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If you're planning a romantic dinner or just in the mood for a delicious meal in a classy place, be sure to check out these fine dining restaurants in Wichita, Kansas. more Wine Dive With an eclectic menu and a relaxed ambiance, Wine Dive not only serves delicious cuisine but also has an extensive wine list that perfectly pairs with your meal. Lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch are served. Start off your meal with the beef bruschetta topped with cream cheese and chopped beef tenderloin, or opt for the drunken bread, which is a homemade casserole of local baguette crumbles, prosciutto, and Gruyere mixed in a white wine sauce. For the lighter appetite, try the apple harvest salad, which includes Gala apples, candied pecans, bleu cheese crumbles, and dried cranberries, or the Fattoush salad, which includes mixed greens, mint, parsley, cilantro, baked naan bread, tomatoes, and more. For the main course, go wild with the lobster, shrimp, and crab mac and cheese, wild boar bolognese, or the twister linguine. Save room for dessert and order the chocolate torte, s'mores, or crème brûlée. Wine Dive is located at 4714 E Douglas and is open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar exemplifies fine dining. With rich mahogany woods, stone fireplaces, and glove-soft leather booths, this classic American chophouse has an inviting, yet classy atmosphere. From large windows, you'll enjoy beautiful views of the water while you dine. While known for their corn-fed, perfectly marbled and aged Midwestern beef that is cooked over a wood fire, the restaurant has a menu full of mouthwatering entrees that are sure to please your palate. Begin your meal with the Bangkok calamari with sweet chili glaze or Beef Carpaccio with warm potato and arugula salad. For your entrée, try the maple mustard salmon or cut into a 22-ounce USDA prime bone-in cowboy rib-eye steak. Chester's Chophouse & Wine Bar is located at 1550 North Webb Road and is open Sunday from 4:30-9 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 4:30-10 p.m. Café Bel Ami For a French Mediterranean dining experience, head to Café Bel Ami. This long-established restaurant in downtown Wichita serves lunch and dinner. For starters, try a cup of soup du jour or scalloped bouchée, which is sautéed scallops in a pastry shell with a cream garlic sauce. For your entrée, try one of the specialties, such as the Seafood Curry, braised lamb shank, or filet au poivre, which is a center-cut tenderloin with a five-pepper sauce. For dessert, dig into the crème custard or apple and pear bread pudding. Café Bel Ami is located at 229 E William St, Suite 1010 and is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 5-9 p.m. From steaks to seafood to wine and more, these are some of the best fine dining restaurants in Wichita. Image via Pixabay by guillermomuro00

If you live and Wichita, Kansas, and have an adventurous spirit, getting out and exploring the city is one of the best ways to spend a weekend. Here are some of the best spots in Wichita to put on your itinerary for weekend explorations. more 1. Botanica Wichita For flower lovers, there's no better place to go for weekend exploring in Wichita than Botanica Wichita. This popular spot has been open since 1987 and offers four gardens filled with gorgeous flowers and plants. If you want to know more about any of the plant species that you see, you can stop by the horticultural library to learn something new. Botanica Wichita also features numerous themed gardens that display different species depending on the time of year. 2. Keeper of the Plains Plaza The history of Wichita is inextricably linked to that of the Native American people who have long called this area home. If you'd like to learn more about this cultural link, then the Keeper of the Plains Plaza is a great place to explore this weekend. At the center of the plaza is a massive steel structure depicting a Native American keeping watch over the land. The statue stands where the Arkansas River meets the Little Arkansas River and in the evenings the plaza is lit by the Ring of Fire that surrounds the statute. 3. Exploration Place If you have a passion for science, Exploration Place is a must-visit location in Wichita. This science center is tucked on the banks of the scenic Arkansas River and offers several ways that you and your kids can have fun. Exploration Place features multiple exhibits dedicated to math and science, as well as exhibits dedicated to the culture and history of Wichita. You can also see a show at the Dome Theater or go for a stroll through the outdoor Exploration Park. 4. Sedgwick County Zoo Do you love seeing exotic animals up close and in person? If so, then you need to spend a day exploring the Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo is separated into different world regions to make it easy to find the exact animal you're looking for among the more than 3,000 creatures that call this zoo home. If you visit the Africa region, you can see large animals such as gorillas and hippopotami. You should also be sure to stop by the penguin cove to watch these playful and gregarious birds glide through the water. 5. Arkansas River Path If you're in the mood for a long, leisurely walk, you should head over to the Arkansas River Path. This paved trail is over 3 miles long and winds its way along the gorgeous river waters. Walk the entire path and you'll get a great look at some of the top attractions in Wichita, including the All-American Indian Center. The River Path is also near the downtown area, so after you're done walking, you can stop by a nearby eatery for a delicious meal. Wichita is one of the best cities to live in if you love exploring on the weekends. The next time your work week is over, make sure to stop by one of these excellent exploration spots. https://www.flickr.com/photos/tylercipriani/32913715534/sizes/l Image via Flickr by tyler.cipriani

