Guide: Downtown Parkville
Nestled next to the Missouri River in the Northland is downtown Parkville, home to charming shops, coffee hot spots and plenty of restaurants. Why not take a day and explore what Parkville has to offer? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
J Quinn Boutique | 104 Main Street
Sincerely, Ellis | 113 Main Street
Both of these stores have a carefully curated selection of chic, trendy clothes for women, as well as jewelry, candles, makeup bags, and plenty of options for great gifts. The products are good quality and the prices are reasonable, especially for a boutique. The lovely staff at both spots are super friendly and helpful, which makes for a great shopping experience. Sincerely, Ellis has a store in the West Bottoms as well, so be sure to check them out there if you are in the area!
Farm House Collection | 109 Main Street
This store has it all! Farmhouse decor, soap, lotion, candles, sundries (like coffee, jelly, and dip mixes), and room and body sprays. They pour their own candles, soaps, and lotions, and- wow- they all smell SO good! I really enjoy the cherry almond scent. They offer pour-your-own candle classes on Saturdays at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3pm, or by appointment. For $50, you get to make three 8-ounce candles, with fragrances of your choice. Check them out in Jamesport as well if you ever take a day trip up there!
Parkville Coffee | 103 Main Street
I love this place, and I’m not even a coffee drinker! They have such a cozy atmosphere- with all the stone walls and jazz/big band music playing in the background, it’s a perfect place to settle down and stay awhile. Upstairs is a book nook and a living room area that’s straight out of the 70s with vintage furniture and art. Plus, this place serves more than just coffee and tea. They also have pastries, yogurt, protein balls (be sure to try the coconut one- yum!), soup, salad, yogurt, quiche, and sandwiches for breakfast or lunch. No matter where you are, it’s worth a drive to Parkville Coffee.
Cafe des Amis | 112 Main Street
This delightful French bistro, one level up from the street, is definitely worth a stop. They have a pleasant and inviting outdoor patio, as well as a menu with all the great French foods, such as quiche, paté, crepes, escargot, and vol-au-vent (stuffed pastry towers). Honestly, the vegetarian crepe is to die for! Check them out for lunch, dinner, or brunch on a Sunday and transport yourself straight to Paris.
Stone Canyon Pizza | 15 Main Street
Whenever you hear talk of the best places in Kansas City for pizza, Stone Canyon is often overlooked. However, they have some of the best gourmet pizza around! My husband and I love the honey wheat crust. Their location in Parkville opened almost 25 years ago. It has a historic brick front, stone around the bar, and main level and upstairs seating. They have a Lunch Club and a Beer Club if you want a free lunch or beer on occasion, and their happy hour specials offer plenty of good food besides pizza. If you’re looking for something fun for the kiddos… on select nights, both locations offer Magic at Your Table, featuring local magicians.
Photo Op Alley | 11 Main Street
Of course, no trip to Parkville would be complete without a look at photo op alley. You can grab a picture- or three- with your favorite mural, and ‘gram away. Plus, more murals are coming soon, so keep an eye out for some new work from local artists!
If, after all that, you are still looking for something to do, downtown Parkville has more stores, several other restaurants (including Riverpark Pub & Eatery, another spot we love), antiques, and a wine bar. The best thing to do in this darling downtown is just wander around! While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out English Landing Park and the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, next to Park University. Both are fabulous places to enjoy the outdoors!