A Local’s Guide: Hidden Gems And Unique Experiences In Lawrence

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27 June 2023

Travel

Lawrence

Welcome to Lawrence, Kansas! This vibrant college town, home to the University of Kansas, is brimming with charm and character.

Often overshadowed by larger cities, Lawrence has managed to maintain a unique identity and local flavor that is truly captivating. Steeped in history and buzzing with creativity, this friendly Midwestern city offers a treasure trove of hidden gems and unique experiences just waiting to be discovered.

In this local’s guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the best spots in town, revealing the secrets that only the locals know. So, let’s embark on our adventure and uncover the hidden wonders of Lawrence and the things to do in Lawrence KS!

Things To Do in Lawrence Ks

Things To Do in Lawrence Ks

South Park

Located in the heart of downtown Lawrence, South Park is a beautiful, historic park that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With a picturesque gazebo, lush greenery, and a children’s playground, South Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic or a leisurely stroll.

Lawrence Farmers Market

Open from April to November, the Lawrence Farmers Market is a must-visit destination for fresh, locally-sourced produce and handmade goods. Held in the historic downtown area, the market provides an authentic taste of Lawrence and a chance to support local businesses.

Spencer Museum of Art

The Spencer Museum of Art, located on the University of Kansas campus, houses an impressive collection of over 45,000 works of art. The museum features a diverse range of exhibits, from ancient to contemporary art, and offers free admission, making it an accessible and enriching experience for all.

Lawrence Arts Center

One of the fun things to do in Lawrence KS is the Lawrence Arts Center. This dynamic institution offers classes, exhibitions, and performances, showcasing local and regional artists. With a wide range of programming, there’s something for everyone, from art enthusiasts to casual visitors.

Massachusetts Street

Often referred to as “Mass Street,” this lively thoroughfare is the heart of Lawrence’s vibrant downtown scene. With its unique blend of local shops, restaurants, and historic architecture, Mass Street is an ideal place to spend an afternoon exploring the local culture and flavors.

The Burger Stand

If you’re craving a mouthwatering burger, look no further than The Burger Stand. This local favorite offers an array of creative, gourmet burgers, and delicious truffle fries and will be one of the best things to do in Lawrence KS. With its laid-back atmosphere and extensive beer selection, The Burger Stand is a must-visit for foodies and casual diners alike.

The Raven Bookstore

This charming, independent bookstore is a haven for book lovers. The Raven Bookstore offers a carefully curated selection of new and used books, along with a cozy atmosphere perfect for browsing. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting lost in the stacks for hours on end!

Watkins Museum of History

The Watkins Museum of History, located in a beautiful historic building, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Lawrence and Douglas County and is one of the fun things to do in Lawrence KS. With engaging exhibits and interactive displays, the museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the area’s past.

Clinton Lake

For outdoor enthusiasts, Clinton Lake offers a picturesque setting for a variety of recreational activities. From boating and fishing to hiking and picnicking, there’s something for everyone at this beautiful, expansive lake just outside of town.

The Oread

Perched atop Mount Oread, this elegant boutique hotel offers stunning views of the University of Kansas campus and the surrounding city. With its luxurious accommodations, fine dining options, and unique rooftop bar, The Oread is a truly memorable place to stay.

The Granada Theater

The historic Granada Theater is a cornerstone of Lawrence’s thriving music scene. This iconic venue hosts a diverse array of live performances, from local bands to national touring acts, and its intimate atmosphere ensures a memorable concert experience.

Ladybird Diner

For a taste of classic Americana, stop by the Ladybird Diner. This retro-inspired eatery serves up delicious comfort food, including homemade pies and all-day breakfast options. The welcoming, nostalgic atmosphere will make you feel right at home.

Final Fridays Art Walk

On the last Friday of every month, downtown Lawrence comes alive with the Final Fridays Art Walk. This lively event showcases the work of local artists in galleries, shops, and other venues throughout the area. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the creativity and talent of Lawrence’s vibrant art community.

