Date Night: Westport

For this month’s roundup of dates, take a look at these fun choices in Westport. 

If you’ve got a hankering for a delicious piece of pie, grab your significant other and head straight to Ashleigh’s Bake Shop in Westport. We think she has the best pie in the city. Her little shop is located in the lower level of Pryde’s, which is an experience all its own. (More on that in a moment!) Ashleigh’s sells whole pies and pie slices—everything from apple and cherry rhubarb to coconut cream and key lime. The shop has some very interesting ones, like blueberry basil goat cheese and whiskey walnut chocolate. Ashleigh has many varieties that she rotates through and usually offers 10-15 different kinds each day. And let me tell you, it is some really amazing pie! I’m not usually big on pie crust, but hers is amazing. In addition to pie, she also offers quiche, cookies and bars. Ashleigh’s is open Thursday from 10:00 to 4:00 and Friday and Saturday from 10:00 to 5:00 or until she sells out. 

Pryde’s Old Westport is a 10,000-square-foot kitchen and housewares emporium and is a fun place for browsing, even for guys! Open since 1968, Pryde’s has a massive selection of kitchen goods. Their building even states on the outside that it’s “the hardware store for cooks.” Basically, if they don’t have it, you probably don’t need it. They also have the largest collection of Fiestaware in the Midwest. Plus, the shop offers home decor, interesting locally made goods (like Pickwick candles) and a plethora of other things that would be good for gift giving. There is so much to look at and take in. It’s sensory overload at its best. 

Just a few doors down from Pryde’s and Ashleigh’s is Creative Culture, a place to unleash your creativity through crafts or satisfy your sweet tooth with an over-the-top milkshake. They have a variety of craft projects that are all self-guided, including wreath-making, a plant bar, paint-your-own pottery, wood projects and more. The hubby and I did a plant potting project on our first visit, which was fun and fairly easy. More recently, we opted for a wood coaster set project that was not as easy as it sounds. Lots of intricate details, which were perfect for my husband, the artist in the family. What really brings me into Creative Culture are the handmade shakes. You can blow your diet for the day and have one all to yourself, or you can get one to share with a friend or date. They are delicious! The first time we went, we each had our own. The second time around, we wised up and shared one. Whatever you choose—crafts, shakes or both—Creative Culture aims to please. 

 Hannah Berry is a freelance writer who lives in the Northland with her husband. They love to explore Kansas City and try new restaurants and activities. Check out her Facebook page, Out & About in KC.