I don’t generally go shopping without a need to do so. I avoid the mall at all costs and save my household errands for midday when stores are less likely to be crowded. However, I love a good vintage, thrift or antiques shop and can easily spend hours browsing such spots. Add some interesting architecture and great people-watching, and I’m hooked!

Luckily for me, Kansas City has a thriving vintage market in an historic warehouse district known as the West Bottoms. Shops open once a month and draw large crowds with a variety of vintage, new and handmade wares. I confess I always go with cameras in hand, looking for photo ops more than treasures to bring home.

I never tire of looking the interesting details and unique architecture of the buildings in this area. I love the fact that these old warehouses and shops are being repurposed, yet still maintain their history and identity. And the light that floods in from the large windows is amazing…I’m drawn to it every time I visit.

The quirkiness add to the charm of this place, and it pays to investigate the alleyways and other less-traveled spots. It’s fun to explore both inside and out, and there are photo-worthy finds around every corner.

Each time I visit here I see new and different things. It’s never entirely the same–which makes it perfect for photo explorations!

~Leslie

P.S. Show us where you’re exploring these days! And remember to tag your Instagram posts with #viewfindersio for a chance to be featured in the Viewfinders IG gallery.