An Outsiders Guide to Lawrence, KS

A stadium filled with spectators watching a sports game under a sky with pink and gray clouds. The stadium has multiple seats, some sections with red, white, and blue seats, and a large digital scoreboard displaying scores and advertisements.

Lawrence is the quintessential college town. At just about 45 minutes west of downtown Kansas City on I-70, it’s far enough away to feel like you’ve completely left the KC Metro but is about as easy and fast to get to as outer ring suburbs like Olathe and Blue Springs. With unique food and drink options, recreational activities, events and live music, there’s plenty reason to make the short trip west for a great afternoon or evening. Better yet, find a place to stay and extend your visit for a full weekend. For some (who likely didn’t even bother to click through to this page), Lawrence will always be the home to their hated rival. Take it from us though; anyone who enjoys good food, good drink and great live entertainment will enjoy a weekend in Lawrence.

Where to Stay

When visiting Lawrence, it’s best to stay downtown or near the KU campus. Here you will be directly in the action and everything is very walkable.

Below are some great options for your stay:

The Eldridge Hotel

This hotel sits right on Massachusetts street in the heart of downtown. Originally this building was the Free State Hotel built in 1855 intended as temporary quarters for settlers of the area. Given its long history it’s no wonder there are tales of it being haunted and was even featured on an episode of My Ghost Story. Don’t let that keep you away though! The hotel was completely renovated in 2005 and features spacious rooms and suites to keep you rested.

The Oread

If you are looking for iconic views of the KU campus, The Oread has you covered. This hotel is just down the street from KU’s football stadium and campus. Built recently in 2010, its facade features Kansas limestone and well-appointed modern rooms.

Loft in Downtown Lawrence

We don’t often recommend AirBNBs, but we personally stayed at this loft in downtown Lawrence and loved it. It is perfect for a couple looking to explore all that downtown Lawrence has to offer. It is located right on Massachusetts street above one of our favorite local shops, Wonderfair. It has the cool, modern vibes with stone/brick walls throughout. The host was great and the loft was clean and comfortable.

Two people smiling for a selfie outside The Eldridge Hotel at dusk, with exterior lighting and signage reading 'The Eldridge' in the background.

Your Two-Day Itinerary for Lawrence

Day 1 Morning

First, grab some breakfast to fuel your day at The Roost. Be sure to get here early if you are in town over the weekend. They get busy fast, but it’s always a fun vibe on Mass Street so waiting outside on a nice day is always a pleasant experience. After breakfast, spend some time exploring downtown and popping into the different shops on Mass Street. There are truly some unique shops with cool vibes. Some of our favorite spots include Wonderfair, Goldmakers, Phoenix Gallery, Ruff House Paperie, and Yarn Barn. For the book and music lovers, you can’t go wrong with The Raven Bookstore, The Dusty Bookshelf, and Love Garden Sounds. Keep an eye out as you shop around and you just might fun a cat lounging among some books or local goods.

Storefront with a sign that says 'GOLDMAKERS' and large display windows decorated with plants and flowers.
A glass of beer on a wooden table with a menu underneath it, inside a restaurant with a view of the outside through the window, and some people in the background.

Day 1 Evening

Dinner will be at 715. This is our favorite date spot in Lawrence. This cozy, intimate spot serves up some excellent pasta and New American fare. After all that walking and eating, a night cap at John Brown Underground will quench your thirst. This dark, intimate speakeasy is a cool atmosphere serving up some innovate cocktails. Definitely make sure to secure reservations if visiting over the weekend.

Close-up of two glasses with drinks, one with ice and a green textured glass, another clear glass with ice, a bowl of small snacks with a wooden spoon, and a brown container in the background on a dark table with purple lighting.
Inside a stationery store with shelves displaying colorful notebooks, cards, and art supplies. Decorations like tissue paper umbrellas and paper garlands hang from the ceiling, and a person is browsing in the background.
A cat sleeping on a large orange cushion inside a shop, with a window showing parked cars and street outside.

Day 1 Afternoon

For lunch, head over to Burger Stand at the Casbah. This is one of our favorite burger spots. They feature a selection of unique burgers, hot dogs, fries, or alcoholic shakes if you are feeling frisky. Get the Smoke burger or Spicy Shiitake if you are craving a veggie based burger.

