Manhattan, KS July 2023

Summer Fun

JakeWaterswasthe2012NJCAAOffensivePlayeroftheYear, winning a National Championship with Iowa Western before becoming the starting quarterback for K-State during the 2013 & 2014 seasons. He guided the Wildcats to a victory over Michigan in the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl, and a matchup against UCLA in the Alamo Bowl his senior season. He earned second-team All Big 12 honors in 2014. After playing in the CFL, he began coaching as a Graduate Assistant at Iowa State, before spending three years at UTEP as the tight ends coach. He’s currently in his second tenure at Iowa State, serving the role of offensive analyst. Jake resides in Ankeny, Iowa, and lives with his girlfriend Megan.

Sweet Summertime

“The perfect song on the radio, we sing along ‘cause it’s one we know. It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime. Sweet time.” When it starts to get warm out, all I have to do is just listen to Kenny Chesney’s Summertime once, and it gets me pumped for the best season of the year: summer.

The older I get, the more I appreciate summer. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. It’s the magic season. From childhood to now, there’s just something about the year’s third season that sparks big energy in us all. As the days grow longer, and the weather gets hotter, there’s an enchantment about this season that brings about a sense of excitement and adventure.

Autumn has some of my favorite flavors, scents, and K-State football. Winter has its cozy charms, and it’s hard to deny the beauty of spring. But, when the summer solstice rolls around, I’m more than excited for the road trips and barbecues. Sitting by the pool and floating on a kayak down the Kansas River. The bugs, the heat, and the humidity. I love it all!

The pages in our Summer Fun issue will help you make the most of this season in Manhattan and Kansas. Even if summer doesn't mean three months of summer vacation anymore, we can still look forward to an adventure by crossing things off our ultimate summer bucket list. It is the growing season, after all.

In this issue, we highlight some of Manhattan's fantastic patios to sit outside and enjoy with Al Fresco. If it’s too hot outside, we have the perfect remedy with Unlocking Adventure We give tips on making The Perfect Ribeye. Then, we recommend the best way to end to summer by Getting The Heck Into Dodge to my hometown for Dodge City Days!

To grab another lyric from Kenny Chesney, “The more things change, the more they stay the same. It don’t matter how old you are when ya know what I’m talking about.” He's talking about that sweet summertime, and I’m so glad it’s here. God Bless summer!

Enjoy the Summer Fun Issue!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Tyler Jackson | tyler.jackson@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Heather Hoffman | heather.hoffman@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Tim Sigle | siglephoto@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kenny Whitis

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joshua Roesener, Devan Garcia

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Whitney Lockhart

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kirstan Lanier

TYLER JACKSON, PUBLISHER @MANHATTANCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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1: K-State’s Gene Taylor speaking to the crowd at the Manhattan K-State Catbackers Tour 2: Frida’s The True Mexican Taste, a family-owned food truck, has opened a dine-in restaurant at 705 E. 3rd Place! 3: Taylor Braet & Chuck Lillie from Kansas State Football enjoying the latest issue of MCL! 4: Three youngsters enjoying the Flint Hills Festival at Blue Earth Plaza 5: Kansas native Logan Mize performing live at The Hat in Aggieville! 6: Sunrise over the finish line at the 9th Annual Bill Snyder Highway Half Marathon 7: Congratulations to Casey Ebert & MasonWells Wellness Day Spa on their grand opening!

HEATHER HOFFMAN

TYLER JACKSON

TYLER JACKSON

TYLER JACKSON

KENNY WHITIS

KENNY WHITIS

JENNY BURKOWSKI

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Kaw Valley Rodeo:

July 27 - 29

Experience the thrill of the Kaw Valley Rodeo, where talented cowboys and cowgirls from all over the nation gather to compete in eight electrifying events. Witness the excitement of bull riding, barrel racing, breakaway, and more. Thursday, kids 12 and under get in free with a non-perishable food donation. Join us for special themed nights, including Military Appreciation on Thursday, Tough Enough To Wear Pink for breast cancer research on Friday, and the thrilling Championship Night on Saturday. Get your tickets at kawvalleyrodeo.com.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Manhattan

Photography: Tyler Jackson

Manhattan Parks & Rec’s Annual Little Apple Paddle

Beginning at the Highway 24/Linear Trail boat ramp, this family-friendly group kayak outing takes you on a lovely tour of Manhattan’s rivers. Departing at 9am on the Big Blue River, this paddle meanders 11 miles on the Kansas River to St. George, lasting roughly three hours. Don’t have a kayak? No worries! Vessels will be available to rent on a first-registration basis. Get signed up on the Little Apple Paddle event page on Facebook.

