Disclaimer: This post is done in partnership with Visit Manhattan. All opinions and photos are mine with the exception of images courtesy of Museum of Art + Light.
Any weekend spent exploring Manhattan is a good one, especially when you have access to some of the best attractions in the state in the heart of The Little Apple.
Use my there-day itinerary as a pocket guide to adventures near K-State University and amongst the scenic Flint Hills. From a family-friendly zoo tour to an adults-only cocktail lounge experience, you can find it all in Manhattan, Kansas.
After reviewing this fun-filled weekend itinerary, scroll to the bottom of this post with my bonus recommendations of more things to do curated from previous visits.
DAY 1
Disc Golf at Tuttle Creek State Park
Calling all outdoor adventurers! A beautiful day spent at Tuttle Creek State Park isn’t complete without a round of disc golf.
Of course, you’ll need to purchase a $5 vehicle day pass to the park ($25/year), but it’s worth it to access the 18-hole Tuttle Creek State Park River Road course.
Disc golfers can expect a course that winds through shaded tree canopies, opening to picturesque views of the 80-acre lake. Concrete tee boxes and manicured fairways make ringing chains a delight.
PRO TIP: Use your vehicle day pass to the state park to explore hiking trails on foot or go mountain biking. Tuttle Creek’s 6-mile mountain biking trail at the Fancy Creek Area is considered one of the steepest in the state.
Museum of Art + Light
The Museum of Art + Light (316 Pierre Street) is the newest must-see attraction in Manhattan. It bridges 21st-century technology with the visual and performing arts to create an immersive experience.
I took a guided tour with a member of the museum staff prior to its grand opening, and I can vouch that the plans for the state-of-the-art museum will certainly deliver wow-worthy reactions from museum-goers.
A 21,500-square-foot immersive exhibition environment, Mezmereyz invites art lovers to walk inside a fully animated space. Renoir: A Luminous Evolution, a temporary exhibition, will surround you with imagery using 300 high-res digital images during a 40-minute show. (November 8, 2024-August 31, 2025)
Upper floors include rotating gallery exhibitions showcasing artists with an array of practices. Creators with science, engineering, and manufacturing backgrounds produce digital art in Code & Canvas.
Not to be missed, Mads Christensen Solo Exhibition shows off the electrical engineer’s talent to create pulsating 2-D and 3-D works of art. (November 8, 2024-June 30, 2025)
Photo courtesy of Museum of Art + Light
Make a day of the experience by enjoying a snack at the on-site cafe, shopping for art-centric gifts in the retail store, or attending an event.
PRO TIP: Inquire about studio and learning spaces opening in 2015, including studio art classes.
View Museum Hours and Ticket Pricing
Lunch: Cox Bros. BBQ
Enjoy a mid-day lunch break at Cox Bros. BBQ (223 McCall Rd), a 7-minute drive north of the museum. Several blog readers suggested I try it out, and who am I to doubt them? The restaurant is designed with a barn aesthetic featuring wood beams, metal bucket light fixtures, and a patio that opens up via massive garage doors.
The menu features an array of slow-smoked meats and a short list of homestyle side dishes. We shared the three-meat platter with friend okra (ranch dressing for dipping!) and their signature mac-and-cheese. The brisket, sausage, and burnt ends (more like pulled pork) had authentic smoke flavor and color.
A caddie of four barbecue sauces made our lunch experience more enjoyable as we tried each one in the “How Q are you?” challenge.
Cox Bros. BBQ sauces are worth buying before you leave, especially the Carolina sauce.
Sinkers Lounge
Indoor mini golf? Sign me up! Sinkers Lounge (100 Manhattan Town Center) combines a 9-hole mini golf course with a cocktail lounge. We signed up for a round of traditional gameplay, but not before ordering a drink from the bar.
After one sip of Cart Girl, a pink lemonade vodka cocktail, I nearly scored a hole-in-one on the first hole. We listened to streaming Indie Rock music and we teased one another in true competitive style.
The best moments were when the course required golfers to enter fully designed rooms. We stopped playing long enough to snap photos within the rainbow room.
The cost for two people to play nine holes of mini golf (table golf not included) and two drinks was a bit steep, but the photo-worthy rooms made up for some of the expense. Expect to pay more money if you’re dining from the Sinkers Lounge food menu.
PRO TIP: For extended play, pay for Mini Golf Unlimited + Table Top Combo for $20/adult.
