Leaving Lawrence for Good.

Well, it's time for this joy ride to end. After posting several times, and helping many people out, I am leaving Lawrence, Kansas for good. My wife got a job in Seattle, Washington, and I am following her out there in hopes of finding new adventures.

But, don't fret. If you love the posts here, I have started a new blog about Seattle, Washington, where you will be able to find Seattle bars, Seattle clubs, Seattle dentists, Seattle car repair, and many other Seattle reviews. So go and check it out!

Take care!

Yummy's Over The Top Frozen Yogurt

I want to point out to you one of the newest, coolest businesses in Lawrence, Kansas. Yummy's Over the Top Frozen Yogurt is, as the name suggests, a frozen yogurt shop that just opened. It is located at 1119 Massachusetts St in Lawrence. And although the address suggests it is located on Mass. St., it is actually on North Park Street, which faces South Park. To better acquaint yourself, it is in the building that also holds It's Brothers and the flower shop, right next door to the Lawrence Community Building.

For my birthday this week (May 28 - I'll be expecting gifts next year) my wife took me over to Yummy's to experience what they have. First, walking into the place, the decor has a bit of a modern feel. Everything is clean and minimal, and it looks really good. It's a great space with a view of park, seating for about 20, and plenty of room to get around.

When you walk through the door into the place, you immediately see what sets it apart from other ice cream shops. Build into the wall are three or four frozen yogurt machines of different flavors (when I was there they had french vanilla, strawberry, swirl, a cheesecake flavor, and a couple of others). As you walk in you have the choice of a huge cup, a smaller cup, a waffle cone, or a waffle bowl. You take your choice of yogurt holder and fill up as much or as little as you want with whatever flavors you want.

After that is where the excitement begins. The flow of the store takes you next to a table full of your favorite sundae toppings. Hot fudge, butterscotch, caramel, strawberries, peaches, marshmallow creme and a couple of other things are available for you to drown your yogurt in. I think I had an assortment of hot fudge, butterscotch and caramel. It was very tasty.

Once you've picked out your "sauce" comes the best part - an assortment of about 50 different toppings to add to your hearts desire. Some of the ones I can remember off the top of my head are: walnuts; gummy worms; chocolate chips, Reese's peanut butter cups; chocolate chip cookie dough; chocolate covered raisins; coconut; cap'n crunch; butterscotch chips; whoppers; and many many other things. The end result is your own personal very "yummy" frozen yogurt.

The price of your yogurt is based on the weight. My wife and I both had good sized cups with lots of toppings, and it ended up being about $4.00 a piece. I thought it was more than reasonable.

So, when you're walking down Mass. St. in Lawrence, Kansas, don't forget to stop into Yummy's Over the Top Frozen Yogurt for a great treat. It's also a great place to get a late night snack - and avoid the need for a Bellevue DUI attorney.

Lawrence Kansas Spotlight

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Best Time of the Year In Lawrence

I love Lawrence, Kansas. I love the atmosphere. I love the people. I love the restaurants and bars.

And I really love the Monday after the University of Kansas has its graduation ceremony, signaling the end of the school year and the mass exodus of students out of town for several months.

It's not that the students are bad in any way. I used to be one, and appreciate everything they bring to Lawrence. But each summer I enjoy the ability to sit out on a bar patio and relax; I enjoy the ability to drive across town in 20 minutes instead of 30 minutes; and I enjoy the general slow down of everything Lawrence related.

If you didn't know, even if you take summer school, every student living in the dorms is forced to get out of town for the summer. General maintenance is done, the housing authority gets some time to clean up, and the housing authority has enough time to get all the students for the next year assigned to the right room. What this does, though, is force about 5,000 students to leave for the summer, not to mention all those others that go work out of town, take internships, or go back and mooch off parents for a time.

It's also the best time of the year because there is so much to do in Lawrence in the summertime. The golf courses are open; Wakarusafest makes its appearance; Clinton Lake warms up in all its greatness; Perry Lake (a truly hidden gem) and its party barges awaken; and the weather is awesome (I'm more of a cold weather person than warm).

So, relish this time in Lawrence. It comes every year, but will be gone before you know it.

Lawrence, Kansas

Lawrence Kansas | Auto Car Repair

Lawrence Kansas Auto Car Repair Mechanic - Bob's Auto Maintenance.

One of the hardest things to find in any new town, whether you live there or are just visiting, is a reliable auto mechanic. I think it is because the general population knows very little about car maintenance, very little about the cost of car maintenance, and every time a car needs to be repaired, it feels like you are paying just a little bit too much.

Not to mention the fact that everyone either has a personal story of being ripped off by a car mechanic or knows someone who has. For example, everyone has heard a story that sounds something like, "I took my car into Acme Auto Repair to have my oil changed and walked out with a $1500 bill and my car broke a week later." It is stories like these that build the distrust for auto mechanics and make it so hard to find someone you can trust.

