Navigating a city by bicycle offers a different experience than driving or walking through it. The refreshing pace enables cycling enthusiasts and recreational bike riders alike to fully absorb their surroundings. đ´ Applying pedal power certainly involves observing the rules of the road. Still, riding along a path or through streets and avenues allows riders to take in sights, sounds and even smells in ways that are muted when whizzing past in a vehicle.
Donât own a bike? The RideKC Bike program through BikeWalkKC has electric-assist and pedal-powered bikes available to rent throughout the city. Simply register via the app for walk-up, day pass, or longer-term memberships. đą The program also offers service at several Johnson County parks and Lenexa as well.
BikeWalkKCâs Tour de Bier KC also runs through the month of September. The event is a self-guided tour of Kansas Cityâs brewing past and present in historic neighborhoods. Whether you rent a bike or use your own, itâs easy to explore several areas of the city for exercise, food, drink and sightseeing. đď¸
| |
Downtown North Kansas City consists of many blocks worthy of bike-riding jaunts. Cyclists in downtown Kansas City can cross the Missouri River via the Heart of America Bridge to easily enter NKC. đ
Once there, you can cruise to Velo Garage and Tap House, which combines a bike shop and craft beer taproom under one roof. Swing by The Little Store and Cafe â the cutest place in Northtown â for a quick bite to eat. And FM Music Vintage Sounds is an aural oasis for browsing music and movies. đ§
Iron District is an entire dining and retail destination unto itself, replete with fun spots like Kind Food, Thaigerâs Far East comfort food, Tiki Hunaâs cocktails, Bombshell Boutique, 3&Me womenâs boutique and more. đš Take a break to play Jenga, cornhole or dominos before venturing further.
Chicken N Pickle is a fun stop to play pickleball and yard games, grab a bite to eat and rehydrate. Of course, NKC is home to Cinder Block Brewery, The Big Rip Brewing Company, Callsign Brewing and kombucha at The Brewkery. If you have time, catch a film and bite to eat at Screenland Armour. đż And if vino is more to your taste, pop over to Sail Away Wine, a nearby wine bar.
North Kansas Cityâs sixth annual Fall Pint Path on Saturday, Sept. 25, is a perfect opportunity to explore these local businesses and many others.
| |
The six-mile Harry Wiggins Trolley Track Trail extends from the Country Club Plaza south through the Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods. Paved with asphalt and crushed stone surfaces, the trail is shared with walkers and joggers and runs along the former Country Club route of Kansas Cityâs last streetcar, which ceased service more than 60 years ago.
Now cyclists can peep at the cityâs famed fountains in and near the Plaza before cruising southbound. ⲠReplenish your strength with a pastry from Cafe Europa, browse Underdog Wine Companyâs selections, pick up a fresh bouquet at Crestwood Flowers and meander into other Crestwood shops and restaurants. đđď¸
Further south, Brookside is packed with charming shops. A store named STUFF contains work from artists and makers to explore for gift shopping or sprucing up your abode. Geek out at Brookside Toy and Science, a beloved toy store. Inhale deeply and pick up scented votives at The Corner Candleshop.Â
Need food and drink? Treat yourself to Topsyâs Popcorn, a Kansas City tradition for more than 60 years. The Brookside Farmers Market is a great place to pick up locally and sustainably grown produce every Saturday. Get your caffeine fix at The Roasterie Cafe, nosh on sushi at Sayachi or indulge in Fooâs Fabulous Frozen Custard. đ¨
A bit further south, Waldo is home to Kansas City Bier Co.âs Bierhalle and Biergarten right off the trail. The 29th Annual Waldo Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 18, is yet another reason to hit the trail and partake in a seasonal tradition. Waldo Pizza and Betty Raeâs Ice Cream are some of the many places in Waldo to eat, drink and replenish your strength as you bike across the metro. đ´ââď¸
| |
Downtown Overland Park is yet another destination packed with retail shops, boutiques, eateries, bars and attractions worthy of a biking expedition. From the west, you can bike there via side streets and bike lanes on 79th Street or Santa Fe Drive. But if you're coming from the east, avoid Metcalf and take side streets or drive to a nearby spot, then bike from there. đ´ââď¸
Visitors will find Buffalo State Pizza Company, the upscale Strang Hall food court, olive oils and balsamic vinegar at The Tasteful Olive, tasty brews and food at Brew Lab and classic neighborhood spots like The Other Place. đş
Some notable retail shops include Harperâs Fabric and Quilt Company, Penzeyâs (known for its spices) and the womenâs boutique Ensemble. The Overland Park Farmersâ Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays attracts large crowds for fresh produce and locally-made goods. đ
| |
Today's Creative Adventure email was written by Pete Dulin.
| |
| Â More Adventures in Kansas City
| |
|  | In The Yard Parade + Celebration
Celebrate Charlie "Bird" Parker's 101st birthday Sunday, Aug. 29 at 4 p.m., with a parade featuring Lonnie McFadden and Mayor Quinton Lucas. It's the official homecoming for Parker's famous Grafton saxophone. đˇ The parade starts at the Crossroads and ends with a celebration at the American Jazz Museum at 5 p.m. Learn more.
| |  | Charlie Parker 18th and Vine Walking Tour
You can start celebrating Bird's birthday a day early with a tour of his old stomping grounds. KCUR's very own Chuck Haddix will take you on a walking tour of Kansas City's historic Jazz District Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn more and get your tickets here.
| |
| | |
|
