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

Boho Lounge, a vacation rental by Cozy in KC located in Merriam, Kansas, was just the place I wanted to relax and unwind when I wasn’t exploring town.

I’m a big fan of their Airbnb properties, and this one was my third vacation rental overnight stay in the Kansas City area. It always feels like a home away from home.

In Merriam, the home offers visitors access to nearby parks and trails, boutique shopping, and local eateries, plus it’s minutes away from attractions like the Kansas City Wheel and Crown Center.  The suburb considers itself the next-door neighbor to Kansas City, a quiet community with small-town charm.

BOHO LOUNGE

Vacation Rental Location

Boho Lounge is a renovated single-family home situated at the end of a residential street and nestled amongst towering, shady trees. The three-bedroom, two-bath vacation rental sleeps eight guests, so it was more than enough space for my overnight stay in Merriam.

Using a self-entry keypad, I entered the home and was impressed with its earth-toned furnishings and globally-inspired design. The interior was tastefully decorated simplistically. After a full tour of the house, it exceeded my expectations for design and cleanliness.

Amenities

Washer & Dryer

There is nothing more comforting than knowing I can launder my clothes while on an extended road trip. Boho Lounge’s full-sized washer and dryer laundry closet makes it possible for guests to run a load of wash while relaxing in front of the TV or exploring the city.

Smart TVs & Technology

Each flatscreen in the home includes Roku streaming options, which include free viewable movies, television shows, and live news coverage.

Games

Make it an entertaining game night when the group is gathered in the downstair’s living room. Cozy in KC always stocks family-friendly board and card games to start the fun. Besides, who doesn’t love a competitive game of Uno to kick off the weekend?

Parking

Guests access a sloped driveway to park in front of a two-car garage on the side of the home. To enter the house, guests must enter via a backdoor and climb stairs to the upper level.

Living Rooms

Not one, but two living rooms provided extra space for lounging at Boho Lounge. The downstairs living room includes a flat-screen TV, comfy furniture, and access to a full bathroom with a shower.

Upstairs, the main living room area is an inviting space seating multiple people comfortably. It’s the ideal place for adults to hang out and enjoy morning conversation over coffee or cocktails before preparing dinner.

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Boho Lounge’s three bedrooms are located on the top floor along a singular hallway from the living room. With access to a full bathroom with tub/shower, guests have plenty of space in each bedroom for their belongings.

The primary bedroom features a king-size bed with plush linens, a workstation desk area, and a ceiling fan.

Nearby secondary and third bedrooms include queen-sized, sun lit bedrooms with interior closets and ceiling fans. Extra blankets, an ironing board, and iron are available. Each is styled with minimal yet sophisticated decor keeping with the boho style.

Each shower and vanity comes with fragrant Tommy Bahama bath products so you can pack light overnight. Bright and cheery spaces, the bathrooms are tidy and clean, including fluffy towels and a hair dryer.

Kitchen & Dining

Boho Lounge’s kitchen is more spacious than most, thanks to its open concept and a dining set with seating for four guests. Top-of-the-line appliances, basic kitchenware, and a well-stocked coffee bar inspired me to make the most of the space.

Something about the home’s decor, reminiscent of dessert colors and textures, inspired me to want to shake up a salty margarita using the bar cart station. Guests could use the arched window separating the kitchen from the living room to pass drinks to friends for a crowd-pleasing good time.

Patios

The good vibes-only theme continues outside, where hanging lights over an outdoor fire pit keep the good times going after dark. During the day, I found the back patio a tranquil space to watch birds and squirrels when lounging from an Adirondack chair with a book in hand.

Things to Do Within a Short Drive

Boho Lounge is located near restaurants and entertainment in Merriam, Mission, Shawnee, and greater Kansas City. I recommend experiencing the following must-stop locations, whether traveling solo or with a group.

Restaurants

Urban Prairie Coffee

Sunshine and coffee? Count me in. I love a local coffeeshop hangout, and Urban Prairie Coffee (5606 Johnson Drive) is where the locals go for their daily caffeinated drinks and morning pastries. Also known for their breakfast burritos, it’s a hopping place before 9:00 a.m., and patio seating is usually claimed.

Inside, plenty of seating is available, with access to three sitting rooms. Savor a warmed blueberry scone and iced coffee amongst people gathering for friendly meet-ups or to work remotely using complimentary Wi-Fi.

Grandstand Burgers

The sizzle and yummy smell of grilled hamburgers greets you inside Grandstand Burgers (4942 Merriam Drive). The cozy burger stand is celebrating over 20 years in business, a fixture in the neighborhood where diners order at the counter and wait outside for their to-go order to be called over the loudspeaker.

If it’s your first visit, order the classic cheeseburger combo with crinkle-cut fries or tater tots. Fill a medium drink cup with fountain Pepsi before heading to a patio table.

PRO TIP: Pick-up orders using the Grandstand App are popular with locals.

Hurricane Allie’s Bar & Grill

Live music and good food are the reasons locals and visitors hang out at Merriam’s Hurricane Allie’s Bar & Grill (5541 Merriam Drive). Greeted by a friendly server, my friend and I enjoyed scrumptious “puffy” tacos and a hamburger while chatting between bites.

PRO TIP: Check the bar’s Facebook page for announcements about upcoming live music, which plays outdoors during the summer on select nights.

Foggi Ice Cream

Sometimes, the best discoveries when traveling are when you take the advice of locals. Foggi Ice Cream (6015 Johnson Drive) in Mission is a neighborhood favorite stop for uniquely flavored ice cream made to order using nitrogen. It’s a visual show.

