Updated 1-6-2025
Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Visit Shawnee Kansas. However, all opinions and photos except a few courtesy photos are mine.
Make Shawnee, Kansas, your next shopping spree destination. An afternoon strolling locally-owned stores in Downtown Shawnee is fun, and the district’s walkability is convenient. You can park your car and walk to most of the stores on this list.
So, grab your wallets because you have purchases to make ranging from fresh flowers and fine chocolates to books and bath products.
You’ll enjoy strolling to many of these shops, and the public art and historical markers dotting the district’s landscape make shopping the area entertaining.
SHOPPING LOCAL
Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick
A gift shop with fresh flower bouquets for purchase, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick (11208 Johnson Dr.) is where you want to buy a memorable gift for a friend or loved one. But don’t be surprised if you find something for yourself, too.
One of the newest additions to Downtown Shawnee’s storefronts, Chicken Creek Co. by The Flower Chick, caters to women who love brightly colored, fun, and sometimes whimsical gifts. The hilarious greeting card selection makes gift-giving easy.
Each item in the store is hand-selected by its owner. I appreciated that she stocks handcrafted items by other independently-owned businesses, ranging from jewelry to candles.
You will always find grab-and-go floral bouquets made with “glamour blooms” in the reach-in cooler, and she accepts pre-orders before the holidays. Her prices are reasonable since the owner buys her flowers directly. View available floral arrangements for pickup or local delivery.
Seven Stories
Book lovers will appreciate Seven Stories’ (12115 Johnson Dr.) inventory of new selections, gifts, and art. Owned and operated by a high school student, the shop operates out of a new storefront.
Shoppers can expect fiction and non-fiction titles, and I was impressed to see several best-selling titles in stock. Are you on the hunt for a good read during a road trip? Do you have a young adult reader interested in a new book? You’ll find multiple genres at Seven Stories.
Don’t be surprised if you find a gift for someone else while shopping for your next book. A hand-curated selection of whimsical greeting cards are for sale.
ShananiGanns
ShananiGanns (11006 Johnson Dr.) is where I shop when I need a new Kansas City Chiefs t-shirt or sweatshirt during football season. But it’s also a go-to shop for someone who wants to purchase seasonal home decor, mugs, jewelry, clothing, and candles.
Many of the gift items are adorned with funny sayings and hilarious phrases. Shoppers know that the owner frequently replenishes the inventory with new items; sometimes, a line of customers forms outside the storefront before it opens.
Annedore’s Fine Chocolates
An afternoon of shopping isn’t complete without stopping into Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (11007 Johnson Dr.), and they offer free samples to tempt your tastebuds.
Known for their handmade selection of individual chocolates, I also love the extensive line of confections. Don’t leave the store without asking for a sample of the Milk Chocolate Covered Toffee. One bite and you’re likely to buy a bag of it.
Melt-in-your-mouth Sea Salt Caramel, Imperial filled with creamy, chocolate ganache, and Vanilla Bean chocolates are some of my top recommendations if you’re creating a bag or box of sweet treats.
The Pet Shop
Not to be missed while shopping Downtown Shawnee and within a short drive of the main corridor, The Pet Shop (6218 Nieman Rd) is a fun place to visit.
Animal lovers will appreciate the selection of domestic and exotic animals. The family owned and operated store’s greeter, Frankie, a Capuchin monkey, excitedly jumps around its cage attracting shoppers’ attention.
The Indoor Zoo features reptiles available for purchase. Fresh water fish swim in nearby aquariums.
For me, the chirping colorful birds and fluffy bunnies were the highlight of the visit.
Suds Refillery
Suds Refillery (11111 W. 59th Terrace Unit 202), located in The Collectivists Shops, is a retail store that allows customers to refill containers with earth-friendly liquid soap or home cleaners. The earth-friendly concept reduces single-use plastic waste.
As I perused the shelves, I noticed the owner carries mostly Midwest brands of bath bombs, personal hygiene products, and household cleaners.