Although Wichita lacks a Big Four professional sports team, that doesn't mean the city is devoid of sporting events throughout the year. With a mix of pro, semi-pro, minor league, university, and local sports teams to satiate the desires of even the most hardcore sports fans, Wichita is an energetic, athletic city. The next time you're in the mood, check out a few of these places for the best sporting events in Wichita. 1. INTRUST Bank Arena If you can't get enough of the high-flying, fast-paced action of ice hockey, make the trip over to INTRUST Bank Arena. This 15,004-seat stadium in the heart of Wichita is home to the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. This minor-league affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers has played in the city since 1992, and with tickets starting at just $11, there aren't many more affordable ways to have fun. more INTRUST Bank Arena is also home to the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League (CIF). In the four seasons of the CIF, the Force have made the playoffs three times, including a victory in Champions Bowl II in 2016. Single-game tickets start at just $12, but you can also sit front row for only $32. There's no other place where you can get that close to the action for such a small sum. 2. Charles Koch Arena Under the guidance of head coach Gregg Marshall, the Wichita State University men's basketball team has become one of the top teams in college basketball and the American Athletic Conference (AAC). With seven NCAA Tournament appearances since 2013, a Sweet Sixteen, and a Final Four, few other teams in the country can boast such a resume. At the 10,506-seat Charles Koch Arena, you can see the Shockers in action as they make their bid for another NCAA Tournament appearance. Although not as successful as the men's team, the women's basketball team is always up for a challenge, taking on championship-caliber conference foes such as UConn, UCF, and Cincinnati. Tickets for both the men's and women's teams vary by date, seat, and opponent. 3. Stryker Soccer Complex Founded in 2013, FC Wichita is a member of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. Since being added to the NPSL, FC Wichita has won the league title three times, making it one of the most successful clubs in the league. Although technically a semi-pro team, FC Wichita has players from across the globe who've played in some of North America's most prestigious leagues and divisions. In 2017, FC Wichita also added a women's team, making it the first professional women's soccer team in the city. Both teams play their home games at the 6,100-seat Stryker Soccer Complex, which recently underwent a $22 million renovation to make it one of the top fields in the game outside of Major League Soccer. No matter what your favorite sport, Wichita has a venue and a team that are destined to become one of your favorites. https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark6mauno/16016268977/sizes/l Image via Flickr by mark6mauno

Situated on the banks of the Arkansas River in southern Kansas, Wichita is the largest and arguably the most interesting city in the state. Rich with culture, history, sports, and more, it's the top destination for visitors and a place that locals love. Whether you're planning a trip to the city or just want to learn more about where you're from, here are a few interesting facts about the City of Wichita. 1. Home of the Keeper of the Plains One of the most iconic symbols of Wichita is the Keeper of the Plains. Located at the confluence of the Little Arkansas River and the Arkansas River, this 44-foot-tall steel sculpture was designed by Kiowa-Comanche artist Blackbear Bosin and erected in 1974. Styled in the shape of a Native American in a headdress with a tomahawk, the sculpture is also surrounded by displays that document the tribes that used to call the area home. Stop by at night to see the statue illuminated by fire pits in the foreground of the city skyline. more 2. Where Pizza Hut and White Castle Were Founded If you've ever chowed down on some " belly bombers " or stuffed-crust pizza, you have Wichita to thank. Opened in Wichita in 1921, White Castle is the stuff of legends, commonly quoted by the likes of the Beastie Boys and enjoyed by night owls everywhere. Oddly enough, the chain has pulled out of the Wichita market over the past 100 years, but the origins of your mini-burgers are always good to know. In 1958, brothers Dan and Frank Carney opened the first Pizza Hut on the campus of Wichita State University. Not only did the business take off, but the brothers also implemented the revolutionary idea of pizza delivery years before their competitors. Sixty years later, the franchise has over 18,000 locations in 100 countries and $12 billion in sales, making it the largest and most profitable pizza chain in the world. 3. Known as the Air Capital of the World Wichita has a long-standing partnership with the aviation industry. In 1920, Wichita-based E.M. Laird Airplane Manufacturing Co. became the first manufacturer of commercial airplanes in the United States. During WWII, Wichita produced 44 percent of all aircraft for the war effort. Following the war, companies such as Cessna, Beechcraft, and Boeing have all produced airplanes or airplane parts in the city, giving Wichita the nickname "Air Capital of the World." 4. Home to the Seventh Largest Zoo in the Country Covering 247 acres, the Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is the seventh-largest zoo in the country. Upon opening in 1971, the zoo quickly became the city's most popular attraction with over 2,500 animals across 500 species. Today, the zoo hosts over 650,000 visitors a year with exhibits including the Gorilla Forest, the Pride of the Plains, Penguin Cover, Tiger Trek, and See Eye to Eye with Giraffes. Admission is $15.95 for adults and $11.95 for children. With so many interesting tidbits and attractions, Wichita is an undiscovered gem that's worth a visit. You might just end up calling it one of your favorite cities. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tynigh/769780607/sizes/l

