The weather is cooling and the leaves are turning. You couldn't ask for a more picture-perfect football weekend in Lawrence. The Kansas Jayhawks host Oklahoma for an 11AM match-up this Saturday at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on the beautiful University of Kansas campus. Come for the game and stay for the weekend to discover the haunts and hidden gems that Lawrence has to offer.
LAWRENCE, A GHOST TOWN?
Roll into town on Friday evening to get the weekend started.
Set the stage for the evening by dining at one of Lawrence's classiest restaurants, but watch for ghosts! Originally built as a bank in 1892, Merchants Pub + Plate is known for it's scrumptious farm-to-table menu, weekend brunch, and happy hour. Lesser known are the tales of apparition sightings on and around the stairs or the unexplainable feelings of an eerie presence by the occasional staff or diner.
Take advantage of the unique opportunity to tour the haunted side of Downtown Lawrence during Ghosting Lawrence. The theatrical tour includes dancing, playing, and singing spirits as you discover the eerie history and authenticated tales of the heart of the city. The tour begins at the Lawrence Arts Center at 7 PM. Arrive early enough to tour the Ghosts of Segregation exhibit currently on display in the Art Center's galleries. The humbling exhibit features the work of photographer Richard Frishman who explores the lingering presence of segregation, slavery, and institutional racism hidden in everyday American architecture. This is the first time the exhibit has been on display.
GAME DAY
Before the game, load up on caffeine and carbs so you can bring the energy for your Jayhawks. Lawrence's Coffee Shops and Bakeries are sure to get your day started off the right way.
Kick-off is 11:00 AM. Use this handy Game Day Guide to prepare for the big game. #RockChalk
After the game, enjoy the beautiful weather while exploring the history of Lawrence by touring our Historic Cemeteries. Lawrence has a number of burial grounds that provide terrific insights into our heritage, and several are available for public viewing.
If you're into exploring more of the supernatural side of Lawrence, then you're in for a treat. Dinner tonight is at the Eldridge House Grille inside the historic and supposedly haunted Eldridge Hotel. It's said the hotel (which has been burned down TWICE!) is haunted by the ghost of Colonel Eldridge. He's been making his presence felt at The Eldridge since his death, especially in room 506 which holds one of the original building’s cornerstones. Regardless of all that, the Eldridge House Grille will leave you more than satisfied, Pro tip: Order a martini!
After dinner, it's time to test your courage at the Stull Haunted House. This haunted maze is full of jump scares so be ready! Afterwards head over to the Masonic Temple to experience the Stull Haunted Theater Bar or try one of our many other nightlife options.
NO-LAW SUNDAY
No, we're not having a day of lawlessness on Sunday. We're heading over the river to No-Law, short for North Lawrence, a distinctive neighborhood with tons of character just north of the Kansas River.
Start your morning with a pick-me-up from Uplift Coffee before browsing the farm-fresh goods at the North Lawrence Farmer's Market, open 9 AM - 1 PM. Head to Riverfront Park after the market to watch the Kansas Jayhawks Rowing team compete in the Jayhawk Jamboree. Races start at 10:30 AM with the final race beginning at 2:45 PM.
October is National Pizza Month, and luckily there's some seriously good pizza nearby. The original Johnny's Tavern is an iconic Jayhawk sports bar that not only serves great pizza...the burgers are worth bragging about as well.
Stick around the north side for live music in the afternoon. If you're a musician, you could get in on the action. Both Kaw Valley Public House and Gaslight Gardens host open jam sessions on Sundays. The Irish Open Jam Session at Kaw Valley starts at 3 PM and the Pecan Grove Open Bluegrass Jam starts at Gaslight at 5 PM.