If you’re someone who prefers a sustainable lifestyle, you’ll appreciate the store’s thoughtfully selected inventory.
Suds Refillery hosts a candle filling event every third Thursday of the month, so bring an empty vessel with you when you arrive.
Whiskey and Bone
Another popular store in The Collectivist Shops is Whiskey and Bone (1111 W. 59th Terrace). For shoppers who love chunky turquoise rings, boho-style earrings and necklaces, or geode pendants, you’re in luck.
I love the stacked bracelet and layered necklace look and the store’s inventory makes it easy create a stylish collection.
The owner says her jewelry is inspired by “rock & roll and the open road,” and her collections certainly reflect a love of nature and rugged sensibility.
MORE PLACES TO LOVE IN SHAWNEE
Spending a Weekend Exploring
Why limit the fun in Shawnee to only shopping? Make it a girl’s weekend! Check out my blog post A Weekend in Shawnee, Kansas: A Guide to the Best Things To Do, which includes mentions of multiple restaurants, parks, and museums.
OVERNIGHT LODGING SUGGESTIONS
Hotel: Courtyard Kansas City Shawnee
Located minutes from Downtown Shawnee, Courtyard Kansas City Shawnee (17250 Midland Dr.) is a Marriott Bonvoy hotel known for its clean, comfortable rooms and complimentary breakfast.
Airbnb: Cozy in KC’s Tumbleweed
Cozy in KC’s Tumbleweed is the ideal accommodation for travelers seeking a beautiful vacation rental that sleeps four people or a business traveler who wants more space and comforts of home than a hotel provides, plus it’s pet-friendly and has a private entry, single-car garage.
McClain’s Market
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
Blind Box BBQ
Paulo and Bill
Nick & Jake’s
Flying Cow Gelato
Indoors, the air conditioning was inviting. I watched professional volleyball on TV as 1950s music hits played from the speaker.
Land-based activities include equestrian, hiking, and biking trails, which appeared well-groomed and easy to navigate. I saw dog parents watching four-legged friends at the 44-acre off-leash area. Families ate lunch while admiring stunning lake views at picnic shelters.
To fully understand how Shawnee was established, tour the inside of an 1878 farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, and chicken coop (live roosters and hens welcome you!). The reality of farmstead life becomes apparent when entering the Market Shed, where produce was washed and sorted for the market.
I found the botanical gardens, planted and maintained by K-State Research and Extension Center’s master gardeners, to be a highlight. The Typewriter Repair Shop was by far my favorite building for its authenticity.
The museum’s annual Bloody Mary Party is a popular fundraiser that uses the working farm’s tomato crop. You will want to attend their celebrations. Check their 
Are you following my Kansas road trips on social media? I post bonus content on 
The 
This hotel offers guests breakfast choices in the morning at The Bistro, which also serves dinner and cocktails in the evening. On-site fitness facilities and an indoor pool make it easy for guests wanting to get in a workout.
Breakfast burritos, flavorful skillets, and stacked pancakes – oh my! When everything looks delicious, what should I order? I opted for the corned beef hash, eggs, and hashbrowns. It was an indulgence worth every bite. My friend enjoyed the fruit and yogurt bowl, which looked divine.
No matter what you order at Pegah’s, you’ll be thankful for the fresh ingredients and oversized portions. Plan accordingly. The restaurant is also known for delectable pies and once you see them, you’ll want to order dessert. Cruise by the refrigerator case in the front of the restaurant before asking for your check. You’ll thank me later.
Thanks to the vision and hard work of three partners, the Aztec Theatre is fully restored and open to the public. It hosts live acts from bands to comedians and open-mic performances to special events. Looking at it from the street, it’s an eye-catching showpiece with a massive marque.
Inside, every detail of the building’s design from the tin tile ceiling to the illuminated flooring screams Art Deco design. The theatre’s lighting is worthy of an Academy Award. Neon lights and backlit sconces give it a retro vibe.
