Jeni's Top City Tips
Sightseeing
If you’re standing on the front porch turn right (east) and stroll two blocks up to historic Potwin Place a Victorian neighborhood. I grew up in the neighborhood that I like to call the Kingdom of Potwinand learned to play tennis in Edgewood Park across the street from my place.
16 locals recommend
Potwin
If you’re standing on the front porch turn right (east) and stroll two blocks up to historic Potwin Place a Victorian neighborhood. I grew up in the neighborhood that I like to call the Kingdom of Potwinand learned to play tennis in Edgewood Park across the street from my place.
Number one with a bullet is to visit the Kansas State Capitol and climb to the top of the dome, which is so incredibly thrilling that many people bail out when they see the final staircase to get to the widow walk. I know it’s open for self-guided tours, but I think due to Covid-19 the dome might be closed. The artwork in the dome and wings is absolutely breathtaking, so it’s worth a trip even if you can’t or don’t want to climb to the top.
29 locals recommend
Kansas State Capitol Visitor Center
Southwest Van Buren StreetNumber one with a bullet is to visit the Kansas State Capitol and climb to the top of the dome, which is so incredibly thrilling that many people bail out when they see the final staircase to get to the widow walk. I know it’s open for self-guided tours, but I think due to Covid-19 the dome might be closed. The artwork in the dome and wings is absolutely breathtaking, so it’s worth a trip even if you can’t or don’t want to climb to the top.
Lake Shawnee
Local Lake is a great place to explore.
Shopping
Visit NOTO, the North Topeka Arts District to check out the local art scene with several large-scale murals, first Friday artwalk activities and the most unique shops and restaurants in town open daily.
25 locals recommend
NOTO Arts Center
935 N Kansas AveVisit NOTO, the North Topeka Arts District to check out the local art scene with several large-scale murals, first Friday artwalk activities and the most unique shops and restaurants in town open daily.
Entertainment
Google Evergy Plaza to see if there are any outdoor concerts or festivals in their entertainment plaza downtown.
Evergy Plaza
630 S Kansas AveGoogle Evergy Plaza to see if there are any outdoor concerts or festivals in their entertainment plaza downtown.
The Pennant
915 S Kansas AveBowling Alley, Arcade and dinning.
Gage Park is 160-acre park located about a mile from the house. The Rock and Rose Gardens are beautiful any time of year. The train and carousel are fun for anyone especially people like me determined to always be young at heart. If you have little people with you definitely go explore this park and if you do not definitely go explore this park.
26 locals recommend
Gage Park
635 SW Gage BlvdGage Park is 160-acre park located about a mile from the house. The Rock and Rose Gardens are beautiful any time of year. The train and carousel are fun for anyone especially people like me determined to always be young at heart. If you have little people with you definitely go explore this park and if you do not definitely go explore this park.
Food scene
If you’re into sweets local chocolatier Hazel Hill makes all their delectable treats onsite.
Hazel Hill Chocolate
724 S Kansas AveIf you’re into sweets local chocolatier Hazel Hill makes all their delectable treats onsite.
If you want a seriously great crafty cocktail stop by the Cyrus Hotel lobby bar...love their Moscow Mule.
Cyrus Hotel
920 S Kansas AveIf you want a seriously great crafty cocktail stop by the Cyrus Hotel lobby bar...love their Moscow Mule.
The Steam Engine
5660 SW 29th StBest no-bake cookie on Earth.
Located in a historic downtown building. The do the healthiest breakfast in town.
Juli's Coffee and Bistro
911 S Kansas AveLocated in a historic downtown building. The do the healthiest breakfast in town.
This locally owned restaurant in NOTO offers down home cooking. If you're seeking biscuits and gravy this is the spot.
12 locals recommend
Bradley's Corner Cafe
844 N Kansas AveThis locally owned restaurant in NOTO offers down home cooking. If you're seeking biscuits and gravy this is the spot.
PT's Coffee Roasting Facility
929 Southwest University BoulevardVisit their College Hill location for fresh roasted coffee.
This is our neighboorhood taco spot and has the best bean and cheese burrito and queso in town. Topeka has several local taco spots that are uniquely Top City.
TACO AL'S
1423 Southwest 6th AvenueThis is our neighboorhood taco spot and has the best bean and cheese burrito and queso in town. Topeka has several local taco spots that are uniquely Top City.
Tortilla Jack's Mexican Restaurant
1618 SW Washburn AveAnother favorite local taco spot.
Bobo's Drive In
2300 SW 10th AveBest local burger, onion rings and apple pie ala mode.
I spent every Saturday night with my grandparents who were friends with the original owners Charlie and Lydia Porubsky. Their son Lil Charlie now makes the famous chili and hot pickles and everyone in town passes through during chili season…now open, but don’t try to go on a Friday because it will be gone by lunch on Thursday.
7 locals recommend
C W Porubsky Grocery & Meats
508 NE Sardou AveI spent every Saturday night with my grandparents who were friends with the original owners Charlie and Lydia Porubsky. Their son Lil Charlie now makes the famous chili and hot pickles and everyone in town passes through during chili season…now open, but don’t try to go on a Friday because it will be gone by lunch on Thursday.
The Celtic Fox Irish Pub and Restaurant
118 SW 8th AveBest potato soup and bar food in town.
Pad Restaurant
1730 NW Topeka BlvdLocal owned burger joint with homemade curly fries and mini corndogs.
Many people believe this is the best burger joint in town and I agree it's fantastic, but my heart belongs to Bobo.
Prize Package Store
1420 Southeast 6th StreetMany people believe this is the best burger joint in town and I agree it's fantastic, but my heart belongs to Bobo.
This is the best local pizza joint, but if you are not a fan of oregano make sure to ask them to hold it because they sprinkle it on top of all their pizzas.
Glory Days Pizza - Fleming Place
1033 Southwest Gage BoulevardThis is the best local pizza joint, but if you are not a fan of oregano make sure to ask them to hold it because they sprinkle it on top of all their pizzas.
This is one of three locally owned taco shops in town and depending upon who you speak to this will be their favorite.
9 locals recommend
Taco Villa
5300 SW 21st StThis is one of three locally owned taco shops in town and depending upon who you speak to this will be their favorite.