Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Cozy in KC. All opinions and photos are mine. I chose the travel itinerary’s points of interest.

I never pass up an opportunity to explore downtown Shawnee, Kansas, so I was eager to stay the weekend at Cozy in KC’s Tumbleweed Airbnb, a two-bedroom apartment located within walking distance of excellent dining, breweries, and retail shopping.

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, Tumbleweed is the ideal choice near Kansas City.

TUMBLEWEED AIRBNB

APARTMENT LOCATION

The newly constructed Blume Shawnee building is a seven minute walk or a one-minute drive to Downtown Shawnee. With balcony access off of two areas of the apartment, you can enjoy an elevated view of the heart of town.

AMENITIES

Located up a flight of stairs from the attached garage entrance, my first impression of the apartment was an audible one, “Wow!” I was impressed with its modern, sleek design and spaciousness.

The two bedroom, two bathroom apartment is large enough to sleep up to four people while maintaining a homey vibe. The interior design combines a western-theme and boho chic aesthetic.

Living Room

Travelers will appreciate the open-concept living room and kitchen floor plan, making it easy to flow between each room. Diners at the kitchen island or the café table can chat with one another or catch a glimpse of the TV.

Soft pillows and a floor rug are comfortable additions to the living room, a spot where I snuggled up under a blanket to stream my favorite TV shows as the snow fell outside.

A pet-friendly apartment, pet parents will appreciate the accommodations and nearby dog park. The outdoor balcony seating is a great place to enjoy fresh air as well.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

I appreciated the sleek design and quite tranquility of the bedrooms. During my stay, I chose to stay in the master bedroom with access to an en suite bathroom because I loved its design and ample natural light. Warm wood furniture and soft bedding textures made it an inviting space.

The simplicity of the room’s design provided a clutter-free relaxing experience. When I wasn’t resting peacefully, I streamed a movie from the Roku TV options while nestled under a plush duvet. A cellphone charging station on the bedside table made it a hassle-free experience.

Luxury amenities, including Tommy Bahama bath products, a hair dryer, make-up removal washcloths, and soft white towels conveyed Cozy in KC’s sense of care for the guest experience.

The apartment’s second bedroom was equally spacious providing plenty of room for added guests to feel at home. Like the master bedroom, the walk-in closet included a hangers, a luggage rack, and a soft king-size microfiber blanket.

For those seeking a relaxing soak, the second bathroom’s shower/bathtub combination meets one’s needs. The window streaming natural light and spacious countertop gave it a suite-like feel.

 

Kitchen

The full kitchen provides everything you’d expect in a home In fact, the appliances and provided cookware make it easy to prepare meals.

A nearby built-in cabinet provided access to placemats and essential barware.

While staying the weekend, I appreciated the state-of-the-art appliances when preparing breakfast before heading out to explore Shawnee. It was nice to wake up after restful sleep and prepare a pot of tea. If I felt like coffee, I used the K-Duo® Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker and the provided coffee grounds.

Washer & Dryer

The apartment’s full-size washer and dryer are an unexpected bonus. An iron and ironing board are provided in the primary bedroom’s closet. There’s no better feeling than unpacking clean clothes after an enjoyable getaway versus tending to chores.

Smart TVs & Technology

Tumbleweed’s Smart TV and free, high-speed WiFi impressed me, and I got a little writing done at a dedicated work space using the strong internet connection.

The ROKU steaming options were almost endless with access to movies and TV shows.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to access Peacock TV to watch the Kansas City Chiefs game without a subscription, so I watched at District Pour House + Kitchen within walking distance of the apartment.

PARKING & SAFETY

Garage

Tumbleweed guests have access to a single-car garage with keypad entry, plus there is extra free parking on premises. I felt safe entering via the garage or using the separate private entrance to access the apartment.

Note: Each apartment has its own garage with keypad private entry, but guests share the two-car garage with the upstairs Airbnb guest, if occupied. Drivers will need to fold in side mirrors to park in the garage if parking a wide SUV or truck. 

THINGS TO DO WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

ENJOY A DELICIOUS MEAL

Breakfast

My go-to breakfast spot when in Shawnee is McLain’s Market (5833 Nieman Rd.). It’s a popular café throughout the day, especially in the morning where diners order pastries and coffee. They also serve soups, sandwiches, and salads from the made-to-order menu.

My recommendation for breakfast? Smoked Salmon Toast prepared with dill spread, capers, and red onion on nine grain bread.

Lunch

If you’re looking for authentic Nashville Hot Chicken, Mother Clucker! (5930 Nieman Rd.) serves it. Spicy chicken tenders coated in dry rub (choose your level of heat!) are served next to seasoned crinkle fries with delicious dipping sauces. Order an extra side of Cluck Sauce for dipping.

Traveling with kiddos? Ask about a mega-sized Crazy Clucking’ Shake. View the menu.

Dinner

District Pour House + Kitchen (11101 Johnson Dr.) is a restaurant I can’t resist when visiting Downtown Shawnee. I’ve dined there for lunch and dinner and I left satisfied with my meals and service, plus they make incredible infused vodka cocktails.

