Romantic Kansas City Getaways for Parents-to-Be
It's almost time for the new arrival, and you can hardly wait for the big day! You've prepared the nursery, written the birth plan and read all the parenting books. Have you taken time to spend quality time as a couple and nurture your relationship before Baby arrives? Babymoons are becoming a popular second and third trimester idea for parents-to-be looking to keep the spark alive before baby arrives.
Here are three romantic getaway itineraries right in our own backyard!
Country Club Plaza
The Country Club Plaza is perhaps Kansas City’s most famous landmark, with many terrific annual events to enjoy. The Plaza Art Fair (held annually on the third weekend of September) draws thousands from across the country. The Plaza Lighting Ceremony (held annually on Thanksgiving) is a Kansas City tradition where the city’s most recognized Christmas light display is lit amidst concerts and fireworks. Apart from these notable events, the Plaza hosts concerts throughout the week (see www.CountryClubPlaza.com/Events/Plaza-Live-Concerts for a schedule) and is home to many of Kansas City’s finest restaurants and stores and one of our favorite theaters: the Cinemark (500 Nichols Rd., KCMO, 816.756.5877). At this venue, adults can make reservations to enjoy a luxury movie experience complete with food service in the VIP Room.
The Plaza is also surrounded by beautiful hotels and lodging. One of our favorites for a romantic evening is Southmoreland on the Plaza (116 E. 46th St., KCMO, 816.531.7979, www.Southmoreland.com/), known for New England B&B ambiance with 12 one-of-a-kind rooms, each with its own special feature, such as treetop deck, wood burning fireplace or Jacuzzi. Another best pick is the Raphael Hotel (325 Ward Pkwy., KCMO, 816.756.3800, www.RaphaelKC.com/). The boutique hotel is inspired by the finest small hotels of Europe where guests enjoy vintage hospitality in a luxurious atmosphere.
Add to the romance of your weekend with a gondola ride on Brush Creek with Ambiance on the Water (Wed.-Sat. 6:00-10:00, 200 Ward Pkwy., KCMO, 816.365.7101) or a carriage ride with Kansas City Carriages (Nichols Rd. & Pennsylvania, 816.531.1999) or Surrey’s Carriage Company (Nichols Rd. & Wyandotte, 816.531.2673).
Kansas City, Kansas
Whether you enjoy shopping, dining, comedy, sports or history, you’ll find it all just a short drive away from Chateau Avalon, one of the most romantic inns in the Midwest. Cheateau Avalon (701 Village West Pkwy., KCK, 913.596.6000, www.ChateauAvalonHotel.com) offers a unique romantic getaway in a luxurious hotel known for its “adventure rooms.” Guests reserve rooms according to their favorite theme: Castaway Isle, Serengeti, New York Penthouse, Tahitian, Pirates Cove, Colorado Frontier, Egyptian Palace, Buckingham and more.
Nearby, visit the Legends for local shopping and dining. Dave & Buster’s (913.981.6815) is a favorite for date nights as the venue often hosts comedy and mystery performances. Jazz: A Louisiana Kitchen (913.328.0003) serves delicious New Orleans-style cuisine and features live music (see www.KCK.JazzKitchens.com/Music-Calendar/ for a schedule).
History buffs will enjoy a tour of the Grinter Place (1420 S. 78th St., KCK, 913.299.0373), the oldest home in Wyandotte County, for a look at frontier life along the Kansas and Missouri border.
Sports fans enjoy watching races at Kansas Speedway (www.KansasSpeedway.com).
Weston, Missouri
Weston is home to a charming historic main street, local farms offering fresh fall produce, one of the most beautiful state parks in Missouri and many charming restaurants and bed & breakfasts, making it a great babymoon destination! Don’t miss Weston’s Apple Fest on the first weekend in October, where you’ll enjoy small-town charm with a traditional parade, booths and homemade apple treats.
Weston is home to nine beautiful B&Bs, each with its own one-of-a-kind charm. From Victorian homes on Main Street to rustic farm settings, there is something for every personality and interest. Visit http://WestonMO.com/Stay/Bed_Breakfasts.html for information.
Enjoy the best of autumn at Weston’s favorite attractions. Start at Weston Red Barn Farm (16300 Wilkerson Dr., 816.386.5437). The barn sits atop a picturesque hill overlooking farmland and forest. Early autumn brings apples (call ahead for details). The Red Barn Farm is also home to many farm animals: ponies, goats, turkeys, chickens, pigs, cows, ducks, geese and sheep. And, you’ll discover an overwhelming selection of pumpkins in every shape, size and variety at the pumpkin market. On weekends, enjoy a tractor- or horse-drawn hayride, the corn maze or a pony ride. Then, visit the most scenic place in Weston, the Weston Bend State Park (16600 Hwy. 45 N., 816.640.5443).
Weston Bend State Park features paved, chipped and wood trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and campgrounds. You’ll also discover information on Lewis and Clark’s expedition and an old tobacco barn (the native crop for the area) that is currently being renovated and features an exhibit on the history of tobacco farming. The highlight though, is the scenic overlook. Follow the signs, park your car, grab the camera, then take a short walk on a paved trail to the overlook for a magnificent view of autumn color over the Missouri River.
Foodies enjoy a tour of the Green Dirt Farm (open for tours Wed.-Sun. Tours are $8/ea. Call 816.386.2156 for a reservation.), a grass-fed sheep farm where 150 ewes are raised making delicious sheep’s milk cheese. Watch as the sheep are milked and the cheese is made in the kitchen—then taste samples! Afterward, dine at O’Malley’s 1842 Irish Pub (500 Welt St., 816.640.5235). O’Malley’s serves authentic Irish fare in an authentic Irish-American pub complete with Irish music. You can choose indoor or patio dining (where you see the world’s largest ball of string).
Weston’s Main Street is home to many boutiques, shops and restaurants. Discover the history of Weston at Weston Historical Museum (601 Main St., 816.386.2977), with exhibits including Native American artifacts, local citizens’ memorabilia from the Civil War period all the way through World War II and more. End with a stop at the Nostalgia Store for souvenirs, games, books and old-fashioned candy.
Kristina Light loves visiting Kansas City’s landmarks on date nights and getaways with her husband, Ron.