Wildcats for No Stone Unturned Golf and Gala Weekend

Join us for the 15th Annual Wildcats for No Stone Unturned Golf & Gala weekend at the Manhattan Country Club & Hilton Garden Inn July 21 & 22! No Stone Unturned Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child with special needs in the Manhattan-area receives vital services. Featuring golf scrambles, a gala, auction, and raffle, this fundraiser has 500 annual attendees, including dozens of former Wildcat football players, coaches, and athletes. Visit tickets.nsuf.org for tickets.

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

ARTICLE BY HEATHER HOFFMAN

We all have cherished childhood memories of summer. For me, the word “summer” evokes the crisp ting of a ball hitting a bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, and the exhilaration of chasing fireflies in my grandparents’ backyard. Make the most of the summer season by creating new memories with your loved ones. Embrace the vibrant spirit of the season by checking off items from your own summer bucket list.

Our Picks for Your

Summer Bucket

List

ARTS IN THE PARK: Immerse yourself in the magic of Arts in the Park, a free summer concert series that brings together community members of all ages.

Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park, Manhattan, KS

PILLSBURY CROSSING: On a sunny summer day, few experiences can beat basking in the serenity of Deep Creek Waterfall, the 60ft long waterfall at Pillsbury Crossing. Pillsbury Crossing Lane, Manhattan, KS

THIRD THURSDAYS: Experience the vibrant blend of local art, music, cuisine, and commerce at Third Thursdays on Poyntz Avenue. Join the Bourbon & Baker Cake Walk at 7pm! Poyntz Ave & 4th Street, Manhattan, KS

CALL HALL DAIRY BAR: Call Hall offers locally-made ice cream, root beer floats, and milkshakes. If you're feeling adventurous, try "Willie's Purple Cow": vanilla ice cream with grape soda. 144 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS

MANHATTAN PUBLIC LIBRARY: Go on a literary adventure this summer! The Manhattan Public Library offers programming for kids, teens, and adults, including storytimes, a Lego Club (K-5), and reading challenges. 629 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Heather Hoffman

I was born and raised in Manhattan. After graduating from Harvard Graduate School of Education, I started my career in data analytics and computer science education at Google. For my current full-time job, I manage a team of software engineers for an education technology company, and in my free time, I tutor the SAT/ACT and help students with their college admissions essays. I am passionate about the transformative power of education, and my favorite hobbies include reading, writing, and playing with my Pomeranian Mila.

Pillsbury Crossing

Heather Hoffman

Al Fresco

Outdoor Dining Options in the Little Apple

RC MCGRAWS

Relax in the beautiful summer weather on RC McGraws outdoor “partio.” RC McGraws offers classic and new American dishes, motorcycle and car shows, live music, and free country dance lessons.

ARTICLE BY HEATHER HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SIGLESIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

ROCK-A-BELLY DELI

A beloved Manhattan eatery since 1987, Rock-A-Belly Deli is known for its phenomenal sandwiches and charming outdoor patio. Patrons can enjoy their flavorful creations while soaking up the chill vibe.

ROCKIN K’S

Enjoy Sunday brunch with a view of Bill Snyder Stadium on Rockin K’s patio. Try the Avocado Toast, Chicken and Waffle, or Wildcat Biscuits & Gravy: scones, topped generously with warm sausage gravy and garnished with fresh rosemary. Cozy up next to the outdoor fireplace when the temperature starts to dip.

TALLGRASS TAPHOUSE

Tallgrass Taphouse is a must-visit for visitors and locals alike. The brewery offers panoramic views of beautiful downtown Manhattan, craft beer brewed on-site, and new American fare. Come for 2-5:30pm Sunday - Friday for $2 off Taphouse exclusive beers and summer beers.

COLBERT’S BAR & GRILL

Experience the pinnacle of al fresco dining at Colbert’s Bar & Grill. Enjoy picturesque views of the golf course over drinks and charcuterie, Sunday brunch, or a special dinner.