Arrow Cocktail Lounge
Arrow Cocktail Lounge (418 Poyntz Avenue) inside the historic Wareham Hotel, came highly recommended by locals. The downtown restaurant is considered elevated dining and appeals to cuisine-lovers who appreciate an appetizer and dinner menu inspired by ingredients.
In the dimly lit ambiance of the original hotel’s interior, we sipped cocktails surrounded by dark green painted walls complementing dark wood finishes and burnt orange curtains. Crown molding and chandeliers accented a nearby space devoted to lounging with friends.
I deviated from the dinner menu, substituting a charcuterie board and deviled eggs on a bed of arugula for an entree. The fig-flavored spread, soft ricotta cheese, and cured ham layered on crackers were just what I hoped for and the deviled eggs sprinkled with chopped bacon delivered a big flavor. I sampled the table’s 1800 Steak entree, which was delicious in flavor but not as impressive as its price.
Our server was kind-hearted and attentive, adding to the overall experience. Arrow Cocktail Lounge is the standard of dining excellence in downtown Manhattan.
PRO TIP: Reserve your table in advance. Although we arrived a half hour early and sat immediately without issue.
Lodging: Courtyard by Marriott Aggieville
I’m always happy to stay at Courtyard by Marriott Aggieville (715 N. 12th Street) because I’m a fan of the property. It’s located within a five-minute walk to restaurants, shopping, and the K-State University campus.
After self-parking in the hotel’s garage, we received a warm welcome from the staff member in the lobby, who checked us into a fourth-floor King Guest Room. Unlike my previous stay, the room lacked a couch, including a velvety oversized chair.
The lobby’s Bistro Bar serves Starbucks® drip coffee and grab-and-go snack items. In the evening, it transforms into a full bar, an added perk since it’s located adjacent to the rooftop lounge, where couches and fire pit tables await.
We took advantage of the hotel’s high-speed Wi-Fi, in-room mini fridge, and proximity to the neighborhood’s attractions, including a Starbucks® coffee shop next door.
PRO TIP: Expect to pay for parking, which ran about $35 after taxes for a two-night stay. To offset the cost, remember to provide your Marriott Bonvoy® member benefits number at check-in to earn points for a future stay.
DAY 2
Breakfast: Radina’s Bakehouse
Radina’s Bakehouse (227 Blue Earth Place #111) lived up to the local hype. When we arrived on a Saturday at 9 a.m., a short line was already forming from the register. The aroma of fresh artisanal bread permeated the air as we watched two bakers manipulating dough.
To my surprise, the line moved swiftly, likely because it consisted of regular customers who knew what they wanted to order. I opted for the Classic Coffee Flight, which included four 3-ounce cold and hot drip coffee pours.
As we sat down to enjoy coffee and breakfast pastries, we couldn’t help but notice the waiting line for customers from the register stretched to the front door, about 25 people deep.
I recommend ordering a Bacon Hand Pie, served warm with a butter-flavor flaky crust and a soft interior filled with egg, cheese, and of course, bacon. I sampled a sausage burrito, and it was tasty but not nearly as delectable as the hand pie.
PRO TIP: Plan to arrive by 8:30 am to avoid a long wait at the restaurant’s counter or in the drive-thru line.
Fort Riley Museums
We toured the U.S. Cavalry Museum, 1st Infantry Division Museum, and Custer House for the first time. Each museum is worth exploring for its well-designed exhibits containing impressive military artifacts. Collectively, they tell a story of bravery, ingenuity, grit, and pure heart. The following museums are free to view with an approved visitor’s pass.
U.S. Cavalry Museum
Located in the original Fort Riley Post Hospital building constructed in 1855, the U.S. Cavalry Museum (205 Henry Avenue) is where you should start your tour of historic Fort Riley. The illuminated displays and life-like exhibits are designed in chronological order from the use of the horse by Native Americans and Army soldiers to the use of motorized vehicles during war.
As you meander from room to room, you’ll likely be wowed by the curated artifacts detailing the plight of the American soldier from the Revolutionary War through 1950.
You can expect to learn how the frontier was shaped, the Kansas-Missouri Border War, and the ongoing struggle for freedom thereafter.
Overall, the storytelling exhibits showcase a historical timeline while emphasizing the plight of the American soldier. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll appreciate the video displays and kids’ zone offering immersive experiences. The museum is fully accessible via elevators for aging visitors.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to admire artwork by Frederic Remington representing moments in war.
