SECRET WICHITA: A GUIDE TO THE WEIRD, WONDERFUL, AND OBSCURE
By Vanessa Whiteside, Reedy Press
Where in the city can you find an underground troll, an alley crawling with spiders, or a bar hidden behind a bookcase? Secret Wichita: A Guide to the Weird, Wonderful, and Obscure takes you on an adventure to find the city’s interesting places and artifacts, unveiling the stories of people that make it unique.
Discover a warehouse of military tanks and a room of ancient coffins. Find out where to conduct a paranormal investigation, follow the yellow brick road, and view an extensive collection of sewing machines. Locals probably remember Joyland amusement park, but do they know the story of the Giant Thriller rollercoaster once located on an island in the middle of the city? How about the electric guitar’s debut in Wichita? Or Pizza Hut’s sauce recipe written on a napkin?
Learn the stories of people who left their mark, like mischief-maker Carry Nation, the original Buffalo Bill, and aviation pioneer Olive Ann Beech. Which man is responsible for establishing the city and naming it? Crack the spine of the book to find out.
Wichita native Vanessa Whiteside is your storytelling guide to off-beat locations and tucked-away treasures. Whether you’re a Wichitan or a tourist exploring the city for the first time, you’ll get to know a different side of Doo-Dah. Buy the book.
100 THINGS TO DO IN WICHITA BEFORE YOU DIE
By Vanessa Whiteside, Reedy Press
Wichita, aka “Doo Dah,” is a mid-size city with attractions that easily rival the nation’s largest metropolises in entertainment value. Fun awaits all who come to discover it! 100 Things to Do in Wichita Before You Die is a bucket-list book filled cover to cover with timeless destinations and lesser-known places.
Dig into the burgeoning arts scene with tips for the First Friday Gallery Crawl or the Tallgrass Film Festival, founded by a Wichita native in 2003. Find out the story behind the 44-foot-tall Keeper of the Plains statue downtown. Root, root, root for the home team, the Wichita Wind Surge at Riverfront Stadium. Outdoor activities, delicious dining, shopping, concerts, and a thriving arts scene scratch the surface. As they say, “Wichita is what you make it,” and around every corner is an experience waiting for you.
Wichita native and travel writer Vanessa Whiteside is your personal guide to her favorite parts of her much-beloved hometown. Crack the spine of this book and choose an adventure in the city!
The award-winning book was also bestselling at Watermark Books & Café after its release. Buy the book.
