Exploring Kansas City

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It’s been three years, four months and eleven days now since I began eating, drinking and perusing my way through Kansas City – iPhone (and Pete) in tow. So much has changed since then, but one constant remains: there isn’t a shortage of places to explore.

I’ve got a handful of not-to-be-missed establishments to share with you today, whether you live in Kansas City or you’re planning your next weekend getaway.

everyday stripesWHERE TO NOSH

Pop in The Filling Station for a freshly squeezed juice in a unique, garage-style atmosphere. My order: the Clean Green (+ kale) and the occasional bagel with cream cheese (because life is all about balance, after all). If you’re hoping to get your caffeine fix, they’ve got you covered in that department as well. And even though I’ve yet to fall victim to their donut selection, it’s bound to happen one of these days, after which I’ll be sure to report back!

freshly squeezedThe Sundry (pronounced sun-dree) is a local grocer located in the heart of the Crossroads offering up goods from local vendors – which makes me feel good about shopping there! They also host cooking classes and considering I’m fully aware that I need all the help I can get in the kitchen, I’ll be signing up for one of those, stat.

shop local, eat local

It’s Friday night. Round up the troops and head to il Lazzarone for a taste of Italy right in the heart of KC. Order up a couple of Neapolitan pies to split and wash it all down with a local brew or a glass of wine.

the best spot for pizza in Kansas City

For those of you with a serious hankering for something sweet (it’s okay, I’m right there with you), be sure to stop by Kaldi’s for a wedding cake cookie. But unless you’re looking for a sugar high, it’s best to bring a friend!


WHERE TO SHOP

In three words, Coveted Home is interior design heaven. Jaclyn Joslin has exquisite taste and it shows in her perfectly curated storefront. Not only is it the perfect stop when it comes to filling your home with pieces you will love for years to come, it’s also a great place to pick up a special gift made by a local artisan.

interior inspirationcoveted homeliving room inspirationIs “dress local” a thing? If so, The Westside Storey is your one-stop shop. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve walked in to “window shop” and walked out with another Kansas City tee to add to my collection.

Westside Storey, KCjukeboxthe best of Kansas CityWHERE TO VISIT/STAY

The top of the Liberty Memorial offers up the best view of downtown, hands down. Rent a bike and make your way to the top of the hill for a wow-worthy (not to mention Instagrammable) view!

If you’re just passing through, Hotel Sorella on the Country Club Plaza is an experience in itself (the proof is in this post).

downtown Kansas City

With summer simmering down and the crisp, cool days of fall moving in, I’m looking forward to Instagramming  my way through the rest of the various nooks and crannies that Kansas City has to offer.

Where is your favorite spot in the city? I’d love to hear from you down in the comments!

Can’t get enough of Kansas City? There’s more where that came from.

Photos by Sarah Sweeney Co. | Outfit last seen here

Leave a Comment

38 Comments

  1. Adding these to my must-visit list! I love the filling station – it’s so cute in there!
    xo Emily
    http://www.fashioncolumntwins.com

    Posted 9.14.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Woo! Hope to run into you soon, Emily 🙂

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  2. Kansas City looks like so much fun and like a great city! I need to visit someday 🙂

    xo,
    Angela

    Posted 9.14.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Come on over, Angela! 🙂

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  3. Rachelle wrote:

    If I’m ever going to Kansas I will have to go back to that post.

    xo
    PinkSole

    Posted 9.14.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Oh for sure! Crazy, but I actually live on the Missouri side. Kansas City is unique like that!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  4. Alexandra wrote:

    The baristas at The Filling Station are so friendly and embarrassingly enough know me by name (I spend way too much $ there). Danny and Stephen both make a mean Americano 🙂 The Sundry is also a fave lunch spot of mine. Great post, I’ll have to check out Coveted Home!

