If you love the big open sky surrounding Lawrence, KS, and the sound of crickets, cows and a…read morepicturesque Midwestern night, you're going to see the appeal of the Historic Taylor Barn. That was our thinking when we booked this for our wedding in 2015. This beautiful working farm, although a bit more on the rustic side than some photos would have you believe, really is a place where you can breathe deep, relax and make for a wonderful evening. Being in the event world myself, I was less than thrilled with some of the steps leading up to it when we booked this venue. They are friendly folks, but there was a sense of a vaguery around a lot of things. We had to have every vendor "approved" by them, but the responses were slow. In the wedding planning process, things move so quickly that you better nail down that photographer, caterer, etc. and not have to wait and follow up continuously. Something that bugged me as my stress was H-I-G-H that final week before the wedding was that a big time cold front and high chance of rain were forecasted to move in. With over a week's notice I requested that they go ahead and get the heaters and tents that we'd talked about as our agreed upon contingency plan. No response. Followed up, and by then it was too late to get all that we needed, even though we were still four days out. They had told me 48 hours would be sufficient notice so I was very disappointed. Thank god it didn't rain as forecasted! She also quoted me pretty high on the heat lamps and I grew weary. I called the rental company (Sunflower Rental) myself and found that the total price I was quoted was bumped up to nearly double what they actually charge. So I could've just ordered these myself and saved a lot of money, and there was no explanation for the upcharge except that I called them on it. Now the wedding day was great, they were accommodating to the caterers, they dressed up and were around but not too present, and were just overall great. I chalk it up to the fact that everyone EVER who is in the wedding business realizes the cash grab that it can be and that a few things here and there fell in that category. I think this would probably be the same for a lot of venues, I just wish there had been a bit more transparency from the get go. Also not a fan of the $300 clean up charge, that's bogus. Thankfully as the bride and groom we were not on the hook and our family stepped up to do this. Our wedding was beautiful, and the weather cooperated. It was crisp, they had a bon fire stoked for us, and the historic barn (built in 1887 I think?) and I was thrilled with the way everything worked out.

From the owner: Wedding/reception venue Rehearsal dinners…read moreAnniversary celebration Photo opportunities

I was able to enjoy this venue in downtown LFK for Brewfest! This venue has so much to offer…read more From the little individual rooms that look like town shops, to fountains, to a riverside Deck. Large space that even with the mass of people and all the booths set up to get drinks at didn't feel crowded.

We went to a Fabulous event planned by KU's Hall Center for Humanities. It was centered around…read moreHalloween but with an educational flair. And a bar!! They featured food by Latch Key Deli which looked delicious but we opted for a drink and wandering around. This event is annual so you have to be ready in the fall. See attached photos of the fun stuff and we didn't even see it all.

Fantastic staff, everyone was helpful and friendly! We came in close to close, and got…read morerecommendations on where to go and what to do. A regular had her huskies in, and I absolutely love having a few beers while I make new furry friends.

Unlike many hipster bars who think that having a beer on tap that only five people have ever drunk,…read moresomebody at GG who knows beer actually curates the stuff available. It's next to impossible to find a place like this. It's so much better than the trendoid dumps pimping for reviews that say "chill vibe."

the property is beautiful. the guestrooms are all very nice and the barn is very pretty. little…read moreawkward to have food downstairs and have to carry your plate upstairs. the only thing is the owner was so anxious about everything! You are not allowed to decorate the arbor even though all the pictures of the venue show it decorated. Strip the beds and throw the towels down the laundry chute and sort them. Take out the trash. Clean off the counters and clean the mirrors, etc... the rooms have to be paid for by 1100. Idek how many times we got that message. Gave us a lot of unnecessary stress.

This farm, which at one point was a B&B is now a full blow event space for weddings, large…read moregatherings, etc. Over the years I've been here plenty of times for various events and today was part of a musical group providing music for a wedding. The old "barn" is a rustic but gorgeous dining and table space downstairs (with a small bar), the upstairs more of a ballroom feel with stage, lots of space up to the rafters which is where I'm guessing most weddings are held as it was today. Surely they are on Yelp and have been reviewed I thought as I was working, got done and drove home. Yes, on Yelp, never reviewed. Well, let's just take care of that. Lots of parking for guests, beautiful outdoor patio area made of rustic timbers, several wedding arches, lots of places that appear to be set for photographic appeal, etc. The grounds are gorgeous. Plenty of charm, good space, and best of all, away from town a but on the far edge of North Lawrence so maybe 5 minutes from city center. Easy access for folks from KC or Topeka and the turnpike. I love this place. As someone who has been married more than once, it is unlikely I'll do that (fingers crossed) again, but should I, I'd want it here and a big party to boot. Fact, the folks we played for today were musicians and were spending most of the rest of the afternoon there just having a proper jam session. Fun. This is a great place. Worth checking out if you're in need of a gathering spot for a lot of people for all kinds of occasions.

Been here many times. A wide variety of events that help bring the arts to town. It's always…read morepleasant and clean and well lit, and a wide variety of people attend. I'm so glad this part of our community!

I was the best man for a wedding that included a reception at the Cider Gallery. Not only was the…read moreatmosphere and overall look of the gallery beautiful but also, the venue manager was a hard-working, level-headed individual. The surrounding art work adds to the beauty of this venue near one of the most popular streets in Lawrence, Mass St. Despite some post wedding drama, the manger was quick to act and competent in working to make the reception as memorable as possible. I would highly recommend this venue for business meetings, receptions, or just a casual day viewing some impressive art.

Visited Arterra for an event recently--what a beautiful space. It feels uniquely Lawrence in the…read morebest way: modern, inviting, and full of personality. I was just a guest, so I can't speak for the hosts, but from where I stood, everything was spot on. The space was open, easy to navigate, and had that rare mix of elegance and comfort. The food and beverages? Fabulous--no rubber chicken here. If I were planning an event, this is exactly the kind of place I'd want. Stylish, spacious, and effortlessly well-run. Arterra nails it.

On Saturday evening, I attended a wedding here and was beyond impressed with the level of…read moreattentiveness, friendliness of staff, gorgeous decor and delicious food. The inside was elegant and tastefully decorated. They allowed the bride and groom to put their own touches on the wall by hanging engagement pictures and decorations. The ceremony was outside and I was surprised by how comfortable the chairs were. I also appreciated the shade tents they put up to block the sun for the guests. Dinner, drinks and appetizers were delicious. The staff came around to make sure you had everything you needed without being too pushy. This would be a great place to have an sort of event or wedding. I really enjoyed being a guest.

This place is absolutely amazing. We had our wedding here and the staff were fantastic. The food…read morecame out promptly and they were to ensure there was no stress on me. I would 100/10 recommend! I absolutely love it there! It was great! Love love love!

Where are you? Could not find the building!?!…read moreWould love to chat about membership but can't seem to get anyone to respond to calls...

My brother just had his wedding here and we thought the venue was perfect. It's one of the only…read morespaces in the area that allows for their own catering and alcohol to be brought in. They literally let us do whatever we wanted with the food and bar, along with the decor... it's a simple "barn style" set up with a neat ceiling and lights, and enough to probably have between 100-150 seated guests comfortably. It was clean and new feeling. The owner, Theresa, is very responsive. She made everything we did so easy to work with. The costs are not outrageous and this is really the perfect venue for anyone who wants to create their own event on top of a great "base" like the W. The ONLY thing I would say is that the parking situation is a little odd, but it's close to downtown Lawrence so street parking is accessible and there is an old church lot across the street.