The Green Monster – Topeka, KS

St. Gregory Apartments, a.k.a. the Green Monster, is a notorious eight-story building in Topeka, so-named for the hideous shade of green it has been painted. I’m sure when the building was first designed someone thought it would be fresh and cheery to have a minty green apartment building in downtown Topeka. But over time, the green tiles that cover the building’s sides have become more of a pus green than mint.

Despite the name and the sickly color of the exterior, it remains in active use. The lobby is the Disability Rights Center of Kansas while the upper floors are apartments. I went to an apartment on the fifth floor once and was immediately horrified by the smells. At one end of the hall, I could smell fried chicken. At the other end of the hall, I could smell something rotting, like a dead body. It was the most disconcerting combination of smells ever. I can understand an apartment hallway that smells like cooking flesh or a hallway that smells like rotting flesh…but both? That suggests nothing good in my mind.

And in all probability, there really could have been a dead body there. The Green Monster has been the site of numerous crimes, including murder. An article on a January 2011 murder in the building was met with anything but surprise and prompted the journalists to recount some of the more notorious past crimes committed there, including multiple murders and the brutal “stomping” that left a man with brain damage in 2007. Some people in Topeka have called for the building to be torn down or at least painted (maybe something about the hideous shade of green inspires some kind of criminal inclination in people nearby?) Maybe the building itself is out to get people. On at least one occasion, a tile fell off the side of the building and landed on a truck in the parking lot below.

I’ve heard the Green Monster wasn’t always a monster, of course. Once it was a popular building where government offices could be run in the lobby while government and political employees could occupy the suites on the upper floors. But something happened. Maybe it was when the shade of green began to shift from sweet to sickly. Maybe it was one when the tiles started to fall off the siding and crush the cars below. Maybe it was the smell. I don’t know. But the Green Monster continues to stand, inspiring confusion and maybe a little fear in the people of Topeka.

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour
Total Distance Traveled: 55 miles
Soundtrack: "Sainthood" Tegan and Sara

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Celebration of Cultures Mural - Lawrence, KS

Murals are extremely popular in Kansas and Missouri. If you travel west from Kansas City, you will see plenty along the way. While most of the murals tend to celebrate important moments in local history, several in Lawrence tend to celebrate more general attitudes and beliefs. This includes the "Celebration of Cultures" mural on the arcade at 8th and Massachusetts.

The mural was a group project created in 1995. Community members assisted Lawrence artist David Loewenstein, the designer. Not much information is available about the mural or the project, which is sad because it is a beautiful work. It seems like there would be some sort of lovely meaning or at least some sort of community event to commemorate the work.

More is known about the designer than the work itself. The designer, Loewentstein, is a professional muralist. Though he is based in Lawrence, he is a internationally recognized artist. His works can be seen in Missouri, Arizona, Mississippi, Iowa and New York City and in Northern Ireland. He also co-authored the book, "Kansas Murals: A Traveler's Guide" (as a sidenote, I am really fond of this book and find it to be a great resource whether I am researching a mural I have seen or finding something new to look for).

For now, that's all I can seem to find out. But hopefully, with a little more time and research, I can update this post in the future with more interesting and helpful information about the Celebration of Cultures Mural.

Total Time Traveled: 15 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 7 miles

Soundtrack: "Yours Truly, Angry Mob" Kaiser Chiefs

C.W. Porubsky’s Deli - Topeka, KS

In the part of Topeka known as "Little Russia" there is a locally famous deli and specialty grocery store called C.W. Porubsky’s Deli and Tavern. Their chili, hot pickles, and cold cuts have been nationally and internationally recognized but in Topeka they are down-right legendary.

Despite several trips, I never seem to be able to make it there in during the few hours the Tavern is open for lunch. But this trip I did manage to make it in time to the Deli. The small space is filled mostly with the sort of items you would find in a gas station convenience store, such as prepackaged foods that can be prepared in the microwave. But just a few steps to the back of the store and you will find an amazing deli that also offers world famous hot pickles.

Personally, I don't tend to eat a lot of pickles (unlike some celebrities, although I don't know why they are famous). But I'm not going to pass up an opportunity to sample an internationally recognized Kansas delicacy.

C.W. Porubsky’s Deli and Tavern is so famous, it is having a documentary made about it. C.W. Porubsky's grandson, Matthew Porubsky, is made a documentary, entitled "Porubsky's: Transcendent Deli", about the deli's history and more than 60 years in service. Click here to learn more about the documentary, which is also available for purchase

This joins other food blog articles posted in Wanderfood Wednesdays on Wanderlust and Lipstick. Check them out!

