First Day in KS 9/15/14
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2014 1:20 pmOur first full day in KS started out with a nice sunrise and gentle breeze. That did not last very long - heavy cloud cover and stronger wind by 10:30 followed by nasty cold wind and rain by noon. Rain stopped around 1:30 but the wind kept howling.
Tina and I decided a brief trip to Council Grove would be a nice diversion as we wanted a closer look at some of the old houses.. Just as we were getting ready to leave, Karen pulled in. We waited for her to hook up and all headed for town (thought Birdie had gone to Manhatton for a prescription so didn't go to the other section before leaving).
We explored several side streets admiring a lot of Craftsman style houses and a few interesting Victorian cottages.
As we entered a main street, there was Grove Gardens with an impressive display of pumpkins so we stopped. They had pumpkins, peaches, and watermelon. After giving us a taste of the peaches, we all purchased some.
We wandered a bit more and came across the Old Bell Monument
Next was the Custer Elm - In 1867, Gen Custer and companies of the 7th Calvery camped beneath this then towering elm while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail. After the death of the tree in from Dutch Elm disease in the mid-1970s, its stomp was preserved on this site.
Headed for downtown from there.
This is one side of the Farmers and Drovers Bank - Built in 1892, this building is an example of eclectic architecture with brick and stone masonry, Romanesque arches, a Byzantine dome and minarets.
A look the other direction down Main Street.
We accidentally found the Chamber of Commerce. After thumbing thru literature, noticed a collection of left over tee shirts from an earlier event which we liked. After trying them on in a conference room we each bought a shirt.
By then we realized no one had had lunch and tummies were growling. Also needed to find a gas station. Since we were close, we walked oner to the Hays House - built in 1857, it lays claim to being the oldest, continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. The menu looked good but none of us wanted a big meal so decided to save eating here for another trip in town.
The second place that was recommended, Saddlerock Cafe was closed when we arrived. But along the way we spotted the Last Chance Store. This store was built in 1857 and is the oldest remaining commercial building in Council Grove. It was the last place to purchase supplies en route to Santa Fe.
Spotted a liquor store with a bar and grill next door so decided to check it out. Grill not open but got wine and another recommendation for eatery. Crossed the Santa Fe Trail (nice park but didn't stop this time). Found the Station in downtown area. Great home made bread.
So much more to see but decided we needed to get back so Karen could check in and we needed to see to the pups.
Birdie came up as dogs were getting walked. Liz - note that Birdie is keeping her walking up so she can keep up with you on hikes (it is about a mile between my site and Birdie's.
The wind didn't slow much and it got down to 43 last night. Heater and winter PJs for me.
Tuesday weather promises to be much better and we have at least two more arriving at campground.
Tina and I decided a brief trip to Council Grove would be a nice diversion as we wanted a closer look at some of the old houses.. Just as we were getting ready to leave, Karen pulled in. We waited for her to hook up and all headed for town (thought Birdie had gone to Manhatton for a prescription so didn't go to the other section before leaving).
We explored several side streets admiring a lot of Craftsman style houses and a few interesting Victorian cottages.
As we entered a main street, there was Grove Gardens with an impressive display of pumpkins so we stopped. They had pumpkins, peaches, and watermelon. After giving us a taste of the peaches, we all purchased some.
We wandered a bit more and came across the Old Bell Monument
Next was the Custer Elm - In 1867, Gen Custer and companies of the 7th Calvery camped beneath this then towering elm while patrolling the Santa Fe Trail. After the death of the tree in from Dutch Elm disease in the mid-1970s, its stomp was preserved on this site.
Headed for downtown from there.
This is one side of the Farmers and Drovers Bank - Built in 1892, this building is an example of eclectic architecture with brick and stone masonry, Romanesque arches, a Byzantine dome and minarets.
A look the other direction down Main Street.
We accidentally found the Chamber of Commerce. After thumbing thru literature, noticed a collection of left over tee shirts from an earlier event which we liked. After trying them on in a conference room we each bought a shirt.
By then we realized no one had had lunch and tummies were growling. Also needed to find a gas station. Since we were close, we walked oner to the Hays House - built in 1857, it lays claim to being the oldest, continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi. The menu looked good but none of us wanted a big meal so decided to save eating here for another trip in town.
The second place that was recommended, Saddlerock Cafe was closed when we arrived. But along the way we spotted the Last Chance Store. This store was built in 1857 and is the oldest remaining commercial building in Council Grove. It was the last place to purchase supplies en route to Santa Fe.
Spotted a liquor store with a bar and grill next door so decided to check it out. Grill not open but got wine and another recommendation for eatery. Crossed the Santa Fe Trail (nice park but didn't stop this time). Found the Station in downtown area. Great home made bread.
So much more to see but decided we needed to get back so Karen could check in and we needed to see to the pups.
Birdie came up as dogs were getting walked. Liz - note that Birdie is keeping her walking up so she can keep up with you on hikes (it is about a mile between my site and Birdie's.
The wind didn't slow much and it got down to 43 last night. Heater and winter PJs for me.
Tuesday weather promises to be much better and we have at least two more arriving at campground.
