Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks, Games Lindsay Browne Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks, Games Lindsay Browne

ReRoll Tavern

ReRoll Tavern in North KC: every great adventure begins in a tavern.

Viking adventures at ReRoll Tavern

“Every great adventure begins in a tavern.”

Where to go in North Kansas City for nerdy fun? ReRoll Tavern (and its sister bar Vignettes next door) are great places to find adventure.

I’m so excited to have been hosted to share about this local gem! I look forward to sharing more in the future as we continue this partnership! My show the Medieval Medicine Show will be performing at ReRoll 6/24/24.

What to do at ReRoll?

ReRoll Tavern has an extensive library of games to play onsite. Pay at the door and have access to countless board games. It’s also a great place to relax with friends or on your own.

There are tons of special activities to join. Check out their monthly calendar and social media for fun offerings like: Tuesday night ladies night (no cover), crafts, Legos, miniature painting, themed parties, cocktails and coloring, chess, knitting, trivia, music performances, ReRoll After Dark (karaoke and other after party activities), board game socials, and cosplay.

If you have a reservation at the Vignettes Pop-Up Bar next door, come in to ReRoll for some fun before or after your reservation.

It’s a great location for an ongoing game of Dungeons and Dragons or other roleplaying games. Join a party or bring your own. (Ask about their Dungeon Master incentive program).

Book their private room for your party, book club, or gaming session.

Themed Parties

I love a good costume themed party. You can expect a good crowd at a themed night with themed drinks and activities like trivia and costume contests. My husband and our friends have enjoyed dressing up for two Letterkenny Super Soft Birthday Parties. Manu, my partner from the Medieval Medicine Show, and I had a blast being hosted at their Spring Viking party in preparation for the Kickoff of Vikingfest. Other themes have included Parks and Recreation, Shrek, What we do in the Shadows, Pokémon, 90’s Cartoons, Post-Apocalyptic, Star Wars, Pajama Party, Cyberpunk, and many more!

Lindsay and Manu from Medieval Medicine Show exploring our Viking side with friends from Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival.

The Medieval Medicine Show Party and Performance

Saturday, August 24 at 4pm, be sure to catch my Renaissance Festival Show, Medieval Medicine at ReRoll Tavern! We are so excited ReRoll is bringing us in to have a big performance and party with our 75 closest friends and fans! Be sure to save the date!

Tavern Food and Drink

ReRoll Tavern has tasty fresh made pizza and other tavern snacks like nachos, soft pretzels, and burgers. No tavern is complete without drinks to quench the thirst of an adventurer. ReRoll has a signature cocktail and shot menu, specialty themed menus, beer, seltzer, and cider. At the Viking party they offered mead. The Phoenix Down is a very tasty shot. They also have soda, coffee, and juice (including a bottomless soda and coffee option).

Membership

Phoenix Down Shot

Be part of the ReRoll Community and enjoy unlimited access, free friend passes, discounts, and more. Memberships are monthly, yearly, or lifetime for individuals or families.

Looking for more nerdy adventures? Don't miss my posts about Epic Nerd Camp and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival, Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival, Central MO Renaissance Festival, and Oklahoma Renaissance Festival.

 
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Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne

Treehouse on the Magic Land (Missouri)

The Enchanted Treehouse on the Magic Land

Treehouse with firepit and hot tub!

Visit the “Enchanted Treehouse on The Magic Land and restore your soul!”

Unplug in nature. Connect, explore, and play.

Do you ever go on a busy trip and need a vacation to recover from your vacation? A stay at the Enchanted Treehouse is a true vacation, where you can let yourself relax.

On some vacations you feel guilty taking naps; you are missing all the sights and activities you should be packing in, but when you stay in an enchanted treehouse, napping is a great way to really enjoy the treehouse experience and the swaying of the trees. Relaxing in the treehouse is exactly what you should be doing. After almost 15 years of marriage, my husband and I really needed this chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect. Book your escape today.

