2023 Unmistakably Lawrence Visitors Guide

WELCOME TO LAWRENCE!

We are honored that you’re interested in visiting our unmistakable city. As you peruse this guide and explore our city, we hope it becomes clear why we refer to ourselves as “Unmistakably Lawrence.”

It is our firm belief that when you experience Lawrence, you experience a place that cannot be mistaken for any other place. But don’t just take it from us. In the past year, Lawrence has been named:

• Best College Towns in the US by Travel & Leisure

• Best Lake Destination in Kansas (Clinton Lake) by Travel Pulse

• America’s most iconic and charming streets (Massachusetts Street) by Media Feed & Cheapism

• Kansas’ Top Travel Destination by Travel Pulse

• Best Food City in Kansas by Love Exploring

Speaking of food, many of our local restaurants were recently ranked as best in Kansas by national media for beer (Free State Brewing Co.), ramen (Ramen Bowls), diners (Ladybird Diner), hot dog joints (Leeway Franks), and bread (1900 Barker). We’re confident that whatever your interest … arts, culture, history, sports, live music, shopping, you will find something in Lawrence to fit your fancy. And we promise you will not leave here hungry!

Unmistakably, The eXplore Lawrence team

ON THE COVER

James Naismith (left) and Samantha Laflin sport the Lawrence Passports bucket hats outside of the DeBruce Center on the campus of the University of Kansas. Photograph by Carter Gaskins.

explorelawrence.com

The Jayhawk Club has a wide-range of membership options for people of all ages. From our most popular Golf membership, which includes full access to the 18-hole championship golf course, to our Social membership, where you can enjoy the family-friendly, resort-style pool and exciting social calendar with events scheduled throughout the year; The Jayhawk Club has something for everyone.

COME SAY “HI”

If this is your first visit to Lawrence, be sure to stop by the Lawrence Visitors Center located in the heart of the city’s historic downtown at 812 Massachusetts Street. You’ll be greeted by friendly, knowledgeable staff and volunteers available to provide driving directions, event updates and recommendations or other assistance to improve your visit. We are eager to meet you and to help make your trip to Lawrence memorable!

AND THEN, WE’D LOVE TO KEEP IN TOUCH!

After you’ve visited us, consider staying in touch by signing up for our newsletter. We promise not to flood you with unrelated mailings, and you can even choose the type of topics, events, and news you want to receive so that we’re sending you a customized selection of possibilities and reasons for a return visit. We’re always glad to see you back in Lawrence.

Sign up for the newsletter at explorelawrence.com/ plan-your-visit/e-newsletter

WE CALL IT

Welcome to Mass. Street, the town’s historic main street, the heart of the city, the commercial hub, the nightlife scene and the cultural treasure. If you visit Lawrence, be sure to enjoy a stroll down Mass.

“MASS.”

Welcome to Mass. Street

In the mid-1800s, the founders of Lawrence intentionally chose “Massachusetts Street” as the center of town to honor the city’s ties to Free-State and abolitionist groups from Massachusetts. Nearly 175 years later, Massachusetts Street—or “Mass.” as locals call it—remains the center of town. The diversity of Lawrence-only shopping opportunities, restaurants and coffee shops makes it the city’s most popular tourist attraction.

On Mass. Street, you can dine at the state’s first post-Prohibition brewery (Free State Brewery), pick up some artisanal made-on-site candles (Waxman Candles), explore gourmet European imports (Au Marche), stock up on spooky and retro toys and décor (1313 Mockingbird Lane), try some Cajun dishes (Terrebonne Po’ Boys), catch an indie movie (Liberty Hall) or a national touring band (The Granada), discover your new favorite author (Raven Book Store) or simply enjoy a quiet spot (the Japanese Friendship Garden).

Park the car and take a stroll. If you don’t have a particular destination in mind, the opportunities will come to you—and the people-watching never disappoints.

