Lee's Summit Day Trip Diary:
In 2010, Downtown Lee's Summit was recognized by the National Trust Main Street Center as one of five Main Street communities whose "passion, innovation, and inspiring success serve as a model for comprehensive commercial district revitalization throughout the nation." Downtown was awarded the "Great American Main Street Award" and after a day in Lee's Summit, it's easy to see why! This is one historic district bustling with unique shops, restaurants, and attractions for all ages.
First Stop: Lee's Summit Historical Society Museum:
The Lee's Summit Historical Society Museum (220 SE Main) is housed in a 1905 train depot in the heart of Downtown Lee's Summit. The museum is free (donations accepted) and open to the public on Saturdays from 10am-4pm where you can explore maps and artifacts of the area’s early history.
Historic Downtown Lee's Summit: Shops & Restaurants
Details: Downtown Lee's Summit is home to many unique boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, bakeries, and businesses. For current information, visit Downtown Lee's Summit's website. The Lee's Summit Farmers' Market Is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 AM to sell out (Apr. 30- Nov.5) and features a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and much more! Parking can be found in the lot next to the Farmer Market on Douglas Street, or at the City Hall parking garage located at the corner of 2nd & Douglas.
Top Picks for Shopping on the Square:
Henrys Antiques & Tea Room (401 SE Douglas St. 816.524.3992). Henry’s is located in one of Lee’s Summit’s oldest churches, now converted to an antique shop and tea room. Grandmothers love to visit this formal tea room! Henry’s offers a complete tea service with delicious sandwiches, quiches and salads.
Creations Studio (318 SE Green St. 816. 272.5167). Creations offers art classes for children, music lessons (including piano) for all ages, cake decorating lessons, and tea parties for little ones. This is a great spot for educational enrichment and fun.
Potter's Haven Art Studio (5 SW 4th St. www.pottershavenartstudio.com). The paint-your-own pottery studio is great fun for children, parties, and classes.
A Thyme for Everything (229 B SE Main St. 816.554.3755). This quaint shop in Lee's Summit's Historic Downtown shopping district, offers gourmet ingredients, kitchen tools, and cookbooks. Many of their products encourage your budding jr. chefs... including Sassafras Kids Cooking Kits, Real Kitchen Tools for Kids by Curious Chef, cookie cutters, kids' cookbooks, and more. The shop also offers Cooking Classes by area chefs and cookbook authors for adults and children.
Doherty & Sullivan's Irish Goods (213 SE Main 816.524.7151). Irish-Celtic jewelry, decorative items, and foods are the specialty of this unique boutique.
KD's Books (241 SE Main 816.525.1366). KD's is the quintessential corner bookstoe for kids. With lovely picture books, board books, beloved chapter books, and educational toys, kids enjoy playing with the train table and choosing a new favorite title.
Scrapbook Boutique (100 SE 3rd St. 816.525.0060). This is a scrapbooker's paradise with everything the hobbiest needs.
The Book Shelf (122 SW Third Street). The neighborhood bookstore sells new and used books.
Timekeeper's Clock Shop (21 SW Third St. 816.525.8463). If you own a family heirloom in need of care or repair, the clock shop is the place! You may purchase clocks or have your clocks restored.
Bike America (32 SE Third St. 816.524.2782). The neighborhood bike shops specializes in all types of bicycles and bike accessories and parts.
Top Picks for Dining on the Square:
Ciao! Bella Italian Ristorante (235 SE Main S. 816.554.2442). This quaint restaurant serves delicious authentic Italian meals in a beautiful setting.
Henrys Antiques & Tea Room (401 SE Douglas St. 816.524.3992). Henry’s is located in one of Lee’s Summit’s oldest churches, now converted to an antique shop and tea room. Grandmothers love to visit this formal tea room! Henry’s offers a complete tea service with delicious sandwiches, quiches and salads.
Poppy's Ice Cream & Coffee House (307 SE Douglas 816.246.4141). Poppy's is famous for the homemade ice cream and delicious frozen desserts! Enjoy an old-fashioned Ice Cream shop!
The Filling Station BBQ Restaurant (333 SE Douglas 816.347.0794) . The Filling Station BBQ Restaurant is housed in an old Texaco Filling Station, where you can enjoy delicious BBQ in the small restaurant, or at a picnic table. This is one of the most unique restaurants in Lee's Summit!