5 Kansas City Businesses That Inspire Adventure
I welcome the first of the year slowly. A friend shared with me recently that many animals hibernate through the winter, so why do we think we need to charge full speed ahead on New Year's Day? It resonated with me and I hope you consider this too.
While I’m all for the pause, like many by the end of January the cabin fever sets in. I grow tired of the cold weather and short days, and find myself in anticipation of somewhere new. So I daydream and drum up trip plans for the year. If you didn’t know, National Plan for Vacation Day falls on the last Tuesday of every January, and I encourage you to bookmark this day or a day around it to spend a little time making plans of your own.
But while you wait to hit the open road or hop on a plane, here are five Kansas City local businesses to inspire the adventurer in you:
1) Kinfolk Created
I want to say it was 2020 when I discovered Kinfolk Created, a brand completely dedicated to showcasing your pride for Kansas and the Midwest. What stood out to me first was this hilarious t-shirt that pays homage to an iconic KC music venue. I bought the tank top version. Since then I’ve purchased a few of their stickers, and a soft Amelia Earhart t-shirt that can be worn with a blazer and skirt or hiking pants.
I was THRILLED when I saw Kinlfolk Created was opening up a brick and mortar in downtown Bonner Springs, which is appropriately nicknamed, “Your Kansas Adventure HQ.” Not only can you purchase shirts, hats, stickers, patches and more, all referencing your favorite Kansas small towns and inside jokes, the store carries visitor guides so you can get started planning a Sunflower State road trip of your very own.
2) Urban Hikes Kansas City
I’ve worked hard to incorporate more movement this winter. I don’t want our basement treadmill to become an expensive laundry basket just yet. And while neighborhood walks with the dogs are nice on the days a sliver of sunshine peeks through the clouds, those can start to feel mundane too. Cue Urban Hikes Kansas City - a guided hike through some of our city’s most fascinating and historical neighborhoods.
I became acquainted with Urban Hikes Kansas City in 2020, when I was searching for a way to get outside of the house and feel connection while following pandemic guidelines. I joined in on a Crossroads + Westside Neighborhood Urban Hike. From there I co-developed the Strawberry Hill + Downtown KCK Urban Hike with owner Lisa Peña. The area is perfectly walkable and packed with unique points of interest. It was just what my soul needed to stay creative during a tough time.
The Artful Streetcar Urban Hike was also one that especially stuck with me, and brought me to places I may not have ever ventured to on my own. Different hikes are offered just about every weekend, and I can’t wait to go on one again very soon.
3) Garden House Cafe + Plant Shop
Garden House Cafe feeds my wanderlust for another destination that holds my heart, the Sonoran desert. If you crave a place that makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to a warmer climate, this is it.
Nestled on a corner located in the increasingly hip neighborhood known as Rosedale, Garden House will call you in for the caffeine, but have you returning to sit among the cacti and peruse the local maker booths. That being said, the beverages will bring you back too. While I’m normally a hot black coffee drinker, I always make a trip here an opportunity to lean into the southwest vibes, ordering a matcha latte (for the green desert plants) or a turmeric ginger chai (for the terracotta pots).
4) Ulah
A recent find for me, Ulah’s signature candles and fragrances combine my love of both the Mid and Southwest, with scents like Desert, Canyon and Prairie.
I first fell in love with their Prairie Rose perfume when I popped into their store to pick up a Christmas gift. I was truly astounded the scent held a combination of all the notes I look for - sandalwood, slightly musky, with a beautiful floral finish that stands out just enough when you wear it. My ideal mix of masculine and feminine. One spritz and I feel like I’m carrying open skies and wildflowers with me wherever I go.
5) Wonder Fair
We’re branching a bit farther out of the Kansas City metro area with this one. Trust me, it’s worth the trip.
I was wide-eyed like a kid in a candy store when I walked into Wonder Fair for the first time. The walls and shelves cluttered with trinkets in the most curated way. I couldn’t help but think “I want that one! No, I want that one!” The shop carries stationary, art supplies, kitschy gifts, goods and more, making it a creative’s dream. The flagship store is located on Lawrence’s famous Massachusetts Street, with a sister location that acts as a stand alone art gallery and bookstore.
Warm weather and vacation season will come around again soon, my friends. In the meantime, get out and unleash your inner explorer with one of these local favorites.
