Learning the Lay of the Land

Once we reached town, our first stop was at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. This state of the art facility has tons of interactive displays and exhibits to engage visitors. Here we learned about the landscape and why it is unique to the region. Visitors of all ages seemed to enjoy an opportunity to be an auctioneer or rodeo star. (Crystal has roping down to an art.) We learned about the early inhabitants, as well as why this grassland prairie is so different from other parts of the Great Plains. On the second floor we explored the temporary exhibit, where we were challenged to determine our path by answering questions about the rain forests. Be sure to sit through the introductory video downstairs. It is one of the best ones we have experienced in all of our travels. (You can read more about the Center here>)

Aggieville Lunch

With the idea of cramming as many sites into one day, we wanted to have a quick lunch break. A short drive to Aggieville offered plenty of choices. This area is the oldest shopping district in the state of Kansas, and is jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. We popped in Bluestem Bistro, one of the over 30 dining spots in the area. This made-from-scratch eatery gave us the opportunity to eat a healthy lunch without a long wait. A couple of sandwiches with side salads, and we were ready to resume our exploring. Oh yeah, there might have also been a cake pop consumed during our visit.

Winter Watching

Visiting a zoo during the winter is not a usual activity, especially in the heartland of Kansas. With unseasonably warm weather, and sunny conditions, we decided to take a chance. While not all of the animals were on exhibit, there were still plenty for us to get the overall vibe of this zoo. With a smaller footprint than many larger zoos, the Sunset Zoo makes for a pleasant visit. We saw plenty of activity, and could cover the grounds in less than two hours. It reminded us of some other smaller zoos that offer a short break from a busy day. Even a short period of viewing nature and creatures not associated with everyday life can brighten your day. (Read more about the zoo here>)

Chasing History

Our day had already been quite full, but we weren’t finished yet. A short drive from the zoo we found the Riley County Historical Museum. We enjoy visiting the local museums, which offer a chance to immerse ourselves in the history of the region. It allows us to better understand the hardships and struggles that the people who once roamed the area faced. After driving around town all day, we also began to recognize familiar street names as some of the early settler families. Be sure to ask staff any questions, as most are happy to share a wealth of stories they have learned over the years. (Read more about the Museum here>)

Plenty of Small Bites

With our sightseeing complete, it was time for a little strolling before dinner. The downtown retail district has lots of boutique style shops to explore, and that is what we did. In and out of shoe, clothing, and gift shops we journeyed. After about an hour, we realized our lunches had burned off and hunger was beginning to rear its ugly head. No problem, since our dinner destination was just a couple of blocks away. Bourbon & Baker is a small bites style eatery, which gave us a chance to sample a variety of their dishes without getting filled up on just one. The dishes were pleasing to the eye, as well as the palette. By the end of our meal, we decided that more dinner visits should contain this type of dining option. (Read more about this Restaurant here>)

With another successful day trip under our belt, it was time to head home. During our drive, we reflected on the places we visited and the people we met. One of the bonuses we get from our travel blog trips is the opportunity to make new friends wherever we roam. We find that most people we meet are more than happy to tell us tidbits about the places they call home, just as we love to show off Kansas City. This is a great way to find some of the hidden treasures that almost every city and town hold. It helps us “Visit Like A Local”. What are some of your tips for determining where to go when visiting a new city? We are always looking for advice.

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Scoping the Neighborhood

Poyntz Avenue is bordered on one end by the Manhattan Town Center and runs West past the city park. There are a couple of blocks of shops and restaurants near the mall, and this was the focus of our attention. After finding a parking spot, we wandered in and out of the shops within a couple of blocks of the mall. The area has a nice selection of interesting small businesses to explore. Soon we felt the call for dinner come on, and made our way to the restaurant.

