Crown Center Christmas - Your Shopping and Dining Guide

 Can you believe that Christmas is in eight days? I feel like I'm so far behind! I've got a few last minute things to buy and then there's the act of wrapping them all. In eight days! I'm overwhelmed. And if you are in the same boat, I've got you covered. Or should I say, Crown Center has you covered. Here's how!

The shops at Crown Center are full of local flare. And isn't it the best when you give a gift from a local merchant? There are so many favorites too. The Crayola store is the best place to get your child's creative juices flowing. All the things you need in one shop! Crayons, markers, modeling clay, and more. I can smell the wax crayons! There was nothing more exciting than your own box of 64 crayons, with built in sharpener, and the pointed tip of the brand now colors. My favorite color was always red. Simple, I know, but it's my all time favorite color. What was yours?

McKinley's favorite store is Toy Time. Hands down, it was the store where we spent most of our time when he was little. And he often walked out with a pullback car. Didn't matter what make, model, or style. He just loved their cars. Then we updated to Bruder toys, the mega size of all toys, and there are plenty to choose from inside the store as well. And the stuffed animals are plentiful. Your child will get lost in this amazing toy store.

Hosting a party or just going to one? You will definitely find something for any party, or occasion, in Occasions. This home decor and giftable store is darling! So many amazing Christmas ideas, especially those Nutcracker pieces, and some you didn't even know you needed. I've purchased several things from here in the past and I've always had such success. You will too.

Speaking of unique gifts, you definitely need to check out The Best of Kansas City. And, if you are heading out of town, take KC with you! Bottles of local BBQ sauces, memorabilia, even Ted Lasso are all things you will find inside. Okay, maybe not the real Ted Lasso, but how cute is that tee! Show your pride for your hometown by gifting it to others. 

For Christmas, McKinley get his Granddaddy a tin of Topsy's popcorn. It's an eight year old tradition for us, but Topsy's has been in KC for 60! For our out of town guests attending our wedding, we gave them small Plaza Lights tin of their butter popcorn. It's always a great gift idea. We personally love their trio of butter, caramel, and cheese. Don't think you can eat through a whole tin? That's okay, grab a couple of smaller bags. You won't be sorry! A bowl full of KC's favorite will help you get through those holiday movie nights.

There are loads of other places to shop. Just check out their shopping directory to get the 411 on all the ideas. 

And when it comes to wrapping all those gifts, their Customer Service department has you covered with their custom gift wrapping. Located on the second floor, above The Coterie, they will get you all taken care of. And if you're unsure of what to get that hard to shop for loved one in your life, you can always pick up a Crown Center gift card. So many ways to shop this holiday season!

With all that talk of shopping, one gets hungry! But no worries, the eateries are plentiful as well. And I'm hungry just thinking about all of the different options. The place we spend our most time is Fritz's Railroad Restaurant. Hands down, this is our family's favorite place to dine. If you haven't been, you must! Order from a corded phone at your table and watch all the meals be delivered by trains on an overhead track! Your little ones will get a paper conductor hat and will be amazed at all the model train exhibits throughout the restaurant. It's a total immersive experience.  

Another favorite is SPIN! pizza. Their menu is extensive, yet we always get the same thing! A 14" pepperoni pizza and split the Sonoma salad. McKinley always gets the kids cheese pizza that comes with a small drink and a gelato. However, Joel has branched out in the past and ordered the Italian meatballs and loved them. This definitely one for those who love pizza! 

There are so many other notables like Unforked, Burnt End BBQ, which is home to an award winning and Food Network featured chef, and the new La Fuente Mexican Street restaurant, a place I'm dying to try! 

And when your sweet tooth takes over, why not head into Chip's Candy Factory and take home all of your childhood favorites! McKinley and I load up on way too much, but always share the extras, with Joel and my parents. All time favorite, waxed bottles that look like soda bottles, cinnamon bears, gummy cola bottles, and Fun Dip! 

Doesn't this sound like a true one stop spot for shopping and dining? Yes should be your answer. And don't forget to head outside and burn some extra energy under the Mayor's Christmas Tree or on the Ice Terrace skating rink. 

And if you haven't already, get your visit in with Santa while he's still in town! He heads out Christmas Eve around 5:00. Gingerbread Station is amazing! Just see for yourself.

Want to see the Big Guy? Well, you will have to head down to see him in person!

Happy Holidays!

XO,

Andrea

*This is a sponsored post by Crown Center, but all photos and opinions expressed are my own.

 

Crown Center Christmas - Did You Know?

Did you know that Crown Center was named after the Hallmark corporate symbol? But before Crown Center, the area in which the shopping center stands, was once a part of the Union Square neighborhood. During World World I, downtown Kansas City was a hustle and bustle of businesses. But like everything else, times changed and by World War II, most families had moved out South leaving downtown to dry up. Hallmark maintained their headquarters, which opened in 1922, at 26th and Grand Boulevard, and was one of only a couple of businesses left standing in this vacant part of the city.

 Did you know that in 1966, Donald J. Hall, Sr. took over as President and CEO of Hallmark? His father Joyce Hall, wanted to develop an area around the existing headquarters, and Hall Sr took the reigns to develop the entire area. Over time, he acquired all the land around the headquarters and worked with local architects to create a "city within a city" concept. 

Did you know that in September of 1968 they broke ground and the entire complex was completed in 1971? There were five interconnected, seven story buildings that existed as office complexes. Today, there are three major law firms that reside in the office buildings that surround Crown Center Square. It also maintains Hallmark headquarters and our favorite spot for the holidays, Crown Center!

Did you know that Crown Center offers nearly 300,000 square feet of leasable space? And I can't wait to share some of my favorites soon. Places I love to shop, eat, and find entertainment are all housed inside Crown Center! This weekend, you can find so many new things to do! A Spectacular Christmas, brought to you by Musical Theater Heritage, opens this weekend and runs Wednesday through Sunday until the 23rd. This annual holiday show is a Crown Center tradition. It offers classic holiday tunes and original arrangements. There are some safety protocols in place, so make sure you head to their site to find out all the details and to get your tickets. 

Did you know choir performances are still taking place in the Atrium? Has your school performed this season? If you want to get a list of current, and upcoming performances, check the schedule here.

Did you know that Hallmark released their first Christmas card in 1915? A staple for our family, and now their line of ornaments, I find that I spend lots of time browsing the aisles of the Hallmark store on the second floor of Crown Center! I can truly get lost reading all the sweet sentiments, stocking up for birthdays and other occasions, and adding a few extras to the pile I've already created! 

Did you know that SpongeBob Square Pants lived in a pineapple under the sea? In the Coterie's current production of The SpongeBob Musical For Young Ages, SpongeBob proves to his friends that optimism can save the world! Get your tickets for this family fun event here!

Did you know that the Crown Center Fountain has 49 water jets and 48 water shooters that can shoot up to 60 feet in the air? And if you get there at just the right time, or stay for the next show, the water dances all around the square! It's so much fun to watch. And, they are currently playing lovely holiday music to help you stay in the spirit! 

Did you know that if you head down to Crown Center this weekend, you and your family will end up creating memories you didn't know existed? What are you waiting for? Get to Crown Center now!

XO,

Andrea