Best of Lawrence - 2019 by Sunflower Publishing

DEAR READER,

We’re going full Oscar this year! Our theme choice is a tribute to filmmaker (and Lawrence resident) Kevin Willmott and his win in the adapted screenplay category of the 2019 Academy Awards that was announced during the voting period of this year’s Best of Lawrence contest.

Willmott’s prize came for BlackKklansman, his bold exploration of race relations, white supremacy and American identity delivered in his (along with Spike Lee’s, Charlie Wachtel’s and David Rabinowitz’s) retelling of how a black police officer infiltrated the nation’s most notorious hate group. It’s a story that addresses some of the nation’s largest, most lingering problems with sophistication and Willmott’s characteristic wit and penchant for the absurd.

The purpose of our contest is less grand in scope—but we believe a worthy and celebratory reflection of the values and aspirations that our city chooses to honor. Here, we recognize everyone from hard-working teachers to repair teams that go the extra mile.

Just as it happens with the Oscars, your favorite candidate might not win in every category—and these results are not meant to convince you to switch allegiances. But they are meant to provide a moment of local glory for the work that is done each day across the community to make Lawrence a better place to live. Because these performances—whether done by a nurse, a child-care provider, a doctor or a chef— deserve an ovation of their own.

ON THE COVER

SUNFLOWER PUBLISHING

DIRECTOR

Bob Cucciniello

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jenni Leiste

ADVERTISING

Joanne Morgan

785.832.7264

ART DIRECTOR Jenni Leiste

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Brittany Lee

Jenni Leiste

EDITORS

Kelly Gibson

Ashley Hannen

Nathan Pettengill

Brittany Lee Kalli Jo Smith

by Brian Goodman

—Best of Lawrence staff

Alex, Allison, Ariele, Ashley, Bob, Brittany, Jenni, Joanne, Kalli Jo, Kelly, Leslie and Nathan

COPY EDITOR

Leslie Andres

AD DESIGNER

Alex Tatro

WRITER

Thaddeus Haverkamp

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Fally Afani

Brian Goodman

Nick Krug

Brittany Lee

Kalli Jo Smith

LAWRENCE JOURNAL-WORLD

PUBLISHER

Chad Lawhorn

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Allison Wilson

Larry Ks. Oscar appears on the stage of Liberty Hall. Photograph

Orthopedic care at the top of its game.

For the best in orthopedics and sports medicine, turn to the Sports Medicine and Performance Center at The University of Kansas Health System in Lawrence. Backed by the power of academic medicine, Dr. Randall and his team will treat you like an all-star – no matter what your age or athletic ability. Adult and youth services include physical therapy, general orthopedics, sports medicine, arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery, and more. If joint or muscle pain is keeping you from what you love, it’s time to get moving.

Get back in action. Call 785-312-9127 to request an appointment or visit us online at kansashealthsystem.com/lawrence.

ADVANCING THE POWER

“THE BEST OF LAWRENCE” 2019

Jeff Randall, MD, and his team at the Sports Medicine and Performance Center have been ranked among the region’s best.

The University of Kansas Health System

Sports Medicine and Performance Center

The University of Kansas Health System

Sports Medicine and Performance Center

4910 Corporate Centre Drive Lawrence, KS 66047

To be healthy, you need a partner for highly personalized care at every stage in life. Take Megan, for example. As a five-year cancer survivor, Megan is a testament to the power of comprehensive and individualized care. At LMH Health, we provide guidance for your most important health decisions. From prevention to diagnosis, specialty care, health education – and our new survivorship program for helping patients thrive after cancer threatment – we deliver what you need to live well.

Choose your partner for lifelong health at lmh.org/partner.

Critics Consensus: Year after year, the Best of Lawrence event somehow succeeds in upping the stakes and exceeding expectations. It is able to do so because it rests on a solid formula—standing back and shining a spotlight on a first-rate city populated by talented residents deserving of adulation, close-ups and all the Good & Plenty boxes money can buy.

“A FAMILY DELIGHT”

THE CRITICS ARE RAVING!

“SO MANY DESERVING BESTIES GATHERED IN ONE TOWN”

“A CINEMATIC JUXTAPOSITION OF SURREAL AND MIDWEST CAN-DO”

“FROM THUNDERKATS TO PANDA PEDIATRICIANS— THIS HAS IT ALL!”

“EXQUISITE, SAVAGE, COMPASSIONATE AND BRILLIANT— AND THAT’S JUST THE DRINKS CATEGORY!”

“A BURG WITH A HIGHOCTANE STORY ARC… AND GREAT TOTS!”

“A GRAND,

GOLDEN-AGE EPIC

WITH TATTOO ARTISTS AND DENTISTS”

Got Issues...? ...Get

•

Lawrence Farmers Market

Fresh Produce

THIRD PLACE

For decades, the Lawrence Farmers Market has worked to bring healthful, locally grown food from farms within a 50-mile radius of Lawrence onto local tables. With a Saturday morning market running from April–November and a Tuesday afternoon market running from May–October, the market now provides special double-dollar support for SNAP purchases of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

IN 25 DAYS OF VOTING, THE 2019 BEST OF LAWRENCE CONTEST RECEIVED MORE THAN 363,000 VOTES FROM MORE THAN 29,600 ACCOUNTS. WE VOTED!

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

AMERICAN CUISINE

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) The Burger Stand at the Casbah

3) 715

4) 23rd Street Brewery

5) Merchants Pub & Plate

ASIAN FOOD (NON-CHINESE)

1) Encore Cafe

2) Zen Zero

3) Ramen Bowls

4) Thai Diner

5) Little Saigon Café

BAKERY

1) Munchers Bakery

2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe

3) 1900 Barker Bakery & Cafe

4) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies

5) Great Harvest Bread Co.

BARBECUE

1) Biemer’s BBQ

2) Bigg’s BBQ

3) Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q

4) Leeway Franks

5) Mr. Bacon BBQ

BARISTA

1) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig

2) Benjamin Farmer, Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

3) Siena Vance, The Roost

4) Alycia Earhart, The Bourgeois Pig

5) Rae Sommerville, 1900 Barker

Bakery & Cafe

BREAKFAST SPOT

1) The Roost

2) Ladybird Diner

3) First Watch

4) The Big Biscuit

5) Milton’s

BURRITO

1) Burrito King

2) El Potro

3) Chipotle Mexican Grill

4) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

5) Border Bandido

CATERER

1) Maceli’s

2) Hy-Vee

3) Culinaria

4) Evan Williams Catering

5) Biemer’s BBQ

CHEF

1) TK Peterson, Merchants Pub & Plate

2) Rick Martin, LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar

3) Aaron Pillar, Culinaria

4) Andy Theron, Lawrence Memorial Hospital Dining

5) Jake Dodds-Sloan, 715

CHINESE FOOD

1) Encore Cafe

2) Jade Garden

3) China House

4) Oriental Bistro & Grill

5) King Buffet

1) Eileen’s Colossal Cookies

2) Hot Box Cookies

3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe

4) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

5) Munchers Bakery

DELIVERY

1) Pizza Shuttle

2) Jimmy John’s

3) Ramen Bowls

4) Yello Sub

5) India Palace

DESSERT

1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

2) Ladybird Diner

3) WheatFields Bakery Cafe

4) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

5) 715

DINING AMBIANCE

1) 715

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

3) J. Wilson’s

4) 6 Mile ChopHouse & Tavern

5) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar

FAST FOOD

1) Chipotle Mexican Grill

2) Chick-fil-A

3) Burrito King

4) Five Guys

5) Yello Sub

FRENCH FRIES

1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah

2) Five Guys

3) McDonald’s

4) Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

5) Dempsey’s Burger Pub

5) Runza

FRESH PRODUCE

1) Checkers

2) Sprouts Farmers Market

3) Lawrence Farmers Market

4) Dillons

5) The Merc Co+op

GROCERY STORE

1) Dillons

2) Checkers

3) Hy-Vee

4) The Merc Co+op

5) ALDI

HAMBURGER

1) The Burger Stand at the Casbah

2) Dempsey’s Burger Pub

3) Five Guys

4) Burgers by Bigg’s

5) Johnny’s Tavern

ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGURT

1) Sylas & Maddy’s Homemade Ice Cream

2) Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt

3) Dairy Queen

4) Cold Stone Creamery

5) Culver’s

INDIAN FOOD

1) India Palace

2) Bayleaf Indian Restaurant and Bar

3) The Merc Co+op

4) Cosmos Indian Store & Cafe

5) Cafe Spice, KU Dining

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL FOOD GROCER

1) Checkers

2) Au Marché

3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe

4) The Merc Co+op

5) La Estrella Tienda Mexicana

ITALIAN FOOD

1) Paisano’s Ristorante

2) The Basil Leaf Cafe

3) 715

4) The Mad Greek

5) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar

LUNCH SPOT

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) Terrebonne Po’Boys

2) WheatFields Bakery Cafe

4) Ladybird Diner

5) Sandwich Bowl

MAC & CHEESE

1) 23rd Street Brewery

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

3) Noodles & Company

4) Ladybird Diner

5) Blue Moose Bar & Grill

MEDITERRANEAN FOOD

1) The Mad Greek

2) Aladdin Cafe

3) Mediterranean Market & Cafe

4) Culinaria

5) Chebaro Mediterranean Grill

MEXICAN FOOD

1) El Potro

2) Mi Ranchito

3) Cielito Lindo

4) Mexquisito

5) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant

NEW RESTAURANT

1) Hawaiian Bros.

2) Lark A Fare

3) Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom

4) McLain’s Market Lawrence

5) Grinders LFK

OUTDOOR DINING

1) Bon Bon!

