What is the most unique date you have ever experienced?
Our most unique date was the day we told our boss we needed off work to watch a Solar Eclipse.
Great American Solar Eclipse- We had discussed watching it and then realized we would be at work. We sprinted home from work on a Monday afternoon to watch the sun eclipse for approximately an hour. We purchased a “guide” and drinks to aid us on our adventure.
Some people may think we are strange for doing something so peculiar, but the next eclipse will not even happen until April 8th, 2024 and who knows if we will even live in a state where it will be visible. To us this date was special because we were living in a historical moment.
The Surprise: With all the Covid restrictions I had anticipated being in Wichita for my birthday. A few days before my birthday Chris said, “I have a surprise for your birthday. We’re going somewhere.”
When Chris told me we were going to Nebraska, I cringed. The first time we visited Nebraska about three years ago it was a lame trip for the both of us. Basically, we went to a Harry Potter Festival which was nothing more than a few pop-up tents and fake Butter Rum.
“Welcome to Nebraska.”
We took out of town after work on Wednesday; we arrived to our hotel late. Upon waking up early in the morning, Chris said you’ll love this next surprise- “Coffee.” I thought, “This is the surprise? You drove me seven hours from home to have a cup of coffee?” Little did I know it was going to end up on my top 10 locations in the US for coffee.
York, Nebraska: After visiting a delightful coffee shop, we walked up the street to an affordable antique store. Chris & I love antiquing in our spare time. It was fun exploring the little shop. The service was top notch!
Captain Red Beard’s CoffeeWe were in here for over an hour!
Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park: Chris & I love Civil War history. On our way to the final destination we stopped at a fort. While the fort buildings were not open, the ladies allowed us to walk the grounds and take pictures. It was hot, but was nevertheless enjoyable exploring American History.
Chris standing next to the largest tree there.
Chris said there was more to the surprise trip. I couldn’t believe it! After leaving the fort he told me to rest up because we would spend most of the next day in the sun.
The Real Surprise: I woke up to “We’re going on a float trip.” I had only heard of float trips that involved booze, college students, and far too many people on the river for my liking. I was a little nervous and not sure what to expect.
When we arrived to Graham Canoe Outfitters in Valentine, Nebraska the owner said my husband requested the first booking they had for the day. She told me there would be no one else on the river for two hours. That sounded like a float trip I could enjoy!
Have you seen this picture else where on our site?So calm & peaceful. Highly recommend!
Smith Falls State Park: Once we got off our floats, Chris said there was another waterfall near our location. We proceeded to drive 20 minutes down the road to Smith Falls. We walked approximately half a mile or so to our destination. After we explored the main waterfall, we followed a trail we forged to the bottom of the falls. It was quite memorable!
Tallest waterfall in Nebraska.
Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge: After the waterfall we explored Fort Niobrara. It was breathtaking! We sat on a bench for awhile- we breathed in the fresh air and basked in the glorious sunlight.
We could see for miles!!
The Birthday Request: Chris asked what I wanted to do before dinner. I smiled and said, “Well, I looked at the map and we are only 15 minutes from South Dakota.” Chris knew what I was wanting. We crossed the border and loaded up on fireworks we could not find back home. While the fireworks suited Chris’ fancy, I was just as happy about crossing another state off our bucket list.
Another one bites the dust!Nothing sells fireworks like a huge gorilla.
Birthday Dinner: We ate at the only worthwhile restaurant in Valentine. Peppermill Restaurant & EKV Lounge was not fancy, but it was tasty! I opted for the Grilled Prime Rib which Chris said was what he would order next time. Our server was hospitable and made the dining experience even better.
“No, I did not buy him that shirt.”Full of flavor!
It wasn’t a long trip, but it was packed with discussions, laughs, and memories. It was the most relaxing birthday I have had and it was exactly what I needed.
If you managed to make it this far down, we have a surprise coming for all our supporters in the next few weeks. Get excited!!
At first we were worried about the change of menu when we arrived to the restaurant. Prior to our visit, B&C was an all you can eat buffet. (Realistically we rarely made it up a second time.) The menu now has 5/6 options- all the meat proportions are per pound, come with three sides, bread, and a drink. The best part about B&C is the elimination of waste with their to-go boxes which were never offered in the past.
Chris’ Order- The #4 with pulled pork, ribs, chicken, and brisket. While all the meats were tasty, Chris said next time he would opt out of pulled pork. The sides were spicy baked beans, macaroni & cheese, and a side salad. The macaroni was new to the menu and Chris hopes they keep it because it was very good.
Emily’s Order- The #4 as well, but with ribs, brisket, and chicken. The sides were two side salads and potato salad. Not pictured is two pieces of rye bread. All in all, no complaints. The only thing Emily will be doing differently next time is asking for dressing on the side as it had too much for her liking.
The manager told us they are far below where they need to be to operate. Please support our favorite local BBQ joint.