If you live in Lawrence Kansas and are looking for a great auto mechanic, you do not need to look any further. Bob's Auto Maintenance is one Lawrence Kansas's best auto mechanics. Located at 640 N. 2nd Street, Lawrence, Kansas, Bob's is the place to go to fix any of your car troubles.

What makes Bob's in Lawrence Kansas such a great place, you might ask? Well, for starters, and most importantly, they do good work. When you take your car in to get something fixed, in my experience, it comes back fixed. Also, they don't try to upsell you on anything, unless it is actually necessary.

For example, my wife brought her car into Bob's in Lawrence Kansas about a month ago because she thought the car needed new brakes (I thought it was a loose belt - but that is a discussion for a different time). We take it into Bob's Auto Maintenance and tell him what we think the problem is and leave. About an hour later Bob - The Bob - calls back and says "new breaks aren't necessary, they were just a little dirty, and they have at least ten thousand more miles on them." Then he said "we'll clean up the brakes and you can come pick it up today." When we got there we picked up the car and asked for the bill. Bob said, "no charge." That is the kind of customer service you get at Bob's Auto Maintenance in Lawrence, Kansas.

If you live in Lawrence Kansas or are just there and have car troubles, give Bob's Auto Maintenance a call at 785-843-7999. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Lawrence Kansas | Salty Iguana

The Salty Iguana is one of the best Mexican restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas. Located in northwest Lawrence, the margaritas never disappoint and the salsa is always amazing. Whether watching the game, watching Hawk Talk with Bill Self, or watching time go by, the Salty Iguana is a great place to be.

Atmosphere.

The Salty Iguana is not your typical Mexican restaurant. It is located in a nice part of town, in a nice strip mall (Hereford House, Central National Bank, and JB Stouts are located in the same shopping center). It is not dirty, it is not dark, it does not smell funny, and everyone speaks English (not that this is a good or bad thing, but just different than most of the Mexican restaurants I go to).

When you walk in, you will also notice something clearly different any other Mexican restaurants - the walls are covered with Iguanas! And not actual Iguanas, but Iguanas doing human things. There are baseball playing Iguanas, basketball playing Iguanas, doctor Iguanas, lawyer Iguanas, and Iguanas doing everything in between. I must admit it looks a little cheesy, and it is certainly not something you'd see in any other restaurant, but it lightens the atmosphere a bit. And it isn't so obtrusive that is affects your eating experience (and the kids love it).

The Food

The food here is second to none. I would describe it as more American-Mexican than true authentic Mexican food. Whatever your taste though, there is something on the menu for your liking.

I usually order the three taco meal, the fajitas (my wife and I split these), or the guiltless quesadilla (my wife and I also split this). Its a safe bet to get one thing and split it, because with the chips and salsa that comes out when you sit down and the iguana dip that you order, you will be full after splitting a meal with someone.

You may be wondering what this iguana dip is. It is only the best cheese dip in all of Lawrence, Kansas. It is a white cheese dip with a hint of spinach. It is amazing. And amazingly addictive. We order it every time (a small one is plenty for two), and we are never disappointed.

Drinks.

What would a Mexican restaurant be without margaritas? The Salty Iguana is no different, taking great pride in their margaritas. They have margaritas both on the rocks and frozen. The rocks margaritas come out of a tap, are made daily by the staff, and are both strong and well tasting at the same time.

The frozen margs are equally as tasty. Available in lime or strawberry, these margaritas are made in a margarita machine. This means your margarita does not come to you as a bunch of blended up ice and margarita, but a nicely frozen tequila concoction, with the consistency of a milkshake. My wife loves frozen margaritas, and she loves these. Again, can't go wrong with the drinks.

Visit Salty Iguana to have an Great Dining Experience.

If you couldn't tell, Salty Iguana is one of my favorite restaurants in Lawrence, Kansas. I eat there at least once a week, would recommend it to anyone, and give a full five stars.

Lawrence Kansas Spotlight

Lawrence Kansas | Kansas Jayhawks National Champions!

Jayhawk fans the best ever!

If you didn't know it, Lawrence is home to the University of Kansas Jayhawks, 2008 Orange Bowl Champion and 2008 Men's Basketball National Champion. If you live in Lawrence, Kansas or visit Lawrence, KU's campus is a must see and must do. It is beautiful, the people are beautiful, and there is a lot to experience on the "hill."

Booth Family Hall of Athletics

Start your experience off with a visit to the Booth Family Hall of Athletics. Newly constructed only a couple of years ago, the Hall of Athletics houses all of the tradition of KU athletics, going back over 100 years. The setup is wonderful, it is housed in historic Allen Field House (the best place in the country to watch a basketball game) and it really is an enjoyable experience. No visit to the University of Kansas is complete without a visit here.

