Romantic Getaway
Are you planning a date night? Or a romantic weekend? We have recommendations that will ensure your planning success and make your partner very happy! No matter if you're here for a couple of hours or a few days, here are the must-see things to see and do while enjoying each other in Lawrence.
FOR THE EVENING
Make Lawrence your date night destination with an evening stroll, a romantic dinner, and a sweet treat as you watch the sunset. How does that sound?
Start your evening with a stroll down Massachusetts Street in Downtown Lawrence (hand-holding is always encouraged). You can't beat the window shopping, and the people-watching is A-1. Listen as street musicians serenade you with tunes from their instruments, and be wowed by the unique talents of an occasional street performer.
Step into (reservations are not a bad idea) one of Lawrence's romantic restaurants for a special dinner for two. 715, Merchants Pub + Plate, The Basil Leaf Cafe, Wine Dive + Kitchen, and The Mad Greek are solid Downtown Lawrence options that know how to pour on the romance. On either side of Downtown, and within walking distance, are Culinaria and Big Mill. Both restaurants provide a date night atmosphere that will not disappoint. In west Lawrence, J. Wilson's and 6-Mile Chophouse are ready to provide exceptional meals and service to you and your date.
Conclude the evening by picking up a sweet treat to share while you watch the sunset. Some tasty suggestions: Pie from Ladybird Diner, Korean pastries from Tous les Jours, or cupcakes from Muncher's Bakery. Head on out to the dam at Clinton Lake for a sunset view like none other.
Another stunning place to view the sunset, and the entire region, is the Nest on Ninth at the Oread Hotel. The ninth-floor terrace often has live music, drink specials, and a food menu.
If you're sticking to Downtown, consider picking up some homemade ice cream at Sylas and Maddy's, then enjoying it up the street at beautiful South Park.
ALL-DAY LONG
Do you have the whole day to spend? Here are some activity ideas to make a fulfilling day with your sweetheart.
Partners need to work together to accomplish goals, and Lawrence has a few activities that can help build synergy. At Breakout Lawrence, couples can enhance their teamwork skills while trying to break out of one or more of four themed escape rooms. Have some virtual fun together over at VR Lawrence.
Over at CLIMB Lawrence, extreme couples can test their skills on the climbing walls. Work together to get to the top... or if you're a competitive couple, see who can get there first!
Would you rather spend the day together in the great outdoors? Trails at Baker Wetlands, the Kansas River, and Clinton Lake and State Park offer different levels of trails with beautiful views, lots of nature, and the calming effect of water. Many more hiking and trail options are available all around Lawrence.
Catch a film in a historic theater that shows movies that you don't see in mainstream theatres. If you're looking for a gem of a movie in a gem of a place, then Liberty Hall is the spot.
Perhaps relaxation is the move for this day. Spas around Lawrence offer couples packages for facials, massages, and even outdoor soak and sweat experiences.
MAKE IT A WEEKEND
Awesome, you have the whole weekend to spend in Lawrence. No problem!
Find a hotel or bed and breakfast that will suit your needs. On the romantic side of things, The Oread Hotel on the University of Kansas campus and The Eldridge Hotel in Downtown Lawrence extend the romantic flair that only local boutique hotels can. The Victorian Veranda Country Inn and Circle S Ranch provide more private rural experiences for couples who'd rather be away from it all.
Dance the night away to live music at one of our quaint live music venues throughout Lawrence. You can find live music on the patios at The Replay Lounge most nights of the week. Check out the events calendar for more live music and other events.
Add some arts and culture to your trip with a visit to the Lawrence Arts Center, Cider Gallery, and the Spencer Museum of Art where you will find art on exhibit. For performing arts, The Lied Center of Kansas and Theatre Lawrence have a packed schedule that features community, university, and national productions. You're in luck if you are here on the last Friday of the month. On Final Fridays, the arts spill in and out of galleries, storefronts, and other spaces throughout the town.
Taste wines made with grapes and other fruit grown right here in Lawrence and Douglas County at one of our vineyards and wineries. These farms regularly offer weekend events that include live music, dinners, and even yoga!
If craft brews are more your style, check out a Lawrence brewery. Each serves fresh beer and delicious food in unique indoor and outdoor spaces.
Lawrence's creative bartenders serve up tasty libations. Visit John Brown Underground, The Bourgeois Pig, or another Lawrence cocktail bar for a nightcap. Want to hold the sauce? Check out the non-alcoholic cocktail bar, Nostalgia Room.