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour
Total Distance Traveled: 54 miles
Soundtrack: "The Meanest of Times" Dropkick Murphys

Japanese Friendship Garden - Lawrence, KS

On a lovely day, there's nothing better to do in Lawrence than take a walk downtown on Massachusetts Street. Along the way, I happened to see a group of women dressed in kimonos at the Japanese Friendship Garden raising money for the survivors of the tragedies in Japan. There was a drummer performing and women were taking pictures of passers-by posing in kimonos. I passed (mostly because I'm not fond of having my picture taken) but did enjoy the opportunity to see a beautiful natural oasis in downtown Lawrence.

The Japanese Friendship Garden represents the cultural ties with Hiratsuka and Lawrence. It was built to honor the 10 year anniversary of Lawrence's relationship with its sister city, Hiratsuka, Japan. Hiratsuka sent representatives to Lawrence to help design, plan and work on the project. Hiratsuka shipped two major pieces from Japan, a lantern and a 15' stone tower to be displayed in the garden. Approximately 50 delegates from Hiratsuka, including Mayor Itsuo Yoshino and nine other city officials, traveled to Lawrence to attend the dedication ceremony, which was held on October 26, 2000.

The natural flora and fauna of the garden are inspired by our sister city: Japanese maples, yoshino cherry trees, yews, bamboo, juniper, and mugho pines as well as azaleas, spirea, viburnum, Siberian iris, and peonies. With the interesting artwork, beautiful landscaping, and quiet, shady gazebo this is a lovely downtown Lawrence oasis to wander for a moment or to relax and enjoy for an entire sunny afternoon.

Total Time Traveled: 15 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 4.5 miles

Soundtrack: 102.1 FM

ARTichokes - Leawood, KS

In Kansas City and its suburbs like Leawood, a gallery is never very hard to find. But a gallery dedicated to the promotion of local artists that also engages the community in creating art is unique. That is what makes ARTichokes so special. ARTichokes defines itself by its three purposes: (1) to promote fine art in south Kansas City, (2) to engage the general public in the creative process through classes, demonstrations, and group paintings, and (3) to generate sales of artwork and exposure for local artists.

The gallery changes every three months, offering new pieces by local artists. There are jewelry, ceramics, paintings, sculpture - a wide variety mediums. Recently, I was able to see wire tree sculptures by Kathy Horniman. She used copper wire to create truly stunning representations of trees and I was particularly impressed by her ability to capture nature in motion; in one piece I could really sense the wind blowing through the branches even though the sculpture itself was static.

In the past, ARTichokes has also featured the work of one of my favorite local artists, Kari Heybrock. I first became aware of Heybrock as a freelance writer when I wrote about her lampworking and glass beadmaking for a local publication. I saw her work on display and was genuinely impressed, but I became even more so when I learned about her apprenticeship on an island after helping her teacher rebuild the studio after a hurricane. That is what ARTichokes really offers - great artwork by inspiring artists.

But ARTichokes is not just a gallery, it is also an opportunity for the community to really engage in the artistic process. In addition to offering classes for children and adults, ARTichokes also has group paintings. In the last two years, ARTichokes has directed over 150 group paintings for various occasions. They supply the studio, supplies and art coach for groups to create their own memorable work of art. Families, co-workers, and friends all come in groups to create an enduring piece to encapsulate their group dynamic. A few years ago, I created a group painting with some co-workers (though not at ARTichokes) and can tell you that it is really an amazing experience and every time I see the painting, I still get a warm feeling remembering what it was like to work alongside those amazing people. Whether you live in the Kansas City area or are just passing through, I really can't recommend a group painting activity enough. Besides, what better way to remember the experience of your roadtrip than a work of art you created with your traveling companions?

Total Time Traveled: 20 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "Teenage Dream" Katy Perry

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11th Annual Earth Day Celebration - Lawrence, KS

One of the reasons I love living in Lawrence is the hippies. I don't mean that it in a derogatory way, I am hippie myself (peace, love, save the whales and all that). So when Earth Day comes around, Lawrence is the best place in Kansas to be for the annual celebration, now in its 11th year. I am also especially excited because I have a couchsurfer staying with me for the weekend, so I get the unique opportunity to share the incredible green culture of Lawrence with someone from out of town.

The Lawrence Earth Day Celebration works to educate residents, businesses and surrounding communities regarding the importance of responsible environmental policies, raise awareness of each individual’s impact on the natural environment, and highlight actions each person can take to make Lawrence and Douglas County a more sustainable and eco-friendly place to live.

It was a lovely day for a great event, the weather was perfectly sunny and warm but not too hot or cold - I think the planet was doing us a favor for celebrating it that day. We started with the delicious free vegan buffet. There were other options, of course - funnel cakes, tacos, etc. - but why would you want to eat that when you have the opportunity to learn about earth friendly food options? I have to say, the food was great. While I'm not a vegan by any means (I still believe bacon is divine) but anyone considering making the switch would be easily converted by the spread. The best was the "better than tuna salad." Instead of tuna, they replaced it with primarily walnuts as well as other nuts such as chickpeas. It definitely earned its name.

