Are you looking to get away (if only for just one day)? Lucky for us Kansans, there are plenty of fun and charming towns perfect for a summer day trip by yourself, with your family, or with a group of friends! However, the town of Hays may be our favorite for these reasons:
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of Kansas, Hays is a small community of just over 20,000 that may be home to a large university, but is far from your stereotypical college town. From tantalizing food options (might we suggest the famous Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co., Sake2Me Sushi, or JD’s Country Style Chicken?) to downtown boutiques, businesses and fascinating museums (including the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, Ellis County Historical Museum, and the Fort Hays State Historic Site), there is truly no shortage of things to do in this historic town!
Wikimedia Commons
Wikimedia Commons
Are you looking for even more suggestions? No problem; we have already planned your trip for you!
If you are traveling with your family, make plans to…
- Begin your day by digging for fossils and making prehistoric friends at the Sternberg.
Judy R./Yelp
- Enjoy lunch at the fun and family-friendly Thirsty’s Brew Pub and Grill.
629Lawrenced/TripAdvisor
- End your day by cooling off at the epic Hays Aquatic Park.
Hays Aquatic Park Facebook
Girl’s trip? Here’s what you’ll want to do…
Judy R./Yelp
629Lawrenced/TripAdvisor
Hays Aquatic Park Facebook
- Start off with a tasty breakfast sandwich and sweet matcha frappe from Union Station Coffee & Roasterie.
Union Station Coffee & Roasterie Facebook
- Pamper yourself at the Body + Soul Day and Med Spa before shopping around the downtown area.
Body + Soul Day and Med Spa Facebook
- Finish by admiring local art at the impressive Hays Arts Center.
Hays Arts Council Facebook
Finally, for those of you needing a little mancation…
Union Station Coffee & Roasterie Facebook
Body + Soul Day and Med Spa Facebook
Hays Arts Council Facebook
- Lunch and brews at Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co..
Ryan B./Yelp
- Afternoon tee time at the Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course.
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course (Unofficial) Facebook
- Cheering on the Hays Larks before heading home.
The Hays Larks Facebook
In addition to these community staples, the town also hosts several annual events including Oktoberfest, Wild West Festival, and even a Christmastime Frost Fest. Be sure to visit the Hays Convention & Visitors Bureau website for more information.
Ryan B./Yelp
Fort Hays Municipal Golf Course (Unofficial) Facebook
The Hays Larks Facebook
Who will you take on your summer day trip?
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