Centennial - Lawrence, KS Area Guide

Dr. Charles Robinson and Charles Branscomb chose the area of Lawrence, Kan. in July 1854, sent by the New England Emigrant Aid Company. Before it was a settlement, it was part of the Shawnee Indian Reservation.

Lawrence played a minor part in the Civil War, but it nonetheless had effect on the town as Southern sympathizers burned down many buildings.

The area has many historical museums and art exhibits that you can visit, including the Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas Natural History Museum, Lawrence Arts Center and the Freedom's Frontier National Heritage Area.

Some fun events that happen annually include Ghost Tours of Kansas: February Ghost Tour, and Final Fridays, where all the art exhibits open each month, and the Farmers Market that happens on Saturdays from April 12 to November 22.

Chain restaurants predominate along the Clinton Parkway/23rd Street Corridor. However, 10 minutes away you can find some fine cuisine suitable to your needs.

Cafe Beautiful provides one of the most unique experiences that a person could have in Lawrence. One chef, one table, seven days a week, this cafe hides itself away from those who are not true foodies. Though sitting down to dine costs about $50 to $70 a person, locals say the experience equals the cost. With a pre-fixed menu, you may receive butternut-squash soup, a scallop-and-egg dish, curry-coconut soup, tuna tartare or a sweet-sour duck breast. Keep in mind that the chef chooses the meal, and you must also bring your own wine.

For a fun treat that all ages can enjoy, head to Mass Street Soda on Massachusetts. Open 7 days a week, you can try over 1,300 soda flavors from all over the world. Sit at the bar or have a six-pack to go. You will also find that Mass Street Soda serves at many community events and festivals.

Free State Brewing Company brews some of the finest beers in the area. One of the first breweries to be legalized in Kansas, it's been a place where people can truly immerse themselves in beer. They have a great lunch menu and dinner menu consisting of California fish tacos, sweet potato cakes, apple-glazed pork tenderloin, a pastrami Reuben sandwich, and the ciabatta French-dip sandwich.

Most of the nightlife on the Clifton/23rd Street Corridor awaits 10 minutes away in the downtown area, and most of it gears toward college students. The big college bars that cater to mostly college students include The Wagon Wheel, Louise's West, The Sandbar and Harbour Lights. The Replay Lounge also has live entertainment. However, for this college town, the number of bars seems endless.

Many people in the Lawrence area drive to their destinations. Many transportation services can get you around the city. GTS Taxi, Jayhawk Taxi and Lawrence First Class Transportation include all services that you can call on the phone to ensure that people can remain mobile and safe.

The Lawrence Transit System can get you around the city for $1 per a ride or $2.75 for a day pass. Uber doesn't service the Lawrence area.

Downtown Lawrence has free and metered public spaces. Every block on the east and west side of Massachusetts has 15-minute meters clearly marked for this use. Free parking remains available on the top floor of the New Hampshire Parking Garage, mid-block between 9th and 10th Street.

Residents enjoy easy to access to highways and express ways, with the Clifton/23rd Street Corridor heading into East 10 highway; it takes you directly out of the city toward Kansas City. Highway 59 runs north and south along the city. Some bike lanes navigate through the city, and the city proves generally bike friendly.

Lawrence has 43 parks scattered between the neighborhoods and city area. Some big ones in the area include Naismith Valley Park, Broken Arrow Park and Holcom Park Recreation Center.

Naismith Valley Park consists of a 25-acre area that contains trails and nature areas. The park doesn't have any restoration areas or playground but welcomes dogs. The park houses a natural area of a floodplain leading to the Wakarusa River. In the late 1990s, the Parks and Recreation Department further developed the park by adding a nature trail following the stream in the park.

Broken Arrow Park, besides the traditional picnic usage area, contains playground equipment, baseball/softball fields (one lighted), lighted horseshoe courts (18 courts), sand volleyball courts, open space and a tennis court. Many events occur here as well.

Holcom Park Recreation Center hosts a recreation center that contains a full-size gymnasium, combination racquetball/handball court, locker/shower facilities, game room for billiards, foosball and air hockey, wellness/weight room with cardio equipment, and a meeting room with a kitchenette. It also hosts classes.

The cost of living in Lawrence hits right at the average mark in relation to the rest of America. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence costs around $800 for the city center and $550 for outside the city.

The typical price of a beer at a local pub costs around $3.75, and gas costs average 8 percent lower than the national average.

Department stores, vintage and thrift stores, and other miscellaneous item stores make up the Lawrence shopping scene. A few high-end shops include Nomad's Boutique and Kieu's Inc.

At Nomad's Boutique you can find unique items that include clothing, bags, shoes, luggage, travel accessories and jewelry from around the world. Kieu's Inc. centers around the idea of providing clothing that provides hot, coastal and cutting-edge fashion at a cheaper price than what you find at a normal boutique. In order to access a larger shopping mall, drive 35 to 40 minutes away to Oak Park Mall in Overland Park for a wide variety of stores. Along the Clifton/23rd St. Corridor, many grocery stores cluster, including Hyvee, Natural Grocers, and a Dillons. About 6 minutes away sits the Au Marche European Market, a store that provides European groceries from all over Europe. Another 6 minute drive from the Clifton/23rd St. Corridor lies the Mediterranean Market & Cafe, which contains food imported from all over the world.