Why Visit

While there is room for a crowd of close friends or family (which would be a blast), my husband and I booked it as a romantic getaway for 2. Perfect also for a girls getaway, celebrating a birthday, family getaway, bachelorette, boys trip, spiritual renewal, or even a solo retreat.

Treehouse kitchen table from the top of the ladder to the second floor

View of the kitchen table from the top of the ladder to the second floor. Note the live tree trunk!

Enchanted Treehouse

This two-story treehouse is nestled in a magic forest of tall pine trees. The treehouse is built around two of the trees but also on stilts allowing the trees to sway in the breeze with only gentle movement of the structure. All of the essentials are there: indoor plumbing with sink, toilet, shower, refrigerator, air fryer toaster, hot water pot, coffee, propane stove, and propane fireplace. Plenty of cozy spaces for your whole group to sleep: a bunk bed on the main floor, up a sturdy ladder find beautiful views and several beds and hammocks, including a comfy queen size bed, heaters, and window a/c.

The creaking of the timbers reminds me of being on an old wooden sailing ship. You can hear the dogs, roosters, and geese on the property. If you are a light sleeper, you may want earplugs, but we were able to sleep very deeply. The queen size bed was very comfortable.

There are so many cute decorative touches. You’ll continue to find more hidden delights each day.

Watch this quick video tour of the inside here! More photos in the gallery at the end of the post.

Fire and Other Fun

Relax in plenty of seating with chairs and tables around the central firepit and an old time tin hot tub: a large animal trough over a fire. This is a fan favorite. Fill the tub up with the hose, build a fire (you can buy wood onsite), let the water heat for 2.5-3 hours. Put out the fire and soak away your cares under the stars! It heats up faster on future nights if you reuse the water.

Explore the woods, enjoy sitting by the water (provide your own fishing poles), relax in a hammock, read a book, play with the animals, and connect with nature. You can add additional experiences to your stay, like individual, family, and couples coaching, massage, or a farm tour.

Friendly Dogs

Animal Friends

There’s a whole group of friendly dogs that are eager to greet you and hang out: Daphne, Skeeter, Barnaby, Velvet, Whistle Pig, and the giant neighbor dog: Davey. They will keep you company outside but don’t come into the treehouse. You can also feed the chickens. The geese are best admired from a distance. The dogs will lead you on expeditions into the forest and help with any dog-safe leftovers.

Food

Make sure to order the amazing big country breakfast at least one morning (or all of them). Laura Lynne, your host, makes the best breakfast potatoes. It is delivered to the treehouse with a parade of dogs and a cowbell.

There are lots of tools onsite to prepare your own food. Regular grill, fire skewers, a camp grill that goes over the fire as well as all the kitchen tools. We used a cooler to transport our cold items from home, but once there, there’s a refrigerator and freezer, or you can shop on the way there. We didn’t leave the property to check out any of the surrounding area since we had what we needed there.

Relax and listen to the wind in the trees

Tips

  • Bring cash or have Venmo/PayPal/Cash App for extras: firewood and breakfast for sure and any other extra services you might book.

  • Think through all your food. We got so excited bringing steaks, Italian Sausage, and hotdogs, and s’more makings that we forgot to bring side dishes except a bag of carrots and an orange.

  • You may want to bring a few paper plates if you don’t want to be washing dishes as often.

  • Bring a small firewood axe to chap the firewood up into some smaller pieces. There are lighter sticks, but if you want charcoal for the grill or firepit, bring your own.

  • Bring a couple pairs of shoes. Slippers/socks for inside, shoes that are easy to slip on and off to hang out by the fire, and sneakers/hiking boots to wander the grounds. You may even want rubber boots to tromp through the creek.

  • The main entrance is a steep set of stairs (much easier than a ladder) and the main level does have a bunk bed. There is a ladder to the second level, so if steep stairs are a challenge for your group, this might not be the best fit.

  • Download the gps map of the area in advance as signal can be intermittent in the area. You’ll get a comprehensive Magic Land Booklet that includes directions.

  • Bring a few of your favorite board games or card games (there are some there, too). There’s no wifi or tv, but you’ll appreciate the chance to unplug and stare at the fire and talk with friends, family, and nature.

