All Things Fall in Wichita: Must-Try Restaurants, Shops and Activities

You can smell the deliciousness of this food truck before you see it. The black and gold rig makes several stops throughout the region cooking up sweet and savory Liege waffles for the masses. Try mouthwatering Bourbon Apple or Loaded Potato or any one of their unique rotating options. Get a mouthful of a Wade waffle this fall and follow @wadewaffleco on Instagram to track the truck.

Mouthwatering waffle photo courtesy of Wade Waffle Co

This Mulvane coffee shop has a robust fall menu for both the pumpkin spice latte lovers and not-so-much-ers. Try healthy gluten-free and vegan bites to help you power through the day or smoothies filled with fruit and protein. The team creates its own maple butter pecan syrup by simmering organic maple syrup and infusing it with toasted pecans and browned butter. *Cue the drool*

Spiced oatmeal pie and pic courtesy of Jane's Landing

Fall scents are one of the recognizable and anticipated parts of the season and CEO Gabbie nails it. The Fall Collection (with apt names like Halloweentown and Spooky Season) has the scent to match your ideal autumn aroma – or you can discover a new favorite. All of their candles, melts and room sprays are soy-based and non-toxic. Watch this TikTok (with a special guest) to find the fall fragrance for you and catch Lola Candle Co at the next Old Town Farm and Art Market.

Photo of owner Gabbie courtesy of Lola Candle Co.

If you’re looking for that perfect sweater, jacket, scarf or pair of boots to rock this fall, Dead Center Vintage is the place to look. Behind bright yellow doors in downtown, the shop offers vintage clothing for all genders, all ages and all sizes. The team is constantly adding stock and adding to the bargain bathtub, so check back often.

Group pic of the owners courtesy of Dead Center Vintage

Every Wednesday through Sunday night from now until early December, experience an enchanting walk through the zoo after the sun goes down. The #1 outdoor family tourist attraction in the state will be glowing with an extraordinary Asian lantern festival of bold colors and sculptures of your favorite mammals, reptiles, cats and more. Have dinner at The Beastro and savor this limited-time addition.

Colorful sneak peek courtesy of Sedgwick County Zoo

Where there’s stunning greenery, there’s a mosaic of red, orange and yellow to admire every fall. The Great Plains Nature Center has paved trails that guide you through 240 acres of foliage, prairie and wetland with educational markers to learn about Kansas wildlife. It’s a stellar backdrop for couples, families or friends and the perfect spot for a peaceful evening out.

Fall snapshot courtesy of Visit Wichita by Wasim Muklashy Photography

This isn’t your everyday pumpkin patch. A 30-minute drive from downtown, there’s zombie paintball, gem mining, a jumping pillow and a petting zoo – and that’s just the start. Pick your perfect pumpkin and celebrate fall with everyone in the family. If your family is the competitive kind, battle for bragging rights on the farmer Ninja warrior course and make up over snacks at the concession stand.

Outdoor set-up and photo courtesy of Klausmeyer Farm

When I moved back to Wichita after being away for five years, many people asked me why. Looking at different opportunities in Dallas, Houston, Miami, Kansas City, Beijing and Milan, it never crossed my mind that Wichita would be at the top of my list – but I quickly realized the city is spearheading the charge in innovation.