The What and the Where of Wichita.

Wichita, as anyone might assume is not the most exciting city in the United States (though, not the worst either). The grid like roads are loaded with chain restaurants and brand name shops. It is increasingly difficult to find local stores, restaurants, and activities unless you are willing to drive. However, there are wonderful places to see if you know where to look.

While pursuing my MFA in Poetry at Wichita State University, I have been on a constant quest of finding what interests and inspires me. Here is a small list of places I enjoy for those of you living in Wichita, or just passing through.

The Local List
1. Donut Whole (located near downtown on E. Douglas)

       This small coffee shop spoils the grass roots fanatic in me. The donuts are homemade and the coffee        
is roasted at the Spice Merchant just down the road, and yes, there are vegan options. The staff hosts local bands, poetry readings, and other events that are always open to the public.

2. Poetic Justice (located on S. Greenwich)
      Although this coffee shop/cafe is off the beaten path, I highly recommend it. Poetic Justice is the product of a passionate couple that strives to foster a spoken word community. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, wine, and food. The events they host vary from poetry slams to live music to LGBTQ open mics. They even have a weekly writing group. Poetric Justice is well worth the drive.

3. Great Plains Nature Center (located on E. 29th street)
     When it's not painfully hot or cold, the nature center is a great place to stroll, make conversation with an old friend, catch a deer of two off guard, or walk your dog. This overlooked nature center has activities for kids, the whole family, or individuals. There are an assortment of trails ranging in distance, so depending on how much time you have, there is a trail to fit your time restraint. The bridges overlooking the water are windows into the world or turtles, geese, deer, and prairie dogs. If you need to blow off steam or want a few hours alone with the sky, The Great Plains Nature Center is wonderful and free.

4. Eighth Day Books and Watermark (both located on E. Douglas)
     Everyone loves a good bookstore, and that is exactly what Eighth Day Books and Watermark are. Eighth Day books is more for the quiet brooder who prefers to muse among the classics and contemporary writers. There is a small coffee shop located upstairs and the narrow rooms, brimming with books, create the illusion that the customer is being surrounded, hugged even, by their favorite authors.
    Watermark. It has a cafe and an innumerable supply of literature. They sponsor book clubs and have a  collection of rare and unusual books to tickle the collector's interest. If you are looking for a specific book or just want to browse, skip Borders and support your local sellers.

5. The Onion Tree (located in College Hill on N. Hillside)
     I must admit I have never been to Onion Tree, but good things have been buzzing around. This boutique sells crafts, fine and funky art, and odds and ends created by local artists. According to the shop owner, Bridgit Yinger, 60% of the items in The Onion Tree are made in Kansas. Here is the article. http://www.kansas.com/2010/07/01/1385533/oniontree-boutique-sells-local.html.

6. Lotus Leaf Cafe (located in Delano)
    I stumbled across this unsuspecting cafe and creperie when a good friend was visiting from Asheville, North Carolina. Lotus Leaf Cafe is new but not shaky. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their paninis, crepes, and ice teas are incredible, and the atmosphere is relaxing. They even have vegetarian and vegans options, which is hard to come by or over-priced in most restaurants. The servers are polite and aside from refilling your water, do not encourage you to eat quickly and leave. Our server offered my friend an acupressure point tip when she overheard of her headache. Need I say more?

7. Wasabi (located on E. Douglas near Old Town)
     Whenever the sushi craving strikes, I go to Wasabi. After testing out a few other Sushi locations (avoid Hana Cafe), I have decided, that although it's not perfect, Wasabi is the best Sushi restaurant in downtown Wichita. The sushi is half-priced and delicious although it is a long way from the ocean to Wichita. The service is hit or miss depending on how crowded the restaurant is or the mood of your particular server. They have a good variety of specialty rolls, sake, and other Japanese style food.

8. Beer Beer Beer (located mostly in Old Town)
      If it's a friday night and you are looking for a tall beer or some good ole' rowdy fun. You're best bet would be to find a parking spot in Old Town and walk. The choices are endless and mediocre. River City has its own brewed beer and pizza. It's location is prime to Wichita, but it would not survive in a big city. Heroes Sports Bar and Grill has damn good subs but the beer on tap is limited, and the crowd it draws in is generally, the I-can-crush-a-beer-can-against-my-forehead type.

    SO, here are some places I suggest. They will vary depending on interest.
            -Rain Cafe and Lounge - Classy, laid back gay club.
            -Rock Island Live - Energetic music, lots of beer.
            - Lucky's- Chill and Indie. There is a pool table and a patio.
            -The Anchor- expensive, but the choices of beer and food are endless and delicious.


As you may have recognized, the best places in Wichita are located in or around Old Town (Poetic Justice excluded), mostly on Douglas. I recommend these because I have personally experienced them, with the exception of the Onion Tree. If you have anything you would like to add to this list, comment below. I would like to expand this post accordingly, so keep watch on new additions to The Local List.