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 Of course, we don’t want you to shop until you drop, but it’s truly possible with the distinct shopping districts available in Kansas City. Whatever your tastes--small town, upscale, quirky and eclectic--we have it all in Kansas City.
From mom and pop shops nestled in delightful neighborhoods with a personality all their own to expansive shopping malls filled with the latest in styles and name brands, it’s here in Kansas City.
Day 1: Arts, Antiques and fun stuff
1. Crossroads Arts District
More than 60 artists’ studios, galleries and boutiques are represented in this renovated community bordered by Broadway to the west, Cherry to the east, Truman Road to the north and the railroad tracks at approximately 23rd Street to the south. The first Friday of each month, the businesses open their door until 9 p.m. providing entertainment and refreshments. Trolleys provide transportation around the district. For a complete listing of artists, visit www.kccrossroads.org.
2. City Market
People have been selling goods at the City Market for more than 150 years. The area's historic buildings create a nostalgic backdrop for shopping at the area's antique, home stores and international markets. While visiting the district, take a step into the past at Planters, 513 Walnut St., a general store that still uses seed drawers. Antique hunters love the 30,000-square-foot River Market Antique Mall, 115 W. 5th St. Located at 5th and Walnut streets. Call 816-222-0302.
3. Brookside
One of the most beloved communities in Kansas City, Brookside has maintained its neighborhood charm since the 1920s with more than 70 locally-owned businesses in a region surrounding 63rd and Brookside Blvd., south of the Plaza. The Reading Reptile, Kansas City’s premiere children’s bookstore, is at 328 W. 63rd. Just a few steps down at 316 W. 63rd, you’ll find the eclectic creations of more than 200 area artisans at Stuff. Visit www.brooksidekc.com or call 816- 361-8222.
4. Crestwood
Located south of the Plaza along 55th Street between Brookside Blvd. to the east and Oak St. to the west, Crestwood is a collection of about 15 shops that offer upscale and distinctive home décor, European and American antiques and two European style cafes. Bloomsday Books, a Kansas City institution known for its collection of rare and used books, is located at 301 E. 55th.
Day 2: Shopping with Pizzazz
1. The Country Club Plaza
Designed in 1922 as the nation’s first suburban shopping district, today The Plaza is where the top names in fashion and home décor are found in Kansas City. From Armani to Eddie Bauer to Sacs, the more than 200 boutiques and restaurants in the 20 block district, combined with the fabulous art and architecture make a day at the Plaza a must for any true Kansas City shopping experience. Stores are open until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. Call 816-753-0100, www.countryclubplaza.com.
2. Crown Center
The home of Hallmark Cards is located on 85-acres on Grand Ave., between 24th and 25th Street. The enclosed shopping and entertainment complex is three stories of specialty shops and boutiques that are as entertaining to visit as they are satisfying to your shopping interests. Crown Center is located in Midtown at 2450 Grand Ave. Call 816-274-8444, www.crowncenter.com.
3. Prairie Village Shops
The Prairie Village Shops delights visitors with its unique mix of independently owned clothing, specialty and home accessories shops. The village-style setting plays host to more than 50 shops, restaurants and services where you can still talk to the storeowner. Stop by Curious Sofa, 3925 W. 69th Terrace, which boasts a "less than serious" approach to shopping and decorating. Or visit Mady and Me, 6943 Tomahawk Rd., a children's boutique clothing store. Located south of the Plaza at 71st Street and Mission Road in Prairie Village, Kansas. Call 913-652-3306. www.prairievillageshops.com
Day 3: Shop around the Metro
1. The Legends at Village West
The open-air shopping and entertainment district is not only one of the city's newest shopping district's, it's home to many first-ever locations to the region. The Legends features more than 80 tenants, including the city's first Adidas store, Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse, ULTRA Diamonds and Cavender's western wear. End your day with the first-ever T-Rex in the nation-a 20,000-square-foot destination restaurant where dinosaurs come to life amongst extravagant theatrical settings including geysers, waterfalls and ice caves. Located at the intersection of I-70 and I-435 at the Parallel Parkway West exit in Kansas City, Kan. Call 913.788-3700. www.legendsshopping.com
2. Zona Rosa
Located in Platte County, just 15 minutes north of Downtown, this urban retail center offers outdoor shopping and dinning in a unique town-like atmosphere. With national, regional and local stores for the every member of the family, shoppers of any age will find exactly what they are looking for. The town square offers music and special events throughout the summer. And when the shopping day is over, stay for dinner or the nightlife, as many of the city's well-known restaurants and bars are located here. Call (816) 587-8180 www.zonarosa.com
3. Oak Park Mall
With more than 185 specialty stores, Oak Park Mall is Overland Park's fashion destination. Two levels of shopping and dining create a mix of local boutiques and national favorites like Sephora, Arden B, J Crew and the Rainforest Cafe. Located at Quivera Road and 95th Street in Overland Park, Kan. Call (913) 888-4400 www.thenewoakparkmall.com
4. Town Center Plaza
Town Center Plaza is an upscale open-air lifestyle center featuring more than 90 national and specialty stores and restaurants. The elegant architecture and mix of upscale retailers create an ambiance that is reminiscent of strolling though a European village. Located at 119th Street and Nall in Leawood, Kan. Call 913-498-1111 www.TownCenterPlaza.com
Day 4: Small Town Charm
1. Parkville
Nestled on the banks of the Missouri River within site of the downtown Kansas City skyline, Parkville is a world away with many of its shops and homes dating to the mid-1800s. Once known as an antique-lovers destination, Main Street has recently become home to more distinctive boutiques carrying home décor and wearable fashions. A fun, locally owned establishment is Home Embellishments, 102 Main, which carries the quirky works of numerous local artists and artisans. Take Highway 169 across the Broadway Bridge to Highway 9 and follow it about six miles into Parkville. Many shops are closed on Monday. Call 816-587-2700.
2. Weston
All of Main Street Weston is on the National Register of Historic Places, with most of the buildings dating to the town’s founding in 1837. In these shops, you’ll find everything from European antiques to country primitives and collectables. But more contemporary home furnishings and clothing are making their way into an equal number of stores. Highway 9 north intersects with Highway 45. Turn west or left on Highway 45 and follow it 22 miles to Weston. Call 816-640-2909.
Photo Credit: Photos Courtesy of the Kansas City Convention
& Visitors Association
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