Small Town Spotlight :: Cheney, Kansas

[box style=”rounded”]This post is part of our Small Town Spotlight Series. Read more posts from this series…[/box]
Cheney resizeHarvest, scorching heat waves, and the county fair – it’s summertime in Kansas. Cheney is home of the Sedgwick County Fair held each July.  It is also a town with no stoplights, but plenty of charm. Cheney offers entertainment, recreation, food, and a bit of tranquility for residents and visitors.  As you make plans to head out to the fair July 8-11 or want a mini-road trip, you can certainly fill an entire day exploring this vibrant small town.

Start your day in Cheney with a fresh cup of coffee at Aviator Artisan Coffee Roasters. The shop also features cold beverages, Italian sodas, and baked goodies.  It’s a true gem because they roast their own beans and it is owned and operated by a retired Navy family who learned the trade while being stationed in the Pacific Northwest.

Grab some gifts and unique items at The Wish List. The store is highly sought after for their custom embroidery and quilting services. They also feature Kansas food products, Farmhouse paints, jewelry, home décor, and apparel.

Work on your golf swing at Cherry Oaks Golf Course. This golf course boasts country club conditions at public prices.   Cherry Oaks is a great public golf course with an incredibly friendly atmosphere.  They host several tournaments throughout the year and also offer fundraising opportunities.

SteSouders resizep back in time and experience what life was like in Cheney during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Souders Farm Museum includes a Main Street, several businesses, a school, a church, a cabin, and two train depots. The family is sure to be engaged by the artifacts found throughout this one-of-kind outdoor museum.

Enjoy a hand-pressed burger and fresh cut fries at Benny’s Burgers and Shakes.   It’s a local favorite named after one of the founding fathers of Cheney, Benjamin Cheney.  Make sure to save room for a shake or a to-go order of their amazing fried pickles.

Head over to Cheney Lanes to bowl a game with the family and grab a slice of pizza at D’Mario’s Pizza. Their dough and sauce are crafted from scratch and the food is made fresh to order. Or you can order a sandwich with a side of Art’s and Mary’s potato chips made locally in Cheney.

Don’t forget to stop at the Veteran’s Park. A 1941 Howitzer is displayed and the park features the Veteran’s Memorial commemorating local heroes.

Spend some time at the Cheney State Park fishing, swimming, or boating.  The park also features campgrounds, picnic areas, and nature trails. Pitch a tent and make your visit to Cheney a serene vacation!

Are you from a small town that has plenty of “hidden gems”?

Tomi Dechant
Tomi is a mover, shaker, and baby maker - which means she enjoys a good dance party in the kitchen and is a mom to two monsters of her own creation. Tomi is from Kansas and is currently a Political Science instructor and author of the children's book, How to Make a Monster Smile.

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