Associate Editor Rachel DeSchepper heads home to Kansas City and rediscovers the Crossroads Arts District, south of downtown and north of Westport and the Country Club Plaza. And then she takes us along as she explores more Kansas City areas.

Black Bamboo
This seriously eclectic shop mixes mid-19th-century furniture from China, Thailand, Burma, and Vietnam with new tea sets, dishes, soaps, and candles.
1815 Wyandotte; 816/283-3000; www.black-bamboo.com

High Cotton
A sleek warehouse with huge windowed garage doors houses this furnishings shop, stocked with Lee Industries upholstery and Hickory White case goods. Unique vintage pieces round out the inventory. 114 Southwest Blvd.; 816/421-3561

Mildred’s Coffeehouse
Rachel stops in for a white-chocolate chai and baked-from-scratch blueberry scone. The laid-back Mildred’s, with free WiFi, is a perfect spot for a shopping respite.
1821 Wyandotte; 816/471-1155; www.mildredscoffeehouse.com

Aesthetica
Any shop with jewelry grabs Rachel’s attention, but here the furniture, gift wrap, and funky accessories keep her shopping.
1801 Wyandotte; 816/421-5455

Webster House
An 1885 schoolhouse, restored into five regal rooms, is filled with 18th- and 19th-century European antiques and garden accessories. For a gourmet yet affordable lunch, head upstairs to Websters Restaurant.
1644 Wyandotte; 816/ 221-4713; www.websterhousekc.com

Lula Mac
Come to this bright, airy space filled with a fun mix of Ralph Lauren furniture, antique accessories, and art. Sift through vintage textiles and 19th-century photos of the KC area.
110 Southwest Blvd.; 816/474-4966; www.lulamac.com

Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolates
Looking like tiny pieces of art, these hand-painted chocolates come in unexpected flavors. Rachel recommends the Rosemary Caramel (yum!).
1819 McGee; 816/842-1300; www.elbowchocolates.com

Antiquities and Oddities
You could literally spend days rummaging through this architectural salvage. Three floors and 16,000 square feet are stuffed with stained glass, lighting, building tiles, mantels, and much more.
2045 Broadway; 816/283-3740; www.aoarchitecturalsalvage.com

KANSAS CITY EXTRAS
Kansas City offers tons more shopping, restaurants, and entertainment than just what we featured of the Crossroad’s Arts District. Of course, there’s the Country Club Plaza (about four miles south of downtown) and Crown Center (headquarters of Hallmark, Inc., and about two miles south of downtown). But here are some of Associate Editor Rachel DeSchepper’s other favorite neighborhoods, plus even more Crossroads faves.

Crossroads Art District
Crossroads First Friday Gallery Walk is held on the first Friday of every month. More than 60 of the area’s art galleries and shops stay open until 9 p.m.

Hammerpress
Great screenprinted posters and stationery
1919 Wyandotte; 816/421-1929; www.hammerpress.net

Birdie’s
Cute lingerie and women’s undies
116 W. 18th St.; 816/304-5477

1924 Main
Upscale, local restaurant with a brand new menu each week
1924 Main Street; 816/472-1924; www.kansascitymenus.com/1924main/

Bulldog
Lunch, dinner, cigars, and drinks in an upscale but comfortable atmosphere
1715 Main St.; 816/421-4799; www.kcbulldog.com

Cellar Rat Wine Merchants
Wine, cheeses, breads, cigars, chocolates, and more.
1701 Baltimore; 816/221-9463

JP’s Wine Bar
Wine bar and light food for lunch or dinner
1526 Walnut; 816/842-2660; www.jpwinebar.com

A forest
Denim and urban clothing
1810 Baltimore

Phenom
Clothing boutique
1521 Grand

Spool
Cute women’s, men’s and baby clothing and accessories
122 W 18th St.; 816/842-0228; www.ilovespool.com

the Antique District - 45th and State Line Antiques Shops
Show-me Antiques and Consignment Shop
4500 State Line Rd.; 913/236-8444

European Express, Inc.
1812 W. 45th St.; 816/753-0443

Earl’s Court, Inc
1707 W. 45th St.; 816/753-1592

Christopher Filley Antiques and Decorative Arts
1721 W. 45th St.; 816/561-11241

The River Market
This area has some of the oldest architecture in Kansas City, and has been the city’s center since the early 1800s.

