything particularly interesting to see or do there?

I'm answering your title question "Anyone ever have fun in Wichita?". I sure hope you do and come back to tell us about it. Enjoy!

 

[NotUrsula]

Just got back 2 days ago; our DD often competes there. We don't usually have a lot of free time during the day to go to attractions, but I can tell you that there are some stellar affordable local restaurants there, especially in the Old Town area, so our favorite thing to do in Wichita is eat! Our favorite restaurant by a mile is Sabor. https://empireks.com/restaurant/sabor-latin-bar-grille/
We brought several friends there for the first time last week, and as usual, they loved it. Make reservations a bit in advance, because the place is very popular, both at lunch and at dinner.

The aviation museum is excellent; Wichita was HQ for a lot of early US aircraft manufacturers because it has good terrain for runways and good flying weather a lot of the time, and was right in the middle of the country for refueling. They let you touch a lot of the exhibits. https://kansasaviationmuseum.org/

It isn't the season for it right now, but they also have a good AA baseball club, which is very popular.

 

[kyton]

“think I'd like to try this mystical Cracker Barrel”


DON’T DO IT!! As an Aussie who has visited really regularly in the last 2yrs, Cracker Barrel was first on my go to list. OMG it was trash. Seriously even Waffle House (where my teens refused to eat due to the bad rap it gets on social media) was 100% better.

 

[ronandannette]

We spent the night in Wichita during a road trip. We didn't have a ton of time there, but we explored the campus of Wichita State, drove around downtown for a bit, and also went by Frank Lloyd Wright's Allen House. We only saw it from the outside, but they do tours. There were also some really nice looking park areas along the rivers, not to far from downtown. There were also a number of cutesy places to eat around the Allen House area. I think we ate at some pizza place called Ziggy's. I believe it was in an old converted house, but there were several neat looking eateries around as well as some ice cream shops.

Thanks to everybody for their ideas, especially those that mentioned Allen House. DH is an architectural designer and he would LOVE to see it.

 

[ronandannette]

“think I'd like to try this mystical Cracker Barrel”


DON’T DO IT!! As an Aussie who has visited really regularly in the last 2yrs, Cracker Barrel was first on my go to list. OMG it was trash. Seriously even Waffle House (where my teens refused to eat due to the bad rap it gets on social media) was 100% better.

Thanks. I will consider myself warned but we're pretty much locked into it now. Even if it's horrible, it's iconic and we need to do it. The other thing we enjoy when travelling in the States is to try and find a breakfast restaurant that's been featured on Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives. Unfortunately, over all the years the show has been running, only one place in Wichita has ever been featured, and it's no longer in business.

 

[BrianL]

Thanks. I will consider myself warned but we're pretty much locked into it now. Even if it's horrible, it's iconic and we need to do it. The other thing we enjoy when travelling in the States is to try and find a breakfast restaurant that's been featured on Diners, Drive-Inns and Dives. Unfortunately, over all the years the show has been running, only one place in Wichita has ever been featured, and it's no longer in business.

Don't worry about it too much. I mean, it's not that special, but it can be good. Like most big chain places it can be hit-or-miss. Hopefully you will have a good experience. The food is about like IHOP or whatever, but they do heat the maple syrup!

 

[ramee]

“think I'd like to try this mystical Cracker Barrel”


DON’T DO IT!! As an Aussie who has visited really regularly in the last 2yrs, Cracker Barrel was first on my go to list. OMG it was trash. Seriously even Waffle House (where my teens refused to eat due to the bad rap it gets on social media) was 100% better.

Oh now you’ve crossed into controversy territory…

But Brian is right, it’s hit or miss. I like the dumplings. But one time it was too salty to eat. So YMMV

 

[ronandannette]

Oh now you’ve crossed into controversy territory…

But Brian is right, it’s hit or miss. I like the dumplings. But one time it was too salty to eat. So YMMV

Those little flour/water, hard pasty lumps you guys call dumplings? Yeah, pass. Here, dumplings (as in chicken and dumplings) are light, fluffy clouds of gravy-soaking deliciousness that float gracefully upon the top of the pot. Just like the good Lord intended.
VS

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

Cw4d presents EZ answers to EZ questions.