1st Infantry Division Museum
You may have heard of the Big Red One, but perhaps you’re unsure of its significance?
The 1st Infantry Division Museum (207 Henry Avenue) emphasis the first permanent division of the Army’s service in all wars since its organization in 1917 led by General John J. Pershing. It’s the first Army unit deployed to engage with the enemy. Big Red One is represented by a red numeral patch on the soldier’s uniform.
Exhibits represent soldiers’ efforts from 1917 to present. Well-worn uniforms and boots, guns, artillery, and photography on display humanize their experience fighting in World War I to current operations.
I was emotionally moved reading the displays about the typical Army soldier in each war. As the soldier’s eyes stared back at me, a sense of empathy and civic pride came over me. As you tour the museum, I suspect you’ll revere their civic duty similarly.
The sense of teamwork and devotion is clear when you look inside the D-Day diorama representing the infantry’s heroic actions on June 6, 1944.
PRO TIP: Schedule extra time to take a self-guided tour of the tanks on display outdoors.
Custer House
Lt. Col. George A. Custer was quite possibly the most prominent resident at Fort Riley. He lived with his family on post from 1866-1867. The Custer House (Quarters 24, located on Sheridan Avenue) is the only original officers’ quarters since the fort’s construction in the mid-1850s.
Available for self-guided or guided tours, Custer House is not the colonel’s original home, but it represents it with rooms featuring period furniture and 19th-century homewares.
The museum’s employee informed us that the teddy bear, located upstairs in the children’s room, is said to move around the house, although she’s never witnessed any signs of haunted activity.
PRO TIP: Drive by Quarters 123 (123 Huebner R0ad) to see the residence where the chaplain resided until 1890. One of the oldest buildings on post, it was later used as a hospital during the cholera outbreak.
Memorials
Just beyond the museum exit doors is the 3rd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Monument , which memorializes the soldiers who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Outdoors, a memorial honoring the battalions who fought in various wars, pays tribute to U.S. Army soldiers.
Coins on headstones and memorials signify a visit, nickels symbolize shared training, dimes indicate service together, and quarters denote presence during the veteran’s passing.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss a chance to view outdoor displays of tanks outdoors, nearby memorials, and the Fort Riley Post Cemetery, established in 1853. The Ogden Monument is located nearby.
Lunch: Bluestem Bistro
In Aggieville, Bluestem Bistro (1219 Moro Street) is a haven for college students seeking a relaxing place to study over breakfast or lunch. While there are numerous indoor two- and four-top tables, we selected a cozy café table on the sunlit patio.
My tomato bisque and Caesar salad combo was tasty and met my needs for a healthy lunch. The Italian panini prepared with savory meats and cheese was equally flavorsome.
We chatted between bites with a nearby student whose curious cat roamed to and from patrons’ tables while they studied on laptops.
Sunset Zoo
Nestled in the heart of town, Sunset Zoo (2333 Oak Street) offers visitors glimpses of more than 150 animals, from small farm animals to big cats. Using a handheld map, we navigated through the park starting with the African Trail and ending in The Americas.
Colobus Monkeys were the most active in the late afternoon, followed by prairie dogs, pelicans, and flamingos. The best time to visit a zoo is typically in the morning at feeding time if you want to see animals the most active, so it was no surprise that many species were sleeping.
I enjoyed taking photos of buzzing bees at work in the Master Gardener’s Butterfly Garden. Inside the Nature Exploration Center, we observed reptiles exploring their aquarium habitats. The zoo’s wide sidewalks and ample shade made exploring a pleasure.
PRO TIP: If visiting when school is out of session, sign up for the Sunflower Summer Program, a passport to free admission available to families.
Dinner: Little Grill
After resting at the hotel, we drove to Little Grill (6625 Dyer Road) an 11-minute drive north near Tuttle Creek State Park. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant has grown in size since it initially opened in 2002, likely because of its popularity with locals who frequent for traditional Jamaican food and live music.
Owned by a Jamaican native and a Manhattan local, the menu is a mix of Jamaican and American entrees. The walls of the restaurant are covered in framed artwork, particularly of rock and blues musicians. An alternate dining room airs televised sports.
