Tour Locations

STRAWBERRY HILL POVITICA

Experience the magic that goes into making the world-famous Strawberry Hill Povitica while sampling various flavors of this delectable swirled dessert bread. Enjoy a free cup of coffee while you learn about Strawberry Hill's rich cultural heritage. Watch artisan bakers take traditional family recipes from dough to delicious through a large glass viewing window while being guided in a fun but informative visit through the bakery. Selling out when televised on QVC and sold in Costco acrosss the U.S., you can try all of the freshly made Povitica samples during the tour and even purchase a loaf or two to take home!

Tour details: Tours may be arranged through the Merriam Visitors Bureau at 913-403-8999 (local) or 866-707-6534 (toll free). Groups must include 10 people or more (40 max) with a pre-booked tour appointment only (no walk-in tours). Tour planner & bus driver each receive one free loaf for motor coach based trips and all tour participants receive 20% off purchases made during the tour.

K.C. STRINGS VIOLIN SHOP

K.C. Strings Violin Shop is nationally known for making beautiful stringed instruments in downtown Merriam, Kansas! Pre‐scheduled tours to view the wood shop, retail location and conservatory are available for groups of 25+ people. With instruments sold world‐wide and played in symphonies across the globe, K.C. Strings craftsmen are sure to impress your group with their master craftsmanship and expertise in creating these exquisite stringed instruments.

Tour details: 25 people minimum / 40 max; fee of $5.00 per person (payable in one check); tours only offered Mon‐Fri at 10:00 or 10:30 a.m. and must be arranged with the Merriam Visitors Bureau at 913-403-8999. Tours may not be arranged directly with K.C. Strings. Tours NOT available during school breaks or during August and September.

MIXTURE

Create a mood, stir a memory or simply relax with a specially created take-home candle you'll receive during your group tour at Mixture! Using naturally derived ingredients and packaging, Mixture products are proudly, "Made in the USA" in small batches from their production facility in downtown Merriam, Kansas. Take your senses on a delightful and fragrant journey! Watch as candle-makers share with you the process of product creation to shipment, filling orders for customers all across the globe, including the popular interior retailer, Nell Hills.

Tour details: Call the Merriam Visitors Bureau at 913-403-8999 to schedule; tours offered Mon-Fri only after 10:00 am by appointment; we appreciate a 2-week cancellation notice; tours last approximately 30-45 minutes; tour is suitable for ages 10 years and older; cost: $7.00 pp (min 10/max 40) – includes take-home candle for each paying tour participant. Motor-coach groups: bus driver and tour escort receive a complimentary tour. Other info: warehouse environment, please dress accordingly; this is a standing/walking tour; those sensitive or allergic to fragrance should avoid this tour.

GUITAR LAMP

Think cool lofts are only found in urban downtowns? Think again. Come “jam” at one of Merriam’s coolest addresses, GuitarLamp.com. Follow owner Dan Leap through a 30‐minute guided tour of his shop where he crafts the famous “guitar lamp” featured on MTV Cribs, HGTV’s I Want That, and found in celebrity rocker homes including Ted Nugent, Jesse James and Bret Michaels. Dan will also give you a behind‐the‐scenes glimpse at his lofty living quarters which includes a flaming kitchen, autographed rocker memorabilia, a classic car couch and other cool stuff! If hands‐on entertainment suits your group, you can record and take home a personalized karaoke jam session in Dan’s garage karaoke lounge.

Tour details: 25+ people (minimum); fee of $5.00 per person (payable in one check) includes take‐home guitar pick; tours scheduled exclusively through the Merriam Visitors Bureau at 913-403-8999. Tours may not be arranged directly with GuitarLamp. Private tour receptions, karaoke DVD, t-shirts and more available by request (fees apply; please inquire).

GEORGETOWN PHARMACY OLD-FASHIONED SODA SHOP

Craving a REAL old‐fashioned soda? Want to learn about the history of the soda fountain? Grab a group of at least 10 people and schedule a tasty tour of the Georgetown Pharmacy’s Old Fashioned Soda Shop in downtown Merriam. Nestled right inside the Pharmacy, just like in the good ol’ days, this beautiful recreated shop is sure to bring back memories as you sip your way through a true phosphate or other tasty menu treat?

Tour details: Group tours are offered Monday-Friday only and require a minimum of 10 people / 25 max. (bus groups may also pre-order to go without a tour). Price per person is $5.00 and tour operator will choose either a 2-scoop sundae or ice-cream soda for members on the tour (pre-selected two weeks in advance to allow for proper serving time). Tours must be scheduled through the Merriam Visitors Bureau at 913-403-8999.

TIM MURPHY ART GALLERY

Need a little down time to unwind and relax? The Tim Murphy Art Gallery at the Irene B. French Community Center is the ideal place for a quiet and peaceful motor coach stop (with plenty of restrooms for that mid‐day break). Each month, a new group of artists and their works are on display on the third level (elevator provided) of the community center. Art is available for purchase on this self‐guided tour.

Tour details: Tours are not available the last Sunday through the first Friday of each month. Motor coaches may park in the north lot of the facility. The gallery is free of charge and open during normal community center hours. Please call ahead to make sure the new display is viewable at 913‐322‐5550. Location: 5701 Merriam Drive in downtown Merriam.