Although spending time in a small, rural farming town may allow you to swap your Louboutins for Tom’s, it will not allow you to swap style for sloppiness. St. Francis, Kansas, for example, has a population just under 1,400, so your chances of running into several people you know on a daily basis are pretty much guaranteed. A small community like this will remember you for better or worse when you leave, so it’s always best to make a favorable impression.
The weather varies a lot this time of year. Some days will be sunny with a high of 90 degrees, while others will be cold and rainy with highs in the 50's. Be prepared for day-to-day weather changes. People here are pretty casual, so I recommend following suit. A thicker pair of leggings like Lululemons, Tom’s, flip-flops, a comfy tee shirt or tank, and a long cardigan or alternative apparel hoodie work during the day if you are just hanging out around the center of town. But, if you are planning on visiting one of the farms or venturing to the river walk where poison ivy is abundant, I suggest wearing some cowboy boots, or even Doc Martin’s, with a pair of jeans and a light tee shirt. Walking through wheat, corn, or any type of crop will irritate the skin on your legs. You never know when you might have the opportunity to drive a tractor or ride a horse, so shorts and leggings are not a good idea. It’s also a good idea to bring a rain jacket of some sort as precipitation is somewhat frequent. A simple pair of stud earrings, sunglasses, a bracelet or necklace, and a scarf will be nice accessories to have on hand as well.
Other than that, just remember to relax, try not to be in a hurry, and enjoy life at a slower pace throughout your stay. You’ll miss it when you return to the craziness of the big city.
Written by Heidi Plumb