Mark A Ewing 2505 Anderson Ave. Ste. 103 785-370-4120

Matt Paquette 1419 Westport Landing Pl. Ste. 111 785-539-6777

Doug Springer 335 S. Seth Child Rd. 785-587-1866

Gage Zierlein 530 S Third St. Ste. 110 785-537-0022

Sarah Pacheco, CRPC® 519 Lincoln Ave. 785-456-1980

D.C. Hackerott, CFP® 2021 Vanesta Pl. Ste. B2 785-776-5902

Joel R Phipps 530 S Third St. Ste. 110 785-537-0022

Emily L Surritt 1213 Hylton Heights Rd. Ste. 125 785-776-9234

Adam Greenwalt 1403 W Hwy 24 785-456-2322

Kerri L Spielman 701 4th Street 785-632-6811

Catherine E McKinley, CFP® 2012 Vanesta Pl. Ste. 230 785-539-5589

Emily L Surritt Financial Advisor 1213 Hylton Heights Rd Ste 125 Manhattan, KS 66502 785-776-9234

Allen L Reid 604 Humboldt 785-539-8203

Bill Wolf 555 Poyntz Ave. Ste. 100 785-537-3700

David D Nelson 1403 W Hwy 24 785-456-2322

edwardjones.com

Member SIPC

The Perfect Ribeye

MANHATTAN’S BOOTH CREEK WAGYU’S RIBEYES ARE A TRUE TASTE OF SUMMER & THE FLINT HILLS

ARTICLE BY TYLER JACKSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIM SIGLESIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Indulge in the epitome of summer’s finest flavors with a succulent, expertly prepared beef steak.

While choices abound in the world of steak cuts, the ribeye emerges as the ultimate selection for its unrivaled flavor and exceptional value.

For this article, we decided to elevate our beef and prepare the delectable Wagyu ribeyes from our friends at Manhattan’s Booth Creek Wagyu. Wagyu, known as the world’s most luxurious steak, comes from Japanese cattle and is famous for its incredible marbling. We’re lucky to have some of America’s finest Wagyu beef right here in our backyard, raised in the beautiful Flint Hills region.

Booth Creek Wagyu categorizes their beef based on a marbling, or the amount of intramuscular fat (IMF) present in the meat.

The higher the IMF content in the beef, the juicier and more tender it is. We have chosen the Booth Creek Wagyu Gold Label (16-24% IMF), Platinum Label (25%+ IMF), and their premium Reserve Label (40%+ IMF). Derived from 100% full-blood Wagyu beef, the Reserve Label is a carefully curated selection of beef with 40% IMF or higher.

While opinions and methods may vary among cooks, we would like to share our own tips for preparing the ultimate summer ribeye, the King of Summer.

INGREDIENTS:

• Booth Creek Wagyu Ribeye Steak

• Kosher salt

• Cooking oil (Booth Creek Wagyu’s pure beef tallow recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Remove the steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Generously season the steak with kosher salt. Kosher salt is a medium-grained salt that penetrates the muscle throughout with good flavoring, allows for proper coverage of the steak without making the meat overly salty, and helps to form a golden-brown crust upon searing.

GOLD LABEL: Buttery with a hint of traditional beefy flavor. Intramuscular fat percentage of 16-24%

PLATINUM LABEL: Rich, buttery, and tender. Intramuscular fat percentage of 25%+

THE RESERVE LABEL:

Limited & carefully curated selection of 100% fullblood Wagyu beef, with 40% intramuscular marbling or higher.

All three labels of Booth Creek Wagyu steaks were absolutely fantastic, but the Reserve Label was probably the best bite of ribeye steak we’ve ever had. It truly melts in your mouth. It is unlike anything you’ve ever had before. It tastes like gold!

BOOTH CREEK WAGYU RIBEYES

3. Allow the steak to come to room temperature by letting it sit out for a minimum of 30 minutes. This process, called tempering, ensures even cooking. If your steak is still cold when it hits the hot cooking surface, it can cause the muscle fibers to tense up and cause uneven cooking. We tempered these steaks for an hour.

