|
Dear Mrs. Weeks and the Abilene Convention & Visitors Bureau Team:
I am writing to share my wonderful experience staying at Abilene’s Victorian Inn Bed & Breakfast on September 23 and 24, 2026, and to express my appreciation for its owners, Chef Adrian and Jay Potter.
Their gracious hospitality, warmth, friendliness, and thoughtfulness made my visit to Abilene truly memorable.
My stay in Abilene was part of a larger journey through western Kansas, with Manhattan as my final destination and many fascinating stops along the way. As a native and lifelong resident of the New York City area who works in financial services, I was looking forward to stepping away from the pace and pressures of metropolitan life. I wanted to find some peace and quiet amid the distinctive beauty of the Great Plains, spend time hiking and appreciating its unique ecosystem, discover the treasures of pioneer history, and experience the welcoming culture of this part of the country. My time in Abilene proved to be one of the most memorable parts of that journey.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the beauty and care that had gone into the Queen Anne Victorian home. It was impeccably clean, organized, and beautifully furnished, capturing the home’s vintage character while remaining cozy, comfortable, and welcoming. Learning that this was the home of a childhood friend of Dwight D. Eisenhower made my stay all the more special, as I had come to Abilene primarily to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum.
The location was ideal for a visitor like me traveling from the New York City area. Situated in Abilene’s historic district, the inn is surrounded by beautiful, tree-lined streets and well-maintained historic homes. The neighborhood felt safe and peaceful, and downtown was within easy walking distance. I also appreciated the extra care Adrian and Jay took to ensure guests’ security, including keeping the doors locked and providing each guest with their own key.
After arriving later in the day, I was especially grateful to settle into a quiet, comfortable room with a clean, cozy bed and a private bathroom and shower. One delightful surprise was the closet full of VHS tapes, with a VCR in each room! As a child of the 1990s, I found this wonderfully nostalgic and homey. I immediately selected "The Wizard of Oz" and settled in for a relaxing evening.
The following morning brought another memorable experience. As I awaited breakfast, I was treated to the sounds of Big Band style music, which created a lovely atmosphere for the start of the day. Chef Adrian then prepared a special gourmet breakfast that reflected her culinary talent and evident passion for her craft. Every bite was delicious.
After breakfast, I spoke with Adrian and Jay about my plans for the day, and they offered thoughtful, specific recommendations to help me make the most of my time in Abilene. I still remember walking along NW Third Street toward the charming, Norman Rockwell-esque downtown.
In the distance, I could see towering grain elevators rising above the landscape. As a Northeasterner, I found the sight both novel and exciting. It was a moment when I truly felt I had arrived in the American Heartland.
I spent time photographing downtown’s colorful murals and sitting in Little Ike Park before eventually stopping for dinner later on at the Hickok. There, I tried the Branding Iron Burger, which I understood to be a local favorite. I had never encountered a burger topped with peanut butter and jalapeño jelly, but after trying it, I could certainly understand its appeal! I had the pleasure of great conversation with many locals at the pub who excitedly told me all about their quaint town and still more sites to see. I loved the pride they expressed for their hometown, and the friendliness they showed a stranger from the New York City area; a warm thank you as well to the staff and patrons of the Hickok.
The next day was devoted entirely to the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum. Although the weather was rainy, it turned out to be the perfect occasion to spend hours exploring the museum and learning more about one of our nation’s most consequential presidents. Before I left the inn, Chef Adrian thoughtfully made sure I knew about the tornado sirens and what to do if a severe weather warning was issued. Given that I was walking to the museum, her concern for my safety and well-being was especially reassuring.
What touched me most was that, as the storm continued, Adrian called to ask whether I would like her to pick me up rather than risk getting soaked on my walk back. This simple but deeply considerate gesture exemplified the kind of personal hospitality and small-town kindness that can be difficult to find in modern travel. I was not simply a paying guest; I felt that my comfort and well-being genuinely mattered.
When it was time to leave, Adrian and Jay never made me feel rushed. Instead, they took the time to offer a few final tips for my drive to Manhattan, Kansas, ensuring that I left with both practical advice and fond memories.
Chef Adrian and Jay Potter absolutely made my trip to Abilene. Their hospitality, warmth, conscientiousness, and charm embodied the very best of the Kansas and Midwestern spirit. Through their authentic kindness and the care they put into welcoming their guests, they gave me a meaningful glimpse of the values and character that make this part of the country so special.
My travels through Kansas also reminded me of something that can be easy to lose sight of amid the relentless pace of life in a major metropolitan area: the profound value of quiet, open spaces, a connection to the land, and the simple goodness of people who take the time to care for others. There is something deeply special about the Great Plains: the expansive skies, the rolling prairie, the agricultural landscape, and the traces of pioneer history that remain woven into the region’s identity. To me, this is a part of the world upon which God has truly smiled. Its beauty reveals itself in the stillness of the landscape, the richness of its history, and the warmth of its people.
I believe Adrian and Jay are wonderful ambassadors for your community. Their inn is more than a beautiful place to stay; it is an experience that allows visitors to connect with Abilene’s history, character, and people in a personal and memorable way. I returned to New York City eager to tell my friends about my experience, and I hope my stories might encourage others from the Northeast to discover Abilene for themselves. For those of us accustomed to the noise, congestion, and constant demands of city life, a visit to your community offers a welcome opportunity to slow down, explore, and rediscover a different pace of life.
Sometimes, the most meaningful part of traveling is not simply seeing historic landmarks or visiting museums, but encountering people whose generosity leaves a lasting impression. My stay at the Victorian Inn was one of those experiences, and I wanted to make sure that appreciation was shared with your office.
Please extend my sincere thanks to Adrian and Jay for making my visit so special. Abilene is fortunate to have people like them welcoming visitors to its community, and I hope they know how much their kindness contributes to the reputation and appeal of your town.
Warm regards,
Timothy Fisher "Fitch" McKenna
A grateful visitor from the New York City area
| 