  • There are plenty of outlets and charging cables for your essential devices in case you can’t entirely unplug. Keep your phone charged take some photos and communicate with your host by text. Signal can be a little iffy, but we didn’t have a problem. You can also walk down the hill to the main house.

  • Bring a box of plain Cheerios for feeding the chickens and dogs (the dogs will not eat carrots but love hotdogs).

Stop at Hermann

We were delighted to discover that stopping in Hermann, MO (the jewel of German Wine Country) on the way from Kansas City is only about 10 minutes off the direct route! Stop and pick up a few bottles of wine, enjoy a wineslush on a patio, or grab a meal on your way there and back. You could combine trips and spend Friday and Saturday in Hermann then move on to the the Enchanted Treehouse for a week or a few days to recharge. Read my Hermann post here to make the most of this opportunity.

Stop at the Central MO Renaissance Festival

Grubville, MO, where the treehouse is located, is a 2 hour drive from the Central Missouri Renaissance Festival near Columbia. Why not add a stay at the Magic Land before or after your weekend at the festival. Learn more about this truly fun festival in my CMRF post here, and check the dates.

 

Location

Located in Grubville, Missouri, the Magic Land is

  • 1 hour from St. Louis

  • 1 hour 15 minutes from Hermann

  • 2 hours from Columbia

  • 4 hours from Kansas City

The four hour drive from Kansas City is worth it. My husband, Brad, and I downloaded a playlist of tunes and a bunch of stand-up comedy to make the miles fly by. We also had the delightful stops in Hermann each way to stretch our legs.

Links to learn more

Learn More and Book the Treehouse on the Magic Land on airbnb

Magic Land Website

Facebook

My Facebook Reel of the Interior of the Treehouse

Instagram

My Instagram Reel

Visit Missouri Website

My post on Hermann, MO

My post on Central MO Renaissance Festival

Restore your soul on the Magic Land

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Festival, Weekend Trip Lindsay Browne Festival, Weekend Trip Lindsay Browne

Central Missouri Renaissance Festival

Central Missouri Renaissance Festival is boisterous fun!

Lindsay entering CMRF

“Most enjoyable mayhem and merriment.”

2024 Season

April 27th & 28th, May 4th & 5th, Oct 19th & 20th

Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 6:00pm, Rain or Shine

A truly fun festival!

The Central Missouri Renaissance Festival is a joy to attend. It’s a great place to perform as well. Small enough to have a true community feel, Central MO doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s easy to see that everyone is having a great time. As a more established festival, CMRF (Central MO RenFest) has a mixture of permanent stages and permanent structures with temporary vendor tents.

Realm

Experience the 1550 A.D. village of Carlingford, Ireland filled with artisans, musicians, pirates, and more. The Cast and Royal court are a hoot. They bring a ton of joy to the festival.

Closing Pub Sing

5 stages provide exciting entertainment: music, comedy, family friendly shows, and more bawdy ones. There are several food options including tasty baked goods and sometimes a pasty (hand-held British pot pie) food truck. There are many exciting vendors to tempt you if you have the shopping bug or need to buy some holiday presents.

Schedule

Central MO RenFest is held one weekend in the fall when it has cooled down around the 8th weekend after labor day (after the Kansas City Renaissance Festival is done). There are also 2 weekends in the Spring, often the last weekend in April and the first in May. Confirm dates on their website or social media. These dates provide an opportunity to wear the fun cloaks, armor, and layers that are less practical at summer Renaissance Festivals.

Tickets and Festival Hours

  • The gate opens at 10am and the closing ceremony is at 6pm.

  • Confirm current pricing online. At the time of writing: Festival tickets are a great deal at $15.00 at the gate for adults, children from age 6 to 12 are $10.00, and children 5 and below are admitted free. Season pass: $78.

  • For those 21+ “Shots Fired with the Queen” Tickets at $30, include festival admission and a very bawdy drinking event with the Queen, including a shot glass. Make sure to bring a designated driver or stay at the faire long enough to recover. Be safe!

