Lovely Adventures Near Kansas City
/Some of the sweetest people I know got together and paid for a round trip ticket so I could fly "home" and volunteer for a week at my favorite place, Heartland Camp, as well as see my beautiful family, friends, and hit all my favorite spots around town. I didn't want to overwhelm you with exclamation marks within the first sentence... so I just went ahead and left them all out. But just imagine like a million, okay? great. Also, you can imagine all caps letters. for the entire first sentence.
I tell everyone in Colorado that I am from Kansas City, MISSOURI (everyone thinks I'm from Kansas... ummm... no). But the truth is that while I love the city, the places that have the biggest pieces of my heart are Liberty, Missouri (my hometown and about 30 minutes from downtown KC) and Parkvile, Missouri (home to one of my favorite places in the world and about 20 minutes from downtown KC).
So, in honor of my flight home, to see the people and places that I love, I've compiled a list of 10 things I'm going to do and visit during my week there. Because I love lists. a lot.
Can we also just pause and say how hard it is to have multiple "homes"? Home is where my husband is, without a doubt. But home is also my mom and dad's house and home is also Heartland Camp and home is also in Australia. Home is so many places where people I love are. It's impossible to choose just one. So when I say "home"... I mean that one place where the people I love are.
Things to do at "Home"
1. Hug Mom and Dad (duh.)
This one is mainly just for me... I mean if you know them too you can definitely hug them... but if you don't, they'll probably still hug you anyway because they are the sweetest but it will be kinda weird.
2. 54th Street
If you're looking for really delicious food at a decent price and you're in Liberty or near Zona Rosa, this is a must. You have to order the Gringo Dip. You'll probably look on the menu, see the price and think "What is this stuff made of?! Pure gold?!". Yes. Yes it is. I have yet to find anything that matches its deliciousness. My husband can confirm that at least once a week I say, "You know what I miss? Gringo Dip." I will probably be there at least every other night this week because #halfpriceappetizersafter9 is the bomb.com and so is 54th street. The super nachos are also a superb choice.
If you're in Kansas city and looking for a day trip to fill your desire for small town charm stop in Liberty at their historic downtown square. Some of the stores are forever changing but I'm happy that one seems to be sticking around. Catfish and Tater is hands down my favorite place to shop. I've never been to a "boutique" style shop that is so warm, friendly and absolutely my style. The clothing is quality and the atmosphere is so fun. Heather, the owner, has done a beautiful job at adding her style to the shop's decor and ensuring that each customer is treated with kindness. There are also so many fun locally designed accessories that make great gifts for those who couldn't travel with you. I always walk out with one of a kind pieces.
The adorable Liberty Square
While you are on the square just a short walk away from Catfish and Tater is a beautiful old historic home that has the front porch my dreams are made of. Inside is a shared shop of vintage treasures and handmade soaps/beauty products. The owner of The Bittersweet Soap Shop is probably my favorite aspect of the visit. I don't know her but she always strikes up conversation as though we are the best of friends and is just the sweetest soul.
Her soaps and other handmade products are amazing and never disappoint. There is always a new smell we have to try and they make great take-home gifts as well.
5. Hillcrest Hope Thrift Store
Just a couple blocks away from the Liberty Square is, in my opinion, the best thrift store in town. It is large, bright, always organized and quite trendy! I don't know if I've ever walked out empty handed... if I have it's because I was demonstrating serious self control that day. There are always fun finds and they put out new stuff throughout the day so it is never the same.
I must admit that while I do love the treasure finding, my favorite part is that my grandma is usually volunteering in the back. Hugs from her are sunshine for your soul and always make me happy. She's one of my favorite people in the whole world and I can only hope I'll be as beautiful as her someday.
The Red Apron is only open on the third Friday-Saturday every month. If you're lucky enough to be in or near Liberty, Missouri during this time, you have to stop by. It is a collection of vendors that sell re-purposed and repainted vintage home decor and furniture. The prices are reasonable and the place is always so beautifully organized and displayed.
If you are there when the owner, Kirsten, is working she will undoubtedly brighten your day. The vendors work hard between sales to find treasures and create new pieces so the store never looks the same. It is located in a red building tucked back on a country road. Tons of charm and the hunt for new treasures is so fun.
"Yes, hi. I would like a large strawberry smoothie with whipped cream and a large chocolate chai, please. Oh! And can I also get a cranberry oatmeal scone, please?"
This is exactly what you should say when you go through their drive through. You won't regret it. They are locally owned, the only place in town I've found that serves Big Train Chocolate Chai (which means they get 100 gold stars) and are always delicious.
8. West Bottoms // Vintage Revival
You've probably guessed by now that I have a serious love affair with anything vintage. Every first Friday of the month the area in Kansas City named "The West Bottoms" is flooded with people and food trucks for a three day monthly celebration of everything vintage. Old warehouses and run down buildings have been renovated and given new life. There are floors of handmade and re-purposed vintage items. The selection of food trucks for lunch are amazing and it's it such a fun time to walk around and explore.
My personal favorite stop is Bella Patina. Their displays and passion for supporting their local city are inspiring. You could almost spend your entire day just in Bella Patina! I usually have to demonstrate my highest level of self control when shopping there... but typically walk out with a little something :)
Image Via: Bella Patina
Parkville has an adorably whimsical main street that leads down to a beautiful park next to the Missouri river. My favorite spot to stop on my way down to the park is Parkville Coffee House. The coffee is wonderful... you can order anything and not go wrong. What I HAVE to get every time is their bacon and egg frittata. If I'm feelin' crazy I'll get a whole... but most of the time a half is plenty to fill me up. I get the whole grain bread (the best) and you can order it to go or to stay. I crave their frittatas... I could probably eat one every day and not be sad about it. Not even a little.
10. Heartland Camp
This is a home for me. I think I could write multiple posts on how much I love what God does in my life through Heartland Camp. I've never met a more genuine community of people, had so much fun at a "job" and felt that I was exactly where I was meant to be than in this place. I am so excited to give a week of my time to serve God, kids and this community.
If you are looking for a place to send your kids, volunteer, have a retreat, work or just hike around. These 320 acres of sacred ground will take you in with open arms. It's a must see, in my opinion. I've been a lot of beautiful places and I think this place and its community still takes the cake.
So, if you're looking for not so touristy things to do around Kansas City, I highly recommend the list above. They are places that I miss dearly. Mainly I miss them because of the company that accompanied me and the beautiful memories I have. So, make sure you have some awesome people to take with you. Genuine relationships and wonderful friends make everything better.
See you soon, Kansas City. You're the best.
Love,
The Lovely Adventurer