Disclosure: Kansas I-70 Association sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.
The more time I spend in Manhattan, the more I love it. The college town, home to Kansas State University, has what seems to be an endless list of things to do ranging from outdoor recreation to indoor dining.
There is a reason they refer to the town as “Manhappening,” a sensibility you come to understand quickly. I was thankful to be asked to return to town to explore places on my travel bucket list. But first, I needed to check into the newest hotel in the central business district, Aggieville.
LODGING
Courtyard by Marriott (715 N. 12th St.) opened during the summer of 2021 directly across from KSU’s campus. Nestled in the heart of Aggieville, it is the ideal place to stay if you’re hoping to walk to nearby shopping or dining. If you’re a Wildcat sports fan, it’s top-notch for accommodations when celebrating game day.
One of the perks of staying at the hotel is valet parking, which is the only way to park your car when at the hotel. It’s convenient, the valet staff works around the clock, and always greets you with a smile. They’ll even advise you where to dine out in Aggieville if you ask. Don’t forget to tip the staff.
The rooms are well designed with plenty of room to enjoy one’s stay. My room included a couch (in KSU’s purple, of course!), a plush king bed, and in-room amenities, including a refrigerator. With a view of campus, I could envision KSU families staying here when attending events on campus.
Other amenities you can expect while at Courtyard by Marriott include a fitness center open 24/7, a Starbucks coffee bar featuring small plate breakfast items, and an exquisite lounge with a gas fireplace. Order a cocktail or locally made craft beer at the bar and head to the outdoor patio for a pre-dinner drink.
Restaurants within a short walking distance of the hotel in “The Ville” that I’ve tried and wholeheartedly recommend include So Long Saloon, Taco Lucha, and Rock-a-Billy Bar & Deli.
BREAKFAST
FLIGHT CREW COFFEE
Wheels up! Flight Crew Coffee (423 Poyntz Ave.), in historic Manhattan, is ready to serve you. Opened this fall, the cafe is bustling with business. And for a good reason. The owner, Heather, has thought of every detail to ensure your “in-flight service” is seamless.
A bit of nostalgia and a bit of class. the cafe’s interior transports you to aviation heaven. Navy blue walls, black and white prints of airplanes, and a cozy fireplace invite you to nestle up with a coffee in hand. Jazz music plays in the background.
I enjoyed a steaming chai tea with a Quiche Lorraine for breakfast. As they say, “Our Coffee Gives You Wings,” and after my first visit to Flight Crew Coffee, my mood is flying high. Add it to your morning itinerary before stepping out to do boutique shopping. View the cafe’s hours here.
DOWNTOWN MANHATTAN
Fueled by caffeine, I was ready to shop until my heart’s content in historic downtown Manhattan. Native limestone buildings and ornate brick buildings made a stroll along Poyntz Avenue a delight. You will discover shops carrying home furnishings, clothing, fine art, and more.
SHOPPING
ROOTED FAIR TRADE
Wouldn’t you rather shop locally and buy handcrafted gifts from hardworking people? Rooted Fair Trade (327 Poyntz Ave.) sells products made by creative individuals from all over the world. Fiber art, jewelry, apparel, and artwork fill the space. Each item comes with the story of the person who made it. Fair-trade products focus on sustainability, fairness, and support workers.
I couldn’t leave without buying a gorgeous bracelet made with recycled magazine paper by women in Haiti. The company’s owner created the company after visiting the country and seeing poverty firsthand. Each purchase of Papillon jewelry supports at-risk mothers and fathers with full-time jobs in Haiti. How could I not buy it? View the store’s hours here.
BLING GLAMOUR
I walked two doors down to discover a must-visit boutique. With clothes for every season and every woman, Bling Glamour (31 Poyntz Ave.) is your one-stop shop for on-trend apparel. When I learned that it was a women-owned business, I was ready to pull out my credit card.
I was shocked at the reasonable prices. The racks, table, and shoe wall were stocked full of items I wanted to take home. You’ll appreciate the way the store is set up making selecting new apparel favorites easy. Start at the front of the store to peruse racks of new arrivals. But there’s more!
