Lawrence, KS July 2023

LOCAL SERVICES

SALUTE! SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

ARTS + CULTURE

A LANDMARK CELEBRATION AT THE DOLE INSTITUTE

TRAVEL

FOUR PERFECT SPOTS TO STAY LOCAL

FITNESS

AN ADVENTURER’S HAVEN AT SUNFLOWER

Summer in Lawrence

Summertime is here!  What a joy to be able to jump on a bike, picnic every day of the week after work, hang out with friends sipping a beer, tend the garden, carve stone, and experience our wonderful community.

We had so many compliments on the first issue. Thank you to all for your comments of support on our social media, personal emails, and phone calls—and to those who subscribed to our digital and direct-mail platforms. We have a great team, and I want to praise them every day and remind them they are the foundation of this beautiful magazine. Everything you share with me, I share with them. So, keep the comments coming, and share any ideas of content you want to see.

This is our Summer Fun Issue!!  Be sure to check out our stories on local places to stay, including the Oread and Circle S Ranch. Learn more about the adventurer’s haven that is Sunflower Outdoors and Bike. And don’t miss the exciting events at The Dole Institute of Politics, Salute! for Cottonwood Inc., and the Charity Challenge blood drive for Community Blood Center. We also have a winery picnic piece featuring Davenport Winery, Au Marche, and Paul’s Better Bakery.

Just a few words about us. Our mission is to connect our community and businesses in the most extraordinary way.  We want to tell the stories that represent this vibrant, wonderful and unique place. This is the place we call our home because we love it here. We want to help others see the city’s potential and to create and maintain a culture that fosters passion, positivity, inclusivity, and creativity.

We are a digital, print, and social media platform, both local and national. Our direct-mail publication is sent out monthly to homes and businesses throughout the community. There are 180-plus platforms like ours across the country. Our Lawrence City Lifestyle brand is unique to Lawrence.  We are focused on connecting people here in Lawrence.

Now, about my photo this month:  I was recently able to leave for the long weekend to visit my children and grandchild in Munich and Ravensburg, Germany.  Like many of us, our summer fun involves visiting other places. This photo was taken at a beautiful German farmer’s market. Like our wonderful farmer’s market (also featured in this issue), it is a gathering place where we go shopping for local foods, flowers, and art while listening to music and visiting with friends. I love both farmer's markets and relish the experience!

Thanks again for joining us through this journey and our July issue.  We can’t wait to see you again in August.

DENISE DETOMMASO, PUBLISHER @LAWRENCEKSCITYLIFESTYLE

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Denise DeTommaso

denise.detommaso@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Linda Ditch | linda.ditch@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Hollie Blakeney | hollie.blakeney@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Kyla Love | kyla.love@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jourdan Gundersen jourdan.gundersen@citylifestyle.com

MARKET SUPPORT DIRECTOR

Nathan Hutchcraft | nathan@fabuluxmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Hollie Blakeney, Linda Ditch, Nathan Hutchcraft

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Hollie Blakeney, Jerry Jost, Kristol Kumar

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Proverbs 3:5-6

Chef’s Table

CELEBRATE SUMMER TOMATOES

One of the joyful aspects of summer is the taste of a ripe tomato fresh from the garden. Personal Chef Depal Patel created a dish to highlight this versatile summer gift.

Patel loves to make delicious, elevated comfort food. With over 25 years of experience as a chef, his dishes are approachable yet refined. As a private chef, he specializes in multi-course, intimate dinners for up to eight people in his client’s home or his own, and as an experienced event chef, providing delectable meals for up to 25 people at various locations around Lawrence.

He is also an excellent instructor and teaches small group workshops on everything from butchering to basic cooking skills and more complex recipes. Many of these workshops conclude with a tasty meal.

To book Patel for a dinner or workshop, email him at  depalpatel@hotmail.com or call him at 785.218.1192

Celebration of Tomatoes

6-8 servings

Chef Patel combines the components of this recipe to create a dish to highlight this favorite summer offering.

Confit

• 3 large heirloom tomatoes,

• 1 tsp salt,

• 1 tsp black pepper

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• ¼ cup canola

• 1 garlic clove

• 5 thyme sprigs

DIRECTIONS

Slice tomatoes in ½-inch slices. Sprinkle with salt and set aside for 1 hour. Drain liquid and reserve for later use. Place in oven safe dish, slightly overlapping is okay. Add both oils, garlic, thyme, and black pepper and place in a 200-degree oven for 1.5-2 hours or until very tender. Cool for 15-20 minutes and remove tomatoes. Strain oil and reserve for later use.