Should You Move to Lawrance Ks?

Lawrence, Kansas, is a truly special destination, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that caters to all types of visitors. As we’ve explored in this local’s guide, the hidden gems and unique experiences found throughout the city provide a genuine taste of what makes Lawrence so remarkable. Whether you’re a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, or just someone looking for a memorable getaway, this charming college town has something for everyone.

In addition to its many attractions, Lawrence is also a place where the friendly, welcoming spirit of the Midwest shines through. The locals are proud of their city and eager to share its hidden treasures with visitors. As you explore the town’s diverse neighborhoods, bustling downtown area, and tranquil green spaces, you’ll undoubtedly be greeted with warm smiles and genuine hospitality.

So, the next time you find yourself planning a trip, consider Lawrence as your destination. With this local’s guide to hidden gems and unique experiences, you’ll be well-equipped to uncover the true heart of this delightful Kansas town. Pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to create unforgettable memories in Lawrence! If you are planning on living in Lawrence Ks you will need moving help from a professional moving company.

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Arnab is a professional blogger, having an enormous interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, He carries out sharing sentient blogs.

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Israel

Things To Do In Israel That You Must Know

Israel captures a person’s imagination at first sight. This is the place to come across the myriad colors and wonders of nature. If the various sacred sites strewn across the region strike the spiritual chord in you, then the wonderful shiny beaches enliven your stay. This place also displays its cosmopolitan side at its various bars, cafes and beaches at Tel Aviv, and at the boutique wineries of the Galilee region. Naturally, experiencing the best of what Israel has to offer is a pretty daunting task. However, with the list of things to do in Israel described in this blog, you can be rest assured that every moment in Israel will seem like a celebration. Read also: The Top 10 Things To Do In Hawaii 2017 Red Sea Star   [caption id="attachment_3409" align="aligncenter" width="676"] Image source: Pinimg.com[/caption] Ever heard of underwater dining? Red Sea Star, the underwater restaurant, brings that wild imagination to life. Created 10 years ago, it constitutes a combination of two areas. The one above called the Metro Bar, offers splendid views of the Gulf of Aqaba, while the underwater area, called the Red Sea Star (so-called because it resembles the shape of a star), consists of an underground bar, including a floor covered in sand. Beit Guvrin Caves   Beit Guvrin Caves were excavated from an area that was once called the Israeli cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Archaeologists have come across many caves that spanned across several eras, from the Sidonian and Israelite to the Roman. Some of the caves may have served as hideouts and defenses. The highlight of these caves are the painted burial rooms created by the Sidonians. A Roman amphitheater, standing above the ground ruins of the city of Maresha, is an attraction in its own right. Rosh HaNikra Grottoes [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="620"] Image source: ravelingisrael.com[/caption] Rosh HaNikra Grottoes, located on the coast in proximity to Lebanon’s border, was once a diver’s delight. The pure blue waters found in the caves here are as much of an attraction as a mystery. The caves were formed through millennia of strong waves crashing against the soft chalk cliffs on the Mediterranean Sea. The gondola cars that operate here transport the riders from the top of the white cliffs to the bottom in just around two minutes. Naturally, this site is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Israel. Shrine of the Book Israel’s Shrine of the Book, part of Israel Museum, was constructed in 1965. It houses ancient biblical parchments known as the Dead Sea Scrolls. This modern womb-like shrine has been created in the modernist line of architecture. The exterior assumes a rounded peak with sculpted striations lapping up its walls, while the spacious interiors display the Dead Sea Scrolls the year-round. The glass cases on the outer ring of the shrine contain pages, but, it’s the central display which resembles a giant Torah scroll, that hogs the limelight. Tel Hazor A tour to Israel must involve visiting Tel Hazor, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site located over the ruins of an ancient city. Occupying over 200 acres just north of the Sea of Galilee, this region has yielded some incredible archaeological finds. Some of the major attractions for the tourists here are the Solomonic city gates, a restored Late Bronze Age Temple and the city