CITY GUIDE TO THE GREATEST place IN THE MIDWEST

illustrated & designed by lauren Weege

KU

CLINTONLAKE

The Oread HotelThe Eldridge HotelHalcyon House B&BVictorian Veranda B&BThe Eldridge Extended

Allen Fieldhousethe Live Music SceneThe Barrel HouseClinton Lake/BeachWinery Tastings & Tours

KU’s Museum DistrictPhoenix GalleryLawrence Art CenterDole InstituteWatkin’s Museum & Zen Garden

Au Marche & BritsMadeShark’s Surf ShopThe Etc. ShopRaven Bookstore

Free State BreweryRed Lyon TavernJohnny’s Tavern (the original)The SandbarThe Wheel

The Basil Leaf Cafe715GenoveseThe Burger Stand at the CasbahZen Zero

TOp 5 city guide

The opinions expressed in this guide are those of several 30-somethings who are in love with Lawrence, KS and all the fun stuff to do here - we had to share it with our fellow humans. If your favorites aren’t mentioned in this guide, we sincerely apologize.

Welcome to thegreatest place in the Midwest! Boasting a bustling downtown, a

legendary university onMt. Oread and tons of culture, high and low.

If you’re new to the area or heading here for the

weekend, use this guide as a playbook for your stay.

@TheBasilLeafCafeEAT

THE BASIL LEAF CAFE 785.856-1078 3300 West 6th Street (closed Sundays) | $$

Randomly located inside a Phillips 66 gas station (don’t judge, they’re avoiding the high rent of downtown until they can get more established), this is absolutely Lawrence’s best restaurant. Gourmet and on-the-go - drive thru or dine-in - you get a ton of food for very low cost. Just read the description for their BBQ Spaghettini: saute of peppers, onions, smoked ham, andouille, chicken, sweet corn & tomato in a mesquite smoked tomato sauce, topped with cheddar, bacon, & fried baked beans. If you’re not sold by now, then we don’t know what to tell you.

#2 715 785.856-7150 715 Massachusetts Street | www. 715mass.com | $$ Whether you call it 7-1-5 or seven-fifteen, this is an authentic European bistro in the heart of downtown. Thanks to locally grown produce and meats, the place offers a Midwesten twist on European flavors. Unique offerrings such as Rabbit Ravioli and Honeycomb & Sweet Cream Gelato make for an uncommon dining experience.

#3 Genovese785.842-0300 941 Massachusetts Street | www.genoveseitalian.com | $$$ Consistently offers authentic Italian dishes. We recommend the Gnocchi with slow roasted pork shoulder ragu, chil i flakes & shaved pecorino cheese - or enjoy the Family Style Sharing Pizza, Pasta & Salad on Sundays. And always order the Mussels to start!

#4 The Burger STand at the Casbah 785.856-0543 803 Massachusetts Street | www.thecasbahburgerstand.com | $ Previously located inside Dempsy’s Pub, the Burger Stand offers gormet burgers on a budget. Care for a new taste explosion for your mouth? Here are some offerrings: American Kobe beef with pickled red onion and truffle butter - or - The Fire Burger: topped with fresh avocado & habanero-cactus jam!

#5 Zen Zero 785.832-0001 811 Massachusetts Street | www.zen-zero.com | $$$ If your palate is in search of something out of the ordinary, then you’ll enjoy this “Asian restaurant with cuisines from Nepal, Tibet, Thailand, Vietnam & Japan.” We recommend a cup of Tom Yam soup to start - then go with Phad Kee Mao (Drunken Noodles), and finish with the green tea ice cream.

PHOTos courtesy THE BASIL LEAF CAFE

Honorable Mention: Biemer's BBQ 785.842-0800 2120 West 9th Street | www.biemers.com | $

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@TheBasilLeafCafe

PHOTos courtesy THE BASIL LEAF CAFE

FREE STATE BREWERY785.843-4555 636 Massachusetts Street | www.freestatebrewing.com

Many locals will wonder why this brewery isn’t #1 in the restaurant category - Free State could probably win #1 in every section (other than “Stay”, unfortunately). But the focus here is “Drink” and this place is the top brewery in the Midwest. Seasonal brews and old-standbys adorn the fantastic menu. Grab a beer and head out to the patio with friends to enjoy the evening.

