Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Visit Shawnee. All opinions and photos are my own except for one photo.
Shawnee, Kansas, promises weekend visitors plenty of fun things to see and do in a community less than a 20-minute drive from the Kansas City metro. “Good Starts Here” is the phrase Shawnee uses to describe itself. After a return visit, I wholeheartedly agree.
FOOD & DRINK SPOTS
Cafe Equinox
Start the day with a lavender latté and a warm cheddar scone amongst the beautiful flowers at Family Tree Nursery Kansas City’s Cafe Equinox. Free guest Wi-Fi and lots of good day vibes – a plant lovers’ dream.
PRO TIP: Enjoy breakfast on the patio and then shop the popular garden center for various plants, flowers, and gift items. Kids will appreciate watching fish at the koi pond.
McClain’s Market
McLain’s Market (5833 Nieman Rd.) is where you go when craving fresh, made-to-go salads, sandwiches, and soups for lunch. (They also serve delicious coffee and delectable breakfast pastries!) The sun shone on this day, and I wanted to eat outdoors.
I purchased a quinoa and kale salad with berries and took it to a shady spot at Shawnee Mission Park to enjoy it. The birds chirped, and schoolchildren played at the nearby playground.
PRO TIP: McLain’s Market has plenty of seating if you’d rather dine in.
Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant
If traveling with kids, you must dine at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (13803 W. 63rd St.). Since the 1950s, patrons have watched toy trains overhead deliver food to each table. I loved the experience of using the table’s telephone to call in my order, listening for the “choo choo” sound, and watching the train lower the food to my table.
Since I already ate lunch, I opted not to order their famous old-fashioned hamburger and instead chose homemade onion rings and a cup of vanilla ice cream. I watched as model trains passed overhead as I relished in the nostalgia of a long-standing restaurant tradition.
PRO TIP: The Shawnee location serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular meals include the Big R, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, and Oreo Sundae.
Blind Box BBQ
Blind Box BBQ (13214 W. 62nd Ter.) serves Kansas City barbecue with a modern twist. Like bbq restaurants in the region, the smoked meats are served with sweet and savory sauces. What makes Blind Box BBQ’s menu unique is they elevate traditional bbq meals using uncommon ingredients. Prime Blend Burger is served with onion jam and brie cheese. The Smoked Chicken Philly comes with whipped cream cheese.
I recommend ordering a bbq meat dinner with your choice of two side dishes. Elote corn on the cob (Mexican street corn) and bourbon baked beans are melt-in-your-mouth good. I hope to return for the Sunday Brunch, a buffet, plus endless mimosas or Bloody Marys.
PRO TIP: Ask for a sampling of sauces. I loved the Barenuckle Traditional KC Style and Southpaw Carolina Style sauces. Available by the bottle for $6.
Pathlight Brewing
With 12 beers on tap, Pathlight Brewing (112000 W. 75th St.) serves beers to loyal customers seven days a week. They’ve received awards for their sours, but you’ll find a variety of beers on the menu, from Belgian Style Ale to West Coast Lager. I recommend asking for short pours of Wick Hazy IPP and Stay K Tropical Hazy IPA. Surprisingly, they stock about two dozen whiskeys available as well.
It’s a comfortable space to sit back with friends and play a board game while listening to music. Known for their F1 Racing watch parties, they also host Music Bingo on Thursdays and food trucks every Friday and Saturday.
PRO TIP: Everything on tap can be purchased in cans from the refrigerated case.
Friction Beer Company
Good things are happening in downtown Shawnee. Owners Brent Anderson and Nathan Ryerson are opening Friction Beer Company (11018 Johnson Dr.) to patrons who appreciate listening to excellent music and sipping on beers named after song lyrics. Brent gave me a behind-the-scenes tour, which included a 10-barrel system production facility and taproom designed with a music lovers aesthetic.
Their mission is to make beer for every kind of drinker, where people can gather with friends or family in the taproom or the upstairs patio. You can expect lagers, stouts, and IPA variations on tap. You never know; you may find a barrel-aged beer on tap one day.
PRO TIP: Snap a photo in front of the cassette wall. Sit in a booth to see how many songs you remember on the wall.
Paulo and Bill
I found a fabulous, locally-owned restaurant for Happy Hour, Paulo and Bill (16501 Midland Dr.). A glass of chardonnay paired nicely with spinach dip and house-made chips. The welcoming staff greeted regular guests who sat at bar tables chatting about the day’s events.