GETTING AROUND DOWNTOWN & BEYOND

PARKING

Metered parking is available Downtown, but the city also offers several free or longterm options within one block, including two covered garages with 2-hour-free and 10-hour-meter spots on the 700 block of Vermont Street and the 900 block of New Hampshire Street. There are also several 2-hour-free, 2-hour-meter and 10-hourmeter coin-operated outdoor parking lots available along Vermont, New Hampshire and Rhode Island streets, between the 600 and 1200 blocks. Pay by coin, or with the Lawrence parking apps. Info: https://lawrenceks.org/parking

BIKING

Lawrence has an extensive network of biking trails. The city’s official map is available online at lawrenceks.org/mpo/ bikemap, and as a brochure at several downtown venues.

BUSING

Lawrence and the University of Kansas partner on a citywide bus program offering multiple routes across the city. Tickets (including transfers if needed) are only $1 with reduced rates for students, senior and others. Go online at lawrencetransit.org for more information.

On KU football game days, the city also provides free bus transport from the covered Vermont Street and Riverfront parking garages to the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT MASSACHUSETTS STREET

This is the place for city parades: Old-Fashioned Christmas Horse Parade, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, NCAA Championship celebration parades, the annual Zombie Walk and more!

Massachusetts Street was the site of some of the most terrifying scenes of the 1863 Lawrence Massacre, when pro-Confederate raiders rode through, burned the town, and murdered citizens. You can find more about the city’s Civil War connections, the town’s 160-year-anniversary observances of the tragic raid, and local history in general at the Watkins Museum of History located at 1047 Massachusetts Street.

South Park, which sits on both sides of the 1100 and 1200 block of Massachusetts Street, has been a gathering point for concerts and celebrations since the city’s founding. The park’s signature gazebo is the location of free, weekly summer band concerts.

Pro-tip for getting around: Though there is parking on the street itself, the best (and cheapest, or free) parking to get on Mass. is found in the public parking lots and city garages on the blocks just east and west of Mass.

The intersection of 6th and Massachusetts Street holds two historically significant markers to the more regrettable aspects of the city’s history. These markers attempt to address and acknowledge past wrongs, as well as to honor the strength and survival of affected communities. On the northeast side, just off the entrance to the bridge, stands a historical marker honoring the individuals who were killed or whose lives were ruined by a racial lynching near this spot in 1882. Across the street, in Robinson Park at the northwest side of the intersection, a plinth has held a large, red quartzite rock that Lawrence citizens removed from the confluence of the Kaw River and Shunganunga Creek in 1929, knowing the rock was sacred to the Kaw peoples. The City of Lawrence has been in dialogue with the Kaw Nation to return the rock, known as Iⁿ ‘zhúje ‘waxóbe, to tribal lands and full ownership in 2023.

ALL ALONG MASSACHUSETTS STREET

Some of the city’s most unmistakable restaurants and shops are located along Massachusetts Street and the surrounding downtown region. Here is a peek into 7 longtime and beloved downtown businesses that you can explore and enjoy.

4 SIGNATURE SHOPS

1 1313 Mockingbird Lane

1025 MASSACHUSETTS

STREET

The 1960s television sitcom The Munsters inspired the name and the theme of this slightly eccentric toy and collectibles shop. This is the place to pick up that Elvira fan button or the Mr. T action figure you’ve always wanted.

2 Au Marche

931

MASSACHUSETTS STREET

For nearly 25 years, this small shop has kept the city stocked with European imports. A deli section offers fresh meats and cheeses, and all the aisles are stocked with old favorites and fresh finds, from Nordic stripe socks to Cavallini calendars.

3 Waxman Candles

609

MASSACHUSETTS STREET

A Lawrence original in business for more than 50 years, Waxman Candles still creates their original products in the back room of the shop and offers a range of candle styles and designs, as well as accessories. The scents and the colors alone are worth stopping by.

4 Raven Book Store

809 MASSACHUSETTS STREET

Employee-owned, the Raven began as a mysteryspecialty bookshop and, though it still stocks and promotes the latest thrillers and detectives, has also emerged as a leader in the national independent bookstore community and promotes literature that will entertain, challenge, and transform.