acropolis. The Canaanite Orthostat and Stele Temples are other sites that are worth visiting. Makhtesh Ramon [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image source: igoogledisrael.com[/caption] Israel is full of bizarre geological formations called makhteshim (craters), and one of them is Makhtesh Ramon. Extending to 40km in length and possessing a width of almost 10km, it is undoubtedly Israel’s largest national park – Ramon Nature Reserve. Visits and expeditions to this region can be conducted from the valley’s only town, Mitzpe Ramon (Ramon Observation Point), albeit visitors should avoid the mid-day heat. The best way of experiencing the magic of this place is staying overnight in one of the hand-woven tents and enjoying the company of the Bedouin herders. Dialogue in the Dark How about going blind for a day? Well, not literally! Dialogue in the Dark, an exhibition funded by former journalist Andreas Heinecke, consists of a series of pitch-black galleries which require visitors to experience their surroundings through visionless stimuli. The visitors here are guided by blind or partially sighted persons who orient them to the surroundings, thereby providing a heightened sense of security in the darkened environment. The completion of the tour is followed by a conversation between the guide and vision-restored visitors. Atlit Yam Your holidays to Israel are incomplete without a visit to Atlit Yam, which contains the submerged ruins of a Neolithic coastal settlement. Dating back to 6900-6300 BC, these underwater excavations have unearthed wells, graves, and houses. This historic site was discovered by marine archaeologist Ehud Galili and holds several unique fascinations.  One of these is the seven megaliths arranged in a semi-circle encircling a freshwater spring, located in the center of the settlement. Saba's Little Museum Saba’s Little Museum is a wonderful museum located in the Jerusalem Hills. Its uniqueness arises from the various items that trace the history of the Jewish people and their way of life from Biblical times until today. Stuffed in a small cluster of warehouses, this museum contains a collection of items ranging from memorabilia and junk to modern appliances. Children’s toy cars, vintage radio sets, along with some barrels and rusted steel cooking barrels are some of the items that a visitor comes across. Meah Shearim To get a glimpse of the ultra-conservative lifestyle of Jews, head to Meah Shearim. This neighborhood in Israel is home to the ultra-orthodox Haredim. A visitor can easily recognize this neighborhood by the community that resides in it – black suits with matching hats, full beards, and long and curling sidelocks known as eyes. You may end up buying Jewish texts with a high discount and gorging on some traditional baked goods. Golden Calf Altar The Golden Calf Altar was an idol made by Aaron for the Israelites during the absence of Moses. However, most of Israel’s idols were destroyed by the Assyrians when they raided them for their gold in 722 BC. Although visitors can no longer view the Golden Calf as it once existed, they can explore the ruins of the main sanctuary where the calf could have been located. Besides, visitors can also examine the numerous standing stone shrines that line the gate to the city. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum Among the many tourist places in Israel, this one will move your soul and heart completely. Yad Layeled Children’s Memorial Museum is a moving memorial to the 1.5 million Jewish children who were victims of the Holocaust. Visitors are shown various exhibits which include films, period artifacts and the testimonies of children who had to live during those frightening times. Ein Bokek beach [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image source:.deadsea.com[/caption] The Ein Bokek Beach is a wonderful stretch of fine, golden sand that attracts a steady stream of visitors the year-round. The beach is equipped with various facilities like beach showers, changing rooms, lifeguards, etc. It’s a wonderful place to while your time and enjoy the pleasures of the beach. Shahrazad Want to taste some authentic Middle Eastern cuisine? Go to Shahrazad. This Middle Eastern restaurant in Haifa serves authentic cuisine of the region with an indigenous twist. An example of this is the dish “mansaf” (rice with ground lamb, tangy goat yogurt, pine nuts, saffron, and nutmeg), which is served with ordinary falafel balls. The tamarind juice here is another great stuff to try out. Mount of the Beatitudes This spectacular Roman Catholic Church, built-in 1937, stands on a site where it’s popularly believed that Lord Jesus delivered his Sermon on the Mount. The sermon’s opening lines begin with the phrase “Blessed are.” The octagonal church inside which is looked after by Franciscan nuns are commemorated in the stained glass just below the dome, with the seven virtues being represented around the altar. Besides, the wonderful balcony and gardens provide spectacular views of the Sea of Galilee. Hecht