Lee's Summit Archives - Our Changing Life

Cockrell Mercantile: Missouri’s Tastiest Hidden Treasure

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 10:24:00 +0000

Tucked away on the outskirts of Lee’s Summit, Cockrell Mercantile is the kind of place you hear about in whispers. Those “you’ve-gotta-go” recommendations from folks who know where to find the good stuff. With its creaky wooden floors, vintage architecture, and shelves brimming with gourmet goodies, this charming mercantile feels like a step back in time with a flavorful twist. What started as a general store in a tiny village now stands as one of Missouri’s tastiest hidden treasures—a must-visit spot for food lovers, gift seekers, and anyone who appreciates a good old-fashioned surprise.

A Century of Where?

To hear someone mention Cockrell will usually evoke sideways looks. “Where?” is one of the most common replies. This sleepy little town has never been large, with a population of around 25. From its beginnings as a farming community, the city was added to maps when it was awarded a post office in 1886. Like other small towns, the post office was run out of the general store. Over time, it moved to a new store, which put the old one out of business. Finally, in 1902, the post office closed for good. These days, the town of Cockrell is still a quiet spot, but the mercantile helps draw visitors from miles around.

The Morton House

The Cockrell Mercantile is made up of five buildings. Each one has its unique flavor. After parking in their on-site lot, we were ready to start exploring. Our first stop was The Morton House, a baker’s dreamland. Stepping through the door, we were met with the delicious aroma of a bakeshop. Not the kind of place filled with pre-cooked goods. This was the type where the scents were from the materials used to create marvelous treats. Exploring the shop was an adventure filled with color and charm.

Fiesta Cottage

Next, we discovered one of Cockrell’s most colorful surprises—the Fiesta Ware Cottage. Just a few steps down the path, this standalone building bursts with vibrant hues and retro charm. Inside, shelves are lined floor to ceiling with dishes in every rainbow shade. From classic cobalt and sunflower yellow to seasonal releases and rare finds, it’s a dream come true for collectors and casual admirers alike. The sheer spectrum of color makes it impossible not to smile, and we found ourselves lingering longer than expected, drawn into the nostalgic feel of this iconic American brand.

A Color Lover's Paradise

It’s not just about picking up a plate or two—it’s about the experience. The cozy cottage invites you to slow down and appreciate the artistry behind everyday objects. I overheard fellow shoppers swapping stories about their own Fiesta Ware sets. Passed down through generations, these treasures foster a sense of connection and tradition. Whether you’re hunting for that elusive piece to complete a collection or just falling in love with the colors, the Fiesta Ware Cottage is a delightful stop that adds a pop of personality to any visit to Cockrell Mercantile.

Cockrell Cottage

Just a few steps away, the Cockrell Cottage beckoned us with its boutique charm and cozy farmhouse aesthetic. Inside, it’s a carefully curated blend of modern rustic style and vintage-inspired finds. Think soft throws, scented candles, seasonal décor, and clever, timeless and trendy gift ideas. Each display feels like a Pinterest board brought to life, and it’s easy to get swept up in imagining how these charming pieces could warm up your own home. Whether browsing for a unique hostess gift or simply soaking in the cozy vibes, the Cockrell Cottage adds a stylish twist to the Cockrell Mercantile experience.

Exploring Cockrell Mercantile

Our visit to the Cockrell Mercantile was like a step back in time. Here we were able to enjoy our time meandering through the shops. It felt like a visit to an old general store filled with modern conveniences. It is undoubtedly a fascinating collection of shops, and we are so glad we were clued in on it by one of our faithful readers. This is precisely the type of interaction we hoped for when we began our travel blog. We can all help each other uncover the hidden gems that lie just around the bend. Thanks for your input, and we hope you share your hidden gems with others.

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The Battle of Lone Jack: Echoes of Conflict

Jeff & Crystal — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 09:30:00 +0000

The crackling of flames and the distant wails of the displaced filled the air as homeowners watched helplessly. Families were being torn from their farms. Their lives were reduced to smoldering ruins under the ruthless enforcement of General Order No. 11. It’s a stark image that encapsulates the deep scars left by the Civil War in Missouri. As we stepped into the Lone Jack Civil War Museum, we could almost feel the echoes of history reverberating through the walls. This wasn’t just a battlefield; it was a community caught in the whirlwind of war. Here neighbors became enemies, and survival was a matter of brutal chance. Join us as we reflect on the Battle of Lone Jack.

We want to thank the Lone Jack Civil War Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

A Fast and Ferocious Battle

The Battle of Lone Jack erupted on August 15-16, 1862, in a ferocious clash between Confederate guerrillas and Union forces. At dawn, a combined Confederate force launched a surprise attack on the Union garrison, igniting a savage, close-quarters fight. The battle raged for five relentless hours, leaving over 200 dead and many more wounded. By mid-morning, the Union line began to crumble, forcing the remaining soldiers to retreat. Despite their victory, the Confederates soon abandoned the town, unable to hold their ground against reinforcements. Lone Jack was left a smoldering testament to the cost of war in Missouri.

