Abby & Joey
Things To Do in Wichita
The Keeper of the Plains
The Keeper of the Plains is a definitive feature of the Wichita skyline, placed at the intersection of the Big and Little Arkansas Rivers. This statue was crafted by Wichitan and Native American artist Black Bear Bosin and erected for the celebration of the United States Bi-centennial. There is a beautiful river walk on either side of the Keeper, and if you visit at 9pm, you can be present for the nightly lighting of the fires that surround the statue.
Picasso's Pizzeria
We went here during the first summer Joey visited Wichita. He highly recommends the 'Kansan'!
Meddys
This Mediterranean restaurant is probably our all-time favorite restaurant in Wichita. Their shawarma is simply delicious and their hummus is incomparable! (There is also another location at 560 S Ridge Rd, Wichita, KS 67209).
Taco Rio
This is your classic American taco joint. It's locally owned and has been a neighborhood favorite for decades. 3 of Abby's younger siblings also worked here:)
Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q
You've gotta have some classic BBQ when you visit farm country!
Delano Barbeque Company
Another neighborhood classic! You've gotta have BBQ when visiting farm country, and at Delano BBQ, you've be supporting a local business:)
Bella Vita Bistro
This sweet little Italian Restaurant is a hole in the wall, but very tasty! Abby and her friends went here before a formal with the St. Paul's Catholic student center.
NuWAY Burgers
NuWay is another neighborhood classic. Their crumbly burgers, paired with curly fries and a glass of homemade root beer, and sitting on the spinning stools... a core memory from Abby's childhood:)
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy himself fought in WWII before returning to Wichita, KS where he raised his family. In 2002, two of his sons opened Freddy's Frozen Custard and Steakburger in his honor, and each location has a serious of fun historical facts about Freddy's life. This is a Kansas classic! (If you're gf, they make a delicious wrap... just grab a few napkins).
Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store
Braum's is a sweet little burger shop with a handy grocery market attached. Each store location is within 330 miles of the Braum's family farm to ensure freshness. Our Totus Tuus team would go to Braum's every Friday after we finished the week, and believe us a fresh burger never tasted so good! Joey recommends the 'bag of burgers':)
Chipotle
Abby worked here for 3 years before she met Joey. Thank goodness it's a national chain because to this day it is one of our go-to restaurants!
Wichita Art Museum
The Wichita Art Museum is home to over 10,000 works by artists Dale Chihuly, John Steuart Curry, and tons more. Plus, admission is FREE! They close at 5. (Pictured above: In the Mowing by Homer Winslow)
Botanica, The Wichita Gardens
Botanica is home to over 4,000 plant species and beautiful crafted garden spaces complete with a children's garden, ponds, a butterfly house, and much more! Abby's family has had a membership to the gardens for years, and the beauty never gets old! Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
The Cathedral was one of the first places Abby took Joey when he visited Wichita. This is her favorite place to attend daily Mass as well as simply a beautiful place to encounter the Lord. The church was built in 1910, renovated in 2012, and the domes are currently under restoration. Additionally, the Cathedral holds the tomb of our very own Venerable Fr. Emil Kapaun, a US Army Chaplain from the Korean War. His remains were discovered and brought home for proper burial in 2021, and Abby's family had the opportunity to attend his funeral with the Diocese, 70 years after his death as a POW in Chinese captivity. Now that he is properly buried, his case for canonization is active once again and he was declared Venerable just a few months ago! Venerable Fr. Kapaun, pray for us! Photo credit: Natalie Wiexelman
Explore the Historic Delano District
If you go just east of St. Joseph on Douglas Ave, you will find the Historic Delano District, full of local shops and restaurants. Grab a coffee or some ice cream and take a walk or go on a little shopping spree.
Sedgwick County Zoo
Abby's family has had a membership to the Sedgwick County Zoo since she was very small, and it is one of her summer favorites! She and Joey have gone multiple times when he visits Wichita. It can get a little toasty walking around outside, but they have plenty of indoor exhibits where you can cool off. Admission is $23.99 for adults and $18.99 for children, but once you get in the gate, most everything is free!
