Like many other students, I have hardly taken advantage of our first couple spring break days. They’ve been just as stress- and homework-filled as most other days. With our would-be spring break impending, I’ve decided to plan a Kansas City staycation so I can enjoy one of the upcoming days off. With that, I present my ideas for the best KC staycation.
- Start with a nice brunch in the park.
Whether you’re an early riser or a late-sleeper, brunch is a great way to start your day. To stay COVID-safe, you can pick up brunch and head to a park. My personal recommendation – and plan – is to stop by Crow’s Coffee to grab a specialty coffee and pick up a bagel from Einstein Bro’s. I may even bring a small, personal-sized bottle of champagne and some juice to make a little mimosa.
With my little breakfast in hand, I will go to Loose Park, set up a blanket and have a personal picnic. I’ve found there’s nowhere better to spend a slow, lazy morning to myself than in Loose. I plan to get set up on a picnic blanket, have my brunch while listening to a podcast, then leisurely read a book. Maybe a dog will come over and greet me.
- Grab some boba and a snack.
After spending several hours in the park, I’ll go for a walk around the park and head to the Plaza. I love window shopping and strolling around the Country Club Plaza, and having a nice drink makes the walk better. I just saw a new boba place, Bruú Café, opened on the Plaza. I personally love Taro bubble tea, and Bruú has a taro boba latte I cannot wait to try.
If all the laying in the park and strolling have you hungry after brunch, there are plenty of places on the Plaza to grab a little snack or lunch.
- Walk around the Nelson-Atkins or Union Station.
Depending on how you’re feeling, you can wander around the Nelson-Atkins sculpture park and art museum or check out Union Station. I am partial to walking around Union Station, seeing if the planetarium is showing anything and taking the streetcar, or walking, to the Crossroads, Power & Light and the River Market. The planetarium is potentially my favorite place in Kansas City and it has never let me down. I highly recommend stopping by whenever you have a chance.
My favorite walk in the city starts at the World War II memorial and goes to Power & Light. While it can be a long walk, it’s also just fun and allows you to wander all over. There are plenty of cafes, shops and benches to stop at and spend some time. The streetcar also runs along the walk so you can always give yourself a break as necessary.
- Grab tacos, drinks and ice cream in the River Market.
After taking a long walk, I’ll hop on the streetcar to get the rest of the way to the River Market – maybe I’ll even walk all of the way there. I’ll get dinner at KC Taco Company. There are fantastic tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole, queso and margaritas that put together a perfect meal. I particularly like KC Taco Co. because the variety of flavors and tacos feel unique compared to the Mexican food I typically get.
If you choose to spend your day with others, maybe check out Blue Nile Cafe for some delicious Ethiopian food. The food is served communally and is absolutely delectable.
Finish off the meal with ice cream from the newly reopened and improved Betty Rae’s.
- Finish off with an evening walk at the River.
I’ll finish off my staycation day with a walk along the river. The path from the River Market to the river is beautiful and you will often see dogs, which makes any walk better. After walking as far as I like, I’ll ride the streetcar back to Union Station to pick my car back up.
Honorable mentions for activities to do on a staycation day include:
- Getting your nails done
- Finding new coffee shops
- Going to the KC Zoo
- Walking around Crown Center
Enjoy your days off, fellow Cardinals!
