By Erin Jones
Kansas City, Missouri is in the middle of the United States and considered a “flyover state” by many. However, the state provides a world class arts scene, a myriad of restaurant choices (more than just BBQ), an array of new boutique hotels, and museums that might surprise you.
The Garment District
Kansas City’s Garment District is nestled in the downtown core, providing a walkable area to connect to the Crossroads Art District via a free streetcar that’s been around for two years.
Starting out in the Garment District, visit the Garment District Museum to uncover KC’s history of garment making in the 1920’s. In that time, one in seven Americans wore a garment that was made in Kansas City. Located at the corner of 9th and Broadway, the Garment District Museum rotates a collection of garments made in the Kansas City area. From day dresses, hats and formal attire, the displays draw you in and show the quality of craftsmanship required of the time.
Included in the exhibit is a photograph of Nellie Don Inc. employees. One of the more interesting characters of Kansas City history, Nellie Don Reed was an entrepreneur creating her own garment business by designing fashionable dresses for housewives. In 1919, Nellie Don sold her first collection of dresses to a dry good’s store in Kansas City which sold out in a matter of hours. By 1923, her garment factory was able to employ around 250 workers with the number steadily increasing through World War II as the business transitioned to women’s military and work uniforms. Nellie Don’s factory was known to be a good place to work offering decent wages and benefits. The dresses offered good quality but at a price that was still affordable. As you look at some of the dresses in the museum manufactured by Nellie Don, ask questions about her personal life. As she was a well-known businesswoman, she was kidnapped and held for ransom in 1931! With the help of political gangsters, Nellie and her chauffeur were safely returned 34 hours after the kidnapping.
After you have taken in the museum exhibit, find your way across the street to Thimble Park, where there is a needle and thread statue standing 22 feet tall to pay tribute to the Garment District. The architecture in the area requires a closer look as there are beautiful details and borders. The streets are quiet so take your time wandering around the local area.
Eating and Drinking in the Garment District
Tucked away in the Garment District on 8th Street sits Vested Coffee. A cozy coffee shop with friendly owners ready to serve you with a delicious pastry and coffee of your choosing. The interior is beautiful with exposed brick, floor to ceiling windows and a lovely blue velvet couch. Its been in the neighborhood just over a year but quickly becoming a favorite. From lattes to hot chocolate the beverages are delicious and served with care. Fresh pastries and quiche options vary daily but my favorite has to be the strawberry cheesecake muffin or rosemary and walnut scone.
Just down the street is the Phoenix Jazz Club, offering decent bar food but the highlight is the local music that plays most nights. Find a seat where you can and enjoy the soulful tunes from a local Kansas City band.
For a casual dinner in the area, head to the Milwaukee Delicatessen which offers a variety of pizza, salad and sandwich options in a beautiful refurbished building. They’ve maintained the character of Kansas City with the tiled floors and classic wooden floors. A favorite to locals in the area, you’ll find the staff friendly and ready to serve. A slice of pizza is large enough to fill you up and either choose a pre-set option or design your own flavors.
Where to Stay
Kansas City has seen a recent increase in the boutique hotel scene and just around the Garment District you have some great options. I went for the 21C, an Accor hotel concept that offers an art museum on the first floor with custom artwork in each room. The 21C was completely refurbished in 2017 and has 7 floors of rooms. You’ll find luxurious linens and a very comfy bed. The bathroom was spacious and the white and gold finishes were tasteful without being overly austere.
The contemporary art museum changes the exhibits regularly and is worth a view. At the reception desk you can’t help but look at the installation called “The Dream” created by artist Frances Goodman. As you look closer, you’ll notice that it’s several pieces of wedding dresses pieced together. Each one contains a thought about marriage offering various views and ideas.
The hotel was comfortable but interesting at the same time as it really did combine a museum space with hotel amenities.
Beyond the Garment District
Just down the street from the 21C Hotel, you’ll find a streetcar stop that can take you to the Crossroads Art District. The streetcar arrives after 10-20 minutes and is free to ride! Although it only covers a two mile stretch but its convenience is worth it! Make your way to the Crossroads stop for an edgier view of Kansas City.
Crossroads Arts District
Filled with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants the Crossroads District is always changing and provides an interesting urban atmosphere. If you find yourself in Kansas City on the first weekend of the month, the art galleries open later in the evening on the First Fridays offering a great scene to see a variety of art with a cross section of millennials and baby boomers. I love the architecture of the area as it’s full of warehouses alongside new construction. Street art is increasing at a fast rate so have your camera in hand for skyline views and murals at every turn. Bringing the food hall concept to Kansas City, check out Parlor. Covering two floors with a great patio space as well, there’s a good variety of restaurants to choose from along with cozy spaces to gather with friends or people watch.
Located in historical rail yards of the Crossroads District is Jack Stack’s BBQ, a Kansas City classic. You can’t go wrong with cheesy corn and burnt ends so bring your appetite!
Right next to Jack Stacks is Lidia’s. An Italian restaurant offering classic Italian dishes in a beautiful setting. Elegant without being stuffy, the pasta dishes are delicious and there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. Try the three-course pasta trio- unlimited pasta served tableside with different pasta dishes served each day.
Crossroads Hotel
If the arts scene is more your vibe, the area has seen an increase in hotels over the past two years offering options from American chains to more boutique in style. The Crossroads hotel offers a boutique style and a roof top deck that locals and visitors both enjoy. The hotel offers its own art gallery, restaurant and roof top beer garden. The location is right in the arts district so will put you in a great spot for finding art and local restaurants at your leisure.
Your weekend in Kansas City will leave you with a full tummy, a better understanding of its history and an art scene that is worth discovering.
Useful Links for your Kansas City Stay:
Garment District Museum: https://www.visitkc.com/business-detail/historic-garment-district-museum-kansas-city
21C Hotel: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/kansascity#top
Crossroads Hotel: https://crossroadshotelkc.com/explore/gallery-and-studio/
Vested coffee: https://www.vested.coffee/
Phoenix Jazz Club: https://thephoenixkc.com/
Milwaukee Delicatessen: https://milwaukeedelikc.com/
Jack Stacks: https://www.jackstackbbq.com/
Lidia’s: https://lidias-kc.com/about-us/
Parlor: http://www.parlorkcmo.com/