Business in the Front

Being a Saturday evening, the restaurant was enjoying plenty of business. We put our name in, and as we waited spoke with some of the staff. They were as interested in the idea of travel blogging as we were in the small bites menu. We asked each one for their favorites, and found some overlaps. We noted these dishes, and decided to add a couple to our dinner. Bourbon & Baker owes its unique name to the fact that it does double duty out of two entrances. In the restaurant side they serve up over 70 varieties of bourbon and rye whiskeys. These are from U.S. distillers, as well as some European. The bar area was extremely popular, and there were no seats left unoccupied.

Our Turn Arrives

By the time we were seated, we already had some idea of what we wanted to test. Our server was able to make a few of his own suggestions, and we put in our order for four different dishes. Being small plates meant that we were able to sample more of the flavors this eatery had to offer. First up was our dish of Tomato Avocado Ceviche, which includes mango, papaya, and a lime vinaigrette. The dish is served with fried tortilla chips for dipping. The flavors were a combination of sweet and savory with a hint of the tart lime. It made a perfect appetizer and a great alternative to a standard salsa. This small plate meal was looking to be quite interesting.

Heartier Dishes

Our next delivery came quickly and included two dishes. The small plates are delivered in a series, so we had the chance to savor each one more fully. The Smoked Fried Chicken Skewer is a beautifully designed dish that is as artistic as it is delicious. Apple smoked chicken is topped with a Creole corn, tomato, and green onion relish. A sprinkling of Cotija cheese and a drizzle of Jamaican jerk aioli complete the presentation. Once again the dish was the perfect size for us to get a good taste, but still leave room for more tastings.

Crystal Overcomes Peppers

One of the suggestions made by our server was the Stuffed Piquillo Peppers.  Now Crystal is not a fan of any type of bell pepper, and told me that if I wanted them then I could have them all. Our server promised that the dish did not have a peppery flavor, and would be a delicious treat. The peppers are peeled and stuffed with a rosemary goat cheese. This provided a nice tangy tone to the dish, which was complemented by a balsamic fig syrup. The peppers are served with a stack of grilled baguette slices which supply a little crunch. This dish ended up being one of Crystal’s favorites of the evening. Perhaps now I will get her to sample peppers in the future.

A Southern Treat

All of the dishes we were tasting offered their own unique flavors. In the past we have pieced together meals by ordering off of the appetizer menu. While we enjoy this version of a tapas style meal, it usually includes too many fried food dishes. Here at Bourbon & Baker we were able to savor dishes that had much more interest. Our last plate was Shrimp Etouffee & Chorizo Hushpuppies. This dish certainly brought some heat with the corn meal chorizo puppies. The main course included some gulf shrimp and white rice coated with a Creole pecan etouffee. Not only was the dish a beautiful presentation, but it ended up being one of my favorite flavor combinations of the evening.

Party in the Back

During a pause between dishes, I made my way to the back of the building to check out the bakery portion of Bourbon & Baker. Here the various baked goods are prepared for the restaurant. I happened to catch a batch of rolls coming out of the oven, and the smell was intoxicating. I wish I would have had the opportunity to taste one, because I am positive that they were delicious.

This area is also where the desserts are produced. A variety of cakes, cookies, rolls, and other sweets tempt customers to the bakery. It appeared that this part of the business is just as highly sought out as the restaurant end, which is probably why it has its own entrance.

A Sweet Ending

Our small plates meal at Bourbon & Baker had been quite a memorable event, and we couldn’t imagine it being any better. Much to our surprise, the staff kicked it up a notch when they surprised us with some of the house-made cookie sandwiches. While each of our dinner dishes had been a culinary marvel, it appears that the bakery side refuses to be outdone. The Chocolate Chip Ganache Sandwich is a rich and decadent treat that delivers layers of chocolate flavors in every bite. The lighter, yet just as delicious Strawberry Champagne Sugar Cookie Sandwich is light and sweet with a delicate flavored filling. These sweet treats were a perfect ending to our visit to Manhattan, Kansas. All is well in the Gateway to the Flint Hills, and visitors will find plenty of culinary delights to satisfy their appetites.

