Things To Do
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
If you're prone to strolling through galleries, enjoy a general art survey, and free admission, wander through the Nelson! The grounds also feature a grand lawn that is great for lounging, throwing a disc, and meandering through the sculptures. (Pro-tip for close free parking - check out the lot on the corner of 45th and Rockhill; otherwise, you can usually find one within a block or pay for the garage).
Cliff Drive
A mainstay for the Northeast neighborhoods, and a favorite place to take new members of the Jerusalem Farm community to survey the splendor of the bluff. Walk along the scenic byway and glimpse sport climbers taking on some lovely limestone routes, try your hand at the disc golf course (which doubles as a great hike), or just enjoy take a stroll.
Elvira's Cakes
A favorite neighborhood spot in the northeast. Stop by to sample a pan dulce or two (or ten) to complement your morning coffee. On the weekends they have a giant pot of tamales to choose from, both savory and sweet.
Loose Park
Expansive and popular park with a good loop for running and walking. We would infrequently but happily find ourselves here to enjoy vast greenery. Great for disc-throwing, dog-watching, and cloud-spotting (if there are any). Car-parking can be slim in the park itself, but there's a decent amount of street parking around if you are able to walk a minute.
Cherith Brook Catholic Worker House
Cherith Brook is a catholic worker community in the Northeast. They bear witness to the works of mercy, and are dedicated to nonviolence, hospitality, community, downward mobility, and revaluing land and labor. While they may not be open during the 2 July weekend for a 2nd Saturday workday (update to come!) this community remains an inspiration and source of friendship in KCMO. Consider browsing the needs list on their website!
Thelma’s Kitchen
Thelma's Kitchen is a community gathering space that brings neighbors together over shared meals. It functions in an economy of grace and redistribution. Visit their website to learn some community history about Troost Ave, as well as more about how and why Thelma's Kitchen generates nourishment in the city. While they have transitioned to a box-lunch program during its building renovation and the pandemic, their mission of affordable food access remains intact. Consider donating a meal to support their work (unfortunately, they will likely not be open while you're in town!)
Pendleton Heights Community Garden
A nice place to stroll right near Jerusalem Farm, and home to many wildflowers and beds tended by Farm members and neighbors in the community.
Taj Palace
Amazing Indian food in the Westport area. We ate here a few times while in Kansas City and always enjoyed it.
San Antonio Meat Market
They have great tacos with lots of topping options at San Antonio's. This is a nice walking or biking distance from Jerusalem Farm and was a popular date spot for us.
River Market
The River Market has a fun Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. You can even walk further on from here and find the lock bridge by the river. Try to find our lock on the bridge...:)
Peace Pavilion
When we were watching the kids in the summer of 2019, this was a really fun afternoon trip. Albeit not hyper local, this museum felt worth the drive as it offers awesome interactive exhibits for kids that are super intentional and awesome. They do have specific hours and days though, so check that out before you go!
The Concourse Park
A top park recommendation for sure. We would take groups here on Fridays during our Group Weeks (weeks where we hosted high school and college groups for service immersion retreats) to have a picnic dinner, relax, and play some ultimate frisbee. They typically have fountains in the summer that are fun for kids (and adults!) to run through and cool off. This is a great walk from the Farm: about a mile, an easy, scenic, residential walk.
The Blue Room
If you want to get in on the Kansas City jazz scene, it can't get any better than the Blue Room. Located at the Historic 18th and Vine district, take a visit here to listen to some awesome jazz and learn more by walking through the American Jazz Museum.
Vietnam Cafe
Delicious, delicious Vietnamese food. Try their Vietnamese coffee or homemade lemonade. Try their combination fried rice or amazing sweet potato fries. They have great pho too. We enjoyed the tofu pho listed on the last page of the menu. :)
Cafe Gratitude Kansas City
This is a cute, bright and airy vegan restaurant. They have yummy and wholesome food. Super nourishing. Try their "CLT" sandwich or any of their bowls. They have a great housemade gingerale as well as desserts. Fun lunch spot!
Opera House Coffee & Food Emporium
Good coffee spot in the River Market. Drinks are a little pricey, but the ambiance lends to a good place to get work done or visit with friends. There is a lot of space and you can find a spot to get work done or find a table to chat. They have nice little outdoor tables too if the weather is good that day. Cassie used to bike here during her first summer at the Farm on Saturdays after the group left to write and read.
