There's nothing like enjoying an outdoor meal, is there? Some of us enjoy dining al fresco - there are so many wonderful places to have a picnic in Kansas, and our many parks are perfect for spreading out a blanket and chowing down. But if you're looking for something just a little bit fancier, a restaurant with outdoor dining is a wonderful option. There are plenty of eateries in the Sunflower State where you can enjoy a deck or patio, and one of our favorites is the Sunflower Cafe and Pub in Lawrence, KS. This unique spot is both a bicycle shop and a cafe, and it's an important meeting spot for the entire Lawrence community. Check it out:
Sunflower is a great little bike shop that strives to make biking accessible for everyone in Kansas. You'll find a variety of levels here, whether you're an avid bicyclist or just getting started in the hobby.
You'll also find quite a delicious little restaurant inside!
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The great little patio area is perfect for a warm day. The shop is right in the heart of Lawrence, and this is a great area for people watching.
The food is superb, with a wide variety of quality, healthy eats.
Even if you don't consider yourself a fan of bicycling, it's worth stopping in here just for the eats.
From bowls to burgers to sandwiches to pasta, there's plenty on the menu to choose from!
Doing any traveling this year? You'll want to check out The Foldie - it's our favorite way to pack up all the necessities, plus extras like candy, books, and more.
There's something inherently wholesome and old-fashioned about a small-town ice cream parlor. I'm not talking about the kind of fast casual chain where you can get "slabs" of frozen concoctions or perhaps a cup of miniature ice cream dots... no, I'm talking about the kind of ice cream parlor where you can order a malted milkshake or banana split, made to order with lots of love. The kind of ice cream parlor like Aunt B's in Sedan, Kansas.
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Not only is Aunt B's *the* place to do for a sweet treat in Sedan, it's also *the* place to go for a homemade lunch in this tiny Kansas town! We love a coffee, ice cream, or fresh pastry from this small town cafe -- and so does pretty much everyone who visits. Aunt B's is your quintessential small-town ice cream parlor, and it fits in perfectly in Sedan, your quintessential small town in Kansas.
Welcome to Aunt B's Ice Cream Shop, Bakery, & Coffee House. It's housed in a gorgeous storefront along Sedan's bustling Main Street, and inside truly feels like a step back in time in all the best ways. (Except, this old-timey ice cream parlor has QR codes! Best of both worlds, friends.) Here, they do a multitude of things that all taste amazingly sweet. Starting in 2019, this beautiful shop has been selling amazing coffee, fresh pastries, and other sweet treats or homemade goods to anyone passing through town.
Fresh baked goods are always stocked behind the bakery counter: scones, muffins, twists, cinnamon rolls... regardless of what you're craving, you'll find it at Aunt B's! Their coffee ranges from regular black to decaf, lattes, cappuccinos, blended, and even LL Cool K, a coffee ice cream shake that shouldn't be passed up if you can handle the sweetness. Coffee and ice cream just go well together.
In addition to a robust menu of sweet and savory items, this small business in Kansas also sells handmade home goods, which could be a nice find for yourself or a gift. (During the holidays, you'll often find the most darling decor inside the cafe... and it's often for sale, too!)
More than merely a small business in small-town Kansas, Aunt B's is truly part of the heart and soul of Sedan, Kansas. What it lacks in population (Sedan is home to around 1,000 residents), it more than makes up for in town spirit and pride. Aunt B's is an inextricable part of its town, supporting Sedan in so many ways. Not only does Aunt B's proudly employ local high school students, providing invaluable "on the job" training, but the business also regularly gives back to the community through fundraising, donations for events and projects, and supporting local makers and artisans.
Aunt B's is exactly the kind of warm and welcoming place you'd expect to find in a charming Midwestern town like Sedan, and this town sure is lucky to have such a pillar in the community. We heard about this amazing little cafe from our readers, and are always happy to share the small business love! If you'reinterested to learn about other unique American small businesses, our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Of course, Aunt B's is one of many amazing businesses in Kansas that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another local gem you’d like to see profiled on Only In Kansas, please nominate them for a chance to be featured. And be sure to follow Only In Kansas on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know on the state’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems.
Let's face it: nationally, pretty much everywhere in Kansas is thought of as "the middle of nowhere." Those of us that love to spend time in the Sunflower State are well-aware that we have several large cities, but ask someone from one of the coasts about them and you might get a laugh in response. With that being said, there certainly are some places in Kansas that really are in the middle of nowhere... and that's exactly where you'll find City Limits Grill, one of the tastiest restaurants in small-town Kansas. Colby, Kansas is tucked away in the quiet western part of the state in Thomas County, and it's actually got a few great attractions, but it's pretty fair to say it's in the middle of nowhere. Any visit there is incomplete without a meal at City Limits Grill, though!
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City Limits Bar and Grill is located right off the highway, making it an attractive option for travelers and locals alike.
You'll find a full bar inside...
...plus plenty of cool decor that gives you something to look at while waiting for your food to come out!
Speaking of food, you'll find no shortage of amazing eats here. The hand-cut steaks are as fresh as possible, coming right from nearby Dodge City.
Next time your travels take you through Colby, KS and you're looking for a delicious bite to eat, make a stop at City Limits Bar and Grill.
Make sure you come hungry, because these portions are as endless as the Kansas landscape!
For more information about this middle-of-nowhere restaurant in Colby, Kansas, check out the City Limits Grill Facebook page.
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There are a surprising number of things to do in Colby, KS, and if you're looking for the perfect place to stay there, check out this family-friendly home that includes a foosball table and can sleep up to eight guests.