Though I’ve referred to as Kansas Metropolis my house for the final 5 years, I’ll attempt to keep unbiased once I say that KC is likely one of the most underrated Midwestern cities. The town is booming proper now; new condo buildings are popping up left and proper, the Queer Eye guys determined to hang around right here for some time, we now have nice sports activities and BBQ and that candy, midwestern allure. These are all cool issues, certain, however what’s even cooler is the artwork group that’s all the time been fairly vibrant right here. And I’m not simply speaking the murals within the Crossroads or our stellar artwork museums, however we even have some fairly distinctive literary experiences. The bookworm in me began scoping them out the second I moved right here, and I’ve narrowed it all the way down to the must-sees of KC’s literary scene.
Books, Bites & Drinks
Our Each day Nada
Calling themselves a “boozy bookstore”, Our Each day Nada is a Bookstore Cafe combo and an Instagrammers dream; the intense white inside and classic, but fashionable furnishings makes the house heat and alluring for anybody wanting to curve right into a nook with a great e book having fun with some bookish artisan cocktails. A girl-owned and ran institution, it’s clear that there’s coronary heart and keenness put into the partitions of this stunning house. The e book choice, whereas small, is curated with a objective. These homeowners clearly love to learn in the identical means you do and that makes the house really feel even cozier. Go to them on a Story Time night time, for KC Poetry on the Transfer, or one in all their many different readings and occasions!
Afterword Tavern & Cabinets
Stating on their web site that they’re “A refuge for the thirsty, famished, and inquisitive of Kansas CIty”, Afterword is a bookstore/bar/cafe that can entice you the second you peak into their home windows. Ground to ceiling books (all on the market) and distinctive, classic furnishings praise the darkish wooden and comfortable vibe of the bar. With employees suggestions, e book golf equipment, writing teams and extra, Afterword is a group that takes studying critically (as everybody ought to). You’ll possible strike of some type of mental dialog with a stranger on the bar or uncover one thing new between the pages of one in all their books, all whereas sipping on a cocktail or beer. Positioned within the coronary heart of the Crossroads arts district, cease by to search out your subsequent learn and seize one in all their book-themed cocktails (I recommend the Lord of the Brews).
Bookshops & Picture-Ops
Kansas Metropolis Public Library (Downtown)
Okay, certain, nearly each metropolis has its personal public library system, however once I let you know that Kansas Metropolis’s is definitely value visiting, I imply it. All the places present nice library companies, however the true star is the Central Library, situated in Downtown Kansas Metropolis. If something, simply check out the skin of the constructing: it’s made to appear like big spines of American classics. If that’s not a inventive technique to conceal a parking storage, I don’t know what’s. Every e book that provides as much as create this stunning “bookshelf” is 25 ft excessive and 9 ft large. A photograph-op is critical. Except for the skin, the library is fairly spectacular on the within, too. It’s a century-old constructing with ornate decor, beautiful moldings, marble columns, and bronze doorways. In fact, it’s additionally the library with loads of studying choices they usually host a plethora of occasions all year long.
Wet Day Books
A candy bookshop nuzzled in Fairway, Kansas, simply 10 minutes from the Plaza is strictly what you’d count on (and love!) from a neighborhood e book store. Private and heat, you’ll find nearly something there (and for those who can’t, they’ll order it for you!). With greater than 300+ creator occasions in a 12 months, they host tons of readings from big-name authors in addition to native KC natives. A staple within the Kansas Metropolis group since 1975, it’s now thought-about one of many main Impartial Booksellers in America. They supply complimentary reward wrapping (how cute!) and might ship everywhere in the world. With a employees that treats you such as you’ve been buying there your entire life and will let you know nearly something with regards to literature, it’s value stopping in and seeing a chief instance of how unbiased bookstores keep alive.
Prospero’s Books
A staple of the West 39th St. neighborhood since 1997, Prospero’s is a used books wonderland. Except for the seemingly countless bookshelves, this place is simply cool. Private quirks, a number of ranges, and a cool basement with partitions you possibly can write on, that is far more than only a bookstore. The choice of books is eclectic and all-encompassing; you could possibly get misplaced in these cabinets and finish of leaving with an armful of books you didn’t even know existed. What I really like most about Prospero’s is that you’ll by no means be capable of go in there considering, “I do know precisely what e book I’m getting at present”. It’s a step away from that uber-consumerist perspective and an journey into spontaneity and the enjoyment of discovering a brand new (used) e book.
