K.C. Bound + A Mind Blowing Pit Stop

So as I mentioned in yesterday's book review, I wanted the chance to tell you all about my very awesome weekend. It sure seems like I have been having a lot of those lately doesn't it? Well rest assured, this is probably the last for awhile: I am more than ready to just sit around on my bed all weekend knitting and designing sock patterns.

My dad has this whole coming week (starting yesterday) off from work, and whenever he gets that we always try to go somewhere, even if just for the weekend, because he isn't as tired.  Well this year we decided on a simple weekend getaway to Kansas City (which is about 3-4 hours from home for them). We haven't been to K.C. just to go in quite a while, so it was kinda nice. I discovered a lot of places I want to go  to again when I am NOT with my family.

Although I was very resistant on going at all -- I'm 21 and wanted to just stay in Manhattan this weekend, since I haven't had that in awhile -- I am really glad I did. One of my conditions for going though was that we go through Lawrence, KS on the way and stop and the Yarn Barn, a shop I have heard a lot about but have not had a chance to visit. Lets just say I am going back a lot more often after yesterday! Take a look for yourself. (Sorry for the crappy photos, I didn't want to look obvious in my photo taking so I used my phone).

Sock Yarn! It was so hard not to buy any! I have so much in my stash already though!

Lot and lots of undyed yarn, once again tempting!

Spindles!!! I like mine from Wicked Stitch better (and it's cheaper). Some of these had sheep painted on them though!

This shop is a one stop spot for everything from spinning (Fiber and wheels!) to knitting/crochet (a massive selection of yarn) to weaving (almost half the store is weaving). In the end I walked out with this gorgeous 50/50 roving of merino and tencel and the pattern for a Milanese Wrap, which I cannot wait to make! 

I already can't wait to spin this!

Wildflower doesn't sell this yarn, so I will prob be back when I decide to knit it!

So after the epic pit stop, we were K.C. bound, where we checked in to an overly nice (and priced..for us) motel and then hit up a place I read about online, The Well, for dinner! This was one of those local bars that also is kid friendly (before 10 pm) and the food was amazing! They also have a roof top patio to eat on (we got there too late to get that though). I would highly recommend it to anyone who ever goes through K.C., for as I said, the food was amazing! I also discovered an American brand of hard cider, Crispin, that I LOVED (ever since Scotland I have been in desperate search of hard cider).

Today brought on a few fun activities as well. We drove around a bit by Crown Center, where I saw the children's hospital I went to as a new born for 10 day surgery (so glad I survived!)

Crown center itself is so pretty with all of it's fountains. It's also shopping heaven with many unique shops, included the Gato's Boutique (aka cat lover heaven!). 

I wish I wasn't broke!

Nothing we wanted to do opened until noon, so we killed some time here as well as downtown at lunch before hitting up the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Although I had no desire to go to either, overall I really did enjoy visiting these stops, both were very interactive and loaded with lots of information and artifacts.

Jazz and Baseball lovers, this is a must!

Here comes the part I enjoyed! The Kansas City Sculpture Park (next to the Nelson Atkins)! I have been to the gallery before, but not the outdoor park. In case you haven't seen these, the museum (and K.C.) is known for the 4 giant shuttlecocks that are a part of this park.  Why shuttlecocks? Because the commissioned artist when they first decided to create the park said that it looked like a bat mitten court from above and the museum looked like the net. Very cool right? It's kind of a tradition to get a picture in front, so I got 3! 

My favorite!

Another cool aspect of this garden is that they also have works by many other famous artists, many that I talked about last semester in my 20 C. Art History Class. I always love going to galleries and seeing art by people I studies, it makes them seem more legit. 

Seated Woman by Henry Moore 1958-59

Ferment, by Roxy Paine 2011 -- This was just added last spring!

By that point we were all hot and tired, so we got in the car and made our way home. For a 2 day weekend, it was a very productive and eventful one. I am really glad I decided to go! 

I hope everyone else had a great weekend and Father's Day! Talk to you all again soon.

~Lisa

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Sasha got tired waiting on the mice (photo courtesy a photo text from my sister)