Make your way to the back to find everyday essentials and sale clothing. I can easily see why this store is popular with locals. It carries the latest looks perfect for women of every size and style. If you can’t make it to the store, you can shop online and ship it to you here. The staff is friendly and happy to help.
FURNISH
Another new store on the downtown scene is Furnish (314 Poyntz Ave.), a home furnishings store that also offers in-store furniture consultation. One tour of the store and I was ready to hire their stylist to come to my home to redesign its interior.
Shoppers on the hunt for home decor reminiscent of Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will feel right at home at Furnish. The showroom is filled with neutral hues with black accents. Homeowners in search of lighting, chairs, and kitchenware are in luck.
The burning candle’s scent drew me to the shelf you see below. I was happy to see a candle that I’ve purchased many times in Wichita from Nectar Republic. Nearby, accessories ranging from picture frames to books completed the vignette.
You’ll find it difficult to walk out of Furnish without a few gifts for yourself and new design ideas for your home. Plan your visit by viewing the store’s hours here.
SNW GALLERY & CUSTOM FRAMES
Without a doubt, one of the coolest stores in downtown Manhattan, SNW Gallery & Custom Frames (328 Pontyz Ave) is worth checking out. The gallery is filled with breathtaking artwork by Kansas and regional artists, often including new artists’ work.
The creaky floors and the perfectly illuminated framed artwork draw you in. Every wall of every room is adorned with artwork for sale, including pottery. While some pieces deservedly command a higher price, I found many affordable prices for the casual shopper discovering new artwork.
As a native Kansan who spends countless hours driving across the state, I appreciate the works that featured the Kansas prairie. Landscapes by Kim Casebeer and Cristine Sundquist on display showed cloud-filled skies and the sun’s rays upon the flint hills. You’ll be impressed by the breadth and quality of the collections.
Since 1981, SNW Gallery has curated and displayed paintings, prints, drawings, mixed media, and more. Intricately designed jewelry is nestled near the register. Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re bound to walk away from SNW Gallery with a special piece.
If you can’t make it to the shop, you can preview the artwork and purchase it online here. Peruse their Facebook events page to learn about upcoming events, including artists’ talks.
FOOD & DRINK
TALLGRASS TAP HOUSE
On the same side of the street as the gallery, I spotted Tallgrass Tap House (320 Poyntz Ave.). I missed my chance to taste their craft beers during my last visit to Manhattan, so I ducked inside and sat at the bar. The brewpub is massive in size and draws a lunchtime crowd.
I like to taste a flight of beers during a first-time visit to a brewery. Tallgrass Tap House rotates the lineup of beers to accompany their flagship favorites. My flight came with four 5oz pours. I’d recommend trying a variety of styles but make sure to ask about their seasonals.
I appreciated Skeleton Crew, and loved the sample of Tropical Golden Ale. Visit during Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3pm-6pm for discounts and enjoy $3 Tap House exclusives all day on Sundays. Sit on the rooftop deck during warm weather days for drinks with friends.
MANHATTAN BREWING CO.
Stopping into Manhattan Brewing Co. (406 Poyntz Ave.) always promises a good time and a lot of beer drinking. There is just something about the friendly staff and the beers, which go down far too easily, that keeps me coming back.
Before my first beer was even finished, I was asked by Jake, the brewery’s sales and marketing guru, if I wanted to take a tour of the facility. My beer education began in the brewing area and ended in the basement cooler. I tasted the grain. I perused the rows of kegs. I peered into the tanks. What did I learn? As much as the owners joke around, they take brewing and selling craft beer seriously—the quality shows.
Keep your eyes peeled during a visit to the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a nice selfie backdrop. (Female Readers: During your self-guided tour of the brewing, check out the bathroom. I’m going to leave it at that.)
As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.
For the owners of Manhattan Brewing Co., running a business is more than about slinging suds. Customer service is a priority.
Soon, Jake and I were joined at the bar. Brewers Garrett and Adam ponied grabbed a seat. Before I knew it, the four of us were walking a few doors down to Bourbon & Baker (313 Poyntz Ave), a restaurant and bar revered for its bourbon selection and gourmet small plates menu. It was an unforgettable experience.
I wholeheartedly recommend checking out both places when you visit Manhattan. View the brewery’s hours and the beers on tap here.
