#25 – Weston, Missouri
Weston, Missouri 64098
Cost: $$
Features: Wineries, breweries, shops, restaurants, parks.
Good for: A day trip away from Kansas City.
Tip: Take a day or weekend to explore this quaint town.
This charming, historic town is just a quick 45-minute drive from Kansas City. The 22-block historic district is filled with shops, restaurants, adorable houses and wineries – making Weston the perfect day or weekend trip.
About Weston, Missouri
Weston, Missouri has a 22-block historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the district, there are more than 100 buildings of significant historical and architectural interest. Many of today’s shops and restaurants are in buildings built before the Civil War.
Weston was a significant mid-nineteenth century Missouri River port community. In 1850, over 265 steamboats a year docked at the Port of Weston, making the city the second largest port on the river, second only to St. Louis.
At one point in the town’s history, William Buffalo Bill Cody lived in Weston, as the town was a “jumping off” point for the Santa Fe Trail, the Oregon Trail and the California Gold Rush. After major flooding and the Civil War, Weston’s population decreased, and it became the rustic, small town it is today.
How to Spend (a Very Busy) Day in Weston:
Start with coffee and a snack at Weston Coffee Roastery. (Just always start with coffee. It’s a necessity).
Take a quick hike alongside the Missouri River at Weston Bend State Park. A popular 3.25-mile trail connects with Weston’s City Park, so you don’t even have to drive to get to gorgeous scenery.
Enjoy a tour at the sheep farm, Green Dirt Farm. Be sure to schedule it a week in advance, or just stop in their Creamery in Weston for a treat. If you’re famished from the hike, try their GDF PB&J with fresh cheese, season jam and nut butter on local bread.
Head to Pirtle Winery for a wine slushie and a picnic basket lunch. They’re housed in an old church that was built in 1867. They have a wine garden, and recently added a deck on the back for more outside seating. With cheese, warm bread, summer sausage and an apple, their picnic basket is a great light lunch option.
Explore the shops along Main Street. There’s about everything you could want – antiques, clothing, home & garden and much more. Some of my favorite spots are:
- Renditions Polish Pottery Shop. I love exploring the shelves and shelves (and shelves) of pottery. Everything is gorgeous, and you will need that deviled egg platter even though you make deviled eggs once a year.
- Pacific Breeze. They always have the most gorgeous sterling silver rings. I’ve bought myself one each trip I make to Weston.
- The Celtic Ranch. This shop is an eclectic mix of Western and Celtic fashion and home goods. In the back, they have a huge selection of whiskey and scotch, and do tastings for $1.50.
After shopping, grab dinner at Avalon Café. This is one of my favorite places in Weston, and I think others feel the same because it’s always busy. For dinner, I’d be sure to make a reservation for their rooftop patio, so you can enjoy the view along with delicious food and wine.
Finish the night off with a beer at O’Malley’s/Weston Brewing Company. The Weston Brewing Company was first established by German immigrant, John Georgian in 1842. The brewery closed in 1919 during the Prohibition (unlike many bars in Kansas City) and did not reopen until 2005. It now uses one of the original underground storage cellars as O’Malleys, a unique cavern-like bar. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy live music.
I debated not counting Weston in my 100 Days of Kansas City, but it’s too fun not to include. Just outside of KC, it’s the perfect spot for a girl’s weekend, a romantic getaway or family trip. xx, Libbie.