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We want to thank Visit Manhattan and Sunset Zoo for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now

The chimpanzee house was filled with specimens primping and preening each other. They all seemed content on staying indoors in the comfort of a controlled climate. We watched for a few minutes, and then noticed the doorway to the outer exhibit was open. We wondered if any were braving the cool breeze to soak up a little sunshine. Sure enough, there was one brave soul who was more interested in being outside than in. He seemed content just to soak up some rays, so after a couple of minutes we left him to his thoughts.

More Primates

I’m not featuring the photos in the order that we found the displays, so when you visit you will find the layout will produce different results. The gibbons were also split on where they wanted to spend their day. One was more than satisfied indoors, and seemed to relish having the entire area to himself. He was swinging and hopping between the various platforms, which delighted the small crowd that had assembled. On the outside, we found a mother with her not so small child nestled at the top of the display. Sunset Zoo has this area set up so that as we made our way around the building, we climbed a hill that put us on the same level as the second story platform. This allowed us great viewing opportunities on both sides of the exhibit.

In Your Face

The only other creature with prehensile tails, that were on exhibit, were the Bolivian Reed Titi Monkeys. These South American primates are little balls of energy, and hard to photograph. Every time I tried, they would dart around or made sudden movements. This is about as clear as I could get, and only because it was curious about the camera lens. Perhaps one of you have a better picture from your visit. We would love to see it.

Tropical Guests

One of the biggest surprises for us, was that the flamingos were out. Even though the weather was near 60 degrees, we never expected to see a Caribbean bird being so active. While some were preening and resting, others were busy feeding or at least seining the water for a potential meal.

Sunset Zoo Action

When we arrived at the display, we were alone. Soon we were joined by a family that included some younger guests. These seemed to create some excitement with the flamingos, and they called out warnings to each other about this potential danger.

Finding The Locals

A large open pen holds a group of animals more suited for Midwestern weather. The prairie dogs were out and active during our visit. Of course, they were still cautious whenever anyone got too close or moved too quickly. This gave us a reason to slow down and just enjoy our break from Old Man Winter’s icy grip.

Eyes to the Skies

We watched the prairie dogs scamper around for a bit, and then started back on our exploration. The large elevated bear sculpture is a good focal point for radiating out toward the different areas of exhibits. The Sunset Zoo is an older zoo, that we guess was added in sections. This makes it a little disjointed, but adds an element of surprise when we would happen upon an area we had overlooked. The total footprint of the Sunset Zoo is not large, but there are some hills to be negotiated.

Up Close and Personal

We made our way down toward the Australian area, even though it is a mix of two continents. A few wallabies were hanging out in the sun, and keeping a watchful eye on a staff member who was tidying up in their yard. We were surprised at how close of views the exhibits offer. We were merely a few feet from the animals, and they seemed quite calm about it. (Certainly calmer than us.) As we walked along the emu exhibit, they strutted alongside almost step-to-step with us. As we worked back toward the the bear statue, we passed a hyena who was preoccupied with something I couldn’t see. Nearby, two cheetahs lazily lounged in the waning sunlight.

Being Watched

As we worked our way down a ridge, we came across a leopard who was intently watching the tigers in the area across from him. He would pace a little, and then crouch to see them. When one of the tigers began calling out, it didn’t take long for the leopard to return the gesture. It was interesting to watch the interaction between the species.

Look Who’s Talking

We began making our way back toward the front of the zoo, when we happened across a pair of peacocks strutting along the walk. We watched as they crossed into a nearby field and started pecking around. A familiar cry told us there was another male nearby, and soon we spotted him on a nearby roof. These two were not unaware of him either.

Sounds of Nature

Soon these two decided to reply to the call, and issue their own. While we waited for one to show their feathers, neither seemed in the mood. I guess without a hen nearby it just wasn’t worth the effort. As we made our way back to the car, we both felt that the Sunset Zoo was worth the visit, even on a sunny winter day. Have you ever visited the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, Kansas?

