Destined for a Destination

Get in the holiday spirit — and get all your shopping done — at these local venues.

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Photo Courtesy of Oak Park Mall

Briarcliff Village
Just across the Missouri river, this luxury center rises high on the cliff overlooking downtown. Briarcliff specializes in finery, from Moda Domani, a men’s store, to Urban Arts & Crafts, a super cool place to make your own original scarves, scrapbooks, jewelry and more. Pick up something pink for a little one at Lauren Alexandra’s, a bouquet from Bell’s Florals for your favorite aunt and something from Nell Hill’s for yourself. Leave Tivol for your husband to visit. US 169 and Briarcliff Parkway, Kansas City, Mo. Learn more here.

Corinth Square
Shoppers enjoy Corinth’s community atmosphere, home to locally owned restaurants, antique shops and more. Get lost hours on end in the Mission Road Antique Mall, with its more than 350 dealers and the quaint Bloomsbury Bistro. Catch up with friends over coffee at Hattie’s, pick out an educational gift for a young student at The Learning Tree and buy something manly (a chainsaw?) for your hubby at Westlake Hardware. 83rd & Mission Road, Prairie Village, Kan. Learn more here.

Crown Center
You’ll find more than 50 national chain and one-of-a-kind stores at the Crown Center Shops. Whether you’re looking for a fantastically divine fashion accessory from Halls department store for a friend who’s been extra good to you this year or a special treat for your children (and fur-babies, too!), you’ll find something unique. While there, you can catch a play, take part in an event, eat at the city’s only Four-Star restaurant and get your hair done. Why not make it a day? 25th & Grand, Kansas City, Mo. Learn more here.

Downtown Lee’s Summit
Looking for unique shopping and dining in a charming small-town atmosphere? This is your place. Browse more than 100 locally owned specialty shops with everything from antiques to home decor. Go green at Happybottomus, a natural child care shop; pick out some cooking wares at A Thyme For Everything; try on some bling at several fashion accessories shops; or find a perfect work of art to go above your mantel at a gallery. Between Hwy 291 and 50 Hwy on 3rd St. Learn more here.
 
Historic Downtown Leavenworth
More than $22 million has been reinvested in Leavenworth’s downtown area through building rehabilitation, new construction, façade renovations and a variety of other improvement projects. But the small town hasn’t lost its charm. There are several antique shops for truly one-of-a-kind gift items. Also visit bookstores, embroidery and craft shops, as well as jewelry and flower shops to find that perfect gift. 15 miles north of I-70 off Hwy 7. Learn more here.

Historic Parkville
This quaint, turn-of-the-century town is so interesting that Budget Travel magazine has named it “One of the 10 coolest communities in America.” Find home furnishings at Design in the City and Nine Lives, treat your mother to a relaxing day at Rio Salon & Spa and stop off at The Sweet Guy for some of the most beautiful art-like chocolates for anyone on your list. A bottle of wine from Wines by Jennifer is always appreciated — as a gift and a self-reward for being such a thoughtful gift-giver. South of 45 Hwy on Hwy 9. Learn more here.

Oak Park Mall
The largest source for your holiday game of finders-keepers is at Oak Park Mall, where you can browse more than 180 stores, including the area’s only Nordstrom, Lacoste, XXI Forever, LUSH, Puma and Sephora. Holiday gift-giving is a snap with Ann Taylor LOFT, Coach, Chico’s, Hollister, Charlotte Russe, Banana Republic, aerie by American Eagle, Teavana and bebe. Take the kids to meet Santa Claus daily from November 9-December 24. 95th & Quivira, Overland Park, Kan. Learn more here.
 
Tuileries Plaza
The Northland’s newest mixed-use lifestyle development includes fashion retailers, specialty tenants, offices and restaurants. Inspired by the gardens at the Louvre Museum in Paris, Tuileries is a pedestrian-friendly place amid   landscaping and courtyards. Home furnishings and gifts abound at La-de-da and fashion finds at Posh. Chocolates from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory are always a good idea, as is a gift certificate to Nail Studio & Spa. And what kid wouldn’t love a bike from Epic Bike & Sport under the tree? A half-mile west of I-29 on Hwy 45. Learn more here.
 
Zona Rosa
Looking for that old-town feel with the most modern stores? Zona Rosa, a shopping, dining and entertainment community, is home to many well-known merchants, including Barnes & Noble, Ann Taylor LOFT, DSW, Hollister, Abercrombie and Fitch, and more. Be sure to check everyone off your list (after you’ve checked it twice) before heading to dinner at one of the many dining options, including Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Hereford House, Abuelo’s Mexican Food Embassy and Ted’s Montana Grill or heading to a late night comedy show at the Improv. I-29 & Barry Road, Kansas City, Mo. Learn more here.