After enjoying our free-range vegan meal, we moved on to the stands. There were stands for children to educate them about being green while having fun, like a stand where you could decorate canvas bags for carrying groceries instead of using plastic bags. There were also educational stands for adults that taught about everything from solar power to green gardening to local recycling programs. My favorite stands were the green gardening stands. I got some free seeds, which makes me very excited because I am working on developing my green thumb.

This was a great event and I see why it has lasted 11 years. The Lawrence community really comes together to celebrate living green in all different ways - whether it is the food you eat, what you plant, how you power your home, or even the beauty products you use. It is definitely worth a trip next year.

Total Time Traveled: 15 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 4 miles

Soundtrack: 102.1 FM

Room 39 Restaurant - Leawood, KS

Whenever I am near Leawood, I always try to have at least one meal at Room 39. Room 39 is seasonal American food, which means that the menu is constantly changing to accommodate what ingredients are currently in season.

Chefs and co-owners, Ted Habiger and Andy Sloan, say they "believe the best tasting food comes from local farmers who use sustainable harvesting and growing practices ensuring the land is better off than before." It is a noble mission with some tasty results. A constantly changing menu does have some disadvantages. It means that if you particularly loved a dish in the fall, you won't be able to go back and enjoy it again in the spring. But that is easily outweighed by the fun of a new daily menu. Every day at Room 39 is a new experience.

On a recent trip to visit family in Eastern Kansas, I went to Room 39 for lunch with my mother and friend Mona. All three of us were immediately captivated by one particular item on the menu - the gnocchi. It was house made potato gnocchi with bacon, onions, mushrooms, brussels sprouts, and grana padano. Every thing about it was perfect. The gnocchi were like soft little clouds that melted in your mouth and the flavors were all perfectly combined. The bacon and mushrooms gave the dish a smokey, earthy flavor that really resonated with the perfectly cooked brussels sprouts. And I love brussels sprouts - they were cooked all the way through so they were rich and soft, but not so overdone at to be mushy. And the chef had gotten a perfect sear on the outside of each sprout, something I struggle to do in my own kitchen. Finally, the sweetness of the onions and the cheese created a well-rounded dishes with flavors that complimented each other, but one ingredient never over-powered the other. It was a delicious dish and also well plated - there was just enough to be satisfying but not so much piled in the bowl to be overwhelming. I am always impressed when a restaurant manages to know just the right portion to serve.

But one trip to Room 39 is never enough for me, especially when the menu changes daily. So the next day I went back to Room 39 for lunch with my friend John. I was happy to see not all of the menu had changed in 24 hours. One or two dishes were gone and had been replaced by others and of course the soups had changed, but I was glad to know that overall a daily menu does not mean "blink and you'll miss it." This time, I opted for the quiche and salad. The quiche was everything it should be - fluffy and eggy with crunchy bits of bacon and a flaky crust that can be cut with a fork (I hate when you need a knife to saw through a dried out, overcooked quiche crust). The herb salad was fresh with a nice vinaigrette that gave the salad some acidity. They also added some fresh beet which gave it a slight sweetness, but still refreshing.

But the best part of lunch at Room 39 is the dessert. I always order the Affogato - vanilla ice cream with espresso. The vanilla ice cream is delicious by itself (I suspect it is Vanilla Bean by Haagen Dazs) but the espresso just melts it into that perfect combination of sweet and bitter, hot and cold, and gives the perfect ending to a great meal.

This joins other food blog articles posted in Wanderfood Wednesdays on Wanderlust and Lipstick. Check them out!

Total Time Traveled: 20 minutes
Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles
Soundtrack: "Teenage Dream" Katy Perry (What? My mom got me the album!)

Rainy Day Books - Fairway, KS

There are bookstores you visit and there are bookstores you experience. Rainy Day Books is an experience.

It is not just its location, it is also a multitude of literary events held throughout the year in locations all over the Kansas City area. Since 1975, Rainy Day Books has been located in the midtown Kansas City suburb of Fairway, Kansas. The independently owned store offers a wide selection of hardback and paperback books, as well as a special selection of books signed by the authors.

Since 1990, Rainy Day Books has branched out beyond its location and into the minds of all member of the community with their Author Events. These events have become a staple of literary culture in Kansas City. They offer a unique opportunity for people in Kansas City and the surrounding areas to meet their favorite authors and hear them speak, an opportunity not many readers get.

Some of their notable visiting authors have included: Joyce Carol Oates, Michael Connelly, and David Sedaris. It is not just the authors of novels and literature who are part of the Author Events. It also includes celebrity chefs promoting cookbooks, such as Ina Garten (also known as The Barefoot Contessa) and Giada De Laurentiis. Politicians and public figures have also appeared to promote their written works, such as Condaleeza Rice. Even cartoonists such as Bill Amend (Foxtrot) and Gary Trudeau (Doonesbury) have appeared.

