What's Special About Wichita?

From Visit Wichita:

January 4, 2021

Wichita, KS, is featured in hundreds of articles each year showcasing the largest city in Kansas’ allure as a leisure travel destination as well as a great place to hold a reunion, meeting or other special event.

While it certainly wasn’t a typical year, many accolades were garnered throughout 2020. Here is a look at some of the publications that featured Wichita last year.

1. Wichita one of the best Midwest road trips in America

In a January 2020 article, “These are the Best Road Trips in the Midwest,” BestLife ranked Kansas’ Flint Hills and Wichita No. 5. After winding through the Flint Hills, they recommend visiting Wichita’s Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House Museum and Study and urban art in the Douglas Design District.

2. Wichita ranks as one of 10 small American cities to visit in 2020

Travel Pulse’s article, “10 small American cities to add to your 2020 travel list,” included Wichita, noting the city’s history, local pride and selection of barbecue and beer.

3. Wichita Airport ranks #3 Best Small Airport in US

In January 2020, the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport ranked No. 3 in USA Today’s 10Best Small Airport awards. The article points out Wichita’s high passenger approval ratings, on-time departures and amenities like quality parking facilities, ease of security and cleanliness.

4. Chicken N Pickle named a top family-friendly sports bars in US

In a February article, “Game On: Family-Friendly Sports Bars Around the Country,” by WhereverFamily, Wichita’s Chicken N’ Pickle was recognized as a restaurant, sports haven and entertainment complex that appeals to sports fans and foodies of all ages.

5. Wichita eateries featured in the Chicago Tribune

Five Wichita restaurants were featured in the February 2020 Chicago Tribune article, “Where to eat in Wichita: Dig into these storied spots in Kansas’ biggest city.” Showcased for their backstory and reputation, the article includes Siena Tuscan Steakhouse Restaurant and Dockum, Stearman Field Bar & Grill, Delano Barbeque Co., B&C BBQ Pub & Grill and Georges French Bistro.

6. Wichita tops list for America’s least traffic congested city for 2nd year

While cities like Boston and Chicago top the list of worst U.S. cities for congestion in a March 2020 MSN article, Wichita came out on top in as far as least congested traffic among U.S. cities. So breathe easy knowing when you visit Wichita, it’ll be a breeze to experience the city’s many attractions, restaurants and more.

7. Hatman Jack’s recognized as one of the last remaining hatters in the United States

In a March 2020 article, Lonely Planet showcased Jack Kellogg of Hatman Jack’s in Wichita’s historic Delano District. According to the article, “Wichita’s magician of millinery helps put hats back on top,” Kellogg has fitted the likes of Jane Seymour, Merle Haggard and Luciano Pavarotti and takes pride in fitting every one of his customers with their ideal topper. This unique shop is a must-visit when in Wichita!

8. Wichita farm, creamery featured in Midwest Living

In the April 2020 article, “This Kansas farm makes the most of berries, goat milk” in Midwest Living tells the story of Elderslie Farm, located just north of Wichita. It highlights the uniqueness of the farm, including its creamery, blackberry bramble and more.

9. Find the best sweets in downtown Wichita

Group Travel Magazine’s April article, “Your Guide to Discovering Sweet Treats in Wichita, Kansas,” details the best sweet shops in downtown Wichita, including many favorites like Cocoa Dolce – where you can watch chocolates being made, Nifty Nut House, Old Mill Tasty Shop and Peace, Love & Pie.

10. Wichita featured in multiple Travel Awaits articles

Throughout the spring and summer of 2020, Wichita was the focus of three Travel Awaits articles: “Kansas City to Wichita: a Delightful Prairie Road Trip,” “11 Unique Things to Do in Wichita, Kansas,” and “How to Spend a Weekend in Wichita, Kansas.”

11. Prost, Wichita bierock shops featured in USA Today

In August 2020, USA Today featured Prost and other Wichita bierock shops in their story about the unique-to-Kansas dish, “Bierock is one delicious sandwich you’ve probably never heard of.”

12. Wichita recognized as one of 20 family-friendly getaways in the Midwest

Scary Mommy included Wichita as one of 20 family-friendly getaways in the Midwest in their September 2020 article, “20 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways in the Midwest.” In it, the author recommends a say at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview and visits to the Keeper of the Plains and attractions like Old Cowtown Museum and Exploration Place.

13. Botanica Wichita named one of only 8 incredible botanical gardens to experience in the Midwest

In an October 2020 article in Travel Awaits, “8 Incredible Botanical Gardens to Experience in the Midwest,” Botanica Wichita was dubbed a must-see botanical garden in the Midwest.

14. Food truck in Wichita featured as best in the state of Kansas

Wichita food truck The Flying Stove earned the title of "Best Food Truck in Kansas" by Redbook in its October 2020 article.

15. Postcard Jar highlights how to explore Wichita safely

Travel writers Steve and Ann from Postcard Jar found healthy eats and lots of outdoor activities during their quest to travel safely in 2020.

16. Botanica Wichita racks up accolades in various notable publications

Illuminations, Botanica Wichita’s annual holiday light display, earned a number of accolades in 2020 including: One of 30 great places to see holiday lights in a Midwest Living article; best winter destination according to a MSN Lifestyle article; one of Kid’s are a Trip’s best holiday events in the Midwest; and best Christmas Lights in the state of Kansas by a Travel + Leisure article.

Browse even more articles that feature Wichita!

This press release was produced by Visit Wichita. The views expressed here are the author’s own.