Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Shopping with Mom


Ever since we met in night-school Spanish class more than 20 years ago, my best friend has been raving about the beauties of Kansas City, Mo. Not that she wants to live there. But she grew up about two hours away, outside the small town of Trenton, Mo., and she still goes to KC when she visits her mom.

Today, I finally understood what she’s talking about.

Her mom, Sue Gilhuly, and I met at The Plaza … properly Country Club Plaza … an Alhambra-esque outdoor shopping-and-entertainment zone built in 1922. It’s simply gorgeous.

And big surprise: Kate, my best friend, was with her mom.

This is a surprise because in cities from Miami to Honolulu, Kate and I have missed each other by a day, and if you hadn’t voted for me to come here today, we would have stayed on that track. I travel, Kate travels. She hangs out on Long Island. So visits are rare, and this was a treat.


Kate and her mom took great pleasure in showing me around. First stop was The Plaza, a village of exquisitely tiled towers and domes and storefronts. The idea is similar to Coral Gables, but The Plaza is far more ornate, and dotted with fountains for which it is justly famous.

Like most retail centers these days, it is filled with chain stores, but a few local icons remain. The best known of these is Hall’s, owned by the people who founded Hallmark Cards. It’s one of those rare department stores where every item has been hand-picked, and each is exquisite … and something you won’t see coming and going on the street.

Then, we took a spin around town, to the remarkable Beaux Arts Union Station, built in 1914 to handle the enormous trade of the area owing to its proximity to the Kansas and Missouri Rivers and cattle country. We rode along Ward Parkway through a neighborhood of mansions worthy of Newport, and through backstreets of homes on neatly tended lawns. More fountains, more parks, more green.



Kate and mom headed to the airport for Kate’s flight east, and I went back to The Plaza to investigate. Though I was dressed like a backpacker, clerks even in the toniest stores were delightful and welcoming, and I had a good laugh with the ladies in St. John, where of course I fell madly in love with a leather dress that is NOT in the budget. (No, I didn’t.)

The ladies in the Visitor Center were equally warm, which is what you’d expect but don’t always find. I’d booked a motel blind, and when I asked them about the area of town it’s in, the horrified looks on their faces said it all. I upgraded.

So here’s to Kansas City, friendly and beautiful and sophisiticated. Not that I’m ready to move here, mind you. Hurricanes and all, I’ll take Miami.

3 comments:

DARCOS CRUZ said...

Sarah: Really interesting. I didn't know all this history! Thanks so much.

Anonymous said...

Jane,
Meeting you in Kansas City was a delight – Mom and I were thrilled that our schedules finally connected. When Mom got home, she spoke with her friend that rides horse trails through South Dakota. Here are a few recommendations (sorry my knowledge of South Dakota is limited so these will not be in driving order):

1. Corn Palace – Mitchell, SD (everything is made from corn and apparently it is very interesting – much better than it sounds)
2. Murdo – The car museum is a highlight - your hubby would definitely vote for this stop.
3. Wall, SD – Be sure to check out Wall’s Drug Store – this is an old fashion drug store with soda foundation.
4. Kadoka, DS – This is were you can take the scenic Rout 44 through the beautiful Indian country (spectacular scenery)
5. Al’s Oasis on I-90 – stop for buffalo steak and catfish (seems appropriate after so much BBQ in Memphis)
6. Sturgis, SD – I understand that this is the motor cycle capital of the world (that is not first hand information)

They expected that you would see Mt Rushmore and that these would be interesting stops that not everyone would suggest!!!
Call when you have a signal!!!
Hugs
Kate

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane,
Was fun to read about your surprise visit from Kate. Kate was my neighbor and she brought me to your house one time. Not sure you will remember me. She moved North and I moved to the Grove and have since lost touch. Hi to Kate if she reads this!

I am so excited your readers chose South Dakota...my home state! I voted 3 times (can you do that??) so perhaps you are there because of my voting. My heart remains in the plains states....nothing more beautiful than a field of sun-drenched sunflowers for as far as the eye can see.

Hope you are feeling better and enjoying the "solo" drive time. Have made the trip from Miami to the Dakotas twice by myself and found it be exhilarating, liberating and incredibly satisfying.

I have really enjoyed reading and keeping up with your adventure. Safe travels!!

Mitzi Johnston