Happy Monday, friends! I hope you’re feeling rested and refreshed after another weekend. I’m thankful for the newfound love I have for the first day of the week – I just hope it decides to stick around.
The number one thing readers (that’s you!) email me about about is what to do/where to stay/what to eat & drink in Kansas City. Maybe it’s the fact that my love for patios knows no bounds – just check out my Snapchat on any given weekend (@jessicazimlich) or maybe it’s my desire to explore every nook and cranny of this city I’ve called home for the last three years. Either way, there are benefits to be reaped.
I’m working on putting together a more extensive resource guide that will answer the burning questions above, but until then, I’ve got a few new (to me) hot spots to share that should tide you over!
Yesterday I finally took Bike Share Kansas City for a spin. If you asked me when the last time I rode a bike was, I would be hard pressed to pluck an instance from my memory…it’s been a hot minute. Envision a wobbly baby deer learning to walk for the first time and that was me the first few moments on the bike. I even had my own little cheering section coming from a car close to where Shanley and I picked up our wheels. Things calmed down after that and off we went! We ventured through the Plaza, down to Westport and then looped around the Nelson Atkins before calling it a night. There are stations strategically placed between Downtown, Westport and the Plaza area. I highly recommend!
Murray’s season is the best season. If you’re looking for delicious, homemade sweet treats, Murray’s Homemade Ice Creams in Westport is where it’s at. Just look at this cone! And for all you locals, they now take debit cards. No more panic when you realize you’ve made the trek without any cash. Another thing to note: they are only open Thursday – Sunday during select months (spring/summer/early fall) which may seem like a bummer to some, but I think it makes that first scoop of the season that much sweeter! Get there, stat.
Kansas City is known for a lot of things (World Series anyone?), including The Country Club Plaza, which just so happens to be one of my favorite places to wander aimlessly. I don’t ditch my agenda all that often even though I know it always results in some sort of discovery, like the Gondola Boat Rides. My Grandparents live in San Antonio and this area reminds me of the time we spent along the Riverwalk – sans 100% humidity and admittedly, a lot less culture. But that doesn’t mean I’m not adding it to my summer bucket list!
Wouldn’t you know, another shop to satisfy those of you with a serious sweet tooth! Natasha’s Mulberry & Mott is the most darling storefront on the Plaza. It’s decorated to perfection and filled with decadent macarons, cookies and cakes. Heaven, really.
My new favorite spot to spend the happiest hour of the day: Cleaver & Cork in Downtown Kansas City. Two words: cheese curds. Two more words: deep fried. Pair that with a glass of bubbly and great company and you’ve just made me the happiest gal on the planet. I see many summer evenings on their patio in my near future.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PLACE TO FREQUENT OR VISIT IN KANSAS CITY?
Most of these photos have already made an appearance over on my Instagram account – be sure to follow along! You can find more places to wine & dine and things to do in Kansas City from my past adventures.
Great post! I love learning what to do in different cities for when I eventually make it there!
xx,
Susie
http://www.SequinsandStrawberries.com
I hope you decide to visit KC soon!
Literally, give me all the Murray’s.
Let’s walk this week!
Murray’s Ice Cream looks so cute! Definitely need to try this ASAP.
http://www.velvetcrate.com
One of my favorite spots 🙂
Love the list, Jess! Next up…picnic!
YES!
So fun! I’ve never been, but always love city guides for future trips 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Perfect plan 🙂
Making me want to visit!!! I wish Charleston had a bike share program. I seriously don’t know when the last time I rode one was…
Annie Reeves
Girl, there is a couch here with your name on it! (so appealing, I know haha). But seriously 😉
I’ve never been but it sounds great! I just pinned your tips for a hopefully future trip 🙂
Meg of An Affair of Character
I keep trying to tell Brian we need to drive to Kansas City before moving back to Atlanta. Keeping these tips for (hopefully!) when we do!
Yes, do it! There are so many great little spots to see and eat…mainly eat 😉
Whenever I’m at the beach I bike all day, everyday! It’s so fun and an easy way to get some exercise in!
Now, I just need to get to said beach!
I can’t wait to visit KC again and have Murrary’s ice cream! xo
So GOOD 🙂
I’m dying to try Cleaver and Cork, I can’t wait to hit it up!
Elle
We must plan an outing soon! Are you going to the next KC Blogger Meetup? We can discuss there if you are!
I won’t be there 🙁 They’re always scheduled on evenings I have to work. But we all need to get together soon!
Great post! Makes me want to spend a long weekend in KC! And if you love fried cheese curds, you need to visit Madison, Wisconsin 🙂
OMG, Madison would get me into so much trouble haha…cheese curds are my weakness!
Ohh, those are amazing things. I have never been to Kansas City, but my Grandma and she loved it!
x Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com
It’s such a great city! Come visit sometime 🙂
So many great activities! I’m sharing this with my little sister – she is moving to Kansas City for the summer 🙂
Yay! And when you visit…don’t forget to let me know 😉
I can’t believe I haven’t been to some of these places! I’m definitely going to check out Murray’s!
xo Emily
http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com
You won’t regret it!
I’ve never been to Kansas City but if I do I’ll keep these places in mind. That homemade ice cream place sounds so good!
Mili
You will have to let me know if you ever decide to venture this way 🙂
This post is fantastic and I can’t wait to take a weekend trip to Kansas City this summer! A bike tour, champagne and boutique shops are all the makings of a perfect getaway!
Wandeleur
http://www.wandeleur.com
Thank you! If you do end up visiting, Hotel Sorella on the Plaza has an amazing rooftop pool 😉
You two are so cute!! Love all of these places and I didn’t know we had a bike program now. That’s what happens when you live in the burbs, you lose touch with civilization.
Venture our my way and we can go sometime 😉
Fun post, need to get some Murray’s ice cream! Love that the bike share has baskets in the front too.
http://mimiandchichi.com/
I LOVE KC! I just moved here last fall and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! It’s great finding new things to do! Can’t wait to check out the bike sharing program! 🙂 Thanks for all the great ideas. I’m so glad I stumbled upon your blog!
Taylor
iamtaylorlayne.com
day22boutique.com
Hi Taylor, I’m so happy that you found it, too! Kansas City is truly one of my favorite cities and I’m so happy to call it home 🙂
Oh I love this! I live in Lawrence. 🙂 We love treating ourselves to Glace when we are visiting KC, but I recently heard about Murray’s and can’t wait to try it! I haven’t been to Natasha’s yet either. XO -Alexandra
Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things
I STILL haven’t tried Glace yet, what am I thinking?!
Oh its so good… I would recommend the one out by the plaza. I don’t know why but I always think they have more interesting flavors than the Leawood one. XO
Adding the bikes to my list of things to do once I move. Less than a week!
Annica
http://www.lifemodifier.com
Looks like a fun weekend! I’m newer to KC and just found your blog…loving your stuff!
KaLeena
Well hey there, KaLeena! I’m so happy that you stumbled upon my blog. Kansas City is great and there are so many places to explore 🙂 Don’t be a stranger!
This makes me miss KC so much 🙁 I think a visit is in order soon!
Very helpful and Great information,
we appreciate advise especially coming from a professional.
Thanks again and keep up the great work!
Read more at http://vibrantwave.com/kansas-city-attractions-provide-for-real-estate-growth/