  • Sometimes specials are available: past deals have included discounted tickets available if you bring non-perishable food items for the Fulton United Methodist Food Pantry or Military/EMS/State of Missouri Employee discount.

  • You can buy your tickets in advance and print them out or purchase at the door.

The Medieval Medicine Show loves CMRF

Tips

Explore the Forest including a Children’s Area

  • Bring cash. As of now, there are NO ATMS. It’s only proper to tip performers at least a dollar when you watch their shows (more is always welcome). While you can buy some things with credit cards at shops, cash is easier for smaller vendors and is accepted everywhere.

  • Dress up to maximize the fun! It’s not required, but I love to dress up. If you don’t have an outfit, you’ll be able to buy one there. Renaissance Festivals are typically rain or shine, so dress for the weather. You may want to take into consideration using a porta-privy when planning your outfit.

  • Be sure to check out the schedule of events for show times. In my obviously biased opinion, be sure to see me as the Renaissance Nurse in The Medieval Medicine Show. Plan your shopping and eating around what you want to see. Eating during less peak times will mean shorter lines and more time for fun.

  • Dogs are allowed if certain guidelines are followed (see website).

  • Prepare to spend a joyful day walking outside: comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, definitely bug spray, and maybe even a parasol are in order.

  • Stay hydrated! I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can buy these onsite). You will need to purchase drinks as running drinking water is not available.

  • Consider bringing sanitizer and wet wipes although there are handwashing stations.

  • The faire is set in open grassy fields and a delightful forest. The terrain can be a little uneven. I found I had some seasonal allergies related to the forest area, so you may want to bring allergy medicine.

  • Bug repellant, especially for ticks, is also wise. Do a tick check when you are done for the day.

  • Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds.

  • You can have a great time on your own, but it’s even more fun with friends or family.

  • Use this great opportunity to buy unique gifts and treat yourself.

  • Consider supporting a music group and get some music for the ride home buy CD after a show or from an official download site, like Bandcamp.

  • Stick around at the end of the day for a pub sing and closing ceremony.

 

Location

4274 County Rd 220, Kingdom City, Missouri 65262

Kingdom City is under 2.5 hours east from Kansas City, less than 30 minutes east of Columbia and less than 2 hours west from St. Louis.

I-70, 144/Hatton Exit, South just under 2 miles to the Fairgrounds.

Complimentary parking is located around the festival and is mostly on grass. As with all festivals, be prepared to walk a distance from where you park. Also be prepared for mud if the weather is wet.

I have made the trip from KC as a daytrip several times, but if you can make it work, stay over at a local hotel and make a weekend of it.

Links

Festival Website

Festival Facebook

Festival Instagram

Huzzah!

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Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne

Hermann, MO

Hermann, MO: wine country and so much more!

Lindsay at Copper Mule Distillery overlooking Hermann countryside

Wine country…and so much more

Spend a weekend in Missouri's Rhineland full of German heritage and wineries.

Girls Getaways and Romantic Escapes

Hermann is the perfect place to grab a group of gal pals and hit the wineries or grab your special someone for a romantic weekend. My husband planned us a surprise, magical anniversary escape to Hermann in 2021. We had such a good time, we plan on going again soon for another anniversary. I just came back from a delightful girls weekend at the end of the summer. Hermann also is bachelorette party headquarters.

Tastings, Patios and Stunning Views

Orange, the cat made himself at home in my lap at Adam Puchta Winery

Fill your weekend with wine tastings at Hermann’s many wineries.

For cat lovers, don’t miss the Adam Puchta Winery. Founded in 1855, it’s the oldest, continuously owned family farm winery in the United States, but more importantly to me, it has cats you can pet while sitting outside enjoying a glass of wine (or wine slush) and live music. Enjoy a truly affordable wine tasting, too.

Head over to Stone Hill Winery for an in-depth tasting (choose your own 6 wines from their double sided list). Stone Hill prides itself on their wines that have won over 5,000 medals and awards.

Copper Mule Distillery has the most delicious bourbon slushes, a great balcony view, and gorgeous new inside event space with big wooden beams.

