ST. JOSEPH, MISSOURI
It’s time to “Get to Know Jo,” aka St. Joseph, Missouri, a town on Highway 36, The Way of American Genius. This town offers visitors distinctive museums, dining, and charming accommodations.
If you visited St. Joseph years ago, rediscover it during an overnight stay. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Kansas City.
Café Belle Epoque
During an early morning visit to Mokaska Coffee Company (750 Edmond Street), instrumental jazz plays while the barista steams milk behind the bar. The dog-friendly downtown café is a hub for locals who often order coffee to go.
At lunchtime, stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
At lunchtime, stepping into Café Belle Epoque‘s cozy dining room conjures up thoughts of leisurely lunches with friends. It’s the kind of restaurant where you want to order a Pear Moscow Mule from the bar while you wait for artfully plated sandwiches and salads to arrive at the table.
One wouldn’t expect to discover authentic Cajun and Creole food served in Missouri, but then they haven’t dined at Boudreaux’s Louisiana Seafood & Steaks (224 N. 4th Street). The thematic restaurant, located in a historic downtown building, is a bustling place during the dinner hour on a weekday.
OLATHE, KANSAS
Follow the winery, brewery, and sweet treats trail in Olathe. The northeastern suburb near Kansas City offers visitors plenty of places to sip and savor. If you love coffee and pastries, palate-pleasing wine, craft beer, or barbecue, you’ll love Olathe.
Start the day at Sweet Tee’s Coffee Shop for a frothy latté and a fresh-from-the-oven muffin.
Tall Trellis Brew Co. offers a relaxed setting in which to devour a flatbread pizza with a Snaps Chaps Western IPA. Consider dining on the outdoor patio surrounded by trellised hops.
At dinnertime, Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Cue serves up award-winning barbecue. Order the famous Z-Man Sandwich prepared with slow-smoked brisket, cheese, and onion rings.
BONUS: Read the rest of my list of favorite spots in Olathe here.
BONNER SPRINGS, KANSAS
I’ve traveled to Bonners Springs several times and each trip was highlighted by excellent food and drink experiences.
I recommend welcoming the day at Ten and Two Coffee Bar for delicious breakfast burritos or The Glass Cat, where the breakfast hash and eggs are delightful.
Get your steps in by shopping downtown before heading back to Mill Properties, where Quentin’s BBQ & Sides serves mouthwatering BBQ Nachos and Burnt End Mac Bowl.
At dinnertime, bring friends to Kobi’s Bar & Grill, where the Friday ribeye dinner special or the menu’s Surf-n-Turf entree keep regulars coming back. Order a bottled beer or cocktail and head outside for live music on the back patio.
BONUS: Uncover endless adventures in Bonner Springs here.
LAWRENCE, KANSAS
Chef-prepared cuisine and craft beverages are a draw for residents and visitors to Lawrence. Everyone agrees Free State Brewing Co. is a top destination for elevated pub grub and a flagship beer. Order the Nashville Chicken Mac with an Ad Astra Ale or Stormchaser IPA.
Johnny’s Tavern is where you should dine when lunchtime cravings hit. They serve some of the best pizza in Lawrence. Try the Great Bambino. Also known for serving the coldest pint of beer in town, it’s a fun place to watch collegiate football on the big screen.
Cocktail enthusiasts should make a reservation at John Brown’s Underground. The space transports you to a surreal environment with low lighting, mood music, and a drink menu that reads like an excerpt from someone’s diary.
BONUS: While you’re in town, use this historic tour itinerary to learn more about the town or tour of the University of Kansas campus’ must-see sites.
LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS
Leavenworth is ideal for a day trip with more than enough places to dine and drink.
The Depot is an always-busy restaurant located inside a beautifully restored Santa Fe train depot established in 1887. Voted Best Breakfast & Brunch, the restaurant serves an excellent Broken Yolk Sandwich (ask for a complimentary “duffin” before your check arrives).
For lunch, soup and sandwiches like the Gobble-Gobble or the Roast Beef Explosion are popular choices at First City Cheese Market.
Pasta fans will feel at home dinging at Luigi’s 418 Italian Restaurant where classic dishes like The Picatta wow patrons. Afterward, a chilled glass of house-made Limoncello liqueur completes the meal.
BONUS: Discover more things to do and see in historic Leavenworth here.
MANHATTAN, KANSAS
Any day spent exploring Manhattan is a good one, especially when you have access to some of the best attractions in the state in the heart of The Little Apple.
There is a reason they refer to the town as “Manhappening,” a sensibility you come to understand quickly.
From dining and cocktail lounges to exploring the outdoors and touring museums, there is more than enough to do. Choose your fun using my round-up itinerary.
BONUS: I’ve visited Manhattan numerous times, so you’ll want to refer to The Gateway to the Flint Hills to learn more about downtown Manhattan shopping, parks, and the overlook areas.
OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS
You don’t have to travel to the heart of Kansas City to enjoy an award-winning barbecue meal. When hunger roars, lunch or dinner at Q39 (South) in Overland Park is the only dining place.
The restaurant consistently serves mouthwatering smoked meats with sides of your choice ranging from creamy potato salad to five cheese mac topped with breadcrumbs.
I typically order a Combo Plate (Pick 2) for lunch or dinner; however, the Wood-Fired Grilled Salmon Salad and Smoked Brisket Nachos are calling my name. If you have room for dessert, a mega-sized slice of carrot cake is a shareable treat.
BONUS: I haven’t written a travel post about Overland Park yet. In the meantime, enjoy 7 Ways to Explore Culture in Kansas City, Kansas, or read The Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Next Kansas City Weekend Getaway.
