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’ night 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 (http://DowntownOP.org) 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 Elsa's Ethiopian Restaurant (8016 Santa Fe Dr., 913.648.5000) offers an explosion of spices to be eaten authentically with your fingers. 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 too. 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), Ten Thousand Villages (7947 Santa Fe Dr., 913.642.8368), specializing in gifts from around the world, and Penzeys (7937 Santa Fe Dr., 913.341.1775), a spice shop. Read our Historic Overland Park Day Trip Diary for more!
Downtown Lee's Summit
In 2010, Downtown Lee’s Summit (www.DowntownLS.org) 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). And, 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, and Creations Studio (318 SE Green St., 816.272.5167), offering classes in art, music and cake decorating. Read our Lee's Summit Day Trip Diary for more!
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 (www.LeavenworthMainStreet.com). 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! Take an historic tour on the Leavenworth Trolley (913.682.1023, Sat. 11:00) and let the kids ring the bell at the end of the ride. Eat at The Corner Pharmacy (429 Delaware, 913.682.1602), an old-fashioned lunch counter and ice cream shoppe, 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, including Dad's Toys & Flower Cart (417 Delaware, 913.682.1786), the local florist and toy store. Our favorite shop, Queen’s Pantry (425 Shawnee, 913.680.1899), is tucked in an alley in the historic district, selling British goods like fine teas, cookies and delicacies. Read our Leavenworth Day Trip Diary for more!
Historic Downtown Liberty
Historic Downtown Liberty (www.HistoricDowntownLiberty.org) 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 Crepes on the Square (4 N. Main, 816.792.3200), with indoor and sidewalk seating, or Ginger Sue's Bruncheonette (12 W. Kansas St., 816.407.7707). Chocoholics will love Classy Chocolate (18 W. Kansas St., 816.781.2260), specializing in chocolate treats and desserts. Or visit the James Country Mercantile (111 N. Main St., 816.781.9473), selling supplies for historic re-enactors, including 19th century gear, clothing, toys, paper dolls, books and more! Read our Liberty Day Trip Diary for 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! Step back in time with a mule-drawn wagon ride on the Independence Square (www.TheIndependenceSquare.com) 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 lunch, pay tribute to the king of rock ‘n roll as you eat an “Elvis,” the signature grilled peanut butter and banana sandwich at 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. Read our Independence Missouri Day Trip Diary for more!
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.
Kristina Light enjoys day trips to these historic districts and others in the Metro, where you always meet the nicest people and discover the most unique treasures.
More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!
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Missouri
- 20-30 Min. East: Independence: Log Cabins & Trails West
- 45 Min. Northeast: Sibley: Lewis & Clark Country
- 1 Hour North: St. Joseph: Wild West in our Backyard
- 1 Hour Northeast: Lexington: Civil War in Missouri
- 1-2 Hours North: Jamesport: Amish Country
- 2- 3 Hours South: Carthage: Classic Rt. 66 Road Trip
- 2 1/2 - 3 Hours Southeast: Springfield: Ozark Country
- 4-5 Hours South: Branson: Vacation Capital of the Midwest
- 4-5 Hours East: St. Louis: Gateway to the West Kansas
- 20-30 Min. West: Bonner Springs: Be a Kid for a Day
- 30-45 Min. South: Louisburg: Apples, Autumn, and Astronomy
- 30-45 Min. West: Lawrence: Eclectic College Town & Family Fun
- 45-60 Min. Northwest: Atchison: History & Mystery
- 60-90 Min. West: Topeka: More than a Capital City
- 60-90 Min. South: Fort Scott: National Historic Site
- 3 1/2-4 Hours Southwest: Hutchinson: Soar to Outer Space