2) Cielito Lindo

3) Lawrence Beer Company

4) La Tropicana

5) 23rd Street Brewery

OVERALL MENU

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

3) 23rd Street Brewery

4) 715

5) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar

OVERALL RESTAURANT

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

3) 715

4) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar

5) Lawrence Beer Company

PIZZA

1) LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar

2) Papa Keno’s Pizzeria

3) Minsky’s Pizza

4) Rudy’s Pizzeria

5) Pizza Shuttle

PLACE FOR COFFEE

1) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

2) La Prima Tazza

3) Z’s Divine Espresso

4) J&S Coffee

5) Starbucks

PLACE FOR TEA

1) House of Cha

2) McAlister’s Deli

3) Hi Tea

4) t. Loft

5) Alchemy Coffee & Bake House

AND THE WINNERS ARE

Culinaria Catering

THIRD PLACE

Many Lawrencians know Culinaria as the East Lawrence restaurant open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with an extensive wine and craft-cocktail menu. Owners Aaron and Regan Lehman Pillar originally opened Culinaria in 2009 as a catering and event-planning company. Whether it’s at their house or yours, Culinaria has consistently won fans with its novel take on Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

best Asian Food

CHAMPIONS

Zen Zero features cuisine from Nepal, Tibet, Thailand and Japan, and specializes in noodles, curries and stir-fries made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Vegetarians and gluten-free diners will find numerous choices.

THIRD PLACE

COOKING

Kansans Shantel and Tim Grace developed a love for gourmet ramen in Honolulu’s Chinatown. After moving back to their home state in 2013, the couple opened Ramen Bowls, their Chinese/Hawaiianstyle noodle shop, to share their experience.

FIFTH PLACE

THEY KNOW PHO

From pho to spring rolls to café sua da, Little Saigon Café brings the taste of traditional Vietnamese comfort food to Kansas. The small interior is absolutely packed during the lunch hour, so aim for a downtime if it is your first visit.

Photograph by Fally Afani

Ladybird Diner Dessert

SECOND PLACE

Megan Heriford’s inspiration for her downtown diner, Ladybird, began with weekend pies. While working at 715 restaurant, Heriford baked pies that became a local hit and allowed her to launch a career as a restaurateur. Though Ladybird serves maindish comfort food with bold interpretations, the fantastic housemade pies, doughnuts and desserts draw people in on their own.

The popular 1900 BARKER BAKERY AND CAFÉ began with brotherhood. When culinary school graduate Taylor Petrehen decided to open his business he turned to brother Reagan, a coffee enthusiast with global experience, to help make his dream possible. Reagan has since moved to New York City to take on other projects, but Taylor notes his brother was a critical part laying down the foundation.

Taylor is an “Outstanding Baker” James Beard Foundation semi-finalist in 2017, 2018 and 2019

Reagan previously worked in China for an American-owned coffee company

Each brother had his area of expertise: Taylor the baking and Reagan the brewing

Taylor was the youngest student to finish JCCC culinary school

Reagan just recently helped open Felix Roasting Company in NYC

Photographs by Brian Goodman and Kalli

Jo Smith

THIRD PLACE / BAKERY

Two great restaurants, one big family.

Two great restaurants, one big family. We can handle any kind of

401 N. 2nd St. Just ‘cross the bridge 785-842-0377

721 Wakarusa Dr. 6th and Wakarusa 785-843-0704

4821 W. 6th St. 6th and Wakarusa 785-312-9057

best even the

SIENA VANCE

THE ROOST

EVEN THE BEST HAVE IT BAD AT TIMES. A FEW OF OUR BEST OF LAWRENCE FINALISTS TALK ABOUT SOME OF THEIR WORST (OR ALMOST WORST) DAYS.

Imagine a warm coffee shop filled with the buzz of people chatting and enjoying their drinks. Imagine a line of empty cups, ready to be poured, mixed, and served. Now imagine being the one to accidentally pour espresso into the wrong cup or prepare the wrong steamed milk. Instant worst day.

Siena Vance knows this fear. Though she has worked at The Roost for three years and is now voted one of the Best of Lawrence baristas, she says she experienced plenty of mishaps and near disasters in her early days.

“It definitely took me a while to develop my rhythm at work,” recalls Vance. “Multitasking was something I had to learn fast.”

These days, Vance handles busy rushes and prepares drink after drink with artistic flair.

In fact, she’s now mastering how to pour two cups of latte simultaneously. Sure, there might be a mishap as she perfects this technique, but it won’t be perceived by anyone—even the barista—as a worst day.

—Brittany Lee

PIZZA GUIDE TO:

FIRST PLACE UPSCALE PIES

LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar is a locally owned restaurant and bar that focuses on hand-crafted food and beer. The kitchen’s pizza dough is a labor of love that can take up to 36 hours to prepare, and their amazing sweet garlic chili sauce is a must-have.

SECOND PLACE SLICE MASTERS

Started in 1991, Papa Keno’s serves East-Coast style pizza slices “as big as your face.” In addition to the slices, Keno’s also offers calzones, sandwiches and fresh salads.

FIFTH PLACE LATE NIGHT

A Lawrence tradition since 1984, Pizza Shuttle has fed practically the entire city with late-night twofer specials. And though it has nothing to do with the taste, Pizza Shuttle’s catchy, phone-number radio jingle is deeply embedded in the city’s collective memory.

BARISTA CITY

The most popular voting category in the “Food & Dining” section was “Barista” with 88 entries from

different venues.

BARISTA

Cielito Lindo Outdoor Dining

SECOND PLACE

Darn you, Cielito Lindo! When it’s summer time, you’re the perfect venue for tacos and margaritas on your generous front patio. But when it’s a cold Kansas winter, seeing your porch only makes us miss the outside dining even more and dream of a place where bandera, enchiladas and taquitos are served in a relaxed atmosphere with lovely friends, under a lovely patch of sky.

Lark A Fare

New Restaurant

SECOND PLACE

Stepping into the former Port Fonda space at the corner of Ninth and New Hampshire streets, Lark A Fare inherited a high-visibility location and high expectations for success. It opened in August 2018 with a menu of creative comfort foods and a generous spirit selection. Lark has become known for its weekend brunches as well as its specialty nights: service industry night on Mondays, discount wine night on Tuesdays and discount whiskey on Wednesday nights.

Photograph by Nick Krug

best even the 1

BECKY JOHANSEN

EVEN THE BEST HAVE IT BAD AT TIMES. A FEW OF OUR BEST OF LAWRENCE FINALISTS TALK ABOUT SOME OF THEIR WORST (OR ALMOST WORST) DAYS.

Becky Johansen has seen a lot of baking challenges since becoming co-owner and operator of Eileen’s Colossal Cookies in 2012. Nothing, however, compares to this last Christmas when Baldwin City’s Polar Express Train Ride ordered 33,000 sugar cookies—a dream order that could easily have turned into her worst disaster.

To fulfill the order on time, she brought in extra staff. But even that wasn’t enough as she realized her store didn’t have enough freezer space to keep the dough and the cookies. Fortunately, local businesses such as the nearby Kwik Shop offered to lend out freezer space—enough to get the job done.

“There were definitely some times of ‘Gosh, this is a lot of cookies,’ but it was so worth it,” says Johansen.

Johansen says she loves challenges and realizes that one day, someone might walk in with an even larger order. But even the smallest orders reaffirm her choice to get into the baking business.

“Nothing beats the wide-eyed kiddos that walk in and yell, ‘Cookies!’” she explains.

—Kalli Jo Smith

EILEEN’S COLOSSAL COOKIES

Photographs by Nick Krug and Brittany Lee

COOKIE

The BRUSSELS SPROUTS DISH at MERCHANTS PUB & PLATE was created around the same time as the restaurant’s opening six years ago. Chef/creator TK Peterson says although Brussels sprouts are not usually regarded as a favorite ingredient, they can easily be prepared in many delicious ways.

Brussels sprouts are blanched, then fried for best texture without overcooking

Merchants cooks about 200 pounds of Brussels sprouts a week

The Brussels sprouts dish is one of the restaurant’s most-ordered items

Merchants has expanded size options for Brussels sprouts dishes

Peterson is considering some type of Brussels sprouts food challenge

Bistro & Grill A

•Large Patio Overlooking the Kansas River

•Bride and Groom’s Suites

•Spacious Non-Commercial Kitchen

•Outside Food Catering Welcome

•2 Full Bars and Service

•In-House Custom Bar Packages

•In-House Surround Sound System

•Screen & Projector

•Inventory of Tables and Chairs

•Linen Rental

•Handicap Accessibility

•Convenient Parking

Mad Greek Mediterranean Food

FIRST PLACE

The Mad Greek has been serving traditional Greek and Italian cuisine for two decades. From its downtown location, the family-run restaurant features a wide variety of Mediterranean fare like spanikopita, mousaka and gnocchi carbonara, and its “traveling taverna” food truck can be found at events throughout the area, giving you plenty of ways to get a little “opa!” in your life.

La Prima Tazza Place for Coffee

SECOND PLACE

In 2019, La Prima Tazza, the city’s oldest continually operating coffee shop, celebrates 30 years of business. True to its name, Tazza has supplied many Lawrencians’ morning coffee fix, now with 25 varieties of beans and blends (plus 30 varieties of tea if that’s your drink). Located between Liberty Hall and the Free State Brewing Company, this establishment is part of Lawrence’s DNA.

Photograph by Brian Goodman

How Well Do You Know

THE BEST FRIES OF LAWRENCE?

Can you match the top six fries in Lawrence with their restaurants?