#2 RED LYON TAVERN785.832-8228 944 Massachusetts Street

World Cup soccer, world-class bartenders and world-class beer. This euro-style (English/Irish) pub sells the most Guinness in the Midwest. Real darts and free popcorn with friendly patrons and friendly attitudes. Take time to take in the sign above the bar: “Please don’t tell anyone about the Lyon. We have no time for strangers. Remember it’s your seat.”

#3 JOHNNY'S TAVERN (THE Original)785.842-0377 401 N. 2nd Street | www.johnnystavern.com Since 1953, Johnny's has been the "other" Lawrence institution - maybe even tradition - with the longest running’ tap in town. The original red arrow and giant beer mug sign still grace the entrance.

#4 THE SANDBAR785.842-0111 17 East 8th Street | www.thesandbar.com Escape the plains and welcome to Key West, Kansas. “Home of the indoor hurricane.” Jimmy Buffett on the Juke, a huge aquarium, tropical drinks, and the occasional glimpse of a live mermaid.

#5 THE WHEEL785. 841-0488 507 West 14th Street If you’re looking for an authentic KU drinking establishment, then you’ve met your match. As the closest bar to campus, even KU Alumni in their 80s still frequent this watering hole - a student tradition since the 1950s.

@FreeStateDRINKthey

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happier when full

so many choices!

the Brewery

ORDER A CYCLISt during THE SUMMER MONTHS: a REFRESHING mix of lemonade and wheat state golden

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Honorable Mention: THE JAZZHAUS 785.749-3320 926 1/2 Massachusetts Street | www.jazzhaus.com

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fun gifts

@AuMarche/BritsshopAu Marche & Brits785. 843-2288 /865-0876 931 & 929 Massachusetts Street | www.aumarche.com | www.britsusa.com

Skip the terminal, customs and avoid the jetlag by heading over to Europe, Kansas. Located right next door to each other, you can lose yourself for hours in these two places. Au March is part market and part interactive gallery, depending on how you shop. Often the staff will have something delicious cooking for you to try. We are fans of the Italian papers, foreign foods and soaps. This is the best place to buy a unique gift for those back home. Brits is an authentic little English shop with a plethora of stiff-upper-lip collectables and intrigues. We love the football scarves, the English teas and the ability to purchase BBC items on the spot.

#2 Made (on Mass)785.749-1162 737 Massachusetts Street | www.madeonmass.com

A modern handmade shop carrying locally made items, along with items from regional & national artists. New items arriving weekly - so check in often.

#3 SHARK's SURF SHOP785.841-8289 813 Massachusetts Street | www.sharkssurf.com

No place to surf in Kansas? No problem! The fine folks at this land-locked oasis managed to create a surf shop that feels like any boardwalk store. Surf shoes, sandals, gnarly sunglasses, and beach clothes - there’s even a tanning booth for your inner surf dude!

#4 THE ETC. SHOP785.843-0 611 928 Massach usetts str eet | www.th eetcsh o p.co m Featuring reproductions of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Frank Lloyd Wright and Dard Hunter, of the Arts and Crafts movement. They also offer hand-made jewelry by European and American artists.

#5 raven bookstore785.749-3300 6 East 7th Street | www.ravenbookstore.com

Nothing like the big chain bookstores - thank goodness - this l ittle bookshop features mystery novels, intimate bookreadings, and literary gifts. Check out the PBS Mystery posters capping the ceil ings and strike up a conversation with one of its interesting staff.

chocolate covered bacon!

football team scarves

Italian soaps

unique beverage

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RITSHonorable Mention: Sunflower Outdoor & Bike Shop 785.843-5000 802 Massachusetts Street | www. sunfloweroutdoorandbike.com

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@KUsMuseumDistrictThe Smilodon

