Historical Museum and Shop Rural Tour

106 E. Division,Peabody KS 66866

27 November, 2021

Description

Join us while we explore the historical sites of Marion County, Kansas while supporting local rural businesses. We will begin our tour at the foot of the Flint Hills at the Peabody Historical Society and Museum that holds over 300 years of regional history that includes historic archives, ceramics, textiles, and eight properties. Afterward, we will explore the local businesses and eateries set against the backdrop of stunning late Victorian architecture of Peabody’s central business district and immaculate public parks. Then we will travel to the Mennonite community of Hillsboro to spend time at the Pioneer Adobe House (Mennonite Settlement Museum) to experience what it was like to live and work in this area during the 1870s including an operating Dutch windmill that grinds wheat and a one-room schoolhouse. Following the tour, we will wander the local businesses and eateries of the thriving downtown of Hillsboro. Our final destination is the town of Marion, nestled in a valley along a ridge on the west edge of the Flint Hills. First, we will embark at the Marion Historical Museum that occupies the former 1887 First Baptist Church that sculpts that narrative of the area through historical artifacts including 19th-century textiles, needlework, farm implements, toys and photographs. We will conclude our tour by wandering through the town of Marion that is built around a large central park featuring historic springs to patron the town’s local businesses, eateries and an optional stay at the Historic Elgin Hotel that includes a full service restaurant and bar serving elevated comfort food in an atmosphere that exudes the elegance of the late 19th century. There are three optional time slots for tours: 10:00AM – 2:15PM, 11:00AM – 3:15PM, OR 12:00-4:15PM Tours will be “self-driving” between Peabody, Hillsboro and Marion. A detailed map will be available for you when checking in at the beginning of the tour. Eateries include: Breakfast, pies, bakeries, sandwiches, bars, coffee shops, brunch, tea shops, custom beef and pork processing, local beef, local pork, local sausage, local cheese, local ham, full service meat counter, local soups, bread bowls, deserts, taco food truck (crispy shrimp or sweet Thai pork tacos), elevated comfort food Small businesses include: Antiques, quilt shop (fabrics and patterns), local artworks, handmade and refurbished furniture including handmade farm tables, glassware, taxidermy, wood stain art, local beef local pork, local sausage, local cheese, local ham, local mustard, custom metal and wood signs, live plants, pickle kits, sack flower towels, heirloom mixing bowls, cookie cutters, locally made soaps and lotions, leather goods, primitives, hattery (customized felt or straw hats), western clothes Hotels include: Marion: 1. Historic Elgin Hotel, 115 Third (620-382-3200), $150 a night. On the National Registry of Historic Places with full service restaurant and bar called Parlour 1886 (hours 5-9pm) serving elevated comfort food (steaks, pork chops, burgers, garlic truffle fries, etc.) in an atmosphere that exudes the elegance of the late 19th century. 2. NorthShore GuestHouse, 1475 240th (620-382-7275), $140 a night. This registered Agritourism business is a three-bedroom bungalow located less than one mile from the Marion Reservoir and is in the Flint Hills region of Kansas surrounded by Wildlife and Parks property with over 6,000 acres for public use. 3. Country Dreams Bed & Breakfast, 2309 Clover Road (620-382-2250), $85 a night or $95 including an evening meal. This registered Agritourism business is located on the western edge of the scenic Kansas Flint Hills. The home overlooks a picturesque lake and is well stocked with crappie, bass, bluegill and catfish. Fishing boats are available to guests. There are five guest rooms, each with a private bath. A full country breakfast is served. 4. Country Inn Motel, 1305 E Main (620-382-2147), $60 a night. Authentic vintage motel.