I think my last two weeks in Topeka might have been even more unique than some of my recent trips overseas. Here are some of the more interesting things I learned:
1) The fields at MacLennan Park at Cedar Crest actually has visible historic ruts or swales, made by the wheels of countless wagons traveling the Oregon Trail more than 150 years ago that are still visible.
2)During a major snow storm…everyone in town goes to Outback, it was packed!
3) The Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site is the only unit of the national park system named after a U.S. Supreme Court case. Monroe Elementary School, one of the four segregated elementary schools for African American children in Topeka, is still standing and maintains those mini water fountains and elementary school smell.
4) No need to fly anywhere, in six days the temperature can increase 74 degrees!
5) The best BBQ in Topeka is located within a trailer park. Lonnie Q’s is by far the best I’ve ever had anywhere.
6) A 64 oz fish bowl is only $5 more than a 32 oz.
7) You can’t bring guns into public buildings.
8) Karaoke at Applebee’s is the place to be on Thursday nights. No joke…everyone heads here by 10 and there’s a huge line to get your chance at the mic.
9) Kansas is Oz-Some.
10) There are .99 cent margaritas on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday
11) Even the Italian restaurant has drink specials including $2 Italian Margs.
12) Wild Horse Saloon – Where Topeka Plays at Night! They also have $1 drinks on Weds, including any well drinks …Jack & Ketel included and it’s naughty school girl night.
…oh and this goes on
13) My favorite BBQ in Kansas City was Oklahoma Joe’s, located at the Shamrock gas station
14) Eat Beef
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8 comments
Rock Chalk
Sorry, but what kinda rube goes to Applebees when travelling (or anytime?)
@Mike – That’s authentic Topeka. There are only so many non chain restaurants and we tried them all. Everything is a chain and I would say this was a “local” experience, ton more people than any of the fancy non chains.
I live in Topeka, there are plenty of local places to eat. Sure there are lots of chains, but you could easily go 2 weeks eating local.
@Mike – Yes, we enjoyed Paisano’s, Blue Moose, and Tuptim as well as several of the local BBQ places. Guess I was generalizing what was the close to the hotel on Wanamaker.
Wow, is that Kansas University’s football field? Is that a track? It looks like a high school stadium in any medium sized city.
The University of Kansas is a basketball school, with one of the richest college basketball traditions and history in the country. The school’s first basketball coach was James Naismith, the inventor of the sport. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_Jayhawks_men's_basketball
@als66208 – I had a great time visiting KU and Lawrence!