Lawrence, Kansas, The Perfect Vacation Getaway

Melody Schubert
filed under "Travel-and-Leisure"

The World Famous Topeka Zoological Park Innovative ideas, a Tropical Rain Forest, and a unique display of wildlife has earned the World Famous Topeka Zoological Park national recognition. The Zoological Park has something exciting to see for the kid in all of us. An especially entertaining stop is the Gorilla Encounter where you can view the gorillas from a glass-enclosed area while they roam outdoors. A stroll around the grounds is filled with interesting animal exhibits and the splendors of nature. For more information on Topeka visit World 66, where you write the travel guides. The Birthplace Of The Civil War History books rarely mention that for the citizens of Kansas and Missouri, the Civil War started in the mid 1850's. The Wakarusa War, also known as the Border War took place near Lawrence, Kansas, when the abolitionists clashed with the pro-slavery "bushwhackers" of Missouri. These battles later earned Kansas the nickname, "Bleeding Kansas." We walked down the streets of Lawrence and paused for a moment to imagine the town's citizens caught off-guard by William Quantrill's Raid on August 21, 1863. The attack claimed the lives of 180 unarmed men and boys and left the city in ruins. The city of Lawrence today is a tribute to the perseverance of its citizens who survived the battle. Find out more about the Lawrence's history like the Quantrill's Raid on a self-guided tour around town. Call the Lawrence Convention & Visitors Bureau for details or speak to the staff at your hotel. The Perfect Getaway For Romance & Culture The city of Lawrence is located 30 minutes from Kansas City. Its historic background and hometown spirit make it a remarkably different small town with a big city flavor. To find that unusual gift for a friend or loved one look no further than Downtown Lawrence where you'll find extraordinary shopping along tree-lined Massachusetts Street and Mass Street. The locally owned stores and boutiques add to Lawrence's small town charm. Whether you enjoy browsing vintage and resale clothing shop or want that special dress by a world-class designer, there's plenty of options to choose from in Lawrence. Arts & Eateries Tucked in among the boutiques are a variety of galleries featuring museum-quality artwork. Find creative sculptures outdoors in Downtown Lawrence by local and regional artists along with special crafts that express the heart of the region. Head over to the University of Kansas campus for a spin around one of its four museums, including the Spencer Museum of Art; known as one of the top teaching museums in the nation. The restaurants and coffee shops in Lawrence are enough to tempt any palette. Relax outside for lunch on a patio and experience the downtown scene while enjoying tasty treats or find a variety of fine dining options around town. Relax At A Day Spa, Then Hit The Clubs At Night Spoil yourself at one of Lawrence's several day spas that offer a wide selection of services to help you unwind before a night on the town. Lawrence is known by some in music circles as the "New Seattle," because of the new talented musicians who call the small town home. Downtown Lawrence is filled with lively clubs featuring a blend of music nightly. Those who enjoy Broadway shows and live performances will find a hosts concerts, plays, dance performances and Broadway shows offered at the University of Kansas Lied Center. The state-of-the-art performing arts center adds a big city touch to the area with its many fabulous shows features throughout the year. B&B Or Guest Ranch? To capture the spirit of Lawrence you can stay close to the action at the Halcyon House Bed and Breakfast located in a restored home a few blocks from the university and downtown Lawrence. If you prefer more peace and quiet try the Circle S Ranch. This working guest ranch located a few minutes north of Downtown Lawrence, offer guests the wide open space that make a trip to Kansas one to remember. Call 1-800-625-2839 for details on the Circle S Ranch & 1-888-441-0314 for reservations at the Halcyon House Bed and Breakfast. To order a Lawrence Visitor's Guide send an email to visinfo@visitlawrence.com or call toll-free 1-888-LAW-KANS. Visit http://www.usatravelmagazine.com for other exciting destinations in the USA. About the author: Melody Schubert is a travel writer who looks for the intriguing & often overlooked destinations that express the heart of a region. She writes for print & online media, and may be contacted through the Editor at www.usatravelmagazine.com.