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39th Street, located in the historic Volker neighborhood, is one narrow street populated by a wide variety of one-of-a-kind, urban establishments. Long recognized as one of Kansas City’s most vibrant artistic communities, 39th Street retains a nostalgic air of locally owned shops and restaurants. There are two floors of more than 50,000 books at Prospero’s Books; fine tobaccos, cigars and pipes at Havana Moon; and retro wear at Boomerang. If you’re hungry, a slew of ethnic foods will satisfy your stomach including Rumi Café, Taj Palace and Blue Koi. You can find fine dining at Macaluso’s. Several of the area’s businesses have coordinated the 39th Street Art Walk, held on the third Friday of every month. Located on 39th Street between Southwest Trafficway and State Line.
45th & State Line. This antique district is a short block filled with numerous quaint shops. Take a Wine Walk every third Thursday of the month when shops are open until 9 p.m.
Brookside, one of the most charming and sought-after neighborhoods to live in, is also one of the best places to spend an afternoon if you’re a visitor. The neighborhood, planned and built in 1920, is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, all unique and keeping with the original neighborhood charm and architecture. Just 10 blocks south of the Plaza, you can take a stroll through the quieter streets of Kansas City’s “Best Kept Secret.” Start with some spicy Mexican food at Jalapeno’s then cool off your tongue with some of Foo’s Fabulous Frozen Custard. For dinner, eat at Joe D’s Wine Bar-Café and Patio for a casual, yet upscale dining experience or catch a game at Charlie Hooper’s Bar & Grille. Brookside also promotes special activities and events throughout the year, including a St. Patrick’s Day Parade and annual art fair in May. Located in the vicinity of 63rd and Wornall Rd.
THE Country Club Plaza, Kansas City’s mecca for entertainment variety, offers outdoor concerts, a fine arts fair, horse-drawn carriage rides, and a mix of 150 local and national stores and restaurants, plus a movie theater. Based on the architecture of Seville, Spain, The Country Club Plaza has been recognized as the nation’s first suburban shopping district and has continuously added to its collection of fountains, sculptures and murals that bring to the heart of the city the very best of the old world and the new. The Plaza is one of Kansas City’s most popular attractions, drawing in visitors of all ages, especially during the annual Thanksgiving Plaza Lighting Ceremony when 250,000 bulbs light up the night sky and stay on through mid-January. Special events throughout the year include the annual Plaza Art Fair in September and live music in the spring and summer. The world-famous Nelson-Atkins Museum, known for its vast collection of Asian art, and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, are just a few minutes away. Located in the vicinity of 47th & Broadway.
Crossroads ARTS District, downtown’s cultural heart, is home to an ever-changing art scene, unique restaurants and shops. Cheap and spacious historic buildings drew artists to the fledgling area in the 1980s who have since turned it around 180 degrees. The first Friday of every month, Kansas Citians pour into the streets downtown to visit more than 30 art galleries, most of which are open from 7 to 9 p.m. Art lovers share insights about the pieces, glass of wine in hand, then hop on the trolley to other galleries around the area. A selection of fine restaurants awaits visitors, including Zin and The Freight House restaurants, tucked away at 22nd & Wyandotte next to the railroad tracks. The restored former railroad facility serves as the anchor for Lidia’s, offering northern Italian food, Jack Stack BBQ and City Tavern, which serves seafood, steaks and chops. Located south of the loop and north of Crown Center.
Crown Center, home to the international Hallmark headquarters, is, so far, the urban core’s best development project. Visitors can tour the Hallmark Visitors Center to learn the history of Hallmark Cards or let children put on their creative caps at Hallmark’s Kaleidoscope. The three-level retail center features more than 50 specialty shops and restaurants, a movie theater and two live theaters __ The Coterie Theatre and The American Heartland Theatre. The terraced lawns are a great place for adults to relax in the warmer months while the kids play the day away in the spouting fountains; in the winter, kids and adults alike enjoy the Ice Terrace under the tented pavilion. A glass-enclosed, elevated walkway connects Crown Center to the fully restored Union Station, now home to Amtrak, Science City, restaurants, shops and theaters. Liberty Memorial, America’s solely dedicated museum to World War I, is across the street. Located in the vicinity of 24th Street & Grand Boulevard.
Historic Independence, Mo. Whether you absolutely love history or just like to be a casual observer, Independence has something for you. Guided tours through Former President Harry S. Truman’s 14-room Victorian home reveals furnishings, personal possessions and a private library that includes a phonograph record collection. If you are feeling more adventuresome, the National Frontier Trails are what made the name “Queen of the Trails” for Independence. Three separate routes that the pioneers took to go west began near Independence, and they do an excellent job of capturing the wonder and excitement of that era. Also, you may want to spend a little time in jail at the Jackson County Jail, host to the outlaw Jesse James, or take a step back in time to high society at the Vaile Victorian Mansion. Four miles north of I-70 and Noland Road.
The River Market has been home to the largest farmers’ market in the Midwest since 1857. You can buy everyday things from fruit and flowers to Vietnamese egg rolls and fresh mozzarella. This area has gained special attention from young professionals and empty nesters who have moved into spacious lofts in the renovated historic buildings. The area has a tight-knit community often lacking in big cities. Couples walk their dogs on the green space, make crafts at Urban Arts & Crafts, have breakfast at Succotash, lunch at Winslow’s and head down to the square for summer evening concerts. Most visitors appreciate the selection of antique shops, outdoor cafes and The Arabia Steamboat Museum. When the day is done, you can make one last stop at almost any of the restaurants for live entertainment. Located north of 6th Street and I-35.
Westport, the historic district of brick buildings that once housed supply stores for pioneers heading west on the Oregon, Santa Fe and California Trails, still sees many pioneers __ pioneers of the entrepreneurial sort. This artsy enclave near the Plaza is best-known for its unique shops, galleries and restaurants, not to mention its wild nightlife. The casual atmosphere pervades all facets of business. You can find shops offering candles, handmade jewelry, garden art and unique clothing. In late afternoon, after your stroll around Westport, stop for an excellent cup of coffee at one of the many coffee shops or just wait until the sun sets when Westport turns into party central. The plethora of bars __ all within walking distance __ offers many different atmospheres and music that will satisfy anyone’s groove. Located in the vicinity of Broadway & Westport Road.
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