KU's Museum district785.864-3506 for district INFOrmation. Spencer museum of art, KU Natural History Museum, KU History Galleries in the Kansas Union

At the Natural History Museum, see the famous panorama of North American mammals which debuted at the 1893 World’s Fair to the amazement of all of Chicago; a working bee hive; dinosaurs and a live bug town - and that’s just the first stop. From there - walk throughout the Kansas Union (right next door) to view over 20 museum panels on the history of the university and its students - plus take in the world’s largest collection of Jayhawks, numbering over 1,000. After you’ve found your new favorite sweatshirt at the KU Bookstore on level 2, head on over to the Spencer Museum. Four stories of paintings, sculptures, prints and photography from almost every continent - European, American, East Asian, Medieval, Japanese Edo-period painting and prints and 20th-century Chinese painting. Also check out the ethnographic collection, which includes about 10,000 Native American, African, Latin American and Australian works. Peruse the sculptures on Spencer’s lawn before you head out.

#2 PHOEnix gallery785.843-0080 919 Massachusetts Street | www.phoenixgalleryks.com This gallery specializes in functional pottery, blown glass, wood work and much more - hand crafted goods by local and national artisans.

#3 lawrence arts center785. 843-2787 940 New Hampshire Street | www.lawrenceartscenter.org Exhibition space within the art center houses some surprising gems. The collection is always rotating new talent, so don’t miss this stop - you might discover your new favorite artist.

#4 dole institute785. 864-4900 2350 Petefish Drive | www.doleinstitute.org An institute for politics, this architectural stunner holds several exhibits, two stain glass windows and hosts fireside chats with today’s important political figures.

#5 Museum & zen Garden785. 841-4109 1047 Massachusetts Street | www.watkinsmuseum.org

Located downtown, enjoy Watkins Museum’s historical displays recounting Lawrence as the birthplace of the Civil War. See other items such as a horse-drawn buggy from 1900 and an electric car from the 1920s. Just outside, you can stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden at any time.

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*CHeck out seasonal opportunities on page 8.

@AuMarche/Brits

Jayhawk bourbon decanter

Ezra Brooks Distilling Co

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@AllenFieldhouse

#2 LIVE MUSICwww.th eg ranada.co m | www.th eb ottlen ecklive.co m | www.li b ertyhall.n et This town is know for great l ive music. All three venues are famous for launching the careers of up-and-coming artists, plus, many established acts stop in Lawrence during their tours. Check out concert schedules at the websites above.

#3 the BARREL HOUSE785.856-3835 729 New Hampshire | www.thebarrelhouse.com

If you can manage to go here on a night when there's not a bachelorette party - you're in for a great night. A dueling piano bar with mixed drinks and an eclectic crowd.

#4 CLINTON LAKE/BEACH785.749-3222 1329 E 800 Road | www.clintonmarina.com

Enjoy the beach on the far side of the lake, or rent a pontoon and join the crowd at party cove. You can also take advantage of the hike/bike trails.

#5 Winery tastings & tourswww.daven po rtwi n ery.co m | www.b lu ejacketwi n ery.co m | www.ku g lersvi n eyar d.co m

All three wineries are located just to the southeast of Lawrence. With over 45 wines between the three, which winery will win your heart?

ALLEN FIELDHOUSE785.864-3141 1651 Naismith Drive | www.ku.edu

Welcome to the birthplace of basketball - “Pay Heed, all who enter: Beware of the Phog.” Named after famed KU coach Forrest C. “Phog” Allen, a game at the Fieldhouse will give you the best feeling in the world. Grown men tear up during the opening video shown before each game - you are guaranteed to get chills. Granted, there’s only about 20 home-games a season, so if you can get tickets - just go! Arrive early to take part in the opening traditions and stay late for the Rock-Chalk Chant, and the waving of the wheat. If you’re not a Jayhawk when you arrive, you’ll be one by the time you leave.