Aspic

• 2 cups tomato juice

• 1 ½ tablespoons unflavored gelatin

• Salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Pour half the tomato juice into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the top and let set until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour the gelatin mixture into a medium saucepan over low heat. Stir until the gelatin dissolves. Add the remaining tomato juice and salt, to taste. Pour the mixture into a loaf pan. Cover and place in the refrigerator to set.

Tomato Croutons

• 2 cups cubed artisan bread (preferably stale)

• 4 tablespoons of reserved tomato liquid

• 3 tablespoons reserved oil

• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Place on a sheet tray, spreading the cubes evenly. Place in a 250-degree oven for about an hour or until dried out and slightly browned. Remove and cool.

• ½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes

• ½ tsp salt

• Olive oil

• Basil

• Tomato powder

To serve, set out 6 to 8 salad plates. Place a confit tomato, cube of chilled aspic, tomatoes, and croutons on the plate. Drizzle olive oil and chopped basil over the top. Chef Patel also sprinkles on tomato powder. (Available on Amazon.)

MEET THE MAKERS

LOCAL ARTISTS WHO GIFT A PIECE OF THEMSELVES IN THEIR ART

LIZ BONNY LIESEL CALLAHAN

Lawrence native and fourth-generation Jayhawk, Liesel Callahan is the artist behind The Singing Little Bird. Her cards, prints, notepads, and gift wrap are adorned with her joyful watercolor paintings. Full of whimsy, positivity, and love, her products spread happiness and make amazing gifts! To learn more, go to thesinginglittlebird.com

Liz Bonny creates community. Her passion for the fiber arts brings people together. Whether hosting a fiber meet-up, teaching her craft to others, or sourcing local wool, her dedication to making a strong and sustainable fiber community here in Lawrence is a gift. To learn more about Liz and the local fiber community, go to harvestrybyhand.com

SUZANNE ASHLEY

Lawrence native Suzanne Ashley is a digital machine embroidery artist. A lifelong sewist, she has always had an eye for color and embraces the challenge of creating images with thread. You can see her work through July 15 at the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City or yearround at Art Love Collective, 646 Vermont.

LAURIE MARLOWE

As a seven-year-old in Arizona, Laurie Marlowe was in awe of a creative classmate and aspired to be like her. This started her journey as a mixed-media artist. Laurie explores color, shape, and religious and mystical symbolism while expressing thoughts and ideas that there are no words for. Her jewelry, enamel work, and beadwork are available at Art Love Collective at 646 Vermont.

DEBBIE BURCHETT CARDEN

Debbie Burchett Carden is a homegrown Kansan. She works in chalk ink, acrylics, wood burning, and wood carving. She fully embraces nature on her 25-acre farm. An avid gardener, her work frequently features the plants and animals that surround her. To learn more, visit her Facebook page, Shooting Star Studio and Farm.

Salute! Season

A WEEKEND FESTIVAL TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF COTTONWOOD, INC.

Summer in Lawrence means Salute! Celebrating its 24th year, this weekend-long festival of wine, food and fun is the primary fundraiser for Cottonwood, Inc. This non-profit organization provides services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Proceeds from Salute! are used by Cottonwood in its delivery of quality services and support for persons served, which allow them to shape their own futures and live their best lives.

“Salute! helps us provide support and services,” says Director of Community Relations Ettie Brightwell. “For all of us, it’s a singularity of purpose. From the moment we walk in the door, our focus is lasered on our mission of helping people with disabilities shape their own future.”

CEO Colleen Himmelberg adds, “It’s fundamental to the entire organization, the value of going above and beyond, all for the folks we support. It’s woven through this organization. Staff don’t even think twice about it.”

Standard Beverage Corporation is the presenting sponsor of the Salute! Festival, with the wine dinner and Grand Tasting nights hosted by The Oread Hotel. Many of Cottonwood’s clients help check tickets, hand out gift bags, and display items at the live auction on the festival’s closing night.

Visit salutewinefest.com to order tickets and learn more about the weekend.

MASS ST. MOSEY

THURSDAY, JULY 13TH, FROM 5 TO 8 P.M.

