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BACK TO SCHOOL / MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010 / THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN / KANSAN.COM
Nearby destinations offer break from Lawrence
TRAVEL
BY SHANNA LARSON | editor@kansan.com
Sometimes students need a break from the everyday grind, but with school in session it's hard to get away for more than a day or two. There are a variety of events that are perfect for that short getaway or road trip.
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The Walnut Valley Festival is held every year in Winfield, only three hours away.
The Walnut Valley Festival is a bluegrass festival that takes place every year. This year it will start Sept. 15 and go until Sept. 19. There will be more than 30 performers, camping, special workshops, a golf tournament and a picnic. A ticket for one day is $35 at the gate or in advance. For more information go to www.vwfest.com.
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If you are looking for a weekend full of culture, the Ethnic Enrichment Festival at Swope Park in Kansas City, Mo., is Aug. 20-22. More than 50 countries' traditions are celebrated through a variety of activities. Food, dance, crafts and traditional drinks are part of the experience for only $3. For more information go to www.eeckc.org.
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If you love the board game Clue, Junction City's Clue Scavenger Hunt is what you're looking for. The game begins at 5:30 p.m.Sept.19.Take a group of friends and figure out who did it.The first team to answers wins a prize.
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Midwest Deutsche Oktoberfest is one of the wildest
weekends in Hays. Only three hours west of Lawrence, you can experience the games, entertainment and activities Deutsche style. The festival is Sept. 18-19 at the Ellis County Fairgrounds. For more information visit www.midwest-deutschefest.com.
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For a little old-time fun, head to Wichita for a drive-in movie at the Starlite Drive-In Theatre. Make the two-hour trip for a double- or even triple-feature experience. They have a full menu of traditional movie food, as well as hotdogs and hamburgers to make it a complete dinner and a movie. Enjoy movies a different way for only $8. For more information go to www.starlitefun.com.
LIVING
Lawrence listed among best U.S. college towns
MSNBC.com praises city's thriving arts scene, strong sense of history and unique entertainment options
BY MEGAN RUPP
mrupp@kansan.com
The Universitymaybe apartof conference realignment, but Lawrence remains in a league of its own. Last week, Sarah Schlicter, editor of IndependentTraveler.com, listed Lawrence as one of the nine best college towns in the country on MSNBC.com.
"We really liked the emphasis on the arts," Schlichter said. "For a relatively small city, it really seemed to be a thriving arts community. We also liked the sense of history there." Schlichter said Lawrence also stood out because of the inexpensive
shops, unique dining options, outdoor activities, the "attractive buildings and green spaces on campus and the great pride" surrounding the University's sports teams.
Alison Aviles, a senior from San Diego, said
She said she loved the sunshine during football season and tailgating with other fans added a new element for her: school spirit.
Schlichter's findings, particularly the enthusiasm for Jayhawk athletics.
"It's not a huge thing at schools at home like it is here." Aviles said. "It's fun to see how many Jayhawk fans there are."
Senior associate
so good," Keating said. "It's a vibrant town with a youthful energy, the
"The community we have here has a lot of character and all sorts of amenities that people want to have in a community."
JACK MARTIN KU deputy director of communications
"I just came here to go to school,but Lawrence really is a fantastic town with a lot to offer."
SUE GEHRT Clinton Lake operations manager
athletic director Larry Keating said that sports first acted as entertainment and encouraged graduates to return to Lawrence.
University is certainly a big part of that and athletics is a big part of the University"
The connection between the Lawrence community and the University is something both Keating and Jack Martin, KU deputy director
"I've found a number of people who have returned to Lawrence to attendance were
San Diego, said she agreed with retire because their experiences were
OTHER CITIES LISTED
of communications, agreed was a major factor in the town's spirit.
These amenities, mentioned by Schlicher in her review, include biking, fishing, hiking, boating and swimming at parks such Clinton
Austin, Texas
Boston
We're very pleased to see Lawrence getting that kind of recognition," Martin said. "Lawrence is very important to the recruiting of students, faculty and staff members. The community we have here has a lot of character and all sorts of amenities that people want to have in a community"
Boulder, Colo.
Princeton, N.J.
Berkeley, Calif.
Athens, Ga.
Gainesville, Fla.
State Park just west of Lawrence.
Madison, Wisc.
Sue Gehrt, operations manager at Clinton Lake, said the beach was often packed with KU students. "Clinton Lake and all it offers is a huge asset to the city of Lawrence and the University students who use the area quite a bit," Gehrt said.
— Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/
Gehrt is originally from Ohio, but stayed in Lawrence after graduating with two degrees from the University. "I just came here to go to school, but Lawrence really is a fantastic town with a lot to offer," Gehrt said. "So I came out here, really liked it, met my husband and ended up staying."
OVER $7,500 IN PRIZES!
Ballots must be turned in by 4 pm CST on 8/20/10.
One entry per ballot box at participating sponsors of the sweepstakes.
*Staff of The University Daily Kansan are not eligible to win prizes in the Hawk Ticket Sweepstakes.*
Winners will be drawn on the evening of 8/20/10 at Abe & Jakes. You do not have to be present to win. If you are not at the party you will be notified by e-mail. Winners must be able to present photo ID when claiming their prize.
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