Lauren & JD
Things To Do
Excelsior Springs Downtown, including Hall of Waters
Downtown Excelsior Springs is within walking distance from the Elms Hotel and has a number of cute shops, restaurants and museums. One of the museums, the Hall of Waters, is an Art Deco style building built in 1934 where the ‘healing waters’ from local springs were piped into the world's longest mineral water bar. The Hall now serves as a visitor center and cultural museum with displays and information about various aspects of Excelsior Springs’ unique history. The Hall is open seven days a week. An ambassador is always present to answer questions about the building, the town, dining, businesses and events.
Spa at the Elms
The Spa at the Elms hotel is a local favorite retreat! Traditional spa services are offered such as hydrotherapy, massages, facials, salon services, manicures and pedicures, plus access to the "grottto" with further amenities to enjoy.
Van Till Family Farm Winery
Excelsior Springs has a number of wineries and wine shops. If you have time to visit just one, we would recommend Van Till Winery (you will need a car to get there). Excelsior Springs also has a wine trolley that makes stops at all of the wineries, as well as two spots downtown that we recommend for wine: the Willow Spring Mercantile and Ventana Gourmet Grill. See this website for additional information: https://visitexcelsior.com/index.php/wine-tours/
Dubious Claims Brewing Company
Brewery within walking distance of the Elms Hotel. In the early to mid 1900’s, Excelsior Springs became America’s Haven of Health. Boasting of over 40 mineral water springs and 5 different varieties of waters, each with unique healing properties, Excelsior Springs was a “wonder working” destination to the ill. Mineral water pavilions and bath houses soon gave way to the big business of health sanitariums. These facilities thrived until a national media expose of dubious claims dried up the mineral water business. Multiple beer styles, with names such as Vitality, Relief, Therapy and Bath House Blueberry, are a tongue in cheek nod to the historic healing claims. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-10 pm; kitchen closes at 9 pm Friday 4-11 pm; kitchen closes at 10 pm Saturday 11 am – 11 pm; kitchen closes at 10 pm Closed Sunday & Monday
Wabash BBQ
Deee-licious Kansas City barbecue restaurant within walking distance of the Elms Hotel. The Wabash BBQ specializes in smoked meats and award winning ribs and chicken! Located in the historic passenger waiting room of the old depot and adjacent dairy. The Wabash provides a relaxed atmosphere for all ages. A full service bar. Outdoor eating area. Voted Best Ribs in K.C.! Live blues on Saturdays June to September.
Ray's Diner
Breakfast recommendation, within walking distance of the Elms Hotel. Throwback diner, nostalgic from early to mid-1900's, cozy atmosphere. Great breakfast or burgers!
Kansas CIty Barbeque
Kansas City is famous for it's BBQ, with good reason!!! There are two spots that are far and away our favorites (you will need a car to get to these): 1. Joes KC (formerly known as Oklahoma Joes): stand in line to order, we recommend you go to the original location that operates out of a gas station: https://www.joeskc.com/pages/gas-station-restaurant. Food recommendations: Z-Man sandwich, Burnt Ends, French Fries. 2. Jack Stack: if you want a sit-down restaurant dinner. Closest location to the Elms Hotel is the Freight House near downtown: https://www.jackstackbbq.com/freight-house. Food recommendations: Burnt Ends, BBQ Shrimp, Cheesy Corn.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
World-class art museum located near the Plaza district in Kansas city (you will need a car to get to the museum).
Country Club Plaza
One of Kansas City's premier shopping and dining districts in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri with 100 stores, 30 restaurants, and amazing architecture that was modeled to look like Seville, Spain (you will need a car to get to the Plaza).
Downtown Kansas City
Lots to do in Downtown KC! Recommendations include: -Union Station -National WWI Museum -Power and Light District -Take the Streetcar to different stops. It starts at Union Station (in Crown Center) and ends in the River Market. The Streetcar is free to ride. You will need a car to get to KC downtown.
Boulevard Brewing Company
Founded in 1989 in Kansas City, Missouri, Boulevard Brewing Company has grown to become the largest specialty craft beer brewer in the Midwest. Go for a Brewery Tour or hang out in the Beer Hall, where they serve their beer on tap, including beers that are not yet available to the public.