Appreciate the historical significance of the Midwest right here in Kansas. From 19th-century memorabilia to a vast collection of American art, Kansas is home to several venues filled to the brim with unique artifacts. Keep reading to catch a glimpse of all the interesting things you're going to see in Wichita's best museums. Wichita Art Museum Wichita's art museum showcases the history of the Sunflower State. Founded in 1915 by Louise Murdock, a significant contributor to the city's early cultural scene, the museum opened to the public in 1935 with a display of borrowed exhibits. more The first purchased collections arrived in 1939 and were quickly followed a wide variety of paintings, sculptures, and textiles from talented artists, such as Mary Cassatt and others. The museum underwent a vast expansion in 1963, with a new lobby and two new wings. Today, collections sprawl over 115,000 square feet and the museum offers guests a research library, store, and cafe. What distinguishes this art museum from others is its collection of over 8,000 creative works by local and international talent. These pieces offer a particular focus on American art and the rich cultural heritage of the Great Plains. Wander outside and explore the Art Garden. Meandering alongside the Little Arkansas River, the garden features a diverse variety of local flora, including 20,000 perennials. Home to 13 sculptures, this outdoor exhibit blends delightfully with the lush landscape. The Wichita Art Museum sits at 1400 W. Museum Blvd. While the Art Garden never closes, the museum is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Monday and at noon on Sundays. The Old Cowtown Museum Head back in time to the glorious days of cowboys at The Old Cowtown Museum. It's a living memorial to what life was like along the historic Chisholm Trail, one of the storied cattle drives of the wild west. With more than 10,000 permanent artifacts, exhibits include tools, textiles, and furnishings. An assortment of 54 buildings depicts life along the trail, while the 5-acre period farm is still home to cows, sheep, goats, and chickens. The highlight of the museum is the 1884 Smith House, and costumed volunteers demonstrate the area's history from traditional log cabins. The museum's archive of photographs, letters, and documents authenticate many of the artifacts on display and help educate guests about the history of this proud cattle town. Find the Old Cowtown Museum at 1865 W. Museum Blvd. Exhibits are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Mid-America All-Indian Center Home to museum-quality works, the Mid-America All-Indian Center features more than 3,000 pieces created by Native American artists from around the country. The crowning jewel of the center is the permanent exhibit celebrating the life of Blackbear Bosin. The Mid-America All-Indian Center is at 650 N. Seneca and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Visit Wichita's cultural centers today. With such a large variety of thought-provoking exhibits, there's sure to be something of interest for everyone. Image via Flickr by Ty Nigh

Sushi is a Japanese dish usually consisting of fish or other ingredients placed on or inside of sticky rice. This dish is becoming quite popular in Wichita, with over 20 restaurants in the area providing these tasty bites. Check out a few of these locations, and you'll be in for a scrumptious treat. Ninza Sushi Bar Ninza Sushi Bar is located at 8428 W. 13th St. N. and is open every day of the week. You can get the standard California or spicy tuna rolls here, but Ninza is known for its specialty rolls. Try the Red Fantasy Roll, which has crab, avocado, asparagus, tuna, fried garlic, and eel sauce. If you want to try something unique, go for a baked roll. The baked rolls are heated so when they come to the table, you'll be hit with an amazing aroma. The B.S.C.R. is a favorite; it comes with crab, avocado, mozzarella, and baked scallops. more Sapporo Japanese Sushi Restaurant Sapporo Japanese Sushi Restaurant can be found at 8065 E. Peachtree Lane and is open every day except Sunday. When you go to Sapporo, you can expect plates that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palette. Sapporo has over 30 specialty rolls that are either raw or cooked. If you don't want a roll, all of the fish can be ordered as either sashimi or nigiri. If you are out on a date, try the love boat for two. The boat, which is decorated with flowers, comes with the chef's choice of eight pieces of sushi, 12 pieces of sashimi, a spicy tuna roll, and an angel roll. Blue Fin Sake Bar Blue Fin Sake Bar is located at 225 N. Washington Ave. and is open daily. Blue Fin focuses on pairing their 10 different kinds of sake, which is a wine made from rice, with their sushi creations. They even have an extensive list of cocktails, most of which are made with sake. After you decide on your sake, choose from sashimi, nigiri, or over 30 different sushi rolls. The most unique roll at Blue Fin is the Fired Dragon Roll. This roll has spicy tuna, cream cheese, avocado, and baked red snapper, and it is served on fire. Mizu Sushi Mizu Sushi is located at 2140 W. 21st St. N. and is open every day. Mizu Sushi is the perfect place to go if you are hungry and want to try a lot of sushi. They offer a lunch and dinner special where you can order as much sushi as you can eat for two hours. It costs $13 a person during the week and $15 on weekends. Pick from unlimited appetizers, sashimi, nigiri, and even hibachi-cooked meals. Don't forget to finish your meal with some fried ice cream. If you are a big fan of sushi, Wichita is definitely a place where you can find a lot of great places to try. Check out any of the locations above, and you'll be feasting on the freshest fish possible. Image via Flickr by adactio