Photographs

Brittany Lee

• Dr. Chris Wertin DC

• Dr. Colleen Auchenbach DC

Dr. Chris Wertin DC Dr. Colleen Auchenbach DC

• Dr. Mary Huss DC

Dr. Mary Huss DC

• Dr. Kyle Wertin DC

Dr. Kyle Wertin DC

Dr. Eric Wertin DC

• Dr. Eric Wertin DC

Dr. Jessica Speidel DC

• Dr. Jessica Speidel DC

Photograph

Brian Goodman

Liberty Hall

Place to Hold an Event

FOURTH PLACE

Built on the ashes of Kansas’ first abolitionist newspaper, the Herald of Freedom, Liberty Hall has been an opera house, movie theater, speakeasy and a live concert venue for well over 100 years. Performers from Oscar Wilde to the Wu Tang Clan have appeared on its stage, and the hall continues to host several local events such as the annual Transformations Charity Gala, the Festival of Trees and your cousin’s wedding party.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (BIZ)

1) Lori Nation - Lawrence Internal Medicine, PA

2) Linda Love - Clinton Parkway Animal Hospital

3) Carrie Combs - Rodrock Chiropractic

4) Lauren Blunt - Heck Family Dentistry

5) Ashley King - Free State Dental

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

(NONPROFITS/GOV./GROUPS)

1) Betsy Alford - Bishop Seabury Academy

2) Carole Lash - Bert Nash

3) Debbie Carter - Douglas County Visiting Nurses

4) Connie Kesinger - Free State High School

5) Amanda Cushing - University of Kansas

ART GALLERY

1) Lawrence Arts Center

2) Cider Gallery

3) Phoenix Gallery

4) Spencer Museum of Art

5) Wonder Fair

ARTIST (PAINTING, SCULPTING OR MIXED MEDIA)

1) Stan Herd

2) Tay Cameron

3) John Sebelius

4) Julie Hammer

5) Angie Pickman

5) Jen Unekis

5) Louis Copt

ARTIST (PHOTOGRAPHY OR DIGITAL IMAGES)

1) Ann Dean

2) Mike Yoder

3) Brian Byers

4) Adam Smith (RoadLyfe)

5) Fally Afani

COMMUNITY LEADER

1) Don “Red Dog” Gardner

2) Dennis “Boog” Highberger

3) Bill Self

4) Mike Amyx

5) Anthony Lewis

EVENT (ANNUAL)

1) Lawrence Busker Festival

2) Art in the Park

3) Lawrence Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade

4) Lawrence St Patrick’s Day Parade

4) Transformations Charity Gala

EVENT (SEASONAL OR REOCCURRING)

1) Lawrence Farmers Market

2) KU Basketball Games

3) Book sales at Lawrence Public Library

4) Final Fridays

5) Dog Days

FAMILY FUN

1) Lawrence Public Library

2) Pet World

3) Schaake’s Pumpkin Patch

4) Lawrence Arts Center

5) Sunfire Ceramics

HOTEL

1) The Eldridge

2) The Oread

3) Double Tree by Hilton

4) SpringHill Suites by Marriott

5) TownePlace Suites Marriott

LAWRENCE RADIO STATION

1) KPR

2) KJHK 90.7 FM

3) KKSW 105.9 FM

4) 92.9 The BULL, KMXN

5) KLWN 1320 AM / 101.7 FM

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

(ADULT/SENIOR SERVICES)

1) Just Food

2) Lawrence Public Library

3) Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

4) Cottonwood Inc.

5) Audio Reader

5) Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

(CHILDREN/YOUTH SERVICES)

1) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

2) Big Brothers, Big Sisters Douglas County

3) Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope

4) Van Go, Inc

5) Douglas County CASA

LOCAL NON-PROFIT

(FAMILY SERVICES)

1) Family Promise of Lawrence

2) Willow Domestic Violence Center

3) Lawrence Arts Center

4) 100 Good Women

5) Catholic Charities

LOCAL NON-PROFIT (LAND, PRESERVATION, ANIMALS)

1) Lawrence Humane Society

2) Baker Wetlands and Discovery Center

3) Prairie Park Nature Center

4) Friends of the Kaw

5) Sunrise Project

MASCOT

1) Baby Jay, University of Kansas

2) Big Jay, University of Kansas

3) Chesty the Lion, Lawrence High

4) Freddie the Firebird, Free State High

5) Warhawk, West Middle School

MATURE LIVING COMMUNITY

1) Brandon Woods at Alvamar

2) Pioneer Ridge Health & Rehab

3) Lawrence Presbyterian Manor

4) Arbor Court Retirement Community at Alvamar

5) Neuvant House of Lawrence

NEW BUSINESS

1) CBD of Lawrence

2) Blade & Timber Lawrence

3) Leeway Butcher

4) Jungle House

5) Anomaly

PARK

1) South Park

2) Clinton Lake State Park

3) Mutt Run Dog Park

4) Centennial Park

5) Ryan Gray Playground for All Children

PLACE OF WORSHIP

1) St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church

2) Corpus Christi Catholic Church

3) Plymouth Congregational Church

4) First United Methodist Church

5) Velocity Church

PLACE TO HAVE KID’S

BIRTHDAY PARTY

1) Pet World

2) Lawrence Gymnastics and Athletics

3) Indoor Aquatic Center

4) LOL Family Zone

5) Epic Fun

PLACE TO HOLD EVENT

1) Abe & Jake’s Landing

2) Maceli’s

3) Cider Gallery

4) Liberty Hall

5) Arterra Event Gallery

PLACE TO MAKE

MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

1) Clinton Lake

2) KU Campanile

3) Oread Rooftop

4) Wells Overlook Park

5) Potter Lake

PLACE TO TAKE AN OUT-OF-TOWNER (FREE ATTRACTION)

1) Downtown Lawrence

2) Allen Fieldhouse

3) The University of Kansas

4) Clinton Lake State Park

5) Free State Brewing Company Bottling Plant Tour

PLACE TO WORK

(100+ EMPLOYEES)

1) The University of Kansas

2) Lawrence Memorial Hospital

3) Lawrence Public Schools

4) The Merc Co+op

5) Cottonwood Inc.

PLACE TO WORK

(UNDER 100 EMPLOYEES)

1) Lawrence Public Library

2) Pet World

3) Pennington & Company

4) Ladybird Diner

5) Free State Brewing Company

PODCAST

1) Hawk Talk

2) Rock Chalk Sports Talk

3) The Book Squad

4) Rock Chalk It Up!

5) Ain’t No Seats

PRIVATE MUSIC LESSON INSTRUCTOR

1) Michael Hamm

2) Sarah Niileksela

3) Eric Sakumura

4) Adrienne Barclay

5) Leah Younger

RESTROOM (OPEN TO PUBLIC)

1) Lawrence Public Library

2) Wonder Fair Haunted Bathroom

3) The Eldridge

4) Merchants Pub & Plate

5) The Toy Store

SHOP (OR OFFICE) PET

1) Dinah at The Dusty Bookshelf

2) Sirius at Lucky Dog Outfitters

3) Dashiell and Ngaio at The Raven Book Store

4) Dave at Wonder Fair

5) Goliath at Pet World

5) Chardonnay at Love Garden Sounds

I’m from Kansas

Lawrence Humane Society TEACHER (GRADES K-5)

1) Katie Higgins, Corpus Christi Catholic School

2) Elizabeth Wallace, Pinckney Elementary

3) Susan Lomshek, Schwegler Elementary

4) Jessica Miescher-Lerner, Sunset Hill

5) Laurie Snider, Pinckney Elementary

TEACHER (GRADES 6-8)

1) Lucinda Crenshaw, West Middle School

2) Maria Pope, Billy Mills Middle School

3) Danielle Lotton-Barker, Southwest Middle School

4) Amanda Frost, West Middle School

5) Brittany Harrell, Liberty Memorial Central Middle School

TEACHER (GRADES 9-12)

1) Hilary Morton, Free State High School

2) David Platt, Lawrence High

3) Sam Rabiola, Free State High School

4) Nolan Henderson, Free State High School

5) Charlie Lauts, Lawrence High School

5) Keri Lauxman, Lawrence High

TEACHER (HIGHER ED)

1) Shuai Sun, University of Kansas

2) Kevin Willmott, University of Kansas

3) Amii Castle, University of Kansas

4) Anne Patterson, University of Kansas

5) Christian Ray, University of Kansas

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

ART GALLERY

PAUL DEGEORGE AND MEREDITH MOORE

IF YOU BELIEVE CERTAIN ONLINE REVIEWS, MEREDITH MOORE AND PAUL DEGEORGE RUN ONE OF THE WORST EATERIES IN KANSAS.

And they are proud of that.

Here’s some context you won’t find on the internet. The restaurant in question, The Dead End Diner, was actually part of a horror-genre art project by Kansas City artist Dustin Williams and hosted by Moore’s and DeGeorge’s downtown art gallery, Wonder Fair.

As part of his work, Williams created a one-night dining experience where the waiters dressed as vampires and menu items included “terrormisu” and “beef ghoulash.”

Patrons were encouraged to leave online comments in the spirit of the event, which led to remarks about the diner’s cobwebs and its “frequent die-ners club” cards.

Those reactions now live forever on the internet—the digital detritus of fine performance art for many, and a very dubious restaurant review for the unaware. Moore and DeGeorge approve.

“We love the idea of challenging people’s perspectives of art,” DeGeorge says, “Anything goes. It’s our space, we can do what we want.”

WONDER FAIR

Photograph by Wonder Fair

Administrative Assistant

(nonprofits / gov./groups)

FIRST PLACE BETSY ALFORD

Betsy Alford has been administrative assistant at Bishop Seabury Academy for 19 years where she is the “mom” to the college preparatory students. When she hugs this year’s graduating seniors goodbye, she will have sent over 300 of her kids out into the world.

SECOND PLACE CAROLE LASH

Carole Lash has been a welcoming face at the front desk of the Bert Nash Community Mental Health Clinic for many years, and has become known for her warm and friendly help as a Client Care Specialist.

FIFTH PLACE

AMANDA CUSHING

Amanda Cushing is the office coordinator at the University of Kansas Office of Enrollment Management. This September will be her fourth year doing everything from technology troubleshooting to ordering office supplies in a department of more than 100 people.

