Lawrence is a charming city with a youthful energy and a vibrant culture. The arts make up its soul and history its backbone.

Since 1889, Union Pacific Depot welcomed visitors here. It still does as home to the Lawrence Visitor Information Center. Numerous historic landmarks stand as reminders of the town's role in the American Civil War ? Eldridge Hotel, the Old West Lawrence neighborhood, and Hobbs Park Memorial.

According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Lawrence is one of a "dozen most distinctive destinations" in America. Shopping and dining is a pleasure. Large and small stores mingle to offer customers a wide choice of wares. Dining follows the same path to sublime pleasure.

At night, dance clubs and restaurants burn the midnight oil. Music fills the air along Massachusetts Street and customers dance and sip the night away. In summer, South Park delights crowds with art shows and nighttime concerts.

There are countless places to see and boundless activities to keep a visitor's schedule filled. Perched on a hillside overlooking the town is the University of Kansas. Here's a great place to start. Some of the best attractions at KU are: Natural History Museum, Haskell Cultural Center, and Haskell Indian Art Market (in September). KU's Spencer Museum of Art is also impressive. For theatrical arts, there's nothing like the Lied Center of Kansas.

Spectator sports are hot here. Memorial Stadium cheers for the Jayhawks, KU's football team. Their champion basketball team adds an additional flare. But, that's not where it ends ? there's also baseball, tennis, golf, track, rowing, and swimming.

Active sports enthusiasts have an awesome selection. Countless greens are bound to put a smile on any swinger. Clinton Lake offers excellent fishing for walleye, bass, catfish and crappie. It also has boating, swimming, hiking and mountain biking trails, equestrian paths, and camping.

There are numerous biking trails throughout the town. And miles of nature trails trace through regions of scenic beauty and wildlife habitats.

Lawrence, a youthful town with a century of history, is located 29 miles east of Topeka.