The official stretch after a long drive from Florida to Kansas is one of the best skin-tingling sensations ever experienced. 10 of 10 would recommend it. If gas wasn’t so expensive right now, I would do another long road trip. For now, I have the new city of Wichita, Kansas, to explore.
Once I disposed of all the road trip snack wrappers and gas station drink containers from my journey, I rewarded myself with a stop at the nearest bookstore. Although the parking lot of the Lincoln Heights Village Shopping Center was a tight squeeze, I found a great spot. The heat was unseemly, but I knew that it would be worth it because I was able to view an exquisite mural on the side of the building.
“Watermark : a marking in paper resulting from differences in thickness usually produced by pressure of a projecting design in the mold or on a processing roll and visible when the paper is held up to the light”
Merriam-Webster, 2022
Enticed by Sight
The sign reading Watermark Books & Cafe comforted me and called forth an urge to explore. A deep green roof resembling a tree canopy lay atop the building walled with windows encouraging warm sunlight and nosy onlookers, such as myself. The outside seating area offered fold-out tables and chairs created from wood and metal. There were a handful of people already seated, conversing over coffee and snacks, where today’s version of floral centerpieces is now replaced by the hand sanitizer bottle.
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This bookstore can boast of sidewalks swept clean and glass windows sparkling, no doubt quite the chore in windy Kansas. I was enticed by the up-to-date signs in the windows should I take an interest in the community events, and I knew that this was a location easily used as a hangout landmark. For someone like me who could get lost in an empty room, I appreciate its easy location and vivid visual appeal.
Soak it In
Once inside, my first sense to discover the bookstore was the sense of sound. Cups of hot beverages clinking on the counter pinged my interest in the cafe first. My sense of sight was captured by the wonderfully displayed journals outlined by unique pens and cleverly worded knick-knacks. With a deep inhale, I could smell delicious treats and sandwiches. I’m a sucker for a good sandwich!
Above all, I’m a sucker for bookstores, and this one had me hooked. A few steps in, I was met with a buffet of books from every genre, and boy did my eyes feast! The cheerful colors of the children’s section encouraged learning and play, whereas the local authors’ section encouraged discussion with comfy brown chairs. I would 100 percent recommend that everyone come to check out the city’s local authors and show some support. It is a fabulous community and a wonderful opportunity to delve into the minds of everyone. Shoutout to all the authors and authors-to-be!
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The carpet and heavy wooden shelves helped to mute loud noise that might come from the cafe, but it also created a warm, comforting environment. Additionally, the lighting overhead was gentle and effective. Straightaway. the friendly staff members made sure that I knew they were available for me should I need assistance, and I meandered around. Eventually, I made my purchases, promising to return!
Art and History in the Parking Lot
According to Visit Wichita, the art project Keepers on Parade are 10-foot tall “mini” versions of Native American artist Blackbear Bosin’s the Keeper of the Plains, which was donated to the city of Wichita in 1974 and stands at a whopping 44 feet tall.
The Keeper of the Plains stands at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers with hands raised in supplication to the Great Spirit. Since the sculpture’s installation in 1974 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial, it has become a symbol for the city of Wichita and a tribute to the Native American tribes who continue to gather at this sacred site. The Keeper also serves as the focal point of an eight-year, $20 million restoration and river beautification project completed in May 2007.
Leafwing, work done by artist Heather Byers with input from the Walter Morris Investment Group, stands in the center of the Lincoln Heights Village Shopping Center.
Consignment & Independent Author Information
There are authors out there who are looking to get their book(s) out there for the world to see. Watermark Books & Cafe sees you! They support authors with a clear how-to on their website. The way of going about getting published and getting your book on the shelves has changed. As a result of this article, I hope that the next time you’re in a bookstore, you’ll be sure to check out the Local Authors section—you might know someone!
If you would like to know more about their consignment and independent author process, then click here.
Staying Connected Is Easier Than Ever
Community immersion is easier than ever with today’s technology and information availability. Watermark Books & Cafe is a link to the community with its advertisements of monthly events, ranging from author visits to activities. Recently, it teamed up with other local businesses for a Find Waldo in Wichita through July where prizes will be awarded in August.
Here is more information regarding the fun experience!
A shoutout to all the businesses involved in the event:
Bicycle Exchange (908 W. Douglas)
The Burrow (180 S. Rock)
The Donut Whole (1720 E. Douglas)
Enchanted Mermaid Boutique (3201 E. Douglas)
Extraordinaire (4715 E. Douglas)
Frost (3429 E. Douglas)
Imagine That Toys (2939 N. Rock Rd. #150)
Livingston’s Diner (4733 E. Douglas)
Love of Character (3200 E. Douglas)
Lucinda’s (329 N. Mead)
Maxine’s (4737 E. Douglas)
Papa’s General Store (3700 E. Douglas Ste. 30)
Spice Merchant (1308 E Douglas)
The Village Barber (4731 E Douglas)
Watermark Books & Cafe (4701 E Douglas)
The Workroom (150 N. Cleveland Ave)
Ziggy’s Pizza (3700 E Douglas Ste. 100)
*Watermark Books & Cafe is located at 4701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67218 and can be found on Facebook and Instagram