Clinton Lake State Park Park

SECOND PLACE

Since the 1970s, Lawrencians have had a prime outdoor recreation destination just four miles west of the city. Clinton State Park, located on the northeast shore of Clinton Lake, offers a marina with boat storage as well as 16 lanes of boat-launch areas. Vacationers can also take advantage of open fields for picnicking and recreation, 160 sites for camping, 6 cabins and 25 miles of hiking/biking trails.

by Fally Afani

Photograph

Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade

FOURTH PLACE

Event (annual)

March 2019 marked the 32nd year of the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade, an annual event where all Lawrencians can feel a little Irish for the day while helping children’s charities. The 2019 beneficiaries in the decades-long tradition of fun are Baby Jay’s Legacy of Hope, Cooper’s Cause Foundation and the O’Connell Youth Ranch.

FIRST PLACE / SOCIAL MEDIA (ORG. OR NONPROFIT)

Officer Drew Fennelly’s idea to create a social media account for the LAWRENCE POLICE DEPARTMENT was rejected twice. But after former police chief Tarik Khatib gave his blessing to the experiment, Officer Fennelly was soon going viral (in a law-and-order type of way).

Officer Fennelly is a KU grad with a communications degree

Fennelly’s tweets have appeared on the Bleacher Report and national television

His first viral tweet was about KU’s 2016 March Madness loss to Villanova

Fennelly’s goals are: establish communication, humanize LPD and inform

Always a Jayhawk, Fennelly loves attending KU games with family

LAWRENCE LOVES TEACHERS

In the “Community” section, the most contested vote was for the “Teacher (grades K-5)” category with

entries.

Jen Unekis

Artist (painting, sculpting or mixed media)

FIFTH PLACE

Among the local artist community, Jen Unekis has a reputation for being a modest, superbly talented artist who has steadily created an extensive portfolio of work, particularly paintings with layers of color, texture and sometimes elements of other media. Her work tends to fall into the category of abstract art, and she has described the process of painting as following the push and pull of lines and shapes that emerge to create something unexpected yet familiar. Below is a detail from one of her works, Pausing for Unintended Consequences

GUIDE TO:

FIRST PLACE HANDS-ON

Known for having some of the most creative rotating gallery displays, the Lawrence Arts Center is also home to adult education classes, preschool and kindergarten as well as a school of dance and a school of theatre and music.

SECOND PLACE FINE ART AND FINE WINE

In addition to its collection of fine art, the Cider Gallery is also an event space with an onsite bar. Guests can enjoy access to the first floor and the garden patio.

FOURTH PLACE ACADEMIA-PLUS

The Spencer Museum of Art is the University of Kansas’ teaching and research gallery. The museum hosts a variety of academic programs such as exhibitions, conferences and lectures.

Photograph courtesy Aaron Paden

Photographs by Kalli Jo Smith and Catherine Ashmore

What is your specialty?

I love all aspects of real estate, but my favorite is representing Sellers with the sale of their home. When someone sells their home, there is usually a lot of emotional attachment to it. I love hearing the stories of good times, renovations, family memories, etc. It comes full circle for when I ﬁnd the next family that will enjoy it just as much the previous family did.

What is the most challenging/gratifying aspect of what you do?

Right now, the most challenging aspect is low inventory rural properties. I am working with 3 buyers at the moment, and they all are looking for houses with acreage North of Lawrence. The most gratifying part of my job is when a buyer walks into a house and their face lights up. At that very moment, you witness their “this is the one. ”

What

Clinton Parkway Nursery Gardening Store

FIRST PLACE

Lawrence gardening enthusiasts of all levels of experience rely on Clinton Parkway Nursery and its seasoned garden experts to supply them with planting material and the wisdom to help their gardens thrive. Open year-round, the store offers decorative items to pull gardeners through the lull of winter.

Second -Hand/ Pawn Shop

FIRST PLACE FOR YOUR CLOSET

A Lawrence institution, Arizona Trading Company has earned a reputation for curating people’s used clothing offerings and assembling them into racks of hip, trendy designs for any season of the year.

SECOND PLACE FOR YOUR BOOKSHELF

The Dusty Bookshelf is Lawrence’s spot for gently read books. Customers find their unexpected great summer read and sell back their old books for cash or store credit.

THIRD PLACE FOR YOUR HOME

When it is time for a little home improvement, Lawrencians often head to Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore The home-improvement and donation center sells donated new and used home goods along with a few surprises, from vintage golf clubs to make-yourown trophies.

Photograph by Fally Afani

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE

1) Lawrence Antique Mall

2) Arizona Trading Co.

3) Amy’s Attic Interiors and Antiques

4) Wild Man Vintage

5) Topiary Tree

BIKE SHOP

1) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop

2) The Lawrence Re-Cyclery

3) Cycle Works

4) Dick’s Sporting Goods

5) Lawrence Vintage Cycle

BOOKSTORE

1) The Raven Book Store

2) The Dusty Bookshelf

3) Friends of the Lawrence Public Library

4) Signs of Life

5) The Toy Store

CONVENIENCE STORE

1) QuikTrip

2) Kwik Shop

3) Hy-Vee Gas

4) Dollar Tree

5) Walgreens

DEPARTMENT STORE

1) Weaver’s

2) Target

3) Kohl’s

4) T.J. Maxx

5) HomeGoods

DRESS SHOP OR FORMAL WEAR

1) Weaver’s

2) J.Lynn Bridal

3) KB & Co.

4) Kohl’s

5) Eccentricity

ELECTRONICS STORE

1) Best Buy

2) Game Nut Entertainment

3) Stoneback Appliance

4) Target 5) Walmart

FLOWER SHOP

1) Owens Flower Shop

2) Hy-Vee Floral

3) Englewood Florist

4) Dillons Floral

5) Pendleton’s Kaw Valley Country Market

FURNITURE STORE

1) Winfield House

2) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore

3) Eagles’ Rest

4) Amy’s Attic Interiors and Antiques

5) Cost Plus World Market

GARDENING STORE

1) Clinton Parkway Nursery

2) Howard Pine’s Garden Center & Greenhouse

3) Earl May Nursery & Garden Center

4) Jungle House

5) Pendleton’s Kaw Valley Country Market

GIFT SHOP

1) Phoenix Gallery

2) LMH Gift Shop

3) Wonder Fair

4) Au Marché

5) Brits

HARDWARE STORE

1) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental

2) Westlake Ace Hardware

3) Menards

4) The Home Depot

5) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore

JEWELRY STORE

1) Marks Jewelers

2) Goldmakers Jewelry

3) Kizer Cummings Jewelers

4) Phoenix Gallery

5) Haskell Indian Art Market

KU SOUVENIR SHOP

1) Kansas Sampler

2) KU Memorial Union Bookstore

3) Mass St. Mercantile

4) Jock’s Nitch

5) KB & Co.

LOCAL STORE OWNER

1) Kristie Bowen, KB & Co.

2) Matt Lomshek and Curt Wright, Mass Street Mercantile

3) Jim Lewis, Checkers

3) Linda and Tom Cottin, Cottin’s Hardware & Rental

5) Jennifer Ybarra, Lucky Dog

5) Joe Flannery, Weaver’s

5) Meg Heriford, Ladybird Diner

MEN’S CLOTHING STORE

1) Weaver’s

2) Kohl’s

3) JoS. A. Bank

4) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop

5) Wild Man Vintage

MUSIC STORE

1) Love Garden

2) Mass Street Music

3) Richards Music Co.

4) Beautiful Music Violin Shop

5) Supersonic Music

PETS AND PET SUPPLIES

1) Pet World

2) Lucky Dog Outfitters

3) Pawsh Wash

4) PetSmart

5) EarthWise Pet Supply

PLACE TO BUY A NEW CAR

1) Crown Automotive

2) Laird Noller Automotive

3) Dale Willey Automotive

4) Dale Willey Honda (Formerly Jack Ellena Honda)

5) Lawrence Kia

PLACE TO BUY A USED CAR

1) Crown Automotive

2) Laird Noller Automotive

3) Dale Willey Automotive

4) Dale Willey Honda (Formerly Jack Ellena Honda)

5) Dale Willey Honda (Formerly Jack Ellena Honda)

RETAIL CLERK/ CUSTOMER SERVICE

1) KB & Co. Staff

2) Ad Astra Running, Staff

3) Cottin’s Hardware & Rental, Staff

4) Au Marché, Staff

5) City Wine Market, Staff

SECOND-HAND/PAWN SHOP

1) Arizona Trading Co.

2) The Dusty Bookshelf

3) Lawrence Habitat for Humanity ReStore

4) Goodwill

5) Ditto: A Resale Boutique

SHOE STORE

1) Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.

2) Famous Footwear

3) Ad Astra Running

4) Footprints

5) Garry Gribble’s Running Sports

SPORTING GOODS

1) Dick’s Sporting Goods

2) Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop

3) Ad Astra Running

4) Garry Gribble’s Running Sports

5) Jock’s Nitch

TOY STORE

1) The Toy Store

2) Game Nut Entertainment

3) Wild Territory Science & Nature Store

4) Walmart

5) Target

UNIQUE STORE

1) Wonder Fair

2) Au Marché

3) Phoenix Gallery

4) Brits

5) Mass Street Soda

VINTAGE CLOTHING

1) Wild Man Vintage

2) Arizona Trading Co.

3) Goodwill

4) Salvation Army Thrift Store

5) Lawrence Antique Mall

5) Social Service League of Lawrence

WINDOW DISPLAY

1) The Toy Store

2) Weaver’s

3) Game Nut Entertainment

3) Wonder Fair

5) Brits

WOMEN’S CLOTHING STORE

1) Weaver’s 2) KB & Co.

3) Kohl’s

4) Eccentricity

5) Arizona Trading Co.