City Market
Holds the Farmer’s Market and concerts, shops, and restaurants
kc-citymarket.com

Cheep Antiques
500 W. 5th St.; 816/471-0092; kansascityrivermarket.com/cheepantiques/

Grand Central Antique Mall
200 Wyandotte; 816/474-7070

River Market Antique Mall
115 W. 5th St.; 816/221-0220; kansascityrivermarket.com/rivermarketantique/

Steamboat Arabia Museum
The Steamboat Arabia sank in the Missouri River in 1856. This museum holds many of its treasures that were discovered more than 130 years later.
400 Grand Blvd.; 816/471-4030; www.1856.com

Westport
Westport is one of Kansas City’s most historic neighborhoods and is centered on Westport Road (north of the Country Club Plaza).

On Broadway Antiques
4045 Broadway St.; 816/931-7999

Re-Runs
Vintage clothing
4126 Pennsylvania Ave.; 816/561-4425

Westport Coffee House
4010 Pennsylvania Ave.; 816/756-3222

Spivey’s Books
Old maps and rare antique books
825 Westport Rd.; 816/753-0520; www.spiveysbooks.com

Pryde’s Old Westport
Gourmet kitchen accessories
115 Westport Rd.; 816/531-5588; www.prydesoldwestport.com

39th St. West
There are more than 70 shops, art galleries, and restaurants along 39th Street from State Line to Southwest Trafficway.

Revue
Vintage clothing and furniture
1415 W. 39th St.; 816/531-6111

Prospero’s Books
Used bookstore
1800 W. 39th St.; 816/531-9673; www.prosperosbookstore.com

Matadors
Tapas bar and salsa dancing
1815 W. 39th St.; 816/561-3663; www.matadorskc.com

Boomerang
1940s through 1970s vintage clothing, collectibles, and accessories
1415 W. 39th St.; 816/531-6111

Blue Koi
Northern Chinese, vegetarian food
1803 W. 39th St.; 816/561-5003

Nichols Lunch
A KC staple, serving food 24 hours since 1913
3906 Waddell Ave.; 816/561-5200; www.nicholslunch.com

Crave Café
Coffee, breakfast, lunch
1615 W. 39th St.; 816/931-5282

39th Street Artwalk
On the third Friday of the month, art galleries stay open from 6–10 p.m., with music and food

Brookside Shopping District
This district was founded in 1920 as Kansas City’s first suburban shopping center. It’s on 63rd Street between Wornall Road and Main Street.

Stuff
Crafts, art, accessories, and more from local and national artists.
316 W. 63rd St.; 816/361-8222; www.pursuegoodstuff.com

5B and Co. Candlemakers
Hand-poured and handmade candles in a huge variety of scents
6231 Brookside Plaza; 816/361-6393; www.5bandco.com 

World’s Window
Clothing, jewelry, art, and more from around the world.
332 W. 63rd St.; 816/361-2500; www.worldswindowkc.com

The Roasterie Café
The Roasterie is Kansas City’s own coffee, and this café proudly brews and serves it.
6223 Brookside Blvd.; 816/333-9700; www.theroasterie.com

Corinth Square
Corinth Square has more than 50 locally owned stores, business, and restaurants at 83rd Street and Mission Road on the Kansas side.

Mission Road Antique Mall
350 high-end dealers
4101 W. 83rd St.; 913/341-7577; www.missionroadantiquemall.com

Lillianne’s Fine Jewelry and Antiques
Fine antique and estate jewelry
913/383-3376

Land of Paws
An upscale dog and cat store with toys, treats, and other pet goodies
4021 Somerset; 913/341-1011; www.landofpaws.com

FINALLY, the best BBQ is in Kansas City:

Fiorella’s Jack’s Stack
Rachel’s family’s favorite with three locations around the city
877/419-7427;www.jackstackbbq.com

Arthur Bryant’s
Three locations around the city
816/231-1123;www.arthurbryantsbbq.com

Gate’s Barbeque
Six locations around the city
816/923-0900; www.gatesbbq.com