The more my husband and I explore Kansas, the more we’re convinced that it’s the small towns that surprise us with welcoming shops, interesting history, and places we’d happily visit again.
Garnett was one of those towns. Located about two hours south of Topeka, it offered a delightful afternoon of exploring the historic downtown before leading us to another unexpected stop just outside town.
Garnett History
Garnett was founded in 1857 and like many eastern Kansas communities, its early history was shaped by the turbulent years known as Bleeding Kansas—the violent struggle between pro-slavery and free-state settlers before Kansas entered the Union.
Since moving to Kansas, I’ve seen how often this period appears in the stories of towns across the eastern part of the state. It’s a reminder that these quiet communities witnessed events that helped shape the nation’s future.
A Classic Kansas Town Square
The Anderson County Courthouse stands in the center of the town square surrounded by large shade trees. It reminded me how similar it was to the courthouse in Ottawa, Kansas, and after some research I found out why—both were designed by George P. Washburn in his signature Romanesque style.
📍 100 East 4th Avenue
Country Fabrics
Our first stop was Country Fabrics on the square. I don’t quilt, but I almost never pass up a fabric store because many carry cross-stitch supplies.
This place is a quilter’s paradise.
At first glance it looks like a cozy neighborhood shop. Then you realize the narrow store stretches nearly an entire block.
Bolts of fabric line the aisles, sample quilts hang throughout the store, and patterns fill every corner. The prices were some of the best I’ve seen. I couldn’t help being impressed.
While they don’t have a website, they are on Facebook. However, if you’re a quilter within a couple of hours of Garnett, this shop is worth the drive.
📍 108 East 5th Avenue
ARC Thrift Shop
A couple doors down is the ARC Thrift Shop, where all proceeds go to charity, and is entirely volunteer-run. When we stopped it was busy, likely due to their weekend half-off sale. This thrift had a little bit of everything, and I walked out with a couple of treasures myself.
📍 124 East 5th Avenue
130 Collective
Next to the thrift shop was the place I found online and had to see: 130 Collective. Walking in, you can’t help but be wowed by the layout.
To the left is the 3 Monkeys Bakery, where we both grabbed a sandwich for lunch plus an iced coffee for me.
Monroe 816 Gifts, and The Beloved Book Company are seamlessly combined, with books and gifts thoughtfully curated, with something around every corner. We even had a great chat with the bookstore owner, who invited us to film a quick July 4 video for their social media!
📍 130 East 5th Avenue
4th Street Flea Market
The only antique-type store open was the 4th Street Flea Market. With three floors of antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds, it’s a place where you could easily spend an hour (or more!) browsing.
My collection of purchases kept growing!
📍 117 East 4th Avenue
Extra tip: Check store hours ahead of time, as small-town shops often close early—even on Saturdays—and may be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Sunflower Mural
Before we left the downtown area, we saw a shady, beautifully landscaped park on the corner of 4th street, called the Donna Harris Memorial Park. With the fountain and seating under the trees, it was a lovely spot to take a breather.
But it was the sunflower mural that caught my attention. Painted by local high school students, it included the state motto: Ad Astra per Aspera — or “to the stars through difficulties.”
I learned this motto was adopted when Kansas became the 34th state in 1861. It was especially meaningful because the state just emerged from the Bleeding Kansas period.
📍 Corner of South Oak Street and East 4th Avenue
7th Street Grocery
Before we left Garnett, there was one more location I wanted to check out: the 7th Street Grocery, a country market known for bulk foods, deli items, discounted groceries, and fresh bakery products. During our visit, there were members of the local Amish (or maybe Mennonite) communities shopping there, adding to the store’s warm, rural atmosphere.
This grocery reminded me of our stop at Wray’s Bulk Foods during our visit to Ottawa, which also had a bustling deli and sandwich counter.
Seeing all the cars parked at the building next door, we decided to check it out. It turned out to be a surplus store, described by another customer as having “a little bit of everything for everybody.” They were right.
Both stores offer incredible prices. Although your GPS may make you think you’ve driven too far, they are just outside town in the surrounding farmland.
📍 22000 1700 Road
Where we didn’t go: When we arrived to Garnett about 10:30 AM, we planned to grab an early lunch at the Small Dutch Cafe. But seeing the long line, we decided to try it another time. If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend going early in the morning (they open at 6:00 AM) or on a weekday (they close at 2:30 PM).
Garnett reminded me why I enjoy exploring Kansas so much. Every community has its own personality, its own history, and its own collection of locally owned businesses that tell the story of the people who call it home.
Sometimes the best day trips aren’t the ones filled with famous attractions. They’re the ones where every turn seems to uncover another unexpected treasure.
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