Best of local businesses: a round-up of all things wonderful and Wichita

In this catch-all list, there's a little bit of everything, but they all have one thing in common: they deserve your time and spending dollars!

As I have shared my favorite local destinations over the past month, a number of Wichita-based businesses have evaded my categories. Because of this, my final list is a miscellaneous collection of the best of what Wichita has to offer. 

The Spice Merchant

The Spice Merchant is much more than its name suggests. With an in house coffee roasterie, an entire room dedicated to loose leaf tea, and every cute kitchen knick knack you could ask for, The Spice Merchant is the perfect place to spend a little too much time and money. Plus, after ten minutes in their Spanish villa building, you’ll be stuck smelling like the most incredible spices.

Photo by Alice Pasqual on Unsplash

Nifty Nut House

Do you like candy? That’s a dumb question, right? If you have a sweet tooth you must visit the Nifty Nut House; it’s basically a nut, candy, and chocolate warehouse. If you want a sweet addition to any gift (be it a gift for friends, family, or yourself – no judgment here) Nifty Nut House’s massive selection and low prices make them the perfect destination. 

Photo by Raspopova Marina on Unsplash

GROW

The indoor plant craze is a trend I can get behind. GROW is plant collector emporium. They specialize in rare plants and plant-themed local art. Additionally, their indoor aesthetic is unmatched with neon signs, ivy walls, and a build-your-own terrarium station. 

Photo by vadim kaipov on Unsplash

Dead Center Vintage

I’ll admit, when it comes to Dead Center Vintage, I am entirely biased as I am lucky enough to be one of their employees. That being said, I was a major supporter of DCV long before I was hired – and how could I not be? For anyone who values ethical clothes shopping, inclusivity, or fashion in any form, this vintage shop checks every box. 

Photo by Megan Lee on Unsplash

Paramount Marketplace and Antiques

Wichita is the home of three Paramount markets, but the west location takes the cake. It rambles on across a supermarket size space and is overflowing with antiques, vintage, jewelry, furniture, or whatever else the vendors choose to display. This list installation must come with a warning attached: be prepared to spend a minimum of two hours here. Even then, don’t expect to have seen everything – that’s pretty much impossible. 

Photo by Samuel Ramos on Unsplash

Shopping locally can be a daunting task, but the satisfying feeling of supporting neighbors, remaining sustainable, and seeing the results of a thriving community first-hand, is more than worth it. Besides, why go to Starbucks, Barnes and Noble, Olive Garden, or Dillards when you can go to Reverie, Watermark, Genova, or Dead Center Vintage? The shopper’s road less traveled is always a worthwhile detour.