Shops, restaurants, bars, museums—you will find all of this and more at one of Kansas City's oldest business communities. This is also the home of the Midwest's largest open-air farmers market. Be sure to visit the Arabia Steamboat Museum, which flanks the east side of the market, where you will view items recovered from the wreckage of a sunken 1850s Missouri River steamboat. There is no admission charge for the vibrant market, but some attractions and museums charge a fee.
This impressive cluster of bars, restaurants, lofts and cafes known as River Market is located where the new city was first established in the 1850's. The district sits on the South side of the Missouri River and its location provides beautiful views while city dwellers shop in the wide variety of specialty stores, markets and boutiques. Every day of the week more than 40 local vendors haul in regional goods and crafts which attract hordes of shoppers to the massive City Market. The reasonable prices and unique choices are only part of the draw; many of the quaint in-house businesses can be found in some of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Kansas City.
Upon entering Boomerang, it seems as if this store transports you back in time, just choose your decade, anywhere in-between 1940 and 1980. This vintage shop has been around since 1989 and since then it has plied the city's inhabitants with tons of kitschy items, from leather greaser jackets out of the 1950's to '80s slat sunglasses and '60s modern art furniture. Moreover, it is a great place to go for costumes and perfect for normal, everyday clothing, as their prices are incredible for quality vintage wear.
The Local Pig is a butcher shop located in East Kansas, that offers up a variety of meat. This shop sells, pork, beef, chicken, lamb, duck, smoked meat and sausages. Drop in to pick up some of their fine cuts of meat and try their prepared items at their Pigwich stall. Offered ready are a variety of steaks, sausages, roasts, chops, burgers and chacuterie.
This hip, arts & crafts store managed by the Simmons sisters is one of the most eclectic shops in K.C. It is located in the Brookside neighborhood and it features original works from more than 300 different artists and companies. Some of the wares here include jewelery, art, clothing, knick-knacks, local products and souvenirs. The sisters also give back to the community with their art classes, birthday parties at the store, charity work and even business consulting services! Overall, a great family 'sis-and-sis' store.