The view from the patio is spectacular at Oak Glenn Winery.

For a great outdoor spot downtown, check out the shared patio between G. Husmann Wine Company and Black Shire Distillery Tasting Room.

Fernweh means wanderlust

More Drinks, Slushes, Food, and Fun

Grab a delicious meal at Fernweh Distilling Co with delicious brisket and smoked pork. You’ll understand why I’m especially attracted to them. Fernweh: from the German meaning wanderlust or literally farsickness, the opposite of homesickness. “We raise our glass to those compelled to live life as the journey it is, who dare to stay curious, and who appreciate fine spirits. Cheers!”

Cool off at Doxie Slush with a flight of cocktail slushes and a dachshund mermaid mascot. I recommend the strawberry amaretto shortcake and the rye berry bramble. Doxie Slush is also one of the few places open late to eat, especially on Sundays when Hermann completely shuts down. Doxie Slush is open on Sundays until 9pm (check current times to be sure). The fish and chips are fabulous with the skinny fries!

Bachelorette Central at the Piano Bar

A visit to Hermann is incomplete without stopping at the Wurst House for a great German Food experience: sandwiches, bratwursts, and the traditional sides.

1837 Cellar Bar has a great atmosphere with patios, live music, and a beautiful historical cellar with a bar (hence the name).

Grab counter service breakfast at Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar which includes gluten free and vegetarian options.

For cocktails including coffee cocktails check out The Bank Bar and Bistro or Seek Coffee.

For a great time, arrive early for seats at the dueling Piano Bar or show up later for standing/dancing room.

Transportations

If you plan to drink, find a safe way to get around. Downtown is walkable, but there are some cool things to check out at a driving distance, too.

We had a great experience with Debbie at Lyft You Up Rides. She offers a flat rate for van rides anywhere around the area or an unlimited-ride daily rate. She operates later into the evening than the trolleys and we were able to fit our group, luggage, and a foldable wheelchair inside her van. She went above and beyond to ensure we had a great time. There are barely any (if any) Uber/Lyft options, so Debbie is a great way to get around.

Hermann has a fleet of red Trolleys that you can ride around the local winery and distilleries with a one-day or two-day pass.

Both of these transportation options take cash or Venmo.

Tips

  • Bring cash or Venmo for transportation. It’s always a good idea to travel with cash for tips and avoid any atm fees.

  • Hermann has an open container law, so don’t wander outside designated patios with open alcohol.

  • Plan your activities around the fact that most things close early in Hermann, especially on Sunday. Check the current hours of operation for the places you want to visit and plan accordingly.

  • Pace yourself and hydrate if you don’t want to feel sick from over-indulgence. Naps are great as long as you don’t miss all the fun.

  • Hermann has many great seasonal festivals like Oktoberfest, Christmastime, Wurstfest, and Maifest. If you want to stay during those times, book early as things fill up fast.

  • The weather will make a big impact on whether you can enjoy the many outdoor spaces, so keep that in mind. Remember your umbrella, sunhat, bug spray, waling shoes, water bottle, and sunscreen.

  • For those with limited mobility be aware, many of the small town shops have a step up to get inside and most of the tastings are held at standing height bars without chairs. The downtown is mostly flat which does make things easier.

  • There is a clock tower in town that chimes out the hours. If you are a light sleeper, you may not want to book housing near it.

Accommodations

Check out tons of bed and breakfasts, Inns and Airbnb’s for groups of all sizes.

 

Location

Right on the Missouri River, Hermann is a three hour drive or four hour Amtrak train ride East of Kansas City. Located a one and a half hour drive West of St. Louis.

Links to learn more

Visit Hermann

Lyft You Up Rides

Adam Puchta Winery

Wurst Haus

Fernweh Distilling

Doxie Slush

The Piano Bar

Copper Mule

Stone Hill Winery

Bank Bar and Bistro

Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar

OakGlenn Winery

Hermann Trolley

Black Shire Distillery

G. Husmann Wine Co.

1837 Cellar Bar

Seek Coffee and Cocktails

“Little Germany” in Missouri.

