It’s crazy to think that one week ago we were leaving Kansas after a whirlwind trip for Doug’s little brother’s graduation in the center of the state. Isn’t it crazy how quickly time goes by once you return from vacation? Anyway, the relative passage of time is neither here nor there. When we arrived at the Kansas City airport we picked up our rental car, met with a friend for lunch, and then high-tailed it to our favorite city in the Sunflower State: Lawrence. To be honest, I can’t believe I haven’t done a profile on Lawrence yet!
One thing I’ve noticed in life is this: If you want to find the best donuts in town, find out where the senior citizen crowd goes. You certainly won’t find the most aesthetically pleasing joint, but you will find the best donuts. Start your day in Lawrence out at Munchers Bakery. The cream cheese donuts were highly recommended, but I loved my blueberry and apple fritters.
Once your’e hopped up on sugar and caffeine, burn off some of that energy by heading over to Clinton Lake for some fresh air and pretty scenery, or take a stroll around KU–the University of Kansas.
Then, head over to the most popular part of town– Massachusets St (called Mass St). If you truly wanted to, it would be easy to spend the entire day on Mass, poking around each and every shop–varying from big chains like Gap, to antique stores, music stores, and more.
Arriving at Mass Street, you’re probably ready for lunch. Whatever you’re in the mood for, there is a great restaurant to fit the bill.
- Foodies – 715 Mass
- Mexican – La Parilla
- Asian – Zen Zero
- Brunch – Milton’s
- Burgers – Burger Stand at the Casbah
Notable shops include…
Love Garden Sounds, a music store with a wide variety of CDs and Vinyl, including some hard-to-finds. Since I’ve been visiting Lawrence the shop has been in three different locations, but the loyal customers take it all in stride. The shopfront they’re in now has a primo location so I don’t anticipate any shakeups for a while. Isn’t the deconstructed piano in their front window incredible?
Wild Man Vintage is a clothing store dealing in (you guessed it) vintage. It rules, but we’re biased because our buddy works here. But really, look at that amazing selection of vintage boots!
In the evening, catch a show at Liberty Hall, The Granada, The Bottleneck, or even Jackpot! I’ve seen several shops at Liberty Hall and they have been some of the best ones I’ve ever been to. It’s easy to get really close to the stage!
After the show head back to your friend’s apartment–you are staying with a college buddy, right? And partake in a time-tested tradition–ordering a midnight pizza from Fat Freddy’s. Their delivery hours are insanely late: up to 3 and 4 AM!
Anyway… that’s what I’d do! ;)
My Friend Staci 
I have never managed to make it to Munchers before the majority of the donuts were gone. Still, though, never disappointed.
715 Mass is a very cool little place for Brunch. Last time we were in town, though, we were sad to see that Milton’s had closed.
I got the scoop for you! Evidently, Milton’s closed, then the owner opened a pizza place in a different location (in the new building adjacent to the parking garage). Reception of the new restaurant was horrible, so it closed and reopened as Milton’s again. So, it’s still around, albeit in a new place!
I’ve never been there but I checked and Lawrence has a Volksmarch that starts at the Eldridge Hotel. The brochure says “This course will lead through shaded, residential areas of Lawrence as well as the downtown business area. Most of the course will be on city sidewalks or paved streets on fairly flat terrain. Be prepared for uneven and /or brick sidewalks. Part of the trail will have hills as it goes through the University of Kansas main campus. Civil War historians will enjoy this walk” Maybe I’ll make it there one day and collect a stamp in my record book for this interesting town.