I go to romance bookstores in cities I visit and Under the Cover is probably the best I've seen!…read moreIt's large and organizes books by tropes. There's just a lot of small details that the owners have taken note of and implemented in the store. It's 2 large stores now (it's gotten bigger) and the decorations and gifts are wonderful. Very Instagrammable. Lots of books and gifts like candles, shirts, bags, knickknacks. Cute signs and decor. Books by local authors are highlighted. Staff is very helpful. Bathroom is clean and cute. There's lots of ladders that remind you that you're not Belle, do not stand on them! A must-visit if you're in KC!

I used to be in the bookstore business. Remember bookstores? Those cavernous spaces with endless…read moreshelves of books of which maybe only 5% actually got purchased? Yeah. Good memories. That's not the case at Under The Cover. This is a legit, almost boutique-ish, book and gift store. It's not a warehouse of books and just 'stuff'. No, their specialty lies with LGBTQ+ literature, awareness, and advocacy and that theme is everywhere in this cozy space. Under The Cover is moving books aplenty and their merch and sundries game is amazing. Throw up a hand if you're an LGBTQ+ supporter. Heck, throw up a hand if you're on the other side of those lifestyles, because Under The Cover will WELCOME you, too. There are plenty of Christian bookstores, so balancing that ledger with inclusivity and love by patronizing an alternative choice & lifestyle business should be on anyone's radar. The service is uber-friendly and they will give suggestions for just about anything. Sign their guest book (so fun!) or just drop your email to receive future discounts, notice of specials, or even in-store author events. Support local is not just a rallying cry for farmers markets or service industries. It's critical to buttress our friends and neighbors who pour their hearts and souls into offering the great city a neverending array of shops & locations by supporting their businesses. The value in a place like Under The Cover is not just in the price tag of the items. No, it's more in the merit of small businesses and their place in the fabric that is Kansas City. Parking is city-style, which can mean you're on your own. Prices are fair and consistent, and you will appreciate what this space has become and how it can add to the Union Hill area. Take the time, and the opportunity, to stop in and feel the love.

Obsessed with the library!! This library offers free cooking classes and I was able to snag a spot…read morefor the comfort food reimagined and 10/10. From the teaching to the food, everything was amazing! Our instructors were so sweet too. They let us know everything we could be doing to perfect our food. I've been here once to study and it was a good vibe! I enjoyed how spacious it was and how it had a cafe and when I went.. LEGO! That's always going to be amazing for me.

This library is great and so much more than just books. I typically use the app to reserve books…read moreand cds and pick them up via the very convenient drive thru window. You can also drive thru to drop books off. The app is easy to use. This location has a little coffeehouse and they have a culinary area that I've heard great things about. I'm sure there are so many more things to use and enjoy here, but I seldom go inside.

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.

I love coming to KD's. As an educator, I can always find the "hottest and newest" books for my…read moreclassroom AND for myself! I love supporting local, and I love what they stand for as well. Every time I come in, I am always welcomed with friendly conversation. The price of the books are great, and better than you can get in those big box stores or Amazon. Support local book stores!

This store was fun a year ago when they had used books and fun book treasures, but it's even better…read morenow with an expanded adult section. They no longer have the used books, but they have all the new releases and more. I always stop in here when I'm in DTLS. The employees are so helpful. I love it when they have events. I once met a local author signing books, and we need more of that! I will continue shopping here so we can keep a great indie bookstore in business.

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!

There are so many amazing coffee shops in the kansas city area, and every time I try a new one it…read morebecomes my favorite. This one was no exception, but I do believe it might remain the reigning champion. First of all it is a coffee shop in the basement of a church, and its name implies that it is religious. So the reviews that act surprised or give lower ratings for that reason are silly gooses. The ambiance is outstanding! It is a whole vibe. You are surrounded by books, some of the tables have pew seating, there is a kids area, they sell T shirts cheap ($7) and used books at an amazing deal. New books are priced as marked with regular retail pricing. I was shocked at the number if new hooks they had. The crowning jewel for me was they have natural house made (or local bought) syrups so you are not getting a run of the mill commercially based anything. I expected that to limit their menu but it didn't! I had the caramel crunch chai, hands down best chai I have ever tasted. I wanted to chug it. My friend loved her drink that had winter mint! I also splurged on a winter pomegranate spritz and cake pops to go. This is a coffee shop where you come in, slow down and enjoy the experience. I do not recommend this place if you want a quick coffee to go. The Barista was exceptional and she put time and effort into each drink. She did get backed up because she was all alone when a coworker called in and got slammed! She was clearly overwhelmed but never once rushed a conversation or made any of the customers feel like she didn't have time for them. Rare beauty in this rushed world we live in. She encouraged checking out the gorgeous sanctuary and stained glass windows upstairs in the sanctuary and shared stories about them. I never once felt like I was in a church basement- if that makes sense. It was warm, cozy and inviting. This is my new weekly spot! PS the kids area has a full tote of scrapbooking stuff, and the tables all have cards where you can write up a handwritten note and they send them of somewhere to spread joy and kindness. It does not get better than this.

I had assumed that Holy Grounds Coffee had taken the former St. James Catholic Church and created a…read morecool coffee shop in the building. The last I knew that the space had been an events / wedding hall, a B and B and vacant. Little did I know was that it had been reformed as an Anglican church and the coffee shop was being ran by the church in the basement. The vibe was just kinda weird...it's basically a cluttered Christian book store and gift shop serving coffee and sandwiches. The staff were polite but not very welcoming; I felt like I was intruding on a private function that didn't want me there. I took my Mocha Cream Breve' and went out on the patio for some views of the beautiful historic structure. When asked about their source for coffee beans, I was told "we get em from someplace in Arkansas". OK!?? I'm sure that some demographic here in the bible belt will find this basement quaint and charming, but it just gave me a desire to go spend my money at a more secular venue.

Limited selection of books but they host a variety of local artist's work and indie author work…read morewhich is unique and amazing. I found some great things and of course a few good reads. The selection is mostly used and marked down books (from big retailers for resale) so they have the mark down lines or dots, etc. but that also means that the selection may change more frequently. Which is great because you never know what you may come across. Also, loved the music choices playing in the store it took everything in me not to sing-a-long. The service was great and it's an independent bookstore that is worth the visit!

What a wonderful place to grab a book (or 4) for yourself and a local gift for a friend!…read more Their selection is great - lots of genres and price points. The owner is friendly and there is space to relax if you want to skim your selections.

I love this bookstore as it always has the books that I am in need of! I was very unhappy to hear…read morethat it will be closing in March along with all the other Cokesbury stores. The company is going to be web-based only. That is fine, I understand the growing amount of people using e-books. However, not everybody has access to a computer to order books or quite grasps the concept of tablets. Also, sometimes the smell of a new book is like Christmas morning. Fresh and wonderful!