Visit Missouri: Jacob L. Loose Park

One of the biggest parks we visited over the summer, which also happens to be the third largest park in Kansas City, Missouri, is Jacob L. Loose Park.

This 75-acre park is home to a playground, rose garden, lake, tennis courts, spray park, and more.

While my kids played at the playground under my husband's supervision, I strolled and ran the expansive grounds. 

There is quite a lot to see and do. 

It's a beautiful park, perfect for jogging, relaxing, and picnicking. 


Loose Park
5200 Wornall Rd

Kansas City, MO 64112
(816) 513-7500

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Visit Kansas City: Kaleidoscope

One of the coolest places we visited in the Midwest was Kaleidoscope.

This creative space, a vision of Hallmark, is a magical place where kids can let their imaginations run wild to craft all sorts of masterpieces - puzzles, hats, books - whatever they can think of!

Hallmark supplies a variety of materials so kids can create their works of art.

And the best part - it's FREE!

Kids can make all kinds of fun objects with the supplies at Kaleidoscope - picture frames, visors, newsletters, puppets, crowns, and even televisions.  There is no limit to what the kids can make!

Each Kaleidoscope session is 50 minutes, during which time kids can craft and color to their hearts' content.

It was so fun to see what kinds of things the kids created.  Some kids had so much fun, that they got tickets for the very next session so they could create more!

Kaleidoscope is such a neat place!

Kaleidoscope 
PO Box 419580
Kansas City, MO 64141

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Visit Missouri: Glacé Artisan Ice Cream

Our ice cream stop in Missouri was at Glacé Artisan Ice Cream.

Glacé was founded by Christopher Elbow, Kansas City's premier chocolate-maker, so I knew the ice cream was going to be good!

The small batch, premium ice creams were indeed delish.  

Peanut Butter Chocolate Swirl

Banana Caramel

Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Swirl + Christopher Elbow Dark Chocolate

The rich and creamy ice cream was everything I imagined. If you love the ever-popular duo of PB + Chocolate, you'll love the Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Swirl. The Christopher Elbow Dark Chocolate was amazing, and I'm not a huge fan of dark chocolate.

Glacé was the perfect stop for ice cream!

Glacé Artisan Ice Cream
4960 Main St

Kansas City, MO 64112

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Visit Kansas City: Hallmark Visitors Center

While in Kansas City, Missouri, we stumbled up on the Hallmark Visitors Center.

I had no idea the legendary greeting card company got its start in Kansas City over a hundred years ago.  Now this world-renowned brand not only offers heartwarming greetings, but also keepsake ornaments and other treasures. 

At the Hallmark Visitors Center you'll get to see all sorts of greeting on display - from vintage to modern, and including so many familiar characters. 

There is a greeting for every occasion in all sorts of styles, so it's not difficult to choose the perfect sentiment.

 It was really neat to peruse the displays from over the decades. 

There is a small gift shop so you can buy souvenirs or a greeting for that special someone.

The Hallmark Visitors Center is worth checking out if you're in the area!

Hallmark Visitors Center
Crown Center
2405 Grand Blvd. Ste 200
Kansas City, MO 64108

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Visit Kansas City: Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

Kansas City is known for their barbecue, and Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue is a must-visit to get your fill.

Beef Burnt Ends

Gumbo

Kansas City Combo

The Kansas City Combo comes with your choice of two or three meats ($15.50 for 2, $19.50 for 3).  We tried Brisket, Pulled Pork, and Pork Spare Ribs.  Other options included Burnt Ends, Barbecue Chicken, Lamb Ribs, and Beef ribs.

The Pulled Pork was my fave!

However, everything I ate was just so flavorful.  I especially loved the gumbo, which had hints of smokiness and a little bit of kick from the sausage.

Kids meals are just $6.99 each and include an entree, side, and a drink!

Grilled Ham & Cheese

Hot Dog

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue was packed, and it's no wonder - the barbecue is really good!

Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue
The Freight House
101 W 22nd St., #300
Kansas City, MO 64108

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