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Wichita - where history is celebratedWichita has evolved into the Air Capital of the World. But during that transformation, this beautiful city has kept a firm grasp on its Old West heritage. The confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers was the perfect site for a trading post that planted the seeds for what would become the largest city in Kansas. Today, the 44-foot-tall "Keeper of the Plains" stands on that site paying tribute to the Native Americans who inhabited the region before the arrival of settlers. The impressive statue is the centerpiece for the Museums on the River district that includes the Mid-America All-Indian Center, Old Cowtown Museum, Exploration Place, the Wichita Art Museum, the Kansas African American Museum and Botanica-The Wichita Gardens. Thirty-five different museums work to preserve Wichita's culture and history. Old Cowtown Museum showcases a glimpse of the Old West as re-enactors portray townsfolk and tell of life in Wichita during the 1870s. After strolling Cowtown's boardwalks, visitors can belly up to a scrumptious chuckwagon supper and enjoy the cowboy harmonies of the Diamond W Wranglers. The Kansas Aviation Museum chronicles Wichita's transformation into the Air Capital of the World where, today, 42 percent of all general aviation aircraft worldwide are produced. The museum is leading the restoration of "Doc," one of the few remaining B-29 Superfortresses. A great weekend getaway should include the American Barnstormers Tour which will be in Wichita June 25-26, 2008. Shopping is an all day experience in Wichita. Guests can peruse eight distinctive shopping districts from historic to ultra modern, chic boutiques to national retailers. Entertainment and cultural attractions in Wichita are par excellence. The daily metamorphosis of Old Town's red-brick warehouse district from blue-collar job mecca during the day to the heartbeat of this city's nightlife is pure magic. Ongoing cultural offerings include: Music Theatre of Wichita, the Wichita Symphony, Wichita Grand Opera and Crown Uptown Professional Dinner Theatre with schedules featuring internationally known artists and productions. Cabaret Old Town and Mosley Street Melodrama feature musical comedies with casts from the finest talent the area has to offer. How about the food? Menu choices from the over 1,000 restaurants in the area make it possible to take a culinary trip around the world without leaving Wichita. With 34 golf courses, 35 art galleries and 24 attractions, it's easy to create a vacation within the city limits. To learn more about the Wichita area, contact the Greater Wichita Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800.288.9424 or online at VisitWichita.com. Editor's note: Susen Foster is the owner of Greater Success Advertising. She is the author of numerous travel books. Susen can be reached at www.greatersuccess.com or call 580-622-5408. 5/19/08 Date: 5/12/08
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