Spring break staycation

Not everyone has the means, time or desire to travel during spring break, but that doesn’t mean the time off has to be boring.

“The Kansan Printer” covers a wall on the building at 901 N. eighth street, which used to house the Kansas City Kansan newspaper nearly 80 years ago. The mural was commissioned in 2006 as part of the Downtown Kansas City, Kansas Avenue of Murals. photo by Gabby Staker

by Katie Gregory
March 14, 2019

Spring break, for many, is a time to relax, take your mind off school and travel. However, while spring break is a great opportunity to explore different parts of the country or world, not everyone has the time or resources to go. Despite this, spring break can still be a fun, relaxing time in Kansas City. Here are a few things to do if you’re looking to indulge in a stay-cation.

brickman
A man is painted in a “down” period in his life in the mural, “Up and Down Round and Round.” Located at 947 Minnesota avenue, it is one of the eight murals on the Avenue and was painted by high school students. photo by Gabby Staker

Avenue of Murals

Price: free

Address: Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101

The Avenue of Murals is a row of eight murals, spanning four blocks, along Minnesota Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. The murals took four years to complete and were painted by a group of 30 high school students who were guided by professional artists. Each mural is intended to depict a different aspect of Kansas City’s history and culture, and together they tell the story of the city.

bellapatina
A weathered store sign hangs from the eaves of Bella Patina antique shop in the West Bottoms Feb. 28. photo by Gabby Staker

West Bottoms Antiques

Price: varies

Good Ju Ju address: 1420 W 13th Terrace, Kansas City, MO 64101

Nook and Cranny KC address: 1400 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64016

Bella Patina address: 1320 W 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64101

If you enjoy being transported back to previous decades, then a visit to Kansas City’s famous West Bottoms neighborhood may be the perfect thing to do during spring break. The West Bottoms have many antique stores, but some of the most popular are Good Ju Ju on 13th Terrace, Nook and Cranny KC on 13th Street and Bella Patina on 12th Street. Hours vary depending on what stores you are looking to visit, but are generally open in the mornings and afternoons, although some are only open during First Fridays.

18thdistrictsign
A sign designates the 18th & Vine District Mar. 7. The block earned the name “Jazz District” when it became the center of jazz music in the 1920s. photo by Gabby Staker

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum

Price: $10

Address: 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, founded in 1990, is the only museum in the world dedicated solely to preserving the history of African-Americans in baseball. The museum is located in Kansas City’s 18th & Vine Jazz District, just two blocks from the Paseo YMCA where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro National League in 1920. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, 12 pm to 6 pm on Sunday and is closed on Mondays.