Life + Culture

The Life of a Harvey Girl

Women Were the Key Component of the Fred Harvey Dining Empire Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kansas State Historical Society A great deal of romance and nostalgia is wrapped up in the image of train travel. Topeka's railroad history was one of the reasons I fell in love with the city when I moved here almost 15 years ago. As a food writer, I was especially intrigued by Fred Harvey. He transformed dining for rail passengers with the creation of Harvey Houses, which were lunchrooms...

Shopping

Calhoun’s Jewelers

Timeless Pieces, Personalized Service, Expert Craftsmanship Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Calhoun’s Jewelers has been a trusted name in Topeka for over two decades. Known for their exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and stunning collections. Calhoun’s specializes in creating timeless pieces for every occasion. Their expert team ensures every customer feels valued and heard. We asked four of those team members to choose a favorite piece to...

Auto + Marine

Mad Viking Customs

Your One-Stop Shop for Automotive Customizations - Where Every Ride Is an Expression of Individuality Article by Kelsey Huber | Photography by Lindsey Wagers / Wagers Photography You never know where life will take you, but one thing is for sure…you gotta enjoy the ride! Sometimes you’re tooling down life’s road and you meet someone - just happenstance, really - and you become business acquaintances, then professional friends, then genuine friends, and then you realize you share more than the...

Life + Culture

Sole Reason

Putting Sneakers on Feet and Smiles on Faces Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Provided In 2015, Jerry Hudgins was working 12-hour shifts at a warehouse when he read a church bulletin seeking volunteers for Catholic Charities. The message stuck with him, though he felt he was too busy to help. But then he remembered a pastor from his youth, David Ring, who had cerebral palsy. Ring’s message resonated: “I have cerebral palsy. What’s your excuse?” Those words moved Jerry to action...

Life + Culture

Life’s a Marathon

…not a sprint, so enjoy the moments along the way. Article by Julie Swift Woods | Photography by Kristol Kumar Photography Who would have thought that this local periodontist would train for and enter into her first women's marathon at age 52? Well, I did! My name is Dr. Julie Swift and I own Topeka Periodontics at 3100 SW Huntoon St # 103. On November 16th of last year, I lined up with 7,000+ people at Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia. Excitement was in the air, and I was...

Sports + Recreation

Fun On Two Wheels

Grab Your Bicycle or E-Bike and Hit the Trails with the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Kaw Valley Bicycle Club Since 1971, the Kaw Valley Bicycle Club has welcomed people of all ages and skill levels to enjoy the benefits of cycling. They offer multiple weekly rides, mainly in spring, summer and autumn, but even in the winter, as a fun way to tour the city, socialize with fellow riders, and get or stay fit. Club president Lynn Cress says, "I like to bicycle...

Wellness

Finding Peace Through Self-Discovery

How a Local Enneagram Coach is Helping Others Thrive by Discovering Who They Truly Are Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Lindsey Wagers / Wagers Photography The Enneagram is a powerful personality framework that explores nine distinct types of people, each with unique motivations, fears, and behavioral patterns. Unlike other personality systems, the Enneagram focuses on the why behind actions, offering profound insights into what drives our thoughts and behaviors. Whether used for...

Food + Beverage

From Our Kitchen to Yours

Four family-favorite recipes to bring warmth, flavor, and tradition to your kitchen Article by Amanda Knowland | Photography by Create Uplift In this special feature, we are bringing you an exclusive look into the kitchens of four of our magazine's advertisers. Beyond their business acumen, these entrepreneurs know how to whip up crowd-pleasing dishes that have become family treasures. From cozy comfort foods to delectable desserts, these recipes have been passed down through generations or...

Home + Design

Decorating Tips to Spark Joy

Porterfield's Designer Shows How to Utilize Your Everyday Decor for the Holidays Article by Linda Ditch | Photography by Eagle Aerial Solutions Patrick Wages has assisted customers at Porterfield's Flowers and Gifts for almost three decades in decorating their homes for the holidays. When it comes to his own abode, he enjoys enhancing his beautiful decor instead of packing it all away for the season. This allows him to enjoy the pieces he loves while making them festive for himself and his...

Life + Culture

No Grown-Ups Allowed

Make the Kids' Table the Star of Thanksgiving! Article by Kathy Graham | Photography by Lindsey Wagers/Wagers Photography Remember sitting at the kids' table every Thanksgiving? It always felt like a punishment for being one of the youngest in the family. Well, not this year! Check out these fun ideas to make the kids’ table the best seat in the house! Boredom is a buzzkill, so keep the little peeps busy with a fun activity. First, get a roll of craft paper at any local craft store. Cover...