Emporia was founded as a business venture between newspaper editor G.W. Brown, Lawrence resident G.W. Deitzler, Lawrence merchants Columbus Hornsby and Lyman Allen, and Lawrence print foreman Preston B. Plumb. They formed their new town in 1857 when the state was torn apart by the slavery debate. They called it Emporia, after the city-state in ancient Carthage, hoping their own venture could also be described as “a flourishing market center.”
Plumb became the only member of the Emporia Town Company to settle in the new city. He started the city's first newspaper, the Kansas News, and made it an essential tool for local growth.
Today Emporia is home to just under 25,000 people, including many students and recent graduates. Both Emporia State University and Flint Hills Technical College have campuses here, which gives the city a youthful energy residents and tourists love.
When is the best time to visit Emporia, Kansas?
Emporia usually gets its best weather during fall. Daily highs sit in the mid-80s in September but drop to the mid-50s by the end of the season. Fall is usually dry, so you can leave your umbrella behind.
Summers are warm, with average daily temperatures in the mid-80s to low 90s. However, this season is also Emporia's wettest. Local storms can be more than an annoyance. They can also turn violent at times. While Emporia hasn't seen a fatal tornado since June 1974, strong winds and relentless rain can make visiting during this season unpleasant. Research the local weather conditions and tornado safety before you leave to avoid any nasty surprises.
Spring weather can be pleasant, especially as summer approaches. However, as the weather warms to a balmy average in the mid-70s in May, rain becomes more common.
You'll need thick skin to enjoy Emporia during winter. The weather can be extremely cold, bringing more than 10 inches of snow over the course of the season. Ice storms and blizzards are also common from December to February.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Emporia, KS:
Emporia, KS: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. price patterns by star rating class in Emporia, KS. Browse these line graphs to calculate the best time to make a reservation in Emporia for your upcoming travels.
Where are the luxury hotels around Emporia, KS?
While Emporia doesn't have the extravagant opulence of more high-profile travel hotspots, a few hotels cater to luxury-seekers. Choose the best rooms at the following hotels for a vacation that's a cut above the average.
Surrounded by well-known restaurants and less than a mile from Flinthills Mall and I-35, few hotels have locations as desirable as Hampton Inn. It's an elegant sot with chic guestrooms and spacious suites featuring large 40-inch HDTVs, ergonomic work stations, and signature Hampton beds. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast each morning. They're worth getting up for, with pastries and fresh waffles among the daily offerings. If you've got a busy day ahead, the On the Run breakfast bags, available weekdays, hit the spot. Hampton Inn also has a heated pool, fitness center, business center, and sundries shop.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites is a modern hotel near local restaurants and retailers. Its rooms are well-appointed for rest and relaxation. You'll appreciate premium cable channels on the flat-screen, free Wi-Fi, and tea- and coffee-making facilities when you're unwinding. Once it's time for bed, the black-out shades, premium mattresses, and pillow selection ensure you'll get quality shut-eye. After a blissful night's sleep, just try to resist the cinnamon rolls and other tasty treats on the free breakfast buffet. Don't worry about sneaking an extra pastry — you can easily burn it off at the fitness center or indoor pool.
What are the options in Emporia, KS for budget hotels?
3 Star Average Prices: $111.31
Emporia typically caters for guests on a budget, with many two-star hotels competing for your travel dollars. You can always rely on the following hotels for some of the most affordable rooms in Emporia.
Avaste Hotel Suites & Conference Center is a low-priced, pet-friendly hotel in the city's west. Its rooms aren't flashy but they are comfortable, with private bathrooms, cable TV, work desks, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The recreational facilities are better than you might expect at this price point. With indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a hot tub, and an onsite fitness center, you'll never be bored here. While there's no bar or restaurant, Bruff's, Spangles, and Burger King are all a short stroll away. Avaste Hotel also serves guests a free hot buffet breakfast each morning.
Econo Lodge Emporia doesn't have pools, but its super-low rates should soon quell any disappointment. Pets are also welcome in the Econo Lodge's rooms, which are tidy and functional. They all feature flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning units, and ironing facilities, so you can look your best when heading out to dinner or an Emporia business meeting. Some even have microwaves and fridges. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, making it easy to stay in touch with work colleagues, friends, and family members. The simple but satisfying free Easy Starts continental breakfast is a great way to begin the day.