Not only does the restaurant serve discounted drinks and starter appetizers Monday-Friday from 3 pm-6 pm, but the bistro-style eatery is known for its Italian pasta dishes and surf-n-turf selections.
PRO TIP: Check their website for wine dinner event dates requiring a reservation.
Nick & Jake’s
Nick & Jake’s (22220 Midland Dr.) is not a typical sports bar. It serves upscale, made-from-scratch menu options. Imagine dining on Grilled Bourbon Salmon, Pear Pollo Pecan Salad, or Jambalaya while watching the game from a comfortable booth.
In search of a comforting meal, I ordered a meatloaf dinner smothered in brown gravy served with classic vegetable side dishes. I glanced around the bar area and noted that most meals were sizable and arrived beautifully plated.
PRO TIP: Prefer small plate dining and drinks? Arrive Monday-Friday from 3 pm – 6 pm for $1 off beer and wine by the glass to accompany menu items like Tomato Bruschetta or Blackened Shrimp Mac-n-Cheese.
District Pour House + Kitchen
District Pour House + Kitchen (11101 Johnson Dr.) is one of the newest additions to downtown Shawnee’s dining scene. Located in the old Shawnee State Bank from 1911, the restaurant’s kitchen prepares signature flatbreads, appetizing salads, and dinner entrees you won’t find elsewhere. Duck Risotto for dinner? Beer Short Rib Ravioli? Yes, please.
We ordered the Hazelnut Shrimp Salad and Classic Flatbread at lunchtime, which were sizable for mid-day portions. I loved the intense flavor of bacon and pepperoni, but I would order it without the spicy peppers next time.
PRO TIP: Ask about the house-made infused spirits on display behind the bar. From Brown Sugar Pecan Bourbon to Marshmallow Vodka, District Pour House + Kitchen is thinking outside the box.
Drastic Measures
Drastic Measures (5817 Nieman Rd.) is a James Beard-nominated swanky cocktail bar that serves photo-worthy cocktails you won’t find elsewhere. If it can be done better, Drastic Measures is doing it differently, and they are unapologetic about their mission.
I sat down with one of the co-owners to learn about the business, which he considers a “glorified lemonade stand.” The bar consistently provides upscale drinks in a laid-back, accepting atmosphere.
PRO TIP: Sanders’ second business, Wild Child, is opening next door soon. It will cater to patrons in search of no and low-ABV libations. Expect small bites plates, and “real big vibes.”
Flying Cow Gelato
Flying Cow Gelato (11210 Johnson Dr.) delivers when you crave something sweet. The bonus? Gelato delivers the rich flavor of ice cream, but it’s less fattening.
Since its recent opening downtown, the gelato has been in high demand. The employees make it fresh daily in flavors like Birthday Cake, Pistachio, Root Beer Float, and Italian-style Stracciatella made with chocolate shavings (my favorite!). Fun Fact: Gelato was invented in Italy and translates to “ice cream.”
PRO TIP: Choose a seat on the shaded patio to enjoy your dessert treat amongst beautiful flowers with a view of downtown.
PLACES TO PLAY OUTDOORS
Mid-America Sports Complex
Visiting Shawnee during a good weather weekend? Visit Mid-America Sports Complex (20000 Johnson Dr.) to catch a youth baseball or softball game. The 70-acre facility is a hub of family-fun activity. During my visit, I watched a baseball game from the stands at no cost.
Recently renovated, the ballpark is also home to the Fan Zone concession stand, yard games to play between innings, and Instagram-worthy backdrops. Oversized baseballs and a letter written by a player catch one’s eye at the ballpark’s entrance.
PRO TIP: Traveling with little kids? Walk them to Mini America to play whiffle ball on an artificial turf field.
Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball
Does this look like California? Think again! Enjoy summer by experiencing Shawnee Mission Mission Beach Volleyball as a player or spectator. For over 20 years, sandy beaches and tropical drinks have attracted adults looking to have fun in the sun.
I enjoyed sitting back and sipping on a margarita as the first day of co-ed summer league volleyball commenced with the announcer’s call, “It’s volleyball o’clock!” Children built sand castles on the sidelines. Team members gave high-fives between sets.
Indoors, the air conditioning was inviting. I watched professional volleyball on TV as 1950s music hits played from the speaker.