4. Fire up your cooking method of choice, setting the temperature to high. We are using a Blackstone outdoor griddle.

5. Add cooking oil to the cooking surface. Booth Creek Wagyu’s pure beef tallow is recommended for its enhanced flavor.

6. Place the steak on the cooking surface, ensuring it is centered on the heat source and lying flat.

7. Set a timer and flip the steak every minute until it reaches your desired internal temperature. Use a temperature probe to measure the doneness. For Gold and Platinum labeled steaks, it took approximately six and a half minutes to reach a medium-rare temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit. For Reserve labeled steaks, it took approximately four and a half minutes.

8. Once the steak reaches your preferred doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in maximum juiciness.

9. After the resting period, your perfectly cooked Booth Creek Wagyu ribeye steak is ready to be enjoyed.

10. Slice and serve. Bon appétit!

All three steaks were absolutely fantastic, but the Reserve Label was probably the best bite of ribeye steak we’ve ever had. It truly melts in your mouth. Due to the high IMF content, it was tough to eat too much of it, which is okay — that just ensured we had leftovers!

Give Booth Creek Wagyu a try today! 519 McCall Rd, Manhattan, KS

These beautiful steaks pair well with a sweet & spicy cole slaw

Locked Manhattan is set to unveil their 10th room, Pet Project

UNLOCKING ADVENTURE

ARTICLE BY HEATHER HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIGLE PHOTOGRAPHY - TIM SIGLE

Escape the heat and take a break from your screens with an immersive adventure at Locked Manhattan. At Locked, participants are locked inside a themed escape room and must work together to discover hidden clues, solve puzzles, and unravel mysteries within the hour time limit.

This summer, Locked is unveiling its 10th room. Enter the mysterious realm of “Pet Project,” a secluded college campus office where your seemingly ordinary professor tasks your group with caring for their enigmatic pet. After your professor departs, you quickly discover that this endeavor is far from routine. Your group must navigate an intricate web of secrets to secure its escape.

Locked is owned by Kansas-natives Zach Droge and Jessica Tegethoff, who design and build each room from scratch. From the initial concept to beta testing, it takes around six months to bring a room to life. Jessica and Zach’s aim is to ensure that even the most experienced escape room enthusiasts encounter novel puzzles and storylines. Additionally, they seek to curate rooms that cater to a diverse range of people, from initially-skeptical dads to 12-year-olds celebrating birthdays. “We get a lot of

first dates,” says Jessica. “We’ve even helped organize a few proposals.”

Drawing from her background as a hospitality manager, Jessica has a relentless passion for customer experience. “Jessica has great insight, because she’s so close to the customer,” says Zach.

With expertise in sculpture, hardware design, and software engineering, Zach offers a unique skill set that enriches the Locked experience for visitors. “One room has 1000 ft of hidden wire, electromagnetic sensors, and a microcontroller. You just see a button, because we hide all the tech.”

Beta testing is a crucial part of the iterative room design process, which involves enlisting a core group of people who provide feedback on a new room prior to its public debut. Their input helps finetune the room, making it accessible to experienced players, newbies, and groups of two to eight. Striking the right balance of challenge and enjoyment is key, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine.  “If everyone has a hero moment [in which they solve a clue], that’s a best case scenario,” says Zach. “We want to create that long-lasting memory,” adds Jessica.

Get The Heck Into Dodge!

HEAD TO DODGE CITY DAYS FOR THE BEST WAY TO FINISH THE SUMMER!

ARTICLE BY TYLER JACKSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSHUA ROESENER PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway, head west for Dodge City Days! The home of gunslingers Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Bat Masterson, Dodge City was established in 1872 as a stopping ground for travelers along the Santa Fe Trail. Taking place July 27th - August 6th, Dodge City Days is a 10-day celebration that pays homage to the city’s western heritage and rich history as the “Cowboy Capital of the World.” The second-largest community festival in Kansas, only behind Wichita’s Riverfest, Dodge City Days attracts over 100,000 attendees and boasts an impressive array of activities for the entire family.

The first weekend commences with country music sensation Chris Young and the 63rd Annual Dodge City Days Western Parade. The

second weekend treats visitors to the captivating Longhorn Cattle Drive through the city streets and the prestigious Dodge City Round-Up PRCA Rodeo. As one of the premier rodeos worldwide, it showcases the skills of top-tier cowboys and cowgirls. From kids’ events to barbecue contests, golf tournaments, a 5k run, an arts and crafts show, and much more, Dodge City Days promises non-stop entertainment.