The Rasta Pasta with added shrimp was a large portion of penne pasta covered in Alfredo sauce. I kicked it up a notch by adding homemade jerk sauce (so good!) added heat.
A sample of the table’s Double Trouble Jerk Pork Chop and Chicken delivered a well-seasoned flavor, and the dark meat chicken was the best of the two types of meat.
PRO TIP: View the Menu Specials board upon arrival, which includes drinks and dessert options.
A&H Farm
Part hobby farm with a petting zoo and part outdoor concert venue, A&H Farm (1374 Collins Lane) is an outdoor playground for all ages. On the day of our visit, the farm hosted Red Dirt Saturday, a ticketed event featuring a line-up of country music bands headlining with Logan Mize.
Exploring A&H Farm is incredibly fun conjuring up thoughts of when we were kids playing adults-size yard games, swinging, and petting goats.
The highlight for me was walking inside the bird aviary. We watched as dozens of budgies (parakeets) flew by our heads from one side of the aviary to the other. In quieter moments, they ate from provided feeding sticks only inches from one’s hand.
Inside the A&H Farm store, the shelves and coolers are stocked to the brim with pickled vegetables, baked goods, and gifts, ready to be taken home as a memory of the fun experience.
Overall, the entire farm experience is one I’ll always remember, and I hope you get to experience it with your family.
DAY 3
Breakfast: Colbert’s Bar & Grill
On Sunday, there is no better place to savor a delicious brunch than Colbert’s Bar & Grill (5200 Colbert Hills Drive). The short drive to the outskirts of town is worth it for epic early-morning views of the public golf course.
Choose to dine inside the native limestone clubhouse or enjoy brunch from the patio. Ranked the top public golf course in Kansas, the fairways and greens are a vibrant emerald contrasted by blue skies matched only by the beauty of the rolling Flint Hills in the distance.
The brunch menu includes stick-to-your-ribs meals such as Spicy Chicken & Biscuits and Stuffed French Toast. Tempted by Colbert’s Hash, I ultimately decided to order the Chicken Fried Steak, which I devoured down to the last bite. I also sampled the Breakfast Burger with egg, an appetizing brunch meal option.
Like any good brunch venue, Colbert’s also serves a short list of boozy beverages. The look of the golf course transported us to Ireland, so I ordered an Irish Coffee.
PRO TIP: Visiting Colbert’s on a K-State game day? View the special menu before arrival. Watch the game from numerous clubhouse televisions.
Liquid Art Winery and Estate
Cheers to good times exploring the beauty of Manhattan’s scenery at Liquid Art Winery and Estate (1745 Wildcat Creek Road). As your car ascends the gravel road and turns left, expansive views of lush green vineyards greet you.
Established in 2014, the tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday year-round for wine-tasting flights, wine slushies (non-alcoholic available), hard ciders, and beers.
After selecting four one-ounce pours for my dry wine flight, we exited to the partially sun-drenched patio. I preferred to sip Petite Pearl, a medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Aronia.
The patio slowly filled with patrons as we watched dragonflies and swallowtails fly excitedly over 20 acres of vineyard. On this September day, the green of the Flint Hills was beginning to take on a slight tinge of yellow, a signal of upcoming autumn. An occasional breeze blew through the trellised vines.
Hungry? The tasting room also serves flatbread naan and fresh artisan pizza with farm-to-table ingredients.
PRO TIP: Bring a cooler. When you purchase a wine flight, you save 10% off a bottle of wine to go.
Aggieville Shopping
Sisters of Sound Records
Do you consider yourself a hi-fi enthusiast or a die-hard music fan? Shop at Sisters of Sound Records (1214 Moro Street Suite C), a small but fully stocked store selling new and used vinyl records and compact discs.
I purchased a record player last year, so I’m always keen to find a record store that appeals to my love of blues and rock music. Sisters of Sound Records carries a large selection of those genres, plus a few more.
Plus, if you’re looking for a new record player or jambox, peruse the back wall for available component systems.
PRO TIP: Follow Sister of Sounds Records’ Facebook page to keep tabs on upcoming concerts coming to town.
ACME Local
I never miss a chance to shop at ACME Local (1223 Moro Street) in the heart of Aggieville for a sticker, postcard, or coffee mug featuring Kansas messaging. I discovered the shop in 2021, and add it to my return trip itinerary every time I’m in Manhattan.
