Weekend Getaway: Kansas City

March 12, 2026

Weekend Getaway: Kansas City

If you've been around here for any amount of time, you'll know that we have been meeting our daughter for weekend getaways in states that she hasn't visited yet. One such getaway was to Kansas City with visits to the city itself, one of the original Little House on the Prairie log cabins, the adorable little town of Weston, Missouri and a perfect fall afternoon visit to a winery. Add in some Kansas City BBQ and you have the recipe for a fun weekend in Kansas and Missouri!

Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City, in Missouri, is known for its barbeque, its fountains and its jazz heritage. We started our visit here downtown at the Kansas City Power and Light District, a 9 block downtown area with over 50 bars, restaurants and shops. (It's named after the power and light building, an art deco building from 1931.) It's the home of watch parties, festivals - and is considered one of the Midwest's prime entertainment areas.

We headed for a drink on the outdoor patio at Joe's Kansas City Barbeque while watching everyone heading in for the festival - we were there a bit too early for that. And after that we just wandered and checked out the area until it was time to head to dinner at....

Q39 BBQ, Kansas City

My good friend, who is a former Kansas City resident, recommended Q39. Q39 is "Kansas City BBQ with a twist." It's innovative, chef driven, competition style barbeque and it's considered one of the city's best barbeque restaurants. It definitely didn't disappoint! Delicious food and good service were a hallmark and we left here extremely stuffed. I highly recommend it if you're in Kansas City.

Donutulogy

Here's a unique place to go if you're in Kansas City and you love donuts - with a side of outer space. Donutology is seriously unique. In December 2016 Donutology sent its "World Famous Space Donut" into outer space - nearly 100,000 feet into the atmosphere using a weather balloon. No, seriously, it's true. You can see the "World Famous Space Donut" on display here. You can also purchase and eat donuts, too - which is what we did for our road trip to The Little House on the Prairie Museum.

Little House on the Prairie, Independence, Kansas

One of my favorite book series when I was growing up was the Little House on the Prairie books - before there was even a tv series. So visiting a spot where Laura lived was very special to me. The Little House on the Prairie Museum is located in Independence, Kansas - 2 1/2 hours south of Kansas City and decidedly in the middle of nowhere - and is the site of Laura Ingalls Wilders' childhood home. This is a replica of the cabin her family lived in as described in her books. It is "dedicated to showcasing the history and legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilders life and the era in which she lived." It is open seasonally - from March to October- and the cost is $5 per adult or $3 per child.

Not only can you visit the cabin (replica cabin) that the Ingalls family lived in but you can also visit other buildings which have been moved to the site - a one room school house, post office, barn and covered wagon. There is also a small gift shop and signs to answer any questions you may have about the Ingalls family or prairie life. (It's a very small site so there aren't any guided tours)

I really enjoyed our visit here - not sure Mr. UR did but he gets points for driving us here and making his wife and daughter smile.

Weston, Missouri

Weston is an historic and walkable small town (population 1,670) close to Kansas City that makes for a fun day trip. It has a well preserved, historic downtown - a designated National Historic District - and plenty of quaint, independent shops and antique stores.

It was formerly a river port and is home to the popular O' Malley's Pub - founded in 1842 - featuring live music. Mr. UR sat himself here while we girls perused the shops and then we came down the stairs to hang with him and listen to music. Don't miss O' Malley's if you visit Weston!

I loved our afternoon here - cute shops, O' Malley's Pub and close to wineries. I'd definitely come back!

Riverwood Winery

Riverwood Winery is located in the Missouri River Bluff wine country in Rushville, Missouri - not far from Weston - and offers wine whiskey, cocktails, food, beer, live music and even kitchen items to purchase. It's a very popular place - especially on a beautiful fall afternoon!

Their wine selection runs the gamut - white, red, rose and fruity and even dessert wines. I did a tasting flight at an outdoor table enjoying the sunshine but you can also sit inside and order food from the bistro menu.