Although Kansas City itself has endless opportunities for enjoyment this fall, several cities and towns within driving distance of our great city provide a memorable day trip, especially for an out-of-town visitor just getting to know the KC area.
Weston, MO
Distance from KC: 40-minute drive
Beautiful, quaint and historic, Weston is a must-see at any time of the year for a Kansas City visitor. Voted #1 Day Trip by The Pitch, Ingram’s Magazine and Rural Missouri Magazine, Weston has something for everyone. From wineries to underground cellar pubs to unique shops and eateries, this 1850s town is an excellent choice for a tourist looking to have a memorable day while experiencing some Missouri history.
Recommended fall event: Weston Apple Festival (Oct. 3 & 4)
For the past 27 years, Weston’s Apple Festival has drawn crowds from miles around. The event boasts a wide variety of children’s activities, such as pony rides and pumpkin decorating, as well as live music including Mr. Stinky Feet. Visitors also will enjoy vendors, such as Garden Harvest Market Vendors, that sell unique fall foods and décor. Come and enjoy endless apple dumplings and apple pies served in Weston’s churches throughout the event.
Also recommended:
- Irish Festival (Oct. 9-11)
- Second Saturdays Holiday Open House (Nov. 14).
Visit www.westonmo.com for more information.
St. Joseph, MO
Distance from KC: 60-minute drive
Another great historic city within driving distance of Kansas City is St. Joseph (known around here as St. Jo). Most famous for being the birthplace of the Pony Express, this small city has done an excellent job of preserving its historical significance. Antique-lovers will never run out of shops and unique finds in St. Jo’s endless (often hidden!) antique shops.
Recommended fall event: Pumpkin Fest (Oct. 10-12)
This annual tradition is probably most famous for the lighting of Great Pumpkin Mountain, when more than 800 carved pumpkins are lit to create a breathtaking display. Visitors also will enjoy a children’s costume parade, wagon rides, reenactments, games and storytelling. Live entertainment this year includes Will Stuck, Professor Farquar & Pole Cat Annie and Jay & Leslie - Laughing Matters.
Visit www.stjomo.com for more information.
Parkville, MO
Distance from KC: 15-minute drive
Parkville is a perfect blend of chic restaurants and shops with historic relevance and appreciation. Just 15 minutes from downtown, this vibrant town is accessible and worth the quick jaunt. English Landing Park, on the Missouri River, hosts endless festivals and events for Parkville’s residents and visitors. You are sure to find yourself welcomed and entertained here.
Recommended fall event: Parktoberfest (Oct. 4)
Held at English Landing Park, this annual event is jam-packed with entertainment for all. Visitors will enjoy a live performance from Landslide (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band), good eats from Stone Canyon Pizza and beers on tap to be poured by the Fountain City Roller Derby traveling team. Kids will revel in the fun as well, with a Halloween costume parade, a rocket launch, pumpkin painting and a pinewood derby.
Also recommended:
- Winter Wonderland (Nov. 20-Dec. 28)
- Christmas on the River (Nov. 20)
- Turkey Trot (Nov. 26)
Visit www.parktoberfest.net & www.parkvillemo.org for more information.
Liberty, MO
Distance from KC: 20-minute drive
Founded in 1822, Liberty is the second oldest incorporated town west of the Mississippi River. Visitors will find eclectic shops, eateries and microbreweries in the same city as Civil War museums and statues. Rich in history, yet promising in future, Liberty is an easy drive from KC and well worth a visit.
Recommended fall event: Fall Festival (Sept. 25-27)
Started in 1934, this annual tradition symbolizes everything Liberty is about. Boasting 175 arts and crafts booths, a carnival, live music, pedal car races and homegrown fruit and vegetable stands, Liberty’s Fall Festival will not disappoint. Families also will enjoy a parade on Saturday morning at 11:00. Food and beverages are sold throughout the event, with proceeds going to local non-profit organizations. Eat and support a good cause!
Visit www.historicdowntownliberty.org for more information.
Excelsior Springs, MO
Distance from KC: 35-minute drive
During the first half of the 20th century, Excelsior Springs was known as a premier destination for health and relaxation because of its natural mineral waters. Although the mineral water industry declined, the town still maintains its historical charm and has developed new growth and new industries as it moves forward. Visitors can stop by the famous Elms Hotel, which has entertained guests like outlaw Al Capone and President Harry Truman, who stayed there the night of his presidential victory in1948. Also worth a viewing is the Excelsior Springs Hall of Waters and Cultural Museum, where mineral waters can still be found today.
Recommended fall event: Pumpkin and Mums Festival (Oct. 17)
Excelsior Springs’s annual Pumpkin and Mums Festival provides fun for all ages. Children can enjoy a pumpkin carving contest, a scarecrow decorating contest, pony rides and a petting zoo. Stay late and enjoy the E-Town Hoe Down, complete with square dancing, a best-dressed contest and a quick-draw contest, held at the Broadway Bar & Grill.
Also recommended: Tombstone Tours (Oct. 3)
Visit www.visitexcelsior.com for more information.
Powell Gardens (Kingsville, MO)
Distance from KC: 40-minute drive
Ask local KC residents to suggest an outdoor excursion and, chances are, they will recommend Powell Gardens. This 915-acre botanical garden hosts year-round seasonal displays, includes the Fountain Garden for kids to splash in and has the spectacular Heartland Harvest Garden as one of its main attractions. America’s largest edible landscape, this 12-acre garden takes visitors through the journey of seed to plate and even includes a tasting station! Powell Gardens is a place to which visitors return time and time again because they experience so much beauty and knowledge.
Recommended fall event: Jack-o’-Lantern Festival (Oct. 17-18)
Powell Gardens truly comes to life through this event, which includes more than 700 jack-o’-lanterns. Costumed characters can be found throughout the grounds, and children can enjoy hayrides, face painting, music and crafts, while relishing Mother Nature’s beauty preserved here.
Also recommended: Scarecrows in the Garden (Oct. 1-31)
For more information visit www.powellgardens.org.
Come visit KC’s surrounding towns and cities and experience an autumn day trip to be remembered!
Karen Johnson is a local writer who loves exploring off-the-beaten-path places in the Midwest.