Springtime and the dogwoods are in bloom in the suburbs of Kansas City. Fresh plowed farmland and rolling hills of green grass welcome you, whether you are visiting the town of Weston or Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Missouri. Either way, enjoy a quick weekend jaunt in the Kansas City environs. Flying in from out of town is easy, since the Kansas City International airport is convenient to the city and its suburbs. Catch up with friends or explore on your own and soak up some Missouri history and nature.
Weston, Missouri was booming in the 1850s as the second largest port for steamboats. With its population growth, farm life grew and homes were built in the Federal and Victorian style. Fortunately, the town maintained its historical characteristics and despite losing population after the Civil War it persevered. Now the downtown is a designated historical district, with twenty-two blocks and more than one hundred pre-civil war structures. Tourists roam through the shops and restaurants, enjoying the flavor of old Missouri.
Here is a sampling of the homes built in the 1800s:
Blancjour’s Parcel – 733 Rock Street – Federal Style farmhouse
Willow Bend – 637 Blackhawk Street – Victorian style
Kurtz Home – 1102 Spring Street – Federal Style
Collier Home – 831 Washington Street – Greek Revival
Benner House – 645 Main Street – Steamboat Gothic
The town of Weston has a variety of museums to tour. Observe farm life in the 1800s at the Bonnell Museum (20755 Lamar Road). The National Silk Art Museum (616 Thomas Street) has over one hundred French silk tapestries on display. The Weston Historical Museum (601 Main Street) gives a glimpse of life in Platte County for both farm and city folk. The Holy Trinity Catholic Church (407 Cherry Street) was built in 1847, then razed in 1911 and re-built. This lovely structure sits high on a hill above the city. Finally, the Orval Hixon Vaudeville Museum (509 Main Street) is a must-see. Hixon was a circuit photographer from 1914 to 1930 and captured vaudeville, silent film, talkies, dancers and other stars from that time period. Al Jolson, Theda Bara, and Eddie Cantor photos are on display. The museum also features vintage cameras and offers a step back in time.
Mixed in with museums, enjoy visiting a variety of stores, galleries, and restaurants housed in historical Weston’s preserved buildings. Acorn’s, Missouri Bluff, Celtic Ranch, and the Town Mouse are just a few of the stores offering antiques, crafts, and a variety of unique goods. Galleries such as Renditions display lovely tiles and glass works. With all of the looking and wandering, you will work up an appetite. Dine at an 1842 Irish Pub, O’Malley’s of Weston, or enjoy food in an antebellum home at Vineyards. An old fashioned soda fountain will quench your thirst if you are not hungry.
“Big” cities, such as Kansas City, are certainly exciting. However, it is worthwhile to explore the outer environs and visit the smaller historical towns. Whether on the Lewis and Clark trail, or just a town name that captures your ear, turn off of the freeway and explore America. You will meet nice folks living and working in mid-America. These are folks with pride in their small towns and eager to share the history and joy of their town. Get out of the car and stroll, stopping to chat and learn. Each town or person has a little gem of a story. It is up to you to discover it.
Escape city or town life and on the second day of your weekend vacation, visit Powell Gardens in Kingsville, Missouri. Approximately an hour outside of Kansas City, Powell Gardens is a welcome feast for the eyes at any time of the year. The nine hundred acres offers a developed botanical garden and a nature walk trail. This is a non-profit organization funded by the Powell Family Foundation, as well as corporate and private sponsors. Memberships are encouraged and monies go to maintenance, education, and year-round horticulture programs.
The spring color is spectacular with flowering dogwoods, tulips, roses, wildflowers, and splashes of color everywhere. In the summer, annuals, perennials, and daylilies will greet you. Arrive in the fall to see the mums and fall foliage. Finally, winter is not dull and gray with the special holiday flowers in the conservatory. Powell Gardens offers year-round enjoyment.
Gather a map and information at the Visitor Center and then begin your day in the conservatory. Feast your eyes on exotic flowers. Venture out to the Island Garden where the three-pooled water garden is filled with water lilies. The living rock wall garden lines the path and flowers stream out to welcome you. Enjoy three acres of the Perennial Garden where staggered blooms keep the eyes filled with color. The sound of waterfalls and streams beckon you to the Rock and Waterfall Garden where you can sit on a deck and daydream, enjoying the shaded plants. After sitting, get up and meander through the Wildflower Meadow, enjoying the hillside of native blooms. View from a distance and then walk over to the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel. Wood, glass, and stone offer a spare and yet gorgeous building for contemplation or weddings. All of the above areas encompass a walk of approximately 1.5 miles, give or take side trips to various decks or tiers.
Grab a bite to eat at Café Thyme. Tasty sandwiches or wraps are offered along with a view of the grounds. This is a calming rest stop after your busy morning. Then, if you feel ambitious and it is not too hot, arm yourself with water and trek the Nature Trail. The three and one half mile path over hill and dale offers woodland, meadow, and ponds along with signs describing the flora and fauna, as well as giving a historical viewpoint of the land. The secluded pathways included a rabbit, snake, and other wildlife willing to share the property. The hike was invigorating and the visitor’s center a welcome sight after walking for over an hour. Finish your day at the gift shop where wind chimes and other garden accessories are reasonably priced. Altogether, Powell Gardens is a worthy day trip for all ages. Mingle with nature and also get ideas for your own garden.
Two days in the Kansas City suburbs and you are filled with history and nature. Unrushed, well fed, and rejuvenated, you are ready for your regular workweek, whether you live in Missouri or fly/drive back to your hometown. The key to this successful weekend was to explore and enjoy two of the byways of America – Weston and Kingsville (Powell Gardens), Missouri.
