Readers, I have a feeling we’re not in Omaha anymore. Wait hold on, the real line is “Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas Anymore”. I know I have been touching on all things Alaska last week, but I wanted to rewind to talk about a great day trip from Omaha to Wamego, Kansas. I thought flickswith_nicks blog on the Wizard of Oz would tie in perfectly. Nick and I visited Wamego two weeks before we left Omaha. We really enjoyed our time, and it was the perfect day trip!
Does anyone know where the Wizard of Oz was filmed? I know you are probably thinking it’s Wamego, but actually it’s not even filmed in Kansas. Comment your guesses, as I’m curious if anyone actually knows. You can either google the answer or check out flicks_withNick’s recent blog on the Wizard of Oz to find out.
Wamego is a small town located three hours from Omaha, Nebraska, and 35 minutes west of the capitol Topeka, Kansas. We also had the opportunity to visit Topeka. The reason we visited Wamego was for the Wizard of Oz museum. We also found a lot of fun things to do around the town.
OZ Museum
The Oz museum is located in downtown Wamego. The Oz museum is run by a group of volunteers who curate over 15,000 artifacts owned by the foundation. Typically the museum rotates their artifacts and has 1,200-1600 pieces displayed on exhibit. Adult tickets cost $10.00 to enter the Oz Museum. The OZ Museum starts with Auntie Em’s gift shop. After you visit Auntie Em’s gift shop, you pass through a screen door to all things Wizard of Oz. The museum displays 120 years of Oz history, and 2000 artifacts. The artifacts range from original props on stage, unique Oz items, and artifacts from Wicked, Muppets Wizard of Oz, and the musical, chasing rainbows. The Oz museum has permanent items throughout the exhibit, and also includes rotating collections. Some of the originals include, the original MGM 1939 movie production notes, Flying money miniatures used in the film, a first edition Wizard of Oz book, and many other original artifacts. Among the artifacts, original movie posters are hung on the walls, and photo props throughout the museum. Photo props include, the hot air balloon and the characters of Wizard of Oz. Check out the OZ museum in Wamego. After the OZ museum, follow the yellow brick road outside.
The museum did such a good job with showing the characters!
Yellow Brick Road
Grab your ruby red slippers, and click them down Wamego’s Yellow Brick Road. The Yellow Brick Road is a charming walkway “photo op.” Down this yellow brick road, you can check out local artists murals and of course the first of many totos.
This was my favorite mural and the first of many totos. Check out Flicks_withnick’s blog about the Wizard of Oz to see another mural on the yellow brick road!
Finding the Totos
Wamego has 18 (really 17) Toto statues around town. The “Toto Statues” were made by local Wamego artists and they were adopted by local businesses and organizations. It started out as a joke to find the Totos, but we became invested in finding them all. We were a little frustrated when we couldn’t find number 15. After all that looking, we found out that the number 15 Toto statue was taken down. I think it counts that we found them all. If you are in Wamego, and want to check out the Totos, pick up a paper map at the Chamber of Commerce Information Center. The town did such a good job displaying the love for Toto.
Shopping
Wamego downtown has some interesting local boutiques and shops to check out. Unfortunately, we went on a Sunday and a lot of the shops were closed. I would suggest going Monday through Saturday. The shops looked great, and we were hoping to go in them. There always is a next time.
Oz Winery
Now after all that walking and exploring, take a seat and enjoy a glass of wine at Oz Winery, or even grab a flight! This cute local wine store has a large tasting room. The tasting room has award winning wines that you can sample, and enjoy the quaint decor. The day we went, it wasn’t busy (who goes in the middle of December), but during peak days/hours, they suggest making reservations online. Nick and I always try to be “wine people ”, but it’s sometimes not in our taste buds. We decided the best way to enjoy Oz Winery was to do a flight, and try many different flavors. My favorite was Squished Witch, and Nick enjoyed Witch Gone good. Check out Oz Winery in Wamego, or even order a bottle of wine from their website. Like Oz Winery says, “There’s no place like Oz Winery”.
Dining
I would like to give you all the recommendations of where to eat in Wamego, but I can’t. We didn’t eat anywhere in Wamego, we stopped for breakfast in Syracuse, Nebraska, and went to dinner in Topeka, Kansas. I honestly will admit I was wrong on the breakfast side. When we left the Papillion/Omaha area, I told my husband we’d stop for a bagel or breakfast along the way. I figured it would get us on the road faster. Little did I know, there was nowhere to stop… Future notice, the outskirts of the cities in Nebraska, don’t really have restaurants/coffee shops. We finally found a place in Syracuse, BJ’s Family Restaurant and Lounge. BJ’s Family Restaurant and Lounge, serves American and Mexican Breakfast, Lunch,and Dinner. When we walked into the restaurant, we walked into the bar section. We did stick out a little bit, with the people drinking a beer at ten am. After realizing the restaurant was next door, we moved. The meal was mediocre, but I suggest getting some food before leaving the Omaha/Papillion area.
Our plan was to visit Topeka before heading back to Omaha/Papillion. We visited Topeka, and got in the holiday spirit. We went to the winter wonderland light display. The winter wonderland was a two mile drive thru holiday light display. The holiday light display is the largest TARC fundraiser. TARC is a non-profit organization that helps raise funds for individuals with developmental, intellectual, and related disabilities and delays. The light show was great, but felt very short. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it was a walk through vs drive thru. After going to the light show, we checked out a local restaurant, The Pennant. The Pennant had the best Christmas decor and also great food and drinks. I highly suggest going to the Pennant during the holiday season, or even not during Holiday season.
Wamego and Topeka was a great day trip from Omaha, Nebraska. Sometimes it’s hard for travel nurses to be away from home, a good day trip makes the travel life a little easier. Stay up to date on our Alaska journey, day trips, travel tips and suggestions, and of course Flicks_withnick movie reviews online. Give us a follow on Instagram or subscribe to this blog.
TravelingbeebryantRN & Flicks_withNick 
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