There's No Place Like Lawrence

After last week's history-making victory in the NCAA Men's Basketball Championships, the University of Kansas Jayhawks—and my alma mater—are at the center of national attention. And so is its location, Lawrence, Kansas: population 81,604. Lawrence is a town obsessed with basketball. Addicted, some might say. The school’s first-ever coach, James Naismith, is credited with inventing modern-day basketball, more than 110 years ago. With the first NCAA title in 20 years, and only its third in school history, the youthful town is going bonkers.

The truth is, though, Lawrence is as multi-layered a city as they come. Beyond the "hoop"-la that the city thrives off of four months out of the year, Lawrence is as diverse a place as you'll find in Middle America. It’s the childhood home of Langston Hughes. Its university campus is consistently rated as one of the most beautiful public universities in the nation. More than 25 percent of KU graduates study abroad during their time as students, and Forbes.com recently rated it the seventh-smartest city in the nation. It proudly carries the nickname “The Liberal Oasis” of the Midwest, a haven for hipsters, hippies, and the highly educated. And the city’s downtown avenue, Massachusetts Street, boasts an incredible assortment of ethnic, locally owned, vegetarian-friendly restaurants and cafés.

And so I present you, IT readers, with my top five Mass Street comfort picks, the spots most dear to my heart. I'm sure you'll find them endearing, as well.

1. Aimee’s Café and Coffeehouse
Aimee's is Midwest comfort and friendliness at its best. Local art and photography hang on the mustard-yellow walls. Folk musicians play sporadic evenings. Dimly lit lamps sit on each table, and the university’s radio station's music provide even more of a calming presence inside. Next door is a stuffed-to-the-brim Strong's Antiques that the Strong family also owns. It’s a true family affair here, and patrons feel very much a part of the family as well. Grab a hearty bowl of homemade soup, biscuits and vegetarian gravy, or just a cup of fair trade coffee. If the weather's nice, sit on the patio and people-watch the eclectic downtown crowd.

2. Au Marché
When I first came back from a semester in France, Au Marché was my sustenance, my connection to a European life. Au Marché and its next door neighbor, Brits, provide Lawrence folk with access to the flavors of the world, like Kinder chocolates, cheeses shipped from places like Norway and Denmark, authentic French-milled soap and obscure German condiments. If you’re not able to make it to this brick-and-mortar shop in person, Au Marche’s website is a nice alternative, although the cheese and meats cannot be shipped.

3. Rudy’s Pizzeria
Rudy's isn’t your average college town pizza joint. This is a place with class, despite being crammed in a basement of a Mass Street building. Walk down the stairs, and you’re welcomed with a whiff of handmade goodness. The red wine sauce pairs nicely with the 40+ unique toppings, including avocado and zucchini (truly A to Z), and makes your taste buds come alive in a way pizza normally can't muster. And don’t forget to ask for their specialty wheat crust. Hit up Rudy’s on a Monday night, when a medium two-topping pizza and two drinks will cost a mere nine bucks.

4. Downtown Lawrence Farmers Market
Now held in two locations around the city three days a week, the farmers market here is the oldest in the state and has become a true city staple. The main event is Saturday’s morning market, held a block off Mass Street from 7-11 a.m. Stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, much of which has been grown with sustainability in mind. Baked goods, all-natural honey, homemade dog treats and the like round out this tasty morning event. For a unique Kansas treat, check out Lone Star Lake Bison, whose products are served at another local favorite, the aptly named, earth-friendly Local Burger.

5. Liberty Hall
Part concert venue, part indie movie theater, part event forum, Liberty Hall does it all. Located just off 7th and Mass Street, the 1912 building is a true Lawrence icon. Taking in a film here (always of the critically acclaimed variety) is so much more satisfying an experience than hitting up the multiplex chain theater on the other side of town. Ornately decorated with small rooms and intimate seating, Liberty Hall delivers in a different way. Grab a hometown brewed Free State wheat beer at the concession stand and enjoy the show. With the bipolar Midwest climate Lawrence faces, Liberty Hall is a safe haven, come rain, hail, or snow.

Above: Crowds storm Massachusetts Street after Kansas's win over Memphis on April 7. Photo by RichieC.. Below: Photos by Ashley Thompson.

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Comments

[Noah]

So what's the deal with "Rock Chalk Jayhawk"? Do you guys just think it sounds cool, or does it have some hidden meeting?

Also, keep the coverage of the Midwest coming IT. The people love it.

[Ellen]

Au Marche has a wonderful cheese of the month club-the delectable goodness can be yours each and every month paired with specially selected goodness like delectable crackers and special mustards! Go Jayhawks!

[Brianna]

Well, the hill that the KU campus was built on is made of limestone sooo the rock is made of chalk. the jayhawk is a mythical bird named after the jayhawkers, abolitionist during the civil war.

Also, it does sound pretty darn cool.

GREAT article. I'm CRAVING Rudy's so much right now. you could do 10 more articles and not hit all the great places downtown. I would have personally added La Parilla too. YUM!

[Alex]

Although some folks seem to swear by Rudy's Pizza, I find their slices quite bland and way too small (think grade-school cafeteria size) Papa Keno's on 11th and Mass does a better job in serving up large (normal) sized slices. Take my advice with a grain of salt though, as I grew up in New York and accept that I'm a pizza and hot dog snob.

Also, don't forget to mention The Replay on 10th and Mass St. Esquire Magazine voted it as the "best bar in Kansas!" my head still spins from that one.