No matter what you read, Rainy Day Books will bring your favorite author, poet, celebrity, politician, or public figure to Kansas City to promote their latest book. To learn more about upcoming events, click here.

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour

Total Distance Traveled: 25 miles

Soundtrack: 101.1 FM

I Love a Mystery Bookstore - Mission, KS

While visiting my family, I decided to go for a drive. I took an old road I used to take everywhere when I lived in that part of town, mostly just to see what had changed. A lot of new businesses had gone up, but there was one I was happy to see was still there - I Love a Mystery.

I Love a Mystery is an independent bookstore in Mission, Kansas. There are 20,000 used and 3,000 new mystery books, including a large selection of signed first editions. They have every mystery series you can imagine - from the classic Sherlock Holmes to new offerings such as "The Girl Who Played With Fire." Even more intriguing is their imports. There are shelves dedicated to mysteries from other countries, such as Japan. I was thrilled with the service. When I went in to browse, I asked the woman in the store if she knew what the first Sherlock Holmes book was (I swear I was not trying to trick her, I really just wanted to know). She told me she believed it was "A Study in Scarlet " and she was right.

One of the reasons I am so excited there is a store like this is my long-enduring love of mysteries and thrillers. When I was younger, I read Agatha Christie novels, Hercule Poirot being my favorite fictional detective. In high school I even performed in a theatrical adaptation of Christie's "Ten Little Indians." (While this obviously did not lead to a career on the stage, I did enjoy my one shining moment in the spotlight - I screamed off stage like a banshee and apparently really freaked people out.) As I got older, I fell in love espionage thrillers and began reading Ian Fleming's James Bond series (as well as watching the movies, because for me James Bond will always be Sean Connery).

I Love a Mystery offers people like me a haven, a place where we can find the books we love and also an atmosphere in which we can enjoy them. The store is made for lingering. There are comfy armchairs and coffee at the ready, in case you just can't wait until you leave the store to open your new book. The entire store offers a mood of mystery and noir - it is decorated with skeletons and gargoyles in what can only be described as creepy, Victorian chic.

Its appeal has garnered a loyal following. There are several reading groups, each with its own theme. There is: Murder in the Afternoon, Sherlock Holmes and Friends, Cooking up Murder, Around the World with Mysteries, A Stitch in Crime, and Alternate Realities. (To learn more about the reading groups and when they meet, click here.)

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour

Total Distance Traveled: 25 miles

Soundtrack: 101.1 FM

Fire Hydrant Garden - Topeka, KS

While many of the roadside attractions I see are placed prominently on display, some oddities are tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. One example is the fire hydrant heaven (and doggy playground) in Topeka, Kansas. On a recent trip to Topeka, I left the main roads and took drive through the residential areas where I saw the fire hydrant garden. Surrounding a nice white house on the corner were more fire hydrants I had ever seen in one place. Each loving painted a different color and style with two dogs running around, as happy as they could possibly be.

According to RoadsideAmerica.com: "Claude Belshe started to collect and install old fire hydrants when the garden he and his wife planted was trampled by their two dogs. The hydrants have become heaven for the dogs! They have all been lovingly repainted by his stepson Jeffery. Claude plans for the garden to continue to grow and is always on the lookout for more hydrants. The entire garden can be seen from the street as his dogs are very aggressive to protect their paradise!"

When it comes to lawn decorations, this has to be one of the best I've ever seen (not as great as The Beer Can House in Houston, Texas but still pretty good). Which of course raises the question: why would you decorate your lawn with a bunch of pink flamingos or garden gnomes you can buy at any store when you could make your own decorations that express your own unique personality?

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour
Total Distance Traveled: 54 miles
Soundtrack: "The Meanest of Times" Dropkick Murphys

R.I.P. World's Largest Meat Cleaver - Topeka, KS

I've talked before about the tragedy of disappearing roadside attractions and how sometimes my trips to see them end in disappointment. Most recently I wrote about the missing Muffler Man of Kansas City, Kansas. Sadly, I have another roadside attraction to add to the list of those fading from the fair Midwest - the World's Largest Meat Cleaver in Topeka, Kansas.

The World's Largest Meat Cleaver used to be at the corner of 6th Street and Jackson Street in downtown Topeka. It was not the only oversized roadside attraction in the Kansas capitol city - I have written previously about my visit to see the World's Largest Wren. But sadly my search for the meat cleaver came too late. It was first moved to Topeka in 2006 but by 2009 it was nowhere to be found.

I did a bit of research and found that the meat cleaver was part of a downtown topeka art project known as "Art in the Heart of Topeka" by Downtown Topeka Inc., the Future Heritage of Topeka Inc., and Washburn University.

