Wise Blood is a lovely bookstore in Westport and is a great addition to the area! They have variety…read moreof genre selection (including used and new books), a kid's books section, coloring books (adults and children), notebooks/pens (moleskin style stuff), and were very welcoming when my husband and I walked in. They feature local art on the back wall - we went to a "meet the artist" event one evening (Hubbard Savage is the local artist featured - he's super talented!). There were also some musicians who played and also did some spoken word type of stuff, both of which were delightful! They have a little seating area that's comfy if you wanna sit and flip through a stack of books when you're trying to decide which to get. I will definitely be back - this place is amazing. Highly recommend you stop reading this review, get in your car/on a bike, and go check it out!

It was my first time in town and ran across this store. Great selection of books in titles and…read morediversity of genres. Used and new books in great condition. You can tell a lot of love and thought went into the titles! Great collection and will definitely be back.

Happy to Shop here. To buy and sale my used books. Plus, the staff can not forget them. Always a…read morepleasure to speak with them.

The store was organized in sections by book types. Very large selection available in a variety of…read morebooks, records, cassettes, posters, etc. Staff were very friendly and helpful of finding what I needed. I felt most of the books were rather pricy even though it said they were 1/2 off. Some were newer, but some were not and the prices still seemed pretty steep. Vintage books are available as well, which those prices are expected to be in the higher range depending on the book. If you are in the market to get rid of some books, records, posters, cassettes, electronic players, etc then they will buy those items on the spot as well.

Walked in only had about 15 minutes to shop, but the customer service was great. I was looking for…read moreone record that Lauryn Hill album miseducation I was satisfied so I give this place five stars. It looks good it is organized. It looks like a great record store. I'll be back to get me a T-shirt.

We were in the area driving around to look for an antique shop and we saw this record company. So…read morewe parked a little ways away and walked there. The staff was very nice and helpful. They had an extensive collection of records. I'm not really sure about the pricing of records but when I told someone who is familiar with pricing, they said that that's about what they go for. They also had a small book store section with new and used books. I ended up buying a fictional book and it was four dollars for a used book. We actually did recommend this store to people that we know who collect albums and they were happy that we did!

When you walk in this bookstore, you feel equally welcomed & like you're walking into a new…read moreuniverse. Frequently changing the books & space design, like an art installation, owner Cori exclusively features authors of color. You can also shop online & have items shipped or picked up in store. If you're looking for a specific text that isn't available, she will find it! They also host multiple bookclubs & monthly events. Open Wed-Sat. The store is part of a small strip & does sit on a busy intersection, so pay attention while en route! Always check social media or call, for updated hours. Support local. Support Black Owned. Support Woman Owned!

My daughter and I stopped at this record shop on our way home from Branson a few months ago…read more I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to find parking since it was in a busy area, but I was able to find a parking spot right in front of Josey, which was a huge plus. I didn't purchase anything but I looked around for a while and they had a great selection of used vinyl. They were all organized nicely as well. There were a couple records that I ALMOST bought but I took a breath and put them back, lol. The employees all seemed really nice as well. I would definitely go back to Josey Records if I'm in the KC area again.

In 1993 I did one of the most regrettable things of my life; I got rid of my extensive record…read morecollection. I was taking a one-way trip to Alaska and not sure if or when I would return and if I did return would I be broke, so I put my entire collection on consignment at one of the greatest record stores to ever exist in this city - Recycled Sounds. I had worked there for several years and it was the greatest experience of my life, but needed to roll the dice in pursuit of making some big money, so my vinyl became a safety net in case I came home broke or broken. I ended up returning with a bit of money in my pocket, a bit more upon return for the sale of the collection, but worst of all - no music. I built a small collection of CD's but it wasn't the same; flash forward 30 years and I've become the person that I once derided - a consumer of streamed music. The lesson for all the kids out there - don't get rid of your records. They have made a surge in popularity over the past 15 years for a reason - something physical, liner notes to read, cover art to admire... OK, so what does this have to do Josey Records??? Josey records puts me in my happy place when I go there. The nostalgia of rummaging through the bins even if I'm only there a couple of times a year buying some vinyl for the one cool friend that still is collecting records. Even though I only buy records for others now, I've picked up some cool music related gifts such as today - a music magazine and some Misfits socks for my wife. So even if you stream music, get yourself into Josey's or any local independent record store and give them as much support as you can, so there will always be brick and mortar record stores. "Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you got 'til it's gone..."

