Coffee Shops
Messenger Coffee – Trendy three-story café with rooftop seating and pastries.
Oddly Correct – Artsy specialty coffee with some delicious flavors. We used to run here when we lived at Rockhurst.
Blackhole Bakery – OUR FAV! Small bakery known for unique mochi donuts and creative pastries. They don't have seating but you won't regret trying it.
Breakfast & Brunch
Homegrown – Cozy spot for breakfast made with fresh, local ingredients. Had our first real date here!
Seven Swans Creperie KC– So cute. Delicious crepes and coffee.
Waldo Café – Classic neighborhood diner vibes. Very affordable and they give you a free cinnamon roll as an app. We're frequent flyers.
Sweet Treat
Silas & Maddy’s – Old-school KC favorite with giant scoops. Located in Olathe. Elaina grew up on this place.
High Hopes Ice Cream – Nostalgic neighborhood shop with unique flavors. We used to walk here a lot too. SO GOOD! Get the salt on top.
Betty Rae’s – Creative small-batch ice cream with fun, seasonal twists. Famous to KC.
Andy’s Frozen Custard – Drive-thru or walk-up frozen custard spot known for its rich concretes and sundaes. Chappell Roan–approved.
Happy Hour
Brookside Barrio – Favorite spot for a patio marg. Great weekday happy hour and queso <3
Brooksider- Our friend group go-to for happy hour, patio dinner, or watching a game. They have Adam's favorite wings and Elaina's favorite buffalo chicken wrap.
Eats
Q39 – Modern Kansas City BBQ with chef-driven dishes. SO good. Adam's second favorite wings. He also used to work here!
Joe’s KC BBQ – Iconic BBQ joint in a gas station in KC, or there is also an Olathe location.
Pigwich – Casual spot with inventive sandwiches made from local meats. So good and in River Market!
Attractions & Landmarks
Union Station – A stunning, historic train station featuring exhibits, events, and beautiful architecture. Will’s fav!
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art – A world-class art museum known for its iconic shuttlecock sculptures. Free admission!
The Plaza – Outdoor shopping and dining district with charming Spanish-style architecture and fountains.
River Market – A lively neighborhood filled with local restaurants, coffee shops, and the weekend farmers market.
KC Current Stadium – The new women’s professional soccer stadium (girl power!!!). Worth a visit if there’s a game — check the schedule!
For the Kids
Science City – A fun, hands-on science museum inside Union Station with tons of interactive exhibits.
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium – A family favorite featuring animals from around the world, plus a brand-new aquarium!
Worlds of Fun – Kansas City’s classic amusement park with roller coasters, water rides, and family attractions.
LEGOLAND Discovery Center – A colorful indoor LEGO world with rides, a 4D cinema, and plenty of building fun.
Parks & Outdoors
Loose Park – Beautiful rose gardens, trails, and picnic spots. We've gone on many many walks here.
Shawnee Mission Park – Expansive park with trails, a lake, and scenic views. They offer pedal boat rentals.
Great Wolf Lodge – Indoor waterpark resort (especially fun for families).
Drinks & Nightlife
Boulevard Brewery – KC’s biggest and best-known craft brewery with awesome tours, tastings, and a rooftop beer hall.
Westport – A laid-back, historic bar district perfect for a casual night out. Grab a drink and pizza at Kelly’s Irish Pub, listen to live music at Tin Roof, or just wander between patios.
Power & Light District – Downtown’s go-to nightlife spot with dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon, dancing at Shark Bar, and plenty of energy all weekend long.
Up-Down – A bar packed with vintage arcade games, skee-ball, and pinball — plus pizza by the slice and rooftop views.