The meat cleaver was officially called "Untitled II" and was created by Robert Craig, then an associate professor of art and the chairman of the Department of Art and Design at University of Iowa. The work was part of a series called "Skeuomorphic Works," in which he would take utilitarian objects (like a meat cleaver) and construct them on a larger scale. Craig explained his project, "My interest is equally sustained by awareness that these objects were designed for hand use and they are artifacts of a time when technology was still largely dependent on manual processes." His other works can be found throughout the country. "Untitled I" is currently in Skokie, Illinois, which I think is supposed to be an antique ship rudder. "Untitled III" is in North Carolina, and I think it is either a woodchipper or a pizza cutter.

As for the fate of "Untitled II" or the World's Largest Meat Cleaver, I have absolutely no idea where it has gone to.

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour

Total Distance Traveled: 54 miles

Soundtrack: "The Meanest of Times" Dropkick Murphys

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Topeka Computing Museum - Topeka, KS

The Topeka Computing Museum, also known as Ed's $48 Collection, is not so much a museum as it is a window display of old computers.

There are not really any explanations of what the computers are or their history, but I did a bit of digging on the museums website and found a list of their exhibits. You can see: Apple II computers, Atari, Commodore, CP/M machines, calculators, DOS computers, handhelds, kid's computer playthings, Pong, and other contraptions. I recognized some of the machines from my school days. For example, I used to play this great game on a Mac Computer where you would type in the words as they were falling or they would destroy the city below - basically, an educational version of Space Invaders. So that gives you an idea of just how much I know about computers.

I spent a little bit of time looking at the display, trying to have some sort of reaction. But it was like staring at a painting that you don't have the point of reference you need to understand it. All I saw was a window display of obsolete machines.

Total Time Traveled: 1 hour
Total Distance Traveled: 54 miles
Soundtrack: "Sing Loud, Sing Proud" Dropkick Murphys

Nomads - Lawrence, KS

When the weather is nice, I enjoy wandering down Massachusetts Street in Lawrence. It is a great way to spend an afternoon. You can enjoy the history of the town, with markers all over the street telling the stories behind the buildings and their survival of tragedies like Quantrill's Raid. There is also plenty of shopping to do. For travelers like me, there is one store I always stop in - Nomads. Nomads is a locally-owned travel store that offers both major brands and small brands that you won't find anywhere else. The selection is also exclusive. They never order more six items of each piece and don't re-order, so once it's gone then it's gone for good.

For the travel fashionista, they offer a great selection of clothing and shoes. They are comfortable and versatile but also stylish so you won't be embarrassed wandering around the couture streets of Paris or rural America. For those in need of stylish accessories, there is a wide selection of jewelry and scarves.

I usually tend to go just to look at the different backpacks and other luggage options. I'm always looking for a lightweight, but affordable, backpack that is large enough to carry everything I need for at least a week but small enough to bring as a carry-on on a plane. A tall order, I know, which is probably why I haven't found one yet. But I know if and when I find this mystical backpack, it will most likely be at Nomads. They understand the needs of a traveler and strive to meet them. Every conceivable packing device you need is available at this store. Need a money belt? They have all different styles, colors and materials. Need a purse or messenger bag? They have a unique and wide variety of options that will make you wonder why anyone would go to a department store for a bag.

I know this sounds a bit like an advertisement (it's not, I wish Nomads would give me store credit for raving about them but a girl can only dream). But I know there are other travelers like me who are always looking for a place to buy their travel necessities from a local and independent store, without destroying their travel budget in the process. So if you're in Lawrence or just passing through, stop by Nomads when you're on your stroll on Massachusetts Street.

Total Time Traveled: 20 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "More Adventurous" Rilo Kiley

The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics - Lawrence, KS

Recently, I have been thinking I must have done something well in my life. I have been lucky enough at my young age to have shaken the hands of a former President and two Supreme Court Justices. The first Justice I met was Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. I attended a luncheon with a dozen other young female law students and had the incredible opportunity of speaking one-on-one with the first woman ever appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States. The second was Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who recently hosted a Question and Answer Session with law students and members of the community at The Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics in Lawrence, Kansas.

After Bob Dole lost the 1996 presidential election, he received a proposal to entrust his 35-years of congressional papers to the University of Kansas, where Dole had studied before leaving to serve in WWII. Together Dole and KU established the Dole Institute, which houses Dole's papers and also offers programs for students and members of the community to learn about American politics and public service. The building was officially opened to the public in 2003 and since then has hosted numerous national and world leaders, including President Clinton, former Secretary of State Madeline Albright, and former President of Poland Lech Walesa. Justice Sotomayor is not the only Supreme Court Justice to visit the Dole Institute; she was preceded by Justice O'Connor, Justice Alito, and Chief Justice Roberts.

