As I was roaming through Missouri, I stopped and spent a day in Lee’s Summit. I visited the coffee shop first, as the recent snows still filled the air with their icy mist. The Whistle Stop Cafe‘s coziness is inviting. I ordered a latte from the cheerful baristas and chose an open seat.
I invited the manager, Josh, to sit a spell with me. He said the Whistle Stop has been in business for 30 years. That is impressive. It indicates they know what they are doing, and I can vouch they do it well. Josh had been in sales as a previous career, when he decided to try something different. He happened upon the Whistle Stop and randomly took the job here. It is a perfect fit for his ingenuity. He creates recipes for the cafe, even though he has no background in culinary science (other than being single and having learned to cook for himself). Inventing recipes comes naturally to him, He is an ingredient-whisperer. He innately knows what tastes best together. And amusingly, Josh doesn’t even like coffee. He only drinks chocolate milk.
Their menu provides a goodly assortment of choices. I enjoyed this “special” breakfast cookie. Notice the irresistible ingredients!
Their sandwiches are renowned. I discovered why as Josh’s story unfolded. He used to live in New York and frequented a local deli. When he moved to Missouri, he contacted the New York deli and arranged for them to regularly overnight-ship their fresh bagels to the Whistle Stop. Josh is that particular about his provisions. No wonder eating here is such a treat.
A few doors down is the Living Stone. I met the owner’s daughter, Sherry. She told me that her mother raised five children and then decided to make her dream of owning a gift boutique come true. So she took a leap of faith, according to Sherry….. and the result is breathtaking. She soared with that singular leap. The Living Stone is so lovely that people come by often, especially when they are having a rough day, just to wander about and soak up the peacefulness of the boutique’s ambiance.
Nearby is A Thyme for Everything. It is a kitchen shop that offers gourmet foods, and cooking supplies. They have custom-made coffee beans from the local Roasterie. I was elated to see the Christopher Elbow beans. He is an acclaimed chocolatier in Kansas City. I also smiled at the KC Kingdom beans. “Go Chiefs” is the watchword of everyone in the region. What a great party contribution these coffees would make to a Chief’s watch party, which are the most anticipated events EVERY WEEK during football season. These fans are zealously devoted – unlike any others I have met.
A Thyme for Everything also offers popular cooking classes. One older lady attends regularly because she enjoys the interaction with the other participants. She prefers it to eating alone in a restaurant. I like that idea!
While in town, stop by the History Museum. Sue, a volunteer docent, gave me a tour. The displays give a good overview of all the different eras of Lee’s Summit. Photographs are not allowed to be taken in the museum, but I was able to get some inside their nice gift shop.
The museum gift shop sells books that recount stories about the area, as well as handicraft items by local artisans.
Tucked inside an obscure alley is the Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street organization. What they do here is admirable and inspiring. They advocate and provide resources for the historic preservation of this downtown area, much of which is on the National Historic Register. I was astounded to learn they are a part of the national organization, Main Street America; and the Missouri branch – Missouri Main Street. Lee’s Summit holds the distinction of being one of only 8 communities in Missouri that is accredited. That means the citizens and leaders who have initiated this process are serious about protecting their town’s history. And the staff of this organization work solely for that noble purpose. I am in awe of such a profoundly meaningful endeavor. I tip my hat to you, Lee’s Summit.
Come and enjoy this endearing town, with her many shops and eateries. And most especially, chat awhile with the good folk of Lee’s Summit.