Destinations
If you’re looking for a getaway without travel hassle, consider a visit to the romantic village setting just 25 minutes north and situated atop the gentle rolling hills of North Kansas City. Briarcliff Village is a suburban destination shopping and dining center modeled after a Tuscan community, thoughtfully developed with stunning vistas and measured growth in mind. Breathtaking views of the downtown Kansas City skyline are only a part of the magic you’ll find there. Thirty-one businesses oozing with Midwestern hospitality welcome visitors from around the globe. Many have bookmarked this destination as a place to return to often, due in part to the well-rounded collection of quaint shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants, a world-renowned design Mecca and state-of-the-art health spa and retreat. 1. Amelias Voted 435 South readers’ favorite, Amelia’s at Briarcliff is staffed with helpful fashionistas ready to assist you in identifying that unique gift idea or fashion staple for this season’s wardrobe. Featuring the designs of local jewelry craftswomen, Dawn Gore and her team strive to personalize your experience by providing a wide selection of styles, fashion tips accessories and all at very affordable pricing. www.shopamelias.com
2. Nell Hill's The stylish and eclectic Mary Carol Garrity beckons you to “feather your nest” with the details that add layers of interest and warmth to your home. It is Garrity’s belief that we all have a design diva within us, and making a great impression doesn’t have to be expensive. Inside the Nell Hill’s two-story shop at Briarcliff Village, you’ll find the same great design treatments as the original store in downtown Atchison, Kan. European antiques, home furnishings, giftware and accessories galore have inspired many a decorator for more than 20 years. Visit often as this store changes constantly, which is part of the mystique of Nell Hill’s. www.nellhills.com
3. Spa Tuscano This self-proclaimed sanctuary offers body and facial treatments to set you right, including massages, wraps and scrubs in a wide variety of forms. But that’s only the beginning of the story. Within the walls of Kansas City’s premier destination day spa, you’ll find the signature floatation therapy room—the first of its kind in North America— which is a treatment that promises the deepest relaxation possible. Under the same roof, you’ll find a European bath ritual, where massaging waterfalls cascade into bubbling jet pools as well as the Amazon RiverWalk Room or the state-of-the-art hydro-capsule. This award-winning spa is an exceptional respite for the weary and an experience of relaxation and rejuvenation that will leave you craving more. www.thespatuscano.com
4. Urban Arts + Crafts “Some assembly required” is the mantra of Urban Arts + Crafts, a unique boutique offering the finer lines of beads, stringing materials, tools, sterling plated rings, paper, ribbons, buttons, fabric and yarns. Everything for the craftiest crafter and for the novice, regular classes will have you knitting, sewing, crocheting, jewelry-making and soldering with the best of them. No time to learn a craft? There’s plenty of ready-made items sure to impress your pickiest of friends. www.urbanartsandcrafts.com
5. Lauren Alexandra Lauren Alexandra’s Owner Pamela DiCapo has been identified as the guru of baby rooms and children’s finer things. At Briarcliff Village, her second baby boutique location, you’ll find items to outfit your newborn’s nursery in style including adorable furniture, scrumptious linens, accessories, gifts, christening items and more. Find all your baby needs and then some in this extraordinarily sweet shop. www.lalababy.net
6. Green Acres Green Acres Market has become a staple for those interested in pure, organic grocery shopping. More than that, owners John and Barb Hoffman, along with their daughter Shannon, offer seminars and healthful living ideas that have garnered national recognition. From a syndicated radio talk show, HealthTalk with Shannon and Mike, you’ll learn techniques for living a healthier lifestyle. Within the market, you’ll find plenty of healthful living wisdom along with one of the largest certified organic produce departments in the region and an organic deli chock full of delicious deli options. “If it’s bleached, hydrogenated, fumigated or irradiated, it’s not on our shelves,” say the Hoffmans. Visit the Web site for information about one of their many free seminars. www.greenacres.com
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