Okay, here are the details on the trolley:

http://www.visitindependence.com/HistoricSquare.aspx

Maybe the ones I heard downtown KC were part of a private, separate group as the stops listed on the site above don't mention going downtown.

Thanks for more inforation on the trolley and Jesse James Farm

Melissa

You mentioned a B&B - you might check out Southmoreland Inn. It is near the Plaza. I would avoid The Hotel Savoy. If you decide to have lunch or dinner there be sure to ask for the Truman booth. The Liberty Memorial & WWI museum are a definite must-see. Another thing to consider in that area (Crown Center) is the Money Museum. The Hyatt has a restaurant called Skies that rotates 360', a nice view of the city over lunch,dinner or an appetizer. Near the Plaza you will find the Nelson-Atkins Museum (free) & Kemper Museum of Modern Art (free & has a nice cafe). Starlight Theater would be a nice option if they have a production playing during your visit. Arrowrock would be a daytrip away from KC.

we just had drinks and app's at Skies and if you get there right at 5pm, you'll get a window table.
They don't let the elevator go all the way to the top until the magic time of 5pm.
Great views!

Stayed last night actually at the Intercontinental. Hotel was ok, not great. Thought the Country Club Plaza area it was in was decent, though perhaps a bit too homogenous.

Yes, the Plaza has been "mall-ified" lately, much to the chagrin of long-time residents. It used to have a lot of local and unique stores and restaurants, but now not so much (like so much of the US, unfortunately). It's also evolved into more of an upscale tourist (is there any other kind?) shopping district, rather than the neighborhood area it once was. As a child I remember shopping at a Woolworth's there. Also Sears. Horrors!

I loved Woolworths as child In NY. it was wonderful.
You guys keep giving us so many ideas for KC we may never get home.

Is there a dress code for Skies?

Melissa

My sister and her kids recently did the Federal Reserve money tour and thought it was fantastic. It is near Crown Center by the Liberty Memorial. I haven't stayed at the Hotel Phillips but I've heard it is very nice and the Power and Light District will be hopping if you are there on a weekend.

I agree that the Plaza has become "mallified" - I remember when it had Putch's Cafeteria and mom and pop shops. I still love the architecture and the vibe - especially during the Plaza Art Fair (http://www.countryclubplaza.com/Events/Plaza-Art-Fair).

A

I remember Putch's - used to go there for breakfast when I worked on the Plaza and I do love the Plaza Art Fair!!

Was there a Wolferman's grocery store? That was a favorite of my grandmother's, but there may have only been the one in Fairway. She loved Putsch's too. And there was a bookstore, and a couple of nice fabric stores.

Sorry, cat, I don't know anything about a dress code at Skies.

If you have some extra time near Crown Center, you could always stop by the Hallmark Visitor's Center...it's free and interesting enough for a quick stroll.

You will be fine in business casual for Skies. For a sweet treat try Cupcake ala Monde on 47th St. (an uphill walk from the plaza but you will walk past the Cancer Survivors Park, the first to honor survivors in the US. Another tasty option is ice cream at Glace on Main. Local chocolatier Christopher Elbow opened it in May, the most unusual flavors. It is an easy walk from the Plaza as well.

For good pizza and salads try Spin, next door to Christopher Elbow's ice cream store on Main Street (south of the Plaza). A neat little coffee shop is Hi Hat on State Line Road west of the Plaza (probably a little far to walk).

If you loved Woolworths, check out the Dime Store in Brookside (a couple miles South of the Plaza on 63rd Street between Wornall and Brookside Blvd.) It is a great old dime store with a wonderful inventory.

Thanks We are going to have fun!!

Melissa

My DD just asked if you want us to move there with your suggestions of the ice parlor and Cupcake ala Monde

Melissa