Remnants of War

The brutality of the battle was reflected in the ammunition used. Musket balls, minie balls, and artillery shells tore through the air, embedding themselves into the landscape. Walking through the museum’s exhibits, we saw these relics firsthand. Deformed bullets and balls told a story of chaos and carnage. Unlike the mass-produced weaponry of later wars, these projectiles were often crude and designed to inflict maximum damage. The sheer volume of lead exchanged at Lone Jack turned the battlefield into a hellish cauldron, where neither side was spared from the violence.

From Cannons to Squirrel Rifles

Weapons of war came in all forms during this battle. Field artillery, including cannons, roared across the field, shaking the ground with each blast. At the same time, many fighters wielded squirrel rifles and shotguns, designed for hunting rather than combat. The mismatched arsenal speaks to the nature of the conflict. Organized military units clashed with local militias and guerrilla fighters, all of whom were armed with whatever they could muster. This lack of uniformity made the battle even more unpredictable, as both soldiers and civilians were drawn into the fray.

The Cave Hotel

One of the most harrowing scenes of the battle took place at the Cave Hotel. This once-thriving inn became a gruesome battlefield. Its walls became riddled with bullet holes as Union troops made a desperate stand. Confederate forces stormed the building, engaging in brutal hand-to-hand combat. The hotel, meant to be a place of rest and refuge, became a spot where men fought for their lives in the tight confines of its rooms. The story of this fight lingers in our minds, whispering a tale of desperation and sacrifice.

The Brutal Battle of Lone jack

The aftermath of the battle saw further tragedy unfold. In an act of calculated cruelty, Colonel Hays ordered his men to shoot the Union soldiers’ horses, leaving survivors stranded and unable to flee. The battlefield, which had already become a graveyard of men, also became a final resting place for their loyal mounts. This act underscored the brutality of the battle, where the rules of engagement blurred. With the region caught between Union control and Confederate resistance, the battle’s ripples were felt far beyond Lone Jack.

Guerilla Warfare

The region’s Civil War experiences were defined by guerrilla warfare. Bands of Confederate partisans waged a relentless campaign against Union forces. The Missouri State Militia struggled to contain these unpredictable fighters, who struck from the shadows and melted back into the countryside. The Border War turned neighbor against neighbor, deepening the wounds that would take generations to heal. Lone Jack was just one of many battlegrounds in this vicious conflict, but its story exemplifies the chaos that engulfed the region.

The Reality of War

The Battle of Lone Jack was more than a single engagement. It was a microcosm of Missouri’s Civil War, where battles weren’t just fought on open fields but in homes, towns, and the hearts of its people. The devastation wrought by General Order No. 11 ensured that suffering would continue long after the last shots were fired. Families were forced from their homes, and communities were left in ashes. These were the legacies of the Civil War. As we left the museum, the weight of history seemed to follow us. Standing beneath the Missouri sky, we reflected on how the echoes of history still shape the land and the lives of those who call it home.

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Who’s on Third? – A Day in Lee’s Summit, Missouri

Jeff & Crystal — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 11:20:29 +0000

Recently we traveled across town to find the answer to the question of Who’s on Third? (Street) in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. One of the nice things about living in a large metropolitan city is visiting all of the diverse areas that can be found. Many towns and cities get swallowed up by annexation. While some struggle with an identity complex, others have embraced it. Many have learned to market their unique flavor. They use it to attract the tax dollars brought in by visitors from other parts of the metropolitan region. For us localized tourists, this is a win-win situation. We have plenty of great little neighborhoods to visit, which gives us a chance to soak up the local culture.

A picturesque downtown shopping corridor invites visitors to explore.

Our Arrival

The historic section of downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri runs for about seven blocks along 3rd Street. It also radiates out from there for a block in each direction. The entire area is easy to traverse on foot, and free parking is plentiful. With over 40 unique shops, and dozens of dining and drinking establishments, we were looking forward to quite an evening. We pulled into downtown on a Friday afternoon. After parking our car, we decided our first stop would be Bar-istro. After the drive across town, we felt a drink would put us in a more relaxed mood.

Bar-istro has the feel of an open air French wine shop

With our pace calmed, we headed out to explore the area. This is a railroad town, and a stop for the Amtrak, which runs through downtown. Third Street is the main downtown business area in Lee’s Summit, and it epitomizes the idea of “Shop Small”. A wide variety of boutique style shops fill the area, selling apparel , kitchen supplies, home furnishings, and the list goes on. This is a perfect fit for our type of shopping. We find the unique products offered in these type of establishments have more character than what is found in the larger chain stores. It’s also a lot of fun to stroll through and check out the wide variety of offerings.

Blue Heron is an example of the boutique shops found on Third Street.

A wide assortment of unique items can be found in the downtown shops.

Dinner Time

After a couple of hours of shopping, we felt the pangs of hunger rising, so we headed off to dinner. We had made dinner reservations at Third Street Social. We arrived toward the end of Happy Hour, but managed to beat the madhouse of the Friday evening crowd. After being treated to a wonderful dining experience, we set off in search of some entertainment.