Rainy Day Books is kind of the best of both worlds - a book lover's paradise staffed by book…read moreworms. It's a cozy space, but it's jampacked with books from all subjects. If you can't find what you're looking for - which for some reason happens me a lot - the staff is happy to order a copy for you. They're book club friendly. They also host a ton of fun book-related and author events. If you're interested, please follow their social media accounts. They'll keep you up to date.

Indie bookstores are the best. This one being the oldest in KC, just celebrating 50 years is…read moreabsolutely amazing. They have amazing author events either in their shop or the Unity Temple on the Plaza. There is a great kids section with a ton of options. Employees are super helpful and will help you look up books as well. I needed to make sure a book was appropriate for kids and they looked up the details for me! Great bookstore all around!

Where do you buy gifts if you want the recipient to think you're clever AND have good taste? Where…read moredo you go if you want to visit an inspiring retail shop? Not many better places than the museum store @ NAMA. I've been to the NAMA several times, but somehow I've never noticed this awesome gift shop tucked under a stairwell. I'm kicking myself for not going here whenever I needed a gift. I know what you're thinking...a museum gift shop? 4 stars? Seriously? LAME. I generally agree that gift shops blow. They're usually for stranded or overly excited museum tourists to blow money they shouldn't be spending. Many times these places are even tacky. I'd argue the NAMA museum store is very light on the tacky nonsense. Most of the stuff I saw there I'd like to own or found interesting. There is a overwhelming selection of awesome art history texts here. LIke WOW amount. Multiple books solely about peeps like Bruce Nauman, Cindy Sherman, David Smith, et al. If the shop was a wee bit larger I could see myself spending days here just browsing through all the fascinating art history books. Unfortunately, the size of the area doesn't lend to extensive browsing. Any & every "rock star" artists of the last thousand years is represented. Seriously impressive collection. There is also an extensive stationary & cards department as you enter. What struck me most about the gift selection is the amount of unique--almost quirky stuff. My sister has a salt and pepper shaker that i always wondered where she got it and sure enough here it is for sale at NAMA's Museum Store. The Museum Store is the type of place you'd go if you appreciate paying a little extra to shop inside a building designed by Steven Holl. It's a place to find gifts, books, & stationary with a touch of muted eccentricity. Not your everyday store with not your everyday items...

The Nelson-Atkins Museum, Rozzelle Court and The Museum Store for me is like getting a really big…read morehug of joy and happiness. It's the best trifecta in town. For me, I grew up in a very blue collar, factory, warehouse part of town. Going to the Nelson as a kid was life changing for me. It showed me that there was a different kind of life out of what I was surrounded by. Not that one is better than the other, just an expansion of possibilities. So I do realize that I have a heart string attachment to this place, but with perspective, I still feel all three aspects of this museum are exceptional and should be explored by all. The Museum Store (gift shop) is very well done. It's perfect for unique gifts, local gifts and not-as-readily seen mass produced retail items. They have an outstanding book selection with focus on art, artist, architecture and design. They also have a strong and unique card/ stationary area. Gifts for all ages and all people are easily found here. It's a great store to find a unique and personable gift at, all within the amazingly gorgeous walls of the Bloch building. Maybe that one gift you buy here will change the life of some young person you know too. If that's not a reason to shop here than I don't know what to tell you.

This was my first time at Afterword (though I have been meaning to go for a while) and I am already…read moreplanning on coming back! I love the vibe of the space, which is lined with bookshelves and they even have a card catalog. The drinks are fun and with some Literary references for the names. I had the poppy war and really enjoyed it. We sat inside but they also have an outdoor patio. The bathroom was also extremely clean. Service was very quick with barely any wait before the drinks were ready. I would recommend anyone that loves a cocktail to stop in!

Cozy, book-filled, and perfect for unwinding with a drink. I tried the drink of the month the…read moreBoozycatipillar, a fun literary-themed cocktail supporting Read to Lead KC delicious! The only downside? Ordering at the bar makes it tricky to hold your seat as a solo guest. Drinks are a bit pricey, but the ambiance is worth it. Great spot for book lovers looking to relax with a cocktail!