Kansas City’s Healthy & Must-Visit Hot Spots
Kansas City when I was growing up wasn’t exactly a healthy-nut mecca. But over the years, my hometown has begun to change into a unique place with truly so much to offer. I returned to KC last week to spend time with my family before my graduate school classes ramped up, but I was also on a mission. I wanted to return to and discover more of the best healthy secrets and hotspots in town that you just can’t miss. From eating to shopping and sweating, below are must-visit KC stops for the health junkie and shopaholic in us all.
Not only is this the most aesthetically pleasing hangout, but their menu of superfood mylks, lattes and juices will nourish you from the inside-out. Plus their raw, vegan desserts are truly the best in town. I think I could live on their Chai Bar and Vegan Snickers alone. Grab one of their many colorful salads, pick up a few take-home wellness items and bang out a little work in their beautifully lit lounge area. You’ll actually never want to leave.
I truly commend TLoft for bringing fresh-pressed juices into my life. Their cool and minimalistic locations around Kansas City have extensive menus filled with nutrient-packed drinks, salads and bowls perfect for both a quick pick-me-up or a satisfying, filling meal. Plus, their seedy and nut butter-filled protein balls truly make appearances in my dreams on the reg.
Whenever I’m home in Kansas City, I seem to find myself lunching at The Mixx an almost embarrassing amount. The menu has something for everyone with fresh, delicious salads, tacos, sandwiches and the best dang sweet potato fries. I love to make my own salad or quinoa bowl pack with all the toppings, and of course, followed up with one of their mouthwatering gluten-free desserts.
If you’re looking for vegan eats with an interesting menu and earthy-vibes, this is your place. Each item has an inspiring name that will make you feel nourished, uplifted and rejuvenated. And with everything from bowls to pasta dishes and tacos, you won’t miss the meat or dairy in the slightest. Plus, their healthy, vegan desserts are next level delicious.
This relatively new addition to the Village is the lovely sister to The Mixx with it’s own spin on the classic Italian caffetteria. The menu boasts flavorful salads, bowls, pizzas and sandwiches with vegan, vegetarian, gluten- and dairy-free options to fit every diet. Grab a delicious and satisfying meal while enjoying the light and feminine atmosphere. Plus, they have the cutest little shopping area, which of course I’m a huge sucker for!
I have to hand it to Unforked, as they were the first restaurant to make me LOVE kale. And considering my current love affair with this hearty veggie, this is kinda a big deal. Their “Hail the Kale” salad is beyond unreal, not to mention the inventive tacos and burgers as well. The menu utilizes fresh, local and organic ingredients that support healthy bodies and communities. And personally, I can’t NOT wash down my kale with one of their signature frozen custard concretes, because balance is key
When I heard that Enjoy was doing a major expansion this winter, I couldn’t be more excited. Their three principles are “clean, pure, natural,” and this shows through their fresh and tasty juices and meals. Everything is responsibly grown and intended to nourish the mind and body, which is an added bonus to just how dang good it all is. And now, they have an expanded bar area, new menu items and more seating to further serve the health-conscious community!
This downtown coffee shop has already gained quite the reputation in town as the new, hot place to grab a cup of joe. So of course I had to see what the hype’s all about, and Monarch did NOT disappoint. Walking in, you’re immediately transported into a chic European bistro where the lattes are art in themselves. Their specialty coffees are filled with interesting, unexpected ingredients similar to craft cocktails. I’m dying to return and try each and every one!
When it comes to shopping in KC, Standard Style has long been a staple in my and my family’s lives. Not only does this boutique carry an incredible array of upscale inventory, but they also house KC native brand, Baldwin. As Baldwin has gained unbelievable popularity and opened stores nationwide, I love coming home and remembering this local brand that’s truly taken the fashion world by storm.
Not only will your wardrobe thank you for the unique, amazing pieces you’ll pick up at FineFolk, but your skin will as well. Within Apothecary inside the store holds the best array of organic beauty products and wellness brands that truly makes me giddy whenever I visit. The lovely Gina will help you understand which products are best for your lifestyle, and I always walk out with several new goodies to implement into my routine.
This new addition to the Crossroads District (and neighbor to FineFolk) is another place I couldn’t wait to peek into while I was in town. The beautiful shop is full of architectural pieces and natural products meant to empower women to explore their true beauty. The brands they carry are carefully chosen, and their own studio design team is hard at work behind the scenes.
Fun fact about me: I’ve always had a love for vintage. So when my mom mentioned the opening of this adorable new store that carries both new and vintage pieces, I was immediately curious. The clothes are chic, retro and very Austin-esque, so I felt right at home. You’re sure to walk out with a one-of-a-kind treasure that you won’t find just anywhere.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of infrared saunas (my full report on the newest way to get hot and healthy here). So when my parents began raving about Sunlighten Day Spa in KC, I had to check it out. These individual infrared sauna booths allow you to lounge, relax and soak in all the goodness. Their particular saunas emit near, mid and far infrared rays which allow you to reap the absolute maximum benefits possible. I left sweaty, revived and ready to return!