Enjoy a summer evening stroll down Mass Street while sipping wine or beer. Twelve locations between 6th and 10th Streets will provide a taste of red and/or white wine, plus a food tidbit from a local caterer or restaurant. One spot will have beer for tasting. Tickets are $60 and are limited to 500.

WINEMAKER DINNER

FRIDAY, JULY 14TH STARTING AT 6:30 P.M. AT THE OREAD HOTEL

The evening features an elegant, six-course meal by The Oread’s Executive Chef, Justin Pittenger. Each dish is paired with wines from a single vintner, which this year is Trinchero Family Estates in Napa Valley. Only 125 tickets are sold for the dinner.

THE GRAND TASTING AND AUCTION

SATURDAY, JULY 15TH, FROM 6 TO 10 P.M. AT THE OREAD HOTEL

At this fun closing-night party, guests can sample more than 200 wines, beers or spirits. Ten area restaurants and caterers will also provide samples of their cuisine. Both a silent and live auction feature over-the-top items, including 100-point wines, concert tickets, and autographed sports memorabilia from KU basketball and KC Chiefs players. (Mahomes!) Tickets are $75 and are limited to 500.

A Trip To Bountiful

Freshness Abounds At The Saturday Lawrence Farmers Market!

1. MELLOWFIELDS FARM

Mellowfields Farm offers a gorgeous selection of organically grown produce. In addition to selling at the Lawrence Farmers Market, they offer produce for pick-up and delivery from their webstore at mellowfields.com. Their goods are also available at The Merc Co+op, and Natural Grocers and are a favorite of many local restaurants.

2. STONE AND SPARROW FARM

Stone and Sparrow Farm and Mill do something that is quite uncommon nowadays. They grow AND grind all the flours that they sell. Their Red Turkey Heirloom Wheat is the perfect bread flour, and their nutty Spelt Flour is a great all-around flour. Owner Dustin Hess can’t hide the pride that he has in his amazing products! Follow them on Facebook at Stone & Sparrow Farm and Mill.

3. WILD ALIVE FERMENTS

Made and grown with love in Lawrence, KS, Wild Alive Ferments works with local farmers to preserve the seasons and utilize the immunities in our local soil. Their various kimchis, krauts, and fermented hot sauces add a depth of flavor to any dish. Would you like to learn more? You can by attending a fermentation class! For more information on their mission, products, and classes, go to wildaliveferments.com

4. GREEN COME TRUE

Green Come True provides amazing plastic-free, eco-friendly soaps, cleaning supplies, shampoos, and so much more! Oh, and they smell divine! Their locally made, sustainable products are available at the Saturday market, at their store at 741 New Jersey, or by delivery. Go to greencometrue.com for more information.

5. WILD HOLLOW FARM

Luca Sauder loves to help out at the family business, Wild Hollow Farm! They sell their produce at both the Saturday market and the Thursday market at Cottins Hardware. They are proud grower members of Rolling Prairie CSA. For more information, go to  RollingPrairieCSA.com or follow them on Instagram @wildhollowks.

A LANDMARK CELEBRATION

The Dole Institute Of Politics Marks Its 20th Anniversary And The Senator's 100th Birthday

In the past 20 years, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics has become a majestic landmark on the University of Kansas campus. To commemorate that anniversary and the 100th birthday of its namesake, the late Senator Bob Dole, a landmark celebration will take place on July 22nd. Leading up to that day are numerous ways for visitors to get involved in the festivities while learning more about Dole’s legacy.

On July 22, 2003, Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole, former President Jimmy Carter, Senators Pat Roberts and George McGovern, along with KU Chancellor at the time Robert Hemenway, Dole Institute Director Richard Norton Smith and then Governor Kathleen Sebelius and other dignitaries dedicated the Dole Institute of Politics on KU’s West Campus. The building houses the congressional archives of both Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole and the museum chronicles their impressive lives of public service.

The Dole Institute has come to be a place where students and the public can participate in non-partisan forums on all aspects of politics, as well as training for leadership and public service.

“One thing we try to get across here at the Institute is that everybody has a different path to service,” says Director Audrey Colman. “We encourage citizens to be engaged, informed and committed to constructive leadership, whether in your town, school, state or nation. It’s important for folks to understand that here at the Institute, we’re not telling you to check your beliefs and

opinions at the door. We’re not telling you to be non-partisan. Yes, affiliate with a party. Engage, and don’t be afraid to defend your position. But also understand that politics is the means to an end and not the end itself.”

