Make Plans for your Perfect Day in Emporia with Ideas from our Staff and Friends

It’s December and it’s chilly outside. How about a little inside peek at some of the cozy, warm, and comfy Emporia indoor spaces that are perfect places to spend some winter time? Join us for a little stroll down memory lane, as we recap some of our most popular indoor destinations.

Visit Emporia’s own Kelly Mayer describes her perfect day in Emporia: Do-B’s makes the best Gorilla’d cheese sandwich ever. I’m talking actual pure grilled cheese, no additives like meat, tomatoes or other contraband. Just quality cheese and sourdough bread grilled to a perfect crunch. One of Kelly’s favorite shopping destinations also holds cheese in high regard – Vault Meats and Cheeses, for creamy Havarti and Irish Whiskey Cheddar cheese as well as prosciutto, stuffed olives, and a freshly-baked baguette. 

Sally Sanchez shares her perfect day in Emporia, including a visit downtown to enjoy the Emporia Arts Center exhibits and Gift Shop followed by a stroll to Sweet Granada for a dessert … so many choices.  Next, just down the street, we visit Trox Gallery, an eclectic mix of local art and gift items and gallery exhibitions.

Since its inception, the Lyon County Historical Society in Emporia has preserved history and educated the public. Founded in 1937 by the Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter in Emporia, the museum as it is known today began in the basement of the Civic Auditorium in 1940. The popular indoor destination is now located at 711 Commercial Street. The History Center, which includes the popular Loretto Langley Exploratorium children’s space on the second floor, is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A perfect day in Emporia for Jeanine McKenna, President & CEO of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce, starts with a hearty breakfast from Commercial Street Diner. A short walk across the street takes us to Brown’s Shoe Fit, because who doesn’t like shopping for shoes! We continue our downtown stroll to Trox Gallery and Gifts and Jack’s Lawn and Pool Store. Jack’s has wonderful gifts and décor! We would check out the latest offerings at the Emporia Arts Center gallery and gift shop, and then go next door to Granada Coffee Company and The Sweet Granada to get a drink and a sweet treat. After that, we would be ready to pamper ourselves with a manicure and pedicure from Dynamic Nails. Then we would top off our perfect day with an amazing meal at Union Street Social.

Visit Emporia Director LeLan Dains says, coming up with an all-day outing for a family of four can be daunting. My wife Christina and I have Adella (5) and Jack (3). Fortunately, we live in a community that makes a day out with the little ones quite easy! After a full day of kid-friendly activities, it’s time to refuel one final time. Chi Em Eats is the spot for us. Chi Em is family owned and serves up traditional Vietnamese food. You truly cannot go wrong with anything on the menu. We are thankful to live in a town with so much to offer!

It’s easy to put together a day or a weekend of indoor experiences that will exercise your brain, spark your imagination, and keep you warm and toasty! The Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (601 E. 18th Ave.) is located at the far north end of the Emporia State University campus overlooking a lovely lake. The PAROC offers a high-impact introduction to the importance of water and aquatic environments, spotlighting the interconnectedness of the natural world and our daily lives. Enjoy hands-on opportunities to experience just how much we all depend on the cycles of Mother Nature, the importance of sustainability, and what each of us can do to help.

Speaking of the cycles of Mother Nature and the importance of sustainability, here at Visit Emporia, we do our best to conserve the natural resources with which we are blessed. While you’re visiting us, 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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