Sunflower Journeys (KTWU-TV): February 2011

Brenda Meder, the energetic Director of the Hays Arts Council, believes the arts help attract new people to Hays. Sunflower Journeys follows Brenda as she prepares for one of downtown’s four annual gallery walks. The Hays Arts Council is the oldest arts council in the State of Kansas.

Journeys: September/October 2008

Touted as a “Prairie Oasis” by Journeys, a trusted travel news source with 674,000 regional members and 1.5 million readers nationwide, the Chestnut Street District receives acclaim for its galleries, boutiques and restaurants. In a separate article, the downtown’s microbrewery and diner received a rave review deeming it a “Hearty Hays Hangout”.

CNNMoney.com - July 16, 2008

Hays is listed as one of the top ten places to ride out the gas crunch. Cited for its short commutes and entertainment. Click here to view the full story.

Cottage Living Magazine - May/June 2008 Issue

Two Kansas towns, Hays and Plainville, gain national attention in Cottage Living magazine’s May/June 2008 issue covering the “Summer’s Best Havens & Hideaways”. Cottage Living writer, Haskell Harris, visited the towns in February 2007 hoping to discover cottages to feature in the magazine. But, a snowstorm left her stranded in Hays giving her the chance to explore the shops and the revitalization occurring in downtown Hays’ Chestnut Street District.

Renovation Style Magazine - Spring 2007 Issue

In the Spring 2007 feature entitled “Making a Difference”, writer Sally Finder-Koziol describes how Liberty Group Principal, Chuck Comeau, is giving old buildings new glory. Through design Comeau is making the buildings prime locations not only for his businesses but the businesses of other Kansas entrepreneurs in the Chestnut Street District.

KSN-NBC News - February 5, 2007

"Well I've done similar stories, after all what downtown isn't redoing their Main Street? But, I was wrong. What's happening in Hays is different."
- News Anchor Anita Cochran

Click here to view both news segments featuring Hays.

Romantic Homes Magazine - October 2006 Issue

While most people don’t equate Hays, Kan. with fine shopping, they should according to Erika Kotite, Editor-at-Large for Romantic Homes magazine. In the October 2006 issue, Kotite cites eight downtown Hays businesses for turning Kansas into more of a destination spot.

Kotite credits Hays for embracing a widening cadre of artists and craftspeople to create the gourmet eateries, upscale retail shops, and art and graphic design studios that line Hays’ Main Street today.