Things To Do
Downtown Lee's Summit
A charming collection brick shops, restaurants, and bars right around the corner from the wedding venue! Very family friendly and cozy.
Prospero's Books
An Ethan-and-Alyssa favorite! A cozy nook with towering stacks of books unassumingly tucked away just steps from local bars, coffee shops, and eateries - a true book-lover's paradise. One mile from Half-Priced Books
Half Priced Books
Looking for a book on a budget? Search no further! Wide assortment of used books, records, and more. Definitely worth it! One mile from Prospero's
Loose Park
75 acres of grass fields and trees makes Loose Park a lovely respite from the city. With a lake, a fountain, a shelter house, Civil War markers, tennis courts, picnic areas, a playground, and a mile-long circular walking path around the park, it's easy to spend a few minutes or an entire afternoon here. Alyssa and Ethan enjoyed many picnics and hammocking sessions at Loose. The Rose Garden is a must!
National WWI Museum and Memorial
For the history-lovers among us. Designated by Congress as the country's official WWI Memorial, the museum is well worth the visit while you're in town. The Glass Bridge over a field of poppies commemorates the lives lost and is a highlight of the memorial.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
A free, family friendly attraction that's definitely worth a trip if you're looking to burn some time. There are giant shuttlecocks on the front lawn...not sure why, but they're a "thing." Go check it out!
Kansas City Plaza
A large collection of shops, eats, and fountains. Interestingly, the Kansas City Plaza modeled its architecture after its sister city: Seville, Spain. Seville was the first city to establish a sister relationship with Kansas City in 1967. The Spanish city hosted the Expo ’92 World’s Fair and invited Kansas City to represent the US. Kansas City and Seville celebrated its 50th anniversary of its sisterhood in 2017. Yay sisterhood!
Prime Social
A rooftop bar on The Plaza that offers a beautiful view of city below. Rumor has it Travis Kelce and a certain pop singer made a stop here after a home football game. Make a reservation or risk the wait!
Betty Rae's Ice Cream
A must for the ice-cream lovers among us. They make their own rotating specialty flavors like cereal & milk, cinnamon, matcha, and lavender honey. Dairy-free options are available.
Cafe Equinox
A greenhouse with a coffee cafe?? Yes, please! We would definitely recommend checking this one out! Bring a book and stay awhile.
Front Range Cafe - Waldo / Brookside
A cozy little coffee shop with comfy couches and more.
Messenger Coffee Co.
An Ethan-and-Alyssa favorite! Messenger is a four-story coffee shop with local coffee and baked goods. We spent many Sunday afternoons here, with Ethan writing and Alyssa studying. The coconut macarons slap. Get there early if you want a pastry though - this is a popular spot in KC.
Thou Mayest - River Quay
A coffee shop in the River Market. Close to Betty Rae's Icecream, too!
McLain's Market Shawnee
An Ethan-and-Alyssa favorite! A sit-down breakfast, brunch, and lunch spot where you order at the counter. Coffee and tea available. You can buy yesterday's pastries by the bag for $5-10. They have another location in Overland Park for those who live South of the city!
Joe's Kansas City BBQ
The original Joe's Kansas City BBQ, born out of a gas station in good ol' Rosedale Park. A true local favorite, Joe's represents the best of Kansas bar-b-que. Make sure to try the Z-man!
Q39 - Midtown
"Yuppy" BBQ, Q39 offers an upscale spin on classic KC bar-b-que. There is another location in Overland Park for those South of the city!
Cupini's
Approved by Guy Fieri himself, this little hole-in-the-wall Italian diner keeps Kansas City's cuisine in the game. Pasta, sandwiches, cheesecake, and more!
Waldo Thai
Truly delightful Thai food. The curry is delish!
Ponak's Mexican Kitchen & Bar
Do you need a marg? Go here. Period.
The Belfry
A comfortable sit-down lounge in downtown KC with a great selection of spirits and local beer. Get the Spiced Nuts! Get them!
Green Lady Lounge
A true speak-easy left over from the Prohibition Era with live jazz 365 days a year, this spot is a must. $5 cover charge per person, but it's worth it!