I’d caught wind of a captivating college town nestled in the heart of Kansas called “Emporia.” With a penchant for exploring the charm of Midwestern gems, I wasted no time adding Emporia to my (ever-growing) list of Midwest destinations. And before long, my husband, Eric, and I found ourselves packing our weekend bags and setting our sights westward on I-35 to explore the “front porch of the Flint Hills.”
Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Emporia boasts a charming downtown, rich history, and a vibrant arts scene. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur, history buff, or foodie, Emporia has something for everyone. Here are 10 things you must experience on your visit to this quaint yet dynamic town.
- Grab a coffee at Gravel City Roasters:
Start your day with a caffeine fix at Gravel City Roasters, a local coffee spot known for its hip ambiance and house-roasted beans. Sip on a latte while indulging in homemade baked goods, and soak in the cozy atmosphere that sets the perfect tone for your Emporia adventure. Eric ordered a strawberry banana smoothie, I ordered the toasted marshmallow latte and we split the berry jam cinnamon roll.
2. Browse eclectic gifts at Trox Gallery & Gift Shop:
Adjacent to Gravel City Roasters, Trox Gallery & Gift Shop offers a delightful browsing experience filled with eclectic and affordable items from local artists. From prints to jewelry to home decor, you’ll find unique treasures to commemorate your visit to Emporia. Trox also features rotating professional gallery exhibitions.
3. Learn about William Allen White at Red Rocks:
Step back in time at the Red Rocks State Historic Site, home to the William Allen White House. Explore the legacy of this renowned Progressive journalist and mingle with history as you wander through the preserved rooms that once hosted notable figures like Presidents Taft and Roosevelt and Albert Einstein. (There’s even a tiger rug in the master bedroom that was gifted by Roosevelt!)
Red Rocks is open seasonally from mid-April to mid-October, Wednesdays-Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
4. Explore quaint boutiques and unique finds in downtown Emporia:
Stroll through downtown Emporia and discover charming boutiques like the vintage-meets-modern shop, De Stijl Antiques and the locally-owned trendy boutique, Shelby’s Sassy Designs. Dusty Trail is a must-visit for Midwest-themed gifts and quirky finds; the occasional off-color product will make you giggle. 😉
5. Enjoy lunch at Hagaya Ramen Shop:
Indulge your taste buds with authentic Japanese ramen at Hagaya Ramen Shop. From classic Tonkotsu to modern Yuzu Ramen, this spot really is a gem. In fact, Hagaya becane Eric’s top pick in Emporia—quite the endorsement from my usually cautious eater of a husband. We indulged in the Pork Gayaza for our appetizer; Eric couldn’t get enough of the honey roll sushi, and I loved my Dan Dan noodles!
6. Sip and savor a flight at Radius Brewing Company:
Quench your thirst with a flight of craft beers at Radius Brewing Company, Emporia’s first brewery since prohibition. Pair your brews with delicious bites from their full-service restaurant and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this local hotspot. Radius Brewing Company boasts its own line of craft beers brewed right in the heart of the dining room, creating an immersive experience for patrons.
For those who prefer alternatives to beer, you’re in luck: there’s a full bar stocked with wine, bloody marys, and martinis, as well as excellent non-alcoholic options like Italian soda and refreshing cucumber limeade!
7. Indulge in a sweet treat (or five) at The Sweet Granada:
We had the pleasure of meeting The Sweet Granada owner Kim Redeker, who was as lovely as she was helpful with her recommendations. Their standout item? That’d be their pop-choc. With 10,000 pounds sold annually, it’s a delectable blend of crunchy buttered popcorn and smooth white and milk chocolates. We also couldn’t resist the peanut clusters, chocolate-covered Oreos, dipped graham crackers, raspberry truffles, and my personal favorite: “Granada Goo” (peanut butter rice crispy treats).
My husband put it best, as we were walking out of The Sweet Granada with a bag full of gourmet treats: “That place was legit…”
8. Take in art and history at the Emporia Arts Center & Lyon County History Center:
Immerse yourself in the local arts scene at the Emporia Arts Center, where you can admire works from talented regional artists. Then, journey through the diverse history of Lyon County at the nearby Lyon County History Center, where interactive exhibits and engaging displays await.
The Loretto Langley Kids Zone is a haven of creativity and exploration for little ones, boasting the Tinker Thinker Lab, an activity wall, a puppet theatre and stage, and a playhouse complete with a barnyard area designed for our littlest adventurers.
9. Dine in style at Union Street Social:
Nestled in downtown Emporia, Kansas, Union Street Social is the essence of a modern Midwestern supper club meets upscale cocktail bar. Its atmosphere radiates a vibrant, funky vibe that balances a family-friendly ambiance with an elegant date night.
Our culinary journey at Union Street Social began with crispy fried Brussels sprouts, followed by Eric’s choice of the Kansas City steak, and my indulgence in the steak frites—an 8 oz. prime KC strip paired with hand-cut truffle fries, drizzled with remoulade, and served with a refreshing lemon vinaigrette-dressed arugula salad.
10. Cocktails at Trolley House Distillery:
End your day on a high note with a nightcap at Trolley House Distillery, where you can sample artisanal spirits and savor expertly crafted cocktails. Raise a glass to your time in Emporia and toast to the memories made in this charming Midwestern town.
Where to stay: I highly recommend the Cottage on Constitution, a charming farmhouse-style Airbnb located in the heart of Emporia. The home features two comfy beds, an updated bathroom with walk-in shower, washer/dryer and even a delightful little coffee bar.
Emporia, in a word, is delightful. From sipping coffee at sunrise to savoring cocktails at sunset, Emporia, Kansas, offers an impressive array of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks or discovering hidden treasures in downtown shops, there’s always something new to uncover in this vibrant community.
I’d like to thank the wonderful team at Visit Emporia for hosting me and Eric. We will absolutely be back!
Mariah Haberman is a travel writer and content creator based in Kansas City. She explores the very best of the Midwest on her blog, Life with Mariah. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
