Found our marbles at … Moon Marble in Bonner Springs, Kansas

Photo Credit: Flickr / Mike Willis

Stopping at Moon Marbles in Bonner Springs, Kansas is sure to bring back some reminiscing of childhood days. Did you ever play marbles for keepsies? Or have a favorite shooter? My marble memories include my grandfather, shooting marbles was one game that would get him in the floor playing with us when I little.

The game of marbles goes back thousands of years. Marbles have been made of clay, china, glass, and I remember a few metal ones called steelies. You will find marbles of all colors for sale at Moon Marbles, hand made marbles as well as machine made marbles. Call ahead to schedule a demonstration for the group to see a local craftsman work with molten glass hand crafting one of a kind marbles.

Moon Marble is located at 600 East Front Street, Bonner Springs, KS. To schedule a demonstration for your group call (913) 441-1432.

Photo Credit: Flickr / Mike Willis

Lambert’s Cafe where the rolls are throwed

Photo Credit: Flickr / shawnzrossi

Lambert’s Cafe is know as the “Home of Throwed Rolls”. That’s right if you want a roll you better be a good catch as they can come flying to you from across the room. While Lambert’s does not have a set group menu they do work well with groups and even in the busiest times can get a group in and out fast. It is an excellent choice when letting the group dine on their own. Lambert’s does not take reservations, but it is recommended to call ahead several days in advance to give them the heads up a group will be arriving.

Meals are served family style or as Lambert’s refers to it they have “pass arounds” to enjoy with your entree selection and throwed rolls. There are two Lambert locations in Missouri; 2305 E Malone, Sikeston, MO, (573) 471-4261; and 1800 W. State Hwy J, Ozark, MO, (417) 581-7655. Lambert’s Cafe opens at 10:30 every day and closes at 9 pm. A word of caution, credit cards are not accepted, so be prepared to pay with cash or a check.

Photo Credit: Flickr / nola.agent

$3.5 million collection of banjos from the Jazz era

The American Banjo Museum downtown Oklahoma City surpasses the expectations of  visitors. The facility holds over 300 banjos, most from the Jazz era valued at over $3.5 million. The banjos from this era were very decorative with inlays, carvings, rare woods, and jewels, each is a piece of art in its own entity.

Groups of 15 or more can schedule a special banjo performance that is held in a room that is a replica of a Shakey’s Pizza Parlor. The live performance by Johnny Baier, the museum’s director, is always the highlight of the visit. Baier’s interaction with the group will have them singing along to tunes from days long ago.  Options are also available to add lunch with a pizza party or sub sandwiches. Motor coach groups enjoy the one stop containing museum, meal, and performance for the reasonable rate of $15 per person. A group rate for museum and performance with out the meal is $7 per person. Tour director and driver are always comped.

The American Banjo Museum is located at 9 E Sheridan, Oklahoma City. For more information or to book your group call 405-604-2793.