Being an intentional Topekan

One of the frequent things heard (and I’ve been one to say it) is that there is nothing to do in Topeka. Being a part of this group has made me ponder how I think about Topeka. So, last month I made a choice to rediscover Topeka. Here is what I’ve enjoyed:

  • Marion Lane Candles on Kansas Ave – I’d always wanted to go, but never really made the effort to go there. It is a beautiful shop and has really lovely staff people. My home is now full of candles that were locally made.
  • Millennium Cafe in the Topeka & Shawnee County Library – I’ve starting going there about once a month to have lunch with friends. It’s not far from my house and offers a healthy alternative to what I usually consume :)
  • Helen Hocker Theater – Another place I’ve meant to go. My husband, brother-in-law and his wife and I enjoyed an afternoon of a fun musical filled with ’80s music and references… Bueller, Bueller…. it was fun!
  • Annie’s Place – this is a usual favorite, but a Topeka-specific restaurant.
  • Brickyard Barn Inn – I attended a Chamber Fast Forward Event that was held there this month. It is a beautiful, serene place. The food’s good too. (Yep! I enjoy food!)
  • Classic Bean – I met a dear friend there about a week ago. I’m not a big coffee drinker (but I enjoy the smell!).
  • The Blind Tiger – a marketing information meeting was hosted by the Blind Tiger. Yummy sandwich and fun atmosphere.
  • Collins Park – Independence Day parade… it’s become a bit of a tradition in the family.
  • Topeka West High – I attended one of the Heartland Visioning Community meetings there. Have you taken the time to get involved?

Places on my list to go to this month:

  • Lily’s – it’s a new specialty shop for women in the Gage Shopping Center. I plan on checking it out.
  • Brick Oven – It’s seems so long since I’ve gone there. (Don’t be fooled, this is not a chain.) I need to find an excuse to go… any takers?
  • Boss Hawg’s – I’m so glad that Fast Forward will be held there this month.

My challenge to you is to find what Topeka holds for you. True, some things may be a bit off the beaten path. But I dare you to stop the next time you’re thinking of heading out of town for something, to take pause and check to see if what you are looking for might just be right around the corner.

Last 5 posts in Getting Involved

  • denise
  • July 14th, 2008
  • Comments    
  • Getting Involved, Vision
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  • Bob Ross
    Great article. Over the past year I have really tried to walk the walk when it comes to being an intentional Topekan. And you are right, when you get out and about you see what this city has to offer. The Brown v Board of Education is on my list to visit. I recommend taking a tour of the Govenor's Mansion and touring the grounds. Pretty cool, plus the walking trails around the Museum of History look great as well.
  • Today I had the pleasure of trying something new for lunch. My dad's cousin took me to lunch for helping her with her computer and high speed internet setup. We went to the Classic Bean in the Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center. Nestled between OfficeMax and Petland, this coffee shop/restaurant boasts free WiFi with any purchase, breakfast items all day, a wide variety of sandwiches, and serves alcohol. I enjoyed the fact that the tables are spread out enough that you actually feel like you have a little privacy while eating (or doing work). When you place your order, you are given a stuffed animal and the animal's name is written on the receipt so that the servers know where to find you when your food done.
  • I've eaten at Cafe Holiday and it is fabulous! I've never been to Porubski's or Horizon Hamburger Palace, but thanks to your recommendation they're now on my list of places to try!
    Thanks for sharing Sheila!
  • Sheila,
    I do concur that The Bar Necessities has wonderful products. I have not eaten at Porubski's, Cafe' Holliday, or Horizon Hamburger Palace, but will have to check those out. If you get Kevin talked into to couple swing dance classes, please let me know how you did it. I would love to do that too, but doubt I can talk Aaron into that.
  • Sheila Krohe
    My favorite spots to hit are Porubski's, Cafe' Holliday, and Horizon Hamburger Palace. Unfortunately they all involve eating... but good food nontheless.

    I am a huge fan of supporting the local grown businesses - one of my absolute favorites is Jennifer Gnau's The Bar Necessities. Shay knows of what I speak - this woman makes the best lotion, soap, bath products, etc. The lotion is not greasy, everything smells good, and even my husband likes the foaming soap and cologne she makes. Check out her website- thebarnecessities.com. And kudos to Marion Lane for helping out 2Harts during the 21st & Urish construction.