Known for a gastropub menu of hearty classics ranging from flatbread pizzas to comforting classics like meatloaf, the food arrives at the table artfully plated and tasting delicious. When you go, leave room for towering slice of Carrot Cake or Chocolate Tort.

While you can order to-go food online or have it delivered via Uber Eats (view the menu), I recommend dining at the gastropub to get to know the locals or watch the game from one several TVs.

RAISE A GLASS

Breweries

There is no shortage of breweries in Downtown Shawnee, and Friction Brewing Co. (11018 Johnson Dr.) is the newest one on the scene. Open daily, its a welcoming place to go when you want a quality craft beer at a reasonable place. Plus, the owners are soccer fans, so you’re bound to found the game airing from the bar TV.

Lagers, IPAs, and stouts dominate the menu of rotating beer taps. Wine and a selection of bourbon is available. Low-alcohol beers and non-alcoholic beverages are available.

Searvas Brewing Company (10921 Johnson Dr) draws locals and visitors seeking craft beers made with unique ingredients. You won’t find flagship beers on tap, but you’re encouraged to order a pint or create a flight of beers infused with unique ingredients like fruit purée, peanut butter, or chilis.

Expect the unexpected on the always-rotating beer menu.

Transport Brewing Company (11113 Johnson Dr) is a kid-friendly, dog-friendly microbrewery where locals and visitors feel equally welcome. Nearly a dozen taps of flagship beers and brews made in collaboration with other breweries wait to be poured.

If you’re not a fan of beer, a selection of wine, cider, Prosecco, and Mom Water are available alternatives. Although they don’t serve food, it’s common to see a food truck parked outside or you can bring your own food to enjoy in the taproom.

Cocktail Lounges

Wild Child (11022 Johnson Dr.), named Punch’s Best New Bars of 2023, is a reservation-encouraged establishment where one’s craft cocktail experience is elevated to another level.

Next door, Drastic Measures (5817 Nieman Rd.) is under the same ownership. It’s common for a line of customers to form at the door when it opens, so arrive early and view the menu in advance. The James Beard-nominated bar is unapologetic about their cocktail creations and mission.

SHOP TIL YOU DROP

Locally Owned Stores

I love shopping in Shawnee. It’s home to nearly a dozen female-owned businesses ranging from flower shops to clothing apparel located on Johnson Drive, and they’re within a short walk of Tumbleweed.

Stop into Annedore’s Fine Chocolates (11007 Johnson Dr.) to sample Impreial chocolates or toffee before heading across the street to shop for Kansas City Chief merchandise at ShananiGanns (11006 Johnson Dr.).

PUBLIC ART

Downtown Shawnee’s KC Parade of Hearts installation, facing Johnson Drive across the street from Aztec Shawnee Theater, is a photo-worthy spot. Keep your eyes peeled to spot electric boxes covered in historical photos dotting the downtown corridor.

The town’s largest mural, painted by artist Jacob Cromer, is located at Johnson Drive and Neiman Road and it’s not to be missed.

LIVE MUSIC

Aztec Shawnee Theater

If you love to see a cover band rock the house, purchase tickets to Aztec Shawnee Theater (1119 Johnson Dr.). A restored Spanish Mission-style theater originally built in 1927, the interior includes modern amenities you’d expect from a concert venue.

Watch a lively band or an open-mic session from the comfort of cushy auditorium seats while the sound envelopes you. The theater features a full snack bar serving adult beverages.

HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Shawnee Town 1929

If you want to familiarize yourself with Shawnee’s founding and history as a farming community, explore Shawnee Town 1929 (11501 W. 57th St.). It’s a living history museum providing guided and self-guided tours from March to October.

Sit inside a one-room school house. Smell herbs in the botanical garden. Imagine shopping at Garrett Grocery Store.

BEYOND DOWNTOWN

Sporting Events

Do you have tickets to the Chiefs of Royals game? GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium and Kaufman Stadium are 23 minutes door-to-door from the Airbnb, making it preferred lodging as compared to overpriced hotels.

Celebrate a game win at Westport Entertainment District within 10 minutes of your accommodations.

Antique Shopping

Do you love to shop for vintage treasures? Drive to Slater Street Antiques (905 Slater St.) to pursue room after room displaying retro finds. You’ll find it there if you’re looking for classic albums, glassware, a unique lamp, or perhaps an old-school camera.

HOW TO GET THERE

Kansas City International Airport

Business travelers are in luck. Kansas City International Airport is only a 30-minute drive from the apartment, and if using a rental car, one can park it in a private, attached garage.

Interstate Exit

If traveling north via I-35, take Exit 228B to W. 63rd St and drive west to Nieman Rd. Tumbleweed is located in Blume Properties at 61st Street and Nieman Rd.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I’ve vacationed in Shawnee on several occasions, so I was pleased to discover Cozy in KC’s Airbnb stays Shawnee. Tumbleweed’s proximity to some of my favorite go-to downtown destinations was a real bonus, and the comforts of home made it a pleasant experience.

For more travel inspiration, read my bonus suggestions for exploring town: Out & About in Shawnee, Kansas: Top Places to Visit and A Weekend in Shawnee, Kansas: A Guide to the Best Things To Do.