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Itineraries
 Itinerary #1: Hidden Treasures
Start
your day by taking in the jewel-toned magnificence
of the Tiffany Windows at First
Presbyterian Church.
Then explore the gothic tudor mansion at The
Woodward Inns on Fillmore, a luxurious, award-winning
complex. For lunch, consider Bosco’s,
an urban hot spot with handmade burger sliders or fresh
salads – and a martini on the
side. Next, discover your pioneer roots in Old
Prairie Town at the Ward-Meade Historic Site, complete
with a turn-of-the-century general store and vintage
soda fountain. Dinner at RowHouse Restaurant promises
fine cuisine in a historic locale – don’t
miss the chef’s famous key
lime créme brulée. To close out the day,
take a seat at the Topeka Performing Arts
Center where you will enjoy
a world-class musical – or enjoy side-splitting
laughs and tear-jerking dramas at the Topeka
Civic Theatre (finalist for ’8 Wonders of
Kansas Customs’).
 Itinerary #2: Family Fun
Grab the kids for free, hands-on fun in the ArtLab at
Mulvane Art Museum, then bowl a few frames at Gage
Bowl.
For lunch, try a cheeseburger and handmade onion rings
at Bobo’s Drive In, a favorite hangout since 1948 – and
an – ’8 Wonders of Kansas Cuisine’ winner. Next stop: Potwin
Pottery, where all ages can create a masterpiece in a
studio full of paint, stencils, and stamps. Then stroll
over to Daddy Cakes, for decadent jumbo cupcakes in flavors
like ’Mud Puddle’ and ’Margarita’. Of course, no family
outing would be complete without a visit to Discovery
Place in the Kansas Museum of History, a place for young
’uns to crawl through a tipi or dress up in boots and
chaps in the Cowboy Corral. Continue the day’s fun with
a family musical, drama, or comedy at the Helen
Hocker Center for the Performing Arts in Gage Park. Still got
energy? Treat the kids to an overnighter at the Holiday
Inn Holidome – they’ll love the three-story
water slide!
 Itinerary #3: Unexpected Finds
Get ready for a city of surprises – full of
awesome art and out-of-the-way eateries –
and start with the Murals on Western
Ave., a history
project with pizzazz. Next, stroll past the quaint
and quirky Outdoor Sculptures
at Washburn University and Downtown
Topeka. Another art lovers’ outlet
can be found at Warehouse 414, a gallery that mixes
eclectic home furnishings in a chic, downtown space.
When you’re ready for a unique treat, make a
beeline for Charlie Porubsky’s hearty chili and
hot horseradish pickles. The afternoon takes you to
Truckhenge – part
nature sanctuary, part salvage art exhibit – with
antique trucks protruding out of the ground, –
á la Stonehenge. (Call 785-234-3486 before your visit;
www.truckhenge.com.)
Or walk on the wild side at Kickstart
Saloon, a biker
bar with the world’s ’oldest
motorcycle’ (made
of bones!). Interested in a twist on traditional? Head
to Gallery Classic, specializing in Belgium-style antiques
and home décor. Your expedition ends at the
19th century Matrot Castle and
Winery, where you can
explore the wine cellar, then head to the tasting room
for a satisfying sip.
 Itinerary #4: MANcation
Wanna bond with the guys? Topeka offers plenty of
excitement, including 10 Golf
Courses, plus a driving
range, batting cages, and go carts at the Sports
Center.
For lunch, you’ll find a man’s meal at Henry’s
Grill on the main level of Topeka
Harley-Davidson –
Black Dog BarBQue™ and Beer Beans rule the day. Get back to serious sports
action at Heartland Park Topeka, Kansas
Koyotes Indoor Football, or Topeka
Roadrunners Hockey game (groups
of 10 or more can get Roadrunners tickets for $2 off
and meet the players by emailing jen@topekaroadrunners.com or calling 785-286-7825). Love hunting? Then drive
to Ravenwood Lodge for guided field hunts and sporting
clays. Or spend the day fishing or boating at Lake
Shawnee. At day’s end, unwind with a sports massage at Backs
By Popular Demand or enjoy a fine cigar in the lounge at
Churchill’s.
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