Shopping in Prairie Village

Though focused on bicycles, Elite Cycling equips athletes for both on-land legs of a triathlon with both cycling and running equipment and apparel. Along with a cavalry's worth of racing bikes from brands such as Cervelo, Ridley, and Surly, the store stocks athletic shoes from such brands as K-Swiss and Newton. To ensure customers find the ideal frame during fit analyses, the staff asks series of questions to determine their individual needs and specific cycling goals beyond just having the loudest bike bell possible.

The Wheel Cyclery helps to pair patrons with cycles from manufacturers such as Giant, Orbea, Scott, and Colnago and keeps them safely rolling with gear and maintenance services. Shelves brim with equipment from brands such as Sugoi and CamelBak, stocked alongside bike pumps, safety lights, custom insoles, and other accessories.

Maintenance services range from simple adjustments and lubrication to tune-up packages with wheel truing and complete drivetrain cleanings. The Wheel Cyclery’s calendar bursts with events that build a community of bike enthusiasts via weekly group bike rides with onsite childcare, maintenance classes, and spin classes for off-road finessing. To nurture the environment, staffers recycle or reuse 80% of the shop’s waste.

The brainchild of a fashion-forward mother-and-daughter team, the charming Frankie and Jules boutique stocks trendy yet practical apparel and accessories for all occasions. Seasonal dresses hang neatly from wall displays, adorning the shop with splashes of color and eye-catching sparkle. A selection of everyday items includes embellished T-shirts, seamless leggings, and oversize sweaters. Finagled from chic Titans, these items come together to create cozy ensembles for casual Fridays and laid-back dates, whereas sleeveless sequined dresses elevate entrances into red-roped venues. Patrons may complete their looks with Frankie & Jules' selection of heels, boots, flats, and bejeweled accessories.

Stepping into Altar Bridal boutique is like stepping into the enviable dressing room of a Hollywood starlet. Bright windows and polished wood floors set a simple backdrop to racks lined with romantic, feminine, or vintage-inspired gowns. Labels spell the names of top designers such as Amy Kuschel and Tulle, as well as up-and-coming artists from Project Runway. Additionally, a small selection of dresses hails from three local designers, who can often meet with the bride-to-be throughout the fitting process or work directly with them to create a completely customized frock.

Enthusiastic, yet down-to-earth, the shop's staff chats with visitors about their personal style and wedding-day dreams. As brides sip on drinks, the staffers suggest several styles that best line-up with their personal tastes. Like a best friend or a magic mirror after a couple of cocktails, they'll dish out honest advice and feedback while brides try on gowns. They welcome brides to bring along friends, who may want to take a peek at haute bridesmaids wear and a closetful of accessories that range from dramatic to demure.

Nestled in Kansas City’s quaint West Plaza Arts and Antiques shopping district, Hook Gallery & Framing premieres local and regional artists by hosting their photographs, paintings, and mixed-media pieces, ranging from sculpture to large-scale installations. In addition to displaying work from up-and-coming artists, they preserve treasured photographs and paint-by-numbers portraits with custom framing services boasting more than 500 frame and mat options. The framers also rent out their charming venue for small-scale social events, such as anniversary celebrations and birthday parties.

Hedged by evergreen shrubs and flowering bushes, placid tide pools and trickling waterfalls flow into a deep, rocky basin. This backyard oasis is one of dozens of successful installations constructed by Rolling Meadows Landscape and Garden Center’s team of landscape artists. At their garden center, landscape experts of the same ilk assist guests with their own gardening endeavors. In addition to advice on landscape design, eco-friendly gardening goods, and the pros and cons of installing a moat made out of slip ‘n’ slides, Rolling Meadows’ team strives to empower local green thumbs with monthly educational classes and workshops.