Museum Hecht Museum is one of the many amazing places to visit in Israel. However, the one collection that stands out is the Ma'agan Mikhael Shipwreck – the well-preserved remains of a 13.5m long merchant ship from 400 BC. Apart from these, the archaeology section also contains an entire section on the Phoenicians. Besides, Israelite, Moabite and Phoenician seals from the First Temple period and an incredible collection of ancient coins can also be found here. Al-Jazzar Mosque [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Image source: =akko.org.il[/caption] Al-Jazzar Mosque, built-in 1781 in typical Ottoman Turkish style, is the third most important mosque in Israel and the Palestinian territories. The mosque is distinguished by its enormous green dome and is accented with a graceful pencil minaret. Somewhere around the base of the minaret, one can find the small twin-domed building which contains the sarcophagi of Al-Jazzar and his adopted son and successor, Suleyman. Tabor Winery To know the ins and outs of wine processing, and sampling some of the best wine to be found anywhere, visit the Tabor Winery. It has gained a legendary reputation both for its red and white wine and produces almost two million bottles a year. Apart from been given a free tasting of the wine, visitors are provided with guided tours for groups of 10 or more. The winery also runs one-and-a-half-hour grape harvests from late July to August. Beit She’an National Park To get a glimpse of what life was like during the Roman Empire, visit the Beit She’ a National Park. The opulence and grandeur that surrounded the everyday life of the Romans is reflected through the colonnaded streets, a 7,000-seat theatre which looks the same as it did 1800 years ago, two stone columns and two bathhouses. The incredible part about all of them is that they lie exactly where they fell during the Galilee earthquake of 749 AD. Centre International Marie de Nazareth Any tour to Israel inevitably involves a visit to the Centre International Marie de Nazareth. Located across the street from the Basilica of the Annunciation, this place serves as a venue for ecumenical work among Christians, besides the promotion of inter-faith dialogue. Built by Chemin Neuf, a Roman Catholic community-based in France, this fabulous cultural center consists of peaceful rooftop gardens which contain plants mentioned in the Bible. They offer amazing 360-degree panoramas. Agamon HaHula Your holidays in Israel are incomplete without a visit to Agamon HaHula – one of Israel’s favorite parks, located in Hula Valley. To see an unbelievable amount of storks, pelicans, and cranes, you need to head to this place right away. This crane-watching opportunity really comes as a privilege. Comfortably seated in your vehicle, you can view these magnificent creatures from the closest range possible. The other birds that can be seen here occasionally include pelicans and storks. Bahai Gardens Visited by over half a million visitors a year, the Bahai Gardens are one of the major tourist attractions in Israel. Their unique design, which combines geometrical shapes with the conservation of natural and historic landscape features, enchants the visitors to no end. In July 2008, these gardens were included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List for being holy places possessing outstanding universal value. The gardens comprise a staircase of 129 terraces which extend all the way up the northern slope of Mount Carmel. Yad Vashem A visit to the Yad Vashem memorial in Jerusalem will move your inner spirit and overwhelm your emotions like never before. This memorial is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of Nazis. One can find the names and personal details of millions of victims recorded in the Hall of Names. The centerpiece of the museum is the Holocaust History Museum, which lies on the lower level. Exploring the entire museum takes about three hours in total. Ancient Galilee Boat To come across a fascinating piece of history during your holidays in Israel, visit the Yigal Alon Museum, where you will stumble upon the ancient Galilee boat. The discovery of this boat was made by a local fisherman in 1986 when the waters of the Sea of Galilee were at their lowest ebb. The fishing vessel measures 8.2m in length and is made from 12 kinds of recycled wood. Wall panels and three short films tell the amazing story of its discovery and preservation. It’s said that this boat was used by the members of Jesus’s ministry. Said Abu Elafia & Sons You cannot be in Israel and not visit Said Abu Elafia & Sons – one of the best bakeries of Tel Aviv. Established in 1880, this bakery spans across four generations. Visitors love to gorge on its bourekas (stuffed bread with sheep’s cheese), sambusas (filled pastries) and a unique Arab oven-baked pizza-like concoction filled with eggs, tomato, cheese and olives. Read also: Three Amazing Travel Destinations In Africa 7 Travel Tips To Feed Your Wanderlust In Europe 6 Reasons Why Every Woman Should Travel Solo

