Sunshine and warmer weather bring out the travel bug in many of us. Getting away from it all doesn’t have to break the bank though, especially when there are so many intriguing places to explore in and around Kansas City. From Lee’s Summit to Independence and beyond, there are hidden staycation gems in our area worth checking out this spring and summer.
For example, just a few miles north down 291 highways, wine lovers and paranormal enthusiasts can quench both thirsts at the unique and quirky Belvoir Winery in Liberty. Housed in a building that originally served as the home for the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF), a fraternal organization dedicated to supporting the elderly and orphaned among its members, visitors to the winery can find Missouri wines along with artifacts from the home that includes a preserved Odd Fellow skeleton.
Built in the early 1900’s, the Jacobethan Revival architecture of the buildings on the property provides multiple areas indoors and out for relaxing. The winery features a wine-tasting room on the first floor, along with eight standard suites on the third floor, described as luxurious accommodations with historic flair. Guests can stay the night after enjoying wine tasting or participating in one of the many events Belvoir hosts, including monthly paranormal investigation sessions, murder mystery dinner events, and various shopping events.
Elvis may have left the building, but you can channel his vibe when you visit this newly renovated Airbnb in Independence where Elvis himself stayed while touring Kansas City in the 1950’s. Boasting five bedrooms, a heated indoor guitar-shaped pool and amenities galore, this impeccably appointed home can accommodate up to 16 guests. Property owner Cody Bellah calls the mid-century modern home renovation a labor of love.
“I found and fell in love with the property about 20 years ago and put a bid on it, but it wasn’t meant to be. Last fall, it was on the market again and we got it. Four months of hard work later, we were able to go live on Airbnb in February,” he says. With decor that honors the King of rock and roll coupled with modern conveniences like high speed Wi-Fi and a fully stocked kitchen, plus an abundance of games and a central location close to local attractions, it’s no wonder the property is booking out into the summer months already.
If staying right here in town suits you best, historic Unity Village has three options, all nestled on the historic property that spans 1200 acres and features a nine-hole golf course, 2.4 miles of hiking trails and a recently renovated Fillmore Cafe. Strolling the grounds of Unity’s campus that showcases buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, guests can relax and enjoy the largest fountain display in the metro and an award-winning rose garden.
Featuring English Cotswold architecture, each of the Unity Airbnb properties has been recently renovated and boasts high review scores. Fillmore Manor, Hummingbird Vista and Hummingbird Chateau are four bedroom homes that can accommodate up to 10, 12 and 14 guests respectively and offer amenities such as wet bars, fireplaces and spacious outdoor patios.
“Our Airbnb properties have been extremely popular. We are excited to be able to offer three experiences for guests that provide a comfortable feel with touches of elegance,” says Brandi French, manager of Unity Village and Hotel Center.
So whatever your vibe, grab your overnight bag and a friend or two and check out these options that abound for getting away and enjoying adventure in and around Lee’s Summit.
For more information, visit belvoirwinery.com, airbnb.com/h/elvis-retreat-house and unityvillage.org/stay-with-us
