Looking for the perfect antique mall or boutique shop to spend an afternoon in Kansas City? How about an arts district unlike any other? If you’re in the greater Kansas City area, you’re in for a treat! You’ll definitely want to visit these top must-see antique, boutique and artsy areas in the metro:
The West Bottoms
If you’re looking for some of the best antiques and vintage goodies in Kansas City, head to the renowned West Bottoms area. This area has a long history that dates back to the early 19th century and is part of the historic district of downtown Kansas City. If you’re looking for reclamation, repurposing, reupholstering or refurbishing services, this is an area you don’t want to miss. Shops like Good Ju-Ju, Nook & Cranny, Bella Patina, Bottoms Up Antique Market and many more are open first Friday weekends each month. Mark your calendar! For more information about the KC West Bottoms, visit www.westbottomsantiques.com. Address: West of downtown Kansas City off 12th Street
The Historic River Market
Kansas City’s River Market (www.kcrivermarket.com) is best known for its diverse dining (including African, Italian, Asian and Mediterranean markets), shopping, the City Market Farmers Market and the River Market Antique Mall. With four stories and 30,000 square feet of great heirlooms and artifacts, River Market Antiques is home to more than 175 dealers—heaven to all collectors! The River Market boundaries are from the Missouri River south to I-70 and from the Heart of America Bridge on the east to the Bluffs on the west side. Address: 20 E. 5th St., Kansas City, MO 64106
Historic Downtown Parkville
There’s a little bit of everything in Historic Parkville, MO. Home to Park University and English Landing Park, Parkville offers a wide range of dining experiences, a hometown coffee shop and shopping galore! You’re bound to find whatever it is you’re looking for: art galleries, antique shops, one-of-a-kind boutiques, home décor, fashion or collectibles. And with a plethora of events year-round, such as Parkville River Jam (a jazz, blues and fine arts festival), carnivals, Christmas on the River and the Parkville Farmers Market, there’s always something to look forward to. For more information on downtown Parkville, visit www.parkvillemo.org. Address: Northwest Kansas City, three miles west of I-635 along Highway 9
Crossroads Arts District
If you’re on the hunt for unique boutique shops, antiques, one-of-a-kind restaurants, creative businesses, studios and art galleries, Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is another great place to add to your list. With more than 400 local artists and 100 independent studios it’s one of the most concentrated gallery districts in the nation. First Fridays, a local favorite, occur on the first Fridays of every month year-round. On these evenings you’ll find art galleries, retailers and other participating art venues in the Crossroads Arts District showcasing art from 7:00 to 9:00. For a great place to find antiques, stop in at the Webster House. Located inside a Romanesque-style school, it offers guests a shopping and dining experience they won’t forget: beautiful views and a shop filled with European antiques, gifts, clothing, jewelry and accessories. It’s just another addition to the eclectic experience of the Crossroads! Learn more about the Kansas City Crossroads at www.kccrossroads.org. Address: 19th & Main, Kansas City, MO 64108 (downtown area)
Brookside
Planned and built in 1920, Brookside (featured photo above) was the city’s first suburban shopping area. Today it is home to more than 70 unique shops and boutiques, restaurants and offices. The Brookside area holds numerous events throughout the year, a favorite being the Brookside Art Annual, the first art show of the year. Having just celebrated its 30th year, this show consistently ranks in the top 25 shows, according to Art Source. For more information on Brookside, visit www.brooksidekc.org. Address: 62nd & Brookside Boulevard, Kansas City, MO
Weston, MO
Stroll the historic streets of Weston and you’ll find an array of clothing boutiques, specialty foods, home décor, antiques, art galleries, museums and wineries. Artisans, craftsmen, musicians and writers abound. For those interested in antiquing, you can enjoy shops like the Farmer’s Daughter, the Vintage Garden Cottage and many more. Don’t forget to stop in at the Main Street Galleria, where you’ll find a soda fountain that offers a variety of old-fashioned goodness, plus a candy and fudge counter. When you spend a day in historic, peaceful Weston, you’ll want to stay! Visit www.westonmo.co for more information. Address: Just 30 minutes north of Kansas City. Take exit 20 on I-29.
Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein absolutely loves antiquing around Kansas City with her husband and two daughters, ages 12 and 9.