Did you know shopping can be a fun date? If you’re skeptical, one of these options just might change your mind.
A trek to Overland Park one day—from our Northland home—afforded us the opportunity to check out 888 International Market, the largest international market in Kansas City. I had been wanting to visit for quite some time, and it was certainly an adventure. We discovered that it’s about 80% grocery store and 20% other stuff. Think 6-foot-tall vases, pots and pans, stuffed animals and cosmetics. It’s an entertaining mishmash of non-food items. But the food items themselves are also very interesting, especially if you aren’t used to shopping for Asian goods. We wandered up and down every aisle and checked out the seafood department where they have live fish, crabs and other sea creatures in large tanks, just waiting to be purchased. It’s about as fresh as you can get in our landlocked city. We also enjoyed checking out the rice selection and every kind of noodle you can imagine. We selected a couple of items to purchase, so as to try something new. Another “world foods” place that is worth a visit is European Delights in Overland Park. They have a full aisle of candy from Europe, priced by the piece. It’s a cheap and yummy way to try something new.
Merchant Square is a 58,000-square-foot emporium located in Independence that features more than 250 merchants. They have a wide range of items for sale—old and new—including antiques, food, clothes, home decor, vintage items, cards, health and beauty, books, paint, art, jewelry, kitchen supplies and toys. They also have a nice selection of KC-themed and Chiefs merchandise. And not to be missed are the locked cases of collectibles and other high value items. Plan to take your time so you don’t miss anything. If you get thirsty or hungry from all that shopping, the establishment offers a small selection of drinks and snacks for purchase, plus free coffee! My husband and I enjoy going to places like this since there are always items that interest each of us, and this particular place is very clean, is nicely laid out and has high quality merchandise. There is a similar place in Overland Park called Painted Tree Boutiques.
Cockrell Mercantile in Lee’s Summit is a collection of several houses and outbuildings all turned into stores. This little village has everything you could ever possibly need for your kitchen, including a wide selection of baking supplies. Plus, you can shop for home décor, gourmet foods, gifts, Fiestaware, Vera Bradley bags, candles, clothes, accessories, Chiefs merchandise and more. This place is truly a destination shopping experience. As you stroll along the wooden floors and down the narrow aisles, you’ll feel like it’s almost impossible to take it all in. You definitely have to allow yourself a couple hours to see it all. Be sure to get a cup of the free coffee or tea to enjoy while you browse.
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.