The Best Shopping Center in Kansas City, Missouri- The Country Plaza

The first time I walked through the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri, the song “I’m Going to Kansas City”, kept going through my mind. The Plaza in the downtown district of Kansas City is a beautiful showcase of wonderful European style statues, beautiful landscapes, dozens of wonderful restaurants and so many shops to choose from, as well as spas, salons, bookstores, and jewelry stores. You can even find the best chocolatiers in the Country.

The Plaza takes up 15 city blocks and it is a must see. You can spend the whole day just walking along the city sidewalks enjoying the atmosphere and enjoying the sculptures that adorn the city streets.

The Plaza was constructed in 1922 by J.C. Nichols, who wanted to transform a swampy piece of land into the country’s first shopping center, and his hard work resulted in the beautiful plaza. Statues were brought over from Europe, and designed to give a look of Spanish and Greek decor. On the courtyard stands an original bronze of Pomona by Donatello Gabrielli,a statue of Sir Winston Churchill,there is also an impressive statue of Neptune in the center square. It is a pleasant surprise to see these works of art right here in Kansas City.

At any day of the week you can see many tourists and locals hanging out at the Plaza, as there is many things to do and places to see. The whole Plaza has a very quaint atmosphere about it, and the stores there cater to many different clients, from the average priced to the high priced stores, there is something for everyone.

The Plaza is a very lively place, and has great summer concerts in the courtyards, and is beautifully decorated during the holiday season with the famous Plaza Lights.

A/X Armani Exchange

Aldo

American Apparel

American Eagle

Apple Store

Baby Gap

Barnes and Noble

Banana Republic

Brooks Brothers

Coach

Eddie Bauer

Pandora

Pottery Barn

Scooters Coffeehouse

St. John

Tiffany & Co.

Tivol

Victoria’s Secret

And many more very popular stores to choose from.

There are many great restaurants on the Plaza, M&S Grill being one of the most famous for its great selection of American food, sophisticated dining, or just to hang out in the saloon. located just across from the J.C. Nichols fountain.

Some other fine restaurants and cafes are:

810 Zone

Barnes and Noble Café

The Better Cheddar

Blanc Burgers and Bottles

Brio Tuscan Grill

Buca di Beppo

The Cheesecake Factory

Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse

LatteLand Espresso and Tea

McCormack and Schmick’s

Noodles and Company

Panache Chocolatier

Starbucks

Tomfooleries

Topsy's Popcorn

Starker's Restaurant

Houston's

My first time in Kansas City, my sisters and I went to have lunch at Houston's and it was such an enjoyable experience. The atmosphere was great, the food was really fantastic and the waiter was so professional. The prices are a little higher, but the food was worth it. I highly recommend Houston's.

Annual Plaza Art Fair 2010

Sept 24,25,26

Fri 5:00-10:00pm

Sat 10:am-10:pm

Sun 11:00 am-5:00pm

Every fall season the plaza is transformed into a beautiful outdoor art gallery. Artists from all over the state and 4 different countries will come together to show off their works of art and this event attracts countless art enthusiasts. The Plaza Art Fair this year includes:

• 240 Artists
• Three live music stages
• Kids Art Workshop
• Kemper Street Museum

The Plaza also hosts concerts throughout the summer featuring the best musicians from Kansas City. The concerts are held at several different courtyards every week with several showings.

Thursday 5-8pm

Friday 6-9pm

Saturday 2-5pm

Sunday noon-3 pm

Every year the Plaza has their annual Plaza Lights show on Thanksgiving night. The Plaza Lightening Ceremony stage is located at Wyonette and Nicholas Road. You can imagine the whole shopping square covered in lights, it brightens up the night sky and gives the place an old fashioned feel, especially in the brisk autumn night. Many people come out from all over Missouri to watch this spectacular event.

The Plaza lights will shine starting Nov 25, 2010 through Jan 16,2011.

During the Autumn season the horse and carriage rides are quite popular, and you can take a ride around the Plaza and view all the beautiful sights. It is especially nice during the evening hours because there are so many lights, and the carriages are covered in lights as well. You might really have to cover up however because the Missouri fall evenings are pretty cool. But its a good opportunty to cuddle up with your honey and take in the sights, I think that this is a very romantic carriage ride and lots of fun for kids as well.

Not only does the Plaza offer carriage rides but they also offer gondola rides, another romantic means of transportation. You can also book a gondola at a group rate for birthdays, proms, anniversaries and any other special occasion.

Reserve your gondola boat ride by calling (816) 365-7101

And if you would like information about the carriage rides you can call 816-531-1999or go to this website: http://Search ambianceonthewater@yahoo.com

What a great idea !!