SHAWNEE, KANSAS
“Good Starts Here” is the phrase Shawnee uses to describe itself. I wholeheartedly agree.
Before heading out for shopping and museum visits, enjoy coffee and a scone amongst the gardens at Cafe Equinox.
Kids of all ages will appreciate watching oy trains overhead deliver food to each table at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant at lunchtime. An old-fashioned hamburger with homemade onion rings and a cup of vanilla ice cream hit the spot.
District Pour House + Kitchen offers diners signature flatbreads, appetizing salads, and dinner entrees you won’t find elsewhere. Duck Risotto, anyone? Ask about cocktails made with homemade infused spirits.
BONUS: Spending the weekend in Shawnee? Use my Guide to the Best Things To Do.
Are you looking for a Kansas City suburb that didn’t make this list? It’s on my dining bucket list. Stay tuned for more foodie adventures on my Instagram, which includes drool-worthy food photos from various restaurants.
Don’t hit the road without being prepared for the journey. Pack my go-to 1o items to ensure a comfortable trip.
A blanket and velvety pillows gave the living room space a homey feel, which was delightful. Hotels are great, but sometimes you prefer a comfortable stay with amenities like home, and the Charlotte Retreat delivered.
Taking advantage of the flatscreen TV with access to streaming channels, we relaxed on the leather couch, watching the morning news with fresh coffee before departing for a day in the city. The bar included fresh ground coffee for the Keurig machine or French press.
The kitchen had all the utensils needed to prepare a basic meal, and the spice rack included essential seasonings. Although it lacked a dishwasher, it didn’t matter as we didn’t have many dishes to do because we ate our meals at area restaurants.
The bedroom included a pillowy-soft, queen-sized bed. Flanked by two reading lights and an end table, it was a great place to kick back and enjoy a book or admire nature from the sliding glass door view.
A full bathroom with a tub and shower included Tommy Bahama bath products. A nearby laundry room came equipped with basic laundry supplies for extended-stay travelers. The bedroom closet and dresser drawer provided enough storage for our belongings.
Although we saw neighboring homes’ residents come and go, they did not disturb the peaceful tranquility of enjoying the patio. We sat for hours watching the entertaining squirrels traverse up and down the trees while a cottontail bunny curiously checked out the neighbor’s garden.
Although the house was sandwiched between two more significant properties, it feels secluded because of its deep front yard and leading walkway. The neighborhood is well-kept and safe. We never heard the sound of traffic or neighborhood activity.
We enjoyed watching the sun’s rays move on the front lawn as the sun set overhead. A feeling of serenity and restfulness comes over us. Grateful for the calmness, we retired to bed.
I can’t recommend staying at Cozy in KC’s The Charlotte Retreat enough. It’s the ideal lodging for an individual’s or couple’s weekend stay. View the
Opened in 2020, the cafe delivered island vibes with brightly painted walls and decorations. The owners consider the space a “tropical coffee shop” where everyone is welcome.
We ordered bagels and steaming cups of espresso for breakfast – reasonably priced for the quality. If you’re seeking breakfast options, the menu’s Chori Pap, French Toast, Acai Bowl, or Egg Breakfast wraps are wow-worthy.
The whimsical mural outside the building and outdoor patio seating drew us to the cafe. Inside, the place was bustling with morning patrons ordering specialty coffee drinks and traditional drip espresso.
PRO TIP: Consider ordering a homemade menu of biscuits or a breakfast sandwich prepared with local ingredients. Gluten-free Hotcake Breakfast Sandwich is an option for those who require it.
The standard breakfast classics are served elevated with inventive ingredients. We shared the Kimchi Spice Bloody Mary while our Garden Harvest Omelet and Habanero Pork Belly Benny were prepared. The food was delectable, and there wasn’t a bite left when we asked for the check.
Known for its espresso concoctions and baked goods, the coffee shop stays busy serving customers who sit indoors and often opt to watch passersby from the outdoor patio.
We ordered a two-meat combo platter with ribs, brisket, burnt ends, and two southern-style sides, The Holy Trinity. Just as you would expect, the smoked meats were tasty, true to the city’s reputation for barbecue.
The place is wild. It’s where you dine when you’re in the mood for delicious non-traditional pizza, burgers, and wings prepared with inventive, extreme ingredients.
We enjoyed sipping craft beer while watching the clouds roll in from our perch over the metro. Music played indie rock, and the vibe was relaxed. Couples and small groups kept to themselves, soaking up the scene.
PRO TIP: Check the 
The shop smelled of freshly-made waffle cones. As I went to pay for my double scoop of Cereal Milk and Cinnamon ice cream, a friendly couple offered to buy it for me. Grateful, I resisted but thanked them for their kindness. Betty Rae’s Ice Cream is as sweet as the customers there.
PRO TIP: While the flavor offerings often change, preview 
Note: This is a barcade, so only patrons ages 21+ are allowed.
Whether you’re hoping to buy artisan skin care supplies at Soap Bar, indie home goods from Mid Coast Modern, or colorful dinnerware at Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities, you are sure to fill your shopping bags.
The sounds of falling water and birds are the only sounds you hear. However, you may notice one or two visitors sitting in shaded areas amongst flowering shrubs and vines; the setting’s tranquility envelopes you.
We felt like we had the gardens to ourselves, stopping only to say hello and thank a master garden for their hard work. Free to explore, the public is welcome as long as they appreciate the rules posted at the entrance.
Pause as you view 48 streams of water falling into the basin around the statuary representing firefighters at work. A nearby memorial displays the etched names of the fallen firefighters.
At Union Station, you’ll appreciate its Science City, 3-D movie theater, restaurant, shops, Gottlieb Planetarium, and gift shops. The building’s architecture alone is worthy of your time.
