Lawrence, Kansas is an exciting college town packed with activities. From art galleries and restaurants to breweries, coffee shops and wedding venues – Lawrence truly has something for everyone!
Clinton State Park and Prairie Park Nature Center are two luxuriant community parks that make for a peaceful haven for families to spend their leisure time.
Free State Brewing Company
Craft beer fans should check out Free State Brewing Company. As Kansas’ first brewery in over 100 years, it offers an impressive variety of delicious beers to choose from as well as its popular food menu which has become a Lawrence institution.
Established in 1989 and located in downtown Lawrence, Kansas, this brewery offers a lively atmosphere where you can enjoy an award-winning beer as well as delectable cuisine.
It boasts over fifteen beers on tap and a full restaurant that caters to customers of all ages. Their menu boasts pub burgers and sandwiches as well as signature salads and pasta dishes.
Their Cheddar Ale Soup is a must-try. It’s smooth and filling, perfect with their Oatmeal Stout.
Try their chicken and crawfish gumbo or Blackbean quesadillas. This restaurant is also renowned for its enormous onion rings piled so high they look like they might topple over your head!
Also try their sour beer – it has a fruity, tart taste with just enough guava flavoring.
This beer is inspired by the Berliner Weisse style and features an infusion of tropical pink guava. It has a medium body made with malts, rice and spices.
Other specialty beers include Ad Astra Amber, Copperhead Pale Ale and Yakamaniac IPA – the latter winning gold at the Great American Beer Festival.
If you want to learn more about this brewing company, be sure to visit their website. It offers detailed information about all their beers as well as details on their location, events and history.
Free State has an awesome online store where you can purchase all their merch. From t-shirts and dog tags, to cutting boards and magnets, they have something for everyone.
Chuck Magerl founded this brewery in 1989, and since then it has become one of Kansas’ largest. It’s popular with college students as well as locals alike; located downtown Lawrence, their selection includes award-winning beers.
715 Restaurant
For an authentic dining experience in Lawrence, 715 Restaurant is an excellent option. They serve simple yet delectable food along with refreshing cocktails and wines. Plus, it’s the perfect place to catch some live music!
The 715 Restaurant in Downtown Lawrence provides an Italian-inspired menu with seasonal ingredients and a wide range of cuisines. Perfect for date night or a special evening with friends, this establishment can provide the perfect setting.
Although 715 is an upscale restaurant, it maintains a welcoming family atmosphere. The restaurant has a comprehensive children’s menu and welcomes customers of all ages. Staff members are more than willing to assist guests and make recommendations based on age or personal preferences.
Michael Hyde, the chef at 715, said he wanted the restaurant to be “a place for everyone.” Diversity is key in his opinion and he strives to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity among his 60 employees.
On Massachusetts Street in 2009, 715 opened its doors in a historic stone building that has been restored to provide an inviting atmosphere. Its contemporary decor boasts sleek wooden chairs and glossy black tables for dining out in style.
Italian-influenced dishes are the specialty at this restaurant, but it also has an impressive selection of burgers and sandwiches to choose from. The menu has been meticulously created by a group of chefs who strive to use only top-notch ingredients and serve only the best dishes.
They strive to offer gluten-free and low-fat dishes, which can be hard to come by in Lawrence. Furthermore, the restaurant boasts a full bar with specialty cocktails and wine.
One of the greatest things about 715 is its vegetarian-friendly atmosphere. They even have their own Veggie Burger on the menu!
If you’re a beer connoisseur, Lawrence has several excellent breweries to choose from. These include Free State Brewing Company and Lawrence Beer Company. Not only do they offer an impressive selection of ales, but they also serve lunch and dinner daily.
Lawrence offers a variety of restaurants to choose from, making it difficult to find one that serves your ideal meal. Here are some recommendations: Merchants, J. Wilson’s 715, Cosmos Indian Cafe and Culinaria are just a few that offer vegetarian options on their menus.
Naismith Memorial Park
Basketball fans must add Naismith Memorial Park to their list of things to do in Lawrence. Not only is the park home to Naismith’s Original Rules of Basket Ball, but it is an excellent location to explore basketball history and learn about those who have had an impact on the game.
Naismith Memorial Park is home to not only a museum but also Naismith Memorial Court and Booth Hall of Athletics. Visitors can enjoy many activities at the Park such as basketball games, tours of the Park, and other special events.
For basketball enthusiasts, The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame should not be missed. Boasting over 40,000 square feet of basketball history, it’s the ideal destination to learn about your favorite players and gain insight into the game at any level.
At the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, don’t miss out on visiting Jerry Colangelo’s “Court of Dreams.” This expansive basketball court features interactive exhibits to let kids practice their b-ball skills.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts is dedicated to upholding and preserving basketball at all levels. With 401 inductees from around the world, its 40,000 sq ft of exhibition space showcases basketball’s rich legacy.
In 1959, The Hall of Fame was first located on campus at Springfield College but has since moved into its own building and is now ranked as one of the world’s most visited sports halls of fame.
It was named in honour of Canadian-American physician James Naismith, who invented basketball at a YMCA gym in Springfield, Mass. While at the YMCA, Naismith also began teaching classes about physical education to its members.
Naismith left the YMCA to join the University of Kansas faculty as director of physical education and campus chaplain. Additionally, he created KU’s inaugural basketball program.
Naismith also founded the Sigma Eps chapter at the University of Kansas, with hopes that their chapter would serve as an example for other colleges around the country.
Ruff House Art
Ruff House Art has been around for nine years, providing customers with a selection of hand-crafted stationery and personalized cards that are both adorable and practical. Additionally, they sell gift packs to celebrate special occasions.
If you’re searching for something special to do in Lawrence, KS, Ruff House Art is the perfect destination. This paper and press shop offers an impressive selection of stationery, greeting cards and wedding invitations that are sure to please any taste.
Jill Shephard founded Ruff House Print Shop in 2009 and since then, their line of letterpress printed gifts and stationery has become a top seller, sold to over 1,000 boutique stores and select national retailers across America. Additionally, they carry home goods like notepads, recipe books, meal planners, coasters and mugs – perfect for any occasion!
Washington Creek Lavender is another unique destination to check out, a lavender farm/shop selling adorable products. Take a tour and pick up some gifts or souvenirs here for an unforgettable experience.
Lawrence boasts a vibrant cultural scene and offers visitors plenty of museums and galleries to enjoy. The Lawrence Arts Center, housed in an art deco building downtown, hosts visual art exhibitions as well as performances.
Each year, Lawrence hosts the Lawrence Jazz Festival to commemorate its vibrant cultural heritage.
In addition to the Lawrence Arts Center, you can visit the Watkins Community Museum of History for an insightful look into Douglas County’s past. Its permanent exhibits highlight its involvement in major events like the Civil War and Vietnam War.
Lawrence’s Museum of Natural History is an ideal destination to while away some time. Exhibits cover topics ranging from local history to natural disasters. With so much engaging artwork on display, visitors are sure to have an enjoyable and educational experience.
The museum also features an exhibit honoring all 18 Kansas athletic teams. Its Game and Gear gallery showcases each squad, while the KANSAS Experience Wall showcases crimson and blue as well as team traditions.
In addition, the Museum of Natural History is an ideal spot to spend some time. It boasts several permanent exhibits and houses a vast collection of animal specimens and artefacts.
