Before heading off to bed last night, I checked in on the weather forecast for the next 7 days. According to our local meteorologist, Gary Lezak of 41 Action News, we are looking forward to a week of mostly triple digit temperatures and no rain in sight. In fact, the only day of "relief" might be this Friday, where we can enjoy a cool down with temps only getting up to 99 degrees. Boy, I don’t believe I’ll bother digging out a sweater for that!
Are you looking for an inexpensive local getaway where you can relax for the weekend, maybe do some camping, hang out by the lake, and enjoy a trip back in time? Then, Watkins Woolen Mill State Park may be just the place for you!
Located northeast of Kearney, MO, the historic park is operated by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and includes a lake, beach, paved walking/biking trail, campground, visitor’s center/museum, and various sites to explore either by self or guided tour.
I’ve been lucky enough to tag along with my sister and my nephew for two years in a row. The Museum will be open and free of charge, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Kaleidoscope at Crown Center in Downtown Kansas City, sponsored by Hall’s Hallmark, is a fun, FREE child exploration center and a wonderful place for kids to be kids. You can let your kids run free, explore, paint, and color. And, you don’t have to tell them "don’t touch." I do recommend parking in the East parking garage nearest to the Hall’s Hallmark Center. They are both on the red level.
The Farmer’s House Market just opened in April of 2012, and the word is slowly getting out about the quaint country-type store. It resides in what was formerly known as Vaughn’s Country Store located on Hwy. 273 on the way to Weston. The store was part of the Vaughn Farm, which had been worked by five generations of family. With the retirement of the Vaughn family from farming, The Farmer's House initiative was born.
I have lived in the River Market for over a year now, and I have yet to explore the history of the place. I always hear stories of how pivital the River Market area was to industry growth in Kansas City, but I want specifics.
Tired of the Same Old Shops? Try Visiting Cockrell Mercantile
Not long ago, on a Sunday afternoon, a friend and I met at a local movie theater. As we took our seats, the room began to fill with smoke. The manager made a hurried announcement that they would be refunding everyone because of the obvious problem. Almost in unison, everyone got out their smart phones to check the showtimes at other locations. Nothing worked with our schedules, but we still wanted to do something…then we remembered hearing about Cockrell Mercantile.
We have many wonderful museums and galleries in the KC area, but the best thing of all is that a lot of them are FREE!!!!!
One of my favorites is the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I have memories of going there as a child on field trips, accompanying my children on their field trips, and now enjoying visits with my children as adults. Hopefully...someday...with grandchildren!
Here is a list of many other museums in the area that are free:
The weather is starting to turn, and those of us who like to get out and be active are all starting to look at finding indoor activities to do. One opportunity for an intellectually stimulating afternoon is a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum. There you can revisit your favorite exhibits: a Rodin sculpture, Rembrandt painting, or the American Indian art gallery.
The old fashioned soda fountain (the real deal) at Fox's Drugstore in Raytown is closed!
I recently took my granddaughter to have an "experience" from my past. I wanted her to sit on the twirly red-padded counter stools and order a cherry coke or a chocolate malt. When I was young, Whaley's Drugstore on 24th street in east Kansas City was a favorite stop on the way home from Ashland Elementary School. (And yes, we walked the whole six blocks!) If we had a nickel between us, my sister and I would split a cherry coke. Two straws please!
