"Salina, the center of I-70" Salina by jayhawk2000

Salina made world headlines in March 2005 when its airport runway saw the take-off and landing of the GlobalFlyer on Steve Fossett's solo, non-stop round the world flight.

On my last visit to the city, Salina felt like 'Lawrence-lite' to me...it's another cultured arts colony/college town combo, although not nearly on the same scale.

The downtown has many family owned shops selling local crafts, quilts and antiques, plus independent bookstores, coffee shops and an arthouse cinema. There's evidence of a thriving Mexican community as well.

The town is well known for its Art Deco buildings, but it's a shame the weather wasn't ideal during my visit or else I would've taken more photos.

Nor did I have time then to see any of the local museums (one for local history is downtown, another dedicated to farm machinery is just off I-70).

North of town is one of the state's best wineries, while south of town is Wes Jackson's revolutionary Land Institute agricultural research center.

Rock City monoliths

Salina is midway through Kansas on I-70 at the top end of I-135. You're bound to come through here at some point if traveling around the state

It's worth stopping off for awhile to use it as your base to strike out for some wonderful days out.

For instance there's the Eisenhower Presidential center in Abilene, with its many stately homes...

...and Swedish Lindsborg with its art galleries, bakeries and craft shops...

...plus Rock City near Minneapolis, not far north of Salina (photo).

Downtown Wilson

And you're very near to the old Wild West cowtown, Ellsworth...

...the ghost town Carneiro, the abandoned fort at Kanopolis and the weird Mushroom Rocks...

...plus wonderful Wilson with its awesome lake...

So take some time and explore my other pages for these locations!

• Pros:central location, nice downtown, plenty to see in the immediate area
• Cons:your usual soulless strip development and Wal-Mart hypermania
• In a nutshell:Lots of diversions if you're passing through!