The Landmark Celebration kicked off in the spring with a ground-breaking ceremony for the commissioned earthwork piece being created by Kansas artist Stan Herd. Bob Dole’s longtime Senate colleagues, Senators Trent Lott and Tom Daschle, participated in the dedication. Using the earth as his canvas, Herd is making a representational likeness of Senator Dole on the hillside near the Institute’s entrance. Visitors are invited to watch Herd work on the piece.

Young people are also participating in the art installation by drawing images of what Kansas means to them when they visit the Institute and by sending their work from across the state. Their artwork will be sealed onto tiles, creating a boundary around Herd’s earthwork creation. The museum also has craft tables for kids to explore all summer.

On July 22nd, the celebration culminates with a daylong, free public event featuring special appearances, family-friendly activities, a dedication of the commemorative earthwork, a military band, music, and more. There will be an opportunity to view the completed earthwork, which will remain in place until KU’s Homecoming in October.

To keep up to date on the upcoming Landmark Celebration at the Dole Institute, visit doleinstitute.org/landmark .

A Kansas native son like Senator Dole, Stan Herd is one of the founders of the “Prairie Renaissance,” a group promoting film, music and the arts in America’s heartland. His artistic career began as a painter and muralist before he began working as a representational earthworks artist. Since turning to the earth as his “canvas,” his work has appeared worldwide in places such as China, Cuba, Australia, Brazil and in 13 states in the US.

“Every time I do a project, I’m learning something new,” Herd says. “There’s a slope here, so we have to be careful with what we put down. It’s temporary, so we have a date with the land, but we’re not marrying it.”

How does his earthwork withstand the weather? Herd says an intense rainstorm could affect it, but most weather won’t cause any problems. Part of this piece will have stone to help give it support. But he’s committed to the earth coming through in the image.

“Bob Dole was a man of the earth,” he says. Learn more about Herd and his work at stanherdarts.com

Stay Local

FOUR PERFECT SPOTS FOR A VACATION CLOSE TO HOME

ARTICLE BY NATHAN HUTCHCRAFT | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY LOCATIONS

THE OREAD HOTEL

12 OREAD AVE., LAWRENCE

Perched at the top of Lawrence stands the Oread Hotel, a luxurious retreat that artfully blends historical and modern architecture. This full-service hotel offers a unique and complete center for lodging and hospitality, promising a memorable experience for every guest.

Every room at the Oread exudes elegance, featuring granite bathrooms and all the modern comforts. The hotel boasts a fitness center, a business center, and a tanning salon catering to all your needs.

For gastronomes, the Oread is a paradise. The Bird Dog Bar, themed with an American sportsman vibe, serves both casual sandwiches and upscale entrees, while the hotel’s numerous dining options promise something for everyone.

The pièce de résistance? The Nest, a rooftop space offering live music on the weekends, and the CAVE nightclub add a touch of vibrant nightlife to the serene surroundings.

CIRCLE S RANCH

3325 CIRCLE S LANE, LAWRENCE

Nestled amidst the tranquil beauty of Lawrence, Circle S Ranch offers a rejuvenating escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. This family-owned hotel has been operating for over 24 years, offering a warm and rustic atmosphere that harks back to its origins as a working ranch from 1860.

Stay in one of their 12 country-style rooms, each boasting unique decor, from log cabin aesthetic to countryside chic. The hotel can be fully booked for events, accommodating up to 200 guests in their Party Barn reception area, the Great Room, or the Indoor Wedding Chapel. Alternatively, guests can book single rooms for a serene retreat.

The property’s lush surroundings and charming venues invite exploration and relaxation. Many guests relish the ambiance and camaraderie, making Circle S Ranch a place to stay and an experience to treasure.

SADDLE RIDGE RETREATS

1972 E 1600 ROAD, LAWRENCE

Immerse yourself in the allure of the great outdoors without sacrificing an ounce of comfort at Saddle Ridge Retreats. This idyllic haven is tailor-made for couples seeking a serene escape while also welcoming families with its wide variety of amenities.

A luxury dome tent is a home away from home, bristling with amenities like electricity and air conditioning, with a touch of opulence. The warm, welcoming glow of the interiors contrasts beautifully with the ethereal calm of the surrounding nature.

The retreat beckons seasoned horse riders and novices to venture out on guided trail rides. Fancy a quiet afternoon by the water? A stocked fishing pond awaits.