5) T.J. Maxx

The Raven Book Store

Bookstore

FIRST PLACE

In 2017, after finishing his MFA in poetry from KU, Danny Caine bought The Raven, the downtown bookshop that was already a beloved institution in Lawrence. Taking over a store with such a rich history and loyal customer base was daunting, but Caine and his team have continued the store’s tradition of hosting local and national authors for live readings and book signings while expanding the store’s mission and scope.

WIDE RANGE

“Unique Gift Store” was the most contested category in the “Shopping” section with

entries representing everything from a store with antiques and eclectic art creations (Blackbird Trading Post) to Lawrence’s institution for yarn, knitting and crochet supplies (Yarn Barn).

Brits

Window Display

FIFTH PLACE

Brits, the Lawrence purveyors of British goods, has been an Anglophile’s dream since its opening in 1995. Reminiscent of a village shop, the store offers food and drink from the UK, Ireland and the Commonwealth, including more than 300 varieties of tea, along with kitchenware, flags, stickers, soccer scarves and other souvenirs. These goods are often featured— along with a Tardis, a flock of sheep or other British symbols—in the store’s popular window displays.

It took a family to create AMY’S ATTIC INTERIORS AND ANTIQUES: sisters Amy Robbins and Sandy Garber along with Amy’s daughter-in-law, Maria Robbins. Since the store opened in 2017, the three women have divided their responsibilities but love to come together to hunt for “new” antique items for the shop.

All 3 owners were raised in Lawrence and attended LHS

The trio is planning a Fixer-Upper pilgrimage to Waco, Texas

Maria works full-time at Amy’s Attic; Amy and Sandy have other full-time jobs

The trio stocks dog and cat treats for walk-in customers with pets

Antiques are in the bloodline; Amy’s grandfather was an auctioneer

THIRD PLACE / ANTIQUE/VINTAGE STORE

Photograph

Nick Krug

GUIDE TO:

Music Store

Lawrence Antique Mall Antique/Vintage

FIRST PLACE

Store

For many Lawrencians, the Lawrence Antique Mall is the first stop for Bakelite, jadeite, vintage toys or anything else that might remind you of long-ago times. The Billings family owns and operates this three-story reliquary that hosts over 75 vendors who bring in new inventory daily.

SECOND PLACE I WANNA RARE

COLLINGS ACOUSTIC

An indy music store with over three decades of providing repairs, sales and pro advice, Mass. Street Music is the destination when it’s time to purchase (or dream about) your high-end customized acoustic guitar or mandolin.

THIRD PLACE

I WANNA ROCK

Think of the Richard’s Music Co. store as a beloved sound box with deep roots in the local musical community. Lessons, musician shoptalk, schools of rock, repairs and sometimes even a theremin—all with a bit of rock ’n’ roll swagger.

FIFTH PLACE

I WANNA DRUM

The inventory at Supersonic Music can outfit an entire band, but the store’s star attraction is the percussion and drum section, particularly the custom-made TreeHouse Drums from Kansas native Derek Sharp. SEVERAL CATEGORIES SAW NARROW-VICTORY VOTE RESULTS OR EVEN TIES, BUT THE SHOPPING SECTION HAD ONE OF THE

Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop

Best Men’s Clothing Store

FOURTH PLACE

Outdoor adventure begins with gear—and Sunflower Outdoor & Bike has that. But the shop also offers a range of hats, hoodies, hiking boots, tanks and tees for an excursion or the excursion-going look.

RYAN SCHWISOW

LAWRENCE IS A TOWN WITH A RICH HISTORY, INCLUDING A FEW GHOST LEGENDS. RYAN SCHWISOW, MANAGER OF BROWN’S SHOES FIT CO., RECALLS ONE DAY A CUSTOMER CLAIMED TO HAVE SEEN A SHOE FLOAT AROUND THE CHILDREN’S SHOE SECTION AND THEN MYSTERIOUSLY FLY INTO THE WALL.

The customer was so freaked out by the incident that she immediately left and didn’t return for several months. Schwisow remains skeptical but does note that there were only two employees in the store that day—and neither of them were near the wall.

Whether or not Brown’s Shoe Fit Co. is haunted, Schwisow loves to share this story and even use it as the basis for some good-hearted frights. One time, as he and a former employee were doing inventory after the store had closed, Schwisow decided to sneak through the front door and jump behind the counter to scare the employee.

“He fell to the ground and nearly wet himself,” Schwisow says, adding that he ensures the scares are made in good fun and don’t wind up as anyone’s worst day. “But I got him good.”

—Kalli Jo Smith

The top-four finishers in the

category, are all located within one block of one another (in the 700-800 blocks of Massachusetts Street).

BROWN’S SHOE FIT CO.

SHOE STORE

Something For Everyone FIND THE BEST GIFT AT AU MARCHE

Best of Lawrence finalist Au Marché has a little bit of everything from all over Europe. Which is the best Au Marché gift for you? START

EDIBLE OR NON-EDIBLE

KITCHEN OR NON-KITCHEN

COOKBOOKS

TO READ OR TO SCRUB TO WEAR OR TO WASH

DRINK OR FOOD TO COOK OR TO EAT

SAVORY OR SWEET

Photographs by Brittany Lee

Your Hometown Team for Audiology Services

At Lawrence Otolaryngology, we’ve been a part of the Lawrence community for 34 years. We are proud to be your hometown option for audiology services, including diagnostic testings, hearing screenings and one of the largest selection of hearing aids and accessories in our area. We serve our patients every day, with the time and attention it takes to truly be a partner in their hearing journey. And, our patients say it best...

“Our daughter recommended we come to Lawrence Otolaryngology for our hearing aids and we’re sure glad she did! Everyone we’ve worked with, from the doctors to the audiologist, have been kind and paid attention to all our needs. We would definitely recommend them to our friends... And we have, often!”

—Archie and Sally, LOA patients

Misti M. Ranck MS CCC-A

Jami S. Johnson MS CCC-A

Kay Bassett HIS

Meryl Lockling AuD

Katie E. Turner AuD

Premier Martial Arts

SECOND PLACE

Martial

Arts

Most students of the art of self-defense know that krav maga (meaning “contact combat” in Hebrew) is the official fighting system of the Israeli Defense Forces. This real-world combat system is taught at Premier Martial Arts by owner Mark Taylor, who has 13 years of training experience. Taylor’s school also offers classes focusing on the mental and physical benefits of martial arts for children ages 3–12, teens and adults.

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

ACUPUNCTURE

1) Julie Johnson-Bear Don’t Walk

Acupuncture

2) Body Specific

3) The Bodhi Tree Holistic Healing

4) Lawrence Acupuncture: Integrative Health Clinic

5) Rodrock Chiropractic

CHIROPRACTOR

1) Advanced Chiropractic Services

2) Rodrock Chiropractic

3) Peak Performance Health Center

4) Risley Chiropractic

5) Sport and Spine Chiropractic Sports Medicine

COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER (PUBLIC)

1) Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park)

2) Lawrence Indoor Aquatic Center

3) East Lawrence Recreation Center

4) Lawrence Community Building

5) Holcom Park Recreation Center

DAY SPA/WELLNESS CENTER

1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

2) Body Specific

3) Elevate Arts of Wellness

4) AesthetiCare of Lawrence Medspa

5) Sensora Spa

DENTAL PRACTICE

1) Heinbach Larkin DDS

2) Peterson, Krische & Van Horn, DDS

3) The Dentists in Lawrence

4) Free State Dental

5) JayHawk Dental

EYEWEAR OR VISION CENTER

1) Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

2) Drs. Dobbins & Letourneau

3) The EyeDoctors

4) Crandon & Crandon

5) Lawrence Eye Care Associates, PA

5) The Spectacle

FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE

1) Family Medicine Associates, PA

2) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics

3) Lawrence Family Practice Center

4) Family Centered Medicine, LLC

5) First Med

GOLF COURSE (TRADITIONAL AND DISC)

1) Eagle Bend Golf Course

2) Lawrence Country Club

3) Centennial Park

3) The Jayhawk Club

5) Orchards Golf Course

GYM OR FITNESS CENTER (PRIVATE)

1) Body Boutique

2) Genesis Health Clubs

3) Planet Fitness

4) Underground Lab

5) The Summit

HEARING AID PROVIDER/AUDIOLOGIST

1) Lawrence Otolaryngology Associates, LLC

2) Kaw Valley Hearing

3) Schiefelbusch Speech-LanguageHearing Clinic, University of Kansas

4) Topeka Ear, Nose & ThroatLawrence

5) Neighborhood Hearing Aid Center

HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS

1) Clinton Lake Trails

2) Lawrence Levee Trail (Kansas River Trails)

3) Baker University Wetlands

4) Rock Chalk Park

5) The Lawrence Loop

MARTIAL ARTS

1) Prime Martial Arts

2) Premier Martial Arts

3) Rivers Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

4) Lawrence Parks & Recreation Martial Arts

5) Lawrence Tae-Kwon-Do School

MASSAGE THERAPIST (INDIVIDUAL)

1) Tracey Woody, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

2) Leslie Denison, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

3) Jennifer Baldwin, Renew by Jennifer

4) Lisa Lahm, Body Specific

5) Aimee Schalles, Sano Massage & Wellness

MASSAGE THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE)

1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

2) Body Specific, LLC

3) Elevate Arts of Wellness

4) Massage Envy Spa

5) TherapyWorks

MEDICAL CLINIC

1) Family Medicine Associates, PA

2) Family Centered Medicine, LLC

3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics

4) Lawrence Internal Medicine, PA

5) Lawrence Family Practice Center

MEDICAL SPA

1) AesthetiCare of Lawrence Medspa

2) Simple Wellness, Fitness & MedSpa

3) Lawrence Plastic Surgery

4) & blowdry beauty bar & med spa

5) Laser & Cosmetic Center

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (OTHER THAN LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR LICENSED PSYCHIATRIST)

1) Jordan Mayfield, Family Psychological Services

2) Sunnie Shedd, Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center

3) Tamara Henley, Family Psychological Services

4) Maria Ilardi, Ilardi Psychiatric Services

5) Alicia Lawrence, Lawrence Family Therapy

NURSE

1) Vonda Perry Kaup, Dr. Durland

2) Joni Lawrence, Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics

3) Kelley Rockhold, LMH

4) Kelsey Daugherty, Family Psychological Services

5) Karen Roberts, DNP, APRN-BC, The Internal Medicine Group

OPTOMETRIST (INDIVIDUAL)

1) Dr. Kenny Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

2) Dr. Kevin Trummel, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

3) John Harvat, The Eye Doctors

4) Kent Dobbins, Dobbins & Letourneau Eye Care

5) Dr. Sharon Green, Lawrence Family Vision Clinic

ORTHODONTIC PRACTICE

1) Ranjbar Orthodontics

2) Oread Orthodontics

3) McColm Orthodontics

4) Hamilton, Wilson, Hendrickson Orthodontics

5) River Rock Family Dental

PEDIATRIC CARE

1) Panda Pediatrics

2) Lawrence Pediatrics, P.A.