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7 Travel Tips to Feed Your Wanderlust in Europe

Europe has diverse topographies, cultures, customs, architecture, languages, and heritages. From Kimmel Falls, the world’s 5th highest waterfall, to Gouffre Mirolda, the 3rd deepest cave, Europe has it all. The continent also has a number of architectural marvels, including the much-celebrated Eiffel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa. The diversity of the continent is not just limited to the geographical and architectural marvels; the 24 official languages of the European Union, too, add to its diversity. In the light of what lies in store, it isn’t a surprise that every travel buff has a Europe tour on their bucket list. If you too are planning a Europe trip, there are a few tips you must follow. Take a look. 1. Plan Your Travel Travel requires planning, and when visiting a continent as vast as Europe, it is important to ensure everything’s sorted. Apply for a visa on time, book your flights and hotels beforehand to avoid last-minute hassles. Check out Europe tour packages offered by travel operators as they mostly include flights, accommodation, and visa assistance, taking care of major travel concerns. If you are considering touring more than a couple of European nations, make sure you plan an extended holiday to explore and enjoy your trip to the fullest. It is advisable to not count your days of arrival and departure in the travel plan because you won’t be doing much on those days. 2. Travel Light Packing is one of the most stressful aspects of traveling. Most travelers have the habit of stuffing their bags with everything they think is “necessary”. As a result, the bags get full to the brim and inconvenient to carry. Resist the urge to carrying anything that you aren’t sure is necessary and would be easily available, in case you need it. Traveling light will not only allow you the luxury of moving around freely and stress-free, but it will also allow you to avoid that extra baggage fee. 3. Remain Unplugged If you are a believer in ‘see it, share it’ and are hooked onto the social sites to share updates with your friends, it is time you realize that there’s more to life than just ‘likes’ and ‘shares.’ Try to resist the impulse to reach for your smartphone every time you spot something spectacular. Your phone can be the biggest distraction during your journey. To minimize those distractions, disable the notifications of social media apps. Even better, switch off your mobile! Read More: Top 5 Tourist Attractions Within And Around Mumbai 4. Interact with the Locals You are in a new land and it is important that you make the most of your foreign trip. Learning as much as you can about the local culture should be on top of your list. To do so, there’s no better way than interacting with the locals. Learn how to say common words such as ‘hello’, ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the local language. Every native resident likes foreigners who are interested in learning about their country and culture. Doing so will not only help you break the ice with the locals, you may even end up enjoying a meal at their place and making friends for life. 5.Travel Green The number of tourists visiting Europe is increasing steadily. In the year 2015, the continent welcomed over 600 million tourists, the highest number of tourists visiting the continent in the last decade. As a tourist, it is important for us to understand the impact our traveling has on the planet. Go green and adopt measures that do not harm the planet. Steer clear of using plastic and take public transport for the commute. These are some of the many ways you can contribute to the betterment of the environment. 6. Take a Walk The temptation of checking out the faraway places, monuments, and landscapes, often result in travelers missing out on gems right under their noses. During your European journey, ensure you do not miss out on exploring the local area. Buy a guidebook that includes all the local tourist attractions that you can cover while taking a stroll. Read More: Discover Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos With Private Indochina Tour Packages 7. Manage Your Moolah As a traveler, you will have to carry and spend Euros across Europe. Carrying too much cash, however, can be a concern as money management is a challenge. It is, therefore, recommended that you use an international debit or credit card during your time in Europe. Using plastic money will help you keep a tab on your spending and ensure better money management. Before you fly for a holiday, contact your bank to ensure your card is active for transactions when you are abroad. You also apply in your bank for a forex card. These prepaid cards come in handy in emergency situations as they are pre-loaded and allow you to withdraw cash in foreign currency. The Bottom Line Every European nation is unique and has several attractions that charm travelers from across the globe. If you are planning to travel to Austria, France, Italy, Netherland & Switzerland, or any other European nation, it is advisable to book a tour package for a hassle-free journey. To save yourself from the countless complexities involved in travel booking, book a European Tour package that includes air tickets, accommodation, and local travel. Whether you are in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, or any other city, contact a reputable travel operator to book a Europe tour package from Ahmedabad/Mumbai. Read also: The Top Destinations for New Year Celebrations Three Amazing Travel Destinations in Africa

