Manhattan, KS Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

Big news for our area—Amazon is opening a new facility at Manhattan Business Park! It’s a huge step forward for local growth and could mean more jobs and opportunities right here in our community.

Manhattan Gymnastics Academy offers tons of great activities for your kiddos! Along with gymnastics lessons, they host a kids night out, birthday parties, and Gym N'Learn for preschool aged children. This is a great opportunity for your child to be introduced into a fun and exciting environment to learn and exercise. Time is spent in the classroom doing crafts, circle time, and activities, while the remainder of the time is spent out in the gymnastics studio and offers children more individualized attention in gymnastics lessons. My daughter has attended here for quite some time and it has been a great introduction to prepare her for Kindergarten as well as get that pent up energy out and put it towards doing something fun and productive.

Here's your update as to what's happening in Manhattan. There are a few events that aren't within Manhattan itself, but are a short drive away. Enjoy!

Tech Workshop: Drop-In Tech Training: August 15, 2-4 p.m. @ Manhattan Public Library
Sparkling Wine Tasting: August 15, 7:30-9 p.m. @ Arrow Coffee
Go See It!: Total Solar Eclipse: August 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m. @ Flinthills Discovery Center
William Clark Green in Concert: August 18, 8:30-11 p.m. @ The Hat
Manhattan Area Rail Joiners Model Train Show: August 19-20 @ Manhattan Town Center
Welcome Weekend Manhattan Christian College, August 19-20 @ MCC
Genealogy and History Fair Multi-County Event. August 19, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. @ Pottorf Hall in CICO Park
Victory Fest. August 19, 10 a.m. @ Marshall Air Field, Fort Riley
Brew at the Zoo. August 19, 3 p.m. @ Sunset Zoo
Murder Mystery Dinner: Midnight at the Masquerade. August 19, 7-9 p.m. @ Wareham Opera House
Paint & Sip: Cico Park. August 20, 4-6 p.m. @ Iron Clad MHK
Total Solar Eclipse. August 21 with Kansas State University, Flint Hills Discovery Center and Highland Community College.
Total Solar Eclipse Viewing Party. August 21, noon @ Manhattan Public Library
Schools of Banking. August 21-25 @ Bluemont Hotel
Adulting 101: Budgeting. August 22, 7-8:30 p.m. @ Manhattan Public Library
The Chisholm Trail: Driving the American West traveling exhibit. August 24-October 17 @
Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum, Abilene
Teen Advisory Board. August 24, 4-5 p.m. @ Manhattan Public Library
Strecker Nelson West Gallery: The Mind's Eye. August 25-October 28 @ Strecker Nelson West Gallery
David Pickering Organ Recital, August 25, 7:30 p.m. @ All-Faiths Chapel, K-State
Duty First Exhibit Opens. August 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. @ Flint Hills Discovery Center
Paint & Sip: Forest Path. August 26, 6-8 @ Iron Clad MHK
Stargazing at Volland. August 26, 6:30-11 p.m. @ The Volland Store, Alma
Dance of a Parrot Head: Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band. August 26, 7-9 p.m. @ Wareham Opera House
Don Wagner Concert. August 26, 7-10 p.m. @ Great Plains Theatre, Abilene
Off the Green Outdoor Music Series: Tim Strathman Band. August 26, 7-10 p.m. @ Colbert Hills
Peter Sommer Saxophone Recital. August 29, 7:30 p.m. @ All Faiths Chapel, K-State
Purple Power Play. August 31 - September 1, 6-9 p.m. @ City Park
Volleyball: Arkansas vs. K-State. August 31, 7-9:30 p.m. @ Ahearn Field House
Teen Read Week: Bookmark Contest. September 1 @ Manhattan Public Library
Home Football vs. Central Arkansas - Band Director Day. September 2 @ Bill Snyder Family Stadium

Can you believe that summer is almost over? School will be starting next week and the city is starting to swell as people come from all corners of the globe to attend Kansas State University. Just watch as things pick up around town - traffic, activity, you name it. We're getting busy and there's a reason Manhattan is affectionately called "Manhappenin'"

Manhattan might not be Kansas City, but she has plenty of things going on. I've put together this list of events that ought to keep you busy for a while. Come back later for more!

