Katherine Thompson
Born a Southwest Missouri girl I found myself transplanted in Kansas City in 2012 studying Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences at KUMC. I started exploring my new city and quickly found myself in awe of the countless creativity, art, and soul the city has to offer thus my passion for discovering local began. I am the face behind KC Local which seeks to share and discover local Kansas City, and the face behind my small local business, The Kansas City Box - thoughtfully curated gift boxes featuring local makers and products from the metro and the midwest. When I'm not sharing my love for discovering local KC I am incredibly passionate about Systemic Lupus and advocating for advancement in the research of the disease. Ask me how to get involved! Follow me on Instagram @kc_local and @kansascitybox or online at www.kansascitybox.com
To get to know Katherine a little better, we asked her a few questions.
What's your favorite coffee shop (and drink)?
This is a tough question because I love so many but I'd say Blip Roasters in the West Bottoms. I stumbled upon Blip 4+ years ago when I showed up at the (not open to the public) roasting facility thinking they were a coffee shop, oops! Ian, the owner still welcomed me in and made me the most amazing Guatemalan pour over. Talk about customer service! Blip is now a full functioning and open to the public coffee shop and I can't praise their products enough! I keep a very full schedule so when I don't have time for a pour over I grab Domain Cold Brew a collaboration with Oddly Correct in Westport.
If you could live in any Kansas City neighborhood, which one would you choose?
Hmmm, I'd have to say Brookside. I love the charm of the neighborhood, the style of homes, and pride of the local business owners in the Brookside Community. I'd also like to throw a nod to Downtown Mission, Kansas. Mark my words it's up and coming! Ampersand Design Studio, The Filling Station, Ad Astra Flower Market as well as Ocean and Sea have all moved in. I love their passion and it's fun to watch the neighborhood develop.
Where's your favorite weekend getaway?
I have to say Springfield, MO. I'm biased but my hometown is growing and there's a lot to checkout for any age. I love to grab breakfast at Gaileys or lunch at Grad School, checkout the new breweries, art galleries, and aquarium. Taking the drive a little out of town is a must to check out the Boston Mountains, Ponca, Arkansas, and the Buffalo River. It's a whole new world, breathtakingly beautiful, one of my absolute favorite spots in the country.
You have a Sunday to yourself. Where do you spend it?
Early morning and with coffee in hand I would love to stick the kayak into a nearby waterway or go for a run (let's be honest...a walk) around Shawnee Mission Lake. Immediately followed by brunch. Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE brunch so this is a must have on my perfect Sunday. Coming together with a couple close friends, tasty breakfast food, and drinks especially if we can be on a patio is on the top of my list. My perfect Sunday is best rounded off with grilling and having a few friends over to watch any game playing.
If you could take one Kansas City restaurant/bakery/cafe with you to a deserted island, which one would you choose?
I don't have a sweet tooth so I'd have to choose Ibis Bakery for all their baked goods and their cheese slipper! Carb life best life.