Some of my favorite gifts to give are local treats that show off what Wichita has to offer. There are so many go-to options, from Nifty Nut House and Cocoa Dolce to Reverie Roasters and Grace Hill Winery. But over the last few years, as Wichita pride has grown, so have the local gems when it comes to our taste buds.
Recently some of my closest friends moved back to Wichita after being gone for about four years. As they planned their move back, I kept saying, “Wichita feels so much more alive since you’ve been gone. There’s a lot more activity all over town, Wichita flags fly with pride, and there are so many awesome local businesses selling unique and tasty treats!”
To celebrate their return, I created a Welcome BACK to Wichita gift basket, highlighting some local businesses that I had discovered since they were gone.
Here are some of my favorites!
Cinnamon Infused Honey from Juniper Clay Honey. This local business makes honey from hives that are inside the Sedgwick County Zoo. What I love about this place is the flavors, the cinnamon infused honey is amazing. I also enjoy cooking savory dishes with the garlic infused honey. You can buy online or at area Farmer’s Markets.
Smoked Garlic Artisan Salt from Orie’s Farm Fresh. This is an urban farm in northwest Wichita that specializes in garlic. Not only do they sell fresh garlic in more than 40 varieties, they make garlic powders and salts that are delicious. My favorites are the smoked garlic artisan salt and smoked garlic powder. You can order online or purchase at area Farmer’s Markets.
Homemade Sausage and Pasta from Anchor Meat Market. This local butcher shop sells a variety of meat from Kansas Farms. I love that not only do they support local farmers, they do everything they can to avoid food waste. This effort results in several varieties of homemade sausages that taste better than anything you can buy in the grocery store. They don’t just do meat, the homemade pasta is also wonderful.
Feta Cheese from Elderslie Farm. Picking blackberries and breakfast at the Bramble Café are one of my favorite summer activities. So when Elderslie opened a creamery this year, I was excited to taste their new creations and they do not disappoint!
Body Butter Sugar Scrub from Zeep Bath. Okay this is not a food item, but it looks good enough to eat! This is a local shop that specializes in body care and also home fragrance. To be honest, I’m sensitive to smells and don’t use a lot of body products but I love these scrubs and soaps. The scents are clean and fresh and products leave my skin feeling great. There’s an small store front you can check out to smell everything in person, or order online.
My Welcome BACK to Wichita gift basket was my way of getting my friends reacquainted with Wichita. What items would you add to the list?