If you are done shopping, now is a good time to relax and visit some of Lawrence’s best breweries in town. Free State Brewing Company is located right on Mass Street and is Lawrence’s most well-known brewery. You may see their beers featured around the country. Free State became the first legal brewery in Kansas in 1989 in over 100 years. You’ll have to venture a little farther, but Lawrence Beer Company is the worth the trip to East Lawrence and really is only a few blocks away from downtown. This brewery opened in 2017 and has become a quick favorite of ours. They have a great selection of beers to satisfy any palate.

A plate with a burger in the foreground, a basket of French fries seasoned with herbs in the middle, and a serving of various dipping sauces in the background. A glass of beer with the words 'Burger Stand' printed on it is also visible.

Day 2 Morning

Day 2 is going to be all about the University of Kansas. We may be a little biased here since we are both KU grads, but it truly is a beautiful campus and worth a visit. Before you head over to campus, stop at Wheatfields Bakery Cafe for a quick bite. Known for their baked goods, you would be remiss not get a pastry or something with their fresh bread. Now that you have fueled up, head on over to the KU campus. Jayhawk Boulevard is the main strip in campus and just walking along this street will give you some looks at the campus’s beautiful architecture. Start at the Student Union which sits at the edge of campus. Farther along, you’ll find Frasier Hall and Watson Library, which are some of our favorite buildings and are located right next to each other. It’s worth it to pop into Watson Library and get lost amongst the old stacks. Keep heading west on Jayhawk Boulevard until you arrive just off the path of the Campanile and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. The Campanile is a bell tower that rings out over campus throughout the day and holds a special superstition amongst KU students where if you walk through the tower prior to graduation, you won’t graduate. You’ll also find Potter’s Lake just down the hill from the Campanile where students like to lounge on beautiful spring days.

The image shows a tall building with a stone exterior, including black windows, set against a clear blue sky. Green trees partially frame the view from the top.
Indoor basketball arena filled with spectators watching a game. The court has the Kansas Jayhawks logo at center, and players are on the court. The scoreboard shows 2:45 remaining in the first period with a score of Kansas 45, UNC 29.
A young woman with sunglasses, a maroon sleeveless top, white shorts, and maroon sneakers, standing on a concrete sidewalk in front of a staircase leading to a historic stone building, with trees and banners around.
A peaceful park scene with a pond, lush green trees, and a grassy slope, with a sidewalk and shaded area in the foreground and bright blue sky above.

Day 2 Afternoon

If you are feeling hungry for lunch, but don’t want to leave campus you can always eat like a true KU student at The Underground under Wescoe Hall or at the Student Union. Then, soak in some culture at KU Natural History Museum and Spencer Museum of Art right on campus. The KU Natural History Museum features Panorama, paleo garden and wildlife exhibits. The Spencer Museum of Art features two floors of galleries and wide array of art pieces. You’ll often find art students among the galleries working on their own pieces. Last, but certainly not least head over to Allen Fieldhouse. Home to the KU Jayhawks basketball teams, this legendary arena is a must see even if you aren’t going to a game. Head on inside to The Booth Family Hall of Athletics which celebrates the history of basketball and KU athletics just be sure to check the hours of operations especially if it is a game day as it closes down early. We would be remiss not to recommend attending a KU game. Even if you aren’t a fan, it truly is a one-of-a-kind experience. The atmosphere is indescribable and even the most apathetic sports fan will have a good time.

A glass of orange-colored beverage with orange slices inside and a lemon wedge on the rim, placed on a perforated metal table outdoors with people sitting in the background.
A man with brown hair and a beard wearing a plaid shirt and a black T-shirt with a graphic, standing next to a display case with a framed portrait and archival documents. There is a sign above the display case that reads 'James Naismith's Original Rules of Basketball.'

Day 2 Evening

When you are ready for dinner, head back downtown to Limestone Pizza + Kitchen. Here you will find some delicious wood-fired pizzas plus a few other menu items that are all excellent. We recommend the Bianco e Nocci, LA, or Sausage pizzas. Round off your trip with some drinks at The Bourgeious Pig. This quaint bar serves up some great summer sippers especially on a nice night on their patio.

Metal cup filled with ice and fresh mint leaves, a black straw, and a black stir stick, placed on a perforated metal table outdoors.

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A cheeseburger with a beef patty, cheese, and bun on a white plate. In the background, there is a bowl of French fries, a glass of red wine, and a glass of yellowish cocktail. Also visible are a small bowl of white sauce, another plate with a burger in the distance, and a person's arm at the table.

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A dimly lit restaurant table with several glasses of water and a glass of champagne, black napkins, and a dark tablecloth, with blurred background of bar or restaurant interior with hanging lights.

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