EL PATRON
I was overdue for lunch and knew just where I wanted to check out. Authentic tacos at El Patron (429 Poyntz Ave.) called me. It is known for serving street tacos using fresh ingredients and was ready to order.
With festive Mexican music playing in the background, I dove into soft shell tacos filled with beef and BACON. My taste buds went into overdrive. Now, I know what you’re thinking, but hold on. You haven’t lived if you haven’t tasted bacon in a street taco.
The lunch crowd clearly loved El Patron as much as I did. They drew a good size crowd made up of downtown workers and tourists. Looking around the restaurant at the plates on the tables, people were devouring fajitas, burritos, and seafood entrees. El Patron is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. View their hours to plan your visit.
OUTDOOR ATTRACTIONS
TOP OF THE WORLD
An employee at the art gallery insisted that I needed to drive to the Top of the World. With a name like that, how could I not? I drove to the town’s overlook. Manhattan is considered the Gateway to the Flint Hills.
Under cloud-filled skies, I walked to the top of the gravel trail to peek out over the town. If you have time, make the easy drive only minutes west of Manhattan off of Kansas Highway 113. (Ask Siri or Google Maps to navigate it.) You get a 360-degree view of the college town. Dog walkers love it. Bike trails welcome cyclists. It’s a beautiful setting.
JOHNNY KAW
A visit to Manhattan isn’t complete without driving to the Johnny Kaw statue for a photo opp. Located at City Park, the fictional character towers over visitors. He’s a legendary Kansas settler. A man who planted wheat invented sunflowers, and grew potatoes. Johnny controlled the weather and never feared tornados or clouds. Sure, he did. To read the complete story of the “Spirit of Progress,” Johnny Kaw, click here.
Visit the statue to stand in awe and read about the KSU professor, Dr. George Filinger, who invented the fictional character to honor the town’s 100th anniversary of its founding. The park includes a swimming pool, splash pad, and playground equipment perfect for a family visit.
KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
The gorgeous colors of the trees during fall dotted the Kansas State University campus, and I could hear the marching band rehearsing. I mazed my way through the campus’ limestone historic buildings, around sculptures, and statues, and I found the source of the sound.
The football field was covered with marching band members moving in formation and playing an energizing song. The band’s director shouted from a megaphone, “Remember guys, we could make it to the bowl game. Again!”
No matter what alma mater you hail from, you need to tour the beautiful KSU campus.
DINNER + DESSERT
KITE’S AGGIEVILLE DRAFT HOUSE
Most KSU college students and out-of-town visitors know the bar Kite’s in Aggieville. However, the venue recently upgraded a neighboring space as Kite’s Aggieville Draft House (617 N. 12th St.). Essentially an upscale sports bar, the restaurant offers refined menu fare like Gulf Coast Smoked Redfish Dip, Low Country Shrimp & Grits, and Southern Fried Hot Chicken Sandwich.
With the game on TV, I wanted chicken wings. They arrived piping hot. The sauce had medium heat, and the blue cheese dressing cooled it off. While it wasn’t an entree, it hit the spot. Kite’s Aggieville is a good place to visit for what I thought was the coldest beer in town. You’ll appreciate the cloth napkins and the elevated menu. View the location and hours here.
VARSITY DONUTS
I don’t think I’ll ever make it out of Manhattan without ducking into Varsity Donuts (704 N. Manhattan). Their motto, “Donuts Make People Happy,” is true whether it’s after the sun rises over The Ville or during a late-night dash to the bakery.
But this visit was extra special. Surprisingly, most of the donuts were discounted because it was only minutes before closing – score! I walked back to my hotel with two donuts, well, one because I began to devour an iced cake donut before making it to my room. Learn about their late-night back alley food truck here.
OTHER PLACES WORTHY OF A VISIT
THE DUSTY BOOKSHELF
Grab a used book and a barista-brewed coffee and sit to enjoy a new read at The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N. Manhattan). The place has a nearly perfect score out of over 200 Google reviews for a reason. As they say, “books may well be the only true magic.”
