America's "Heartland"

Final Fridays, held by the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission and a group of local businesses, artists, and galleries, make this college town a place to remember every last Friday of the month. Downtown Lawrence converts its store fronts with live performances and creative exhibits lining the sidewalks. In a small city with one of the highest percentages of working artists per capita in the country, art and culture provide a vibrant, creative energy. To appreciate art in a more traditional way, visit the Spencer Museum of Art. No ordinary museum, it serves as a cultural center and inspires connection with others through art. The museum promotes research and art appreciation through exhibitions, artist residencies, film screenings, artist- and scholar-led lectures, and much more. Art collections permanent to the museum include African, American, Asian, Contemporary, European, and Latin American works.

All this art, on an empty stomach? Lucky for you, Kansas ranks seventh in agricultural production. Lawrence loves farm-to-table cuisine, where fresh produce is taken right from the farm for consumption. The city boasts a variety of delicious farm-to-table restaurants and eateries. A lofty, modern space filled with ambiance, 715 Restaurant is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Try European-inspired dishes for dinner, with ingredients straight from Kansas farms. For a casual lunch with friends, head to The Burger Stand at The Casbah for gourmet American favorites as well as delicious vegetarian delights. You’ll love the cool, hip décor with Midwestern flavor. For some delicious weekend groceries, Au Marché European Market has only the best. Find everything here from local artisan chocolates to German and Scandinavian goods.

The Baker Wetlands is one of the most diverse habitats in Kansas, with 927 acres of wildlife. Declared the most beautiful place in Kansas by HouseBeautiful magazine, this gorgeous area hosts 487 plant and 278 bird species. Its unique ecosystem also provides an opportunity for research and education.

Opportunities to enjoy thriving nature or sprawling wheat fields don’t end there. Kansas is called “The Sunflower State,” so don’t forget to bring your camera to Grinter Sunflower Farms. The tall, yellow flowers are scattered across 40 acres of land and provide a breathtaking scene. Peak periods of bloom are in the fall, when Ted and Kris Grinter open their field to the public free of charge. Sunflowers can grow up to 12 feet (.003 km) and are used to produce oil, medicine, and other food sources.

Ready for some action? Grab your bike and head to the Lawrence River trail, a city park popular with bikers and runners. This nine-mile grassy stretch winds through forests and fields, perfect for a sunny afternoon. If you really love biking, make sure to check out the annual Tour of Lawrence—a three day USA Cycling event that you could participate in or watch and cheer on the competitors. For camping and boating, Clinton State Park, which lies on the north shore of Clinton Lake, is the ideal location. Its clear water makes it a favorite destination for fishing and relaxing. Centennial Park is a must for golf lovers, while Overlook Park provides a playground, a sand volleyball court, a softball field, and a charming shaded area.

The citizens of Lawrence support each other and their local artists, making events like the Lawrence Art Walk a point of pride. In this annual event loved by all, artists open their studios and personal spaces to the public. Sip refreshments, speak with artists about their creative processes, and leave with a new piece of art to add to your collection. The friendly community extends far beyond the city: some of Lawrence’s most prized museums are located on the campus of the University of Kansas, including the KU Natural History Museum, making the interaction between the university and community seamless.

A warm, historic town built around its universities and schools, the Lawrence area has produced graduates who have gone on to become Fortune 500 CEOs and New York Times best-selling authors. Supportive of entrepreneurs and dream chasers, the Lawrence Center for Entrepreneurship seeks to help local small business owners and entrepreneurs cultivate their passion for success. The center features collaborative work spaces, a data center and maker studio with workbench space and an electronics workstation, and educational classes. Named a Best City for Entrepreneurs by Livability, it is just 30 minutes away from Kansas City, with easy access to major airports and highways. Lawrence’s top industries include agriculture, finance, research, and education, and it has been named #5 Best Small Places for Business and Careers by Forbes, 2017.