If you’re shopping with someone who doesn’t like shopping (ahem!), they can hang out on the leather sofa under the “Kansas Is Not That Bad” banner, a picture-worthy backdrop.
PRO TIP: Walk next door to shop at the sister store, ACME Gift (1227 Moro Street), to purchase a whimsical gift to bring a smile to someone’s face. Who doesn’t need a ramen bowl puzzle, right?
Rally House
When in K-State Wildcat country, there is only one place to shop for new threads: Rally House Aggieville (623 N. Manhattan Avenue).
At first glance, it’s a sea of purple from wall to wall, stocked with clothing, apparel, home decor, and gifts. Look closer; you’ll also find Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals merchandise.
If you’re looking for sunflower Wizard of Oz gifts, walk to the front of the store, where displays showcase innumerable retail items. Love a local business? Look for t-shirts, magnets, and cups featuring Pizza Shuttle, Rock-a-Belly Deli, Auntie Mae’s Parlor, and Manhattan Brewing Company.
The Dusty Bookshelf
Across the street, The Dusty Bookshelf (700 N. Manhattan Avenue) is a major draw for readers wanting a new title. Whenever I visit the store, I walk away with a bag of mystery books or purchase a new release.
A haven for college students, the upstairs tables are typically occupied by college-aged scholars seated behind laptops. Downstairs, the register area doubles as a cafe.
PRO TIP: Look for the table of Mystery Books bags labeled by genre that are sold for a set price.
Lunch: Tanner’s Bar & Grill
Our final stop on a whirlwind weekend of fun in Manhattan? Tanner’s Bar & Grill (1200 Moro Street) for a light lunch and to watch NFL games. It’s the ideal place to watch sports, with innumerable televisions surrounding guests from every corner of the restaurant.
We sat amongst football fans supporting various teams while dining on Grilled Chicken Lips (tenders) and Cranberry Walnut Salad. Choose from burgers with unique toppings, grilled chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings to dominate the menu.
PRO TIP: Plan your visit around Tanner’s food-focused events, which adds to the fun atmosphere.
BONUS MANHATTAN VACATION SUGGESTIONS
Please give my additional blog posts a read written after previous trips to the Little Apple. Manhattan, Kansas: The Gateway to the Flint Hills (2021) and Experiencing the Best of Manhattan, Kansas in a Weekend (2021).
I can’t get enough of Manhattan. In fact, this was the third time I’d visited Little Apple and written about my experience. It’s easily one of the best places to visit when seeking a weekend of entertainment.
Do you also love Manhattan? Leave your suggestions for places to explore in the comments. I’m eager to return to a town ranked One of the Top 50 College Towns in America (Best College Reviews).
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.
They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.
Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.
If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.
Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.
Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.
The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.
Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.
The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.
The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.
My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.
The Northeast Kansas town of slightly over 2,000 people is one you’ll wish you visited sooner. The perfect girl’s getaway, thanks to its plethora of downtown shops, it also caters to every kind of traveler.
Inventory includes recognizable brands such as Swan Creek Candles and Mudpie. Also offering custom picture framing, Leah stays busy with custom orders and bridal registry fulfillment.
The inventory includes a range of gifts for men, graduates, and decorations for your home’s seasonal switchover.
Celebrating 60 years in business, the family-owned and operated store provides courteous service. They quickly ask what you need and walk you to the item. My purchase? A rain gauge, which I couldn’t find for sale at other stores earlier in the week.
Seneca Variety
PRO TIP: Don’t miss shopping the Discount Wall. I spotted holiday decorations marked down 40 percent.
Seneca is a multi-denominational community, and Uniquely Gifted’s inventory reflects faith-based values, particularly Catholic ones.
The owner, who has a degree in apparel merchandise, does an impressive job of carrying on-trend brands and everyday apparel necessities. Racks and tables display primarily women’s apparel, but men’s clothing and children’s shoes are well-stocked.
Order a healthy protein shake or tea at the store’s beverage counter, 
If you choose a graphic design from the templates book, staff can usually print your shirt the same day. And if you’re a K-State fan, this shop carries the most extensive collection of collegiate wear in town.
The owner carries recognizable brand names, including Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy, and Sealy, and the showroom includes outdoor patio sets as well.
The hardware store, run by the owner’s family for generations, maintains its architectural charm. Painted ghost signs on the wall, original shelving, and framed black and white photographs over the register are a glimpse into its past.