3 EXCELLENT EATERIES

1 Terrebonne Po’ Boys

845

MASSACHUSETTS ST.

For years, Terrebonne Po’ Boys was a local favorite with a loyal fanbase for its menu of Creole and Cajun dishes cooked up from a small kitchen inside a small downtown building. But with the restaurant’s 2022 move to one of the busiest blocks of Massachusetts Street, Terrebonne is able to host more seating and more folksy décor. The food hasn’t changed though—mouth-watering muffaletto, signature gumbo, unforgettable hushpuppies, fried gator sandwich and more—it’s just as good as it’s always been.

Looking for recommendations? At explorelawrence.com/restaurants we have listings by location, category, and themes. Looking for family-friendly restaurants with kids’ menus and all the conveniences— and it needs to be in East Lawrence? We’ve got you covered with Fields & Ivy Brewery or Cascada La Golondrina. What about a romantic night out on the west side of town? Then consider J. Wilson’s or Six Mile Chop House. Also, be sure to check out the page’s updated listing of daily specials so you know the perfect spot to go for $2 late-night pizza slices is Johnny’s Tavern.

2 Johnny’s North

401 N 2ND

STREET

Johnny’s North is Lawrence heritage on a plate. The location has been a tavern or restaurant since 1910, and the same restaurant since 1953. It’s the place for locals, rugby teams, students and anyone looking for the tavern’s special menu items including a signature burger, the ’78. Johnny’s has expanded into 13 locations around the TopekaLawrence-Kansas City region (including a second venue in Lawrence), but this is where it started.

3 Mad Greek

907

MASSACHUSETTS STREET

Get your Mad Greek fix at the restaurant’s longtime downtown location or through their food truck during a local festival. The restaurant’s platters and special dishes such as Theo’s Kotopoulo Lemonato are big hits. Be sure to try the flaming cheese plate, the saganaki.

THE LAWRENCE PASSPORTS

We always want you to feel welcomed in Lawrence! Whatever your passion or pursuit, we want to encourage you to enjoy exploring all facets of the attractions and venues open to residents and visitors alike.

Now, you can sample some of the city’s best offerings with special discounts and awards through our official Lawrence Passports program.

The program features rotating themes and awards such as 20% discounts and numerous “buy-one, get-one-free” offers. All you have to do is sign up on explorelawrence.com/passports. We’ll send you direct information via text or an email (you tell us which), and you don’t have to download an app or commit to any purchases. It’s our way to highlight some of the best seasonal attractions and offers from committed and enthusiastic Lawrence venues.

The journey began in 2022 (and continues through 2023) with the Lawrence Bucket List, a tribute to the Kansas Jayhawks and the 2022 NCAA Championship Men’s Basketball team! Continue the winning tradition by exploring Lawrence’s must-visit spots.

Several of the spots have special discounts (such as half-price appetizers at Restaurant, Pub & Games or a buy-one-get-one day pass at Climb Lawrence). Plus, the first 100 people to check in or redeem offers at ten participating locations will earn an Unmistakably Lawrence Bucket Hat. Earn an entry to win a Lawrence Bucket List Getaway Package every 5th check-in. Rock Chalk!

LAWRENCE BUCKET LIST

Here’s a link

HOW TO GET YOUR LAWRENCE PASSPORT

Get Your Pass

This mobile exclusive passport is a collection of curated attractions, retailers, restaurants and more offering deals and discounts to redeem during your visit.

Receive Text

Your passport will be instantly delivered to your phone via text and email and is ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Your pass can be saved to your phone’s home screen for easy one-tap access.

Redeem When visiting a participating business, simply present your phone to the attendant or staff member to redeem available discounts.

KAW VALLEY CRAFT PASS

We’re proud of our craft beers and local-grown wines! Enjoy sampling some of the region’s best offerings through the Kaw Valley Craft Pass. Our local and industry experts have ensured we’re pouring out the best samplings to delight you and accommodate a wide range of tastes. Use the free digital pass to check in at wineries and breweries in the area, unlock special offers, and earn points to turn in for prizes, including another chance at the Lawrence Bucket Hat, craft-pass theme buttons, wine stoppers, and more!

