tdelano

Planning a long weekend in Wichita between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Can anyone reccomend a good area to stay in or a specific hotel? Is there an area where with shops, dining, entertainment all in walking distance of hotel?

Also, I have heard that there is a large flea market in Wichita. I am looking for information on it, the name, location and type of goods sold. I am interested in antiques ( junktiques really) not clothes, cheap new stuff.

Thanks for any help!

Bitter

3 areas come to mind. Downtown, Old Town, and Rock Road.

I don't think Downtown itself is particularly interesting, but in years past I liked the Hyatt (it's right on the river). You would probably want to check TA on it; seems it was maybe depreciating a bit last time I was there. There is also the Ambassador hotel nearby that is renovated historic structure. I have only attended a meeting there, but it looked nice.

Old Town is probably considered downtown, but is a renovated area/square that has nightlife, if that interests you. It's been a while, but I have enjoyed the brewery there. The Hotel at Old Town looks nice (again, only been to meetings there).

Rock Road is on the north side. It is that area (including some nearby roads) that every small city has, with many chain and business class hotels, plus retail. There are probably some unique gems out there, but I haven't been recently.

Sorry, but I know nothing about a flea market.

Bitter

Regarding food, I think the two downtown hotels I mentioned have restaurants inside. During a walk around downtown a few months back, it seemed the things I saw were mostly aimed at the lunch crowd. And there were signs of renovation, but also neglect. Perhaps I'm wrong, but I wonder if it is a downtown area that kind of empties in the evening.

You'll have some walkable options in Old Town. I just haven't been there recently enough to know what's currently good or even what is in business. If the Museum of World Treasurs is still there, it's worth a cheesy gander.

Bitter

Wichita does have a decent art museum. (Yes, it has a Chihuly exhibit; don't all museums these days?!)

Nearby is the Exploration Place, which is a kids' museum. Haven't been there recently, but some of the flight displays were kind of intriguing for adults, too, and the location (on the river) is nice.

Keith

The Museum of World Treasures in Old Town is much better than the name implies.

tdelano

Thanks so much for the info

Anyone know anything about flea markets? Antiques?

thanks!