Wine Tasting @ Arrow Coffee Company; August 1, 7:30-9 p.m.
Canvas & Cork: Flower Field @ Straight Upp Creative Studio; August 1, 6-8 p.m.
Abita Music Series @ Hibachi Hut; August 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Landshark Music Series: Santiago Brothers; August 3, 7:30-10 p.m.
The Haymakers @ Auntie Mae's Parlor; August 3, 9:00 p.m.-August 4, 1:00 a.m.
"I Like Ike: The Presidential Election of 1952" @ Eisenhower Presidential Library; August 4, 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Paintings from the Prairie: Visions of the Flint Hills by Oscar Larmer @ Columbian Theatre;
August 4, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center. NOT suitable for children. August 4, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Brew 2 Shoe 10K/5K/1-mile; August 5, 7:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. @ 3rd Street & Poyntz Avenue intersection
Water Safari @ Sunset Zoo; August 5, 12:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Paint & Sip: Lavender Scent @ Iron Clad MHK. August 5, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Couple's Night: Abstract Heart @ Straight Upp Creative Studio; August 5, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Off the Green Outdoor Music Series @ Colbert Hills; August 5, 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center; August 5, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; NOT suitable for children.
Community Day @ Flint Hills Discovery Center; August 6, 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center; August 6, 2:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.; NOT suitable for children.
Get Ready for the Eclipse! @ Manhattan Public Library; August 8, 2 p.m.
Whiskey 101: Union Horse Distillery @ Bourbon & Baker; August 8, 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Crafty Seniors Craft Show @ Manhattan Town Center; August 10-12
Harry's Somm Series: US wines, Prohibition to 21st century @ Harry's Restaurant; August 10, 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center; August 10, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; NOT suitable for children.
Back to School Fun and Games @ Manhattan Public Library; August 11, 10 a.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center; August 11, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; NOT suitable for children.
Ragtime at Great Plains Theatre @ Great Plains Theatre; August 11, 7:30 p.m.-August 20, 9:00 p.m.
Just Tri It! Triathlon @ City Park; August 12,7:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Red Wagon Outdoor Market @ CiCo Park; August 12, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Paint & Sip: Water Flowers @ Iron Clad MHK; August 12, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Spring Awakening @ Manhattan Arts Center; August 12, 7:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; not suitable for children.
Colbert-Fogler Golf Classic @ Colbert Hills; August 13, 9:00 a.m.-August 14, 3:00 p.m.
K-State Band Camp, August 13-19
Petpoolooza @ CICO Pool; August 13, 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

UFM's fall catalog will be back from the printers by the end of the week. They offer a variety of classes, including fitness, food, finance, and technology. There are even some K-State credit hour courses! Keep an eye on your mailbox or browse online.

The Manhattan Public Library will be showing "Moana" on Friday at 10:00 a.m. Come enjoy this free event with the kiddos. Cross your fingers, and maybe they'll sing along with the songs!

What a busy week we have ahead of us! There are plenty of opportunities to plug into this wonderful community we've chosen to call home. I hope you find something that interests you. If not, perhaps you could create something? The Little Apple is a great place for things to grow!

Colbert Charity Classic runs July 26-29 at the Colbert Hills Golf Course
Kaw Valley Rodeo, July 27-29, Wells Arena in CICO Park
Riley County Fair, July 27-31, Fairgrounds at CICO Park
Teen Library Advisory Board, July 27, 4 pm at the Manhattan Public Library
Arts in the Park - BritBeat, July 28, 8 pm in City Park
Tyler Gregory and Santiago Brothers, July 28, 7:30-9:30 pm at the Columbian Theatre in
Wamego
Annual Iris Sale, July 29, 8 a.m. to noon at the K-State Gardens
End of Summer Party, July 29, 10 a.m. at the Manhattan Public Library
Build a Better World - Find the Magic in You! July 29, 11 a.m. at the Manhattan Public Library
McCain Performance Series single tickets go on Sale, July 30 at McCain Auditorium
The Ahrenburg Youth Symphony Orchestra, July 31, 7:30 p.m. at McCain Auditorium
Harry Somm Series: Wines of Austria, July 31, 7 p.m. at Harry's Restaurant

Every now and then, the heat and humidity of the Kansas summer gives way to a good ol' rainstorm. I rolled over in bed to hear the sound of raindrops hitting my roof. And it has rained all morning. It's a nice relief for now. It's cool and refreshing. Perhaps I'll go dancing. I might as well since as soon as the rain stops, it will be hot and even more humid and I'll be back to living in the AC or the pool. Until then, let it rain!

Manhattan Parks and Recreation is hosting two events tonight! Day in the Park features: food, games, and dancing and swimming from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and Arts in the Park will present Secret Agent 23 Skidoo at 8:00 p.m. Check back with their website for more events and entertainment.

The Public Library at Juliette and Poyntz hosts a variety of "free" activities for the public, including story times for the little ones; Canteen, Teen Library Advisory Board, Bookmark Contests, After Hours and Adulting 101 for teens; and, Housing and Credit Counseling and Tech Workshops for adults.