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Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne Weekend Trip, Vacation Lindsay Browne

Smithville, MO

Smithville: Outdoor adventures and more!

Smithville Mural

Smithville mural

Outdoor adventures and more!

My summer intern, Keira, helped me out a ton this summer. She was able to give us the insider’s look at Smithville.

Smithville Lake and Small Town Charm

My summer intern, Keira, helped me out a ton this summer. She was able to give us the insider’s look at Smithville.

Smithville offers hiking, biking trails, a public splash park, annual festivals, and swim beaches. The lake is known for boating, fishing, golf courses, and swimming. 

Smithville Lake

Restaurants

Shrimp & Crab Ravioli

Keira, her mom, and I really enjoyed dinner at Aroma Bistro. My shrimp and crab ravioli had an amazing cream sauce, and the shrimp were perfect. Keira and her mom enjoyed the chicken alfredo. We saw another table order the house specialty, Ceviche, which comes in the most enormous martini glass. For special occasions you can even get edible gold on your dessert! The space is also available for events.

Other restaurants Keira recommends include Humphrey's Bar & Grill, Chops BBQ, Captains Corner, Kozaks, La Fuente Mexican, 169 Cafe, Westlake Chinese, and Pizza Shoppe.

Special Attractions and Venues

The Smithville farmers market runs June-September.

Check out Ladoga Ridge Winery for tastings (first come first served), entertainment, and special events, White Iron Ridge event space for weddings and other special days, and Raising Rust which in addition to being an event center, they have a photo booth and stage their property for you to take your own photos at their “portrait park” (by appointment only).

Accommodations

Smith’s Fork Campground and Smithville Historical Museum & Inn are nearby accommodations.

 
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Festival, Weekend Trip Lindsay Browne Festival, Weekend Trip Lindsay Browne

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival (St. Joseph, MO)

Huzzah for an enchanting new Renaissance Festival!

The Duke who hosts the Festival

“Step back in time”

2024 Schedule

Saturday and Sunday, May 18 and 19th from 10am-6pm.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

Assuming that “Merry” is great shopping and shows! The Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival started in 2022 with a stellar first season.

Activities

The Medieval Medicine Show

Find here all the activities that you love in Renaissance Festivals: turkey legs, festival food favorites, drinking, jousting, sword fighting, shopping, engaging characters, music, shows, and historical reenactment all in the festival grounds surrounding the Castle. There is a convenient inside bar area and restroom inside the castle out of the sun. Outside you’ll find many food trucks, shopping tents, and the expected port-a-privies.

This RenFest (Renaissance Festival) isn’t set in a particular time of history but covers a wide range of times including fantastical additions like faeries and dragons.

It’s fun to play like a kid: enjoy boffer games (foam sword fighting), a catapult, warhorse rides, axe throwing, and archery. Interact with larger-than-life characters. (Real kids enjoy these features, too I suppose).

I’m entirely biased, but be sure to catch The Medieval Medicine Show! (I’m the Renaissance Nurse or RN in this 2-woman musical, medical comedy show coming to Bluffwoods for 2024!). Your ticket gets you in both days, so no excuses. Laughter is the best medicine (unless you have diarrhea…)

War horse rides are for all ages!

Every RenFest Needs Turkey Legs

Tips

Watch exciting shows

  • Amazing pricing! Tickets are $15 and function as weekend pass, so try to make time for both days. Kids 5 and under are free.

  • Buy your tickets in advance on the website to save time waiting in line.

  • Dress up to maximize the fun! It’s not required, but I love to dress up. If you don’t have an outfit, you’ll be able to buy one there.

  • Bring cash. It’s only proper to tip performers at least a dollar when you watch their show (more is always welcome). While you can buy some things with cards, cash is easier for smaller vendors and is accepted everywhere.

  • Be sure to check out the schedule of events for shows and joust times. Plan your shopping and eating around what you want to see.

  • Prepare to spend a day walking outside: comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe even a parasol are in order. Stay hydrated! I like to bring a mug with a special belt clip to really get into the spirit (you can buy these onsite).

