Mom-approved spots around the city.

Spring has sprung in Kansas City, but don’t let the good weather and sunshine distract you too much. It’s time to solidify those Mother’s Day weekend plans!

Now, I am not a mother - but as a professional daughter with 24 years of experience under my belt, I have rounded up some places I would take my own mother (or already have) to enjoy some quality time and a day in the city. I have included activities, shops, and it can’t be a Mother’s Day guide without a brunch spot (or two). So call your mom, or a maternal figure in your life, and iron out those plans!

Hemma Hemma

At my mother’s own request, we dined in at Hemma Hemma for lunch on a recent Mother/Daughter outing. It exceeded our expectations with a flavorful and balanced palate for both of our chosen dishes. I, personally, haven’t stopped thinking about their Hot Honey Salmon Bowl since scraping the bowl clean a couple of months ago. Hemma Hemma is woman-owned, and the floral wallpaper and rosy pink accents throughout the restaurant make it a subtly on-theme stop for Mother’s Day brunch, lunch or dinner.

Their menu varies a bit depending on the day and time. Following this schedule: Breakfast/Lunch on Monday through Friday, Brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and new Dinner hours Tuesday to Saturday - further details are on their website, including times and menus.

Billie’s Grocery

What’s a day out without a midday pick-me-up coffee, smoothie or pastry? Billie’s Grocery carries an unbelievable lineup of sweet treats, all displayed enticingly at their counter. It’s hard to pick just one.

The Billie’s Grocery menu does not stop at refreshments and baked goods. Far from it, actually. The restaurant has an extensive menu full of organic ingredients and nutritious meals from breakfast and brunch, to an all-day menu. It’s easy to satisfy your appetite with options varying from a classic Billie’s Cheese Burger to a Miso Lime Shrimp bowl. The hardest part is choosing which to get! Billie’s Grocery also offers hands-on cooking classes, which could also be an additional way to spice up your weekend plans for a delicious and educational bonding experience.

Emilie’s French Teas

Stop into local tea shop, Emilie’s French Teas, and enjoy a cup of tea and a tasty pastry. The shop is owned and operated by Emilie and Alex, wife and husband, who are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do. Their charming walk-in tea room offers a quaint and quiet atmosphere inspired by tea rooms Emilie would visit in France. With a large variety of loose leaf teas, teacups and other tea accessories, Emilie’s French Teas would also make an excellent location to browse when shopping for unique gifts for Mom.

They also offer tea classes and events, like the upcoming Tea Blends and Chocolate Pairing Workshop - so keep an eye on their calendar! The tea shop is also intertwined with Centered Spirit, a holistic health center run by Alex. They offer wellness classes, infrared sauna therapy and more. Consider Emilie's French Teas for a peaceful space to stop by, sip, and savor the moment during Mother’s Day weekend. Note: They are not open on Sundays - take that into consideration for Mother’s Day celebrations!

Kemper Museum + Oil on Linen

Opt for an art-led day and wander through Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art, followed by lunch or dinner at the on-site restaurant Oil on Linen. The Kemper Museum is free to the public and invites you to explore the exhibitions of international modern and contemporary artists. Spark some creativity and inquisitive thinking this Mother’s Day by engaging with esteemed artwork. Once you’ve spent time absorbing the art, grab lunch at Oil on Linen. The menu draws inspiration from the museum’s exhibition calendar to create unique dishes that encourage guests to connect with the artwork through their own ‘palette.’ They are open 10-3pm on Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant also operates during dinner hours on Thursday and Friday evenings.

KC Current Game

Consider treating Mom to a KC Current game this spring! What better way to celebrate women and motherhood than by watching the fierce athletes that have made waves in drawing a large audience to women’s sports not only in Kansas City but worldwide? The Current schedule offers home matches throughout the spring, often including a Mother’s Day match. You don’t need to be a soccer superman to enjoy CPKC Stadium at Berkeley Riverfront Park as a destination all in itself. With scenic views of the Missouri River, a surplus of local food and drink options, and not a bad seat to choose from, attending a game at CPKC Stadium is hard to beat.

Brookside Shops

Sometimes picking a neighborhood and bopping around with no itinerary is the best way to spend the day. The Brookside Shopping District might just be the spot you are looking for. A cute and quaint area with a concentration of unique and local shops, including A Store Named STUFF, EB and Co,. and The Corner Candleshop. You are sure to find a funky new trinket or statement jewelry piece to take home. The Brookside area is home to many eats, treats and drinks providing everything you need for a day spending quality time with Mom. If venturing around the city and time constraints aren’t in the cards for your Mother’s Day celebration, head to Brookside and let the day come to you at your own leisure.