Although tempted by a long list of flavors, I selected maple bacon ice cream, a satisfying choice. I watched kids play a video game console while others sipped Boba drinks and ate ice cream at brightly-colored seating areas.

Sandhills Brewing

Oak fermented craft beers are the on the menu at Sandhills Brewing (5612 Johnson Drive), a taproom also located amongst retail shopping in downtown Mission. I’m a big fan of their beers having tried them years ago at their original Hutchinson, Kansas, location. The New England-style IPA, Junco, is my go-to bevvy for its citrusy full flavor.

A dog-friendly patio. Beers named after birds. Relaxed vibes indoors. What else could you want?

I appreciate Sandhills Brewing serves flagship favorites plus added seasonal beers, making a beer flight of four pours essential each visit.

Shopping

The Sunflower Market

Do you have a creative side? Create a custom t-shirt at The Sunflower Market (5847 Merriam Drive), where you can shop for personal gift items while you wait. In-store t-shirt orders’ turnaround time is five minutes, and online orders are ready in two to three business days.

The shop also hosts merchandise drop and Moonlight Market events. Follow the Facebook Events page for details. You’ll love the local vendors, ranging from handmade jewelry and pillows to hand-poured candles and drinkware.

Truly Madly Depot

Truly Madly Deeply (5727 Johnson Drive) is one of several cute retail shops operated by female entrepreneurs in downtown Mission’s business district. Shoppers seeking imported Japanese stationery, unique craft kits, journals, and hilarious greeting cards will feel right at home.

Smiling employees greeted me with enthusiasm as I shopped for gifts for my niece, which they wrapped in pretty tissue paper. Like me, grab a mini shopping basket and enjoy the experience.

LuLu’s Boutique

At LuLu’s Boutique (6017 Johnson Drive), colorful paintings adorn the walls above clothing racks and shelves towering with entertaining gifts. The shop doubles as an art studio for the owner and a vintage clothing retail store.

I watched as the owner drew illustrations on greeting cards and prepared them for sale, and of course, I bought one. Who can pass up a handmade greeting card? Short on time, I’ll definitely return to shop for pre-loved clothes or a handbag.

Slater Street Antiques

Drive less than five minutes to Slater St. Antiques (5905 Slater St.), where vintage finds await. The complex includes more than one building housing retro furniture, clothing, artwork, and home accessories from days gone by.

I’ve shopped at the antique mall a couple of times, and I always see something I want to purchase, especially at my favorite vendor’s booth, Side Hustle KC.

ShananiGanns

ShananiGanns (11006 Johnson Dr.) is the place to stock up on Kansas City sports-themed apparel and jewelry in Shawnee, a short drive from Merriam.

If you’re also in the mood for a whimsical gift for a friend or co-worker, the store’s many rooms are stocked with funny socks, home decor, and tumblers.

Outdoor Attractions

Waterfall Park

Merriam is home to numerous parks beckoning outdoorsy people to explore, including Waterfall Park (5191 Merriam Drive), with scenic views, trails, and public artwork.

If you’re traveling with active kids, take advantage of the park’s soccer fields and newly installed playground equipment.

I sat on a bench near flowering shrubs while watching Turkey Creek’s water flow over rocks, creating instant calm. Native birds flew overhead as the trees gently swayed in the breeze.

A caterpillar sculpture by artist Joshua Weiner entitled Hmmm… drew my attention in the distance. The towering figures serve as a gateway to a paved multi-use trail along Turkey Creek Streamway Park.

Parents pushed strollers, and a runner passed me as I ventured along the paved pathway in search of the butterfly garden.

Merriam Marketplace

Across the street, Merriam Marketplace (5740 Merriam Drive) is site of the city’s farmers’ market on Saturdays from May through September.

The plaza in the heart of the historic district is a great place to picnic for a shaded lunch before venturing along Turkey Creek Streamway Trail and two-acre Werner Park..

Don’t miss a chance to appreciate public artwork installations at Merriam Marketplace, a fun area for group photos or selfies.

The city commissioned Planting the Seeds by sculptor Christopher Weed (larger than life!) and artist Kate E. Burke’s Parade of Hearts installment, My Heart Resides in Strawberry Hill.

Kansas City Wheel

See a picturesque 360-degree view of the city aboard the Kansas City Wheel (2485 Jefferson Street), a Ferris wheel experience with seating up to six people per gondola. Pair it with Pennway Putt when you book your tickets.

Pro Tip: Enjoy lunch at Fritz’s at Crown Center if you’re traveling with children.  The railroad-themed restaurant is an interactive dining experience for all ages, which wows the youngest travelers. View a video preview of what you can expect.

More Places to Explore Within a Short Drive

I’ve grown quite fond of this area outside of Kansas City for its access to attractions. If you’re willing to make a short drive to nearby suburbs for bonus things to do, consider my weekend itineraries for Shawnee and Olathe, Kansas.

Reserve Boho Lounge in Merriam via Airbnb here.

Bonus Cozy in KC Places to Stay in the Area

If you’re traveling to Shawnee consider staying at Cozy in KC’s Tumblweed downtown apartment. Are you interested in an Airbnb in the metro area? Reserve Cozy in KC’s Charlotte Retreat: The Perfect Vacation Rental for Your Next Kansas City Weekend Getaway.

I can’t recommend staying at a Cozy in KC vacation rental enough. Leave your questions or comments below, and I’m happy to answer them.