Salt City Lured Us In

Main Street USA always lures me in. Any “town” I have visited from Philadelphia to San Fransisco has always had a pull to take me to Main Street. When we lived in SoCal, a quick drive to Lake Elsinore or Temecula would result in a “Day Trip” to check out the shops and eateries on Main Street. Maybe it was the upbringing and special days in New Hope and Peddlers Village, in Pennsylvania?

Moving to Hutchinson, Kansas, is no different for me. When we pulled in, I was instantly struck at the history and diversity I saw displayed on Main Street. I was also instantly attuned to the idea that there is some restoration in process. Funny how that works… you can get the sense of a dying town by its shuttered doors… or you can see hope in the redevelopment. With Hutchinson, I am filled with hope.

When I first saw Salt City, it was the understatement that drew me in. A simple clean building with what looks like a simpler sign out front. We moved here in the heat of September, and this allowed me to start bicycling right away. My Main Street rides in and out of town led me by the door a few times and each time… I grew more curious.

Finally, just after a few weeks in town, we closed a pretty big deal at our agency “Mañana No Mas!” and I told the family to mount up. It was a celebration. So many good things have led up to this day. Escaping California and settling in to the Hutchinson area has come with many blessings.

We entered the brewery and there was Walter. I am a dog freak – love them. Our family used to run “Heidi’s Critter Sitters” in California and we were kind of known for working with bigger dogs, as many in our old area would pass on the big dogs. Walter is a Mastiff and super friendly. He greeted us and we were in love right away.

As the server approached, we informed her we were new to town and she welcomed us warmly and filled us in a bit on Walter, his mom (Nala?), and the brief history of Hutchinson to include the upcoming Hutch Fest and something about the town closing up Main Street to traffic and having block parties on Thursdays. NOTE TO LOCAL BUSINESSES — This is the way to welcome new folks to town.

So let’s get to it… I like beer. I was brought a Salt City IPA and it was a piece of heaven. Heidi enjoyed hers too and Haydon was in for a soda. Haydon however, did not miss out on the food. They have a steak sandwich there that is a work of art and that art landed on his plate. While Heidi and I stayed more modest on the food selections, we both couldn’t help but get a ton of Sweet Potato French Fries. I am thinking Walter is a fan of Sweet Potato as his attention level increased after the fries arrived.

The food was great, the staff was attentive, and the atmosphere – decor was modern yet comfortable… but here is the kicker – the people that go here are open, friendly, and proud of town.

We were sat next to the owner of the Temaat Liquor Store. He jumped into a conversation across the tables and laid into an influential monologue about his store, the Salt City Brewery, and Hutchinson in general that would serve as a great campaign in some towns, for mayor.

So picture our first visit to Salt City Brewery. We were quickly and warmly greeted. We were served with patience and an abundance of pride and community. We were embraced by the locals and included in their conversations and we got to love on a beautiful puppy.

But Did We Go Back?

Of course, we have been back. The beer and the food is a winning combination here. But there is also a community feel. Here is a “For instance”. Harley’s Bicycles is up the street. They ran a charity bike ride and where did the ride end? Salt City Brewery. This time, Haydon and I went and hooked up with the riders from the event and ran into David Inskeep again (think insurance). David was taken with Haydon’s presence and interest in cycling and invited him to join the NICA Mountain BIke Team in town.

Guess what? Haydon is now on the team. This is what community is about and Salt City Brewery is nailing it.

Kurt