Kansas has some delicious restaurants set amongst the serene prairie... but do you want to try something a little new and different come 2017? There is no need to travel to a far off place to experience something unique and exciting; just visit this Kansas lakeside restaurant that is like something from a dream:
Located alongside beautiful Lake Perry, Hookers N Reelers is a memorable bar and grill that offers tasty food...
...with equally delicious views of the lake's crystal blue waters.
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Opened in April 2015, the recently remodeled Hookers N Reelers is a true feast for the senses that offers not only good food and views, but live music...
...and fun get togethers as well!
Because of its location and Kansas's notoriety for cold and snowy winters, Hookers N Reelers is currently closed for the season, but will re-open come spring! Be sure to check their Facebook page for announcements and more information.
Fall in Kansas is such a wonderfully special time. The menus are full of pumpkin spice everything, it seems like there's a great fall festival being held just about every weekend, and the crisp autumn air feels so much more comfortable than the humid days of summer.
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As soon as the season starts to change, many of us start to wonder "When do leaves change color in Kansas?" Those of you with foliage on the brain will be glad to know that we have a Kansas fall foliage map 2024 from Smoky Mountains that makes timing your leaf peeping just a little bit easier. If you're planning a fall foliage road trip in Kansas, you'll definitely want to check out this interactive map.
Of course, the one predictable thing about Kansas weather is that it's unpredictable. There's no sure answer to "When do leaves change in Kansas?" but even so, this fall foliage predictor uses past history and weather to try to give a good estimate.
More specifically, SmokyMountains.com utilizes a refined data model that depends on a combination of factors, including historical temperature and precipitation, forecast temperature and precipitation, the type of tree known to be prominent in that geographic region, the historical trends in that area, and user data. It's not an exact science, but this method yields a rather impressive track record in terms of accurately predicting when the leaves will change across the US!
Kansas's northern half tends to be at peak colors about a week or so before the southern half, so keep that in mind if you're planning a trip. And take note: by the beginning of November, nearly all of autumn's beautiful hues will be gone.
It's so easy to take this annual sight for granted, but it's such a magical occurrence that you won't want to miss out on.
Where's your favorite spot for catching fall foliage in Kansas? Share your leaf-peeping places in the comments!
Check out the full Kansas fall foliage map 2024 at the Smoky Mountains website.
I absolutely love lacing up my hiking boots and hitting the trails when fall hits. There's nothing better than enjoying the brilliant scenery and cool weather. If you are also a fan of fall hiking in Kansas, consider signing up for a free trial of Alltrails+. You'll get to enjoy benefits like downloadable trail maps and more.
Did you know we've got plenty of caves in Kansas? We may be better known for our weird and wacky rock formations, like those at the mighty Chalk Pyramids or Mushroom Rock State Park, but there are lots of cool caves here, too. If you're a big fan of them, you'll definitely want to check out this day trip to several great caves in the central Kansas area! This adventure is a great way to explore some of the prettiest places in the state, all in one 15,000-acre state park: Kanopolis State Park in Ellsworth County. The Faris Caves at Kanopolis are an absolute treasure, and they're definitely worth a visit.
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The underrated Kanopolis State Park is tucked away at just about the dead-center point of Kansas. It was actually the first state park to be designated in the Sunflower State. There are quite a few caves inside and around the park.
The park is nestled in the beautiful Smoky Hills region, so you'll find a gently rolling landscape perfect for hiking or horseback riding.
But in addition to the gorgeous landscape and the beautiful Kanopolis Lake, you'll also find plenty of caves! Caves are probably not the first type of landscape that comes to mind when you think of Kansas, but we have many thanks to our history of limestone mining.
The Faris Caves are some of the park's best-known caves. This series of three man-made caves were excavated back in the 1880s.
The three caves are each about 12 feet by 12 feet, and they've served various purposes through the years. Before the advent of refrigeration, they were used to store food, and they even served as classrooms in a rural schoolhouse.
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You can access the Faris Caves via a marked trail from the park but note that the area can get quite buggy, so make sure to bring insect repellent!
But it's a beautiful area.
These unexpected caves are a great monument to Sunflower State history, as well as a reminder that we have a surprisingly varied landscape here.
Depending on the weather, these caves are known to have standing water and might not be accessible. So double-check with the park and follow all posted guidelines.
What a unique hidden gem right in the heart of central Kansas! For more information about the caves and amenities at Kanopolis State Park, or to make camping reservations, check out the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website.
Have you ever seen any of the caves at Kanopolis State Park? Share your experiences in the comments!
Ellsworth is a great place to visit and/or stay a while. In fact...you might just find a few (literal) hidden gems! And likely a few sweet treats as well, like this tasty ice cream shack.