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Hiking with Goats

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Our family loves animal encountersannaand many of our favorite memories have been spent visiting farms, nature centers, wildlife parks, and zoos learning more about animals.

Recently, we took a Day Trip to Atchison, Kansas, where we visited Providence Hill Farm. Christy Harris, the owner and creative mind behind the business, believes that life is better with goats and she loves sharing unique goat experiences with visitors to the farm. On our particular visit we held baby goats, pet the goats, tried her fresh-made goat cheese, and best of all… went hiking with goats!

Providence Hill Goat Farm is home to many breeds including Nigerian Dwarf goats, mini sable goats, LaMancha (Spanish) goats, and Nubian cross, all an assortment of dairy breeds. Christy Harris, a native of Alaska who now calls Kansas home,annais passionate about all things natural, and her love of learning, creating, animals, and nature led her to goat farming and making products from their milk – including cheese, soap, and candles.anna

Providence Hill was created eighteen years ago with creativity and learning in mind. Christy offers tours, classes, and outings for all ages and occasions, and group sizes. Her favorite thing is to create a program specifically with your group in mind.anna

We began our visit holding baby goats – one of the highlights of our trip to the farm.

Goats have been domesticated for about 6,000 years and they love connecting with and bonding with people. We found that they often rubbed their heads against us looking for a bond. If a goat is ornery, it is probably missing a human connection from its shepherd. In fact, Christy says that their milk production increases when goats have a positive human connection.

My girls loved meeting and petting the goats. Christy offers a variety of goat programs including meet and greets, yoga, baby goat play, animal-assisted therapy, and goat university – great for future goat shepherds.

People often think of goats living on farms with lots of grass, but they actually love living in the woods. Christy’s goats browse to eat, meaning they will eat leaves, twigs, and brush on her property – in addition to the alfalfa, grain, grass, and hay that she feeds them. When she purchased her property almost twenty years ago, the back lot was overgrown with brush. Now the goats graze in the forest so much, they’ve created paths for visitors to experience theannaEnchanted Goat Forest.

Hiking with goats was our favorite experience on the farm. We hiked with the goats as they trailed behind, experiencing their home, discovering its special spots (including the bowtie tree), and watching as they ate from branches.annaThe girls pet the goatsannaas we hiked and they kept coming back for more.

Christy sells soaps, lotions, candles, and cheese from the farm and also offers a variety of DIY classes for those wanting to learn to make artisan cheeses including mozzarella, feta, and chevre, as well asannaother goatmilk based products. Her cheeses are sold locally on a made-to-order basis.annaShe even teaches cheese decorating workshops with edible flowers for those who want to take artisan cheese makingannato a whole new level.annaHer expertise has even been featured in the book Mastering Artisan Cheesemaking.

We sampled some of her goat cheese and found it to be flavorful and delicious. Christy shared the process and explained that goat milk has a smaller molecular structure than that of a cow and a broader nutrient profile. In fact, worldwide more people drink goat milk than cow’s milk. The United States is one of the few places where cow milk surpasses goat milk consumption. In addition to nutritional health benefits, nutrients also benefit the skin when used in soap or lotion.anna

Everything produced at Providence Hill is done consciously – seeking the best methods for the environment, the animals, and humans. Christy takes pride in knowing that she is “connected to the antiquity of humanity” doing what people have done for thousands of years in the same ways.

To learn more about Christy’s techniques, you can check out this book featuring her cheese-making recipe along with many other artisans.

Providence Hill Farm is a hidden gem in Atchison, Kansas offering truly unforgettable experiences as visitors learn that life truly is better with goats.anna

Great American Main Streets of the Midwest

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Imagine a leisurely day of shopping and dining at locally-owned businesses where you are greeted with a smile. Does it seem like a distant memory of years gone by? With the revitalization of historic shopping districts in recent years, many areas have been transformed into beautiful places to live, work and play, bringing the Great American Main Street back to life. Hosting farmers markets, girls nights out, holiday events, sales, great boutiques and cafes for an “any day getaway,” these districts make a wonderful day trip, and we’re fortunate to have many right in our own backyard.

Historic Downtown Overland Park




Downtown Overland Park is one of the most eclectic districts in the area, with a strong celebration of the arts, including the art deco Rio Theatre (7204 W. 80th St., 913.383.8500), one of Kansas’ original movie theaters, that shows independent films. For lunch, the district boasts diversity, too. The menu at El Salvadoreño (7926 Santa Fe Dr., 913. 871.6165) offers an authentic El Salvadoran feast. Don’t be surprised to walk into Great Day Café (7921 Santa Fe Dr., 913.642.9090) and hear restaurant owners’ playing live music or demonstrating a potter’s wheel€¦and beyond the entertainment, the food is terrific. You’ll soon discover that many of the shops offer classes, from sewing and scrapbooking to culinary arts, including the Culinary Center of Kansas City (7920 Santa Fe Dr., 913.341.4455), offering more than 450 classes from gourmet cooking to beginning skills for all ages. Other fun shops include Fred’s Train Shop (7327 W. 80th, 913.383.3500) and Penzeys (7937 Santa Fe Dr., 913.341.1775), a spice shop.

