Shopping is a popular pastime in Missouri, though the stores tend to stay away from high fashion and focus on products in which the state excels. That would be crafts, souvenirs, outdoor gear, and folksy knickknacks. Branson has a nice shopping development called Branson Landing, a pedestrian strip that runs for over a mile along the waterfront of Lake Taneycomo. It features more than 100 shops and restaurants to browse and a cool trolley runs its length, helping to transport those weary from tugging their purse strings all day.
Missouri’s big cities have the most extensive shopping. In Kansas City, the top retail district is Country Club Plaza, a 15-block area built in 1922 to resemble a Spanish village. With 150 stores, bars and restaurants, it’s a one-stop destination for fun. The Crossroads Arts District is the place to find a great piece of local art in one of the 60 galleries backed by bars and restaurants. Another fun spot to explore in Kansas City, especially on Saturdays, is City Market downtown, an outdoor collection of stalls that has been open since the 1850s. It has everything from fresh food to crafts among its 150 vendors.
Downtown St Louis is refreshing for its non-mall shopping environment. Centered around Washington Avenue, this revitalized area is an eclectic array of shops, department stores and businesses along its streets. There are large modern malls dotted around the city such as St Louis Galleria, St Louis Mills and Plaza Frontenac. Check out the Delmar Loop district for the funky side of St Louis shopping.