Last weekend, Mom and I went to visit my Granddaughter in Wichita.  We were driving along highway 400 in Kansas when we saw a sign at the side of the road pointing the way to a historic hotel and cafe.  Beaumont.

I love visiting the out of the way places during road trips.  Meeting the local folks is interesting.  Beaumont was no different.

Beaumont Hotel and Cafe

It was lunchtime when we arrived, so we decided to try the Cafe out.  The food was awesome and the waitress doubled as the town historian.  We found that the locals weren’t called “farmers.”  They were “ranchers.”  She assured us that we’d be reminded of that.  She went on to tell us that the town once boasted a population of over 1,000 people.  Today, 40 people call Beaumont home.  Mom asked her about the vacant buildings across the street and we were told the history of what they had been.  A journey through time.

Across the street from the hotel
The old bank building is now the community center

Beaumont is known for cattle ranching, and the native grasses that would fatten the cattle up.  I’m assuming the railroad that once passed through the edge of town carried cattle to market.  The water tower that filled the steam engines with water still stands, although the sounds of the train stopping to fill up has long been silenced.

It's been a while since a train rode these tracks
Steam engines would stop in Beaumont at the water tower
The water tower
It's a long way up to the top

The waitress told us about pilots parking their planes next to the hotel to have lunch or during their stay at the hotel.

Planes have replaced the trains in Beaumont

The Beaumont Hotel, built in 1879, has stood the test of time.  Several owners later, the hotel is still in full operation.

The Beaumont Hotel

One thing, there’s no cell service there.  It’d be a great place to get away from the telephone and the computer.  I might have to make a trip to Beaumont in the future to spend the night.

The Beaumont Hotel (and Mom)

So, if you’re traveling along highway 400, take the time to stop at Beaumont and have some breakfast, lunch or dinner.  You’ll be glad you did.

Now, did I make it to see my granddaughter?  You betcha.

Kayla

 

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