Has anyone ever had fun in Wichita?

Yes. Babies have been made there.

 

[ramee]

Those little flour/water, hard pasty lumps you guys call dumplings? Yeah, pass. Here, dumplings (as in chicken and dumplings) are light, fluffy clouds of gravy-soaking deliciousness that float gracefully upon the top of the pot. Just like the good Lord intended.
View attachment 830096 VS View attachment 830095

Mmmm. To both

 

[CGB]

Eta - I lived in Derby many years ago and don't remember there being much to do except there was a zoo I think.

Same! We were there for seven years (at McConnell AFB) and all I could remember was the zoo as well.

 

[kyton]

Here, dumplings (as in chicken and dumplings) are light, fluffy clouds of gravy-soaking deliciousness that float gracefully upon the top of the pot. Just like the good Lord intended.

Nah, dumplings should only ever be sweet and surrounded by a golden syrup sauce

 

[Keladry84]

It’s been awhile since I’ve been so can’t remember exact names of places….Oldtown was neat, so were botanical gardens. Walking along the river was awesome. Theres several good museums to visit if that’s your thing. Also, a really awesome large candy store (can’t remember the name but would pop up if you google it). I stayed at the Drury Inn along the river walk area (was perfect location, and was able to walk most places). I think a hotel near the old town would be a good location too to reach things by car.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

Those little flour/water, hard pasty lumps you guys call dumplings? Yeah, pass. Here, dumplings (as in chicken and dumplings) are light, fluffy clouds of gravy-soaking deliciousness that float gracefully upon the top of the pot. Just like the good Lord intended.
View attachment 830096 VS View attachment 830095

It's funny you say that. I guess the US & Canada aren't so different, after all. I grew up in North Carolina. The dumplings I'm used to are like yours. I would never consider ordering dumplings in a restaurant. If you're looking for what I consider "country/comfort" food, don't expect much. Breakfast is safe.

 

[Babs Johnson]

 

[ronandannette]

View attachment 830200

Ha! No thanks - we're not hockey fans. Big, big basketball people. We arranged this trip to coincide with the Toronto Raptors away game to play the OKC Thunder on Sunday night. Snagged fabulous seats 6 rows up just behind the Visitors bench. Can't wait!! Go Raps!

 

[Dead2009]

Ive never been to Kansas so I can not recall any fun in Wichita.

 

[Babs Johnson]

Ha! No thanks - we're not hockey fans. Big, big basketball people. We arranged this trip to coincide with the Toronto Raptors away game to play the OKC Thunder on Sunday night. Snagged fabulous seats 6 rows up just behind the Visitors bench. Can't wait!! Go Raps!

Wait, aren’t you the poster from Calgary?

Not hockey fans?!!! Sacre bleu!


They have Thunder Ice Girls, if that can change your mind.

https://wichitathunder.com/thunder-ice-girls

 

[happybaker]

Can't - he's still on the line.

Eta - I lived in Derby many years ago and don't remember there being much to do except there was a zoo I think.

In my effort to visit all 50 states, I needed to find something in Kansas. We did the state fair and I ran a 5K in Derby It was part of the BBQ festival and touted as the "best smelling race". They weren't kidding

If you’re in the downtown area, you can walk across the river on a pedestrian bridge and see the landmark statue called the Keeper of the Plains, which honors the city’s Native American history. At night, they light a ring of fire around it.

I was going to mention the River Walk. We walked around during the day and came back at night to watch them light the ring.

We also had the best spring rolls ever, but do you think my friend or I can remember where we had them? We were there in 2012 and still talk about them. Just like the coffee/tea we had in Rapid City, SD.