Alphabet dating is a fun way to try something new when you’re running out of new ideas. Here is how it works: you chose date venues/experiences in order, starting with A and ending with Z. Check out our fun list to help give you a fun set of alphabet date ideas here in Manhattan!
A is for Art museum
Enjoy a day date at the Museum of Art + Light (MoA+L). Conceived as the first contemporary art museum in the world to showcase immersive, digital, and permanent collections from inception—MoA+L will explore the limitless convergence of visual art, the creative process and digital technology.
B is for Bourbon and Baker
Bourbon and Baker is my favorite place in downtown Manhattan to grab drinks and dinner! The menu has a little bit for everyone, and several items that are perfect to share. Make sure to check out their list of bourbons and bourbon mixed drinks (especially since they go with our B letter theme!).
C is for Coffee shops
Spend a morning exploring all the great local coffee shops in Manhattan! Check out our guide here.
D is for Dancing
Dance the night away with line dancing at Dirty Dawg Saloon (it is like they knew we needed a good ‘D’ location!). Advertised as “Manhattan’s Premier Honky Tonk,” they play both country and western music.
E is for Ellen’s Planted Tea
Go on a day date for high tea at Ellen’s Planted Tea. Every Sunday, Ellen’s serves high tea along with some fun finger sandwiches and pastries. You’ll need to make a reservation but make sure to plan in advance because seats tend to fill up.
F is for Fragrant Blends Candle Bar
Create your own candle at Fragrant Blends Candle Bar. Known as Manhattan’s most unique candle experience, blend and create your favorite fragrances, and design your own candle label.
G is for Goolsbys
Have some fun at Goolsbys! Get your game on with an assortment of sports simulators and duckpin bowling. There are also 30 self-serve taps filled with local beers. It is constantly changing so you could try something different every time you go (just make sure to get through the rest of the alphabet before you head back for seconds).
H is for Hike
Go on a hiking date! What a great way to spend quality time with your sweetie while you get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Check out our hiking guide here.
I is for Ice cream
Have a day date at K-State’s Call Hall Dairy Bar and grab a scoop of some tasty ice cream. They offer 16 flavors daily; you must try the popular purple pride ice cream (my favorite!). They also offer dairy products and Kansas-sourced meats and honey.
J is for Japanese
Enjoy a fun dinner at Umi, a local Japanese Steakhouse that offers hibachi, sushi, and other Japanese favorites. Sit at the hibachi tables and watch the chefs prepare your meal on an open stovetop, or you can choose to dine at their Sushi Bar and watch their chefs make your sushi right in front of you!
K is for Kayak
Ready for an adventure? Try kayaking at Tuttle Creek! There are two options, for novice kayakers opt for Tuttle Creek River Pond; for those more experienced, find several more advanced spots along Tuttle Creek Lake to kayak.
L is for Live music at Bluemont Hotel
Head to the rooftop of the Bluemont Hotel on Thursday evenings from 8-10pm for their Live Music Series. Grab a drink from the bar and take in the views of K-State and Aggieville. Keep your eyes open for when they do their Sips and Sounds event where you can enjoy beer or liquor (yay for sticking to our L letter theme!) tasting at 6pm and then the live music series at 8pm.
M is for Movies
Sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie at the AMC Theaters. Select the theater with comfy reclining chairs or take in the latest blockbuster on the IMax screen, and take advantage of ordering food, snacks, and drinks right to your seat!
N is for Nico’s Little Italy
Feast on delicious Italian favorites at Nico’s Little Italy. The menu is traditional Italian food (make sure to order the Alfredo!). They have an amazing chopped salad, and scratch-made desserts! Indulge that sweet tooth and order both the crème brûlée and cannoli. You can thank me later!
O is for Oz Winery
There’s no place like Oz Winery! Enjoy a wine date at this cute winery located in the heart of downtown Wamego. Order a wine flight and sample their Wizard of Oz named wines (a few favorites include: Yellow Brick Road, Flying Monkey, and Squished Witch). While in Wamego, plan to check out the Oz Museum and grab a bite to eat at Toto’s TacOz (ok kind of cheating with the letter O, but trust me on this and just go try it!)
P is for Pizza
It’s pizza night! Go out for pizza at The Hi Lo, the sister restaurant to AJ’s Pizzeria. We absolutely love the meatball parm pizza (or you can stick with the P theme and get a pepperoni pizza). Along with yummy pizza options, they also have great drinks! Make sure to check out their monthly drink specials (they have some fun options on the St. Patrick’s Day drinks menu in March!) Check out our full guide to local pizza places.
Q is for Quesadilla and queso
Taco Lucha is a great place for a date night if you’re wanting some tasty food and margaritas! Order a portobello quesadilla along with their various queso dips. And although not a Q dish, you must try the chipotle raspberry black bean dip (let’s call it a funky queso so it can fit in with our letter Q).
R is for Rooftop patio
When the weather allows, take in a beautiful view of Manhattan while having a beer at the rooftop patio of Tallgrass Taphouse. Have fun tasting a beer flight or take a growler home.
S is for Sinkers Lounge
Enjoy a leisurely round of indoor mini golf paired with a craft cocktail. Sinkers Lounge offers 9 mini golf holes, 9 table top games, and a full service food and beverage menu. Check out our guide here.
T is for Trivia
Test your knowledge at Trivia Smackdown at Auntie Mae’s Parlor. This local favorite has the longest running trivia night in Manhattan! Enjoy a laid-back evening at a beloved speakeasy-style bar with a cozy ambiance and a wide selection of craft beers and cocktails.
U is for Uncorked inspiration
Bring your own wine and enjoy a guided paint lesson at Uncorked Inspiration. Check out their upcoming events and make sure to register in advance because spots fill up.
V is for Varsity Donuts
Did you know that Varsity Donuts opens their Varsity Truck Thursday-Saturday nights until 2:30 a.m. to serve mac n’ cheese grilled cheese, corn dogs, bacon bombs, and of course, fresh hot donuts? If you’re a night owl (or a parent waiting to go out after bedtime) swing by the Varsity Truck for some good eats!
W is for Wine tasting
Liquid Art Winery is one of the best places in Manhattan to relax and enjoy locally produced wines and ciders. They offer both indoor and outdoor tasting rooms, but if the weather is nice, definitely sit outside and take in the beautiful views of the Flint Hills. Order some artisan pizzas to share or if you are looking for something lighter, they also have various cheese and charcuterie boards.
X is for aX throwing
Ok, I admit it. This is cheating. But, I had to get creative with this letter so just roll with it. Throw axes at Manhatchet or Ax to Grind. No ax-perience needed. Reservations are encouraged.
Y is for Yard games
Play yard games at A&H Farm. You’ll find a ton of yard games around the farm like corn hole, life size chess, and carnival themed games. Make sure to stop by The Grain Bin, a converted grain bin turned bar, to grab a drink. Plan to visit the farm during one of their upcoming events (they often have themed drinks and slushies available). Check out our guide here.
Z is for Zip lining
Soar over the trees and see the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas while zip lining at Wildwood Adventure Park. Enjoy seven zip lines, with their longest line at 1,400 feet long. Don’t forget the 40-foot free fall jump at the end!
