We took advantage of our free day to go to Kansas City and explore. Without money or time restrictions, we’ve compiled a list that we think will help you explore the city. 

Morning: We hope you guys also sleep in because we did. Our day starts at 10 a.m.

Our first stop was the River Market. A hot coffee from Thou Mayest was a great start for a long day ahead. I recommend a honey lavender latte. This place is also ideal for cute pictures. After that, we walked to River Market Antiques closeby. I have no pictures of the store because everything in there was so interesting that I didn’t even think about my phone. It was a little bit pricey but it is worth it to at least walk around and look at all the old stuff. Before taking the streetcar, we stopped by Dutch Flowers. They have everything you need for a garden, tiny plants for your dorm room, cute notebooks and decorations.

Our next stop was Union Station. We took the streetcar there. Except for the train museum, there is not a lot in there if you are not willing to pay. But if we did have money, I would go to Science City. Sadly, we had a limited budget.

Our last stop in the morning was the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. I spent almost three hours there. If I had more time, I would go visit the World War I Museum. I visited it at the beginning of school. I felt really sad after, but I think it was a good lesson to value the peaceful time we are having right now.

Night: After the Nelson Atkins, we stopped at Gocha 2 in West Port for boba tea. The tea shop is so cute that we took pictures while we waited for our tea.

After getting boba, we drove around the Power and Light District and played music with the windows down. The Power and Light is a quintessential city experience with its tall skyscrapers and beautiful lights. We drove around the T-Mobile Center and talked about how much we miss concerts and what concerts we will go to when COVID-19 is finally over.

We ended our night by visiting 18^th and Vine and all the jazz bars. The Jazz District is an important part of Kansas City as one of the major jazz cities in America. We didn’t have time to do it all in one day, but the Jazz Museum is definitely something to add to your list of things to do in Kansas City. We walked up and down 18^th and Vine and took pictures of the lights. 18^th and Vine is also home to one of the KC Black Lives Matter road murals.

If you are ever feeling bored or wanting a day away from studying and classes, going to the city can be a great experience full of opportunities for you and your friends. It may be hard to think of things to spend your time with, but our day of exploring will hopefully inspire you to explore the city yourself and take lots of pictures.

City Market Coffee House

Nestled in the bustling City Market, the City Market Coffee House has a relaxed and cozy atmosphere and superb coffee. Their menu has plenty of options, and their drink of the day is always delightful. A popular drink is the “Vietnamese Iced Coffee,” which is espresso and sweetened condensed milk over ice.

It is on the smaller side, but there is additional seating outside. A spiral staircase leads to a tiny upstairs with limited seating, but if you manage to get a seat, it is a perfect place to study. You can use a trip to the coffeehouse to explore the rest of the City Market, home to affordable restaurants, shopping, produce and a weekend farmers market.

Thou Mayest

Thou Mayest is the sort of coffee shop that makes one proud to call KC their home. The name means “the way is open,” and this coffee shop is the perfect place to try new things. The coffee is of exceptional quality. Their non-caffeine menu is also good. They have pastries from Heirloom Bakery. I recommend the homemade pop tart. Their menu is extensive and maybe a little intimidating, but I suggest the “Wild Child” coffee. It is a dark roast with a full and fruity flavor.

The shop has two floors and plenty of places to sit and study or talk. I would suggest studying here in the morning or early afternoon, as Thou Mayest also serves alcohol and becomes more of a cocktail bar in the evenings.

The Filling Station

The Filling station has locations in Overland Park, Kan., Midtown and Westport. Each location has a different vibe. The one in Midtown is my personal favorite. Located in an old car garage, this location really delivers on the “filling station” aspect. It is a bright and open space with a relaxed atmosphere, excellent for either studying or chatting. The menu provides a variety of brews, an assortment of pastries and breakfast items and a selection of fresh-pressed juices. Juices are definitely the highlight. Their “liquid sunshine” is aptly named and a favorite.

Hi Hat

Tucked in a neighborhood, this tiny coffeehouse has a cozy feel and many delicious menu options. Though the inside has only two tables, there is plenty of outdoor seating. I tried the Bumblebee latte with a delicious cinnamon and honey flavor, a customer favorite. With it’s friendly and obliging baristas, delicious and reasonably-priced coffee and adorable and charming atmosphere, you can’t leave Hi Hat in a bad mood.

Hammerhand

Located half a mile off campus in Liberty Square and providing a 10 percent discount for Jewell students, Hammerhand provides the perfect place for Jewell students to get coffee, study or just leave campus for a while. The visual aspect is striking. With its high ceilings, brightly lit space and pops of turquoise, Hammerhand has created a space that doesn’t look like any other coffee shop around.

Hammerhand serves strong and flavorful coffee from Oddly Correct roasterie. If you are a black coffee lover, I suggest trying the current black coffee offering. If you like coffee a little sweeter, you might ask about their current seasonal drink, which usually has unique flavors and interesting combinations. A popular drink right now is the Mayan Mocha with a spicy, chocolatey flavor.

Honorable Mentions:

Quay Coffee

Located in the River Market district of Kansas City, Quay provides a simple but effective coffee menu and a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere.

The Roasterie

This Kansas City classic provides well-made, delicious drinks and a relaxed space.

YJ’s Snack Bar

A distinct and unique atmosphere, YJ’s is a wonderful place to drink coffee, eat and listen to Jazz.

Photos by Hannah Koehler.