Great American Main Streets of the Midwest

September 23, 2014 11:29 a.m.

Imagine a leisurely day of shopping and dining at locally-owned businesses where you are greeted with a smile. Does it seem like a distant memory of years gone by? With the revitalization of historic shopping districts in recent years, many areas have been transformed into beautiful places to live, work and play, bringing the Great American Main Street back to life. Hosting farmers markets, girls nights out, holiday events, sales, great boutiques and cafes for an “any day getaway,” these districts make a wonderful day trip, and we’re fortunate to have many right in our own backyard.

Historic Downtown Overland Park

Downtown Overland Park is one of the most eclectic districts in the area, with a strong celebration of the arts, including the art deco Rio Theatre (7204 W. 80th St., 913.383.8500), one of Kansas’ original movie theaters, that shows independent films. For lunch, the district boasts diversity, too. The menu at El Salvadoreño (7926 Santa Fe Dr., 913. 871.6165) offers an authentic El Salvadoran feast. Don't be surprised to walk into Great Day Café (7921 Santa Fe Dr., 913.642.9090) and hear restaurant owners’ playing live music or demonstrating a potter's wheel…and beyond the entertainment, the food is terrific. You’ll soon discover that many of the shops offer classes, from sewing and scrapbooking to culinary arts, including the Culinary Center of Kansas City (7920 Santa Fe Dr., 913.341.4455), offering more than 450 classes from gourmet cooking to beginning skills for all ages. Other fun shops include Fred’s Train Shop (7327 W. 80th, 913.383.3500) and Penzeys (7937 Santa Fe Dr., 913.341.1775), a spice shop.

Downtown Lee's Summit

In 2010, Downtown Lee’s Summit was awarded the "Great American Main Street Award," and it's easy to see why! This shopping district is one of the most vibrant in the area. Start with a discovery of the area’s history at the Lee's Summit Historical Society Museum (220 SE Main, tickets: free/donations, Sat. 10:00-4:00), housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of downtown. The area offers restaurants ranging from upscale to the local diner, but kids’ favorites are Poppy's Ice Cream (307 SE Douglas, 816.246.4141), serving homemade ice cream, and the Filling Station BBQ (333 SE Douglas St., 816.347.0794), housed in an old Texaco Station, with indoor or sidewalk dining. Girls enjoy full tea service at Henry’s Antiques & Tea Room (401 SE Douglas St., 816.524.3992). Of course, the day isn’t complete without shopping. Visit KD's Books (241 SE Main, 816.525.1366), the quintessential bookstore for kids, A Thyme for Everything (229 B SE Main, 816.554.3755), a kitchen shop with a kids cooking section and classes taught by area chefs, Got Art Gallery (18 SW 3rd St., 816.600.5932), where you can learn to paint (classes for all ages) or purchase local artwork, and Shining Light Music (129 SE 3rd St., 816.347.0099).

Historic Leavenworth

Famous for its prisons and the military fort bearing its name, Leavenworth, "the First City in Kansas," is also a fun and nostalgic day trip courtesy of Leavenworth Main Street. Begin with a visit to the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum (320 S. Esplanade, 913.682.1331), one of the most whimsical sites in Kansas. Learn the history of Parker’s carousel business from hand-carved horses to the introduction of aluminum animals, and conclude with a spin on a 1913 carousel! Eat at the Corner Pharmacy (429 Delaware, 913.682.1602), an old-fashioned lunch counter and ice cream shop, or the Pullman Place Family Restaurant (230 Cherokee, 913.682.0200), decorated with railroad memorabilia, including a special glass top table with a model train running inside! The district is also home to many shops and boutiques, including the unique Queen’s Pantry (510 Delaware, 913.680.1899), selling British goods like fine teas, cookies and delicacies.

Historic Downtown Liberty

Historic Downtown Liberty is legendary for history buffs and shoppers alike! The most infamous landmark is the Jesse James Bank Museum (103 N. Water, 816.736.8510), site of America's first daylight bank robbery. Take a brunch break at Ginger Sue's Bruncheonette (12 W. Kansas St., 816.407.7707). Visit the James Country Mercantile (111 N. Main St., 816.781.9473), selling supplies for historic re-enactors, including 19^th-century gear, clothing, toys, paper dolls, books and more!

Independence Square

Independence, MO, is best known as the home of President Truman. But before Truman, the Civil War was raging and, before that, pioneers moving! Step back in time with a mule-drawn wagon ride on the Independence Square, courtesy of Pioneer Trails Adventures (816.456.4991, tickets: $7-25). Your guide will tell tales of the trails, the Civil War and, of course, Harry Truman. After your tour, enjoy shopping and dining or a movie or game of bowling. Two of the square’s most unique shops are Blue and Grey (106 E. Walnut, 816.252.9909), selling Civil War books and collectibles, and Scandinavia Place (209 N. Main, 816.461.6633), with gifts from around the world. For a delicious treat, visit Clinton’s Soda Fountain (100 W. Maple, 816.833.2046), the location of the original Crown Drug Store, Truman’s first boyhood employer. Or, dine below street level at the Courthouse Exchange (113 W. Lexington, 816.252.0344), where rock walls create a cozy atmosphere as you enjoy pub-style dining.

Each district in this guide is home to many unique attractions, but this list barely scratches the surface! Read our guide to “Day Trips from Kansas City” for your complete guide to many more attractions in each district and other Main Streets in Missouri and Kansas.