During live shows Thursday-Saturday, a food truck is often parked outside in front of the theatre. To view the upcoming line-up of food trucks, check the 
I had the pleasure of getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre’s balcony and green room, a space used by touring musicians. Before and after performances, band members can kick back and relax in the upstairs lounge. Do you recognize any of the signatures below scribbled across the wall?
For more event information or to see the theatre’s latest announcements, follow them on 
Old Shawnee Pizza has a long history of serving slices. They got their start making pies and selling them out of a house in 1969. Since then, they’ve had their pizza recognized in Pizza Magazine, the industry’s authority on pies.
Between shopping downtown and touring breweries, 
Think of your favorite TV show. They have a hoodie or hat with your favorite actor on it. I mean, who doesn’t need a candle that reads, “Besties: Smells like petty gossip and a lot of venting. So drink up buttercup. ‘Cuz we’re not doing this sober.”? Ha!
During my private tour, I learned that the owners always wanted to serve a variety of beer. Nearly a dozen taps line the wall behind the bar consisting of flagship beers and collaborations with other breweries. I enjoyed a flight featuring five beers ranging in flavors and ABV strengths. Top Traveler, a New Zealand IPA, took the award for the best beer in the line-up.
I noticed a chalkboard near the bar with tally marks scribbled on it. Each mark represented a beer bought for an active military service person or veteran. You can buy them a beer to be redeemed later.
To check the brewery’s hours and view the upcoming food truck schedule, head over to their 
Saevaes Brewing Company is the first Kansas brewery owned and operated by a female head brewer. They earned my respect for the process, unapologetic beer flavors, and inviting tasting room.
Open Tuesday-Sunday, the brewery hosts pop-up shop events, trivia nights, and the like. Visit on Wednesday nights to build a mixed four-pack or to enjoy a $5 full pour during Music Bingo. Check the 
The building has been a number of businesses over the years but has always remained a memorable landmark on the edge of downtown Shawnee. Today, it’s owned by Kansas City residents who have enlisted the expertise of an executive chef and sommelier to celebrate food and drink. One step inside the castle and you are transported to an exceptionally beautiful setting.
Reservations are highly recommended, however, I stopped by the castle for a wine flight during the late afternoon between meal times and was served swiftly in the bar area. I chose Reds of the World, a flight that included three pours from Portugal, Washington, and Spain ($16). Premium wine flights are $26. I loved them all.
During my chat with the owner, I discovered that Wandering Vine at the Castle is known for collaborating with and serving wine from 
Additionally, the castle hosts numerous events during the year that pair wine tasting with thoughtfully crafted meals. For example, the New Year’s celebration includes a five-course meal perfect for couples wanting to welcome the year in style.
During other times of the year, they serve lunch until 4pm, small plates, dinner, and brunch on Sundays. Take a look at the menus 
People lived to be in their mid-50s, the town’s speed limit was 12 mph, and a man’s suit cost $15. Experiencing the museum and the buildings at Shawnee town 1929 bring to life what it was like to live in the area. Clothes hang from the line to dry outdoors. The six-room farmhouse replica resembles one found in Kansas.
Whether you visit with family for the day, as a part of a school field trip, or simply want to watch a demo or take a class, Shawnee Town 1929 offers visitors an immersive experience unlike what they’ll find anywhere else in the region.
Themed trees adorn the showroom floor nestled closely to gift displays and baskets of holiday ornaments. Better still, 
I look forward to returning to the store when they host the Fall Festival Event that includes live music, bites to eat, and activities for all ages. I think you’ll enjoy the visit any time of the year. View Family Tree Nursery’s hours and upcoming events schedule 
The Hereford’s House steaks are beyond delicious. I’ve enjoyed them on more than one occasion while in Kansas City. Now, I can vouch for the grilled salmon flavored to perfection with a crispy crust. They have perfected surf and turf entrees.
The town touts the phrase “good starts here,” and now I understand why. From its incredible attractions to exquisite dining options, it is worthy of an overnight visit when in the Kansas City area. Shawnee deserves the accolades.
