Neighborhood Guide: Liberty Square
Locals love Liberty, and it’s easy to see why– check out what Liberty Square has to offer!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
People have inhabited the Liberty area since the early 1800s, officially incorporating the Missouri community northeast of Kansas City 1829. The Square - which sits at a tall point in Clay County and overlooks William Jewell College on one side, with what is now Heritage Middle School off on the hill to the west.
One of the most enchanting places to check out every few years is the Clay County Historical Museum. Peering into the front window alone gives you a glimpse into what the historians who work here are focusing on. This is a storefront that almost every middle schooler in the Clay County area - and, perhaps, beyond - has visited, most likely while checking out the Jesse James bank.
For history buffs, Jesse James was an outlaw and gang member, who committed a slew of crimes in the area over the course of his life. Born in Kearney, he was known for robbing stagecoaches, banks, and trains before tragically losing his life to a gunshot wound to the head by fellow outlaw Robert Ford at the age of 34.
A full museum exists inside the former bank at the northeast corner of Liberty Square.
I did not expect to, but I believe I have found my new favorite crystal shop. In my last living arrangement, I was just down the street from a metaphysical shop I really enjoyed. Since then, I have not experienced one quite like it. Until I wandered into Sacred Creations on the Liberty Square.
Sacred Creations is up one set of stairs, a cozy space with charming exposed brick and hardwood floors that holds an extensive collection of metaphysical items and accessories. Different vendors have displays with jewelry and knick knacks, while an extensive stock of gorgeous, one of a kind crystals is placed between fragrances, housewares, and more.
I was so pleased with how warm the space was and how great Cody’s energy was, that I plan to be back soon.
While you will find a few statues and monument items scattered around the historic Liberty Square, you will also see a beautiful, ornate statue of a woman at the southeast corner of the courthouse property. This is Susan B. Anthony, a women’s rights activist who played a massive role in civil rights advancements during her time. It is arguably one of the most important pieces in Liberty Square, though hardly the only one.
The art around the Square is actually really interactive. If you happen to have a night off and the weather is bearable, take a walk around the well-lit square to find fun, spray painted butterfly wings to pose in front of (on Water Street) or a cute mural of a bookshelf with a wide-eyed cat perched on it.
Sculptures and statues line the sidewalks, with explanations in plain view. Use a walk around the area as a learning experience, and delve into history with this free learning experience.
Step into spots like Huey’s On The Square or Ginger Sue’s for a classic breakfast moment. Delicious dinner spots include upscale Luigi’s Italian, bar food at spots like Catch 22 Sports and 3Halves Brew Pub & BBQ.
La Costa Mexicana is known for having some of the best margaritas in Liberty, and even serves a margarita flight. Be sure to check their website for specials before heading in.
There are an abundance of boutique shops to peruse, including Catfish + Tater, More Excuses, Bea’s Designs, Hampton James, Mama and Me Children’s Boutique, and more. Brant’s clothing has been serving up customizable wardrobes for all sporting and academic ventures for decades, and Basement Books is a great spot to spend a few hours on a rainy day.
Like any quaint, nostalgic downtown area, Liberty Square has a few very cute hobby shops that can keep you shopping local. Aside from a lovely quilting store, KC Blooms Plant Boutique and D’Agee Flowers will make sure you have every plant, bouquet, and plant accessory necessary to breathe clean air at home.
KC Compost Collective uses KC Blooms as a hub, so start your composting journey in a convenient, cute spot in town!