PRO TIP: The indoor scenery is worth a look. Brass labels on the wooden bar showcase league teams like Sand Crabs 24-0 and Diggin It 24-0 that swept past league play.
Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center
Opening day at Thomas A. Soetaert Aquatic Center (13805 Johnson Dr.) is popular. Lines form around the building to gain entrance to the city’s swimming pool featuring towering slides, AquaClimb, diving boards, and an 8-lane lap pool. A lazy river, Bubble Bench, and interactive pool features entertain families during summer making it a go-to spot.
PRO TIP: If you want to relax poolside, claim a reclining chair or escape to a shaded party cabana.
Splash Cove
A family-friendly destination at the Jim Allen Aquatic Center (5800 King Ave.), Splash Cove is conveniently located near downtown attractions. It is the place to spend a summer afternoon with children. The Mini Wave Pool, a 125-foot full-body slide, and an interactive playground featuring animal characters keep it fun.
PRO TIP: Rent a party cabana for poolside privacy.
Shawnee Mission Park
Biking, swimming, fishing, disc golfing, kayaking, and more are just some of the many reasons to visit Shawnee Mission Park (79th and Renner Rd.). The impressive park consists of over 1,600 acres and a 120-acre lake.
On any given day, visitors can access outdoor activities designed for adventurers of all ages. I observed fishermen hoping to catch bass and catfish from kayaks.
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.
PRO TIP: Purchase tickets to a Theater in the Park live musical production. Bringing the kids? Research the theater’s Movies in the Park schedule.
ARTWORK TO ADMIRE
Shawnee Library
I love visiting a library, especially to view its art galleries. At Shawnee Library (13811 Johnson Dr.), I discovered a gallery of artwork depicting African-American themes. Stop by the library to view rotating artwork.
PRO TIP: Do your kids love to read? Drive to Shawnee Town Museum with the kids for Reading to the Rooster, a free event for kids every Wednesday in June.
Veterans Park
Pay tribute to those who died during World War II at Veterans Park (13605 Johnson Dr.). Located across the parking lot from the aquatic center, it’s a beautifully landscaped area to view Hands Of Freedom, a tribute dedicated in 1992 to military veterans.
PRO TIP: Park hours are 6 am-10 pm. Attend a the memorial’s special tribute event on Veterans Day.
Wild Bill Hickok Statue – Trail Scout Park
A 13-foot-tall sculpture of Wild Bill Hickok (Shawnee Mission Parkway and Nieman Road) is an awe-inspiring feature at Trail Scout Park. Artist Maretta Kennedy worked with bronze to create “Trail Scout.” Hickok was a figure in Shawnee history in the 1850s.
PRO TIP: Parking nearby is free. Take the sidewalk to the sculpture and read the interpretive displays.
Pioneer Crossing Park
The history of wagon trains passing through the area is depicted by a sculpture at Pioneer Crossing Park (10401 Shawnee Mission Parkway). Created by artist Charles Goslin, it is a life-size beautiful landmark surrounded by native grasses and trees.
PRO TIP: View a nearby bronze statue of wagonmaster Richard Williams. He built a house in the area between 1857-1860.
Herman Laird Park
Stop by Herman Laird Park (1600 Johnson Dr.) to view “Talking Time,” a bronze sculpture that pays tribute to Chief. Charles Bluejacket. He was a Shawnee tribal chief, minister, farmer, and military captain who came to the area from Ohio.
PRO TIP: The park is an excellent place for kids to play on equipment and swings. It is located within walking distance of Shawnee Town 1929.
Parade of Hearts
One of the best ways to bring attention to a destination? By adding public art like Parade of Hearts: A Heartland Celebration. The five-foot 3-D hearts are placed in Kansas City and surrounding towns to unite the community and celebrate diversity. The heart, located in downtown Shawnee, features hundreds of padlocks.
PRO TIP: Use the interactive map to find more Parade of Hearts during your KC-area travels.
HISTORY TO DISCOVER
Shawnee Town 1929
Transport yourself back to when Shawnee was a farming community at Shawnee Town 1929 (11501 W. 57th St.). The living history museum is open for guided and self-guided tours from March to October, giving visitors insight into a typical day in Shawnee all those years ago.
I started my museum experience by watching a historical video in the visitor’s center before heading outdoors to tour authentic and replica buildings.
Industries that influenced the town’s economy are represented.