MORE TO COME!

Check back throughout the year for new themed tours and opportunities to explore the city using your Lawrence Passport. Each Passport tour will have unique prizes and a return of the Unmistakably Lawrence Bucket Hat.

WATSON’S RECOMMENDS…

You go there for haircuts and advice—so we’re passing on the wisdom

Since 2006, Watson’s Barbershop has served a loyal base of Lawrence customers, and its 6 chairs in the Hillcrest Shopping Center of west-central Lawrence are often the gateway to out-of-town customers who come into the city from surrounding towns or as students at the University of Kansas and other regional colleges and universities.

It’s a relaxed place for getting the perfect haircut, lining up those edges, and enjoying some community and kinship. If you sit in the chair, you’ll hear jokes, commentary and advice—if you ask for it. So we asked owner Marty Watson and longtime barber Tim Nelson to share with us what parts of Lawrence they talk up to their guests. Here are their answers, along with a few notes we’ve added to help set you up.

Marty Watson

WATSON: Juneteenth Celebrations

An annual celebration of events held around June 19th, and throughout the year, to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States and the resilience of Black communities across the nation, including in Lawrence. lawrenceksjuneteenth.org

NELSON: Haskell Pow-wow and the Food Truck Festival

Haskell Indian Nations University holds several powwows throughout the year, and most are open to guests. The most accessible and popular one for guests is the annual Haskell Indian Art Market, held each September. haskell.edu/hiam

Lawrence hosts the Kansas Food Truck Festival each May as a benefit for Just Food, the food bank of Douglas County. The day features trucks offering Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, barbeque, Central American dishes, tacos, treats, craft beers and more. ksfoodtruckfest.com

WATSON: KRUSTACEANS

Krustaceans, which opened during the pandemic, is a seafood restaurant proving that the Midwest can deliver and appreciate good coastal cuisine. krustaceanslawrence.com

NELSON: Paleteria Chihuahua

Paleteria is also a relatively new restaurant in Lawrence, offering authentic north Mexican cuisine and specializing in a range of refreshing summer drinks. orderpaleteriachihuahua.com

1WHAT’S THE BEST LAWRENCE EVENT THAT A VISITOR OR NEW RESIDENT SHOULDN’T MISS?

WHAT LAWRENCE-ORIGINAL RESTAURANT DO YOU TELL PEOPLE THAT THEY HAVE TO TRY?

Tim Nelson

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE FOR WINGS?

WATSON: Johnny’s West or Jefferson’s Johnny’s West is one of the two locations for Johnny’s Tavern, a Lawrence original that has expanded across the region. johnnystavern.com

Jefferson’s is a national chain, but Lawrence opened the chain’s second restaurant back in 2000, and the downtown Lawrence location is a favorite for Jayhawk fans to get their gameday wings. jeffersons.com

NELSON: Henry T’s Henry T’s is another Lawrence-original that has expanded into other cities. The restaurant is known for wings, burgers, and its own line of craft beer brewed in Lawrence. henryts.com

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BAR IN LAWRENCE?

WATSON & NELSON:

The Jade Bar

The Jade Bar is the in-house bar of Chinese restaurant Jade Garden. Watson and Nelson say they like it because it is a bit off the beaten path of the bar scene and has a relaxed, chill vibe. jadegardenonline.com

WHAT IS ONE THING IN LAWRENCE THAT PEOPLE SHOULD SEE?

WATSON: Where it all started—North Lawrence.

North Lawrence, so called because it sits on the north side of the Kaw River, was once a separate town and the historic home for much of the city’s Black community. For visitors, it holds several restaurants, a popular music venue and antique stores. See the “neighborhoods” section on explorelawrence.com

NELSON: Allen Fieldhouse

Allen Fieldhouse is the home to University of Kansas men’s and women’s Jayhawk basketball teams. This is where Wilt Chamberlain played and where Kansas teams have brought home national championships. kuathletics.com/facilities/allen-fieldhouse

WHAT’S A HIDDEN GEM IN LAWRENCE?

