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Manhattan, Kansas: The Gateway to the Flint Hills and Fun

November 9, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside Leave a Comment

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 BREWERY CO.

Stopping into Manhattan Brewery 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.

Summer Fun Activities in Derby, Kansas

June 20, 2021 by Vanessa Whiteside 6 Comments

Disclosure: The City of Derby sponsored this post, however, all opinions are my own. All of the photos were taken by me.

It’s time you found your happy place this summer in Derby, Kansas! A 20-minute drive from Wichita, the town has a multitude of options for keeping the family entertained. I suggest adding it to your summer day trip bucket list.

I’m going to take the guesswork out of travel planning for you and break down a full day of exciting things to do during your visit. From visiting area attractions to shopping and dining, I’ve created a list of must-have experiences for visitors of all ages.

BREAKFAST

As someone who appreciates dining local, I was thrilled to visit Drury Ln. Bakery & Cafe (1340 Nelson Drive) as a first-time guest. To say their food is delicious is an understatement. The owners make every menu item from scratch. After a bit of contemplation, I opted for an English-style breakfast of soft crepes filled with Nutella and strawberries, an order of Scotch eggs, and a London Fog tea latté. It was heaven on a plate.

When the restaurant’s owner delivered my order to the table, I was impressed by the beautiful plating and the sheer size of the crepes. It was enough to feed two people! If you’ve never tried Scotch eggs, you don’t know what you’re missing. They are prepared with cooked eggs surrounded by a layer of sausage that is breaded and fried to a crisp – ideal for dipping into horseradish mustard. My latté, made with Earl Grey tea, was served in a classic teacup steamed to smooth, silky perfection.

Although Drury Ln. serves breakfast all day, their menu also includes scratch-made sandwiches, salads, and “British Grub.” I recommend checking out the retail section of the café while you wait to dine. Big supporters of fellow small business owners, Drury Ln. is stocked with decorative home goods and gifts by artisans and crafters.

When in Derby, do yourself a favor and visit Drury Ln. Bakery & Café for breakfast. You will discover a restaurant that you wished you had known about sooner. If you’re short on time, stop inside and select a fresh pastry or muffin from the bakery case to go. Did I mention you can pre-order custom cakes? They do it all. View restaurant hours here.

FARMERS MARKET

Nothing makes my heart pitter-patter more than a stroll through a farmers market on a Saturday morning. At the Derby Farmers Market (512 E. Madison Ave.) you will find seasonal produce, tables stacked with honey and salsa jars, Kansas raised meat, and hand-crafted gifts. The market operates from April through October on Saturdays from 8 am-12 pm.

Like me, I know you’ll appreciate the variety of vendors as well as the acoustic live music as the backdrop at the market. I introduced myself to the owner of Sargeant’s Berry Farm and chatted about the seasonal vegetables for sale. He was just the person I needed to talk to about zuchinni. As a gardener, I learn the best tips about tending plants simply from striking up conversations with farmers at the market.

Once you’ve stocked your reusable bag with Kansas-made products, I recommend taking a walk around Madison Avenue Central Park and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. If you’re a parent with kids in tow, a visit to the like-new playground is a must. Watch them as they gleefully cross a suspension bridge and crawl through jungle-gym equipment. Before packing up the car with the kids, make sure they see the two-story waterfall and life-sized chess set located adjacent to the play area.

DERBY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM

Let’s continue the fun! Our next stop is the town’s historical museum, a treasure of finds. Wait until you see what lies inside one of Derby’s oldest buildings, a school built in 1924 that is now listed on the National Historical Registrar! The Derby Historical Society Museum (710 E. Market) invites visitors to travel through time by touring classrooms converted into thematic exhibits. Fifteen rooms are stocked with contributed artifacts and the hallways display special collections.

Even though school may be out for kids during the summer, they will get a kick out of rooms devoted to education (be sure to check out the report card in the case!). Adults will appreciate the historical value of the curated items in rooms celebrating 19th Century history, the military, and ancient artifacts. Everyone will gain a new appreciation for how their ancestors lived from one of the finest collections of artifacts in the state.

What makes this museum special? It has more unique and hard to curate items than I’ve ever seen in a Kansas museum. For example, they don’t just have one antique typewriter or camera – they have dozens of all sizes and colors. I told everyone I’ve met since my visit to the museum about its impact on me. And I have to admit, the more I learned about the town’s history, the more I wished I had gone to school in Derby. “Go Panthers!” I’ll definitely return to the museum with friends and family in tow.

Open April through October on Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm, admission to the Derby Historical Society Museum is FREE. You better carve out at least an hour of your afternoon to tour it. The friendly volunteers (many of whom grew up in Derby) are more than willing to take you on an impromptu tour or you can enjoy the museum at your own pace on a self-guided tour.

PARKS

It doesn’t truly feel like summer until you spend time exploring one of Derby’s picturesque parks. The town has more than 403 acres of parkland, 20 developed parks, and 14 green spaces to enjoy. Their newest addition, Decarsky Park (1600 Line Drive) is worth the short drive to the edge of town. The dog park and ballpark are in pristine condition featuring four playing fields, concessions, dog agility course, dock launch (watch dogs jump for toys into the pond!), and shade structures. Find out more about what you can expect at the park here.

During my visit, the park was hosting youth softball and baseball tournaments. With every crack of a bat and roar of the crowd, the atmosphere erupted with a competitive spirit. It was a good day to visit the park for the first time. The energy was infectious and it was certainly a place to enjoy the sounds of summer.