Walk inside Murphy Service Station to see where the town’s early residents shopped for gas, soda pop, and cigars. Take a moment to appreciate Dunbar School, a one-room schoolhouse with authentic artifacts. Appreciate the entrepreneurial achievements of business owners at Garrett Grocery Store, City Ice, and Fisher Chevrolet Dealership.
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.
Old Shawnee Days is an entertaining event that attracts thousands of visitors to Shawnee Town 1929 in June every year. Known for its carnival, music, concessions, and vendors, it is worth planning your trip around.
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 Facebook page for upcoming adults-only and family-friendly events.
PRO TIP: End your museum tour back at the visitor’s center to shop for Kansas-themed gifts.
Downtown Shawnee
Shawnee began as a campsite name for Gum Springs and was named for the Shawnee Indians that located to the area. After the Civil War, farmers settled in the area to grow crops and sell produce to neighboring Kansas City residents. Today, the downtown area is a thriving business district with historic buildings.
I recommend accessing the online map before starting the walking tour at City Hall.
PRO TIP: Park via streetside parking or City Hall’s public lot.
STORES TO SHOP
Nigro’s Western Store NO. 2
Yeehaw! For over 50 years, Nigro’s Western Store No. 2 (10503 Shawnee Mission Parkway) has outfitted shoppers with the best denim and boots in Shawnee, Kansas. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani and Moses Brings Plenty have shopped its aisles.
Third-generation owned and operated, the Western store is a cowboy’s and cowgirl’s dream. Boots, belts, jewelry, jeans…they’ve got it all for concert season or any day of the year.
PRO TIP: Check the store’s Facebook page for the Look of the Week to inspire your shopping.
Family Tree Nursery
I’ve visited Family Tree Nursery (7036 Nieman Rd.) in springtime and before Christmas, and it’s just as magical every time. If you’re shopping for indoor or outdoor plants, home decor, or gardening supplies, I suggest stopping there before departing Shawnee for your home.
The botanical backdrops inspire photos, and Cafe Equinox is the ideal place to grab a nature-inspired latte or bag of whole-bean coffee to go.
PRO TIP: Walk to the rear of the greenhouse to find an area devoted to plants on sale.
HOTEL LODGING TO REST
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Kansas City Shawnee
I love a Marriott hotel. The modern amenities, clean rooms, and rewards points make it a worthwhile stay. Fairfield Inn & Suites (16550 Midland Dr.) is a short drive from many of the city’s top attractions.
My King Suite guest room was noteworthy for its bonus lounge space with a second television and desk area. If traveling with kids, the sofa bed pulls out to accommodate them. On-site amenities like a complimentary full breakfast, an indoor swimming pool, and a fitness center make the overnight stay extra comfortable.
PRO TIP: Should you forget to pack road trip snacks, stock up on your favorites at the 1st-floor convenience store.
What a whirlwind weekend you’re going to have in Shawnee! For more places to discover, my blog post Out & About in Shawnee written in 2021, includes bonus travel details such as Aztec Theater, breakfast eatery Pegah’s, and Wandering Vine at the Castle.
Are you following my Kansas road trips on social media? I post bonus content on Facebook and Instagram – thank you for coming along for the fun!
One of the perks of staying at the hotel is valet parking, which is the only way to park your car when at the hotel. It’s convenient, the valet staff works around the clock, and always greets you with a smile. They’ll even advise you where to dine out in Aggieville if you ask. Don’t forget to tip the staff.
The rooms are well designed with plenty of room to enjoy one’s stay. My room included a couch (in KSU’s purple, of course!), a plush king bed, and in-room amenities, including a refrigerator. With a view of campus, I could envision KSU families staying here when attending events on campus.
Other amenities you can expect while at Courtyard by Marriott include a fitness center open 24/7, a Starbucks coffee bar featuring small plate breakfast items, and an exquisite lounge with a gas fireplace. Order a cocktail or locally made craft beer at the bar and head to the outdoor patio for a pre-dinner drink.
A bit of nostalgia and a bit of class. the cafe’s interior transports you to aviation heaven. Navy blue walls, black and white prints of airplanes, and a cozy fireplace invite you to nestle up with a coffee in hand. Jazz music plays in the background.
