Catch a vacation vibe right here at home.

It’s no secret – most of us are ready for a vacation by now. Warm, sandy beaches, surrounded by incredibly architecture in historic towns, enjoying diverse cuisines and cultures. As we batten down the hatches to survive the last of the crummy weather, here are a few places you can adventure to on your next day off, even if you’re not leaving town for spring break. You don’t even have to leave the Kansas City metro!

The Nelson Atkins/Rozzelle Court

I know many people that escape to The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art when they need a little breather. Of course, we can see why it would transport you to a different country… and different time, maybe, even. In different areas of the museum – and depending on specific showcasing – you will feel transported. It’s the best low cost/no cost place to be entertained and enchanted.

If you get the opportunity to book some time at Rozzelle Court, then you will officially have left Kansas City. Even the energy in the courtyard is distinctly European.

Kon Tiki Room

If you want to feel like you are on a beach vacation – or at least well-hydrated and vibing out – then Kon Tiki is your ideal destination. The plants and the brilliant paper lanterns littering the ceiling, the bold, brightly patterned walls and seats all lend themselves to a warm, contagiously happy vibe. Peep a TV for nostalgic movies and tv programs to elevate the experience.

Café Ollama

Pop into Café Ollama off Southwest Boulevard to embrace a full experience that is infused with Mexican pride. A TV that plays soccer, full sunshine through the bright front windows, beautiful art and decor, a small market, and so much more can be found within the four walls here. It truly does feel like a café in southern California or Mexico, which makes sense as the owners did live around the southwest for some time. It’s a warm and inviting space.

Just Off Broadway Theater

The Just Off Broadway Theater is a local theater space located in the park just south of the WWI Museum. It iis truly tucked “just off” Broadway Boulevard, a structure that is equal parts old Scottish castle and our creative funding at play. (See what I did there?)

Make it a night out and take some photos amidst the gorgeous, worn facade on your way in to see any of their upcoming stage performances, which resume in March.

Bisou

Something I commented on the first time I walked up to Bisou, was that it felt like we were in a little European village or suburb of a major city. The building is whitewashed clean enough that it doesn’t feel too urban, but perhaps adjacent to a beautiful, rolling hillside in wine country.

But for our benefit? This chic space and its beautiful patio are conveniently in the West Side neighborhood, just off 35 highway and a jog north from Southwest Boulevard. Pretend you are away in Europe, instead of just moments from construction, between 8am and 2pm every day.

The Plaza

Most people know of the architectural wonder that is The Country Club Plaza along Ward Parkway in Kansas City. Inspired by Spain’s grand plazas, this shopping district has been decked out in lush courtyards, beautiful tile, marvelous fountains, and gorgeous terra cotta for over a century as different shops and concepts have rotated in and out.

This place is special because you can spend a nice afternoon walking around taking in all of the architectural details, not spending a cent.

______________

Other fun places that I heard are fantastic to pretend you’re traveling in include Brookside’s Aixois and Prairie Village’s Café Provence, which was full to the brim the last time I wanted to visit. (And for good reason.) Though I have not been there for a while, Grünauer is as close to a rustic, small village German atmosphere as you will get. And anyone who has been to In The Lowest Ferns, Jade Jaguar, or The Ship in the West Bottoms will say you feel like you are in a much more tropical environment than Kansas City.