3) Lawrence Family Medicine and Obstetrics

4) Family Medicine Associates, PA

5) Lawrence Family Practice Center

PERSONAL TRAINER

1) Melissa Farve, Underground Lab

2) Dylan Filburn, Underground Lab

3) Tracey English, Tracey English Fitness

4) Zach & Whitney Schneider

5) James Findley, Find Fitness

PHARMACY

1) Sigler Pharmacy

2) Dillons Pharmacy

3) Walgreens Pharmacy

4) Hy-Vee Pharmacy

5) CVS/CVS Target Pharmacy

PHYSICAL THERAPY (GROUP OR OFFICE)

1) OrthoKansas

2) LMH Therapy Services

3) TherapyWorks

4) Bird Physical Therapy

5) Neu Physical Therapy Center

PLACE FOR HEALTH & NUTRITION GOODS

1) The Merc Co+op

2) Sprouts Farmers Market

3) Lawrence Nutrition Center

4) Natural Grocers

5) Hy-Vee

PLACE FOR YOGA CLASSES

1) OmTree Shala

2) Lava Yoga Studio

3) Body Boutique

4) Kidding Around Yoga with Amanda El Khoury

5) Yoga Center of Lawrence

PSYCHIATRIST (LICENSED)

1) Elias Chediak

2) Nana Dadson

3) Eric Atwood

4) Matthew Carey

5) Hiten Soni

PSYCHOLOGIST (LICENSED)

1) Wes Crenshaw

2) Sara Godinez

3) Christy Blanchard

4) Anne Owen

5) Patrick Nicholas

SPORTS MEDICINE

1) OrthoKansas

2) Sports Medicine & Performance Center, University of Kansas Health System

3) LMH Sports Performance & Training

4) Peak Performance Health Center

5) TherapyWorks

SURGEON

1) Dr. Kenneth Kimmel, Lawrence Internal Medicine, PA

2) Dr. Jeffrey C. Randall, Sports Medicine and Performance Center, University of Kansas Health Systems

3) Dr. Douglass E. Stull, OrthoKansas

4) Dr. Stephan L. Pro, OrthoKansas

5) Dr. Blake Conklin Lawrence General Surgery

The Merc Co+op

Place for Health & Nutrition Goods

FIRST PLACE

Started in 1974, The Merc Co-op continues strong as a full service grocery store as well as a communityowned, solar-powered community space. The Merc specializes in locally grown foods and sustainable products at affordable prices, and their democratic cooperative business model allows community participation and ownership. The store is also an education center, offering cooking classes focused on healthful eating.

LISA LAHM began working for a chiropractor during the second semester of her senior year at K-State. That experience partly inspired her to found BODY SPECIFIC in 2007 with business partner Leah Henderson. Now, the business focuses on a range of care, including massage, chiropractic treatments, acupuncture, skin care and waxing.

Lahm is a K-State Wildcat with a degree in kinesiology

Her life-changing internship came the second semester of senior year

Starting as a solo massage business, Lahm now employs 6 massage therapists

Lahm has competed in professional fitness competitions for the past 8 years

She loves traveling and cheering on her 11-year-old son in sports

Thank you for voting us best of Lawrence! We are small but mighty, the only single provider finalist on the list. One dentist offering comprehensive dentistry for the entire

FOURTH PLACE / MASSAGE THERAPIST

Community

Recreation Center (public) GUIDE

FIRST PLACE WEST: SPORTS PAVILION (ROCK CHALK PARK)

Douglas County residents can get in summer shape for free at the Sports Pavilion (Rock Chalk Park). The 181,000-square-foot facility offers full-sized basketball and volleyball courts, an indoor soccer arena and a 1/8-mile walking and jogging track.

THIRD PLACE EAST: EAST LAWRENCE RECREATION CENTER

Located in Lawrence’s historic east side, the East Lawrence Recreation Center is a hub for fun and relaxation with a full-sized gymnasium, a game room and a meeting room with a full-sized kitchen.

FOURTH PLACE DOWNTOWN: LAWRENCE COMMUNITY BUILDING

In a historic building in the historic downtown, the Lawrence Community Building offers a variety of activities and community classes at its full-sized gymnasium, dance studio and weight room.

PERSONAL TRAINER

best even the

DYLAN FILBURN

WE’VE ALL HAD THOSE DAYS WHERE WE DON’T PERFORM AT OUR BEST, AND EVEN LAWRENCE’S TOP-VOTED PERSONAL TRAINERS AREN’T IMMUNE TO WEAK PERFORMANCES. THE UNDERGROUND LAB’S DYLAN FILBURN RECALLS WHAT WAS POSSIBLY HIS WORST DAY—A POOR PERFORMANCE DURING HIS FIRST YEAR THAT HAD HIS BOSS ASSURING HIM THAT HE HAD NO FUTURE AS A PERSONAL TRAINER.

For Filburn, that day was more than a disappointment. He grew up with a love for sports and had run track at Wichita State, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. After spending a few years selling artificial turf, he had finally landed his dream job of being a personal trainer. And now that was in danger.

“That was definitely one of the worst days,” recalls Filburn. “It got to the point where I thought, ‘I’m not going to have a job anymore.’”

Filburn recalls being more than upset, even angry, but he did what he often tells his clients—get back into it. Two years later, he is back on top of his profession with a valuable lesson from the past.

“I let that anger push me to become a better trainer,” Filburn says.

—Kalli Jo Smith

The EyeDoctors

Eyewear or Vision Center

THIRD PLACE

The EyeDoctors in Lawrence taps the strength of a regional network of Kansas-affiliates to offer a depth of staff and in-house store of eyewear. The EyeDoctors is open late two nights a week and offers Saturday hours.

Photographs

by Nick Krug

Lawrence Loop

Hiking and Biking Trails

FIFTH PLACE

When complete, the planned 22-mile trail will form a continuous loop around the core of Lawrence. Currently, more than 17 miles of mixed-use pathway are open, created by linking pre-existing trails, such as this section of the Burcham Park Trail shown in the photo, with recently created sections, including a stretch alongside Baldwin Creek from Queens Road to Rock Chalk Park Pavilion.

THIRD PLACE /

PSYCHOLOGIST (LICENSED)

CHRISTY BLANCHARD earned her master’s and PhD at KU before opening BLANCHARD PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES to help people who suffer from mood issues, including depression, anxiety and stress.

Blanchard worked at Watkins Health Center as an undergraduate

She worked at Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center from 2002–2009

She sees clients from the region but chooses to live in Lawrence

Blanchard is a Rotarian with Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club

She supports Lawrence Humane Society, Willow Domestic Violence Center and Just Food

WORK OUT

The most contested category in the “Health & Fitness” section was “Gym or Fitness Center (Private)” with

entries.

Yoga Center of Lawrence YOGA POSE WORD TWISTS

David Thiel is a longtime practicer of yoga and has been a student at the Yoga Center of Lawrence for a few years. Can you unscramble the five yoga poses that he is demonstrating?

SANSKRIT: EKA PADA SIRSASANA

NEO ELG DADHSAENT

EEEXDTND ERITAGLN

XDEEDNTE EISD LNGAE

LUFL TABO

WDDARONSW AGNIFC ODG

SANSKRIT: UTTHITA TRIKONASANA

SANSKRIT: UTTHITA PARSVAKONASANA

SANSKRIT: PARIPURNA NAVASANA

SANSKRIT: ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA

Photographs by Brittany Lee

Dear Lawrence,

Thank you for your support in Best of Lawrence! It’s been a pleasure getting to know so many incredible people in this beautiful community, from families, agents, and everyone in the industry-- this place is special!

If you or someone you know needs guidance in buying or selling a home, I’d be honored to align them with their real estate needs.

- Casey Williams

www.caseywilliamsrealty.com

Photograph

Brian Goodman

Salon Di Marco & Day Spa Nail Salon

FIRST PLACE

Salon Di Marco & Day Spa has taken the Best of Lawrence title in several categories seven years in a row. It continues to provide a full line of manicures and pedicures, allowing those who want to pamper themselves to choose from a variety of services, from a basic manicure to a raw earth pedicure (perfect for summer sandal weather).

THIRD PLACE BY THE METHOD

Nurturing young learners through the pedagogical methods established by Maria Montessori, Raintree Montessori School is the city’s largest and longest continually running Montessori-method school.

FOURTH PLACE CREATIVE

With plenty of fun activities and its own indoor climbing structure, Googols of Learning provides ample opportunities for fun and activity while teaching a curriculum designed to prepare children for kindergarten..

FIFTH PLACE ACROSS THE COMMUNITY

Offering mentors and numerous programs, the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence serves 1,500 children per day at 15 different locations.

