SHOPPING

Downtown

Newly revitalized, Topeka’s historic downtown has enjoyed over $150M in private and public investment over the past ten years. Downtown Topeka is now home to dynamic restaurants, retail, entertainment, bars and more. Featuring the Kansas Statehouse, thousands of visitors explore the grounds of the capitol building and then walk to nearby Kansas Avenue. The avenue is anchored by Evergy Plaza, a central plaza offering free live concerts and a splashpad that turns into a dynamic water and light show each evening. The show goes on, with some of the nation’s top performers at the Jayhawk Theater and the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

Dining is never a problem downtown. International dining options including the state’s finest Mediterranean restaurant Olive Café, Los Mandilles Rojos or Globe Indian Cuisine. Fine diners will enjoy the White Linen, the Weather Room, or Luis’ Place, and you can have some fun at the Pennant, a retro bowling and bar-cade restaurant, or the Tee-Box which features PGA Golf simulators. If you are looking for a place to unwind, the Brew Bank provides a self-serve experience, and the Knox provides a high-end speakeasy to grab a night cap. Be sure to stop by our local retailers. Hazel Hill Chocolates, Cashmere Popcorn, Moburt’s Spices, Prairie Glass Studio and Absolute Designs by Brenda offer something different for all your needs. Finally, art and design are thriving downtown thanks to businesses like Prairie Glass Studio, Leaping Llamas and Warehouse 414. If it sounds like a lot going on downtown, that’s because there is! This just scratches the surface, be sure to visit downtowntopekainc.com for more information!

Westboro Mart

Westboro Mart is one of the oldest shopping centers in Topeka. Featuring stunning Mission and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture inspired by the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, this center offers a variety of retail experiences. Enjoy a drink at Salut, a premier wine and cocktail lounge or enjoy floral designs by Porterfield’s Flowers. Redesigning your home’s interior or just in the market for new furnishings? Stop by SOHO Interiors for an eclectic array of furniture and home decor. And if you haven’t yet found a place to stay while in Topeka, you can even rent an exclusive twobedroom suite on the second level of Westboro Mart through Airbnb.

Noto Arts District

The NOTO Arts District is the center of Topeka’s arts community. Known for its murals, galleries, and retailers, the district boasts over 40 murals and outdoor sculptures, and features live performances at Redbud Park. The area also boasts dozens of local retailers. Discover your new favorite book at Round Table Bookstore, a vintage find at Two Days Market, or tap into the metaphysical by purchasing a crystal or two at Enchanting Earth! You can learn more about the district at explorenoto.org.

Local Makers

THE LUMBER WOMAN & CO.

What began as a fallen tree during a storm, has grown into a thriving female-owned and operated business. Tina, AKA The Lumber Woman, recognized that fallen trees still have so much potential. Today, her clients have the special opportunity to commission one-of-a-kind pieces for their home!

SASSY BASSET BISCUIT CO.

With the encouragement of a hungry Basset Hound, Sassy Basset owner Sherri started baking dog treats with all-natural and locally grown ingredients. There’s no doubt these treats will have your furry friends wagging their tails!

The Brassy Explorer

The Brassy Explorer was born from a love for travel and the desire to find great gifts for friends and family. Products include custom engraved wood keychains, magnets, and ornaments, as well as a variety of other engravable items like drink tumblers, bottle openers, passport holders, koozies, and more!

Clay Like Me

With nearly endless designs and color combinations, there’s something for everyone who loves to accessorize with earrings! Maker and designer, Evelyn, creates these handmade polymer clay earrings with the goal of bringing a little bit of happiness to those who wear them.

Made Maker

Home-thrown, hand-carved, and carefully glazed, each piece from Made Maker’s pottery is a work of art. Items range from vases and plant holders to kitchenware and more. One item, in particular, can be found in many Topeka homes: the Topeka flag mug!

The Northwoods Gnomes

These one-of-a-kind handcrafted Nordic Gnomes are rumored to bring good luck! Each gnome has a style of its own. They can be styled to help root for your favorite school or sports team or make for the perfect seasonal décor.

More Makers

With so many different makers in the area, we couldn’t possibly include them all here! Check out a few more below, and hop over to VisitTopeka.com for more of our favorites.

MORNING LIGHT KOMBUCHA

Native American owned and operated

TOP CITY FLOWER TRUCK

Meet Fiona, a 1964 Ford F100

STUMPY’S SMOKED CHEESE

Smoked Cheez-Its, anyone?

DAD’S BUNS

Contemporary bakehouse with an old family recipe

BELLAVITA

ORGANIC BODY CARE

Original beauty products made in-house

GLO.BOWL

Concrete planters with a colorful twist

Topeka Farmers Market

A time honored tradition! The Downtown Topeka Farmers Market is held every Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to noon, from April through November, in the parking lot of the Kansas Judicial Center, 301 S.W. 10th Street. There you can pick up baked goods, handmade accessories and fresh fruits and veggies grown by Kansas farmers. For more great produce and home-made goodness, check out the Monday Farmers Market, held in the parking lot of the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, May through October, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.