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We want to thank Flint Hills Discovery Center and Visit Manhattan for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

New To Us

The building opened in April of 2012, which made us realize just how long it had been since our last stop. We found a nearby parking space, and made our way into the three-story glass encased entry. Our visit had been arranged by Visit Manhattan, and the front desk staff gave us a short rundown of the building’s layout. They suggested a visit to the introductory video, which runs on a loop.

At many museums and science centers we have been shown an introductory media presentation, but the one we experienced here was memorable. For those that know a little about the Flint Hills, there are certainly sensory triggers that are related to the region. During the video presentation some of these experiences come to life like the snow falling from the ceiling when winter is described. There are other triggers that are used, but I will leave a few as surprises for your own visit. This video is certainly not to be missed.

Getting In Touch

The Flint Hills Discovery Center is filled with displays designed to be interactive. Everywhere we turned we found hands-on experiences that drew us in and beckoned us to learn more about this unique ecosystem. Placards spin showing a variety of educational facts. Interactive maps allow visitors to dive deeper into the geological formation of the surrounding hills. There was even a staff member showing the pelts from some of the wild creatures that inhabit the region. It felt like everything was a sensory experience.

Educating The Masses

Throughout the center we found these Scavenger Hunt clue stops. At each one there would be a question posed, and the answer would be available by simply lifting the cover. It was fun testing our knowledge of the region, and it makes for an effective education tool. There are also clipboards at the entrance with additional sets of questions to be solved. This looks like a good family activity.

A Look Below The Blades

The Flint Hills, as well as the Osage Hills in Oklahoma, are the last substantial area of tallgrass prairie. Most of the prairie has been converted to farming, but the rocky terrain makes the land hard to plow. At the Flint Hills Discovery Center we learned more about the specialized grasses and insects that call this land home. With rocks laying so close to the surface, grasses need long roots to reach down to the underlying water. Fire is a necessary danger that helps promote renewed growth each year. The deep roots allow the grasses to quickly recover for a new season.

These Hills Rock

A large amount of the rock seen in the Flint Hills is limestone and shale. Much of this was put down millions of years ago when the lands were covered by an inland ocean. The layers are filled with fossils, which are popular with rock hounds. The layers are easily seen as you travel Interstate 70 through the region. Road cuts offer a peek under the surface, where the numerous layers beg to be explored. A series of displays explain about the various rock types that are found throughout the region. We even noticed a candy dispenser filled with colorful stones. Obviously, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to start our own collection.

Early Inhabitants

It is estimated that the first inhabitants came to the region around 13,000 years ago. Over the years many spear points and arrowheads have been discovered. By the early 1800’s, the Flint Hills were primarily occupied by the Osage and Kansa tribes. Hunting parties found the lands filled with grazing buffalo. The Flint Hills Discovery Center has a variety of exhibits on these early residents, and it’s easy to spend a lot of time in this section.

Taming The Prairie

Since 1821,  pioneers had been crossing the area on the Santa Fe Trail, but it wasn’t until 1854 that the area would be opened for settlement. The plentiful grasslands were perfect for grazing, and soon the region would become the destination for cattle drives from Texas and Oklahoma regions. Once they arrived, the cattle could be fattened up, before being shipped east on trains. Those were the days of the cowboys, and as towns flourished land owners lined up to claim their stake.

Family Fun

One thing that quickly became apparent to us was the versatile design of the exhibits. While some information boards may be passed over by the younger visitors, there are still plenty of displays to hold their attention. Plenty of interactive video monitors beckon to them. Spinning wheels, a model train, video storyboards, and even an auctioneer challenge are popular with guests of all ages.

Flint Hills Discovery Center Takes Fun Up A Level

We realized that we had been at the center for quite a while, and we were still just seeing the first floor. The second floor is dedicated more heavily toward the younger crowd, but we feel pretty young at heart. We climbed the stairs, and found two distinct sections. To the left was a collection of play and educational exhibits. A walk through butterfly tent lets guests get up close to these fluttering beauties. After checking for stowaways, you make your way to the playground area. It was popular with kids exploring, and parents taking a rest break.

