The Ceiling Fan Man

If you and your friends are out and want to grab a few drinks in a truly comfortable, no-frills environment, then make your way over to Topeka's Matinee Club. Don't let the name fool you, this charmingly low-key nightlife venue is one of those places that makes little effort to draw attention to itself. Instead, the bartenders, waitresses and fellow guests all enjoy the relaxed if somewhat detached mood of the place. Come in, enjoy a few rounds, and feel like you've been at a friend's house who doesn't like to make a big deal about things, but you still manage to have a great time in his company anyway.

Rewind the years and travel back to a time when Topeka was a place where iron horses, pioneers, Kaw Indians and Buffalo Bill were all part of life in what was then a rapidly developing area. One of the prime factors in the growth of Topeka is the famed Underground Railroad, and when you visit the Great Overland Station, you can learn about its history and influence, as well as all of the other aspects of life during that economically and historically progressive period of time. Topeka's rich heritage awaits you at Great Overland Station.

While it may be true that you can always read about history, it is a very rare occasion when you can actually step back into it. That unique opportunity is offered to visitors of the Old Prairie Town at Ward Meade Historic Site. Over the course of this history-laden one-half acre area, you can see, hear, and touch various examples of living history. Some of the many highlights and attractions include a fully restored 1870 Victorian mansion, a wood cabin, a train depot, a one-room schoolhouse, a stone barn, a church and a general store. Don't forget to check out the gift shop and the nearby botanical garden.

Sure, there's romantic music, romantic meals and even romantic poetry, but nothing symbolizes romance quite as effectively as a beautiful rose. The two of you can enjoy the multilayer bouquet of sights and smells when you stroll hand in hand on a date at the Reinisch Rose Garden. The walking paths are lined with beautiful roses and even offer several small benches where you and your sweetheart can sit and take it all in. The garden is home to 6,500 bushes of roses that are captivatingly presented over 2 ½ acres.