Architecture Stone, wood, iron, or brick? What materials were used to build the structures and why were they used? When were the buildings constructed? By whom? What style of architecture are they, and how have structures evolved?
Art Keep your eyes and ears open for murals, music, statues, grassroots art, art museums, galleries, artists at work, and performing centers. Think textiles, literature, and dance. You may be surprised at the heritage and diversity of art in Kansas.
Commerce Look for evidence of early businesses. How did they shape the community? What businesses remain and how have they survived? What are the current common types of commerce? Who are the entrepreneurs? Be aware of the ongoing drama of the rural economy.
Cuisine What specialty foods, ethnic dishes, recipes, and ingredients will you find? What sorts of eateries? A home-cooking cafe, locally owned restaurant, bar and grill, something completely different?
Customs Customs are seen in annual events, long-standing community practices, and sometimes in hard-to-notice daily rituals. Usually they are an action, often colorful, sometimes common, and certainly they can be quirky.
Geography Anything on the natural side fits here. Landmarks, hiking trails, scenic drives, lakes, birds and wildlife, trees, wildflowers, grasses, pastures, hills, gardens, rivers and streams - and the varying natural landscapes. Notice the changes from one physiographic region to another.
History Evidence of history is easy, and exciting, to find in museums, at historic sites, and on historical markers. But keep looking. You'll find it in cemeteries and in architecture. It's carved into rocks, preserved in the landscape and in community events, even written on the backs of menus.
People Famous citizens, historic characters, and ethnic groups - they all influence our towns and communities. But no more than have our everyday folks, both from past and present. Visit with the locals.