WATSON & NELSON: The youth football league games at Lawrence Youth Sports complex. Nelson coached youth teams for over 25 years, and Watson has had three sons go through the program. lawrenceyouthfootball.org

SELFIE

But we like to think you’ll look even better against some of Lawrence’s most photographed backdrops.

Some of these selfie spots are at Lawrence’s biggest attractions, some are at the heart of the city, and some are a bit hard to find (or might have been until now). But each of them has a unique, vibrant look that speaks to the character of Lawrence, the enjoyment we hope you will have as a guest, and any quirky sense of fun that you choose to bring to the image.

1

The Call Box at Abe & Jake’s Landing

8 EAST 6TH STREET

This traditional red British call box can be found on the main floor at Abe & Jake’s Landing. The building is a private event space, but it hosts many public events throughout the year. Named after two local fishermen who would pull 150-lb catfish from the Kansas River, the building began as a barbed wire factory and is listed on the state historical register. Its large patio overlooks the flowing Kaw (or Kansas) River and is an ideal spot to watch for bald eagles or capture another selfie against the sunset.

2

The Wishing Bench

CORNER

OF EAST 9TH & DELAWARE STREET

Originally a student project at the University of Kansas around 2007, the Wishing Bench has stood as a public spot that accepts offerings and makes dreams come true (if you believe). A renovation in 2021 made the bench’s platform wheelchair accessible. Volunteers curate and rotate items left behind, ensuring that the bench’s backdrop is always fresh and ever-magical.

3 The Naismith Hall mural

1800 NAISMITH DRIVE

Artist Tara Johnston created this welcoming bouquet of color on the side of a private student-residential building just off the main campus of the University of Kansas. It is an easy-to-find, accessible location to stop by for a quick photograph if you are visiting Allen Fieldhouse, Memorial Stadium, Spencer Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, or any other location at the heart of KU.

Chek

You look fabulous anywhere you go—that’s a fact.

the m out for yourself

4 The Guardians of the Arts mural

PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY

ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE 700 BLOCK OF MASSACHUSETTS STREET

Created in 1993 by Dave Lowenstein, a Lawrence-based artist and muralist known for his collaborative community projects, this mural pays tribute to performing artists and communication mediums—which would now include a selfie. Given that theme, this is a perfect spot to capture an image of yourself with any of the three mural sections.

5 Celebración de las Culturas mural

PEDESTRIAN BREEZEWAY

ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE 800 BLOCK OF MASSACHUSETTS STREET

Another project led by Dave Lowenstein, this 1995 mural honors the city’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the diverse cultural and racial heritages within Lawrence.

6 The James Naismith Statue OUTSIDE DEBRUCE CENTER, 1647 NAISMITH DRIVE

Begun by Lawrence sculptor Elden Tefft and completed and unveiled by his son Kim Tefft in 2016, the statue honors Dr. James Naismith, who is credited with the invention of basketball using peach baskets for the original game in 1891. Naismith, a Canadian who came to Kansas via Massachusetts, also became KU’s first basketball coach, establishing a long legacy of champions.

The Wishing Bench

The Naismith Hall mural

Celebración de las Culturas mural

The Guardians of the Arts mural

The Visitor Center Wall

The James Naismith Statue Brown Bear at Natural History Museum The Nest at the Oread Merchants John Brown Underground

Welcome to our place! This rainbow-lined pattern runs across most of a wall at the Visitors Center in downtown Lawrence. Stop by to say hello to us, pick up information and personalized suggestions from our staff members, view some of the rotating gallery art from local artists … and snap a selfie!

UNIVERSITIES

Lawrence is home to two great universities, each with an unmistakable history and each an anchor in the community’s culture.

1Haskell Indian Nations University HASKELL.EDU

Located in the southeast section of town, Haskell Indian Nations University is the nation’s only fouryear college with full accreditation specifically for students from federally recognized tribes and boasts a student body representing over 140 tribal nations and Alaska Native villages. The campus sporting events and many of its presentations are open to visitors, as is the annual Haskell Indian Art Market that features authentic Native-made arts and crafts as well as a celebration of traditional dances from Native communities across the United States.