If you’d rather stay closer to town, a visit to Warren Riverview Park (321 W. Market) promises a good time. Opened in 2018 on the banks of the Arkansas River, it defies your expectations. The four-acre park features kayak/canoe access to the river, covered shelters, a 15-foot ropes course, rentable event space, and public art. View park details here.

LUNCH

By now, you’ve probably worked up quite an appetite. Locals know that Madrocks Restaurant & Sports Bar (1821 E. Madison Ave. #100) is a smart choice for lunch or dinner goers in search of a tasty meal. They serve housemade steaks and burgers using Yoder Meats, fresh salads, deli sandwiches, and mouthwatering pizza.

During my visit, I devoured tangy BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders served on King’s Hawaiian Sweet Rolls with a side of perfectly crispy tater tots. Seated in the cool air conditioning while enjoying a scrumptious meal was just what I needed to escape the summer heat.

An excellent place for groups to gather, play sports bar games or partake in karaoke on Thursday-Saturday, Madrocks is also known to host live music from time to time. Multiple TVs make watching the game easy and the sports bar also includes a pool table, Golden Tee, and pinball. The restaurant and bar is locally owned and veteran-operated. Check their Facebook page for details.

FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS

With a new boost of energy, you’ll be ready to jump in the car and drive to Field Station: Dinosaurs (2999 N. Rock Road). The adventure park is a world-class family attraction with limitless possibilities for fun. After purchasing tickets, visitors enter via basecamp to start the expedition. Upon check-in, you will receive a trail map, expedition schedule (shows), and each child in your group will be gifted a passport to have stamped at six stations.

You can expect to see over 40 full-size, animatronic dinosaurs nestled amongst 10-acres of walking trails. For the price of one admission, you get access to 30 theatrical shows, games, and activities – no extra charge! Admission to the park also includes a round of Jurassic Golf on the 18-whole course, which is also sold separately if you’d rather only golf during a visit to the park.

Touring the park is an immersive experience. Where else can you walk amongst life-sized prehistoric creators and hear their natural sounds? Don’t miss visiting all of the activity stations. Each one keeps novice paleontologists learning and engaged. Kids will love the Fossil Dig Site where they can unearth prehistoric fossils and dinosaur skeletons. Bigger kids and adults will find the T-Rex Feeding Frenzy interesting as they learn about the Scientific Method to study the eating habits of the creature. Tip: Pick up a Scavenger Hunt at Dino-Bites and return it to Dino-Bites for a prize. As you’re enjoying the amusement park, listen for the showtime warning called out minutes before it begins at the amphitheater.

I was impressed by each employee’s enthusiasm for teaching others about science and the employees that led the shows were highly engaging. It was refreshing to see families singing and dancing along at the Dinosaur Dance Party. To learn more about the park, its hours, and upcoming events, you can visit their Facebook page or Instagram page for details.

DERBY PUBLIC LIBRARY GATHERING SPACE GALLERY

Let’s escape the summer sun and head indoors! Art lovers will appreciate the volume of talented work on exhibition at the Derby Public Library (1600 E. Walnut Grove). As you walk into the building, you immediately see prints and paintings. During my visit, I gazed upon abstract artwork, photography, and drawings by local artists of all ages. While all of the pieces were remarkable, I appreciated one, in particular, tucked away in the back of the library of the musician, Beck. All of the artwork was for sale and modestly priced.

If you plan on staying in Derby for longer than a day, make note of their events calendar that often includes activities tailored for kids and teens. To view the library’s hours, visit this page.

ROCK RIVER RAPIDS

Just when you think you’ve experienced the best of summer fun in Derby, there’s one more place that promises excitement – Rock River Rapids Aquatic Park (1900 E. James)! Just around the corner and down the street from the library, more fun awaits. Families can take a dip in the Zero Depth Pool, relax on the Lazy River, or test their endurance in the Lap Pool. Can you really say it’s summer until you’ve launched yourself down a water slide? The aquatic center has multiple slides to select and the newest one, the Green Slide, has twists and turns that get your heart racing.

Although outside food and drink are not allowed, attendees can purchase tasty treats from Ollie Snack Shack. If you want a place to store your belongings, you can use one of the lockers if you provide your own lock. Other areas of the park include a bathhouse and gift counter. You don’t have to worry about bringing a chair as the park has rows upon rows of available lounge chairs to use. You can also sun yourself laying on a towel on the grassy lawn like others I saw enjoying the space.

I visited the pool on one of the hottest days on record in Derby. It was the best place to wind down and relax while in the shade near the water. It made for great people-watching, too! Everyone was smiling and enjoying the day. If you’re interested in learning more about Rock River Rapids Aquatic Center, the premier water park in South-Central Kansas, view their hours and events via their Facebook page.

Derby offers countless places to enjoy the summer. Whether you’re walking amongst dinosaurs, splashing in the pool, or enjoying a delicious meal indoors, it’s certainly worth the short commute from Wichita. For me, this will not be my last visit to Derby. I can’t wait to return to check out more of the town’s parks and to take another tour of the Derby Historical Society Museum. Oh, and I’m pretty sure there is a cupcake with my name on it waiting for me at Drury Ln Bakery & Cafe.

I’d love to hear if you’ve visited other places in Derby that promise a good time during the summer. Please leave your suggestions in the comments below.