Discover Hidden Gems on the Prairie Pour Tour

Summertime…and the livin’ is easy. Right? It’s also Heavy METL Time!

Visit Manhattan, Visit Emporia, Visit Topeka and Explore Lawrence have announced the official launch of the MET&L Prairie Pour Tour, a new initiative showcasing the vibrant beer, wine and spirits scene of northeast Kansas.

This innovative virtual trail connects 14 premier brewery, winery, and distillery destinations, offering an exciting opportunity to explore rich flavors and experiences available in the Sunflower State.

The MET&L Prairie Pour Tour aims to elevate the reputation of northeast Kansas as a top-tier destination for beer, wine, and spirit enthusiasts. This collaborative effort was made possible through a partnership between Visit Manhattan, Visit Emporia, Visit Topeka, and Explore Lawrence — the namesake communities behind the “METL” acronym.

The four travel organizations have joined forces, pooling resources to highlight the region’s unique and diverse craft-beverage industry. A $10,000 grant from Kansas Tourism is supporting the effort.

Participants embarking on the MET&L Prairie Pour Tour will have the chance to discover hidden gems across northeast Kansas, while indulging in exquisite tastings and the warm hospitality of local artisans. A total of 14 breweries, wineries and distilleries have signed on to be part of the Pour Tour in 2023.

While you’re in Emporia, be sure to stop by these participating “Spirit Shops”: Radius Brewing Company and Trolley House Distillery.

Located at 610 Merchant in beautiful downtown Emporia, KS, Radius Brewing Company is a full-service restaurant as well as the town’s first brewery since the days of Prohibition. The regular menu includes artisan-style appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and soups as well as wood-fired brick-oven pizzas.  All of this is complemented with the unique Radius line of craft beers, which are brewed right in the middle of the dining room. A full bar with wine, Bloody Mary, and martini lists is also available. Be sure to at least sample the William Allen Wheat, named after our town’s favorite son, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper publisher and writer William Allen White.

Trolley House Distillery, 502 S. Commercial St., is one of only a handful of microdistilleries in the state of Kansas. Come and enjoy a drink in their tasting room, seasonal cocktails, and purchase a bottle of your favorite spirit. This  small town distillery features easy-sipping spirits and a laid back atmosphere. Four new seasonal cocktails comprise the Spring rotation: Malibu Breeze, Orange Creamsicle, Mexican Martini, and the Princess Peach. The two returning libations are the In Bloom from last year and the Tropical Escape from the first year’s menu. These seasonal drinks will be changing soon so hurry in for your chance to sample this deliciousness!

“The MET&L Prairie Pour Tour celebrates a strong spirit of collaboration among the communities of northeast Kansas, demonstrating our collective commitment to promoting tourism and spurring economic growth in the region,” said Visit Emporia director Lelan Dains. “We are proud to partner with our METL peers and Kansas Tourism to make this initiative possible, and we look forward to seeing both Kansans and newcomers help make the tour a success.”

Visit Topeka president Sean Dixon agreed. This partnership encourages both visitors and Kansas residents to set out on an unforgettable journey of flavor and hospitality. It’s a fun joint tourism effort that celebrates and highlights the artistry and passion of the craft-beverage industry in northeast Kansas, shining a light on some of the incredible establishments that call Kansas their home.

Everyone is invited to grab their Pour Tour digital passports and join in on this virtual trail to experience the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship that Kansas’s own local breweries, wineries, and distilleries have to offer. The MET&L Prairie Pour Tour showcases the diversity and quality of 14 unique beverage businesses. Discover them all, whether it’s your first time or one of your regular, favorite watering holes.

Those embarking on the Prairie Pour Tour are encouraged to visit PrairiePourTour.com to view all 14 participating locations and sign up for a digital passport that allows patrons to check in at each establishment. Earn points throughout the year with each check-in, and for the chance to snag a MET&L tour poster, or a tour poster and t-shirt bundle. Check in at all locations by December 31, 2023, to be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win one of four prizes valued up to $500.

Patrons must be 21 years or older to enjoy alcoholic beverages at participating locations. Follow along with the Pour Tour on social media by visiting https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092348990962.

While you’re here sampling the spirits of Emporia, we hope you’ll also take time to learn more about our Visit Emporia Pledge, which encourages everyone to be good stewards of our community and environment during your time here with us. 

1. Stay Golden.
2. Leave no trace.
3. Respect the land and its people

Find out how YOU can take the Visit Emporia Pledge here.

Visit Emporia is the official Visitor Information Center for Emporia offering brochures and maps of Emporia, surrounding areas, and the state of Kansas. Drop in to visit us at 719 Commercial St. in downtown Emporia. We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See the Visit Emporia website for more information or check us out on Facebook, and Instagram for more activities and events.

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