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Chestnut Street District
16th & Main South to 1st & Main
Oak Street West to Fort St.
Hays, KS 67601
Phone: (785) 628-8201
Website
Chestnut Street District
Chestnut Street District
For a taste of history with a modern appeal, visit the historic Chestnut Street District in beautiful downtown Hays. The district’s unique art galleries, retail stores, restaurants and specialty shops are at the heart of the community and give visitors a glimpse of life in a simpler time, a time when everyone knew your name and no one was a stranger. Visit us online at www.ChestnutStreetDistrict.com.
Chestnut Street District TV Spot
Dining in Downtown Hays
Augustine’s Bakery- 1305 Main, www.augustinesbakery.com
Bakery Shop and Catering- 205 E. 7th, www.hadleyofficecenter.com/thebakeryshop.htm
Café Semolino- 110 W. 11th, www.myspace.com/cafesemolino
Chinese Food Express- 1312 Main
Daylight Donuts- 113 E. 8th
Golden Q- 809 Ash
Gutch’s Bar & Grill- 109 W. 7th
Gella’s Diner & Lb. Brewing Co.- 117 E. 11th, www.gellasdiner.com
Lomato’s Pizza- 107 W. 4th, www.lomatoshays.com
Quizno’s-135 W. 8th, www.quiznos.com/subsandwiches
Rooftops Restaurant & Lounge- 1200 Main 6th Floor, www.rooftopshays.com
Sip N’ Spin- 209 W. 10th, www.sipnspin.com
Soda Shoppe- 800 Main
Taco Shop- 333 W. 8th, www.tacoshop.net
Chestnut Street District Parks and Rec
1. Frontier Park- Located on land that was once part of the Fort Hays Military Reservation, Frontier Park today is a very scenic natural looking recreational area with a creek that winds through 89 acres of land. The park also features several walking trails, bridges, playground equipment, three shelter houses, plenty of large shade trees and a buffalo herd that is located on the west side of the park. The Big Creek that flows through the park also creates several waterfalls and scenic views.
2. Frontier Disc Golf Course- Located in Frontier Park, Frontier Disc Golf Course is one of the most historic and well-respected disc golf courses in the nation. This 18-hole course was among the first 113 courses built in the United States and the 4th built in the state of Kansas. It also is the location of the annual Frontier Open Disc Golf Tournament, a Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned event held every year in September.
3. Hays Aquatic Park- With two very challenging slides and a “lazy river” which meanders through the park, this aquatic complex provides hours of summer fun. The Hays Aquatic Park also contains a leisure pool, competition pool with diving boards, an upper deck bathing area, concession area, shaded lounging stations and a wide variety of play features. This park is beautifully landscaped using native limestone, flowers and trees all in combination to provide a picturesque setting.
4. Ellis County Historical Society Museum- The museum does an excellent job of preserving and showcasing the county’s colorful history from the Wild West days through World War II. It includes the 1879 Native Stone Chapel, the Harness Shop, the Volga German House, saloon, museum store and learning center.
5. Hays Public Library- The Hays Public Library is a nationally recognized leader for outstanding per capita usage and was renovated and expanded in 2003 to match the original 1911 Carnegie Library. The facility has an extensive book collection, dynamic young adult section, a beautiful gallery, a bookstore and an extensive Kansas collection with information about Hays, Ellis County, the Western United States, genealogy, Volga Germans and the Hays Historical Walking Tour.
Parks and RecFestivals for all
1. Blues & BBQ- Held annually in July, this event guarantees a weekend of fun, shopping, music and great tasting BBQ in the Chestnut Street District. From the sidewalk sale to live concerts to the BBQ competition, this weekend is sure to entertain the whole family.
2. FrostFest- A community festival held annually the first full weekend in December that includes shopping, food, live music and performances, hayrack rides, an old-fashioned Christmas at the Fort and visits with Santa. The weekend is topped off on Sunday evening with an illuminated parade down Main Street.
3. Downtown Holiday Open House Weekend- Get into the holiday spirit as your local Chestnut Street District merchants open their doors and showcase the holiday merchandise they have to offer. The weekend also serves as the kickoff for the Downtown Dollars Giveaway which rewards customers for shopping at participating downtown businesses. On Sunday of FrostFest weekend, everyone gathers at the Fox Pavilion where winners are drawn for over $2,000 in downtown dollars and prizes.
4. International Edible Book Festival- Local lovers of arts, books and food join forces and talents on the first Saturday in April for Hays’ International Edible Book Festival, held at the Hays Public Library. Participants create edible books that are exhibited, documented and consumed.
5. Oktoberfest- Held annually in conjunction with Fort Hays State University's Homecoming, Oktoberfest is our oldest festival and a favorite of many. Created from the traditions of the Volga German community, this event features food booths and plenty of beer as well as traditional dancing and celebration.
6. Taste of Downtown Hays- Annual event held in October enticing people to the Chestnut Street District to sample various cuisines at downtown eateries and businesses which showcase local flavors. At the end of the evening, participants vote the “Most tasteful business in Downtown Hays.”
7. Wild West Festival- An annual 4-day event held in Downtown Hays during July 4th weekend. This festival is packed with entertainment including the main street parade, tribute to veterans and those who served, historic exhibits, a carnival, fishing tournament, petting zoo, live entertainment featuring local and nationally known recording artists and one of the most spectacular fireworks displays in Western Kansas choreographed to music, evoking a feeling of pride and wonder for everyone.
Chestnut Street District Arts
Besides delectable dining, assorted entertainment, trendy shopping and plenty of history and heritage, the Chestnut Street District also has a very active arts community. As the oldest arts council in the State of Kansas, the Hays Arts Council has played a dominant role in fostering and encouraging the arts in the Hays community, helping make it a better place to live. After almost 40 years, it has continued to accept with pride the inherent responsibility of providing “the arts for all.” Four times a year, in the spring, summer, fall and winter seasons, the Hays Art’s Council sponsors Gallery Walks, which is a great way for the local community as well as visitors, to take in the arts and music while spending time with friends and family in the Chestnut Street District. For dates and times of upcoming Gallery Walks, check the Hays Arts Council’s website, www.haysartscouncil.org.
In addition to the Hays Arts Council, the Chestnut Street District is also the home to several talented artists including Bruce Burkholder, who in 2007 was selected as one of the best Kansas artists, as well as several art studios including Artists at Work Studio, Studio Kuksi, Studio 711 and Dennis Schiel Studio and Gallery, who also offers art lessons.
In addition to art galleries, the Chestnut Street District also provides visitors with a chance to test their creative side. At Simply Charmed, located at 1011 Main, patrons are able to imagine and create one-of-a-kind bead creations including bracelets, necklaces, earrings and more. At Pottery Works, located at 126 W. 9th, customers get the chance to paint and personalize a number of ceramic creations, making it into their very own. Scrapbook Frenzy, located at 809 Main, gives people the opportunity to design unique and creative pages, adding a distinct and personal touch to their scrapbook.