Woodward

Wichita's culture and horticulture coexist brilliantly at Botanica, the Wichita Gardens. Whether it's the seasonal wonders that draw you in, like the Summer Annual Display featuring of 25,000 flowers, the Butterfly House with it's unique collection of fascinating species, or the Tuesdays on the Terrace outdoor event that features attractions, live music and great company, there's always something blooming at Botanica. And like the flowers that populate it, the results of such cultural cultivation are nothing less than beautifully breathtaking.

Instead of heading to the cold and impersonal metroplex to catch a new movie, add a touch of vintage class to your romantic evening with your sweetie by checking out a play, a movie or a concert at the Orpheum Theatre. It opened in 1922, and since then, the structure has not only brought entertainment to several generations of audiences, but the building itself has become somewhat of a star in its own right. The 1,300 seat venue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is roundly considered to be a vital part of Wichita's cultural and architectural heritage.

The Tallgrass Film Festival may be the launching pad for the next Steven Spielberg! To find out about all the great film-making talent in the area, make sure you head for this festival held the third week in October at various locations in downtown Wichita. This is the ninth annual festival, and it has built a solid tradition of allowing you to screen the best foreign, independent, short, retrospective and premiering films. Grab some popcorn, take a seat, and enjoy!

If you're looking for something completely different, you will most definitely find it at Loft 150. This unique nightlife venue for live music and specialty brews is in the heart of Old Town, boasting a location atop the River City Brewing Company, Wichita's oldest microbrewery still in operation. Loft 150 also has a reputation for being a fantastic outlet for great live music, and there is always a great band on stage every week.