I couldn’t leave without buying a gorgeous bracelet made with recycled magazine paper by women in Haiti. The company’s owner created the company after visiting the country and seeing poverty firsthand. Each purchase of Papillon jewelry supports at-risk mothers and fathers with full-time jobs in Haiti. How could I not buy it? View the store’s hours 
I was shocked at the reasonable prices. The racks, table, and shoe wall were stocked full of items I wanted to take home. You’ll appreciate the way the store is set up making selecting new apparel favorites easy. Start at the front of the store to peruse racks of new arrivals. But there’s more!
Make your way to the back to find everyday essentials and sale clothing. I can easily see why this store is popular with locals. It carries the latest looks perfect for women of every size and style. If you can’t make it to the store, you can shop online and ship it to you 
Shoppers on the hunt for home decor reminiscent of Restoration Hardware or Pottery Barn will feel right at home at Furnish. The showroom is filled with neutral hues with black accents. Homeowners in search of lighting, chairs, and kitchenware are in luck.
The burning candle’s scent drew me to the shelf you see below. I was happy to see a candle that I’ve purchased many times in Wichita from Nectar Republic. Nearby, accessories ranging from picture frames to books completed the vignette.
The creaky floors and the perfectly illuminated framed artwork draw you in. Every wall of every room is adorned with artwork for sale, including pottery. While some pieces deservedly command a higher price, I found many affordable prices for the casual shopper discovering new artwork.
As a native Kansan who spends countless hours driving across the state, I appreciate the works that featured the Kansas prairie. Landscapes by Kim Casebeer and Cristine Sundquist on display showed cloud-filled skies and the sun’s rays upon the flint hills. You’ll be impressed by the breadth and quality of the collections.
Since 1981, SNW Gallery has curated and displayed paintings, prints, drawings, mixed media, and more. Intricately designed jewelry is nestled near the register. Whether shopping for yourself or someone else, you’re bound to walk away from SNW Gallery with a special piece.
Keep your eyes peeled during a visit to the brewery for tiny plastic dinosaurs. The mural on the back wall makes for a nice selfie backdrop. (Female Readers: During your self-guided tour of the brewing, check out the bathroom. I’m going to leave it at that.)
As I sat at the bar and finished a Bodacious Blackberry Milkshake IPA, I learned that one of the top-selling drinks behind the bar wasn’t even a beer. It’s their house-made sangria.
Soon, Jake and I were joined at the bar. Brewers Garrett and Adam ponied grabbed a seat. Before I knew it, the four of us were walking a few doors down to 
The lunch crowd clearly loved El Patron as much as I did. They drew a good size crowd made up of downtown workers and tourists. Looking around the restaurant at the plates on the tables, people were devouring fajitas, burritos, and seafood entrees. El Patron is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. View their 
Under cloud-filled skies, I walked to the top of the gravel trail to peek out over the town. If you have time, make the easy drive only minutes west of Manhattan off of Kansas Highway 113. (Ask Siri or Google Maps to navigate it.) You get a 360-degree view of the college town. Dog walkers love it. Bike trails welcome cyclists. It’s a beautiful setting.
Visit the statue to stand in awe and read about the KSU professor, Dr. George Filinger, who invented the fictional character to honor the town’s 100th anniversary of its founding. The park includes a swimming pool, splash pad, and playground equipment perfect for a family visit.
The football field was covered with marching band members moving in formation and playing an energizing song. The band’s director shouted from a megaphone, “Remember guys, we could make it to the bowl game. Again!”
No matter what alma mater you hail from, you need to tour the beautiful KSU campus.
With the game on TV, I wanted chicken wings. They arrived piping hot. The sauce had medium heat, and the blue cheese dressing cooled it off. While it wasn’t an entree, it hit the spot. Kite’s Aggieville is a good place to visit for what I thought was the coldest beer in town. You’ll appreciate the cloth napkins and the elevated menu. View the location and hours 
For travelers in search of indoor exercise options, the hotel features a pool and fitness center. Loungers will appreciate the outdoor patio featuring a fire pit. If you’re in search of a quick bite to eat, The Bistro has food to go plus Starbucks drinks.
The hotel had the amenities I needed as a writer like high-speed WiFi and a spacious lobby with a business center to get work done. Its modern amenities, friendly staff, and quiet quarters made my stay worthwhile. When in Junction City, I know you’ll be pleased with your accommodations at Courtyard by Marriott.
It’s a place where soldiers get combat-ready and train to be ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. Many of the town’s residents are soldiers and it’s common to see men and women in uniform enjoying civilian life out and about in town. So, it makes perfect sense that the town recognizes past and present soldiers at many of its attractions.