    Posted 9.14.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      I especially love how close it is! Makes getting my green juice fix super easy. Have you had their donuts? I was so proud of my self control when we went last Saturday lol. They were staring me down!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  5. Rachel wrote:

    I sadly did not make it to any of these places when I was in KC but I did find some good food and stores! Love this post and bookmarking it for next time I’m there 😉

    Posted 9.15.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Yes! I’ll let you know what else I uncover in the meantime 🙂

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  6. Carolyn wrote:

    darling city! wish I visited some of the places you recommended the last time I was there!

    http://heyprettything.com

    Posted 9.15.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      There’s always next time 😉

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  7. I keep meaning to plan a trip for my boyfriend and I to KC since it’s only a couple hours away! I’m dying to stop in that interior design shop 🙂

    Posted 9.15.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      If/when you make it down this way, let me know and we can meet up!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  8. Kari wrote:

    I live in KC (MO side) and need to check these places out! Great photos! What kind of camera do you use?

    Posted 9.15.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Yes, you do! As I continue to make my way through the city, I’ll be sure to let you know what other gems I uncover 🙂 I actually work with a photographer for most of my photos (Sarah Sweeney Co.). I know she uses a Canon, but I’m not sure on anything else – sorry!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  9. Elle wrote:

    I always can’t believe how many places in KC I still have to check out! That’s what I love about this town, its like a big treasure hunt… there’s always something amazing to discover.

    Posted 9.16.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Same here! I could write a post a week for the next year…at least haha. I hope you are doing well, Elle!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  10. Lovely photos! Great post!
    xx
    Mademoiselle Coconath
    http://mllecoconath.com

    Posted 9.16.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Thank you!

      Posted 9.16.15 Reply
  11. Ashley wrote:

    LOVE THIS! Gosh, I’m sad to say I haven’ t been to a few of those places. They are on my ‘must-go’ list now!

    Posted 9.16.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      There are still so many places I need to try!

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  12. Wandeleur wrote:

    Kansas city looks adorable, have to make a trip soon!
    Wandeleur

    Posted 9.16.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Yes! You definitely should 🙂 It’s funny that you commented, because I’ve been meaning to reach out to you gals.

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  13. Love this post! So many cool places to check out…i hope to visit one day! xo

    @stylemelauren
    http://www.stylemelauren.com

    Posted 9.16.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Come on over anytime, Lauren 🙂

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  14. Fiona wrote:

    Amazing guide – that interior store looks sooo good <3 Would love to shop there.
    Have a great day.
    x Fiona THEDASHINGRIDER.com

    Posted 9.17.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      I could spend all day in there 😉 Hope your weekend was great, Fiona!

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  15. Larisa wrote:

    That pizza from il Lazzarone looks so good that it’s completely changed my snobby New York suspicions about pizza in the midwest! Thanks for sharing your favorite spots Jess!

    Larisa
    http://weheartbeauty.com/

    Posted 9.17.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      Well I’m glad I could assist with that! It’s so good 🙂 I hope you had a great weekend, Larisa!

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  16. So many great picks! We love Standard Style, Port Fonda, and Little Freshie… and our favorite coffee shop is actually in Olathe – POUR Coffeehouse! We’d love to see you do a round up of the best of JoCo sometime too. 🙂

    http://www.velvetcrate.com

    Posted 9.18.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      So many favorites to choose from! I need to get out that way more often and see what they have to offer! 🙂

      Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  17. Aimara wrote:

    Everything looks amazing! I haven’t been there yet, so maybe I’ll go with my fam one of these weekends 🙂
    Love it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
    Have a great week
    XO
    Aimara
    http://www.waysofstyle.com

    Posted 9.21.15 Reply
  18. So many cute places have popped up since my last time back! Can’t wait to check some of these out on my next trip, especially The Sundry!

    Posted 9.23.15 Reply
    • Jess wrote:

      There are sooo many! You will have to let me know when you’re back down this way!

      Posted 9.25.15 Reply
  19. I’ve been dying to check out Coveted Home! You have some great picks on here!! 🙂

    Posted 9.23.15 Reply