The owner gets up early daily to make various bars and donuts – apple fritters sell quickly. Diners with gluten-free dietary needs will appreciate crustless quiche, energy balls, and muffins.
My ham and cheese breakfast cheese made with flaky crust was the real deal. It paired well with a Mixed Up real fruit smoothie prepared with strawberries, pineapple, mango, and peaches.
I watched from the bar as the waitstaff greeted regular customers with their usual drinks, often predicting what they wanted to order for lunch. The day’s special, a Philly cheese sandwich, sold out before 1:00 p.m.
Not only did a downtown shop owner tell me I should order the sausage and kraut pizza, but my server, Kim, admitted it was one of her favorite meals. My medium pizza arrived piping hot, covered in savory toppings and stretchy cheese. I savored two slices before taking the rest home.
I chose a table at the clubhouse restaurant amongst golfers and locals on lunch dates. The menu, consisting of appetizers, sandwedges, and fried food baskets, was extensive given the size of the restaurant. The Hole In One quesadilla prepared with grilled chicken was fulfilling and worthy of a repeat order.
Over the years, the buildings’ owners have worked long hours preserving its wood floors and stained glass arched windows to create an inviting space.
I chatted with the owner, who showed me before and after photos of the building’s renovations. A Seneca resident introduced himself and told me stories of his past while he ate a cinnamon roll and sipped coffee. Cornerstone CoffeeHaus is a delightful stop.
As you walk upon the building’s original wood floors, explore a makeshift saloon, replica schoolroom, and original artifacts for the Smith Hotel, a refuge for riders needing a break.
PRO TIP: The museum is open Memorial Day to Labor Day, Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 pm and 9:00 am – 1:00 pm on Saturdays. To guaranteed a tour, call (785) 294-6655 to schedule an appointment.
The 
The museum is small, but well organized and includes fire station relics unique to its location.
PRO TIP: Don’t miss viewing the a model buildings layout, a tribute to Seneca’s days gone by.
You’ll see graphic panels on points of interest along Main Street, each providing context to the building’s history. A self-guided walking tour requires at least 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you’re like me and want to take photos of the architecture while taking your time.
The well is 34 feet wide by 65 feet deep, and the original pump remains on top of a service platform. Tours are available from May through October by calling the 
I was so impressed with the accommodations that I immediately called home to tell others about it. The owners did a meticulous job restoring the two-story space, which includes original wood floors and crown molding, and each room contains framed antique photographs of downtown Seneca.
Guests climb a tall set of stairs using a self-entry keypad entrance before entering the loft’s entrance. A modernized, open kitchen/living concept includes tall windows facing Main Street. A full-size laundry room with supplies is located off the the kitchen.
I had my choice of two large bedrooms, and settled on the one pictured below featuring a queen bed with jersey knit duvet bedding. Each bedroom included a dresser drawer for personal items and a flatscreen Roku TV.
After a full day of exploring and shopping downtown boutiques, I spent the evening unwinding in one of the living room’s leather recliners with a glass of rosé wine.
The following day, I watched the sunrise from one of the swivel window seats pictured above with a tall mug of complimentary coffee. As traffic increased on Main Street, I felt sad knowing that I had to check out of my Airbnb and say goodbye to Seneca.
I suspect you’ll appreciate the enormity of the the museum and its high-tech displays. The Children on the Homefront: Growing Up With War may leave you speechless.
Outside, a sidewalk winds visitors through the Plaza of Presidents, Memorial Courtyard, and Japanese Garden of Peace. There, the sound of falling water and koi splashing create a peaceful setting.
PRO TIP: Learn about Fredericksburg native Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, who led the United States naval force over Japan. His statue is visible from Main Street.
BONUS: Before departing from the historic site area, look across the street at the mural, “First Kansas Colored Infantry” painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc in 2023. Click 
A major fan of his work and a previous photography teacher, I was elated to tour the museum to glimpse Parks’ cameras, his framed photography, and to view a replica of Park’s New York City apartment.
Our group was fortunate enough to have a guided tour by the museum’s director, who informed us about the international impact Parks’ work as a photographer had, but also as a filmmaker, writer, and musician. Parks taught himself how to do it all.
Later, we went on a special guided 
Born in Fort Scott, he lived in the Kansas town for the first 16 years of his life only to return later to document the town in a photo essay. He filmed scenes for his movie The Learning Tree at Gunn Park, which was also included in our tour. He wrote the screenplay, directed, acted, produced and wrote the musical score for the semi-autobiographical film.