Mother Earth Coffee Hyde Park
A favorite coffee spot in Kansas City, MO. A bit south of the Farm, this shop offers fair trade coffee, compostable cups to go, or reusable mugs to stay, and a bright ambiance. Joseph and Cassie had a couple good afternoon dates to recharge and reconnect here in the summer of 2019 while someone else watched the kids we were caring for that summer. In July of 2019, Mother Earth had the unforgettable "lemonade nitro cold brew" and since then, Cassie has tried to recreate it various times using lavender, fresh lemons, and vanilla. One year in Sacramento, using ingredients from Joseph's parent's backyard, she got pretty close!
PH Coffee
If you are looking for coffee within walking distance of Jerusalem Farm, just a few blocks over and actually on the way to the Concourse, stop over at new neighborhood coffee shop "PH Coffee." They have a modern look and one of their missions is to build community in the neighborhood.
Eleos Coffee House
Run by neighbors of Jerusalem Farm, Eleos is a Northeast staple for coffee and programmatic offerings for the community. Eleos has great coffee and espresso drinks as well as lunchtime sandwiches. Eleos partners with Jerusalem Farm to offer surplus food from grocery stores on Fridays to people in the area who are in need of some food. One of the jobs at Jerusalem Farm as house manager is to pick up food from a couple different grocery stores on Friday mornings and then to drop it off at Eleos. Called "the pickup," both Cassie and Joseph got to help out with this job at different times throughout their time at the Farm.
Planters Seed & Spice Co
If you're in the River Market, stop here to check out their bulk seed and spice offerings. A cool place to walk around and pick out gardening supplies.
St. James Catholic Church
Located at 39th and Troost, St. James was the church of choice for Cassie and Joseph. They have Mass at 10am on Sundays and provide a great sense of community and welcome, whether visiting for the first time or as a regular attendee.
St. Anthony Parish
St. Anthony's is another good option for church on Sunday. Located in the neighborhood, it's a nice walk from the Farm, about a mile and right next to the Concourse. They have Mass at 9am or services offered in Spanish at 11am or 1pm. Attending church at St. Anthony's was nice because we knew a lot of people from the neighborhood there, Cassie attended a Bible study that Jordan led here, and we could spend time after church with our good friends, the Halucks, who live nearby.
Jerusalem Cafe (Westport rd)
A cozy restaurant in Westport with dark wood and stained glass, Jerusalem Cafe offers delicious dishes and all Greek salads come with a big chunk of feta. Yum!
Pigwich
Their website says it best: "The Local Pig is Kansas City's only full-line butcher shop dedicated to locally sourced products and humanely raised meats." Great sandwiches and a great place to eat on a nice weather day with their outside picnic benches located in the River Market.
Christ's Peace House of Prayer
If you have some extra time surrounding your trip and are looking to add something to your trip like a quiet retreat, this is Cassie and Joseph's favorite retreat spot. Shantivanam (meaning "Forest of Peace") now called Christ's Peace House of Prayer is located about an hour from the Farm in Kansas (and it is a beautiful drive to get there too). We first went here on a community retreat, and since then, we have each taken personal retreats here as well as a joint one in our most recent cross country road trip. Vince, who we can put you in contact with or you can contact yourself, makes awesome soups and meals. Shantivanam has a beautiful chapel space, rolling meadows and forests for contemplative walks, and a vast library. We have stayed in the individual cabins and that always worked out nicely. Shantivanam is meaningful to us because it was founded by Ed Hays, whose prayers, writings, and teachings have been super formational our spiritual life, both separately and jointly.
La Bodega
Fun date spot! Come here at Happy Hour for their best prices. Pretty ambiance and great place if you have a taste for Spanish tapas and sangria.
Extra Virgin
Right off the Streetcar on Main Street, so a convenient location to get to if you travel that way. This is a bit fancier than the other places we have listed. Dishes are served tapas style, so a fun place to try if you like sharing and tasting lots of little dishes. Joseph and Cassie ate here with Cassie's mom and brother Will when they were in town visiting.