While the Dole Institute offers an opportunity for the people of Kansas to hear famous politicians, justices, journalists, authors, historians, and public servants speak, it also offers interactive opportunities with the Dole Fellows. Dole Fellows are individuals with extensive experience in public service, who offer public study groups on a political topic. This Spring, Walt Riker (former Vice President of McDonald's) and Hon. Dennis Moore (former US Congressman for Kansas) will be the Dole's Fellows. Riker will be leading a study group on Corporate Responsibility and Moore will be leading a study group on Life in Congress.

These unique educational opportunities at the Dole Institute are quite inspirational. After a visit, Tom Brokaw had this to say:

“I was just at the Bob Dole Institute at the University of Kansas, and I recommend to everybody watching this broadcast that if you get anywhere near Lawrence, Kansas, go to the Bob Dole Institute.....and you'll see some bright young people who are entering public life or are interested in the issues of the day. And you'll see a remarkable small museum about Bob's astonishing life. It is a great tribute to a great American."

In addition to the great service it provides, the Dole Institute is visually stunning. It is reminiscent of the federal buildings in Washington, D.C. It even includes a 32,000 square foot reflecting pool, similar to Washington's Tidal Basin. But even with its national influence, the Institute is still uniquely Kansan. A fourteen-foot replica of the Kansas state seal crowns the building's facade. Inside, the Dole Institute honors its namesake in the Hansen Hall with exhibits about Dole's military service, personal life, and political career. At the south end of Hansen Hall, visitors can see a soaring, 29-foot tall stained glass American flag window, and two eleven and a half foot steel columns which were salvaged from the World Trade Center and presented to Senator Dole by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Dole Institute is a shining temple to the ideals of American history, politics or public service. Whether you stop to simply admire the architecture and exhibits or to learn from one of the Institute's many speakers and fellows, it will certainly enrich your mind and inspire your soul to those American values of freedom, democracy, and public service.

Total Time Traveled: 10 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 2 miles

Soundtrack: "Let It Bleed" Rolling Stones

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Yokohama - Lawrence, KS

It happens to all of us. It's 10:00pm and it seems like all the good restaurants are closed. Just as you're about to give up and settle for fast food, you hear about a late night Happy Hour at a great sushi restaurant. That was what happened to my friend Mona and I the other night. Given our strange schedules of work and school, we often don't eat dinner until very late at night. And given our mutual love of good food, a late night happy hour at Lawrence's local sushi restaurant, Yokohama, is just what we needed.

If you're in downtown Lawrence and need a late night sushi fix, you can't do much better than happy hour at Yokohama. From Sunday to Wednesday at 9pm until 10:30pm and Thursday to Saturday at 10:00pm to midnight, you can order cheap and delicious sushi with a $5.00 drink order per person. So Mona and I settled in with wine and saki to explore their cheap and delicious options. The appetizers and rolls range from $2.99 to $4.99. While the options may be limited, they are at least very affordable.

Mona and I opted for the Ika Rings, Sunday Morning roll, and Las Vegas roll. The ika rings are calamari dipped in panko batter and lightly fried. I love calamari, but after enjoying these little delicious bits of fried goodness I don't understand why everyone doesn't use panko in them. The thick pieces of calamari are chewy and delicious, while the panko adds an amazing crunch. Our fried appetizer set the course for our meal - the vast majority of items on the happy hour menu seem to be fried, probably appealing to that desperate need for fried food many people get after a few drinks (or at least I do).

The Sunday Morning roll is aptly named. The roll is smoked salmon, avocado, cream cheese, lightly fried and reminds me of a great Sunday morning brunch (when I tend to order smoked salmon and cream cheese on an everything bagel). It is just a little bit crunchy with a deliciously sweet, savory and soft middle.

The Las Vegas roll is like the Sunday Morning roll, only a little more adventurous. It consists of eel, cream cheese, and avocado all lightly fried. Many people seem to shy away from eel when they are at a sushi restaurant, but I don't understand why. While it doesn't have that lush and smokey flavor of the salmon, it is equally delicious and has a little more of that briney seafood flavor that makes me love sushi in the first place.

If I had one complaint, it is that all the rolls on the Happy Hour menu seem geared towards those who aren't already sushi fans. There is the staple California roll and most of the others seem fried - it doesn't really have a lot of options for die-hard sushi fans like me who love the natural taste of raw fish. But despite my small complaint, you really can't beat the opportunity to enjoy good sushi and a few drinks late at night.

This joins other food blog articles posted in Wanderfood Wednesdays on Wanderlust and Lipstick. Check them out!

Total Time Traveled: 20 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "Middle Cyclone" Neko Case

R.I.P. Muffler Man - Kansas City, KS

I've talked before about the tragedy of disappearing roadside attractions and how sometimes my trips to see them end in disappointment. While researching some fun new places to go, I was sad to learn that another Kansas roadside attraction has been lost - the Kansas City, Kansas Muffler Man.

