Kansas City Staycation

There is no shortage of places to explore in our city, but sometimes you just need an old fashioned staycation to soak them up! We sent intrepid explorer Alyssa Broadus (of Instagram’s Little Fixations) on a local vacay to report on some favorite places to relax, unwind and enjoy beautiful KC.

All photos by Alyssa Broadus.

First things first; find your home base! Crossroads Hotel transports me and makes me feel like I stepped into a new city. The architecture is beautiful and holds on to so much history from back in 1911 when it functioned as the Pabst and Pendergast buildings. Visually, there is so much attention to detail—a design element lurks around every corner, and it seems that there’s something new to see every time you walk in.

Crossroads Hotel
2101 Central St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The main bar is called XR, and I highly recommend ordering the burger and a PBR for lunch—you sorta have to pay tribute to the original owner, right? Don’t forget to check out the current art installation while you’re there, and treat yourself to one of the many local amenities in your room!

Start your staycation on the right foot at one of KC’s amazing coffee shops. It’s almost impossible to choose one specific location for a special brew, but it had to be done! Oddly Correct feels like a treat when I’m able to make it, and I want to sit and soak up this place for as long as possible. For a slower morning, start your day with amazing homemade biscuit sandwiches and an awesome selection on their daily brew bar. Oddly recently changed up their menu to include lattes (I enjoy the Bourbon Vanilla and Berry Infused Mocha), and has a new bright, welcoming aesthetic. 

Oddly Correct
3940 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64111

You can stay close to downtown while still experiencing a different area of the city at 18th and Vine! There are many wonderful things just a short walk away from each other. If you’re in the mood for a little grub and live music, this part of town will mesmerize you. Choose from Arthur Bryant’s, Bayou on the Vine, or The Kansas City Jukehouse—which has a calendar on their website for live performances. The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum share one roof, which make exploring extra convenient, while The Blue Room and Jammin’ at the Gem are right down the street for more entertainment that can extend long into the night. So thankful that areas like this have been preserved and celebrated over the years!

The Kansas City Jukehouse
1700 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Jammin’ at the Gem
1615 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Arthur Bryant’s
1727 Brooklyn Ave, Kansas City, MO 64127

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum & American Jazz Museum
1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

Bayou on the Vine
1601 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Blue Room
1600 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

If you’re on the hunt to do a little shopping while in staycation mode, one of my favorite places as of late is Do Good Co. This shop is really special to me because it’s donation-based and recycles clothing, furniture and accessories while giving back to our community through local organizations like KidsTLC and KC Pet Project! This space is so well curated, and it always makes me feel good to shop for a cause.

Do Good Co.
1320 W 39th St, Kansas City, MO 64111

Next up: go for the greenery. Whenever I need a few quiet moments to myself, one of the first places I turn to is Family Tree Nursery. This spot always feels like the most refreshing escape from the city, even if I’m only there an hour. Between all the different buildings housing a variety of plant life, every type of beautiful pot you can think of, and inspiration for how to style your new greenery, it’s easy to get lost for a bit and leave with far too many things. Bonus—Café Equinox just opened inside the Shawnee location, so you can get your Thou Mayest coffee fix at the same time!

Family Tree Nursery & Cafe Equinox
7036 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, KS 66203

I may be a tiny bit biased, but a true staycation isn’t complete until a brewery is involved! I highly recommend heading to Boulevard Tours and Rec Center for a $5 tour and flights on the patio during your staycation in the city. With over 30 taps to choose from (some of which are at their own experimental bar in the Beer Hall), it’s a stop that takes a little more time in the best way. Plus, if you’re visiting on a Sunday, stop by free bingo – most prizes include some form of beer, which if you ask me is the best prize of all!

Boulevard Brewers Tours & Recreation Center
2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108

For a little afternoon relaxation: Sister Anne’s is a newly opened record shop off of 31st street, and offers two of my favorite things – records and coffee! I love that it sits off my normal path, so it feels like a little escape to be in this part of town and take my time browsing through the selections. Definitely going to be a new favorite stop from now on!

Sister Anne’s
901 E 31st St, Kansas City, MO 64109

If you’re seeking extra adventure during your staycation, then a concert at The Truman might be a perfect option for you! I love how simplified the venue is: a few bars line the sides, but with the exception of one spot above, everyone is on the same level, which allows you to connect more with the performance. I’ve seen some of my favorite bands here, so I’m very grateful that this fun venue exists in the heart of our city!

The Truman
601 E Truman Rd, Kansas City, MO 64106

For your final night out, you’re going to need a fancy cocktail in hand. Did you really have a staycation if you didn’t go to Tiki Cat? This “secret oasis” is sure to teleport you on your own Polynesian getaway where the drinks are stiff and the tiki attire flows free! I love that no matter what the season is outside, you would never know it while sipping on a drink here. I think it might be against the rules to not order a Zombie, and the Luau is such a fun option for a group of four!

Tiki Cat
401 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111

For dinner, I can recommend no other than Westport Cafe – hands down one of my favorite spots in Kansas City. I’ve never been to France, but if it’s a sliver as magical as WC is I know it has to be good! I’ve experienced some of the best nights here because every element from the candlelit glow, the Perrier Joüet bar mirror at night, and even the pommes frites just makes this place feel so dang special. Whether you choose to head here for dinner or a nightcap, it makes the perfect spot to the end of any staycation!

Westport Cafe
419 Westport Rd, Kansas City, MO 64111