    Does anyone else get the Topeka Parks & Rec catalog? If you ever thought nothing went on in this town, check it out. I had no idea how many walking areas we had or that you could take couples' swing dance classes through them.
  • I went to the Blind Tiger for lunch on Tuesday. I forgot how good it is. I had a chicken fried steak (1/2 order) and it only cost $6.99. It was almost too much food still at a 1/2 order. It was great.
  • Thanks Staci
    I was just saying to my wife that we need to go out to the lake, maybe this will help convince her
  • I like your article, and I wanted to share that recently while trying to rediscover Topeka myself, I took my children to Lake Shawnee to do some paddle boating. For $3.00 per half hour, thats a bargain for some quality family time that you just can't pass up! Just wanted to share that.
  • Oops! I forgot to mention that I used my cell phone camera to take the pics, so they are not great quality. But they were decent, considering.
  • Hi Alissa!

    Bob (Robert), my husband, told me about your site. We are both interested in our own community. Like yours and communities everywhere, a lot of people are dissatisfied with this and that. We live in a very small community in the mountains of New Jersey with a view of the Poconos about five to ten minutes down the road. We absolutely love it here, but even before Bob retired last month we were looking for the best places to retire. Kansas was on the list. It was the last place on earth either one of us would have imagined we might choose. However, we took a two-week vacation to go and check it out. Both of us were thrilled that it was not as flat as we thought, since we love living in the mountains. Not only did we enjoy our time there, but we always find something to do and find ways to entertain ourselves since we both have similar and many interests.

    I have some ideas for your readers...

    The golden rule has seemed to work for me in every situation, you know, " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you..." There are many aspects of this rule, which are not often thought. For example, if you want to be entertained, then be entertaining. If there is not enough in your area to do, then select one of your interests and share it with others in your community. Find people who are like-minded and ask them to join in and help. If you are looking entertainment for your children, ask them for ideas in coming up with something fun that other children in the area might enjoy. And let them help you with everything from planning to carrying out the events. Children have great ideas and they love to help! You never know -- your project could turn into a long lived and loved tradition in Topeka. In my hometown in North Carolina, someone started a hot air baloon festival, which is still carried on today. Some people have events with remote-controlled cars and airplanes. The list goes on.

    If excessive drinking is involved in your project, you should be prepared to offer a place for the participants to sleep, or take turns being designated drivers.

    Basically, though, happiness is in the heart. If you are not happy where you are, then chances are you won't be happy anywhere else either. Alissa is right. Rediscover your area. Pretend it is a new place you have never seen before. Explore. Be creative and spontaneous. My husband took a Sunday drive one day and came to an intersection. One direction led to a familiar area. We decided to be spontaneous and take the unfamiliar road. We found the amazing Dingman's Falls! It was about thirty minutes from our home! The autumn foliage was blazing with color. I did not have my good camera with me, but I took some fairly decent shots, which I turned into a video. I have shared this on "You Tube" and "GodTube." The URL is as follows to view the video on GodTube> http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=7.... It can be embedded in your own web site or blog by copying and pasting the code given beside the video on URL page.

    Also, don't forget we all have an empty space inside us that was put there by God, and can only be filled by inviting his Son, Jesus Christ to come in. Then we can have "joy," which exists -- unlike happiness -- wherever we go, and regardless of the circumstances. And if God is in your life, he will make certain you have more than enough exciting things to do (if we are obedient). Remember, Jesus loves you. Be blessed in Christ, Cathy DiStefano
  • Robert DiStefano
    Alissa,

    Thanks for the reply! Actually we liked the area so much, that we are thinking of relocating to Topeka. We have our NJ home up for sale but currently the housing market in New Jersey is very slow. But as soon as we sell, Topeka is our top pick. We'll keep you posted!
  • Robert -
    Thanks for sharing your great experience of your time in Topeka!
    My husband and I are big fans of the First Friday Art Walk and try to go as often as possible! And we are greatly looking forward to the next season of the Topeka Symphony starting in September, as well as the Topeka Performing Arts Center.
    I hope that you'll visit Topeka again soon!
    Regards,
    Alissa
  • Robert DiStefano
    My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Topeka in February and we visited one of the art galleries during one of the Friday night art walks. The people were very friendly and they welcomed us to the city. We are from Newton NJ which started a similar art day once a month on Saturday. We also checked out the Topeka Symphony Orchestra at Washburn University. The show and orchestra were excellent and the price was very reasonable. There were some things that we could have done but did not have enough time. I remember Cabaret was playing at a dinner theatre at the time we were there. I heard that the show and the food were excellent!
  • Brandon - I'll have to take you to Brick Oven sometime. You'd love it!
  • Brick Oven = Yummy
  • Great post Denise
    I've yet to make it to brick oven, I'm not a fan of boss hogs but it's just something personal with me.
    I love the collins park area, and in fact, I love all the cool neighborhoods in Topeka.
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