Muffler Men are giant fiberglass men that can be seen by the road across the country, usually standing about 20-feet tall and holding full-sized car mufflers, or tires to promote various roadside businesses. (Fun Fact: Most Muffler Men were made by International Fiberglass in Venice, California). Muffler Man roadside attractions have a bit of a cult following. There are websites devoted to tracking the locations of Muffler Men and even classifying them by type. The one in Kansas City would have been known as a Halfwit. The Happy Halfwits are identified by their gap-toothed smile and jug ears, usually wearing a straw hat or baseball cap. There are many other kinds of Muffler Men, such as "The Classic" or "The Bunyan." Johnny Kaw in Manhattan would be identified as "Not Really Muffler Man", because while he doesn't meet the technical requirements he is still a really big fiberglass man and apparently deserves mentioning on these lists.

The Kansas City Muffler Man was reported gone in October of 2000. Supposedly, it was removed to make way for road expansion. But before modern development pushed the Muffler Man aside, it had stood there since the 1960's. Supposedly, it was a generic looking Halfwit Muffler Man at a convenience store called Poor Boy's Pantry. It was then repainted in the 1980s with a Hawaiian shirt tucked into his jeans and painted Nike running shoes. Supposedly, his final role before his disappearance was serving as a "bouncer" in front of an adult store.

While I wasn't lucky enough to see Kansas City's Muffler Man, there are plenty more out there. There is one in Wichita I hope to visit soon. If you are on a road trip and want to see a few Muffler Men of your own, check out this map to see where they can be found.

Photo Source

Photo Note: This is not a picture of the actual Muffler Man that was in Kansas City. I couldn't find one, so this is another halfwit Muffler Man to give you an idea of what it would have looked like if it was still around.

Lawrence Arts Center - Lawrence, KS

Lawrence is a community that doesn't just support the arts, it absolutely celebrates it! The Lawrence Arts Center is a collaboration between the city of Lawrence and members of the community who come together to support art. Recently, the Arts Center hosted a series of paintings entitled "Metamorphosis" by Susan Grace. Grace is a professional artist, living and working in Lawrence, who has been displaying her works throughout the country since 1992. But the Arts Center displays more than just paintings. They has also hosted exhibits of ceramics, mixed media, jewelry, glass, and other mediums.

The Lawrence Arts Center is about more than offering something pretty for people to look it. It also offers opportunities for members of the community to learn and grow as artists. The Arts Center offers a variety of classes - from dance and theater to new media, which includes the digital arts and media. It also offers education on visual arts including: bookmaking, ceramics, drawing, painting, jewelry/metals, mixed media, photography, printmaking and writing. There are classes for adults, families, and even youth to be sure everyone in Lawrence has the opportunity to grow and develop his or her creative talents. As part of its dedication to art education, the Lawrence Arts Center has started displaying students' works along with the professional gallery displays. It is a celebration of the artist in every person in the Lawrence community.

Recently, I was able to see my friend Mona Jurshak's work on display. Entitled "mon petit chou" (which means "my little cabbage" in French, a term of endearment similar to "my darling"), it is a display of a ceramic sculptures of brussel sprouts casted from molds. These little ceramic cabbages rest gently on little shelves mounted on the wall and form the shape of a heart beat. It really is a wonderful display, but even if you miss it then you should definitely stop by the Lawrence Arts Center to see the other professional displays and student works.

Total Time Traveled: 15 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "When the Pawn..." Fiona Apple

The Eldridge Hotel - Lawrence, KS

Few sites in Kansas can claim the spirit and endurance of the Eldridge Hotel. It has been at the center of two major conflicts in Lawrence - the fight between the Free State men and pro-slavery forces as well as Quantrill's raid. But through it all, The Eldridge Hotel still stands and offers the best in luxurious accommodations.

The original hotel was built in 1855 as the Free State Hotel. The name is particularly meaningful. It was called the Free State because the early settlers were determined that Kansas should enter the union in the Free State and it served as the headquarters of the Free State men.

But in 1856, the hotel was attacked and burned down Sheriff Jones and his posse of pro-slavery men (the same group that burned down Liberty Hall). But true to Lawrence spirit, it did not remain rubble for long. In 1857, Colonel Eldridge rebuilt the hotel with his brothers and swore they would rebuild it again if it were re-attacked. Colonel Eldridge must have had a premonition because the hotel was attacked and burned down again, this time by Quantrill's raid. In that infamously brutal raid, Quantrill and his band left Lawrence in ruins and killed 180 men and boys. In a mere four hours, they had decimated the city.

Quantrill and his men stomped the city but not the heart of Lawrence. The city adopted the motto, "From Ashes to Immortality," and set about rebuilding. Colonel Eldridge reopened The Hotel Eldridge in 1865. Over the years it has been through numerous renovations. Most recently, a group of investors with support of the city of Lawrence rebuilt the top four floors and restored the lobby in 1985.

