Things To Do
Global Cafe
Excellent downtown breakfast and lunch spot with a fantastic latin flare!
Ladybird Diner
A classic diner vibe, featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives! Meg, the owner, has also been seen on Guy's Grocery Games, but Lawrence loves her best for the remarkable efforts she brought our community during the pandemic to feed us. Don't miss the gem and do yourself a favor and order multiple kinds of pie!
Barker - Café and Bakery
Croissants and pastries to die for! This bakery is up for James Beard nominations year after year. Find them on Mass St or at 1900 Barker (the original location). Pro tip--order online the night before so you are sure to get your top pick, the favorites sell out fast! The Mass Street location also serves hearty breakfast and lunch fare--the Avocado Toast and Biscuits and Gravy are two of Rick and Susan's favorites! Don't forget the egg on top--sunny-side up!
The Bourgeois Pig
If you are looking for a cocktail or a coffee or maybe both, then this is your spot!
Black Stag Brewery & Pub
The love of Lawrence, of brewing beer, and of good food translated into a passion for hometown hospitality in the founders of Black Stag who are also Rick's good friends.
Culinaria
Locally sourced, made-to-order Mediterranean fare offered in a cozy atmosphere with wine, beer, and cocktails. Housed in a beautifully renovated limestone stable, Culinaria also boasts one of the best patios in the city!
Bon Bon!
Neighborhood bistro offering playful Midwest-inspired dishes with a French twist, plus craft cocktails and beer.
The Merc Co+op
Our local co-op grocery store filled with local goodies, great organic produce, salad bar and more.
Phoenix Gallery
A great art gallery filled with talent all around Kansas. Find great jewelry, ceramics, woodworking and more.
Wonder Fair
Our favorite spot to shop for art supplies and other gifts for creatives.
The Raven Book Store
A local bookstore filled with good reads and of course a cuddly cat!
Sylas and Maddy's Homemade Ice Cream
Enjoy some of the best ice cream! Enjoy your cone in South Park just a block away!
Lawrence Busker Festival
Over 17 years of fun in funky downtown Lawrence. We are back for our 17th year of making downtown Lawrence a super cool place to hang out! Come see some of the best street performers on the planet right here. The festival takes place all weekend in downtown Lawrence. We will have performers right outside the reception venue!!
Allen Fieldhouse
The home of basketball (ROCK CHALK!) Come see where it all began, including a Hall of Fame display and the official rules of basketball!
Jayhawk Boulevard
Take a stroll down Jayhawk Boulevard to get a feel for what gives this college town it's spirit!
The Dole Institute of Politics
From the world’s largest stained-glass American Flag window, to archival video footage narrated by Senator Dole himself, the Dole Institute offers guests unique glimpses into the life and legacies of Senators Bob and Elizabeth Dole. The Institute features permanent exhibits in the Darby Gallery and Hansen Hall that tell the story of Senator Dole’s life, and special exhibits in the Elizabeth Dole Reading Room that highlight unique moments in history using archival manuscripts and objects. Additionally, the Dole Institute features a September 11 Memorial, the Kansas Veterans Virtual Memory Wall, Kansas Limestone, and more. Senator Dole was well-loved and now fondly remembered by Kansans. He was also Rick's former employer!
Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library & Museum
Tour President Eisenhower's childhood home, Presidential Library and Museum just 1.5 hours west of Lawrence on I-70!