Join our intrepid duo, Ruby and Pip from "The Good Time Girls," on a remarkable journey through Kansas as they seek out the oddest and most offbeat sights the state has to offer. From peculiar landmarks to unusual attractions, this road trip promises to be filled with laughter, surprises, and memories that will last a lifetime. So hop in and join Pip and Ruby as they embark on an extraordinary adventure to the quirkiest sights in Kansas, with a visit to a cigar store along the way.
The route is straightforward, unlike that of the Good Time Girls. But they did not have a map, and you now do.
The Outlaw Cigar Store, Overland Park, KS
All good trips start at a cigar store, according to Pip. Pick your cheroot of choice, practice blowing smoke rings, and prepare for the journey. 13700 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66223
913-814-9000
Museum of Odd, Lawrence, KS
First stop is a doozy. Prepare yourself for a multitude of sock monkeys, elephant poop with a painting of Adolph Hitler gracing its poopness, Elvis's underwear, dolls made of Coors cans with bottle cap arms and legs, and pretty much the best finds from flea markets and garage sales. Or at least the ones no one buys because that make no sense. 1012 New York St, Lawrence, KS, United States, 66044. Call to make arrangements: 785-843-8750
Truckhenge, Topeka, KS
It is impossible to describe Ron Lessman's Truckhenge and Art Park. You must just see its expansive creativity, which includes not only the above referenced trucks, but a boats rising from the earth exhibit, toy truck installation, carved tree trunk art show, a 3-acre fishing pond AND a shooting park. Two pictures below for your enjoyment. 4124 NE Brier Rd, Topeka, KS 66616. Phone: 785-234-3486
Oz Museum, Wamego, KS
This museum is everything Oz. From the books to the movie, you will be in Oz heaven. The museum boasts an impressive collection of Oz memorabilia, spanning books, movies, and collectibles. Marvel at vintage movie posters, original costumes worn by the actors, and props used in the film adaptations. There are also interactive exhibits that allow you to experience the tornado that carried Dorothy to Oz and explore the colorful Emerald City. Of course, you can step outside in certain seasons and experience a real twister - but I suggest you don't. 511 Lincoln
Wamego, KS 66547. Phone: (785) 458-8686
World's Largest Ball of Twine, Cawker City, KS
Now this is a Kansas must-see. We need to go back to 1953 and farmer Frank Stoeber. He got tired of all the twine littering his barn floor, so he picked it up, tied it together and started rolling. In three years, it was seven feet high. And weighed a couple tons. And everybody wondered where Frank was. That's not true - his neighbors knew he had given up any obligation to take care of the farm and the animals, for winding a largish ball of twine made him feel an inner sense of calm and everyone should leave him the hell alone. But they didn't. They brought twine. Maybe they were looking for inner peace. The mayor was looking for a Guiness Book of World Records record, which was sure to put Cawker City on the map. They got the record in 1973, and had snatched by some miscreant in Minnesota a few years later. Still and all - this a wonder. You will be amazed beyond anything and stand agape at the ever growing beauty. South side of Wisconsin St./Hwy 24, a half-block west of Lake Drive, Cawker, KS. Phone: 785-781-4470
Garden of Eden, Lucas, KS
, Lucas, KS
Yes. Another remarkable find in Lucas, which is a hotbed of quirky and interesting items. This peculiar collection showcases miniature replicas of iconic giant landmarks from around the country, created by artist Erika Nelson. Delight in the whimsy of this peculiar exhibition and appreciate the creativity and attention to detail that went into each tiny masterpiece. This began as a travelling sideshow and now Nelson can boast a permanent site for the wondrous tiny objects - the best thing is to listen and watch yourself and I guarantee you will add this as an attraction on your future Kansas vacation. There is even a theme song. 214 S Main St, Lucas, KS 67648. Phone: 785-760-0826
And there you have it. A superlative summer road trip of odd, delightful and awe-inspiring Kansas treasures. Pip and Ruby and I wish you a grand journey. Drop a comment below if you visit one of these places - and drop another if there are places you wish us to feature during this glorious summer on the open road.
K.T. Blakemore grew up in the United States West and never left. THE GOOD TIME GIRLS is the first in the Wild-Willed Women of the West Series, featuring women who take no prisoners and succeed through sheer grit, determination, and a parcel of luck.
Her award-winning historical suspense and young adult historical fiction, written under the pen name Kim Taylor Blakemore, has been awarded a Silver Falchion Award, Tucson Festival of Book Literary Award, and a WILLA Award for Best YA Fiction.
In addition to writing, she runs the Novelitics ranch, which provides developmental editing and workshops to novelists. She teaches editing and craft workshops to writing groups around the United States and Canada.
She has hung her hat in California, Colorado, and currently the Pacific Northwest. The rain does not deter her research whether it be train timetables from 1905 or the best way to catch a loose horse.
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