Manhattan Parks and Rec Youth Theatre will be presenting "Beauty and the Beast" at McCain Auditorium this Friday and Saturday, July 21-22, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. They can be purchased at the McCain box office or by phone at 785-532-6428. Additional fees may apply.

Come play cowboy at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Saturday, July 22, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults; $4 for students, $7 for military, college students, educators and seniors, and under two is free.

K-State Credit Union is hosting its 10th annual "Stuff the Bus" campaign. The public may donate school supplies at any K-State Credit Union location through the 21st, or take part in literally stuffing the bus out in the Wal-Mart parking lot on Saturday, July 22nd, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Come help our children feel more at home and give them the tools to help them succeed!

Come shop the Farmer's Market for fresh, local produce, meats, eggs, and even some artisan crafts. Market is held Wednesdays, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at CICO Park at Kimball and Avery; and Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Manhattan Town Center parking lot by Dillards.

Two phenomena occur in Manhattan, and thankfully they coincide. From the end of May until the middle of August, the population of this beloved city is nearly cut in half. I believe that's our best estimate. Please correct me if I'm wrong. Also, Manhattan suffers the attack of the orange cone. Yes, road construction. Fortunately, we have fewer people to get around town, and traffic is kept moving fairly well, but it can be a nuisance, nonetheless.

The interchange at Fort Riley Boulevard and Seth Childs Road is being overhauled. I'm not quite sure what point they're trying to get across. I just hope the end result will be more efficient traffic flow. There's also construction on West Anderson Avenue, College Avenue, and Denison, to name a few more. One of my friends joked that Manhattan may have run out of orange cones. At least, I hope it was a joke, and I hope the orange tide will wane by the time the purple tide (K-State) comes in.

If the weather will hold out, and if you needed something else to do this weekend, gaze at the stars at the Flinthills Discovery Center, Friday, July 14, from 9:00-11:00 p.m. K-State Professor Chris Sorensen will bring his telescope and give a tour of the summer sky.

I'm happy to have a home that has access to Kansas rivers. On Saturday, July 15, from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m is the Little Apple Paddle at the Linear Park Trailhead. While I might not have time to register this year, it's good to know that the community is supportive of people who canoe and kayak for recreation.

A circus at the Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park will be held tomorrow, July 14, from 8:00-10:00 p.m.? This I've gotta see! Thunderstorms are in the forecast. I hope it's wrong! And as always, Arts in the Park is free!

There are days that I'm especially amazed with the place I've chosen to call home. Today was one of them. It started out hot and muggy - one of those days you step outside and your glasses instantly fog over. And then the storm clouds started to form and the thunder started to roll. An ordinary summer day in July was interrupted, my glasses cleared and I was able to see new beauty all around me. It was the contrast of the graying skies with the bright green grass and the flowers in bloom. It was the song the sky was singing to me. It was the hope of life-giving rain (and that I might get out of having to water the garden tonight). Whether it rains here or goes around us, I won't know until it happens. It is Kansas, after all. Is it fair to say I really don't want to water the garden tonight?

Sherwin-Williams Color-of-the-Month is Rosy Outlook. The newsletter also includes suggested coordinating colors, instructions on how to create a beautiful herringbone pattern, and the chance to win prizes from West Elm (ends today!). Make your house a home and let the creativity flow!

There are still some classes open for swim lessons this summer. They are being offered through UFM, which stands for University For Man. It's a community learning center in which anybody can teach and everybody can learn. They offer a variety of classes, including dance, martial arts, computers - even some college credit courses (K-State Global Campus)! Look for their fall catalog of classes in the mail.

Enjoyed a swim today at the K-State Natatorium. Had to sneak into the parking lot due to road construction on Denison Avenue, but that's okay. The cool water more than made up for it.
I've found that most people in Manhattan don't realize what a great resource the Nat is - and it's available to the public! Anyone can join the Kansas State University Alumni Association for $40/year. That grants you access to the pools and then it's $3/visit ($1.50 for children). Between the Natatorium and Manhattan's public outdoor pools, you could be swimming year-round.

Last weekend I went camping. Last weekend was also Country Stampede so Tuttle Creek Lake was out of the question, as was Milford Lake since the blue algae was in bloom and I wanted to swim. So, I took a short 40-minute jaunt south to Council Grove Lake. If you're looking for variety in your camping routine, I highly recommend it. Richey Cove has many of the amenities that we love, it's not too far from Manhattan, and it's not too far from Council Grove. I would encourage you to check it out sometime.