MIDWEST DREAM CAR COLLECTION
Imagine dozens of spotless classic cars and hot rods under one roof. Read about what to expect during a self-guided Midwest Dream Car Collection tour in a previous post I wrote here.
Oh, MANhattan! You’ve done it again. With more than enough to do in an overnight stay, I recommend planning for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return. I hope to stop by Pool House, Sunset Zoo, and Goolsby’s the next time I’m in town.
For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.
The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.
It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.
The residents have always treated me kindly. Their welcoming spirit is genuine. I’m one of the town’s biggest fans for its progressiveness, focus on the arts, and plethora of entertainment options.
LODGING
I had the pleasure of staying in the 
The new hotel features Hilton’s expected amenities and then some. The beautifully decorated hotel is designed in a modern style with references to the region from the lobby’s opulent, gas-powered fireplace to the private library with the finest furnishings.
Guests also have access to complimentary free nearby parking, a hot breakfast, free WiFi, evening socials Monday-Wednesday. The impressive evening socials give guests a chance to unwind with an alcoholic beverage and a light dinner – and it’s all included in your stay.
The fitness room was the largest I’d ever seen in a hotel and it featured top-of-the-line exercise equipment. For swimmers looking to do laps, the pool is definitely large enough. Lounge chairs also make it an ideal place to sit back and close your eyes in relaxation. The facilities were clean and spacious. 
Homewood Suites by Hilton has thought of EVERYTHING. For travelers who have an extended stay, they’ve provided a laundry room for guests to use, a delightful discovery. Imagine arriving home with a suitcase of clean clothes!
And it gets better! Upon check-in, you’ll be asked what kind of complimentary coupon you would like to use at the hotel’s Starbucks cafe. Buy One, Get One specialty coffee beverages? Don’t mind if I do. Homewood Suites by Hilton rolls out the red carpet. After getting settled into your room, you’ll want to extend your stay. I highly recommend 
The 90-minute dramedy, set in 1912, told the story of scientist Marie Curie who spent two months at her friend Hertha Ayrton’s seaside home recovering from the emotional scars from public scrutiny. The two-person cast performed in a black box theatre where the audience sat only feet from them. It was a moving experience.
I love a museum that tells a story well. Did you know that Salina was once the third-largest producer of flour in the world? The newest exhibit, “
Eventually, the town became a crossroads for industry that included the railroad, Schilling Air Force Base (closed in 1966), technology companies, trucking, and healthcare.
The museum includes an abundance of hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. From examining parts of a buffalo to building a city and starting a tornado to playing with old-fashioned toys, Smoky Hill Museum is an entertaining experience. Make sure to walk upstairs to 
Before you exit the museum, purchase Kansas-made products and keepsakes in the gift shop. They have a wide selection of travel guides and non-fiction books about Kansas.
There is no charge to visit the Smoky Hill Museum. They are closed on Sundays, Mondays, and major holidays. Plan your visit 
Opened as the Fox-Watson Theatre in 1931, it was the idea of a wealthy grocer and banker in Salina. W.W. Watson, with help from others, opened the doors to the movie palace considered “one of the most beautiful in Kansas.” (Source: Stiefel Theatre). It was later renamed after Milton Stiefel who was a major contributor to its renovation.
Fast forward decades later after a major renovation in 2003. The theatre’s state-of-the-art sound system, backstage accommodations, and stunning interior make it a must-stop venue for performers.
Later, I met up with the executive director of the 
If you also appreciate listening to orchestral music or perhaps have always wanted to hear it, you can purchase tickets to one or all of the six concerts performed each year. The holiday show is so well attended that it was expanded to two days.
My first priority when touring Rolling Hills Zoo was to visit the giraffe exhibit. I approached the area slowly as to not startle them. To my surprise, Zuri, Billie, and the youngest, Korey, were as interested in me as I was in them. Korey, who was born in December 2020, is 10 feet tall and growing. The other giraffes are 11 years old.
I visited the zoo in the early afternoon hours when most of the animals were napping, including a bear in a hammock. However, a tiger rose from his slumber to yawn in acknowledgment of passersby. Capybaras and flamingos explored. Barnyard animals greeted children.
