South Plaza - Kansas City, MO

Kansas City originated from French fur traders that built log cabins along the Missouri River. Since then, the Country Club neighborhood and surrounding areas have undergone many cultural changes.

The battle of Westport took place only a mile away in what is now called Loose Park. It was considered one of the bloodiest battles west of the Mississippi and took place in 1838. Many locals now frequent that area, as it is the site of one of Kansas City's cherished parks.

The Country Club neighborhood sprouted up when Tom Pendergast, Kansas City's former governor expanded the city. Though it was a time of corruption and violence, the city expanded greatly, and this could be considered one of the most influential times of expansion for the area.

There exist too many local restaurants to count that lie within 5 minutes of South Plaza. Featuring few chain restaurants, South Plaza provides a virtually limitless choice of cuisines with a range of prices that suit anyone's needs. The neighborhood boasts several strips that have various bars and restaurants. Around 50th and Main Street, you can find Spin Pizza, Eggtc, Minsky's Pizza, Glace Artisan Ice Cream, and bars including the Peanut. All of these establishments provide a great place to eat. Spin Pizza's margherita pizza proves to be one of the best pizza's around town, made with mozzarella cheese, roasted tomatoes and basil. At Eggtc, you can find some of the best gourmet breakfast food; the crepes, pancakes and waffles make delightful options. The Country Club Plaza also has some great restaurants and bars to go to, although they may be in a higher price range. Some great restaurants include Fogo De Chao, Buca di Beppo and Brio, all featuring some of Kansas City's best cuisine. Buca di Beppo's vintage setting lends itself to large family dishes that require multiple people to eat them and furnishes a very traditional and exciting Italian menu. The nightlife in the area consists mainly of what you find at the Plaza or just 10 minutes away in Westport. No matter where you go, you can find places open at least until 10 p.m. on the weekdays and until 1:30 a.m. on weekends. Some great places to go include McCoys and The Foundry in the Westport area. There, you can find home-brewed beers and great appetizers to compliment them.

There prove to be many ways to get around Kansas City in relation to the Country Club area. There exist plenty of buses, car services, limousine services and car rentals that you could take advantage of if you are in the neighborhood.

The classic Kansas City Metro usually offers an excellent option to get you around town, with a cheap bus fair to get you to your destination.

Kansas City's B-cycle, a bike-sharing organization, allows you to bike through the plaza or Westport area, experiencing the city on a whole different level. The organization proves especially useful to advocate exercise among its citizens and for promoting more bike lanes, trails and other facilities so that more people may benefit from riding a bike.

Loose Park, one of the friendliest, most communal and interactive parks in the city, lies just a few minutes away, with a running track, playgrounds and swing sets, a mini water park, a rose garden, and areas for picnicking. The park proves suitable for a romantic evening, time with your friends, spending time alone, or gathering with your family. There remains no fee to get in, and you can feel free to take your dog.

Rental prices tend to be a bit more pricey, as this remains one of the nicer areas in town. The lowest cost of rent in the Country Club plaza lies around $600, while the highest cost of living lies around $2,000. The average rent costs lies around $817.

The Kansas City Bus Metro tickets cost only $1.50, making travel very accessible. You can even map out your route at the KCATA website so you don't have to worry about getting on the wrong bus.

Eating out in this neighborhood, you can make the choice between dining at pricier restaurants or less expensive establishments. The average meal at a not so pricey restaurant runs $10, while a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around $50.

As Kansas City remains very well known for its coffee, going to the various coffee shops around town comes very highly recommended. An average latte or cappuccino costs about $3.75 throughout the city.

Kansas City is also very well known for its brews of beer. An average imported beer costs $4.25, and a domestic beer runs around $3.25. While these prices seem relatively low, be prepared to spend around $6 for the pricier beers when going out at night.

The closest shopping area, the Country Club plaza, sits within a 2-minute drive from the Country Club neighborhood. Special boutiques include Francesca's, Moosejaw, and Nani Nalu, although there exist many more to go and see.

If you are looking for a jewelry store, the high-end Helzberg diamonds jewelry store sells an extensive array of high-quality fine jewelry and watches in one of the most central locations of the plaza.

Many people shop for their groceries at the local Brookside Market or Price Chopper, which both lie only a 2-minute drive away from the Country Club neighborhood.

A farmers market, located about 30 minutes away from the Country Club neighborhood in the downtown area, opens every weekend year-round from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It proves to be one of the biggest farmer's markets in the midwest. Everything sold must be certified organic and biodynamic, and the market remains involved with many community-building organizations, such as the EBT/SNAP program.