Beer, bookstores and ‘rebellious spirit’. CNN ranks Lawrence a top city to visit
CNN Travel has listed Lawrence as one best cities to travel to in the United States in 2026.
Lawrence ranks No. 9 for its well-known Massachusetts Street, blocks of local restaurants, shops and cultural spaces.
The article notes spots that they found special in Lawrence include the Spencer Museum of Art, Sylas and Maddy’s ice cream and Waxman Candles.
The article said that Massachusetts Street “Mass” is “main street perfection” and that they enjoyed the shops, people, food and local culture.
But they said what stood out to them the most was the history of Lawrence. The article said they enjoy Lawrence’s resilience and “rebellious soul.”
“Lawrence looks like Main Street perfection — a vibrant haven of craft breweries, indie bookstores and historic hotels,” the article said. “But beneath this charming Midwestern façade lies a fierce, rebellious soul.”
“Twice burned down in the Civil War era, this town has always resurrected itself. That spirit survives today as Lawrence’s historic Massachusetts Street fights a new battle to keep big chains out and local uniqueness in.”
They revered Lawrence saying, “trouble and hope have always gone hand in hand in Lawrence.”
Why Lawrence, Kansas ranks high
The article goes into the history of Lawrence, summarizing the establishment of the town by abolitionists, political violence, and being a stop for the Underground Railroad. They then go into how the Civil War “raged around the free state,” and how Lawrence was a main battleground during this time.
“Once again Lawrence rose from the ashes like the phoenix that has become its official symbol,” the article said. “It dusted itself down and got on with it.”
The article goes into how they see this history in local business like Free State Brewery and The Eldridge Hotel. They said that the local businesses and restaurants made Lawrence feel like “one of those towns that feels like heaven.”
CNN also noted that Lawrence was tied to the history of basketball. The inventor of basketball, James Naismith first brought the sport to Lawrence. Since then, The University of Kansas has been a historical site for basketball fans all over the world, the article said.
The article quotes Curtis “Candlepants” McCoy, an employee of Waxman candles for the past 26 years.
“It’s got a real charm,” he said. “It’s a high quality of living with a real sense of community and a lot of really good people who are committed to living a certain way — being kind, having fun, becoming creative, and taking care of each other.
“With Lawrence there’s always something new; it’s always attracting interesting people.”