In addition to its history, The Eldridge Hotel is also haunted. There have been numerous reports of ghostly activity on the fifth floor, including reports of elevators opening and closing on their own as well as people seeing apparitions. Room 506 is the primary source of these spooky reports. Supposedly, people have seen breath marks on recently cleaned mirrors, doors opening and closing, and even lights turning on and off by themselves.

If you need somewhere to stay in Lawrence and appreciate the rich history and endurance of the town (as well as enjoy a bit of luxury in your accommodations), then book a room at the Eldridge Hotel. Or at least stop by to see just how beautiful the hotel can be from ashes to immortality.

Total Time Traveled: 10 minutes

Total Distance Traveled: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "Fever to Tell" Yeah Yeah Yeah's

715 Restaurant - Lawrence, KS

When people think of "fine dining" in Kansas, I'm sure a lot of people think we are talking about our local Applebee's. But Lawrence, Kansas is a community of foodies. Foodies who have a taste for the European will love 715 Restaurant, a neighborhood European-style eatery that offers the best in Central Italian cuisine.

On an evening out, my friend Mona and I decided to split a meal at 715 Restaurant. While the food is amazing, it is also a little pricey - at least for me as a rather poor law student and blogger. So using our penny-saving ingenuity, we decided to order one appetizer, one salad, one entree, one dessert, and one bottle of wine to split down the middle. We started with the smoked trout crostini. The trout was perfectly smoked so it was flaky and just melted in your mouth. It was served on a crisp, toasted side of bread with arugula and a lemon caper aioli. While the crunch of the bread added that perfect bit of texture to the bite, the bitterness of the arugula along with the citric and vinegary taste of the aioli gave it a complex flavor profile that made me chew very slowly to savor each and every bite.

Next, we moved on to the roasted root vegetable salad. This was a natural choice for me. I genuinely believe vegetables are best when roasted. That is just how they should be cooked. (Just as roasting is best, boiling is worst. Nothing makes me sadder than a carrot or brussel sprout that has been boiled to death. It is a culinary crime.) The roasted root vegetable salad is just proof of my belief in roasting vegetables. Carrots, parsnips and other root vegetables are julienned, roasted to crispy perfection, then served with arugula in a roasted garlic vinaigrette. It has a deep, rich flavor and I would honestly drink roasted garlic vinaigrette if they would serve it to me in a glass.

For our entree, we ordered the tuna spaghetti. Mona had heard great things about it and I was very curious. I don't usually think about tuna as something to serve with pasta, especially when it is also served with cheese. Fish and cheese have always struck me as a big no-no (For some more about the fish and cheese debate, particularly in Italian cuisine, check out this post at The Kitchn). But luckily, the inspired chefs of 715 restaurant don't think like me. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sweetness of the Italian tuna, along with the capers and mozzarella proved to be a brilliant combination and has officially convinced me that it is possible for fish and cheese to share the same plate.

Finally, we finished our meal with sticky date cake in toffee sauce with sweet cream gelato. I normally don't order dessert, too often I end up with something so cloyingly sweet that it makes my teeth itch. But while this isn't your grandmother's traditional sticky date cake, it has a delicious and natural sweetness that with the toffee sauce offers a wonderful final note to end the meal. 715 Restaurant offers and incredible experience for foodies and fans of Central Italian cuisine. It's also proof that a trip to Kansas can be a fine dining experience!

This joins other food blog articles posted in Wanderfood Wednesdays on Wanderlust and Lipstick. Check them out!

Total Travel Time: 20 minutes

Total Travel Distance: 6 miles

Soundtrack: "Extraordinary Machine" Fiona Apple

Second Photo Source

Roadside Jayhawk Spotting - Lawrence, KS

You can't travel an inch in Lawrence, Kansas without seeing a Jayhawk celebrating the University of Kansas' prolific mascot. But these birds have a fascinating and colorful history. The term "jayhawk" is believed to have been first coined in 1848, combining the blue jay, a loud and angry bird known to rob other nests and the sparrow hawk, a hunter. You wouldn't want to turn your back on a Jayhawk.

The term was originally used around the country in places like Illinois and Texas, but during the 1850's it found a home in Kansas Territory. As the civil war raged on, factions on both sides fought violently in Kansas Territory to determine whether it would be a Free State or whether slavery would be legal. Fighters on both sides were called Jayhawks as they looted, stole and attacked each other's settlements. Ultimately the free state side prevailed and Lawrence became their stronghold, as well as the future home of the University of Kansas. They earned the right to be called Jayhawks, passionate patriots committed to freedom who were willing to fight and die for their cause.

When the University of Kansas was established, it seemed natural to take the Jayhawk as its mascot and in 1912, the first picture of a Jayhawk appeared (and for some reason, it wore shoes. No really, the original Jayhawk had shoes.) Today, Jayhawk statutes can be found all around the KU Lawrence campus and the town itself.

To see how the image of the Jayhawk has changed throughout history, visit the University of Kansas website.