Heart of America Wins Best of Travel Awards
Find the best of the best in Kansas!
On June 12, 1945, Dwight D. Eisenhower said, "I come from the very heart of America." Today, the heart of America is racking up awards in the 2023 Best of Travel Awards by TravelAwaits!
1. #1 Best Small Town to Visit in the U.S. - Abilene, Kansas
Located in the heart of the Sunflower State, Abilene is home to the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum, and Boyhood Home. This may be what pulls hundreds of thousands of visitors off Interstate 70 every year, but the town of about 6,500 is a unique mix of presidential history and Western charm.
2. #1 Best Midsize U.S. City - Manhattan, Kansas
Known as “The Little Apple,” Manhattan has a vibrant college-town feel thanks to Kansas State University. Take a stroll through Aggieville, an area filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and live entertainment venues whose history dates to the late 1800s. Downtown Manhattan is equally enticing, just without as many students around. There are more restaurants, shops, and it’s home to the Saturday morning farmers market.
3. #1 Friendliest Small Town in the U.S. - Concordia, Kansas
Topping our list is Concordia, Kansas, a town that embodies midwestern hospitality at its finest. Known for its warm and friendly residents, Concordia welcomes visitors with open arms and makes them feel like part of the community from the moment they arrive. With its historic downtown, vibrant arts scene, and numerous parks, this small town offers a friendly and inviting atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
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4. #1 Best Steakhouse in the U.S. - Big Ed's - Bird City, Kansas
Friendly staff and meat seasoned so well you don’t even think about adding salt or sauce is what you can find at Big Ed’s. Bird City may be a small town, but the steaks here are big. Big Ed’s cuts include 24-ounce t-bones and ribeyes. Weekend night prime ribs can reach a hefty 28–30 ounces. There are other cuts available for smaller appetites too. The décor, including deer heads on the walls, is not the main draw; the open kitchen to watch your steak cook to perfection is.