Downtown Lee’s Summit


In 2010, Downtown Lee’s Summit was awarded the “Great American Main Street Award,” and it’s easy to see why! This shopping district is one of the most vibrant in the area. Start with a discovery of the area’s history at the Lee’s Summit Historical Society Museum (220 SE Main, tickets: free/donations, Sat. 10:00-4:00), housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of downtown. The area offers restaurants ranging from upscale to the local diner, but kids’ favorites are Poppy’s Ice Cream (307 SE Douglas, 816.246.4141), serving homemade ice cream, and the Filling Station BBQ (333 SE Douglas St., 816.347.0794), housed in an old Texaco Station, with indoor or sidewalk dining. Girls enjoy full tea service at Henry’s Antiques & Tea Room (401 SE Douglas St., 816.524.3992). Of course, the day isn’t complete without shopping. Visit KD’s Books (241 SE Main, 816.525.1366), the quintessential bookstore for kids, A Thyme for Everything (229 B SE Main, 816.554.3755), a kitchen shop with a kids cooking section and classes taught by area chefs, Got Art Gallery (18 SW 3rd St., 816.600.5932), where you can learn to paint (classes for all ages) or purchase local artwork, and Shining Light Music (129 SE 3rd St., 816.347.0099).

Historic Leavenworth




Famous for its prisons and the military fort bearing its name, Leavenworth, “the First City in Kansas,” is also a fun and nostalgic day trip courtesy of Leavenworth Main Street. Begin with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (320 S. Esplanade, 913.682.1331), one of the most whimsical sites in Kansas. Learn the history of Parker’s carousel business from hand-carved horses to the introduction of aluminum animals, and conclude with a spin on a 1913 carousel! Eat at the Corner Pharmacy (429 Delaware, 913.682.1602), an old-fashioned lunch counter and ice cream shop, or the Pullman Place Family Restaurant (230 Cherokee, 913.682.0200), decorated with railroad memorabilia, including a special glass top table with a model train running inside! The district is also home to many shops and boutiques, including the unique Queen’s Pantry (510 Delaware, 913.680.1899), selling British goods like fine teas, cookies and delicacies.

Historic Downtown Liberty




Historic Downtown Liberty is legendary for history buffs and shoppers alike! The most infamous landmark is the Jesse James Bank Museum (103 N. Water, 816.736.8510), site of America’s first daylight bank robbery. Take a brunch break at Ginger Sue’s Bruncheonette (12 W. Kansas St., 816.407.7707). Visit the James Country Mercantile (111 N. Main St., 816.781.9473), selling supplies for historic re-enactors, including 19th-century gear, clothing, toys, paper dolls, books and more!

Independence Square




Independence, MO, is best known as the home of President Truman. But before Truman, the Civil War was raging and, before that, pioneers moving! Step back in time with a mule-drawn wagon ride on the Independence Square, courtesy of Pioneer Trails Adventures (816.456.4991, tickets: $7-25). Your guide will tell tales of the trails, the Civil War and, of course, Harry Truman. After your tour, enjoy shopping and dining or a movie or game of bowling. Two of the square’s most unique shops are Blue and Grey (106 E. Walnut, 816.252.9909), selling Civil War books and collectibles, and Scandinavia Place (209 N. Main, 816.461.6633), with gifts from around the world. For a delicious treat, visit Clinton’s Soda Fountain (100 W. Maple, 816.833.2046), the location of the original Crown Drug Store, Truman’s first boyhood employer. Or, dine below street level at the Courthouse Exchange (113 W. Lexington, 816.252.0344), where rock walls create a cozy atmosphere as you enjoy pub-style dining.

Each district in this guide is home to many unique attractions, but this list barely scratches the surface! Read our guide to “Day Trips from Kansas City” for your complete guide to many more attractions in each district and other Main Streets in Missouri and Kansas.

Leavenworth Kansas… Carousels and History

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Leavenworth Day Trip Diary:


    Leavenworth is famous for its prisons and the military fort that bears its name, but this small river town offers much more for an unforgettable family day trip! “The First City in Kansas” is the place to discover a day of nostalgia and whimsy as you learn about the history of carousels and go for a spin on a 1913 carousel, eat lunch at a restaurant where you’ll find a model train in your table if you’re lucky, and sip an ice cream soda at an old fashioned pharmacy lunch counter. 

C.W. Parker Museum:


   Details: C.W. Parker Carousel Museum 320 S. Esplanade, Leavenworth, KS. www.firstcitymuseums.org 913.682.1331. Thursdays-Saturdays, 11 am – 5 pm; Sundays, 1 – 5 pm. Ticket fee includes Museum Tour and one carousel ride: Adults/$6.00, Children Under 12/$3.00, Groups of 20 or More/ $5.00 and Carousel Rides Only/$1.25.

