by Asia Jones
Adventures can happen on and off of the urban trail! That’s why Urban Hikes KC has rounded up a few locally owned spots that are on our urban hike routes where you can explore different cultures through food, find a new spot for your next workout and dive into the city’s history.
Food & Drinks
Working up an appetite is easy to do when you’re walking on one of our urban hikes! Below are locations along the urban trails that offer food to please any palette.
Los Alamos Market y Cocina Westside, KCMO
If you love fresh juices and flavorful Mexican cuisine, you should stop by this location at the corner of 17th and Summit! You’ll be immediately greeted with the aroma of the fresh-made cuisine including slow-cooked meats, fluffy tortillas, and a flavorful offering of sauces. Be sure to arrive before the lunch hour is over as they’ll likely sell out if you arrive any later!
During our Crossroads/Westside Urban Hike we stop for their delightful aguas frescas/fresh juices served by the owner Augustin.
Krizman’s Sausages Strawberry Hill, KCK
Also dubbed Strawberry Hill’s Own Sausage House, Krizman’s has sold sausages in KCK for the past eight decades! The company founders, Joseph Krizman Sr. and his brother-in-law Matt Grisnik, came over as refugees from Croatia and have infused their smoked and fresh sausages with the unique mix of garlic and paprika seasoning. They also offer other ethnic foods as well as bbq rubs and seasonings! Keep them in mind the next time you plan to light up the grill.
During our Strawberry Hill and Downtown KCK Urban Hike, we often get to hear from great grandson Joe Krizman and get a taste of their sausages.
Buffalo State Pizza Crossroads, KCMO
Take your pizza to the next level! You can get ridiculously large slices of New York-style pizza and other pizza shop staples including calzones, sandwiches, and beer on tap. Grab yourself a slice or get enough to feed the whole house with their 26-inch pizza. They also offer Beer and Wine to go with more than 30 options. On the weekends, you can enjoy live music at their Crossroads location.
On our Crossroads Westside Urban Hike, we walk by their outdoor patio and often our hikers return for lunch or dinner after the hike is over.
Palacana Westside, KCMO
One of our favorite locations has a new name but the same great flavors! You’ll be greeted first by a kaleidoscope of colors when you enter the Palacana, formerly Paleterías Tropicana. For 18 years they’ve been offering a variety of ice creams, sorbets, and cream and fruit popsicles. They’ve since expanded their menu to offer fresh juices, Mexican sandwiches, and other savory Mexican lunch and dinner items.
On many of our Yoga Flow Family Urban Hike, we stop by their SW Blvd location in the Westside and enjoy a refreshing fruit treat.
Pirate’s Bone Burgers Crossroads, KCMO
If you’re looking for a plant-based option after one of our hikes in the Crossroads, Pirate’s Bone Burgers has you covered. They’ve found a creative and delicious way to serve plant-based burgers and if you think all vegan burgers taste the same you’ll be happy to find out Pirate’s Bone Burgers are different. They offer a variety of flavors including a Beet Burger, “Chicken” Nuggz, and a Chipotle Classic to get started. We’re sure they’ll become your favorite vegan spot in no time!
We walk right by this delicious restaurant during our Artful KC Streetcar Urban Hike!
Community Events
There’s so much to learn about Kansas City and so much on the horizon that our guides can’t fit it all into one hike! That’s why we include locations like the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center.
The museum is inside of a Victorian home built in 1887 and in 1919 was purchased and then used as an orphanage until 1988. That same year, the desire to preserve the ethnic heritage in KCK prompted the creation of the Strawberry Hill Ethnic Cultural Society. The Society acquired the museum soon after the orphanage closed and has since been dedicated to promoting appreciation of more than nine cultures through tours, cooking classes, art, and community events including the upcoming Bubbly Brunch Urban Hike.
During our Strawberry Hill and Downtown KCK Urban Hike our groups learn the story of the museum as we walk by. Plan your visit to the museum’s tea room or join one of their tours on Saturdays or Sundays.
To immerse yourself in the neighborhood’s history and see artifacts that tell the story of former residents.
KC Farm School at Gibbs Road Turner, KCK
The KC Farm School at Gibbs Road allows everyone from kids to adults to have hands-on experiences where they can connect with the land and soil. They have the best CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) box in town with fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. You pay up front and each box ends up being around $28 per week. Additionally, they have a weekly “pay what you can” farmers market featuring many local vendors and their organically-grown fruits and vegetables. They also host events including volunteer days, workshops, farm-to-table dinners and more. Save the date for their Farm Fest on October 1! More info can be found on their website using the link above.
Crossroads Hotel Crossroads, KCMO
We start all of our Artful KC Streetcar Urban Hikes by exploring The Crossroads Hotel. It’s definitely more than a stopping place for visitors! Their rooftop bar, Percheron, has an unforgettable skyline view. It’s also worth it to check out their upscale Italian restaurant, Lazia, named after KC Mafia Boss Johnny Lazia. You can actually make a reservation to dine inside the historic safe where Johnny Lazia and Tom Pendergast used to store money!
In addition to their unique dining spaces, they offer in and out-of-towners things to do throughout the week including a running club that meets each Tuesday! Runners of all levels can come out to get about three miles in on Tuesday nights then grab drinks after at Percheron. If you’d prefer something at a different pace, the Crossroads Hotel has rooftop yoga classes, unique art classes, summer concerts, and an art gallery. Check out the experiences they offer here.