Carolyn's Essenhaus

Great small town jewel. Everything is home made and crazy good. Don't leave without buying a loaf of cinnamon raisin bread!

You will have a sudden craving for pie.  You will here a voice: "If she bakes it, you will come..."  You won't know why, but you'll get into your car, and you'll drive, and keep driving, passing through Wichita, Hutchinson, and you'll turn on to the main street of the tiny town of Arlington, Kansas, where the grocery store has a hand-lettered sign. There, in the middle of the block, you'll see Carolyn's, which has been there 22 years.  You'll want to go in.  It's not a bakery, as Yelp has it categorized, so you'll see people eating pretty wonderful food, and Mennonite women serving them.  Eat if you like, as you've been on a long journey. Buy some bread for the road back, or some fresh jam, but whatever you do, GET THE PIE.

They change every day. I had a coconut meringue that was the lightest, cloud-like treat with perfectly toasted coconut on top. The lemon meringue was equally amazing. Her fruit pies are works of art.  In fact, I might just advise you to skip the dinner and do dessert twice.  You'll want to sample.

When you get back in your car, BOOKMARK this place on Yelp. You'll want to find it again if you pass this way.

This little place is a great find.  It is run by Mennonites and all of the food was great. They  make their own bread, pie and pastries.  I had the smoked pork and it was so good I started to buy a second one to take home, but instead got a Bienen Stich (Bee Sting Coffee Cake).  

They are located about 70 miles from Wichita so this is a nice motorcycle ride .  This sure won't be my last ride here..