2 The University of Kansas KU.EDU

The main campus of the University of Kansas sits in the center of Lawrence on a steep hill known as Mount Oread. The University of Kansas, more commonly known as KU, is the state’s flagship public university with a graduate and undergraduate enrollment of approximately 28,500 students. The university’s schools regularly feature in top national rankings, and its faculty produces research and cultural works that have won international recognition and prizes from an Oscar to a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant.”

•

KU CAMPUS ATTRACTIONS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

MEMORIAL STADIUM

Home of KU Football since 1921, this is the epicenter of tailgate parties and Jayhawk touchdowns.

• DEBRUCE CENTER

Next to Allen Fieldhouse, this facility holds James Naismith’s original handwritten rules for basketball and serves as a gathering center with a gallery on the history of KU basketball and an in-house café.

•

BOOTH FAMILY HALL OF ATHLETICS

Adjacent to Allen Fieldhouse and free to the public for self-guided tours. The museum space tell the history of KU athletics with rare artifacts and interactive exhibits.

• ALLEN FIELDHOUSE

Home court of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Champions, this historic venue is one of the most unique and stirring college arena experiences.

•

DOLE INSTITUTE OF POLITICS

Part museum, part archives, and part research and public gathering spot, the institute commemorates the life and service of Senator Robert Dole with numerous public events and lectures.

•

SPENCER MUSEUM OF ART

KU campus art museum open to the public with galleries presenting classical, international, and contemporary art exhibitions with on-site artist residencies and public events.

• KU NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

The showcase of the KU Biodiversity Institute features extensive paleontological collections, sections on Kansas wildlife, living specimens, rare mounted specimens from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, and galleries on contemporary scientific research.

• LIED CENTER OF KANSAS

This contemporary performing arts venue hosts a regular season of national touring performances as well as KU performing musical, dance, and theater events throughout the year.

EVENTS

There is always something happening in Lawrence!

Here’s a sample of some of our biggest annual events. For more information on any of these, or to check what concerts, parades, festivals and more are going on during your visit, go online at explorelawrence.com/events.

JANUARY

Downtown Lawrence Restaurant Week

Cold weather is dining weather, and Lawrence’s downtown chefs help you celebrate the season with ten days of special menus and dishes.

Final Fridays

On the last Friday of this and every month, galleries, artist studios and other venues open their doors for art showings, music and mingling.

FEBRUARY

Blue Man Group

Legendary musical and performance art troupe appears at the Lied Center on the University of Kansas campus.

MARCH

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

One of the city’s biggest outdoor celebrations is also one of Lawrence’s oldest charities—springtime fun, costumes and spirits all for a good cause.

APRIL

KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultural Festival

A wide range of partners, including KU First Nations Student Association, hosts presentations, dances and more to celebrate the culture and contemporary community of Native students and residents.

Kansas Relays

The University of Kansas hosts one of the nation’s premier collegiate track and field competitions.

MAY

Kansas Food Truck Festival

Dozens of food trucks gather at Lawrence’s Warehouse Arts District, leaving you with one option—eat and enjoy.

Busker Festival

Lawrence’s downtown streets are handed over to acrobats, musicians, comedians and more for the entire community to enjoy.

JUNE

St. John’s Mexican Fiesta

Celebration of Lawrence’s Mexican American community and culture with music, dance performances and food vendors.

Pride Parade

Trombones, drums, costumes, rainbow flags and all the love that we can pack onto the streets. Affirming. Inclusive. Oh, and plenty of fun.

Juneteenth Celebration

A community-wide celebration of freedom and fellowship to mark the liberation of thousands of people during the Civil War.

Free State Festival

This is your chance to see national premieres and local films with the people who made them.

JULY

Miss Gay Kansas United States Pageant

Maceli’s Banquet Hall and Catering hosts the Kansas state qualifier for this glamorous national event.