Please remember what we like or do not like may not be the same as what you like or dislike. In all of our reviews, keep in mind opinions change between people. We want to encourage you to keep it local and support your area businesses.
If you know Emily even a little you know she loves java. She is the guru of all things coffee. Because of this, she will be sharing a special addition from time to time about local coffee houses. Let’s be real, Chris is not into coffee as much and thus his special edition blog topic will be announced soon.
Emily’s Scale- Cleanliness, Cost, Customer Service, Espresso, Food, Location(s), Milk Alternatives, Seating, Speed of Service, and Unique Finds. Giving a grand total of 50 points to be earned or 5 points each: 1 being the worst and 5 being the best.
Valley Center, Kansas
Cleanliness (4), Cost (5), Customer Service (4), Espresso (4), Food (1), Location(s) (3), Milk Alternatives (5), Seating (0), Speed of Service (3), and Unique Finds (0). Grand total for Buffalo Brew Coffee Company is 29.
Buffalo is a small town coffee shop. If I lived in Valley Center, I will be thankful for a local coffee shop, however, there is nothing spectacular about it. The cost and customer service were on point. Surprisingly the espresso and milk alternatives were great! Speed of service was definitely lacking. All in all it was not a bad stop, but I would not drive 25 minutes to get coffee from them.
Leslie Coffee Co.
Cleanliness (5), Cost (1), Customer Service (2), Espresso (4), Food (1), Location(s) (2), Milk Alternatives (2), Seating (3), Speed of Service (2), and Unique Finds (0). Grand total for Leslie Coffee Co. is 22.
I had high hopes when someone referred me to Leslie. When I walked into the magnificently re-purposed old building I was charmed. The options were vast. I have a hard time paying $9 for a cup of coffee though. To give you some perspective, I once went to a major league baseball game and paid $12 for an iced coffee which was three times larger than the one from Leslie‘s. They offer a lovely variety of vegan and clean living options, but there are many other coffee shops in the Wichita market place where I do not have pay $9 for a cup of coffee. I might return someday with a friend, but certainly would never go there alone again.
Please remember I pride myself on understanding good coffee. I have done lots of research and enjoyed coffee tours all across the country. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same type of espresso or syrups and that is OK. All I ask is for you continue to support your local coffee houses. My hope is for the local coffee scenes to thrive and remain in business for years to come.
Food, Travel, & Love…and Coffee- Emily Jensen
P.S. Comment with your favorite local coffee shop and maybe it will be featured on our next blog post.
Do you ever want to be with someone, but cannot? There are so many things which can keep us from a loved one…deployments, managing children, and/or varying work schedules, despite the obstacles, find a way to spend time with the one you love.
We decided to try our hand at a virtual date. While it was not quite the same as being together, we were still able to share some laughs and of course, lunch. While visiting the park, Emily took many pictures to send to Chris, but also would FaceTime with him. While we shared lunch, Emily got lots of looks from passers by, but it didn’t matter because for 15 minutes it was just the two of us. More to come…
Penguin Exhibit
For the past two years, we have participated in the annual Tanganyika Wildlife Park (TWP) Spring sale. This sale offers season passes at half the normal rate! We have certainly got our money’s worth and have genuinely loved our “safaris”!
The first thing upon entering one will see at TWP is the amazing giraffe pasture. These magnificent creatures are always fun to watch. If you have kiddos or are feeling adventurous yourself, think about feeding the dearies at their station. (extra fee associated)
Domingo
A newer attraction TWP has is Domingo the Hyacinth Macaw. While Emily was there she really wanted to show Chris a “head bob” video of Domingo, but the lively bird was not as lively as usual.
A little hidden gem is next to Lemur Island. It would be a fib to say “Just for kids,” when Chris frequently has found Emily there feeding the fishies and duckies. (Remember to bring quarters.)
Next to Lemur Island
“Did you eat anything on this virtual date?”, you might ask. Of course! Emily had an all beef hotdog and French fries. While it’s not the absolute best food, it’s still served from Goddard, Kansas’ little zoo. Be sure to round up to the nearest dollar to support their Winter Wildlife Fund. Tanganyika is not governmentally funded.
Cost: Admission- $25, but since we have a pass, it was approximately $2. Food- $7. Souvenirs for Chris- $8. Total: $17.00 for 1.25 hours worth of unique memories. Chris says, “Even when time/money is an issue, always find creative ways to date your significant other. There’s no excuse!” Be on the look-out for more date ideas.
Please remember there was no possible way for us to share all the photos and videos which were taken. TWP has so much to offer! Check them out on your next available weekend.
Food, Travel, & Love- Chris & Emily
P.S. Enjoy a little education about Pygmy Hippos.
Yeti & His Mommy
We forgot to mention, TWP also offers behind the scenes options. They have everything from feeding Lions to petting Chewie the Sloth. There’s always adventure waiting at Tanganyika Wildlife Park.
Taco- An upgrade to Pizza Hut’s taco pizza. The sour cream had a weird aftertaste and the salsa was not fresh. It was a good slice, but nothing unique.
