Fun just a short car trip away

With weather in the 70s and lower 80s it’s the perfect time of year for a leisurely day trip. Here are a few of my favorite places with two hours of Kansas City.

Parkville, Mo.

I love Parkville. It has the quaint features of a small town just 20 minutes outside the city. Shop in downtown Parkville. Stay the night at bed and breakfast and then hit up the Farmer’s Market in the morning.

Parkville also has a variety of events and festivals throughout the spring and summer. My favorite is the annual microbrew festival, slated for 1 to 5 p.m. April 21 at English Landing.

Lawrence, KS

I know, I know, I live in Lawrence. But most of you readers probably don’t and this town is worth the 40 minute drive west. Lawrence’s downtown might possibly be the happiest place on earth, filled with tons of shops and eateries. Pick up some unique, locally made items at stores like Made on Mass, Doodlebugs and Third Planet. Then enjoy a nice meal and a beer from Freestate Brewery.

If you feel like spending the night the Oread and the Eldridge are a great choice. And this will give you time to check out Lawrence’s live music scene.

Holy-Field Vineyard and Winery

Located at 18807 158th St., Bashor, Kan., Holy-Field gives you the winery experience without the trip to Napa Valley. Tour the vineyard and enjoy one of the many wine selections Holy-Field produces.

In May, Holy-Filed will start it’s Friday night summer music series. The winery also hosts Murder Mystery Dinners. Their next murder mystery dinners will take place at 7 p.m. May 11 and 12.

Ft. Scott, Kan.

Ft. Scott is my hometown, but I never realized what a great day trip it made until I went back with my dad a couple of years ago and played tourist. Ft. Scott is about an hour and half south of Kansas City. Ft. Scott’s downtown has several antique stores. If you like to antique this is the place for you. The prices beat any antique stores in Kansas City, hands down.

After a day of shopping drive about 20 more minutes south on 69 Highway and pick up the best fried chicken you will ever eat at Chicken Annie’s in Pittsburg, Kan.