An inviting gathering spot in the 3rd Street Social bar area.

Just about a block off of the main drag we stumbled upon Icehouse Auction. Housed in a building dating from 1896, this place offers a cozy, fun experience. Visitors pick up a bid card, and some of their free popcorn, and proceed to enjoy the spectacle. If you have never been to a live auction, then you don’t know what you are missing. For entertainment value they are hard to beat, and if you don’t buy anything then your spend is nothing. Of course, sometimes you will find that treasure you never knew you wanted, and just maybe you will win it for a steal of a price.

Friday evening are entertaining at this 1896 icehouse turned auction house.

We watched the theatrics for a while, and then decided we wanted to see more of the neighborhood. Back down on 3rd Street, we strolled the evening checking out the storefronts. We were quite impressed at the way the city has been able to spark a rebirth of this historic area. This reminded us of some of the other areas around the metro that have been able to add fresh, and sometimes quirky businesses. It is especially impressive when they maintain their historic charm.

A fun looking eatery that we will certainly have to sample on a return visit.

Dessert

Third Street seems to draw a considerable amount of traffic. This was clearly evident as we strolled the main shopping area. On our walk we spotted Poppy’s Ice Cream, and decided to stop in for an evening nightcap of the sweet variety. The wide variety of culinary experiences we had enjoyed this day spoke volumes about the quality of places that have called this neighborhood home.

Poppy’s homemade ice cream is available in many fine dining restaurants in the KC metro.

As we walked back to our car, we felt certain that we had discovered the answer to the question of Who’s on Third? The whole evening had been delightful, and we noted a few places we did not have time to visit, but certainly needed to be added to a future itinerary in Lee’s Summit. Once again we were happy to have the chance to be tourists in our own hometown.

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Cool Treats at Poppy’s Ice Cream

Jeff & Crystal — Thu, 16 Mar 2017 11:40:52 +0000

Poppy’s Ice Cream & Coffee House is located at 307 SE Douglas in downtown Lee’s Summit. It was a welcome sight during our recent visit. For us, one of life’s sweetest treats is ice cream. Give us a warm day, and a bowl of ice cream, and we are just about as happy as we can get. When we happen upon an ice cream shop we have never visited, we just have to stop in to see what they offer. The variety of colors swirled in the different containers are mesmerizing, and we find ourselves drawn to test a few.

A Pre-visit to Poppy’s

Poppy’s Ice Cream sits just off of the main drag, which is 3rd Street. The steady stream of people with ice cream cones treats highlighted the existence of a shop. It was not difficult to follow the trail to the door. In front of the shop they have a few chairs and tables for customers wishing to enjoy a sunny day. During our visit there was a little nip in the air, so we decided to partake of our purchases indoors. We had planned to visit them later in the evening, but I wanted to get some daylight photos. It also gave me a chance to scope out the variety of sweets they carry. While I clicked away with the camera, Crystal ordered up a hot beverage to keep her fingers warm while we toured the downtown. We walked away knowing that within a few short hours we would be tasting their frosty offerings.

We returned to Poppy’s Ice Cream later in the evening to claim our self-promised rewards. While looking around, I took note of the building interior. Like some of the other buildings in the area, this appears to be an older industrial shop that has been renovated into retail use. The excessively high ceiling is covered in ornate pressed tin tiles. Exposed brick, pipes, and duct-work add to the age-old industrial feel. It certainly gives the place an old-time vibe. Before settling down to a bowl of ice cream, we first like to explore any other options. We noticed a glass display case on the side, and found it contained an assortment of candy treats. These are brought in from Chip’s Chocolate Factory, which is one of our favorite stores in Crown Center. Since we have sampled their wares on multiple occasions, we decided to focus this visit on the colder sweets.

So Many Choices

In the Poppy’s freezer cabinet, we discovered eight flavors of ice cream, and four of sorbet. The flavors rotate, and all are homemade. The menu allows customers to order a variety of frosty delights. These include concretes, shakes, sundaes, and scoops. Banana splits come in normal size, and a special Jungle Split version with eight scoops of ice cream. Talk about the potential for brain freeze. Scoops can come served in bowls or hand rolled waffle cones. The cones can be dipped in chocolate, and topped with sprinkles. For what I thought would just be an ice cream shop, this place takes customer choice to the max. We taste tested a few of the flavors that they had in stock, before finally deciding on our desserts.

We were able to speak with the owner, and discovered that Poppy’s Ice Cream is served in quite a few restaurants in the Kansas City metro. Some of these include; Michael Forbes, Blue Koi, Grand Street Cafe, and Pierpont’s. Since our trip included a myriad of dining and drinking places, we decided to go easy, and just ordered a couple of small sundaes. One was a Slow Sundae, which is topped with hot fudge, caramel, and pecans. The other was a Salty Brownie, which duplicates the other except for the addition of salty caramel. The other difference is that it all rests on top of a delicious brownie. The quality of these treats was superb, and we quickly realized why so many fine dining establishments have sought them out as a supplier. We now have a go to sweets shop whenever we visit downtown Lee’s Summit.

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