AUGUST

Kansas State Fiddling and Picking Championships

The state’s best roots and Americana performers gather at South Park, providing guests free competition concerts and jam sessions.

Civil War on the Border

A series of lectures, tours and other events to explore the history of Bloody Kansas and the Border War leading up to and during the American Civil War.

Kaw River Roots Festival

A celebration of roots music, food, and drink across multiple stages along the Kaw River.

SEPTEMBER

Haskell Indian Art Market

Haskell Indian Nations University hosts Native artists from across the continent for one of the largest authentic-Native markets. Food vendors, concerts and dance performances are also part of the celebration.

Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale

A Lawrence tradition. Merchants bring their best bargains onto the sidewalks of Downtown Lawrence for a sunup-to-sundown shopping spree.

OCTOBER

Kaw Valley Farm Tour Ranches, farms, orchards and more open their gates to visitors for a fascinating glimpse into the people who make localvore life possible.

Late Night in the Phog A free celebration of KU basketball teams ahead of their winter competition season.

Rev it Up! Hot Rod Hullabaloo Rockabilly music and a competitive gathering of vintage cars, hot rods and other amazing machines— all open to the public and supporting a designated Lawrence charity.

Belgian Waffle Ride

Euro-style cyclocross race along a challenging route around—and through the heart of—Lawrence

NOVEMBER

Holiday

Lighting Ceremony & Santa Rescue

With the flick of a switch, Downtown Lawrence becomes holiday-themed. Now, if only Santa would learn how to arrive without crashing.

Kansas Half Marathon

The half-marathon and 5K event for those unafraid of Kansas winter winds.

DECEMBER

Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

This is the Midwest’s largest parade of horse-riders and horse-pulled carriages, buggies and wagons. A family-fun favorite.

University of Kansas Vespers Concert

The Lied Center and the KU School of Music present an annual free concert of holiday music.

AROUND LAWRENCE

Just off Interstate-70, Lawrence is a great stopover-plus location for travelers going in all directions. Stop for a day or longer and get back on the road refreshed and relaxed.

Closer to Lawrence, there are plenty of sites to see, including three smaller towns. each with unique attractions and atmosphere.

1Baldwin City

THE BRIEF: Small college town with oldfashioned city square WHERE: Approximately 15 miles south of Lawrence

GO THERE FOR: Train excursions on Midway Railway; art shows at Lumberyard Arts Center; the citywide Maple Leaf Festival in the fall

Eudora

THE BRIEF: Charming river city WHERE: Approximately 15 miles east of Lawrence

GO THERE FOR: Kansas River access; Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch; Americana downtown with Zeb’s Coffeehouse and the Jasmin Restaurant; The Great Kaw Adventure Race

Lecompton

THE BRIEF: Historic town overlooking river WHERE: Approximately 9 miles northeast of Lawrence

GO THERE FOR: Tours of the Territorial Capital Museum, Constitution Hall; Territorial Days festival; unique local-owned shops such as Empty Nester’s Winery, Aunt Netter’s cafe, and Kroeger’s Country Meats

MUSEUMS

Booth Hall of Athletics & DeBruce Center

1651 Naismith Dr. » 785-864-7050 » kuathletics.com

The Booth Hall of Athletics celebrates the history of KU athletics and recognizes fans. The DeBruce Center is home to the original rules of basketball.

Spencer Museum of Art 1301 Miss.St. » 785-864-4710 » spencerart.ku.edu

This stellar collection represents the breadth of world art history and is one of the top-rated university museums in the country.

KU Natural History Museum Jayhawk Blvd. » 785-864-4450 » naturalhistory.ku.edu

Nationally recognized for its public exhibits, collections, research and graduate education

Watkins Museum of History 1047 Mass. St. » 785-841-4109 » watkinsmuseum.org

This impressive Romanesque building houses exhibits and artifacts from the area’s history.

PERFORMING ARTS

Lied Center of Kansas 1600 Stewart Drive » 785-864-2787 » lied.ku.edu

A multipurpose facility, the Lied Center of Kansas hosts everything from University productions to major Broadway plays and musicals.

