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.crossroadscommunityassociation.org.

2. 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.

3. 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. 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.

Day 3 - Get Out of Town

Parkville and Weston are in Platte County, just northwest of downtown Kansas City. 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.

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.

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.

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.