Kearney Missouri

Can you imagine life in the early 1800s? With the need to furnish a vast array of your everyday goods, a homestead would need a sizeable footprint. When Waltus Watkins (say that three times fast) brought his bride to live in Liberty, Missouri, he set himself on a path that would change their lives. Watkins, who had trained as a weaver and machinist, was already a successful businessman in the area. His desire to be near the frontier had brought him to western Missouri where he had built a wool carding mill. With his family growing, it was time to think bigger. Watkins [...]

We are so hopeful that 2021 will see a return of travel that we decided to start our season with some day trips. It's fun planning and executing a one-day run that lands us in new territory. Kansas City is the perfect home base for a multitude of day trip options. An hour north of the city and we found ourselves in Kearney, Missouri. With a little time before our first official stop, we decided that some sustenance would be wise. Driving into the downtown, we spotted Paisley Perk, which would supply us a much-needed Kearney coffee break. In Short Order We loved [...]

When you step into history, it can lead to just as many questions as it does answers. During a recent discussion, we pondered why people are so fascinated with the notorious desperados who grab the headlines. From gangsters to bandits, there is something fascinating about their stories. A trip to the outskirts of Kearney, Missouri landed us at The Jesse James Birthplace and Museum. Nestled in the rolling hills of northwest Missouri, this tranquil spot was home to one of the most notorious bandits in America. We've all heard of the escapades of this outlaw, but we were interested in what turned him [...]