Kansas City

When people think of Kansas, they certainly don't think "big city," and Kansas City is no exception. It's by no stretch a big city, but there's enough here to keep just about anyone entertained for a month. Into sports? Catch a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium or a Chiefs game at Arrowhead! How about the arts? Hit up the Crossroads district. Foodie? Kansas City is world-renowned for Bar-B-Que. KC Joe's, Jack Stack, and Arthur Bryant's are all can't miss stops. Nightlife? Friday nights at the Power and Light district are just a Streetcar ride away! There really is something here for everyone.

Cathedral Of The Plains, Victoria

One of the least-known treasures I've found in Kansas has been the Cathedral of the Plains. Situated in the small town of Victoria, this small church earned itself a spot as one of the "Eight Wonders of Kansas" in 2008. Whether you're religious or not, a visit to this space is certainly worth the time. Renovations were underway last time I visited, and the members of the church are always happy to see visitors.

Cosmosphere, Hutchinson

If you're a sucker for a good museum or a space fanatic like me, you cannot miss a visit to the Cosmosphere museum in Hutchinson. The museum attracts visitors from all 50 states and many foreign countries and has been given many awards, including accolades as home to the largest collection of American and Russian space artifacts in the world — more than 13,000! It's easy to spend a full day exploring just the museum, but the town of Hutchinson itself is worth a day's visit.

Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson

There's really no better way to experience quintessential Kansas than the State Fair. Each fall, people from all walks of Kansas life descend on Hutchinson to put on a show unlike any other. From livestock shows and auctions to flea markets to the food of dozens of vendors, every Kansan and visitor to Kansas should visit the fair. We may not have the best food (Texas, I'm looking at you!), but our fair has the homiest feeling and I love it.

From the traditional to the modern, there is sure to be something for everyone. Be sure to make your plans early, because tickets sell fast, as do hotel rooms in Hutchinson!

Open Space. Lots of Open Space.

Hustle and bustle of city life and lots of people not your thing? Take a drive. Or ride.

Even from the centers of our cities, wide-open views and wheat fields are no more than a short drive away. The rest of America might think we're weird for not having people at every corner, but there's something uniquely relaxing about miles and miles of gentle rolling hills and wheat waving in the wind. Some of the best memories I have from my own travels haven't been on the highways, they've been on the dirt roads, soaking in the peace and serenity of the land.