Natural History Museum/Spencer Museum of Art

As with any institution of higher learning, the University of Kansas is home to two fantastic museums. The Natural History Museum is three floors containing a glimpse into the world of the past. With items ranging from prehistoric dinosaurs to Native American arrowheads, a stroll through this museum will make any afternoon enjoyable.

Spencer Museum of Art is somewhat smaller than the Natural History Museum, but is home to many more traveling exhibits. As its name denotes, Spencer provides visitors and students alike to view and study great works of art right here in Lawrence, Kansas.

Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics at the University of Kansas

When you are done reliving the past at the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and the Natural History Museum, walk over to the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics and take in a speech from a some of the world's most influential people. Also built within the last ten years, the Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics serves as a gateway of higher learning for University of Kansas students and local citizens alike. Speakers include the likes of Tom Brokaw and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts.

Crimson and Blue at the University of Kansas

If you are coming to watch a game, tour a museum or study some art, remember to wear your crimson and blue, the official colors of the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Anything else and you'll stand out like a sore thumb!!

Lawrence Kansas | Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Lawrence Kansas Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Located on historical Massachusett's Street, Jefferson's Restaurant is home to not only the cutest waitstaff in Lawrence, Kansas, but by far the best chicken wings. At Jefferson's, the beers are always cold, the smiles are always big, and the wings are always fresh, hot and spicy.

A semi-local establishment, the first thing you'll notice upon entering Jefferson's are the dollar bills covering nearly every square inch of wall space. Adorned with fraternity letters, words of wisdom, drawings, and birthday memorials, it is just a part of what makes Jefferson's such a fun place. The dollars serve as not only a reminer to tip your waiter and bartender, but enrich the fun loving, care free environment that symbolizes the restaurant.

With daily local specials (particularly on KU game days) and hot off the grill food, everything on the menu is a treat. My personal favorite is the buffalo chicken sandwich, which provides all the tasty goodness of a hotwing without the mess. It is also important to note Jefferson's is one of the few restaurants in Lawrence where you can eat oysters on the half-shell. I personally have never tried them, but I know they are fresh. As a reported aphrodisiac, why not give a shot?

If you're not in the mood for food, Jefferson's has a full bar with several great brews on tap. The abundance of tasty libations coupled with the always enthusiastic clientele makes it a great place to be on gameday (particularly away games). With at least 10 TVs (it seats about 50), there is nary a bad seat in the house.

Finally, if you're not in the mood for crowds and ball games, Jefferson's Restaurant has a fairly good sized patio perfect for sipping a cocktail with your sweetheart and watching people walk up and down Mass. St. (and believe me, there is plenty of people watching to do).

Next time you're in Lawrence, Kansas, make your way over to Jefferson's Restaurant. It won't disappoint.

Lawrence Kansas Jefferson's Restaurant Review

Lawrence Kansas Dentist | Galen Van Blaricum

Although I've been living in Lawrence for about 10 years, I never once visited a dentist in Lawrence until about a month ago. Before that time I either went in my home town (when I was in college and mom scheduled them) or didn't go at all (probably at least the last 3 years - can you believe that, no dentist visits in 3 years!). In any event, and I mean this in the most loving way possible, eventually my wife made me go to the dentist. I just told her to sign me up with whoever she used, and I ended up at Dr. Van Blaricums.

Dr. Van Blaricum's office is located at 3310 Mesa Way, Lawrence Kansas, 66049. Their website can be found here. The office from the outside looks like any other. It is located in a business plaza and has an unassuming exterior. Upon entering, I was greeted at the front desk (at 5:30 mind you - catering to the working crowd is definitely a good thing) by a cheerful young woman who guided me through the initial paperwork required of an initial visit. After finishing that up I began my visit.

I won't bore you with the details of the visit, but I will tell you this; it was about as good a visit as you could have at the dentist. I personally get a little creeped out at the dentist, and don't really like people digging around in my mouth. But the assistant that did the initial check and the dentist that checked me out (it wasn't Van Blaricum, I think it was Dr. Newkirk, who although looks young did a great job) were great. Not only did they check my teeth out well, they were personable and nice.

If you are just moving to Lawrence or have lived here for a while and haven't selected a dentist yet, I'd highly recommend Dr. Galen Van Blaricum and his team. They provide great service, are happy to help you, and want you to have better teeth. Give them a try the next time you need some dental help, you won't be disappointed.

Lawrence Kansas | Yacht Club Review

Yacht Club, located at 530 Wisconsin St., is another one of Lawrence, Kansas's pride and joys. Sitting off the beaten path a little (you want to turn North off Sixth when on the same corner as the Subway), this bar and grill provides the perfect game day experience and is also a great place to go and let off a little steam.