The zoo has an 
A visit to Rolling Hills Zoo should be at the top of your list of things to do when in Salina. To experience the upcoming events, view gate admission prices and the zoo’s hours, visit the 
BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Known for carrying antiques, market finds, and locally-made jewelry, 
In search of new clothes to add to your closet? 
I came home with a pair of earrings from 
Also a place for families, the youngest visitors will appreciate the children’s book section and inviting gumball machine. I recommend asking about the specialty coffee of the month. Proceeds from my purchase of a Bee Kind Latté went to a local non-profit. You’ll find it difficult to leave without buying a book, t-shirt, or Kansas-themed gift.
DAGNEY’S ICE CREAM
MARTINELLI’S LITTLE ITALY
Leave room for homemade tiramisu or creme brûlée. Ask for the drink and dessert menus before ordering your meal to plan ahead. The family-style portions are HUGE. A quarter-size pasta dish is prepared with a half-pound of pasta. The spaghetti comes with a one-pound meatball. You’ll need a to-go box.
DAIMARU STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR
Daimaru is popular with locals. The sushi chefs never stood still. I watched as they prepared enormous sushi platters. Artfully designed, the sushi tasted as good as it looked.
I took advantage of a sunny weather day to visit most of the Saturday events. The impressive lineup of things to do kicked off with the parade on Andover Road. Parents and kids lined both sides of the street ready to grab flying candy thrown from floats passing by.
As soon as the parade came to an end, families gathered their belongings and headed to 
Car enthusiasts gathered at the 
Gearheads grabbed their phones to snap photos. Vehicle owners chatted about their love of all things cars. In my opinion, the shining star of the show Ford Falcon Squire Wagon. The white-wall tires, candy red paint, and classic design caught my attention as well as that of passersby. What make and model do you hope to see on display at a car show?
Parents shuttled their kids to the carnival where the rides like the ferris wheel and fast-moving Tilt-a-Whirl awaited. I think the best part of the carnival was witnessing adults taking their kids on rides for the first time.
Festival Tip: For $25, you can purchase a wristband that lets you ride as many rides as you want during the carnival. While a button is required for entry to Greater Andover Days, the wristband provides hours of entertainment Friday-Saturday.
While the fishing clinic at Lake George and hot dog eating contest took place, I returned to the carnival to buy concessions food and check out the games. I asked the concessions stand worker, “Which should I buy…cotton candy or a snow cone?” Once I saw the massive bag of spun sugar, I opted for a cherry snow cone, a yummy choice.
The sound of arcade games and a ringing of the winner’s bell rang out only steps from the concessions stand. A lifelong fan of Skeeball, I had to check it out. With every toss, kids and their parents worked hard to win oversized stuffed animals.
More activity was bustling at the Business Expo/Craft Fair where artisans sold unique gifts and local store owners talked with festival-goers. In a nearby tent, kids excitedly picked out the design they wanted to have painted on their faces while parents introduced themselves to one another. Entrepreneurs talked business and chatted about local happenings.
Nearby, small groups of kids ran to the nearby bouncy houses, a highlight of Saturday’s KidFest. Children couldn’t kick off their shoes fast enough. Piles of sneakers sat outside the entrance of an inflatable castle as kids jumped and giggled inside. Long lines formed to climb the towering stairs to slide down slides where parents waiting poised with cameras.
The 
The young performers delivered a show-stopping performance that entertained while educating kids. Afterward, kids jumped up to burn off energy at three family-friendly stations nearby: hay maze, water balloons, and pedal cars.
I took a break from the activity to grab lunch at the food court where there were many choices for street food fare. I walked by a barbecue food truck and a grilled hamburger station but ultimately decided to order a “tacone” from 
I knew just the place to sit down and enjoy my meal. The beer garden. Set up on Central Park Lodge’s patio within viewing distance of the concert stage, it was the ideal setting to people watch and listen to the band’s perform soundcheck.
The excitement of the day was topped off by a spectacular firework show that lit up the night sky over Andover Central Park. Onlookers craned their necks to admire the colorful splendor.
To learn more about the town’s history including America’s first patented helicopter, enjoy free admission at High Plains Museum. For travelers interested in touring a historic home, the Mary Seaman Ennis House transports you back in time to see how residents once lived.