Another stop of our tour took us to a mural depicting Parks painted by artist Cbabi Bayoc. Located at 18 E. Wall Street, Tribute to Gordon Parks “No Place Like Home” includes a portion of his Homecoming poem.
Lastly, our trolley tour ended with a visit to the town’s newest tribute, the 
Interpretive panels inform about the church’s namesake, Bishop Wayman, previous pastors, and a timeline of events documents its history.
A bricklayer’s fingerprints can still be seen in the church’s original bricks, which were added to the Wayman Chapel African American Methodist Episcopal Commemorative Park established on the site where the church once stood.
PRO TIP: Give yourself at least an hour to tour the museum. Many displays include a video component or touchscreen interaction. Don’t miss the outdoor displays, and look for the stars during a self-guided sidewalk tour.
During our two-hour workshop, I learned how the owner sources Bourbon County clay, prepares it for projects, and uses it to create stunning kitchenware and decorative pieces.
If you’re interested in an art class (they range in mediums from painting to pottery), view 
Be sure to shop for a new treasure in the art gallery. Handcrafted items include oversized whimsical clay designs, dinnerware, coffee mugs, wall art, and jewelry.
Also known for an equally dynamic lunch menu, Cohn’s Cafe on Main, offers diners another reason to visit. The Green Lantern dinner menu features main dishes such as German Goulash and Short Rib Ravioli.
Adjacent to the restaurant is the 100 South Main Mercantile & Market, which sells Kansas-made gifts and Fort Scott memorabilia.
PRO TIP: Check for the day’s menu specials on 
During my visit, I learned that the commercial kitchen space with state-of-the-art equipment can be rented by food truck operators and small business chefs.
A retail marketplace at the front of the space, The Kitchen C+C, is where kitchen tenants can sell grab-and-go cuisine, including daily lunch specials.
To learn more about Fort Scott, view Kansas Tourism’s 
Getting hungry from exploring the outdoors? Stacy’s Restaurant serves an authentic diner breakfast menu, Highwind Brewing Company serves craft beer and menu items from three on-site restaurants, and Bella’s Italian Restaurant knows how to make customers happy with pasta entrees baked to perfection.
I recommend planning ahead for a well-spent trip to the college town. You’ll walk away with fond memories and plans to return.
Explore the Kansas Museum of History, Brown vs. Board of Education National Historic Site, tour the Kansas Statehouse, and shop eclectic stores in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. Take a break for lunch at The Pennant or choose upscale dining and cocktails at The Weather Room.
Located between Topeka and Lawrence, the quaint town is home to a friendly community that welcomes tourists interested in learning about its impact on American history. In addition to historical buildings and tours, travelers will appreciate the downtown area for its charming small businesses. Enjoy breakfast at Aunt Netters Cafe before exploring the area, and leave time to sip wine at Empty Nester’s Winery.
Touring the KU campus offers visitors a chance to fall in love with its many attractions. Whether you’re a sports fan or love touring historical museums, I know you’ll find your experience on campus to be a positive one. For dining options, I recommend Johnny’s Tavern North to devour scratch-made pizza by the slice, and 715 Restaurant for an unmatched upscale dining experience that will exceed your expectations.
The tucked-away town near Kansas City offers visitors incredible downtown shopping. Coffee shops are often a place for the community to gather and enjoy an espresso, and Third Space Coffee fits the bill. Other attractions, such as Moon Marble Company, The Fuel House, and Quentin’s BBQ, guarantee a good time. Treat yourself to an ice cream float atthe Old Mill Ice Cream Shop or end the evening with a cocktail at Ten & Two Coffee Bar.
The city touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. The award-winning town deserves the accolades it gets.
Located between Fort Leavenworth and Kansas City, the location was the first city of Kansas established in 1854. History runs deep in this part of the state. You’ll appreciate its historic homes, dynamic eateries (enjoy pasta at Luigi’s 418 & Mario’s Pizzeria & Gelato), and a vibrant downtown shopping scene. The buildings’ architecture is stunning.
I dined on crave-worthy Mexican food by visiting taquieras on the Visit Kansas City Kansas Taco Trail. If there is one thing Kansas City does best, it’s barbecue. Take your place in line at Slap’s BBQ in the Strawberry Hill neighborhood.