Traveling Exhibits

We doubled back to check out the path to the right. Passing through a door, we found ourselves at the temporary exhibit. Currently it highlights the rainforests of the world. As we made our way through a maze, we were challenged to answer questions, which decided our path. This is a fun way to learn facts about the rainforests. This specific exhibit will run through April, before being replaced with a new one for summer. We will have to see if we can find time to return to see the new one, which will be about dinosaurs. It promises to be a combination of traditional exhibits, along with state-of-the-art video game technology. These temporary displays may be geared toward younger visitors, but we still find them to be entertaining and engaging. The big question is, when are you planning to visit the Flint Hills Discovery Center?

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Unplanned Beginnings

Upon entering the museum, we noticed a huge bell hanging from a prominent position in the foyer. A staff member was kind enough to share the story behind the bell. The beginning of the city’s history involved two distinct groups, with the New England Emigrant Aid Co. starting a settlement by supplying the first batch of free-staters in March 1855. Three months later, the paddle boat Hartford  ran aground near the settlement. The 75 occupants were from Ohio, and had planned to head a bit farther upstream, before making their own encampment. An agreement was made to join forces, but only after insisting that the new town be named Manhattan. This was done on June 29, 1855, and a new city was born. The bell was one of the few pieces salvaged from the boat when it burned. Various stories circulate on how the fire began, so ask staff to elaborate.

Riley County Museum Exhibits

The museum has two distinct galleries, as well as some additional displays spread around the building. One of the rooms holds a rotating exhibit, which currently focuses on the county’s first 100 years. A variety of displays show life through the decades with highlights of notable events. Included in these, is the penny farthing bicycle shown in the title photo for this article.

Various articles from daily life help explain how the city grew from its cow town days when residents survived conflicts with Native Americans. Farming the Flint Hills took perseverance, but it was quickly determined that the grasslands were prime for ranching. The American cowboy was common to the area, as Riley County grew in its importance as a place to fatten cattle before being sent east to Kansas City or Chicago.

Heading West

In its early days, Riley County sat on the western edge of the organized counties of Kansas territory. Nearby Fort Riley offered protection from the tribes, as well as raiding pro-slavery Southerners. Sitting at the junction of the Kansas and Big Blue Rivers allowed the transportation of people and goods along the waterways. Advertisements often noted this mode of travel, and the discovery of gold in California created an influx of travelers who used Manhattan as a jumping off point. Merchants did brisk business selling supplies to prospective miners, and the city grew quickly.

Increased Amenities

One of the displays included seats from the Wareham Opera House. Built in 1884, it was originally named the Coliseum. In 1893, it was purchased by local businessman Harry P. Wareham. The building was retrofitted with electricity and renamed for it’s new owner. During the early 1900’s it was one of two theaters in Manhattan, and served as one until 1986. A major renovation in 1988 changed the theater into its current state as an event center.

Flood Control

Manhattan shares a similar history to Kansas City, in that they both have suffered from flooding issues. The floods of 1951 inundated Manhattan, and showcased the need for flood control. During the 1960’s, the Army Corps of Engineers constructed the Tuttle Creek Dam on the Big Blue River. This project was not unchallenged, and met heavy opposition from nearby landowners. As the lake filled in 1962, it submerged four nearby towns. During the 1993 flood, the dam proved its worth, as it prevented a repeat of the earlier flooding issues.

Other Exhibits

A conference room located in  the museum contains a variety of artifacts from World War 1. This was timely for us, as we had recently visited the national World War 1 Museum in Kansas City. (You can read more about the KC WW1 Museum here>) The display at the Riley County Museum holds uniforms, posters, pictures, and other memorabilia from local families that served in the war. This type of personal interaction certainly brings the exhibit closer to real life, since we are able to relate it to actual people from the region. As with most local museums that we visit, this place gave us a better understanding of the life struggles and victories of the people who helped shape Riley County. What are your favorite displays at local museums?

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