Ottawa, Kansas is angling for the history books after discovering documentation that the city's Plaza Grill and Cinema, formerly sporting the name The Crystal Plaza and Bijou Theater, has been screening flicks and ripping tickets since 1905. Currently, a theater in Denmark (circa 1907) is getting all the credit as the Oldest Operating Cinema in the World. Record-keeping bigwigs at the Guinness Book of World Records are being set straight about who deserves the fancy title and their name in print.
If a colorful quilt block mural painted on the side of a barn appeals to your artistic sensibilities than Ottawa ought to suit you. The seat of Franklin County features almost half of the murals which currently make up the Quilt Block Driving Tour. As the project grows, odds are you won't have much trouble finding rental homes or rental apartments in Ottawa that offer a view of one the definitive markers of the Ottawa landscape. Midwest farming culture and remembrances of the past are found throughout the city at the area's twice-weekly farmers' markets and adequately aged antiques scene. Ottawans stay rooted in their history by visiting the 1859 Dietrich Cabin as a reflection on the hard times of early frontier days when there was no Super Wal-Mart to keep them stocked in modern conveniences. Today's residents enjoy a mix of old time history and current trends when enjoying the Bling Room at the Country Living Shop on Main Street. Irony or impressive marketing strategy, it keeps the locals happy to glam up their Mid West style.
Moving to Ottawa
OK, now that you're moving, you've got to pack all your personal belongings but you also cannot forget any important paperwork. Remember to bring along your ID or copies of it, a blank check so you can drop the deposit down right away, letters of reference, your rental history and a credit report.
Midsize City, Small-Town Feel
Thank early Ottawan city planners for developing an easy to navigate city, without all of the crazy dead ends and twisty roads of more reckless cities. Sometimes referred to as a small town, Ottawa may lack a public transit system, but it does have enough entertainment options to at least put in the running as a mid-sized city. Just don't forget your car.
Floods
Tornadoes have been linked to the Sunflower State since Dorothy first clicked her ruby slippers, but floods have caused more natural disasters for Ottawa. The last problematic flood was in 1951, and due to levees and pumps, Ottawans have been able to rest easy knowing that the main floods they face are floods of visitors for the popular Downtown 3rd Saturdays and other community events.
Neighborhoods in Ottawa
Since Ottawa is a small town, there's not much in the way of neighborhoods. But depending on which side of town you visit, you'll definitely see the differences. Check out the information below to figure out where you want to live in Ottawa.
North Ottawa: In straightforward Midwest fashion, the city north of the Marais Des Cygnes River is known as North Ottawa. Now you just need to learn to pronounce the name of the river, or refer to it simply as The River as residents tend to do, and you are all set to blend in with the mix of homeowners and rental house dwellers that enjoy the historic homes of this section of the city. Victorian homes are prevalent in Ottawa but in fresh colors and without any lacy parasols lying about. Rental homes with as many as four bedrooms are easy to find, but those searching for rental property will feel as if they hit the real estate jackpot in the northeast section of town. Clustered near the golf course, discovering a duplex for rent or condo rentals is as simple as walking down the street. Locals of this northern neighborhood enjoy playing ball or taking a dip at Forest Park or practicing their swing at the Ottawa Country Club.
South Ottawa: Cross the river at Main Street or Highway 68 to head to South Ottawa, the area closest to the river is most walkable and car dependence increases the further south you go. Flint Hills Nature Trail and the shady Prairie Spirit Rail Trail for bikers allows South Ottawa inhabitants to stay as fit as those swinging 9 irons across the river. Not to choose sides, but those occupying South Ottawa have options, which include City Park and the Carnegie Cultural Center within the park where the Ottawa Arts Council and Ottawa Suzuki Strings are both based. An apartment search in this neighborhood affords more apartment complexes to choose from, with close proximity to the Ottawa Library or the Wal-Mart. You would be surprised, but books and big box stores can overcome a range of problems.
Lifestyle of Ottawa
Main Street's title is no misnomer; it serves as the shopping and dining hub of Ottawa and neatly divides streets into East and West depending up on which side of Main Street they lay. The Marais Des Cygnes River splits up the area into North and South while diversifying the Midwest landscape.
Fishing and baseball are big in this city, but it truly offers a diverse range of things to do. If you moved to Ottawa to escape big city living, enjoy visiting farms, cooking with locally grown food, or heading to the city of Rantoul to experience their ranches. Farmers and farming life have a presence here but it's not all overalls and early morning chores. The live music scene is evident at places such as Cheyenne Country where the bands booked play everything from country to classic rock. Zagat guide connoisseurs and devoted Yelpers will be happy to know that local favorites include Bella Cucina, El Mezcal, Smoked Creations BBQ, and the Windmill Caf. Just from the selection given there it is evident that the dining scene is diverse enough to satisfy even the pickiest of palates. Of course, Ottawans love to fish and have their pick with four lakes located within a 30 minute drive. For less typical recreational options, Ottawa offers indoor roller skating and an indoor shooting range.
