Kansas – what comes to mind? Hills? In Kansas? Yes! Manhattan is in the beautiful Flint Hills. The Flint Hills stretch across twenty-two counties in the eastern part of the state, from Nebraska to Oklahoma. Our college town combines the vibrancy of youth with an ecologically unique environment, wonderful dining scene, and a flourishing downtown. As you begin your journey in Manhattan, make your first stop at the Flint Hills Discovery Center. Located in downtown, the Flint Hills Discovery Center will immerse you with the wonder and beauty of the Flint Hills. Find inspiration through a leisure drive along the Native Stone Scenic Byway or the National Flint Hills Scenic Byways. Manhattan is the gateway to the Flint Hills and home to Kansas State University. You will see why Manhattan, Kansas, has earned accolades such as “One of the 20 Best Places to Live in America” and “The Best College Town in America” by Livability.

Manhattan has many surprises to enjoy, from outdoors to shopping to culinary experiences. Hike the Konza Prairie, view the community from the Top of the World, or zipline at Wildwood Adventure to enjoy the Flint Hills in a new way. Be inspired with art featuring the Flint Hills in our art galleries and shops. Downtown Manhattan is abundant with vibrant dining as well as unique shops and boutiques filled with handcrafted items, home interior boutiques, and more. Aggieville, the oldest shopping district in Kansas, located directly across from Kansas State University, offers additional unique shopping, dining, and attractions. It is the place to celebrate Kansas State University Wildcat Victories!

Manhattan’s food-and-drink scene is studded with a multitude of vibrant, locally-owned-and-operated establishments. Throughout Manhattan you will find distinctive coffee shops, wineries and breweries, and unique restaurants for every palate. Enjoy great Kansas steaks and BBQ as well as authentic Mexican, Chinese, Thai, and Korean food. Many of its beloved establishments, most from humble beginnings, have commanded regional acclaim. One such collection is that of the One Egg Group, founded by husband-and-wife team Evan and Andrea Grier, and powered by a team of Manhattan’s best culinary and service professionals. Within each lively atmosphere at Bourbon & Baker, Tallgrass Tap House and Guilty Biscuit, a traveler’s quest for outstanding food and drink is complete. Bourbon & Baker’s menu, seasoned with Midwestern and Southern influences, offers culinary-driven small-plate dishes alongside a full-service bar with an expansive bourbon selection. Its drop-in bakery counter boasts of made-from-scratch treats, celebration cakes and specialty cookies. Tallgrass Tap House, an 11,000 square-foot full-service restaurant and microbrewery, is a long-time favorite respite for the local community and for Kansas State University alumna. Its 10-barrel brewhouse produces a rotating lineup of craft brews featured on tap. Enjoy comforting yet creative American fare from its regionally acclaimed Rooftop Bar as you enjoy a great brew and a great view of the Flint Hills. Guilty Biscuit is One Egg Group’s newer dining concept, featuring biscuit sandwiches, weekend breakfast specials, and lighter “Less Guilty” creations. Biscuits and gravy are a must, but it won’t be long until you have cravings such as The Guilty itself, a French-toast biscuit with fried chicken, cream gravy and pecan bacon.

Be sure to bring your appetite to Manhattan! You will be filled with the beauty of the Flint Hills and great local dining options. To learn more of Manhattan’s many offerings, go to www.visitmanhattanks.org.

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Fall comes to life for visitors of Grants Pass thanks to the beauty and bounty found in every direction. The fertile soil of this region has sprouted countless vineyards, lavender fields, fruit orchards, dairies, and vegetable farms. Along with them comes hands-on experiences for guests, like exploring a working farm or jumping on the Uncorked Barrel Tour. Of course, Harvest season isn’t complete without a visit to Fort Vannoy Farms, where kids and adults a like delight in a spectacular, 12-foot-high corn maze and 8 acres of pumpkins ready for the picking.

Outdoor adventure is always within reach in Grants Pass. This destination is famous for its rivers—the Rogue, the Applegate, and the Illinois—which provide a playground for jet boats, world-class whitewater rafting, and fishing. Land lovers will find no shortage of incredible biking and hiking trails, zip lines, camping opportunities, and even treehouses.

As the ideal Southern Oregon basecamp, the town of Grants Pass is a hub for any fall activity. This welcoming community is packed with restaurants and shops, tasting rooms and breweries, lively events, and yes, even history. Warm up with one of Grants Pass’ local roasters like the Original Dutch Bros. Cafe (the one that started it all!), Wheelhouse Coffee, Millers Coffee House, and Rogue Roasters. Or if fall cocktails are in order, look no further than the signature creations from Sundance Distilling and Steam Distillery.

Grants Pass also boasts a burgeoning art scene which is on display every October at the Annual Art Along the Rogue street chalk art festival. Plus, enjoy a public art and mural walk downtown among the fall colors. Fancy yourself an artist? Be sure to visit the rotating exhibits at the Grants Pass Museum of Art or blow your own Christmas ornament at the Glass Forge glass-blowing studio.

As fall yields to the holiday season, the historic downtown lights up accordingly. Walk amongst life-size nutcrackers and holiday story boards, take in the annual Christmas tree lighting, and check off your holiday gift list with tax-free shopping. Cap it all off with a fabulous (and well-earned) meal at one of Grants Pass’ many hotspots like The Bohemian, Horny Goat, Twisted Cork, and Food Studio.

Of course, no trip to Grants Pass is complete without a visit to the legendary Rogue Creamery Dairy. Get a behind-the-scenes tour of the making of their award-winning Rogue Creamery Blue Cheese where the cows are trained to milk themselves. Rest assured, cheese samples are always available.

From festive experiences and adventures in the wild to the warm hospitality of a welcoming town one thing is perfectly clear—there’s always more to discover in Grants Pass.

The post Sip, Savor, and Celebrate Harvest in Grants Pass appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.