The charm of Saddle Ridge lies not just in the scenery but in the small details: off-grid bathrooms boasting hot showers and running water, catered meals sourced from the very soil you walk on, and the friendly whinny of horses that call this retreat home. It’s not just camping. It’s a luxurious experience that intertwines with the natural beauty of the Kansas landscape.

CHATEAU AVALON

701 VILLAGE WEST PARKWAY, KANSAS CITY, KS

In the heart of Kansas City, Kansas, a jewel gleams—the Chateau Avalon, an award-winning hotel designed to transport couples into a world of opulent relaxation. Each suite is a uniquely themed haven of luxury. From the Classic Suites, with their jetted tubs and modern amenities, to the exotic Adventure Suites, every room promises a memorable stay.

Yet, the magic of Chateau Avalon extends beyond its rooms. Unwind in the beautifully themed D’Nile Lounge, a vibrant oasis open to everyone. Here, the clink of cocktail glasses and the hum of conversation provide the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Afterward, retreat to the on-site spa to pamper yourself with a rejuvenating treatment. A final touch of splendor awaits in the Avent Orangery. This magnificent glass atrium serves as one of Kansas City’s most spectacular event venues.

Surrounding the hotel, Kansas City beckons with its rich tapestry of attractions. Sporting events, shopping hubs, live performances, and unique experiences are just moments away, promising an adventure for every taste.

AN ADVENTURER’S HAVEN

HALF A CENTURY OF OUTDOOR EXCELLENCE AT SUNFLOWER

Imagine a place where the earthy tones of the great outdoors mingle with the gleaming gear of adventure. Where the air is rich with the smell of leather, the musky undertones of a well-trod trail, and the metallic tang of bike chains. A place filled with an endless passion for exploring the world around us. This haven, steeped in the love for the outdoors, isn’t atop a ski slope in the mountains or along a trail in the desert, but right here in the heart of Mass Street.

For over five decades, Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop has been an integral part of Lawrence’s historic downtown. What began as an Army-Navy surplus store in 1972 has evolved into one of the nation’s leading outdoor outfitters, named among the nation’s best bike shops by the National

Bicycle Dealers Association. For a half century, the staff at this heartland gem has been serving the local community, fueling adventures and inspiring individuals to embrace the joy of the outdoors.

The humble roots of the shop have not prevented it from blossoming into a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a vast range of gear for climbing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and, of course, cycling. Aspiring adventurers can seek out the advice of the store’s “nerds” —a term used endearingly for the knowledgeable staff who share the same outdoor enthusiasm as their customers do.

But the accolades and vast array of gear are only part of the story. What truly sets Sunflower apart is the belief that they’re not just selling products—they’re selling experiences.

“We love to hear that people bought their first bike here years ago, and that kicked off a passion for the outdoors,” says

Sunflower’s general manager and avid biker, Dan Hughes. “It means a lot to us to play that role in the lives of the people who come here.”

Beyond merely retailing equipment, the shop has embraced a larger role within the local community. They actively participate in bike rodeos, outdoor clinics, and film festivals, among other initiatives, promoting outdoor activity and environmental consciousness. Their commitment to the community and the environment is a testament to their continued success over the years.

Adding to its diverse offering, Sunflower recently expanded its services with the introduction of the Sunflower Wellness Studio, a new wellness destination in Lawrence. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or someone looking to stay active and centered, the Sunflower Wellness Studio offers a range of classes that focus on building strength, increasing flexibility, and improving balance.

The studio, located on the second floor of the historic Sunflower building, is a recently renovated, expansive space with tall ceilings and original floor-to-ceiling windows. The space can accommodate up to 35 people, allowing for a communal yet spacious practice.

After a refreshing yoga session, visitors can stop by the Sunflower Cafe & Pub for a nourishing meal or a recovery shake. With a menu offering a variety of choices, including vegetarian and vegan options, and a curated selection of cocktails and local beers, the cafe adds another dimension to the Sunflower experience.

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop’s half-century journey is a testament to its enduring commitment to the Lawrence community and the outdoors. As the shop continues to grow and evolve, it remains a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts, encouraging everyone to explore, enjoy, and respect the great outdoors.

THERE'S NO SUBSTITUTE

TAKE TIME THIS SUMMER TO DONATE

collected yearly. These units are used to treat thousands of local patients in need of life-saving care.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic further weakened the blood supply.  Kay Reeves, The Growth & Development Specialist with Community Blood Center, explains, “Over the course of COVID, we lost about 25,000 donors.  Our donor base was displaced as a result of donors working remotely. We also lost a large portion of our high school and college donors, which make up 25 to 30 percent of our donor base. It’s going to take us two to three years to get those donor numbers back up.”

