Shops

An eclectic mix of boutiques and specialty shops makes shopping in Lawrence [1] a daylong excursion in itself.

Stop in to Joe College (734 Massachusetts St., 785/856-4563, www.joe-college.com [2], 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Wed. and Fri., 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Thurs., 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun.) for a wide selection of snarky, irreverent, and unlicensed T-shirts and other collegiate apparel.

For authentic British food and gifts, stop into Brits (929 Massachusetts St., 785/843-2288, www.britsusa.com [3], 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Mon.–Wed., 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Thurs.–Fri., 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun.) Pick up a box of Twinings tea and shortbread, or browse Brits’ housewares section for tea accessories and baking tools.

Blackbird Trading Post (8 W. 9th St., 785/841-1498, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Wed.–Mon.) is a consignment shop filled with brand-name clothing, accessories, and shoes. It takes a little patience to dig through the racks, but you just may be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind find, and at a reduced price, no less!

Waxman Candles (609 Massachusetts St., 785/843-8593, www.waxmancandles.com [4], 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m. Mon.–Sat., noon–5 p.m. Sun.) is a veritable candle emporium, stocked floor-to-ceiling with columns, tapers, votives, and every other candle imaginable. The handmade candles come in a variety of scents, from floral or fresh to sugary and seasonal. Several Kansas souvenir candles are available, including a Jayhawk and sunflower silhouettes.

Duck into the Dusty Bookshelf (708 Massachusetts St., 785/539-2839, www.thedustybookshelf.com [5], 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Mon.–Thurs., 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri.–Sat., noon–6 p.m. Sun.) and browse an impressive array of new and second-hand books on subjects ranging from comic books and communications to history and travel.