While exploring Dodge City, don’t miss the renowned Boot Hill Museum for a noon gunfight and an authentic taste of the Old West. Also, be sure try your luck at the vibrant Boot Hill Casino & Resort.

To see the full list of events at Dodge City Days, visit DodgeCityDays.org

Boot Hill Museum

Dodge City Round-Up PRCA Rodeo

EAT

Tacos Jalisco. “El Rey de los Taqueros,”  or the King of the Taquerias, Tacos Jalisco is the home of some the best authentic Mexican food in Kansas.

DRINK

Boot Hill Distillery & Dodge City Brewing Company. Located in an area lovingly known as Booze Hill because of the distillery and brewery’s close proximity, enjoying these two establishments can be a highlight of the Dodge City experience. Boot Hill Distillery, known for its exceptional spirits like Wabash Reserve and EMAW Vodka, takes pride in being a small-batch distillery on the historic grounds of the original Boot Hill Cemetery. Dodge City Brewing offers 11 handcrafted brews, plus housemade brick-oven pizza.

STAY

The Cottage On Boot Hill. Nestled in the heart of the Cowboy Capital, this lovely cottage places you within easy walking distance of the distillery, brewery, and museum, allowing you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Famous Boot Hill. Airbnb.com

Brian Danenberg

Kate Narrow

Elanor Bryant

Keith Stewart

DR. MICHAEL HAMLER DR. KAYLEA PEARSON

DR. JAROD ZABEL

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

Live Free! Jace’s Day 5K & Community Fun Night

2201 COLUMBIAN RD, WAMEGO, KS | 5:00 PM

Tough2gether Foundation Presents: Live Free! Jace’s Day 5K & Community Fun Night in Wamego. This event is in memory of Wamego native and K-State graduate, Jace Ward, who passed away in 2021 from DIPG, a rare form of pediatric brain cancer at the age of 22. This fundraiser for pediatric cancer research promises to be an unforgettable evening, ending with a Memorial Lantern Launch and fireworks. tinyurl.com/Jacesfunnight

Wamego Independance Day Celebration

WAMEGO, KS | 6:00 PM

Celebrate the 4th of July in Wamego with a dazzling display of events. Visit the Wamego Area Veterans Memorial in City Park. Enjoy floats, marching bands, and classic cars at the Independence Day Parade on Main Street. End the night with an awe-inspiring fireworks show, ranked #1 in Kansas.  See visitwamego.com/july4th for more details.

The Church Ladies - Unsupervised at Prairiewood Retreat & Preserve

PRAIRIEWOOD RETREAT & PRESERVE, 1484 WILDCAT CREEK RD, MANHATTAN, KS | 5:00 PM Well, isn't that special? The Church Ladies are coming back to the Blue Sage Barn! This acclaimed acoustic trio performs bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, and rock. Arrive early to explore the scenic trails, and then join us for an enchanting hour and a half of music. A $10 suggested donation at the door supports the musicians.

Riley County Fair

RILEY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS IN CICO PARK, MANHATTAN, KS

The Riley County Fair is a vibrant celebration of community and agriculture held annually. It brings together residents and visitors alike for carnival rides, 4-H exhibits, lively entertainment, and decadent treats. See more information at rileycountyfair.com

K-State Gardens Annual Iris Sale

K-STATE GARDENS 1500 DENISON AVE, MANHATTAN, KS | 8:00 AM

Sponsored by the Flint Hills Iris Society, the Annual Iris Sale offers the perfect opportunity to enhance your garden with these exquisite blooms. Browse a stunning selection of vibrant colors and unique varieties. Proceeds benefit the K-State Gardens.

Riley County Fair Chocolate Chip Cookies Baking Contest

POTTORFF HALL, RILEY COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, MANHATTAN, KS | 1:00 PM

Get ready for a delicious showdown at the annual Riley County Fair baking contest, where the spotlight is on chocolate chip cookies! Open to all baking enthusiasts, this year’s contest invites you to showcase your skills with a dozen cookies. Impress the judges with your cookies’ appearance, presentation, texture, and flavor. All proceeds benefit Riley County 4-H.