As summer draws to a close, we decided to spend what might have been the last truly hot day of the year wandering through NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. The late-summer sun hung low, casting long shadows over the brick streets and colorful murals that make NOTO feel like one of Topeka’s most unique neighborhoods.
Our first stop, as usual, was Round Table Bookstore, one of our favorite spots in NOTO. Walking through its door always feels like stepping into a literary oasis — cool air, warm wood floors, and shelves overflowing with books of every genre. Whether you’re looking for a new release, a local author, or the perfect gift, Round Table has a knack for curating titles that feel personal.
After browsing and having coffee and greatly needed wine (and, of course, leaving with a book or two), we wandered through the district, taking in the murals, peeking into galleries, and people-watching as others enjoyed the sunny afternoon. There’s something about NOTO that feels both small-town and big-city at the same time — art lovers, foodies, and casual visitors all coming together to share the same space.
If this really was the last hot day of the season, it was a perfect one to spend in NOTO with books. We left feeling recharged, a little sun-kissed, and reminded why NOTO is one of Topeka’s true treasures.
