Neighborhood Scout: Kansas City North’s Briarcliff

My next destination for scouting out some good local spots is the Briarcliff area in the northland, featuring hills and beautiful homes overlooking the city. I recently took Mitch here and did a quick drive-by of the area as he had never been – I believe he called it a “pocket of paradise” or something silly like that.

We stopped by a few of the local destinations in “The Village” and that’s what I’m going to share with you today! Now, don’t get too caught up in how “fancy” or “pricey-looking” this area may seem – there’s lots of little places for everyone and these are the ones that I enjoyed.

This first stop is probably not new to a lot folks, myself included, but it’s an absolute must on the list: Made in Kansas City. An adorable shop curated and filled with Kansas City-only goods.

This shop is filled with clothing, food, books, art and posters, throws, candles, and everything in between! There’s so many amazing things throughout and it’s such an awesome platform for a wide variety of different local businesses who may not have a storefront or be able to reach the amount of people Made in KC does.

With three standalone locations (Briarcliff – North KC, Cornith – Prairie Village and Prairiefire – South OP) and two other locations inside Hallmark Crown Center and HMK on the Plaza, this grand place is easy to access by the KC community. Aside from the store itself, I think this accessibility is a big factor in making this place so great.

This is the perfect store to take friends and family from out of town to get some “Kansas City flair” without having to stop in a cheap or tacky gift shop, like you might find at the airport. Plus, these items are all coming from other local business, so you’re spending much wiser and supporting a better, local economy. On top of this, this place is a great stop to pick up an easy gift for just about one – Secret Santa at work, family members you aren’t as close with, neighbors, etc. Even if they aren’t from or in Kansas City, there’s tons of items that aren’t covered in “KC swag,” like coffee, candles, jewelry and housewares, that can easily be shared and loved.

There’s bound to be a location either near where you live, work or play and I highly encourage everyone to stop in and take a gander – I fall in love with something(s) new every time we go in.

The second stop, just a few more doors down, is Boutique Collective, which is just that – a collection of six different Kansas City local women’s clothing boutiques in one.

When you walk in you almost get stunned by how much there is – I guess I might have been expecting something much smaller, but this is way better! Each different boutique has it’s own little section and each has it’s own style and taste that they cater to. Again, there is definitely something for almost anyone here!

Upon going section-by-section the six boutiques you’ll discover include:

  • Mended Wing – seeking beauty in all places and things.
  • The Jeweled Gypsy – offering unique jewelry not found in department stores or currently not sold in Kansas City.
  • Anchora Bella – focusing on fashion-forward items that have comfort, quality, fit and price.
  • Sideline Chic – featuring edgy and fun game day apparel with comfort.
  • Ruby Rouge – carrying a fresh, stylish clothing with limited stock to keep you unique from everyone else while expressing your personality.
  • FitWear Boutique – cute, unique and transitional activewear to bridge working out and going out.

I think my favorite part of the shopping experience here is that you really get and feel the experience of each individual boutique when browsing their section. It’s like six different mini local shops, just under one roof – so cool!

Plus, you could really get an outfit for any occasion – dressing up, going casual, working out, going to the game, jewelry, shoes, accessories and more. This is seriously a one-stop-shop!

Not to mention, you just have to stop and check out their cool Kansas City skyline wall painting done by local artist Kaitlin Gray. Lovin’ the pastel take on the greatest sight in town.

Our last stop in the neighborhood was just a few more stores down at GreenAcres Market – a natural and organic foods store. Originating in Wichita, KS in 1994, the mission of the couple-owned spot was to make the town a healthier place. Now, with four locations in Wichita, one in Kansas City and three in different towns of Oklahoma – they are a budding small business / “alternative” grocer.

They are so much more than just a grocery store, too. With a nationally syndicated radio talk show and footprints in education and seminars around natural foods, this store definitely leaves a footprint in the world of natural foods. Mitch and I instantly fell in love when we walked into this place as it’s right up our alley on so many levels.

With organic produce, gluten-free, vegan and paleo goodies and desserts, natural bath, body and home care, we were in heaven. It’s also not too far from home for us (compared to Whole Foods and Natural Grocers) and it’s literally five minutes away from my work, so it’s a quick and convenient stop on my way home.

There’s even a salad bar, hot food counter and deli with a seating and patio area that makes for a great lunch time spot. There’s a few folks from work here come here on the regular, too.

Much like a Natural Grocers, there’s an abundance of supplements, aromatherapy, homeopathy and natural medicines. And much like Whole Foods, there’s locally raised meats, eggs and dairy products. Except GreenAcres is a local store and is much closer to me – heck. yes.

There’s even a loyalty program with deals and discounts, and they offer many local events and bring in different local vendors/people – such a great community jewel I have found for our family!

Needless to say, Mitch and I’s day-adventure just up north will not be our last. We frequent GreenAcres now and also have another neighborhood to quickly hit up when I’m leaving work, or when downtown fashion or finds just isn’t cutting it.

Have you checked out the Briarcliff area lately or stopped by any of these places? Have a different local favorite? Let me know!

Back to Top