The Country Club Plaza is a historic shopping district in Kansas City, Missouri. Opened in 1922, it was the first shopping center in the United States designed to accommodate both automobiles and pedestrians. The Plaza is known for its beautiful Spanish Revival architecture, with fountains, tiled rooftops, and distinctive Mediterranean-style buildings.
It features a mix of high-end retailers, restaurants, and art galleries, and is one of Kansas City’s premier cultural and commercial centers. The Plaza is also famous for its holiday lights, which are a major attraction every winter season.
Key highlights include:
- Shopping and Dining: The Plaza is home to upscale boutiques, national retail chains, and fine dining restaurants, offering everything from casual eats to gourmet experiences.
- Fountains and Statues: The Plaza is dotted with fountains and sculptures, with the J.C. Nichols Memorial Fountain being one of the most iconic.
- Art and Culture: The area is rich in cultural offerings, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and several galleries within the district.
- Annual Events: The Plaza Lights event, which marks the beginning of the holiday season, is a popular tradition, drawing crowds to see the district lit up with thousands of Christmas lights.
The Plaza remains a vibrant, charming, and historical destination in Kansas City.