It’s a beautiful and calm morning down on Missouri Street in Alma, Kansas. This picturesque small town, known as the City of Stone, captivates visitors with its historic stone and brick buildings, forming a charming downtown. Nestled in the scenic heart of the Flint Hills, Alma, with its population of 802, offers an ideal weekend getaway just a half-hour drive from Manhattan.
Driving south into Alma on Highway 99, it’s hard not to marvel at the natural beauty around you. In fact, our adventure began with a scenic drive along Skyline Drive, located just south of town. This gravel road leads all the way to Paxico, revealing breathtaking vistas, creek crossings, and the opportunity to witness captivating wildlife amidst the prairie landscape.
Situated within the rolling hills of green native grass and scattered valleys of cedar trees, the entire area exudes a beauty that is awe-inspiring. Rolling back into downtown, there’s some busy hustle and bustle outside the Post Office as we wait for The Antique Emporium to open. A fun place “for the seekers,” there’s always something unique to find here. Across the street is El Corral Mexican Restaurant, which has stellar ratings from both Google and our staff photographer, Tim Sigle. Just a short distance up the street lies Pacheco Beef, a fantastic local destination where you can savor the finest Flint Hills grown beef. Then, three miles north back towards the Interstate, awaits the newly opened showroom of the world-famous Alma Creamery. Since 1946, they have been making some nibblin’ good cheese of all varieties, and recently, they just opened a brand-new tasting room.
Located inside the Plaza of the Flint Hills travel center, at the conjunction of Highway 99 and I-70’s Exit 325, is a spacious new sampling room, and the newest location to find Alma Cheese. They offer everything from blocks of Kansas-shaped cheese and original cheese curds, to specialty-flavored curds and summer sausage. They even have several flavors of unique curd flavors, like Mediterranean, jalapeño, and dill. Everything here is hand-crafted, fresh, and glorious. It’s a must visit.
A half mile north of the Plaza of the Flint Hills, and just a few steps away from the Road To Oz, Highway 99, lies the true cornerstone of your weekend visit to Alma. Originally constructed in 1898 as the Hinerville Schoolhouse, this meticulously transformed one-room school now serves as a gorgeous luxury retreat. Whether you're seeking a romantic rendezvous or a memorable family getaway, this captivating property enchants guests with its limestone composition, intact bell tower, and abundant space to explore both indoors and outdoors. Delight in the lush garden, bask on the expansive deck, and revel in the freedom to spread out and fully enjoy your visit.
As you step inside, prepare to be awestruck by the painstaking renovation with exquisite attention to detail from the very first moment. The thoughtfully curated interior design, with its beautiful neutral-toned color schemes, seamlessly blends contemporary flair with the cherished originality of the space.
Every glance is fruitful and stunning. The conjoined open kitchen and living room immediately creates a cozy atmosphere. Above, the overhead loft is nestled beneath a gorgeous ceiling of original, exposed wood. The school’s 125-year-old chalkboard adorns the wall near the entrance, while the original hardwood floors exude timeless charm. The school’s infirmary-turned-bathroom is highlighted with exposed limestone and modern fixtures. Converted jacket closets serve as bedrooms, and the loft offers additional space and comfort, along with an extra restroom. With the recent additions of central air and a limestone-lined gas fireplace, this remarkable retreat ensures year-round comfort.
Michelle Gray, a former schoolteacher turned interior designer from Illinois, could have never imagined owning and transforming a property like this. Following her children to the Flint Hills, she stumbled upon the opportunity to turn her newfound dream into reality when the schoolhouse became available for sale. After owning it for a few years and tending to the outdoor aspects, she embarked on an exciting adventure of renovating the interior, bringing her vision to life.
Drawing upon her extensive background as an interior designer and enriched by her recent antiquing experiences nationwide, Michelle Gray has skillfully curated a home that is both grand and distinctly original. Paying homage to the schoolhouse's heritage and the picturesque Flint Hills, while subtly nodding to her beloved home state of Illinois, she has masterfully blended styles to create a captivating and vibrant living space. Michelle's remarkable transformation of this historic building is a testament to her vision and talent. Looking ahead, she envisions further enhancing the outdoor area, with a long-term goal of transforming it into a wedding venue, where unforgettable celebrations can unfold.
The city of Alma and Wabaunsee County is a warm and welcoming area with friendly people, and the perfect place for a day trip or a quick getaway. If you’ve never been to the City of Native Stone, you’ve got to make it happen. It’s worth the road trip.
Alma, Kansas
Hinerville Schoolhouse:
Stay in a unique limestone 1898 schoolhouse, and a place unlike any other
Alma Cheese:
Since 1946, this handmade, traditional cheese made with Flint Hills milk, has always been nibblin' good
Antiques Emporium of Alma:
Great selection of rare and hard to find antiques. Beautiful store and friendly staff.