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Vacation Less Stressful

Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With the Following Tricks

Life could get quite challenging when life is at a crossroads. For many people, vacationing is a kind of therapy which helps to ward off the stress which life digs up along the way. But what happens when you get stressed while on vacation? Well, that is quite unfortunate and it should not happen. Here is what you can do to cut down on the chances of that happening. Make Your Vacation Less Stressful With the Following Tricks: Be modest with your expectations: Life’s struggles take the enjoyment out of our daily lives. Therefore, taking a trip to far-off lands could go a long way in helping one to untie the knot in the chest. However, one must be careful not to place too much weight on the possibility of releasing the pressure while on the road. A helpful mantra while planning a vacation rental george island fl is to keep an open mind. Do not be the type who shouts “this will be the best trip ever in my life!” every time you plan a vacation. Obviously, a vacation should give you a special time to break from the monotony of daily life and perhaps a moment to draw inwards and think of fundamental questions like “what is life?” However, placing heavy expectations on the success of the trip could end up in huge disappointment. As such, you need to remain open to every adventure along the way which will define the experiences on that trip. Pack lightly: You might have been to various vacations so far in your life but you cannot understand just why you make the same mistake on every trip. Well, people take vacations for almost the same reason; to unwind and align the body and soul. In the quest to achieve this kind of peace, one is likely to fall victim to the impulse to pack heavily because of the belief that each item might be helpful on the trip. Heavy luggage is always stressful on the road. If your vacation involves trips to the airport, you can imagine the hassle you will go through while checking through terminals. Do not even mention checking in and out of the hotel rooms. Ditch your usual habits: For the umpteenth time, vacationing is a moment of peace and new discoveries. Let us say you visit Florida and you would like a view of the picturesque scenery the region offers. Do not go booking in hotel rooms which are like those at every other destination you have already visited. Instead, you can check into a vacation rental management companies, which provides a good view of the sandy beaches and Atlantic Ocean waves. The bottom line is that sticking to your old habit might deny you the opportunity to take in the uniqueness and therapeutic qualities of the new destination. The impeccable shores of the Atlantic might seem just like the rugged hills you saw in Greece. Sticking to your known habits will also make you inflexible and you might not be free to have new experiences and even taste alligator meat or Cuban sandwiches. Read Also: 4 Best Destinations In Western United States The Best Vacation Destinations For Couples Reasons To Stay In A Vacation Home Rather Than A Hotel

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