Our recent trip to Manhattan, Kansas blended professional inspiration with local flavor – William’s keynote at the Kansas Library Association conference and my exploration of the Flint Hills made for a memorable few days.
Kansas Library Association Conference
The main purpose of our travel this time was for William to attend the Kansas Library Association’s 2025 Annual Conference, held November 5–7. Serving as the Communications Committee Chair, he took photos for social media, met with other leaders, and presented a couple sessions. He also had the opportunity to deliver the closing keynote, and I couldn’t be prouder.
His talk drew from his book Librarian Tales and his blog Librarian Problems, encouraging attendees to rekindle their love for librarianship even amidst the challenges of politics, bureaucracy, and a time that has proven to be disheartening and, at times, impossible to deal with. It was a powerful reminder of why the profession matters and how stories from the stacks can inspire resilience and joy.
Dining in Manhattan
While William conferenced, I worked remotely from the hotel. But after we were done with sessions and meetings, we enjoyed meals together at some of Manhattan’s standout restaurants near the conference center:
- Tallgrass Tap House – A spacious downtown brewpub known for award-winning craft beers. I had a salmon sandwich here I’m still thinking about.
- Bourbon & Baker – A small-plates restaurant rooted in Midwestern and Southern culinary traditions, with a bakery tucked in back.
- Manhattan Brewing Company – A welcoming, LGBT-friendly brewery downtown that emphasizes community and inclusivity. Shoutout to the bartender who complimented my jumpsuit saying I looked “fly as f*ck.” 🤩
We also sampled smaller spots:
- Radina’s Coffeehouse – A lively bakery and cafe offering artisanal breads, pastries, and locally roasted coffee. We got to meet up with a mutual friend and changemaker in libraries here, which made our visit all the more special.
- Taco Lucha – A popular, funky Aggieville taqueria in a cozy space with good service and flavorful tacos, though limited variety.
Scenic Exploration
While William was conferencing Friday, I had the morning off and took the opportunity to explore Manhattan’s natural beauty:
- Konza Prairie Scenic Overlook – Just south of town, offering sweeping views of the Flint Hills and Kansas River Valley.
- Pillsbury Crossing Wildlife Area – Home to the 60-foot-wide Deep Creek Waterfall, a limestone ledge southeast of Manhattan.
- Top of the World Lookout (Marlatt Park) – A quick hike with panoramic views of the valley and wildflowers in summer.
I ran out of time on this particular trip, but looking ahead, I’d love to return to explore Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo and a couple more trails:
- Tuttle Creek State Park – Featuring hiking, biking, and horseback trails along the Blue River and rugged shoreline.
- Linear Trail – A 16.9-mile out-and-back path following river corridors and offering wildlife views.
This trip was short, but full. It celebrated the enduring spirit of librarianship, and highlighted Manhattan’s welcoming community and natural beauty.
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