Your Kansas State Fair Thrifting Guide
You are my people if you're searching "thrifting near the Kansas State Fair."
If you're heading to the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson this year, this is your guide to some fun thrifting and local spots I love.
This is the perfect way to prepare for the fair. You'll walk away with better coffee, better finds, and a better story than anything you'll get standing in a fair food line.
I grew up in Kansas.
I'm a farmer's daughter, and Yoder has always felt like home to me.
So consider this your local's guide to doing the fair right, starting before you ever park the car at the fairgrounds.
Getting There
Take Hwy 96 to Yoder Road.
Roots Coffee Co.
Stop in Roots Coffee Co. Not drive through, go inside, it is beautiful here!
They have a wonderful selection of food, coffee, and homemade treats. The Power House bar is my favorite.
I loved their banana bread cold foam and am so sad it's gone.
Tell me in the comments, your favorite coffee shop drink order!
This is the perfect way to prepare for the fair. You'll walk away with better coffee, better finds, and a better story than anything you'll get standing in a fair food line.
I grew up in Kansas.
I'm a farmer's daughter, and Yoder has always felt like home to me.
So consider this your local's guide to doing the fair right, starting before you ever park the car at the fairgrounds.
Yoder Thrift Store
Next stop, the Yoder Thrift Store.
If you know me, you know I love a good thrift store. There's something about finding a piece that already has history built into it.
This one is unpretentious and always well stocked. Bring a bag, wear comfortable shoes, and don't go in with a plan. The best finds are the ones you didn't know you were looking for.
Yoder Mercantile
Last stop before you leave Yoder, the Mercantile.
She has such fun vintage finds, and there's even a red light bed inside. Her shop makes you want to stay a while and just sit in the beauty of everything she's collected.
Downtown Hutchinson
Once you've wandered Yoder, don't head straight for the fairgrounds yet. Downtown Hutchinson deserves its own hour, honestly it might be my favorite part of the whole day.
Stop into Inked Apparel and Signs, owned by my friend Chris Copey.
Small towns run on people like this.
Stop into Amelia's, owned by my neighbor, then Hutchinson's Fair Price Clothing for a good thrift browse, Salvation Army because I never skip it, and Holly's Sweet Treats, save room, you'll want something sweet before the fair food starts.
Don't skip the Etc. Shop either.
It's a locally owned thrift store where every dollar you spend stays right here in Hutchinson.
Grab a second coffee at Sage River Coffee. No judgment, two coffee shops in one day is a completely reasonable choice during fair week!
Jessica is so fun at Wildflower Boutique.
You walk in for one thing, you walk out with three, every time. She's in a new spot, go find her!
Head up Main Street and close to the fair for Scuttlebutt's and The Clay Works.
They have great coffee, pastries, homemade biscuits and gravy, and handmade items that are great for gifts.
Why This Detour Is Worth It
The fair is loud and busy and full of fried everything, and I love it for exactly that. But this slow morning is what makes the rest of the day better.
One more tip once you're at the fair: stop by Pop's Place and grab a refillable cup you can fill up all fair long.
Their brisket and waffle fries are the best on the fairgrounds.
So next time you're making the drive in, give yourself the extra hour. Take the Yoder exit. You'll thank yourself later.
And if you need more coffee, Five Lions Coffee is right when you walk into the fair inside the Expo. Center. A locally owned KS coffee shop!
Quick Questions
How far is Yoder from the Kansas State Fairgrounds?
Just a few minutes off the main road into Hutchinson, it's an easy add to your fair day.
Is Yoder worth visiting if I only have an hour?
Yes. Coffee at Roots and a walk through the Mercantile is plenty for a quick stop.
What are the best thrift stores near the Kansas State Fair?
Yoder Thrift Store, Salvation Army, and the etc. Shop in downtown Hutchinson are all worth the stop.
Always Chasing Joy,
Sara