Theatre Lawrence 4660 Bauer Farm Dr. 785-843-SHOW » theatrelawrence.com

Six major productions each season, including musicals and works by area playwrights.

University Theatre 1530 Naismith » 785-864-3982 » kutheatre.com

O ers a wide array of classical, musical and also contemporary productions in three series.

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire » 785-843-ARTS » lawrenceartscenter.com

Exhibitions of contemporary art, live music, theater, lm, and dance performance.

SITES

Historic Downtown Lawrence Mass. St. » 785-843-3883 » downtownlawrence.com

Enjoy unique shops, boutiques, cafes, galleries and public sculptures. While away the afternoon with a steamy latte or dance into the night at one of the many nightspots.

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics 2350 Pete sh Dr. » 785-864-4900 » doleinstitute.org

Features state-of-the-art exhibits, soaring stained glass American ag (the world’s largest), stirring World Trade Center memorial, and a Memory Wall honoring Kansas’ World War II veterans.

Haskell Indian Nations University 23rd & Barker Ave. » 785-749-8404 » haskell.edu

The only intertribal four-year university in the country, Haskell has many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a fascinating piece of Lawrence history.

Baker University Wetlands

1365 N. 1250 Rd. » 785-594-4700 » www.bakeru.edu/wetlands

One of the most diverse habitats in Kansas, the Baker Wetlands encompasses 927 acres of rich, natural wildlife. Stargazers, bird watchers, and exercise enthusiasts are always bustling around the area, which is open to the public.

Old West Lawrence

Located between Tennessee & Indiana St. (E-W) and 6th & 8th St. (N-S) » kansastowns.us/vowl.html Historically, this neighborhood was home to society’s elite and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pick up a self-guided tour at the Lawrence Visitor Information Center.

University of Kansas Jayhawk Blvd. » ku.edu

Located high on Mt. Oread, KU boasts one of the most breath-taking campuses in the nation. Take a tour of historic Jayhawk Boulevard or Allen Fieldhouse, the cradle of basketball and home of the Jayhawks.

Find the perfect place to stay on our website, explorelawrence.com. Visitors can search by location and amenities, then click straight to the accommodation’s booking system.

Baymont Inn & Suites

740 Iowa St., 66044 785.838.4242/(877) Baymont 68

Best Western Plus 6101 Rock Chalk Dr., 66049 785.330.8009 112

Circle S Ranch & Country inn 3325 Circle S Ln., 66044 785.843.4124 12

Comfort Inn & Suites 151 McDonald Dr., 66044 785.330.7241 65

Country Inn and Suites by Radisson 2176 E 23rd St., 66046 785.727.1825 89

Days Inn 730 Iowa St., 66044 785.841.6500 50

DoubleTree by Hilton 200 McDonald Dr., 66044 785.841.7077 192

EconoLodge 2525 W. 6th St., 66049 785.841.8410 53

Eldridge Extended 201 W. 8th St., 66044 785.749.5011 8

Eldridge Hotel 701 Massachusetts St., 66044 785.749.5011 48

Hampton Inn 2300 W. 6th St., 66049 785.841.4994, 800.426.7866 89

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 3411 Iowa St., 66046 785.749.7555, 866.695.0459 78

Motel 6 1130 N. 3rd St., 66044 785.749.4040, 800.4-motel6 50

Quality Inn 2309 Iowa St., 66046 785.843.9100 99

SpringHill Suites by Marriott 1 Riverfront Plaza, 66044 785.841.2700, 888.287.9400 105 Super 8 801 Iowa St., 66044 785.330.9334 68

The Lodge of Baldwin City 502 Ames St., 66006 785.594.3900 20

The Oread 1200 Oread Ave., 66044 785.843.1200 99

TownePlace Suites by Marriott 900 New Hampshire, 66044 785.842.8800 91

TRU by Hilton 510 Wakarusa Dr., 66049 785.727.4244 82

Virginia Inn 2903 W. 6th St., 66049 785.843.6611 36