Kansas City's Upscale Suburb Blends Boutique Shops, Top Restaurants, And Trails Through Lush Parks

As far as Midwest cities go, Kansas City is one of the most unique. First, the fact that it spans both Kansas and Missouri makes it a one-of-a-kind destination. Second, the city is huge, with a population of over 2.2 million in the broader KC Metro area. With so much "city" to explore, it's no wonder that Kansas City is full of hidden gems, like the upscale suburban city of Leawood.

Located due south of West Port, the artsy Kansas City district dubbed the "Mother of KC," Leawood is a remarkable place and perfect for your next vacation. First, it offers a wide variety of shopping opportunities to fit any budget, with spots like Town Center Plaza leading the way for self-described shopaholics. Next, Leawood is full of incredible restaurants, including some of the best barbecue in the Midwest. After all, Kansas City is known for being the barbecue and beer capital of the region, and you don't have to venture outside of Leawood to sample so many fabulous flavors.

Finally, Leawood takes its green spaces seriously, with some of the most gorgeous parks in the entire metro area. So, after a long day of shopping and eating, you can unwind by walking along the lush trails. Are you ready to book a flight yet? Let's discover what's waiting for you in Leawood.

Looking at the map, Leawood is much bigger than you might expect. Stretching for over 14 square miles, it's a long rectangle that butts up against the Missouri border. However, most of the action takes place between Interstate 435 and West 119th Street. Here is where you'll find the main shopping district, the Town Center Plaza and Crossing. As an open-air mall, Town Center combines chic elegance with convenience and affordability. All kinds of shops are here, from high-end boutiques to department stores like Macy's. Also, just north of Town Center is Park Place, another open-air shopping district with a mix of storefronts and restaurants.

Since barbecue is practically a way of life in Kansas City, let's start with the meat-friendly restaurants. First, at the northern end of Leawood, sits Meat Mitch BBQ, which innovates its dishes and offers some of the best happy hour bites in the city. Nearby is Jack Stack Barbecue, which is technically in Overland Park, but it's close enough to the Leawood border. Other options include Gates Bar-B-Q, Joe's KC BBQ, and the Iron Horse Bar and Grill. If you're not into slow-cooked meat, Leawood has many other options, from fresh fish at Aqua Penny's or Bristol Seafood Grill, to steak and potatoes at spots like Sullivan's Steakhouse.

Finally, parks and outdoor spaces help transform Leawood into the ultimate vacation destination. The crown jewel of the city's park system is Leawood City Park, which spans 66 acres and includes art installations, sports fields, a fishing pond, and multiple gorgeous walking trails. Next, Tomahawk Park is close to Town Center Plaza, and it hosts various classes and outdoor programs to keep you moving. The next best park is Ironwoods Park, which features cabin rentals, a delightful pond, and a nature center.

Leawood is conveniently located just 40 minutes south of the Kansas City International Airport (MCI), so reaching the city is easy, no matter where you're visiting from. However, much of Leawood is residential, so there aren't many hotels or vacation rentals within its borders. Fortunately, there are tons of hotels along I-435, so you should be able to find something within your budget that is close enough to the shopping and dining hotspots in town.

Since the shopping centers and walking trails are outdoors, it's best to plan your vacation according to the climate. As with the rest of Kansas City, the summers are hot and muggy, while the winters are cold and snowy. So, it's best to visit between April and June or September and November if you want to avoid the most uncomfortable seasons. Spring is ideal for exploring the outdoors, as Leawood's natural areas become vibrant and colorful as the flowers come into bloom.

Another advantage of visiting Leawood is that you're close to everything else KC has to offer. If you weren't aware, Kansas City is a bustling Midwest alternative to Las Vegas, thanks to its relative abundance of casinos. Most of these gambling halls are north of Leawood and on the Missouri side, but their proximity means you have access to all kinds of entertainment, not just shopping, eating, and hiking.