PHOTO CREDIT: AARON SUMNER

PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Sugg/The KC StarPHOTO CREDIT: AARON SUMNER

PHOTO CREDIT: JOHN ROEVER

PHOTO CREDIT: Susan Sternberg

PHOTO CREDIT: AARON SUMNER

PHOTO CREDIT: Jamie Squire

PLAY

freethrow tradit

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Rock Chalk Jayhawk!

Championship Banners

Baby-Jay

someone’s a Huge fan!Phog Allen

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Honorable Mention: Lawrence Pedal Hopper. a bar, tour and a multi-person bike in one 785.856-8687 (TOUR) | www.pedalpub.com

@AllenFieldhouse

PHOTO CREDIT: Rich Sugg/The KC Star

someone’s a Huge fan!

@TheOreadSTAY

THE OREAD HOTEL785.843-1200 1200 Oread Avenue | www.theoread.com

Lawrence’s newest hotel experience, the Oread boasts 360 degree views of Lawrence and KU. Just one block from campus and three blocks from downtown, the Oread was raised inside and out with all-over limestone, each room is designed for comfort with traditional touches and aes-thetically pleasing design. The Bird Dog bar is a great place to take in a football game - or head on down to the Lemon Bliss Spa for a massage. The Oread also houses “The Cave” - a huge night club with three bars: the Shot Bar, the Martini Bar and the Wine Bar. Because of this, however, make sure you request a room that is not above the danceclub.

#2 THE ELDRIdGE HOTEL785.749-5011 701 Massachusetts Street | www.eldridgehotel.com

Rich in history, the Eldridge hotel was burned down during Quantrill’s Raid on Lawrence. Today it is a traditional hotel with two restaurants and a bar, right in the heart of downtown.

#3 HALCYON HOUSE B&B785.841-0314 1000 Ohio Street | www.thehalcyonhouse.com

Perfectly placed between downtown Lawrence and the KU campus, this B&B is anything but typical If you want an extra special stay, request the carriage house - your very own private cottage.

#4 VICTORIAN VERANDA B&B785. 841-1265 1431 No. 1900 Road | www.vcountryinn.com

Just a little north of downtown, this country B&B has 10 guest rooms and a large wrap-around veranda.

#5 THE ELDRIDGE EXTENDED800. 527-0909 201 West 8th Street | www.eldridgehotel.com Staying a little longer than usual? The Extended allows for all the comforts of home, with a kitchenette, flat screen TV and quite ambiance.

relax and enjoy

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beautiful bathrooms

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picking the perfect pumpkin

End of March through December

Pendleton'sCountry Market785.843-1409 1446 E. 1850 Road

www.pendletons.com

A family farm in the country. Pick-your-own vegetables or purchase fresh cut flowers, bedding plants, and housewares.

Saturdays mid-April through mid-November

downtown Farmer's MarketBetween 10th & 11th on Vermont Street

www.lawrencefarmersmarket.com

Head on down for fresh vegetables, flowers, jams, breads, pies - everything a farmer’s market should be.

End of Septemberthrough October 31st

SchaakePumpkin Patch785.843-2459 1791 North 1500 Road

www.schaakespumpkinpatch.com

Pick-your-own pumpkin, enjoy a hayride through the crisp fall air, sip hot apple cider and enjoy the country flair.

Third Full Weekendin October

Maple Leaf FestivalIn Baldwin City, 12 miles South of Lawrence

www.mapleleaffestival.com

Over 150 booths of crafts, artisans, and culinary delights, the MLF has been a local tradition for more than 50 years.

LocalTraditions&Favorites

*If you happen to be in lawrence around christmas time, check out the old fashioned christmas parade with horse-drawn carriages.www.lawrencechristmasparade.org

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*If you happen to be in lawrence around christmas time, check out the old fashioned christmas parade with horse-drawn carriages.www.lawrencechristmasparade.org

How Did We DO?Is there something totally missing?

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The opinions expressed in this guide are those of several 30-somethings who are in love with Lawrence, KS and all the fun stuff to do here - we had to share it with our fellow humans. If your favorites aren’t mentioned in this guide, we sincerely apologize.

© 2011 Lawrence, KS Top 5 City Guide | Illustrated & Designed by Lauren Grieb