This is a small book shop tucked away inside a co-op art center. The floors creaked upon entering…read more I was greeted by one of the arts who joked how no one can sneak up on them anymore. According to the workers, their shops were new-ish due to half the space being constructed into a microbrewery. Prior to that, they were spread out around the space. Blue & Grey is the only book store within the four walls. The majority of the selection are history books and cookbooks. I found a large copy of the Illustrated History of Jackson County which detailed postal codes, city development, and land ownership in the early years. Other history topics include WWI, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. I also found the Collectors' Guide to Cookie Jars.There are some VCRs on the shelves too. Everything is reasonably priced. Becky, the owner, was bubbly. She talked to me about what's inside the store and showed me the adjacent art gallery featuring 12 local artists. It seemed that she really enjoyed working in this space with the artists. In short, this space is worth a walk through, and if you can support any of the local artists/vendors inside, do it!

From the owner: The Blue & Grey Book Shoppe has an expanded inventory of Civil War, Local History and other…read moreAmerican History books - New, Used, and Rare. Plus a selection of Fiction and Non-Fiction books, Doll Clothes, Maps, Curated Gift Items, Fine Art, and Much More.

Four stars for now, but this place could EASILY fall into 5 star territory, once I have some more…read moretime to really dig in. Either way, this home decor in Independence Square is seriously a hidden gem. What I am most impressed with is that I can easily see women and men (or at least men with an eye for design) being impressed by this store. While some of the stuff is a little too frilly for my taste, every time I turned my head I was drawn in to look at something else. In my head, I redecorated my entire apartment, and it looked pimp. Some of the particulars that I really liked: - high quality reproductions of WWI era (I think?) wool army blankets. - Edison bulbs, everywhere! - Great vintage desks and tables made of reclaimed wood One minor downfall is that the store seemed somewhat expensive to me, though I guess you get what you pay for. Not often do I say "I HAVE to get back to Independence," but damn... I have to get back to Independence!

This is a beautiful store, and the customer service is outstanding! If you are looking for unique…read morepieces for your home, this is your place. There's always something different and special available. Also, they carry Beekman 1802 bath and body products, which are outstanding.

This is a friendly place! And it's the famous soda shop where President Truman got his start! On…read morethe corner out front is a statue of young Harry sweeping up, but he did everything in the store including opening to closing, to everything in between. Enjoy one of their many ice cream delights at the old-fashioned soda fountain up front, or create one of your own and gather with friends in the genuine soda shop booths in the back, complete with signage from "back in the day." Peruse the creatively displayed shelves chock-full of both popular candies of generations of childhoods past, and today. You won't see any of what we called "Penny Candy" in my day, or at least they aren't priced like that now! The only thing lacking for me was enough different flavors of ice cream, but I got MY start in the working world at the home of 31 flavors, Baskin-Robbins!

This little shop is so cute and has amazing homemade ice cream options! Perfect if you're looking…read morefor a local, old timey spot. I got the sampler and loved every flavor, especially the strawberry cheesecake! My boyfriend got the cup with pieces of cheesecake, strawberry syrup, etc. and this was AMAZING! Highly recommend--I would definitely come back here!

Englewood Arts Center is a bright spot in Independence nestled in the neighborhood of Englewood…read morelined with majestic homes and boosts local shops such as Four Corners Framed Art, Englewood Cafe for breakfast n lunch and Vivilore restaurant. The art center sits in a remodeled medical building and founded by a grassroots community initiative that has transformed a vacant building into something very special. The Third Friday Art Walks, a monthly event throughout the Englewood Arts District is a lot of fun as one Friday they were having glassblowing demos. They even offer an entry level 101 class for get started burning glass. How cool! A new addition to the outside are these very tall flowers which was a public community art project where the petals, painted by the community, were welded on and made out of fan blades bought from the restore in Independence plus chandler parts and house items adding to parts of the flower. The arts center is managed by Amie Jacobsen, an artist herself and Ty Peyton Follis Admin coordinator Another gem in one of our Kansas City neighborhoods. Englewoodarts.com

A large multi floor building with public sculpture and murals outside and an interior with spaces…read morefor gallery exhibits, artist studio rental, events space, classes, glass blowing, and a cool little gift shop. I was completely amazed by the selection of artists on display and the scope of the art. On my Saturday afternoon visit, I was able to see two exhibits. The first was "Confluence'; a collaboration of their 8 resident artist using mixed media - a beautiful and varied media exhibit. Upstairs I witnessed "Faces After Suicide" a very powerful exhibit from Lindsey Doolittle featuring drawings from her suicide survivors support group. I was able to chat with her and gain a deeper understanding of all the emotions that a suicide survivor must endure. A conversation that I'll always remember. Thank you Lindsey and Englewood Arts for this exhibit. And of course the gift shop is right on the way out the door and has a great selection with very reasonable prices. I secured a glass heart for my wife's upcoming birthday. I will return for all future exhibits and it will definitely be a place to pick up some local art for Christmas gifts this year.

I LOVE this shop! It's like the time-honored "General Store" some may remember. It's truly a…read morecharming store from the beautiful flowers outside the front door, to the back walls, to the 2nd room, including life-size cutouts of Travis & Taylor there to greet you! Everywhere I turned, around every corner there was something that caught my eye and interest, especially all the unique food items, many hand-crafted by well-known independent companies in the KC Metro area. And the most extensive variety of Stonewall Kitchen jams, jellies, and preserves of every sort! I swooned at the sight of Pink Grapefruit Marmalade...you just can't leave here empty handed! Gift-able items galore, sure to please, because you know YOU want them too! Kitchen and housewares, unique grocery items, games...an almost endless variety. It's just delightful place to shop and browse. And be sure to try the epic assortment of the locally produced Polly's Pop!

I had visited this store a few years back and remembered it fondly as a cute store with neat…read morekitchen nick nacks and delectable food items. However, while in the area I decided to stop by since I am in the midst of a kitchen remodel, and I did not like the vibe I received from the woman in the store. I do not believe that she was the proprietor but someone who seemed to have hawkish eyes and a bit of cynical skepticism about her. I do not present myself like the regular provincial type of women from these parts. I am cool and confident and humble (but not in that Mary Kay way, if you know what I mean). It seems that I didn't fit her particular vision of who she wanted in there. B.T.W, I was the only there and am not surprised if this is because others have felt the same. I almost was about to purchase something that I liked but decided that I could definitely find it elsewhere.

Found what I needed quickly! Keegan helped me decide what to buy and definitely saw items I want…read moreto come back for next time!

The staff was very friendly and helpful. We found exactly what we were looking for. The store was…read morevery clean and well stocked.

Been here twice! Fabulous finds ! Great staff!…read morePleasure to be here. I'm really happy to find clothes, and vintage treasures all around!

So much to look at! Vintage items, Boutique Clothing, jar goods, just about everything!read more