If I were to miraculously have a day with no classes, no homework, no extracurriculars, no work
9:00 a.m. I would start my day the correct way by going to Heirloom Bakery and Hearth in Brookside and getting the Spiced Apple Cider and the Specialty Biscuit Sandwich, which consists of fried egg, bacon, pimento cheese, arugula and green tomato jam on a cheddar chive biscuit. I would also grab a loaf of Heirloom’s cheesy pesto bread for later.
Unfortunately, the relaxing and cozy interior of Heirloom is not currently open for customers, but they do have a little patio outside where I would stop to sit and quickly inhale the piece of heaven that is the Biscuit Sandwich.
10:30 a.m. I would drive down to northeast Kansas City to the Cliff Drive around George E. Kessler Park. There are some trails in the area and I would take a morning hike to have a closer look at the fall colors. The scenic drive and opportunity to walk around is worth the drive to the outskirts of the city.
12:00 p.m. After a drive and hike, I would stop at the City Market to pick up some lunch and shop for a fall evening picnic. Shopping at the City Market is cathartic and one of my favorite activities. I would stop by Corollo’s Grocery & Deli to pick up some cheese, meats, olives and snacks for my charcuterie board later. I would also pick up some pumpkin macarons from Bloom Bakery next door.
2:00 p.m. After the City Market, I would drive down to the W 39th Street District to stop at my favorite place in Kansas City – Prospero’s Bookstore. While bookstores are certainly not strictly a fall activity, there is something rather compelling to me about reading a book on a crisp autumn day. Prospero’s has three floors of used books and, without fail, I will find an engaging new read every time I am there.
3:00 p.m. Armed with my new book, I would follow State Line road to stop at Hi Hat Coffee for a pick-me-up. Hi Hat – sitting in a quaint and cozy old gas station has some truly exceptional coffee. I would likely pick their Sweet Tree latte – a nutmeg and maple syrup latte – and would take a little time to read my new book and sip my coffee on Hi Hat’s idyllic patio.
4:00 p.m. It would not be the perfect fall day for me if I did not stop at Trader Joe’s. Trader Joe’s always has interesting and delicious seasonal items such as pumpkin spice pretzel slims, maple streusel bread, maple and sea salt kettle corn and butternut squash macaroni and cheese. In addition, the trip to Trader Joe’s from Hi Hat takes you along State Line Road where there are some gorgeous houses and trees to gawk at during the drive. At Trader Joe’s, I would grab some Toscano cheese with cinnamon, pumpkin and cranberry crisps; some French brie; apple cider fruit spread and maple leaf cookies for my picnic.
5:30 p.m. The pinnacle of my perfect fall day would be an evening picnic at Loose Park. Armed with my new book from Prospero’s, a thermos of hot cider and the items I’ve collected throughout the day to assemble an excellent fall charcuterie board, my picnic among the gorgeous trees at Loose would be idyllic.
8:00 p.m. To end my perfect fall day, I would likely pop some popcorn and warm up some chai tea and watch a movie that evokes fall feelings – probably “When Harry Met Sally.”