Picasso- Wouldn’t order this slice again. The tomatoes were very thick and there was too much pesto to enjoy.
Upon entering there are all kinds of painted footprints and arrows on the floor. Emily was not the only one who entered who did not know what direction to go…the cashiers had to keep instructing guests. The service was fine, nothing to complain about, but nothing to brag about either.
Please remember what we like or do not like may not be the same as what you like or dislike. In all of our reviews, keep in mind opinions change between people. We want to encourage you to keep it local and support your area businesses.
As teenagers on Payday Friday, we frequently would have dinner from China King. Chris has always loved Chinese, but Emily has been more of a chicken only Chinese fan. Last we were aware, China King had closed, but to our surprise, reopened. If for nothing else this meal was to help us travel down memory lane…
The order: Chicken on a Stick, Crab Rangoons, Pork Egg Roll, Honey Chicken Wings, General Tso’s Chicken, and Sweet & Sour Chicken.
Chicken on Stick- Not quite like we remembered, but still a crowd favorite!
Rangoons- Good, nothing negative to report.
Egg Roll- Very good, an excellent choice in the Wichita market.
Wings- Way too saucy! Would not recommend!
Tso’s- Not spicy at all, but had good flavor. The rice with the meal was quite good and not over or under cooked.
General Tso’s with Rice
S&S Chicken- The breading was very sweet, too sweet in our opinion, but the red sauce was enjoyable.
Sweet & Sour Chicken
It was fun to think about our high school days! While this China King was not as enjoyable as the one of yesteryear, it was still good. The service was less than desirable, but hopefully that was because they were busy with delivery orders.
Please remember what we like or do not like may not be the same as what you like or dislike. In all of our reviews, keep in mind opinions change between people. We want to encourage you to keep it local and support your area businesses.
Food, Travel, & Love- Chris & Emily
P.S. Pretty certain the bathroom has been out of order for the last 15 years.
Disclosure: We have enjoyed HomeGrown multiple times, but we visited again this past Sunday specifically for our blog.
Drinks: Chris ordered an Iced Caramel Latte. Emily ordered an Iced Real Deal Mocha with Soy Milk.
Caramel Latte- No complaints.
Mocha- Not as savory as usual, but still tasty.
Chris ordered a Lemon Poptart. Emily ordered a House Side Salad. For breakfast, Chris ordered It Takes the Cake with Bacon. Emily ordered an Egg White Veggie Lover Omelet and added Bacon.
Poptart- Served warm. Was a touch sweet and needed more lemon, but overall a good appetizer.
Salad- Croutons were tasty, but the lettuce was much wetter than usual. This is now the second time we have received a soggy salad, if we order another again and it’s this wet, we will not be recommending it. The breadstick was yummy!
Chris’ Breakfast
Pancake Breakfast- Good Pancakes and topped with the Strawberry Honey Raspberry Jam (available upon request). The Eggs were tasty. The Bacon was crispy, as ordered, and from Yoder Meats. Always a win when the meat is from our local butcher shop.
Emily’s Breakfast
Omelet- It had zucchini which was very refreshing. The potatoes were not as good as usual; they tasted like Lowery’s seasoning salt and had less red pepper than normal. The Biscuit was large and paired nicely with their house made butter.
HomeGrown is one of our personal favorites in Wichita for breakfast. This was a tasty breakfast and obviously, we will return in the future. Our server was Noelle and she was very organized and we enjoyed her service. As a honest fact, HomeGrown’s wait time is always very long and one might consider downloading Yelp before leaving home. The other unfortunate thing is the front house staff is never friendly. Despite those two things, we continue to dine at HomeGrown- West Wichita.
Please remember what we like or do not like may not be the same as what you like or dislike. In all of our reviews, keep in mind opinions change between people. We want to encourage you to keep it local and support your area businesses.
Chris ordered an Iced Caramel Latte. Emily ordered an Iced Almond Joy w/ Soy Milk. We both ordered a Breakfast Bierock.
Caramel Latte- Good, but could hardly taste the espresso.
Almond Joy- Tasted like an Almond Joy, but masked the espresso.
Breakfast Bierock- While the flavor was not bad, the inside was a little cold. They obviously make them ahead of time, which makes sense, as the prep work tasks a long time. When they are cooking them, we would love for them to flip the bierocks over to make sure they are evenly warmed. Some additional cheese on the inside would have been nice as well.
An after thought- promise to get better at this.
All in all, this wasn’t a bad find, just not a great one. The menu at the drive was hard to read as they have it placed at a weird angle. The service was awesome and the lady assisting us was very sweet.
Please remember what we like or do not like may not be the same as what you like or dislike. In all of our reviews, keep in mind opinions change between people. We want to encourage you to keep it local and support your area businesses.
For our first post, we thought we would share something recent. We decided to participate in the “Stop-Go Date” at our local retailer. With COVID shutdowns, we were looking for something different.
Food, Travel, & Love 