  • While there are a few paved areas the majority of the faire is set in open grassy fields in true festival style.

  • Bring a reusable bag for your shopping finds because it’s a long walk back to the car.

  • You can have a great time on your own, but it’s even more fun with friends or family.

  • Use this great opportunity to buy unique gifts and treat yourself.

  • Stick around at the end of the day for a closing ceremony.

 

Location

Castle Bridge Event Center

8403 US-59, St Joseph, MO 64504

St. Joseph is located just over 40 minutes North of the Kansas City International Airport, 30 minutes North of Weston, and about 1 hour North of the River Market.

To find the entrance by car, keep an eye out for the Castlebridge Event Space sign and drive back past the Bargain Barn Antique Store.

Complimentary parking is located around the festival and is mostly on grass. As with all festivals, be prepared to walk a distance from where you park.

Links

Blufwoods Renaissance Festival Website

2024 Ticket Page

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival Facebook

Blufwoods Renaissance Festival Instagram

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival TikTok

Bluffwoods Renaissance Festival Twitter

St. Joseph, MO Official Travel and Tourism Website

The Medieval Medicine Show Facebook

Huzzah!

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Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks Lindsay Browne Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks Lindsay Browne

J. Rieger and Co.

This distillery has it all, including a slide!

The slide is the most unique feature here!

“O! So Good”

There’s a Slide

Need I say more? The first thing you have to know about J. Rieger and Co. is that you can slide from the top floor to the main floor down a free, spiral slide! Do this as many times as you like. Taking the stairs back up to slide again balances out the calories of your food and drink, right?

Distillery Tours and Spirits Tastings

Enjoy an hour-long tour of the distillery including history and behind-the-scenes access followed by a tasting of Premium Wheat Vodka, Midwestern Dry Gin, Kansas City Whiskey, and Caffè Amaro.

An immense selection of barrels for selfies.

Bars, Restaurant, and More

The Tasting Room is where the tour ends and is a great place to grab a cocktail. Check out the J. Rieger wallpaper. Monogram Lounge is a restaurant upstairs where we shared appetizers for a meal. We made reservations. The Electric Park Garden Bar is open seasonally. The Hey! Hey! Club is an underground cocktail experience. Don’t miss the gift shop and historical exhibit.

Tips

Leave time for a cocktail and appetizers upstairs.

  • How do you pronounce Rieger? Ree - gur. Not Rye - gur.

  • Tours are currently offered 7 days a week, and advance booking is a must as tours sell out.

  • Any guest under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult 21+.

  • Closed-toe shoes are required for the tour.

  • Make sure to check in for the tour at the front desk 15 minutes early. No refunds if you are late.

  • Bring your Photo ID. You’ll also sign a waiver digitally using your phone.

  • You will be walking/standing for about 30 minutes during the tour. Fortunately, the distillery is ADA-accessible. We managed just fine with a wheelchair.

  • The barrel rickhouse and production floor are NOT climate controlled, and thus may be warm or cold depending on the season and the weather. We went in the winter and returned our coats to the car because it was warm enough inside even in the rickhouse. It may get quite warm in the summer. The tour will explain why those temperature changes are part of the process!

  • There are membership options if you can’t get enough.

  • There are many great locations for private events from wedding receptions to corporate events.

 

Location

2700 GUINOTTE AVE KANSAS CITY, MO 64120

Distillery is located in the Electric Park neighborhood of Kansas City. (NOT at 1924 Main St. the historic Rieger Hotel building. ‍

Allow extra travel time as the location is next to active train tracks. Follow the Electric Park detour signs should you get stuck at a train crossing.

Complimentary parking is located on the west side of the building.

Did I mention the slide?

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Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks, Games Lindsay Browne Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks, Games Lindsay Browne

Adventure Café (now closed)

Adventure Café in Lee’s Summit has everything you need to game.

Lindsay at Adventure Café in Lee’s Summit

Update: Unfortunately this lovely cafe has closed. Check out Pawn and Pint or ReRoll Tavern.