Photograph by Fally Afani

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING

(INDIVIDUAL)

1) Sarah Williamson, CPA, LLC

2) Jerrad Humerickhouse, Hume’s Tax Service

3) Katie Massey, Kahn & Associates

4) Isaac Gardner, Hume’s Tax Service

5) Terry M. Garrett, CPA

ACCOUNTING/TAX CONSULTING FIRM

1) Hume’s Tax Service

2) The Roark Group LLC

3) Kahn & Associates Inc.

4) Mize Houser & Company

5) Sarah Williamson, CPA, LLC

ADVERTISING/MARKETING SERVICES

1) Allen Press, Inc.

2) Grandstand

3) Callahan

4) 3 Clever Broads

5) Brian White Design

APPLIANCE REPAIR

1) Stoneback Appliance

2) Price’s Appliance Repair

3) Black Hills Service Guard

4) Ted’s Appliance Repair

5) Eastern Appliance Repair LLC

AUTO BODY REPAIR

1) Hite Collision Repair Center

2) Bryant Collision Repair

3) Steve’s Auto Plaza Body Shop Inc.

4) Auto Accents & Collision Repair

5) Crown Automotive

AUTO SERVICE REPAIR

1) Westside 66 and Carwash

2) Lawrence Automotive Diagnostics Inc.

3) Big O Tires

4) Crown Automotive

5) Slimmer’s Automotive Service

BANK

1) Capitol Federal

2) US Bank

3) Central Bank of the Midwest

4) Commerce Bank

5) First State Bank and Trust

BARBER

1) Downtown Barber Shop

2) Amyx Barber Shop

3) Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop

4) Great Clips

5) Amyx Barber Shop North

CAR WASH

1) Auto Plaza Car Wash

2) Hurricane Alley

3) Tsunami Express

4) Westridge Wash & Lube

5) Dale Willey Automotive

CHILDCARE CENTER

1) Hilltop Child Development Center

2) Stepping Stones

3) Raintree Montessori School

4) Googols of Learning

5) Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence

CLEANING/MAID SERVICES

1) Buckingham Palace Housecleaning

2) Two Moms and a Mop

House Cleaning

3) Housekeeping Unlimited

4) Eco-Friendly Cleaning

5) Merry Maids

COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR

1) B.A. Green Construction

2) A-Team Custom Construction

3) Natural Breeze Remodeling

4) Kennedy Glass

5) Rainbow International of NE Kansas

COMPUTER REPAIR OR SERVICE

1) Doctor Dave Computer Repair

2) UNI Computers

3) Geek Squad

4) Elite Tech

5) iGurus

CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

1) Jason Tanking Construction

1) Mike Wedman Homes

3) A-Team Custom Construction

4) B.A. Green Construction

5) Construction Specialties

5) Natural Breeze Remodeling

CREDIT UNION

1) Truity Credit Union

2) Meritrust Credit Union

3) Envista Credit Union

4) Mainstreet Credit Union

5) Midwest Regional Credit Union

DRY CLEANER OR LAUNDRY

1) Scotch Fabric Care Services

2) Lawrence Laundromat

3) 31st Street Coin Laundry

4) Hygienic Dry Cleaners

5) Hillcrest Laundromat

5) Suds Laundry Service

ELECTRICIAN

1) Danielsan Electric

2) Lynn Electric & Communications Inc.

3) Good Energy Solutions

4) Hemel Electric LLC

5) Randall Electric

EVENT PLANNER

1) Lara Komosa and Jesse Rice, Maceli’s

2) Carmen Hocking, A Beautiful Wedding

3) Jennifer Burkhead, Cider Gallery

4) Whitney Nicole Juneau, Fashioned Events

4) Whitney Webber, The Eldridge and The Oread

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

1) Ehren Feldmeyer, Feldmeyer Financial

2) Scott Solomon, Solomon & Associates, Ameriprise Financial

3) Doni Mooberry, Mooberry Financial Management

4) Chris English, Trust Company of Kansas

5) Victoria Bogner, McDaniel Knutson Financial Partners

FLOORING

1) Kring’s Interiors

2) Paradise Carpet One Floor & Home

3) Menards

4) Pod’s Discount Carpet

5) The Home Depot

HAIR SALON

1) Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

2) Static Hair Salon

3) Paisley & Stripe

4) Moxie Hair Studio

5) Salon 708

HAIR STYLIST

1) Adrianne Jackson, Moxie Hair Studio

2) Courtney Quirarte, Mane Haus

3) Alex Cedeno, Paisley & Stripe Salon

4) Hallie Obrock, Salon Di Marco & Day Spa

5) Angie Sutter, The Rooster Tail

HOME CONTRACTOR

1) A-Team Custom Construction

2) Construction Specialties

3) Inside Out Remodeling LLC

4) Natural Breeze Remodeling

5) Mike Wedman Homes

HVAC SERVICE

1) Dunco Heating & Cooling

2) Cloud Heating & Air Conditioning

3) Advantage Heating and Air

4) Scott Temperature Equipment

5) Wyatt Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.

INSURANCE AGENCY

1) CEK Insurance

2) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services

3) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance

4) State Farm Insurance

5) American Family Insurance

INSURANCE AGENT

1) Ryan Sparke, Farm Bureau Financial Services

2) Justin Moravec, American Family Insurance

3) Ron King, American Family Insurance

4) Kurt Goeser, State Farm Insurance

5) D J Flummerfelt, American Family Insurance

INTERIOR DESIGNER

1) Winfield House

2) Jane Bateman Interiors: The Interior Store

3) Kring’s Interiors

4) Love Your Nest

5) Jack Hope Design

LANDSCAPING SERVICE

1) Lawrence Landscape

2) Turf Masters Inc.

3) Rick’s Lawn & Landscape (Rick Jaimez)

4) Bell’s Turf

5) Mount Hope Lawn Care & Maintenance, LLC

LAW FIRM

1) Stevens & Brand, LLP

2) Barber Emerson, LC

3) The Swain Law Office

4) Petefish, Immel, Heeb & Hird, LLP

5) Fagan Emert & Davis, LLC

LAWYER

1) Calvin J. Karlin, Barber Emerson, LC

1) Sarah G. Swain, The Swain Law Office

3) John Frydman, John Frydman Defense

4) Brad Finkeldei, Stevens & Brand LLP

5) Matthew Hoy, Stevens & Brand, LLP

AND THE WINNERS ARE

ALEX CEDEÑO

PAISLEY & STRIPE HAIR SALON

STYLIST ALEX CEDEÑO WAS GOING ABOUT AN ORDINARY DAY AT PAISLEY AND STRIPE HAIR SALON. WELL, AS ORDINARY AS A WORKING DAY CAN BE WHEN IT’S DOWNTOWN LAWRENCE ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY.

Lawrence townies, students and visitors ran up and down Massachusetts Street singing, dancing and day-drinking. During the chaos, one of Alex’s favorite clients, straight off the party scene and carrying a notebook-sized flask, stepped into the hair salon and into a chair. As a stylist began washing the client’s hair, the client in return began offering up some boozy suggestions: How about using her alligator claw necklace as a comb? What about passing around her flask for some holiday cheer? The stylists declined both with a few giggles. Despite her alligator claw necklace being a little impractical, the client got a new style—and it really wasn’t all that bad considering the challenges.

“It really was just one of the more funny days we’ve had. Everyone was completely sober, I mean, other than her, and she didn’t care. We didn’t really know what she was up to at first, but she was just a Lawrence townie having a good old time,” Cedeño says with a laugh.

—Kalli Jo Smith

Photograph by Nick Krug

HAIR STYLIST

B.A. Green Construction

Commercial Contractor

FIRST PLACE

The talent behind B.A. Green Construction is responsible for some of the city’s showcase public spaces such as the award-winning city library. (Back in 1972, the company also constructed the original building that provided the bones for the new library.) Other projects include the reconstruction of the historic Eldridge Hotel and the Kansas Union additions/renovations.

A fine arts degree and experience as an event planner at Baker University have helped JENNIFER BURKHEAD in her role as CIDER GALLERY event planner for the past 5 years. She says being a mother to two boys also taught her much about setting priorities and coming up with schedules.

Burkhead is the only full-time event employee at Cider Gallery

As an artist, she has also shown her work in Cider Gallery

She contributed to a 6-foot tile mosaic at Baker University

She serves as a committee member for the Food Truck Festival

Burkhead helped plan a wedding featuring an alpaca as flower girl/ring bearer

THREE most-contested categories in the “Services” section were “Hair Stylist” (195 entries), “Realtor,” (151 entries) and “Lawyer” (92 entries).

THIRD PLACE / EVENT PLANNER

Hilltop Child Development Center

Childcare Center

FIRST PLACE

Opening in 1972 and starting with three classrooms, the University of Kansas’ Hilltop Child Development Center is currently licensed to teach and provide care for more than 300 children, ranging in age from toddlers to fifth-graders (kindergarten to fifth grade students arrive for after-school programs). Drawing on the university’s commitment to education, the program’s instructors are required to have a degree or a certification coupled with a track record of teaching experience. Hilltop provides services to Lawrence families but offers a sliding fee schedule for KU families.

PERFECTLY ARRANGED

THE “INTERIOR DESIGN” CATEGORY SAW SOME OF THE CLOSEST RESULTS IN THE “SERVICES”

SECTION WITH ALL OF THE TOP-5 FINISHERS PLACING WITHIN

10 VOTES

OF THE PLACE-WINNER DIRECTLY AHEAD OF THEM.

Jane Bateman Interiors: The Interior Store

Interior Designer

SECOND PLACE

Jane Bateman began her business in 1977 and continues to specialize in providing window treatments and advice to make homes more beautiful. Her business also works with clients to customize a range of accessories such as bedspreads, coverlets, shams and pillows.

