Summer: the season of sizzlin’ burgers, homemade ice cream, blockbuster movies and old-fashioned fun. You simply can’t go wrong when you go retro with a night out on the town enjoying classic local diners, summer flicks under the night sky and family fun at the skating rink!
Diners & Drive-Ins
The juke box in the corner, the cook behind the counter taking shorthand orders from paper slips on a ring, the sack of burgers you can see through, and the to-die-for ice cream sodas that make a child’s eyes light up as big as saucers¦. the stuff of Happy Days, Grease and classic summer flicks can be found with a side of nostalgia at our favorite local landmarks, each earning its place in the memory book of locals for generations:
Town Topic, Kansas City’s original greasy spoon, has been open for more than 75 years as a local landmark. In 1937, Claude Sparks opened the original location at 24th & Broadway, where he sold hamburgers for 5 cents each. At the end of his first day, he pocketed a whopping $21.00, and now the diner in the heart of the Crossroads (with two more locations) is a favorite for greasy homestyle breakfasts, diner-style burgers, hand- dipped malts and fresh pie.
Locations:¢ 1900 Baltimore, Kansas City, MO, 816.471.6038¢ 2021 Broadway, Kansas City, MO, 816.842.2298¢ 6018 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS, 913.362.8830
Winstead’s, another Kansas City icon, features nine locations across the Metro (www.WinsteadsSteakburger.com). Still fashioning an authentic 1940s feel with juke boxes, neon lights and a signature teal and pink décor, Winstead’s serves authentic soda fountain treats, steakburgers, fries and onion rings. The best treat of all, though, is the Skyscraper, a gigantic malt, shake or ice cream soda meant for sharing.
Clinton’s Soda Fountain (100 W. Maple, Independence, MO, 816.833.2046) began serving old-fashioned ice cream sundaes and sodas back when they were new-in 1908! Clinton’s is located on the square in Independence. The location was the original “Crown Drug Store,” where a young Harry S. Truman worked his first job as a youth. Now, it’s the perfect summer destination to enjoy a sweet treat on a hot summer’s day. Tip: Read “Independence Day Trip Tips” for a historic sightseeing itinerary.
Johnny Ray’s Drive In (800 SW Blue Pkwy., Lees Summit, MO, 816.524.1910), since 1956, has been serving steakburgers with “all the fixin’s,” homemade malts and see-through-the-bag fries and rings at a drive-in that feels as though it is straight from the screen of a ’50s car classic. Celebrating the vibe, they host cruise-ins every third Saturday of the month, 3:00-10:00, all summer long. Enjoy the classic cars on display¦ with a side of fries.
Tara’s Cafe & Malt Shop (401 Main St., Belton, MO, 816.331.0156) is the perfect lunch spot after a day riding the rails on the Belton, Grandview and Kansas City Railroad. The café, a neighborhood hangout and local favorite, is your classic greasy spoon, serving tenderloins, burgers, chili dogs, a variety of desserts and ice cream dishes. The chocolate Coke, as found only in the finest of diners and dives, is a must!
Kris & Kate’s Ice Cream Treats (2330 N. 36th St., St. Joseph, MO, 816.232.4201) is known for their hot pink ice cream cone façade. This place is truly a local landmark, with the giant cone beckoning customers to try the hot dogs, fountain drinks and frozen favorites-a must-stop on a day trip to St. Joseph. Tip: Read “St. Joseph, Missouri” for our apple picking end of summer day trip!
Drive-in Movies
Trade in stadium seating for a bit of novelty this summer and take in a movie under the open sky. The nearly extinct novelty of the drive-in movie still flourishes in Kansas City, with three local theaters showing double features and serving hot popcorn all summer long.
Tips: Bring snacks, blankets and lawn chairs.
- Boulevard Drive-In Theatre: 1051 Merriam Ln., Kansas City, KS, 913.262.0392. With a playground for kids, new high-definition screens and great double features, this is a family favorite. Cash only at this theater.
- I-70 Drive-In Theatre: 8701 E. 40 Hwy., Kansas City, MO, 816.861.0501, www.GlobeCinemas.com/Cinemas/i-70_drive_in.htm
- Twin Drive-In Theatres: 1320 N. 291 MO Hwy. & 291 E. Kentucky Rd., Independence, MO, 816.257.2234, www.GlobeCinemas.com/Cinemas/twin_drive_in.htm
- Local Bonus: Crown Center, local parks and pools host outdoor summer movies, and their listings can be found on our Kansas City Calendar.
- At-Home Bonus: FunFlicks® Outdoor Movies USA (www.FunFlicks.com) brings audio visual movie equipment rentals, including large portable inflatable movie screens, premium projection equipment, concert-grade sound system and event crew to host your movie night at your own location. All the fun of a drive-in delivered to you.
Retro Roller Skating
Remember the last time you laced up the skates and took a spin on the rink? Local rinks host family sessions throughout the summer’some even offering great kids-skate-free deals’for some old-school family fun.
- B & D South Skate Center: 13903 E. Noland Ct., Independence, MO, 816.252.1084. ’50s Skate Night: Sun., 7:00-9:00. Admission and skate rental 50 cents each.
- Landmark Skate Center: 701 SW Oldham Pkwy., Lee’s Summit, MO, 816.524.2000. Wednesdays are Family Fun Night: Family of 4 skates for just $12.00 (skates included). Admission is just $3.75 for individuals.
- Northland Rolladium: 1020 Kent St., Liberty, MO, 816.792.0590. Wednesdays are Cheap Sk8: 99-cent skate rental plus 99-cent admission 7:00-9:00. Participating in Kids Skate Free this summer: http://KidsSkateFree.com/.
- River Roll Skate Center: 4720 NW Gateway Ave., Kansas City, MO, 816.587.0131. Family Night on Tuesdays, 6:30-9:30. $5 admission includes skates. Participating in Kids Skate Free this summer: http://KidsSkateFree.com/
- Skate City South: 10440 Mastin St., Overland Park, KS, 913.888.6668. Wednesdays feature Family Skate: 7:00-9:00, $5/admission plus skate rental.
- Winnwood Skate Center: 4426 NE Winn Rd., Kansas City, MO, 816.452.1171. Saturday matinee sessions: Noon-3:00 and 3:30-6:30, $4/admission plus $2/skate rental.
- Skate City Shawnee: 9800 W. 62nd Ter., Shawnee, KS, 913.262.0711. Gospel Skate is the first Sunday of the month: 7:00-9:30, $6/ea.
Kristina Light relishes her chocolate Coke and cheeseburger at Winstead’s’a favorite summer tradition.