When searching for a day trip, take a scenic, 40-mile drive through the Flint Hills to Council Grove. On the banks of the Neosho River, Council Grove features a stunningly beautiful downtown with great shopping.
The Wooden Spoon is a quaint and cozy shop, with gifts for Kansas and the Flint Hills, and an eclectic mix of things you can’t find anywhere else. “We try to source as much from Kansas as we can,” said owner, Cami (Wooden) SanRomani. “Food items, gift items, things like that. We try to make assortments that appeal to everybody”. Whether you’re looking for relics for a lake house, adding to your Kansas wardrobe, or searching for a gourmet snack, The Wooden Spoon is a must stop. 202 W. Main Street. thewoodenspooncg.com
Weathered Wood Home is a modern and attractive boutique, featuring apparel, artisan gifts, and home accents. “These items often times are like antiques”, said owner Lindsey Forge. “Everything is unique and one-of-a-kind.” She also adds most everything is handcrafted. “Our spa goods are hand made in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our candles and even our baby clothes are artesian, actually.” They also offer a subscription-box service. “We curate six items every quarter that go along with a theme, or the season. It’s just our way of bringing our brick and mortar boutique to you.” 204 W. Main Street. Weatheredwoodhome.com
In a building that was built in the 1890’s as a livery stable, founders Jesse & Deidre Knight, Joshua & Lindsay Gant, and Pat Atchity, put years of malty dreaming, to hoppy fruition with Riverbank Brewery. “The lavender in our ‘Lavender Magic’ is grown locally at the Flint Hills Lavender Farm”, said Deidra. “The jalapeños used in ‘Swift Kick’ came from Grove Gardens, and the English Malt came from Kansas Malt, also right here in Morris County. We take pride in using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible.” Riverbank Brewery, 13 W. Main St. riverbankbrewing.com