Norton

Norton is a small town with just under 3,000 residents and plenty of charm to go around. It was named after Captain Orloff Norton when it was founded in 1872. They've been photographing tornadoes in Kansas since 1909, and their first tornado photos were taken in 1909. Perhaps they still have a large number of storm chasers! What began as a small town with a single log cabin hotel has grown into this charming corner of Kansas where you'll enjoy every sunrise, sunset, and meal in between. The skies here appear to paint extra beautiful pictures for local photographers, but that could be because they've been smelling the food all day and want to spread the love. After all, when you've worked up an appetite exploring, the comfort food served at Town and Country Kitchen and Pfonz's is nothing short of magical.

Prairie Dog State Park, a lesser-known piece of Kansas teeming with wildlife and the potential for a weekend of fun outdoors trying to spot prairie dogs, is one of the main draws. Keith Sebelius Lake is also a great place to spend a warm day fishing and feeling the wind in your hair. They Also Ran, a museum gallery full of portraits and brief descriptions of each presidential candidate who did not make it, is a must-see for history buffs. When you always focus on who became president rather than who lost and why, it's an interesting way to look at history.