Photographs by Fally Afani

Westside 66 and Carwash

Auto Service Repair

FIRST PLACE

Operating since 1957, when it’s location at the southeast corner of 6th and Schwartz Road was the far west side of Lawrence, Westside 66 continues as the city’s only full-service gasoline station. It’s staff also provides tire service and automotive repair— now from the heart of a muchexpanded Lawrence.

SECOND PLACE ORIGINAL “AMYX”

Owned by former mayor and current state representative Mike Amyx, the Amyx Barber Shop continues in the tradition of Mike’s grandfather, Cecil, who set up shop at the same downtown Lawrence location in 1942.

THIRD PLACE OLD SCHOOL

With more than 20 years of experience, Rex’s Stadium Barber Shop is proudly old-school variety with a sports theme décor to match. Watch the game and get the cut.

FIFTH PLACE BRANCHED OUT

Five years ago, long-time barber Malcolm Miller bought the north side of Amyx Barber Shop and made it his own as “Amyx North.”

McGrew Real Estate Real Estate Agency

FIRST PLACE

McGrew Real Estate has grown into one of the city’s leading real estate groups since its beginnings in 1951 when Conrad McGrew founded the company at 806 Massachusetts Street. With offices in Lawrence and Eudora, McGrew has nearly 80 experienced agents and staff to help prospective homeowners and sellers navigate real estate transactions.

Photograph by Fally Afani

The Perfect Hair Style FIND YOUR BEST STYLIST AT STATIC

Best of Lawrence finalist Static Hair Salon is home to six fantastic stylists. While they can all cut and color hair for both women and men, they also have a few specialties. Who is your perfect match?

A MAN OR A WOMAN

PRECISION CUT OR COLOR

HIGHLIGHTS OR RED COLOR CUT OR STYLE

EXTENSIONS OR BOHO BRAIDS

KEVIN MEGAN DEBBIE

Photographs by Brittany Lee

Our commitment to you is accessibility to medical information and assistance 24 hours a day. We do this by providing a broad range of medical services, seven days a week, delivered with a personal touch while using the latest of medical technologies. Our on-call doctor is available by phone to talk to you at any time, day or night. And, since the best medical care is delivered in person, we maintain extended office hours on weekdays as well as provide office hours for urgent care on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Replay Lounge

Live Music Venue

FOURTH PLACE

The Replay Lounge, one of Lawrence’s iconic live music venues, celebrates 26 years in 2019. Not too old for a hipster, but plenty old for a plucky little bar, the Replay currently hosts weekly events such as “Karaoke Jones” and their own open-mic. Throughout its life, this little spot with its signature patio stage has been a staple for local talent, as well as for bands from all over the country (and some international acts).

MARGARITA > BLOODY MARY

Voters nominated slightly more places to get a

MARGARITA

(49 entries) than to get a

BLOODY MARY

(43 entries). Each category had a unique list of top-10 finishers; none of the top-10 venues in the margarita section made it into the the top-10 placers for the bloody mary section, and vice versa.

BAR

1) The Sandbar

2) Free State Brewing Company

3) 23rd Street Brewery

4) Red Lyon Tavern

5) Bullwinkles Bar

BARTENDER

1) Mitch Ursick, Bullwinkles Bar

Photograph by Fally Afani

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

2) Michelle Pouppirt, 23rd Street Brewery

3) Adam Lott, The Bourgeois Pig

4) Dave Johanning, The Sandbar

5) Thomas Joel, Gaslight Gardens

BEER SELECTION (RESTAURANT/BAR)

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

3) Lawrence Beer Company

4) 23rd Street Brewery

5) The Burger Stand

BREWERY

1) Free State Brewing Company

2) Lawrence Beer Company

3) 23rd Street Brewery

4) Yankee Tank Brewing Company

DATE SPOT

1) 715

2) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar

2) Merchants Pub & Plate

4) 6 Mile ChopHouse & Tavern

5) Free State Brewing Company

HAPPY HOUR

1) Merchants Pub & Plate

2) 23rd Street Brewery

3) 715

4) 6 Mile ChopHouse & Tavern

5) Mass St. Fish House & Raw Bar

LATE-NIGHT RIDE SERVICE

1) KU SafeRide

2) KU SafeBus

3) Lawrence Transit System Night Line

4) Ground Transportation Services

5) Party Bus Solutions

LIVE MUSIC VENUE

1) Liberty Hall

2) The Granada

3) Jazzhaus

4) Replay Lounge

5) The Bottleneck

LOCAL BAND

1) Kim and The Quake

2) SELLOUT!

3) Split Lip Rayfield

4) Thunderkat

5) Lawrence Bar Band

5) LK Ultra

PLACE TO GET A BLOODY MARY

1) The Roost

2) Louise’s West

3) Ladybird Diner

4) 715

5) Wake The Dead Breakfast Bar

PLACE TO GET A MARGARITA

1) Cielito Lindo

2) El Potro

3) El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant

4) Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

5) La Tropicana

PLACE TO GET A MIXED DRINK/ COCKTAIL (RESTAURANT/BAR)

1) 715

2) John Brown’s Underground

3) Bon Bon!

4) The Bourgeois Pig

5) Merchants Pub & Plate

SOLO MUSICIAN

1) Tyler Gregory

2) Michael Hamm

3) Kim Murphree

4) Michael Murphree

5) Kelley Hunt

STORE TO BUY BEER

1) On the Rocks

2) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits

3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits

4) Micro Liquor

5) Mass Beverage

STORE TO BUY LIQUOR

1) On the Rocks

2) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits

3) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits

4) Micro Liquor

5) Mass Beverage

STORE TO BUY WINE

1) Cork & Barrel Wine and Spirits

2) On the Rocks

3) City Wine Market

4) Alvin’s Wine & Spirits

5) Mass Beverage

TATTOO ARTIST

1) Carlos Ransom, Abraxas Tattoo Co.

2) Erin Bratzler, BDC Tattoo

3) Jarod Hackney, Standard Electric Tattooing

4) Chris Hess, Abraxas Tattoo Co.

5) Chris Lahue, Lawrence Tattoo Company

TATTOO SHOP

1) BDC Tattoo

2) Abraxas Tattoo Co.

3) Standard Electric Tattooing

4) Skin Illustration

5) Lawrence Tattoo Company

WINE LIST (RESTAURANT/BAR)

1) 715

2) 6 Mile ChopHouse & Tavern

3) J. Wilson’s

4) Merchants Pub & Plate

5) The Eldridge

Merchants Pub & Plate

Happy Hour

FIRST PLACE

With twice-a-day happy hour specials, Merchants Pub & Plate is a perfect stop after a long day. Guests can unwind with the bar specials from 4–6 p.m. and 9 to close Monday through Thursday, 4–6 p.m. and 10 to close Fridays and Saturdays and all day on Sunday. At all times, Merchants features 30 craft beers on draft, a great wine selection and a curated cocktail list.

Lily Pryor, Aoife Conway and Inez Robinson met in 2017 at Girls Rock! Lawrence and were soon joined by August Hyde to form a band that plays under the name LK ULTRA and can be heard at The Bottleneck, The Replay Lounge, and The Redroom.

All band members are teens, and half are still in high school

Exploring ethnicity and gender identity is a recurrent theme in their songs

Robinson writes much of the music, but all members contribute

LK Ultra plans to record an album in summer 2019

Group credits Girls Rock! Lawrence for opening many doors

categories in the “Entertainment & Nightlife” section with the most entries were “Bartender” (150 entries), Local Band (140 entries) and Solo Musician (110 entries).

FIFTH PLACE / LOCAL BAND

715 FIRST PLACE

Place to get a Mixed Drink/Cocktail (restaurant/bar)

Finding a good drink on Mass. Street is easy, finding the greatest drink is a little harder. But for many, their favorite beverage is served at 715 where less is more and classics are classics for a reason. The 715 bar features five core house cocktails and changes its menu seasonally. If you’ve never been, start your first visit by sampling their Basil Rickey (a classic gin Rickey accented with fresh basil) or their Maple Old Fashioned, the house take on an old fashioned.

Brewery

FIRST PLACE THE SENIOR

One of the most popular downtown eateries and a legend among regional breweries, the Free State Brewing Company opened in 1989, making it the first legal brewery in Kansas in 100 years. Stop in for the mainstays: a pint and their famous cheddar ale soup.

SECOND PLACE THE SOPHOMORE

New, but no longer the newest addition to Lawrence’s burgeoning micro-brew scene, Lawrence Beer Company opened its doors in 2017. The East Lawrence brewpub features an impressive list of craft beers and a full menu to help soak it up.

THIRD PLACE THE JUNIOR

Opened in 2006, the westside 23rd Street Brewery is known as a place to eat, drink and enjoy a game. Even if the Hawks are not playing, you can always pair one of this brewery’s signature brews with a sport-themed main dish.

RACHEL BROWN

PARTY BUS SOLUTIONS

AS A VETERAN DRIVER FOR A BUS COMPANY THAT DRIVES GROUPS FOR EVERY OCCASION—INCLUDING WEDDINGS, WINERY TOURS, PROM NIGHTS AND SPORTING EVENTS—RACHEL BROWN HAS SEEN IT ALL.

During her ten years behind the wheel, Brown has kept more than a few random people from joining parties, endured rowdy groups banging on her roof and singing “Come On Eileen,” and seen more than her share of vomit.

Despite being an eyewitness to several contenders for the worst moment in bus-driving history, Brown loves her job. She loves the driving, listening to good music, and being around people who genuinely just want to have a good time.

Sometimes, if it doesn’t involve an aggressively drunken chorus of “too-ra-loo-ra-too-raloo-rye-aye,” then the bus driver has been delighted to join along. Brown has accepted invitations to join groups for concerts and events, including her first-ever NFL football game at Kansas City.

“You get to see what everybody does to have fun,” she says.

—Brittany Lee