3 Shops to visit in Downtown Overland Park Next Saturday

There are very few places in Kansas City where you get the whimsical feel of a small town and
the bright lights of a big city. Downtown Overland Park is shaping up to be just that. Over the
past couple years, what has been a major renaissance in the making, has now started coming
to fruition. Modern High Rises intertwine the streets, the Farmer’s Market is gearing towards
expansion, and at the heart of it all are small local businesses. Here are 3 places to visit on any
given Saturday.

1. OP Farmers' Market | 7950 Marty Street

Farmer's Market. Photos by Annie Dreyer.

Picture this, on a Saturday morning during the warm summer months you venture between Sante Fe Drive and Marty Street at the crossroads of W 80th and 79th. Greeting you in a large parking are fresh produce, local food favorites, and unique specialty items. The Farmer’s Market in Overland Park has been a staple for some time now and continues to get better each year with new vendors offering a variety of farm-to-table freshness we can all feel good about. True entrepreneurs in their element, it’s a chance to network, shop local, and do good for the community. Produce is ripe, people are friendly, and the energy of growth is in the air.

The market opens for the season next Saturday, April 14 at 7 AM. 

2. McNary’s Antiques & Refinishes | 7831 Marty Street

McNary's Antiques and Refinishes. Photos by Anthony West.

A little off the main strip, sits a shop by itself: McNary’s Antiques & Refinishes. If you like finding one of kind pieces, this is a place to explore. Chairs, tables, and a host of other home decors. With many unique items to sift through and an inventory that is constantly changing, there’s a good chance of finding something new each visit. What’s also neat about this 32 year old store is that they can take furniture pieces you may have found elsewhere and help you refinish them to your liking. If you want to give your home character or shop for a gift, this is a place to do so - vintage one-offs that have been restored to timeless beauties!

3. Upper Crust Bakery | 7943 Santa Fe Drive

Upper Crust Bakery. Photos by Anthony West. 

Remember the small town feel I mentioned earlier? Well, Upper Crust Bakery embodies that to the fullest! A local neighborhood delicacy with wonderful people who know a thing or two about delicious pies and other treats to satisfy any sweet tooth. From the moment you enter, the aroma of baked goods hits you and it’s pure bliss. My choice of selection: Warm Dutch Apple and a glass of Ice Cold Milk; an explosion of flavors alongside a favorite beverage, and I’m once again in my happy place. You can order by the slice, mini pies, or full sizes, and they also have home goods for a personal touch. Trust me, one taste at the Upper Crust and you’ll most definitely be back for more. I certainly plan too, as the savory Blackberry Sour Cream Pie has my name on it!

These three shops only begin to scratch the surface of what's happening in downtown Overland Park. But their significance in the community and what they mean to the neighborhood runs deep to the regulars. A renaissance at it’s finest that is visible each and everyday through the current shops, the construction taking place, and the new businesses coming in.