The Country Club Plaza is a 14 block shopping district that includes such shops as Saks Fifth Avenue, Brooks Brothers and Gucci. However, the plaza is so much more. From its elaborate architecture to its pastel tile-roofed buildings to its intricate statues and mosaics to its sparkling fountains, it is the heartbeat of Kansas City!

Built in 1922, the Plaza was modeled after Seville, Spain, one of Kansas City's sister cities, and was the nation's first shopping center. For 75 years the Plaza has been the place to shop and eat.

In addition, it is the setting for art fairs, the city's Easter parade and summertime concerts in the park. But by far the most notable event is Christmas. What began with a single strand of lights above a store entrance, has become one of the most spectacular holiday lighting displays in the nation. With more than 60 miles and 200,000 jewel-colored bulbs, from Thanksgiving night until mid-January, the Country Club Plaza is transformed into a twinkling winter wonderland!

(P.S. Probably the best way to take in the Plaza's 180 unique shops and dozens of outstanding restaurants is a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride.)

Crown Center, Hallmark Card's International headquarters, is an enclosed shopping and entertainment center featuring more than 80 shops and restaurants, live performance theaters, cinemas, gallery exhibits, Kansas City's only public outdoor skating rink, and Kaleidoscope, a children' s creative center. Kaleidoscope is a world just for kids where touching, hearing, seeing, imagining and experiencing the joy of creating their own works of art is the name of the game.

And while the kids are having fun, mom and dad can find out more about Hallmark. The Hallmark Visitors Center, on the third level, presents the story of Hallmark with more than a dozen exhibits. For more information call 816-274-8444.

The Midwest's largest open-air farmer's market is on the southern bank of the Missouri River in Downtown Kansas City. Since the 1840's this area has been a place to stock up on supplies. Pioneers bought food and other necessities before embarking on their long journey West. And today, the City Market is still a source for produce, herbs and flowers; as well as crafts, antiques, shops, restaurants, nightclubs, art galleries and the Steamboat Arabia Museum. The City Market is at 5th Street and Central. 816-842-1271.