Beyond the Game: A Love Letter to Manhattan, Kansas (The Little Apple) 🍎

By Marc C. Shaffer

When people ask me where they should go while visiting Manhattan, Kansas, “The Little Apple,” I light up. As a proud K-State alum, I’ll always be biased, but I also genuinely believe that it’s one of the best college towns in America.

While most visitors know it for the electric energy inside Bill Snyder Family Stadium or Bramlage Coliseum, there’s so much more to this town than game day.

Let’s take a stroll through some of my favorite places, memories, and must-visit spots that make Manhattan (or as we love to call it, Manhappiness) more than just a sports stop.

Where It All Began: Justin Hall & College Memories

As a graduate of the College of Health and Human Sciences, Justin Hall holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I spent countless hours pursuing my degree in financial planning. If you’re thinking about a major in health, human development, or financial planning, go visit Justin Hall. Walk the same sidewalks I once did, just a football field away from my old house two doors down from Thurston Street. Living that close meant campus was practically my backyard.

It was the kind of convenience that spoiled me-whether it was heading to class or just soaking in campus life. And when I wasn’t walking toward class, I could easily head south just a quarter-mile to one of K-State’s most iconic spots: Aggieville.

Aggieville Adventures

Aggieville is the heart of nightlife and student energy in Manhattan. If you’re over 21, late-night Aggieville is a rite of passage 😉. Back in my college days (2001–2005), my go-to spots were Porter’s, Kites, and O’Malley’s. I even had roommates who worked at each of these bars, so Aggieville felt more like an extension of our living room than a night out. We were regulars-not just customers, but a little community of our own.

Things have definitely changed since then, but the spirit of Aggieville lives on. If you’re heading there now, don’t miss:

• Rock-A-Belly Deli – A cool, casual bite.
• Taco Lucha – Legendary tacos and the perfect vibe.
• So Long Saloon – My all-time favorite spot. Great food, great people, and the kind of place that becomes your default.

Leadership on the Green: First Tee at Colbert Hills

One of my favorite summer memories was volunteering with the College of Leadership at the First Tee summer camp. As counselors, we taught leadership skills to teenagers through the game of golf at Colbert Hills-a gem just west of town.

Even if golf isn’t your thing, I recommend stopping by. The views are gorgeous, the course has options for beginners (hello, Par 3!), and the friendships I made there are still going strong all these years later.

Study Spots, Social Corners & Campus Magic

Let’s be real-college wasn’t all fun and games. There were late nights, tough tests, and long study sessions. For those moments, Hale Library was my haven. Sure, it’s a study space, but for me it was also a peaceful escape from a very full house (seven roommates under one roof 😲). Open 24 hours, Hale was where I’d sip coffee until 2:00 AM during finals week. Don’t miss the Great Room-its vaulted ceilings and Hogwarts vibes make it a must-see even if you’re not there to study.

And while we’re talking about balance, I also loved the Recreation Complex. Whether you’re into group fitness, lifting weights, or just running off some stress, it’s an awesome facility that helps students thrive physically and mentally.

Sunsets, Sunrises & Secret Spots

Manhattan is beautiful in ways that sneak up on you. If you’ve got time to explore:

• Head to KS Hill for a sunset you won’t forget.
• Hike up to Manhattan Hill for a peaceful sunrise with views that stretch across the town.
• Visit Pillsbury Crossing, about 20 minutes outside of town. It’s a natural, flat rock creek crossing where students would meet up, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes it was just us and the water-other times, it felt like a mini music festival with a few hundred people hanging out, tailgate-style.

So Much More to Explore in Manhattan

I’ll be the first to admit, my experience in Manhattan was limited to a very special window of time. I lived there for just four years, from 2001 to 2005. And honestly? I regret not taking a “victory lap” year.

Back then, I was eager to start my career, but looking back, I could have used another year to soak up a few more sunsets, take a few more classes, and just enjoy the pace of Manhappiness a little longer.

That being said, my time was centered around campus life, friends, and familiar routines. And while those memories are core to my heart, I know there’s so much more to this town than I had the chance to explore.

If you’re planning a visit—or already lucky enough to call Manhattan home, I highly recommend checking out more local favorites beyond my memory lane. You can find a full list of top-rated attractions here:

• TripAdvisor’s Guide to Manhattan, Kansas

From parks and museums to wineries and walking trails, there’s something for everyone. And whether it’s your first time visiting or your fiftieth, Manhappiness has a way of surprising you with new experiences each time.

Nostalgia & New Favorites

I worked at Four Olives Wine Bar and Amarillo Grill-both now closed-but I’m glad downtown Manhattan has continued to evolve. These days, Bourbon & Baker is a great spot to eat, meet friends, and get a feel for the town’s revitalized energy. It’s one of many local gems giving downtown a fresh, modern feel while staying true to its roots.

Also, yes, I once sold jeans at Aeropostale in Manhattan Town Center, but I won’t insist you stop there 😆.

Why Manhappiness, The Little Apple, Stays With You

Whether you’re visiting for a game, considering K-State for your kid, or passing through, I hope you feel the magic.

Manhappiness isn’t just a place, it’s a collection of people, places, and moments that leave an imprint. It’s where I learned, grew, failed, laughed, and found my way.

And no matter how far I roam, I’ll always come back, to the purple, to the people, to the place I still call home.

As Coach Bill Snyder once said:

“We came to Kansas State because of the people, we stayed because of the people,

and we returned because of the people, and that remains unchanged.”

That’s the heart of Manhappiness. It’s the people—always the people—who make it home.

GO CATS!  💜