Summer is not only the perfect time for vacations, outdoor adventures, and sports gatherings. It’s also a great time to donate blood. In fact, it’s vital.

Blood donations drop in the summer as everyone becomes busy with warm-weather activities. Unfortunately, the need for blood, platelets and plasma does not. They often increase during this time due to accidents and elective surgeries people put off until vacation time.

“There’s no substitute for human blood,” says Community Blood Center Account Manager Kim Clark. “There is a constant need. Community Blood Center needs to collect over 600 pints a day to meet the needs of our local hospitals. And we supply blood to more than 68 area hospitals and 100 percent to Lawrence Memorial Hospital.”

Since its opening in 1958, more than one million patients have received blood donated at Community Blood Center donor centers and blood drives. More than 200,000 units of red blood cells, platelets and plasma are

There are multiple ways to save lives with Community Blood Center. One is the upcoming Charity Challenge blood drive.  In partnership with Theatre Lawrence and Central Bank, CBC will host this event where non-profit groups “compete” to win a monetary gift for their 501(c)3 organization. They recruit donors to give at a blood drive on Wednesday, July 26th, from 12 to 6 p.m. at Theater Lawrence. All donors receive a t-shirt and are entered in a drawing for a pair of Theatre Lawrence show tickets. The winning non-profits receive $1,000 for first place and $500 for second.

For more information about the Charity Challenge or to host a blood drive with your business or community group, contact Clark at 816-315-1389 or kclark@cbckc.org . To learn more about blood donation, donor eligibility, and Community Blood Center locations near you, visit savealifenow.org .

“The Lawrence Community continues to support our cause,” says Clark, “and we appreciate the partnerships we have here and the support for opportunities like the Charity Challenge and, most importantly, the Lawrence blood donors.”

An Al Fresco Supper

Dining Outdoors Is Simple Thanks To Local Spots

Gathering around the table outside on a warm summer evening automatically makes a meal feel special. But there is no need to dirty the kitchen or fire up the grill. Instead, grab the picnic basket, stop at some favorite food shops, and head to a lovely spot.

One beautiful and relaxing place for an al fresco meal is Davenport Winery. Guests often unwind at one of their many outdoor tables to sip on a favorite red or white. (Ludmilla, an off-dry white, is a refreshing summer selection.) Or you’re welcome to spread a blanket out and repose next to some of the 13 varieties of grapes grown in the vineyard.

For a simple supper, the team at Au Marche can put together a charcuterie board of select meats and cheeses. A few nuts,

cornichons, and crackers add to the nibbles. Each board can be adapted to fit your tastes and the size of the gathering.    Finish off the evening with some colorful macarons from Paul’s Better Bakery. The popular flavors include classic dark chocolate, peanut butter and dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and vanilla bean in KU red and blue shells. Try the mango-white chocolate, black currant, passion fruit, and lavender for something more exotic.

To plan an al fresco winery supper:

Davenport Winery— davenportwinery.net

Au Marche European Market—aumarche.com

Paul’s Better Bakery—paulsbetterbakery.com

PIZZA ON THE FARM

Thursday evenings are pizza nights at Juniper Hill Farm & Table. Guests enjoy a happy hour beverage from 5 to 6 p.m. and a tasty appetizer while enjoying the peaceful countryside on this working farm. Of course, the wood-fired pizzas are the night’s star attraction, with the topping selections changing to fit the seasons.

The idea for Pizza Night came in the early days of the COVID pandemic. Nancy Thellman found herself at a crossroads, having just lost a close primary election to retain her county commission seat. Her worried daughter Katy sent her an article from the New York Times featuring vegetable farms hosting pizza nights. Nancy saw the benefit of allowing people to enjoy the countryside while utilizing her son, Scott’s, crops to make the pizzas.

“More than that, it’s a beautiful way to get more folks to fall in love with the farm and see the value of it,” says Thellman. “Small family farms need to have the larger community love them and want them to stay around.”

After more than a year of hard physical work, Juniper Hill opened for Thursday pizza nights last fall. All of this deliciousness is just a 10-minute drive from downtown. The nights are often a sell-out, so make your reservations online at juniperhillfarmtable.com/pizza-nights