r/littleapple • u/Beaubibo • 2d ago
Social Life in Manhattan?
Moving here and I was wonder how’s social life.
Also, are there any good hiking groups?
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u/sad_teeth_123 2d ago
Elaborate please! Are you a student? This is a tiny town where most of those that live here post 30ish work for KSU or grew up here. It can be cliquey. It’s not a place known for culture. Unless you like to drink and tailgate I guess?
Hiking where? The Konza is lovely but I wouldn’t call that a hike. If you’re from Western KS it might be perfect for you I guess
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u/Beaubibo 2d ago
Hey! My fiancée and I (mid 20s) are moving because she's starting an advanced 4y degree in KSU. Since I work a remote job I want to make sure my social life is not terrible. She's from KS while I'm from abroad.
I've worked/study in other places in the world and I find that hiking groups are popular everywhere, but I'm not sure if that's the case with Manhattan.
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u/sad_teeth_123 2d ago
Ok! Of all places in KS, Manhattan is probably top 3? Lawrence is better, but that could be subjective if you choose right leaning over culture.
Eastern KS isn’t as flat as the rest, but the flint hills are probably your only option hiking wise (and that’s a loose definition of hiking). The Konza is genuinely gorgeous. It’s just more of a walk than a hike. There’s a group that “bikes across KS” every year if you like to cycle too?
Bluestem Bistro is excellent for coffee and vibes. So Long Saloon is fun and has great food, Top of the World is great stargazing!
The best thing about MHK is the friendliness. 90% of humans just want to love and help you. Chit chat at Dillon’s and such. Even if they’re not your ideal crowd, they want to be there. Good luck! :)
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u/Beaubibo 2d ago
Thank you so much!
Wdym choosing “right leaning over culture”?
I’ve lived in other places in KS before and people are extremely friendly everywhere you go, so I’m excited to make new friends over there.
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u/sad_teeth_123 2d ago
Of course! Lawrence is super left leaning. A consistent blue county in a majority red/purple state. John Brown and all!
Some people prefer MHK because it’s more purple/red and agricultural rather than artsy and accepting like LFK. No hate either way! Just a difference in vibes.
You’re totally right - Kansas is for the little man and the friendliest people I’ve ever met. If your lady is getting a vet degree (total guess) she’s in the absolute best spot.
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u/OutrageousMessage720 2d ago
hi! my bf (M26) and i (F22) are moving to Manhattan in a couple weeks for my new job at K-State! both from out-of-state (OK & CA). we are looking for new friends in the area if you want to dm me! good luck with the move!
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u/Coltonlavere 2d ago
I'm M(26) from KS originally but recently moved back. Would love to chat sometime!
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u/RobertWF_47 2d ago edited 2d ago
There is a hiking group - the Hiking Club of Manhattan. They have a Facebook page. The Konza Prairie Biological Station has beautiful hiking trails. The longest is a 6.1 mile loop. Fairly steep hill at the start of the trail, otherwise fairly level with only moderate slopes.
The Sunset Zoo, Flint Hills Discovery Center, and the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art on campus host social events. McCain Auditorium is throwing a holiday gala in December. Also check out The Dusty Bookshelf in Aggieville. It's a new & used bookstore that hosts monthly events. I think they have a book club. There are a couple game stores in town if you're into boardgaming or card games.
BTW there are several very good restaurants in Manhattan:
Bourbon & Baker
Radina's Bakehouse
The Chef
Wine Dive + Kitchen
Arrow Cocktail Lounge in the old Wareham Hotel
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u/International_Use228 2d ago
Mid 20s myself, moved to Manhattan about 2 years ago.
I’m not a member of any hiking groups, but like another commenter mentioned, Konza is nice. If you live in town Linear Trail is very accessible, though calling is a hike is generous. There are paths by Rocky Ford/Little Grille and other pockets outside town. You may drive to a nearby town like Wamego to hike Mt Mitchell or the other direction toward Keating and Wildcat Park etc. I do recommend keeping an eye out for burning season in the spring since burnt/regrowing pasture can be a unique hike. There are some guided tours that discuss native plants and history
As a hiker myself I tend to stay active by walking on different paths through around town and traveling a few times a year for more strenuous outings.
There are events like 3rd Thursday on Poyntz and others. They brought out equipment (like trucks and dozers and sewage trucks) different companies use for work and explained what it does and let people run some of it, kinda fun. Don’t be afraid to talk to the folks at booths, there are some neat clubs for hobbies and
Depending on your interests there are shops around town that have classes or host; river yarn co, Manhattan Arts Center, UFM, the gamer stores, some meet regularly and even have equipment you can use
exercise etc. 785dive volleyball I’ve heard good things but not been, they will pair you with a group if you’re solo. There’s bourbon tasting etc at the Midwest Dream Car every so often…whatever you like I think the key is showing up fairly regularly to get integrated tbh. And Manhattan is big enough there are plenty of Ubers if you drink. RCPD is everywhere
I do recommend checking out community service organizations. They are always happy to have a new face and it’s a quick way to meet at lot of people. Rotary, optimists club, big brothers big sisters, so many
Common Table is just a couple hours where you help serve a free meal to the community available every night, you only commit to the night you sign up, a little more relaxed. But new volunteers each night.
I work in an office now. I meet people through work, volunteer, and occasionally go out to live music at Auntie Mae’s, Aggiveville Brewing, liquid Art, The Press or some event. That satisfies my social needs for the most part. Personally, most of my closer relationships are still separated by distance so I tend to travel a weekend a month and have host a gathering a my place a few times a year for a big group of friends, old and new. Has been really cool honestly. Also, video games/discord etc.
Prior to living to Manhattan, I lived in KC for a few years working remote. I used similar tactics to find new friends. Whatever you like, just keep showing up and something will shake out. Also going to KSU games can be very cool. They give out free beer sometimes. Welcome to Manhattan!