Are you staying in Lawrence for spring break and worried about boredom? This guide will introduce restaurants, shops and activities accessible in Lawrence and ease your fear of missing out on the fun.
Where to shop
Massachusetts Street is the historical focal point of Lawrence and is a fantastic spot to spend a day in the sun. There are many stores to visit, and it's a perfect place to shop locally.
Daisy Lee Vintage and Wild Man Vintage offer a unique secondhand shopping experience with fun decor and music. Both businesses were created in Kansas and sell clothes and accessories for everyone to enjoy.
If you are an avid reader or want to pick up a book for the first time, The Raven Bookstore and The Dusty Bookshelf are local book shops that will help you find your next great read. Both are cozy, welcoming and perfect places to browse. If you find a book that calls your name, find a place to sit on Massachusetts Street and get some fresh air while satisfying your mind.
Wonder Fair and The Toy Store are also great places to find fun trinkets and items that spark creativity. Both can provide arts and crafts supplies, toys and puzzles to do with friends.
The Lawrence Antique Mall is three floors full of unique history and quirky items. Walking through the store can take a while, allowing anyone time to shop and see what interests them.
Where to eat
Lawrence has several locally-owned restaurants, with many located on Massachusetts Street, that are classic and timeless. Among them are local, affordable and quality restaurants.
After shopping, you might need a pick-me-up. There are many local coffee and drink shops that will reset and refresh. Wheatfields Bakery Cafe, located on Vermont St., offers coffee and pastries, making it a perfect place for brunch. Hi Tea is a bubble tea store that serves a variety of flavors of boba.
Free State Brewing Company is located on Massachusetts Street and has been a Lawrence staple for 36 years. Known for its beer, this restaurant also serves classics such as hamburgers and macaroni and cheese.
Molcajetes Lawrence and Aladdin Cafe serve quality cultural food, and they're both local to Lawrence. Molcajetes serves authentic Mexican food and margaritas. Aladdin Cafe is a Mediterranean-Greek restaurant that serves kabobs, soups and hummus.
Minsky’s and Papa Keno’s are pizza restaurants and are popular among KU students. If you don’t like pizza, no worries. Minsky’s offers burgers and fries for those wanting something different. According to Google Reviews, the prices for Papa Keno’s tend to be anywhere from $10-$20 for a single person, making it a great quick meal for a college student on a Lawrence staycation.
Where to get a sweet treat
After a long day of walking around Massachusetts Street shopping and eating at a fabulous restaurant, you will be in need of a sweet treat.
Sylas and Maddie’s is a homemade ice cream parlor that is family-owned and operated. Not only do they have a variety of ice cream flavors and combinations, but they also sell sherbet. All of their ice cream and waffle cones are made fresh daily.
Named after the owner’s childhood nickname, Squishingtons Candy is a candy store located next to Liberty Hall. After dinner, stop in the candy store for a sweet treat or two. You can create a combination bag and even pick candies based out of Japan.
Mass Street Soda is another popular destination for dessert. Located next to Sylas and Maddie’s, this shop sells over 1,000 different kinds of craft sodas, according to their website.
Where to get creative
Looking to pick up a new hobby over spring break? Lawrence offers many businesses that help you pick up a new skill.
Sunfire Ceramics is a studio located on New Hampshire St. that is perfect for getting your hands dirty and creating a masterpiece of your own. Pick out a piece of various projects such as dishware, decorative items, glass jewelry, pottery or trinkets. Then you can personalize your project by painting the piece with an assortment of glazes and colors.
Once you finish designing your pottery piece, hand it over to the pros to be fired in the kiln and ready to pick up 3-5 days later. The studio provides guidance but encourages self-led creativity.
"For first-time visitors I would suggest trying out fused glass art. Not enough people do it, but you can make some really beautiful projects,” employee Jill Bear said.
Yarn Barn is another specialty store, focused on knitting, crocheting, needlework and weaving kits. This storefront is in the heart of Downtown Lawrence on Massachusetts Street. They offer classes, along with a large variety of materials for your next project. Yarn Barn also offers books and self-teaching kits for beginners looking to get started.
Where to attend events
Need an outing? There is always something happening around Lawrence, even when classes aren’t in session.
If you’re looking for a KU sporting event, head over to Jayhawk Tennis Center to watch women’s tennis. They face TCU on Friday, March 21 at 5 p.m., and again on Sunday, March 23 at noon, playing Baylor University.
Before the Baylor match, Kansas tennis will also be hosting Alumni Day, a celebration of 55 years of women’s tennis. Don't miss the chance to cheer on the talented Jayhawk athletes and enjoy a great game. It's the perfect way to spend your day and show your support.
Find your inner zen at Turtle Yoga in Prairie Park Nature Center. Yoga sessions begin at 10:30 a.m. Bring your own yoga mat and practice basic yoga with turtles. This event is open to all ages, and tickets cost $10. At the end of the practice, you will have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one turtle time.
Where to enjoy the great outdoors
Lawrence offers a variety of outdoor activities perfect for a staycation. Here are unique top nature spots and outdoor gems to explore while enjoying the spring weather.
Located just outside of Lawrence, Clinton State Park offers 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as an 18-hole disc golf course and a beach. The park provides opportunities for boating, fishing and walks along Clinton Lake Marina. Scenic views and recreational activities make it an ideal location for relaxation or adventure.
Located off 2nd and Indiana Street, Burcham Park is a serene oasis along the Kansas River. The park features playground equipment, trails and open spaces, making it a great place to gather with friends for a picnic or play yard games. Visitors can enjoy fishing, hiking, and picnicking while taking in the scenic views and diverse wildlife.
While you might not be getting on a plane and traveling across the world, you can still experience a variety of adventures right here in Lawrence. Whether you immerse yourself in outdoor activities or explore the unique shops that give the town its charm, there is something for everyone.
This article was edited by Arts & Culture Editor Isabella Johnson. If the information in this article needs to be corrected, please contact isabella.johnson@ku.edu. We want to hear from you!
