KC Must-Have Experiences
On the first friday of every month, the Crossroads hosts a gathering of local businesses and a variety of artists for Kansas Citians to explore. The iconic First Friday arts gathering is a staple KC experience packed with many vendors in a single area. Be sure to arrive to First Friday’s hungry and with a good pair of walking shoes. You’ll want to try a selection of tasty food trucks and get an up close look at the stunning artwork on the massive city walls.
Later in the night, the Crossroads also offers exciting bars to explore. Visit the Green Lady lounge to experience live jazz music or have a classy evening in the Mercury Room. If a night of classic arcade games is more your style, go to Up Down for drinks and competitive fun.
📍Green Lady Lounge 1809 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
📍Horsefeather Bar 1515 Wyandotte St., Kansas City, MO 64108T
📍Up Down Arcade Bar 101 Southwest Blvd Kansas City, Missouri 64108
📍Streetcar River Market to Union Station
Stand-Out Coffee
If you feel an itch to be at the beach, the flavors and environment at HiTides can give you a taste of the tropics. The Banana Carmel Delight Donut is topped with carmel drizzle, lava salt, and of course, fresh banana slices with whipped cream. Another treat, the Passion Paradise Bagel Toast, includes fresh whipped cream cheese and a tangy passion fruit honey drizzle. Either of these options paired with an Ube Berry Bay — my new favorite summer menu drink – is sure to transport you to the island life.
Infused with Mexican culture and flavors stands another unique Crossroads coffee shop, Ollama. The Tia Rosa mazapan latte includes a peanut based candy steamed with oak milk. The next time I visited, I had the Abuelita Lupe which has chocolate abuelita with steamed milk topped with foam. For iced drinks to beat the heat, Ollama offers the Mami Gloria and Chatita: two espressos shot served in Mexican Cola and an Horchata with espresso, whipped cream and topped with churros.
How to Explore
Before adventuring to the crossroads, you might be asking “Where do we park?” Many places have street options, but it’s little intimidating parallel parking on busy road. Luckily, the KC Streetcar travels the way from the River Market to Union Station. This means you can park in a single spot and reach 16 stops without moving your car. Plus, it’s free, and you can hop on and off whenever you like.
Riding on Main St northbound and southbound, you’ll pass the downtown library, the Kauffman Center, Power and Light District and the Crossroads. Soon it’ll extend near the UMKC campus, allowing students to explore their community.
To get to specific sections of the Crossroads, I recommend riding a Bird Scooter. They are found in random locations across the city, making it easy to zip down the street. Be prepared to download the Bird app rent your scooter and get to your next destination.
Did you know … Town Topic Hamburgers first opened in their 24/7 restaurant in 1937 and sold their burgers for five cents each.
0 Comments