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My girlfriend getaways tend to take place in luxurious, exotic locations like St. Tropez or Monaco. However, this year I’ve been focusing on staying a little closer to home. I’ve spent the last 18 months visiting 21 different countries — I forgot that there is so much of the United States I’ve got to explore!
When I was asked to partner with tourism boards in Kansas for a girlfriend’s getaway, I knew that I had to go. I went with a group of bloggers from all over the country and had a blast.
Our first stop: Kansas City, KS
Where we stayed: Chateau Avalon
This was probably one of the coolest places I’ve ever stayed at in the United States. The fact that you can stay in a chateau in Kansas is incredible! They have 61 themed rooms in their French-inspired hotel. I was thrilled to discover I was assigned the Hemingway room (I was in Cuba in December!)
Every morning you can have breakfast in bed (I highly recommend getting their hot chocolate — so good!), and after you’re done shopping each night you can enjoy their enormous jetted tubs. Don’t forget to grab a bath bomb from the front desk!
I regret that their internet didn’t work for me both days I was there, but did work fine for all of the other bloggers. It might have just been my room (first floor, just around the corner from the front desk).
Avocado toast + fruit for breakfast in bed 
The front of the Chateau 
Don’t forget to enjoy your jetted tub! 
Outside the Chateau in the courtyard 
Enjoying a catered dinner with writer Katy Spratte Joyce 
The Hemingway room
Where we ate:
1889 Pizza — We had the pleasure of meeting the owners of 1889 Pizza, and learned how to make pizza together! Afterwards, we used the wood fired pizza oven and enjoyed the fruits of our labor. The decor in this place is exactly like something I’d want in my home. The pizza is bomb, too!
My pizza in the oven 
I want this beautiful pizza oven! 
Lining up to get our toppings 
My pizza is almost ready! 
Because it’s always moscato time 
Getting ready to make dough 
Their chandeliers are incredible 
Fresh basil! 
Where to sit? I’ll take the throne! 
About to head into 1889 Pizza!
Turn 2 Sports Bar & Restaurant at Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway — Here, you can enjoy burgers while watching the Nascar race right from your seat! You won’t find a better place to watch it!
Yeah, it was super hot that day! 
Check out this view from the restaurant!
Velvet Creme Popcorn — Raving over the popcorn we’d received in our welcome baskets placed in our rooms…I knew I found my people! Every blogger on this trip LOVES popcorn, and vote it should be a food group. We were thrilled to stop at Velvet Creme Popcorn to stock up for the rest of our trip and way home.
If you get a chance, sit in the enormous chair out front! 
The mothership
Where we shopped:
Legends Outlets Kansas City — There are a ton of shops here! On a previous trip we visited Dave & Busters, and on this trip I made sure to hit up The Dapper Doughnut.
Not sure I loved this — definitely different though! 
Aren’t these gorgeous?!
Activities we enjoyed:
Aerial Yoga at Voler — Thieves of Flight Aerial — I was surprised how sore I was after doing this! I felt my abs and back for a good four days! I loved that this takes place in an old church!
This is a lot harder than it looks! 
Melissa from ConsumerQueen.com looking regal as ever
Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway
Rowe Ridge Vineyard & Winery — You’ve absolutely got to try their wine slushies! I enjoyed almost every one of their wines…and considering I like my alcohol to taste like Kool Aid, that’s awesome!
Am I doing this right? 
How about some wine tasting? 
I picked up these earrings for my mom! 
Getting ready for the tasting!
Strawberry Hill Museum — This museum is incredible, but I regret that they don’t allow any photos inside of the museum. Their board does not like that people think the place is haunted, and don’t allow photos so people can’t superimpose ghostly images within their photos.
While you can’t enjoy photos, enjoy this picture of the delicious povitica I devoured in record time. You can have coffee or tea and refreshments in their tea room for a small fee.
Croatian Povitica 
The outside of the museum
Spicin Foods Tour — Yes — this place looks a little familiar, and for good reason: They appear on Season 3 of Queer Eye! Be sure to check out the gift shop for ridiculously delicious and reasonably-priced goods (they’ve got lots of stuff for all palates — not just those who like spicy!)
Our second stop: Bonner Springs, KS
Where we stayed: Super 8, which unfortunately was under construction. The beds were quite comfortable though!
Where we ate:
El Potro — Unfortunately for my local Mexican joint, El Potro has dethroned them as the BEST Mexican food I’ve ever had in the United States. Every single thing I ate was absolutely divine!
This sorcery is the most delicious concoction I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating 
Ya, get in my belly!
Third Space Coffee — This is the place to have breakfast in Bonner Springs! Enjoy pastries, sandwiches, oatmeal, and coffee!
See the swan?
Activities we enjoyed:
Zip KC — I’m afraid of heights, and only got a little nervous when we zip lined off the platforms since it was super windy out. I’m proud of myself for conquering my nerves and doing them all! We did the 3-hour adventure tour. A word of caution: be prepared to hike!
Moon Marble — This was such a pleasant surprise to me. Stepping into the shop, I felt like I was stepping back into my childhood. Wall-to-wall you’ll find toys from every generation, and can even check out a marble making demonstration. This place is equal parts quirky and nostalgia. I’m definitely coming back with my family!
National Agricultural Center and Hall of Fame — I loved touring the farm here because it reminds me of visiting my relative’s farms that are still like the old days!
Doesn’t he look like Harry Potter?
Our final stop: Leavenworth, KS
Where we stayed:
TownePlace Suites Leavenworth — I really enjoyed this hotel because of the comfy bed, spacious rooms, and attractive decor. This is perfect for families because of the kitchenette!
Where we ate:
Mama Mia’s Italian Restaurant — The spinach and artichoke dip is to-die-for, and ‘shrooms are, too. I ordered the seafood ravioli, but regret that it was drowning in alfredo sauce. The cappuccinos, however, are amazing!
First Taste Olive Oils, Vinegars, & More — If you’re lucky enough to stop in, be sure to sample all of the different vinegars and olive oils! The owner made us an incredible lunch — my only regret is that we didn’t have more!
Where we shopped:
Candle Queen Candles — I absolutely ADORE Stacy, the shop owner. Their candles smell absolutely amazing and they organize a lot of charity runs. We got a tour of the allegedly haunted basement, as well as the stunning AirBnB upstairs. I know exactly who I’m going to call when I need to redecorate my house! It’s 100% my style!
Enter, if you dare 
Lots of legs, no ghosts found 
How’s my hair look? 
I regret not getting this cute little succulent planter for my teenager!
Activities we enjoyed:
Z&M Twisted Vines Wines and Winery — Wine tasting here was really fun because every wine has a military theme.
Gina is a military wife
Bella Vita Salon & Spa — I got the best pedicure I’ve ever had at Bella Vita — my polish is still going strong 17 days later! We also enjoyed chair massages, chocolate, and wine.
Chocolate anyone? 
You can also get your hair done!
Leavenworth Board & Brush — This was my first time going to a Board & Brush franchise, and I had so much fun! Don’t worry if you’re not a crafty person because they walk you through everything step-by-step. You’re bound to get a little messy, so don’t wear your nice clothes!
Whether you’re an off-the-beaten-path kind of traveler or a let’s-sit-and-relax traveler, you’ll find plenty to do during a Kansas girlfriend’s getaway!
I had no idea there was a Chateau in Kansas! It looks like you had such a fun time. I think this place would make the perfect retreat!
It sure would! They’re in the middle of remodeling a bunch of the rooms, too — can’t wait to see how they turn out!