Grab your adventuring party, fuel up with provisions, and “roll for initiative” at Adventure Café in Lee’s Summit.

Coffee, Tea, and Games

Adventure, tea, games, and good company. These are a few of my favorite things. They can all be found at the Adventure Café in Lee's Summit. This coffee shop, gaming space hybrid has everything you need to experience a world of adventures from the comfort of your seat.

The Adventure Café has a library of games with handy color-coded dots helping you find the perfect game as well as reference books. You can pay $5 per table to play the collection of games or buy a membership.

Grab a coffee and a pastry at café tables in the coffee shop area, the semi-private section with sofas, or one of three private rooms you can book (for your next campaign or book club).

In addition to enjoying a delicious café beverage (I had the understandably popular, lavender chai), you can shop their inventory of unique, nerdy merchandise. I added a stylish box set of giant, pink dice.

See you soon in Lee's Summit, MO at Adventure Café.

Looking for more nerdy adventures? Don't miss my posts about Epic Nerd Camp and the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.

Game Library with color-coded dots

Location

Adventure Café Entrance

1211 NE Rice Rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64086

Just off 291 in Lee’s Summit, MO just outside Kansas City.

Links

Adventure Café Website

Adventure Café Facebook

 
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Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks Lindsay Browne Kansas City, Restaurant, Drinks Lindsay Browne

Sail Away Wine

“Kansas City's Self-Service Wine Bar. Taste the world one sip at a time.”

Lindsay self-serving a taste of Moscato

“Kansas City's Self-Service Wine Bar. Taste the world one sip at a time.”

Self-service Wine

Need I say more? Just in case you want more details, read on. I love customizing my experiences, and of course, I can always get behind a nautical adventure theme. At Sail Away Wine, you get to choose your own adventure.

This is the perfect place to try out wines without feeling judged if you don’t already know what you like. If you are already a wine connoisseur, you’ll find new favorites. A great place to bring friends or a date.

When you check in at the counter, you get a personal wine passport card to use and retain for future visits. The wines are organized in different glass-fronted cases of 8 different bottles in broad categories with detailed description cards above (keep the tasting card if you find a favorite).

Your personalized Wine Passport

Grab a glass (you can get a new one for each taste if you are feeling fancy or you can reuse the same one). Insert your wine passport card into the slot in the case. Pick the wine you’d like to taste and the size pour. There’s a sample size, a medium size, and a glass size. The price, which varies by wine, is listed above the buttons, so you know exactly what you are buying.

Grab your card, return to your table, and enjoy your wine. Whenever you are ready, go back for more of the same wine or move on to try a different one. Don’t forget your wine passport each time.

They also have a food menu to accompany the wines. Don’t miss the seasonal specials. We had a delicious big pretzel and a fabulous flatbread to share (which includes a gluten-free option). Spirits are also available. Check out the vintage refrigerated case for beers and non-alcoholic drinks (buy one for your designated driver). When you are all done, bring your passport to the bar to pay your balance.

Tips

Bring your passport back for your next visit. It is reusable, but if you forget, they’ll print you a new one.

Your receipt will include a list of all the wines you tasted which is handy to keep for future reference.

Make sure the spigot is properly pointing into your glass!

I adore this quote on the wall! Glorious Adventures ahead!

You can also buy bottles of your new favorite wines to enjoy at home. (If you buy a bottle to drink there though, it is quite a bit more expensive. Fortunately, the prices are well-marked.)

Check out live music and trivia nights.

Don’t forget happy hour discounts.

With all the card swiping for your samples, don’t forget to pay before you leave.

Visit again for fresh selections.

Make sure to read the inspirational quote on the wall on the way back from the restrooms: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” Go forth and plan your next glorious adventure!

Location

 

309 Armour Road, North Kansas City, MO 64116

Exciting places to go are popping up everyday in North Kansas City. Sail Away Wine is in the heart of downtown North KC. Angled street parking is available.

Links

Sail Away Wine Website

Sail Away Wine Facebook

How it Works

Sail Away Wine Instagram

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