By Dawnya Bartsch, Daniela Barzallo, Molly Higgins and Arial Whaley
Looking for a vintage china pattern? Or perhaps you’re planning your big day and looking for the right florist to create the bouquet of your dreams. There are so many places to consider. Here’s what our readers say. And for good measure, we picked a couple of our own KC favorites, too.
editors’ Choice: Best Dart Maker
Horizon Darts
One of the best dart-making companies in the world is hidden away in a nondescript building in KCK. Horizon Darts, the makers of Laserdarts, is known for creations like the Black Widow, one of the best-selling darts of all time, crafted for efficiency and accuracy.
Horizon Darts’ mission is to create “darts with purpose,” prioritizing utility over style, and this dedication to detail has put them on the map as a dart supply and manufacturing company.
“We distribute all over the world,” says vice president Josh Foster. “It’s funny because the people that are outside of Kansas City think that there’s 50 of us here and that we’re this giant corporation, and then everyone in Kansas City doesn’t realize the scope of what we do.”
Despite its recognition worldwide, the company is still a family business. Run by mother and son team Melody and Josh Foster and originally founded by Melody’s sister and brother-in-law in 1985, Horizon Darts was born out of the family’s love for darts and desire to find quality products closer to home.
“I think my biggest pride is the legacy of our family and being known as the best in the world,” Josh says. “It’s humbling to me because we really do put our soul into it.”
Readers Choice
Best Makers Market
The Strawberry Swing
Best Eyeglass Shop
Warby Parker
Best Local Maker
West Bottoms Plant Co.
Best Kitchen Store
Pryde’s
Best Shoe Store
Von Maur
Best Pop-Up Shop
Wasteland Society
Best Garden Supply/Nursery
Family Tree Nursery
Best Craft Studio
AdhDiy Craft Cafe
Best Gift Shop
Queen Bee Boutiques
Best Clothing Resale Store
Blessings Abound
Best Home Goods Store
HomeGoods
Best Hotel
Crossroads Hotel
Best Men’s Boutique
Roger Figueroa
Best Women’s Boutique
Queen Bee Boutiques
Best Antique/Vintage Store
River Market Antiques
Best Grocery Store
Hy-Vee
Best Jewelry Store
Meierotto Jewelry
Best Plant Store
Family Tree Nursery
Best City Market
River Market
Best Local Clothing Store
ULAH
Best Hardware Store
Ace Hardware
Best Car Wash
GO Car Wash
Best Record Store
Mills Record Company
Best Florist
Lily Floral Designs
Best Butcher Shop
Fareway