Yacht Club not only features great drink and food specials, it is also the only place in town that boasts "beer towers." These behemoths of beer sit in the middle of the table, inlcude their own spiggot, and hold between 1 and 3 liters of beer (you can order however much you want). Once it comes out, just work your way to the bottom and start all over again. But on game days get one early. They are limited in number and once grabbed by a group, they don't free up quickly.

Overall the food and drinks are great. The burgers are big and juicy, the fries are crisp and hot, and the rest of the food on the menu is great. If undecided when you get there try the chili cheese tots, they won't let you down.

The service there is also A+. Like many other bars and restaurants in Lawrence, the servers are probably 100% college students who are eager to serve you (remember to tip for the starving students!). They are happy to see and are quick to provide all the libations you need to get through the game.

One final note on the Yacht Club that might push you toward checking it out. In addition to all the fun times you can have on your own, it has also been known to be a hangout of the KU men's basketball coaches (and the players occasionally eat there too), so you in addition to having a great beer, you might get to chat up Bill Self! In fact, last night after the KU K-State men's basketball game the four hosts of ESPN's College Gameday, Digger Phelps, Jay Bilas, Reece Davis, and Hubert Davis were hanging out having a post-game drink.

Overall I give the Yacht Club 5 out of 5 stars.

Lawrence Kansas | Free State Brewing Company Review

Free State Brewing Company, located at 636 Massachusetts Street, Lawrence, Kansas and nestled in the heart of the entertainment district, is the home of one of several local breweries in town. Known for its Wheat State Brew and great patrons, Free State Brewing Company sits in a class by itself.

The first thing you'll notice when you get to the restaurant is its great location and decor from outside to in and top to bottom. Everything about this place screams brewery, but it isn't dirty or repugnant. The casks and brewing machinery sit behind panes of glass that only add to the aesthetics of the restaurant.

As a brewery, the best thing about the place should be the beer. And it is. With several year round staples and at least one seasonal brew on tap, there is something on the menu for everyone. No matter what beer you have poured, you will not be disappointed. And if you like it so much you want to take it home, they have "growlers" on demand.

The food offerings match the variety and the quality of its beers. Whether it is a hearty burger or a pasta dish that whets your appetite, Free State will have something on the menu for you. And with daily specials, including utilizing native Kansas ingredients, every trip is an opportunity to experience something new.

As would be expected, the service of the staff matches the quality of its offerings. Quick to help and quick to serve, in all my dining experiences here I have never once felt the need to hold back a tip for lack of service. The wait staff here, although matching the younger demographic of the towns nearby university, tend to be much more experienced and interested in providing an enjoyable dining experience.

When you decide to visit, call first 785-843-4555, because you may have to wait for a table, and they will put you on the list before you get there. Don't fret about the wait, though, as that provides an opportunity to savor the libations flowing from the beer taps. And with a generously sized front patio, it may actually enhance your experience to sit out there for a drink, chat with the locals, and do a little people watching. Free State Brewing Company is one of the best places to truly get a feel for what the city of Lawrence has to offer.

Free State Brewing Company Review - 5 Stars

Lawrence Kansas | Henry T's Bar & Grill

If you are looking for a place to have a great beer, get some great food, and watch some good sports, Henry T's Bar and Grill in Lawrence, Kansas is the place to be. With many TV's (some HD, some not), daily food and drink specials, and great service, I would recommend this restaurant to everyone.

I've been going to Henry T's, located at Sixth and Kasold, every Tuesday (cheap buckets o'chicken strips and fries), Wednesday (wings specials) or Thursday (half-price apps after 9:00 and $1.00 draws) for the last two or three years now and have never been disappointed with the service or the food. And speaking of the food, Henry T's has got the best selection and tasting appetizers in Lawrence. It is not even close. The nachos are piled high every night, the wings are always made fresh, and the mini-corn dogs are amazing.

In addition to the surroundings inside, there is also a fairly large outside space outfitted with its own TVs and tables. Whether a smoker (Lawrence restaurants and bars are smoke free) or wanting to catch some fresh air, you don't have to miss a second of the game. And speaking of games, you can catch whatever you want at Henry T's - their selection of basketball and football games is excellent, and they are more than happy to change the channel if you ask.

Whether new to Lawrence or a longtime resident, give Henry T's a try. You won't be disappointed. Be forewarned, though, if you are going on KU basketball game days get there early. It fills up fast, and they are pretty strict about not letting people save tables or put a bunch of tables together.

All in all, I'd give it five out of five stars.

Welcome to Lawrence Kansas Spotlight

Welcome to Lawrence Kansas Spotlight! This site will soon be your go to spot for all information Lawrence. Restaurant reviews, nightspot reviews, services (doctors, lawyers, etc.) reviews, and general news about Lawrence Kansas will be available here.

If you have an opinion about the reviews I provide, please leave comments. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at lawrence.ks.info@gmail.com.com.