26 THE UNIVERSITY OF JARLY KANSAN WWW.KANSAN.COM | BACKTO SCHOOL | MONDAY; AUGUST 13; 2007
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The bar scene and beyond
Several popular hangouts offer activities for students with time
BY SAM CARLSON scarlson@kansan.com
Patrons of The Wheel near campus lounge outside of the popular bar. Bars are popular hangouts in Lawrence, especially near campus.
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Whether you're a brand new freshman or a fifth-year senior, Lawrence offers plenty of activities to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.
Lawrence's atmosphere is diverse, and the only way to find your very own hangout is to get out and explore.
The heart of the Lawrence entertainment scene, Massachusetts Street, is alive every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night with a mixture of bars, music venues and restaurants to keep everyone satisfied.
But don't fear if you can't make it downtown. A memorable night out is closer than you might think.
THE BARS
Students who have waited their turns and finally reached the magical age of 21 certainly won't go thirsty in Lawrence. The only hard part is deciding which bar to visit.
Those who enjoy an upscale drinking experience and wine by the glass can check out The Jayhawker, located in the Eldridge Hotel, 701 Massachusetts St.
Others might prefer a more casual, traditional bar setting. Louise's Downtown, 1009 Massachusetts St., has two levels of watering hole-style
scenery, complete with pool tables and jukeboxes.
If the downtown strip proves to be too hectic, one can head over to Ohio Street for a couple of University of Kansas traditions. The Wheel, 14th and Ohio Streets, and The Hawk, 1340 Ohio St., have long been favorites of students:
"I think now it's a little more diversified, but it's still pretty much a younger crowd," she said.
Ashley Ballweg, Leawood senior,
said the atmosphere at The Hawk is
changing - sort of.
Ballweg also said she isn't always in the mood for a night of dancing and crazy partying that comes with a trip to The Hawk, which is why she frequents Quinton's Bar & Deli, 615 Massachusetts.
"It's more laid-back because you're sitting in a booth and hang-
hangout," said Doug Redding, video store manager at Liberty hall.
Students who don't enjoy the bar scene or those who aren't old enough to participate have many other avenues to explore.
For a more physical form of entertainment, look no further than right here on campus.
A relaxing evening in front of the movie screen can be had at Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts St., where everything from "Art-house" movies to blockbusters can be seen on any given night, with selections changing frequently. A student ID on Wednesday and Thursday nights knocks $2 off the regular price of$ 7.50. Liberty Hall also occasionally features live music, and the type of crowd varies, depending on the event, but the opera-house-turned-movie-theater isn't a place to party.
BESIDES THE BARS
ing out with people," she said. "It's meng mellow."
"We're more of a grad student
Jaybowl, the University's bowling alley, is located on level one of the Kansas Union. Friday and Saturday nights are Cosmic bowling nights and a student ID lets you bowl for free. Cosmic bowling puts a new twist on the classic American pastime with music and black lights. The activity attracts mainly freshmen and sophomores, although all ages participate, said Tim Fields, acting recreations coordinator.
"It's a fun place to hang out and have non-alcohol fun with your friends," said Fields.
— Edited by Ben Smith
KANSAN FILE PHOTO
Bar-goers order and drink beer as they socialize in a lawrence bar. Some bars offer a dance scene, where others offer a more relaxed atmosphere.