    What You’ll See: The merry-go-round is one of childhood’s fondest memories and you can take a trip to see where it all began with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum, one of the recipients of the Eight Wonders of Kansas Award from the Kansas Sampler Foundation. Charles Wallace Parker grew up in Abilene where he developed a passion for the amusement business. He spent years buying and developing machines and in 1894 he built a factory where he developed traveling carnivals and built amusement rides, most notably the carousel. The Carousel Museum pays homage to Parker’s innovation and designs including the 1913 carousel. A tour of the museum lasts approximately one hour and includes a 15-minute film telling the history of Parker and his amusement business from the early days of hand-carved carousel horses to the introduction of aluminum carousel animals. The museum is still actively creating and restoring carousel animals and we had the pleasure of watching an artist at work carving horses and another worker restoring antique carousel horses. You’ll also enjoy seeing a variety of merry-go-rounds including the oldest operating primitive wooden carousel and even miniature carousel music boxes. Best of all, every visit includes a nostalgic merry-go-round ride for fun memories and the perfect photo op!

Carroll Mansion:


   Details: Carroll Mansion &The Victorian Shoppe 1128 5th Ave, Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.7759. Hours of Operation: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 am – 4:30 pm; Closed Sunday, Monday & Federal Holidays. Admission: Adults/ $5; Seniors (60+)/ $4; Children (5-12)/ $3; Children (under 5)/FREE.

    What You’ll See: The sixteen room mansion, built in three phases in 1857, 1867, and 1882, was left to the Leavenworth Historical Society by Ella Carroll and now offers public tours giving visitors a glimpse into the Victorian era in Leavenworth County. Once the home of five prominent families, the Carroll Mansion is beautifully decorated with Victorian “fineries.” Learn about Leavenworth’s most prominent citizens and discover a time gone by on an hour-long tour of this historic home. Special events are offered throughout the year, the favorite being Christmas when the home is decorated to commemorate a Victorian Holiday Celebration.

Downtown Leavenworth: Shops & Restaurants


     Details: Downtown Leavenworth is home to many unique boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, bakeries, and businesses. For current information, visit Leavenworth Main Street. You can also enjoy the Leavenworth Farmers’ Market, open Every Saturday May-Oct from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and every Wednesday from May- end of Sept from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Haymarket Square at 7th Street and Cherokee.

Top Picks for Family Shopping in Downtown Leavenworth:

Note: Beyond this list, you’ll also find many more antique shops, furniture stores, and shops selling decorative items and collectibles.

The Book Barn: 410 Delaware St., Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.6518. The Book Barn is a quaint little book shop selling children’s books, regional books, and used books. They also host author events and book signings.

Candle Queen Candles & Gift Boutique: 500 Shawnee Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.7724. This “Pink Boutique” features candles, couture handbags, fashion, and decorative items for “girly-girls.”

Corner Pharmacy & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain: 429 Delaware Street Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.1602. Another one of the Eight Wonders of Kansas, this old fashioned pharmacy is a must-see on your trip! The shop sells odds and ends and souvenirs, just as you’d expect from a neighborhood pharmacy or “Five & Dime.” The highlight though, is the lunch counter! Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an ice cream treat at the old-fashioned lunch counter.

Dad’s Toys & Flower Cart: 417 Delaware St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.1786. This shop doubles as the local florist and toy store! Train lovers will enjoy the basement where they sell model trains and displays. The top two floors feature children’s toys from Klutz, Playmobile, Breyer, and much much more.

Gronis Hardware: 511 Cherokee St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.1384. The family owned hardware store is still the “neighborhood stop” for locals. This is your grandfather’s hardware store and worth a stop for a bit of nostalgia where you’ll never know what you’ll find.

Kansas Country Store: 728 Cherokee St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.651.6761. This shop features decorative items, collectibles, and souvenirs.

The Pot Rack: 626 Cherokee St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.364.5038. This specialty kitchenware store carries gourmet food products, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, cookware, and an assortment of supplies and kits for children who love to cook!

Queen’s Pantry: 510 Delaware St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.680.1899. Tucked in an alley in the historic shopping district, this shop specializes in British Goods. You’ll find fine teas, cookies, and delicacies from England in this beautiful shop!

Top Picks for Family Dining in Leavenworth:

Corner Pharmacy & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain: 429 Delaware Street Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.1602. Mentioned above as one of the best local shops, you’ll want to be sure to stop at the lunch counter for a meal or a treat!

Pullman Place Family Restaurant: 230 Cherokee St. Leavenworth, KS. 913.682.0200. The neighborhood restaurant serves up burgers, sandwiches, fish, ribs, and daily specials, but the highlight is the decor. The entire restaurant is decked out in railroad memorabilia with the most fun place to eat being the special glass top table with a miniature train running inside!

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