Country Club Plaza

July 2005, Brenna's first 4 star hotel
Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, Missouri

This has been one of our favorite weekend getaways, both before and after the birth of our daughters. Country Club Plaza has the feel of a European plaza; perfect for walking and full of beautiful art and architecture. Kansas City is called The City of Fountains; visiting here you can definitely see why.

There are plenty of places to stay; we usually choose the Raphael Hotel located just across Brush Creek from the plaza. From the moment you enter you know that you are someplace special. The decor is both antique and contemporary, creating a feeling of welcome. It is very easy to sit in the lobby sipping coffee and carry on conversations with other guests.

The suites are spacious and include a pull-out couch, desk, television in both rooms, and free high speed internet. The bathrooms are small and unimpressive but the water pressure is strong and the water is hot. The fluffy bathrobes (also available for purchase) pick up where the bathroom lets you down. And a treat awaits you on your bed in the evening; chocolates one night, cookies the next.

Country Club Plaza was created for shopping. Clothing, toys, books and wonderful local boutiques; from upscale to ordinary you'll find it here.

The list of restaurants has wide range. McDonalds for the kids? Got it. Starbucks for your morning java? Yep. Panera for a fresh morning bagel? It's here. We always try to stop at KC Masterpiece for their excellent BBQ. Besides,it's where Doug proposed.

My personal favorite is The Melting Pot, a fondue restaurant. Make a dessert reservation, if nothing else. There is just something decadent about melted chocolate.

If shopping isn't your thing the Kansas City Zoo is just minutes away. The zoo is separated into "continents" accessible by train, boat or foot. You can also schedule a Segway or golf cart tour. The Kansas City Zoo is currently the 10th largest zoo in the country; there is something here for everyone.

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The Ramsey Farm at Lesanville

Mt.Ayr, Ringgold County, IA Link to Ramsey Farm Homepage


We spent an entire weekend in the Axtel House with my siblings and their families in the early fall of 2005. This house has two bedrooms with ensuite baths and two bedrooms with a shared bath. There is also a half bath on the main level. The living room has extra comfy couches and all rooms have satellite TV.

Just off the back porch is a fire pit and firewood is available. We made use of this the first night after all the kids had gone to bed; making smores, talking and looking at all the stars you can't see from the city.

Mt Ayr is the closest town. There are a handful of places to eat in town but I highly recommend bringing supplies or stopping at one of the two grocery stores in town and making use of the large kitchen. Since this is a Bed and Breakfast, breakfast is included in your cost but we chose to make our own due to our large group. (We did receive a discount.)

You can rent a single house or the entire farm for a large gathering (there are many family reunions held here every summer.) The farm is interactive and also features a one room schoolhouse and church.

The Carriage House and Lesan House also have rooms available. I prefer the Axtel house because it has the largest kitchen.

Mt. Ayr itself is undergoing a major restoration greatly supported by Paul Ramsey, the man behind the Ramsey Farm. On the town square are Aunt Jennie's Attic, a wonderful little shop filled with antiques and hand-crafted items, and a 50's style diner. The old movie theater is under renovation. And, if you venture off the square a bit, you'll find a coffeehouse and other craft shops.

Also close by is Lamoni. A destination for Amish Quilts and Crafts, Lamoni also hosts Civil War Reinactments over Labor Day weekend.

Prices (as of May 2007) are:

Lesan House $180/night with breakfast, $150 without

Axtel House $240/ night with breakfast, $200 without

On Highway 2 at Lesanville Road, just 15 miles west of Interstate 35, Mount Ayr, Iowa
The Lesanville Inn at Ramsey Farm
2285 270th Avenue, Mount Ayr, IA 50854 Tel: (641) 464-0811

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