Burns, Kansas

You might recognize the sights of Burns from "Mars Attacks," the Warner Brothers movie that premiered in December 1996. The movie company filmed segments of their movie in Burns, bringing Hollywood glitz to small-town Kansas. The Warner Brothers company left one piece of evidence of their stay - the Burns sign on US Highway 77 was their gift to the community.

There's eleven miles between Burns and Florence, far enough to be on their own, yet close enough for community ties. This is where the food get good! At the cafe and bakery all pies, cakes, breads, and cinnamon rolls are homemade and the mashed potatoes are real. Next door visitors may watch the work of craftsman at the Walnut Valley dulcimer Company. The owner explains the dulcimer is the "only native American instrument." They sell to customers all over the United States. Horse pits and Bar-B-Cue make up a perfect outing at the Buffalo Gulch Ranchhouse. It is a private supper club with a 10 day application period so call ahead for a mail in application if you're coming this way.