Usually I would be posting about the annual Waldo Fall Festival right about now…but, as with all of our treasured fall activities (Plaza and Westport Art Fairs, Renaissance Festival, etc), it’s not happening this year. The Waldo Business Assn has come up with another event you can participate in: the Waldo Walk, starting Saturday and running until Sept 26.
You can do the Waldo Walk virtually or in person! Download the Racery app to go digital or get out in the fresh air and walk or bike the six mile route in person. (You do not have to do all six miles!) Teams are encouraged! There are many local merchants with special giveways and offers throughout the walk, including McLain’s Bakery, Crows Coffee, Bier Station and Geo’s Cheese. Special thanks to Mike’s Wine and Spirits for being a sponsor of the walk!
Get more details here. Remember, Waldo Walk lasts seven days so you have plenty of time to get out and explore Waldo during this Fall season, enjoy the cooler weather and (socially distant) mingle with friends and merchants along the way. THANK YOU for supporting our locally owned businesses!
Owner Spencer Woodard is a wholesaler by trade, owning Geo’s Foods. He’s been in the cheese business for fifteen years, was born and raise in Kansas City, and lives in Waldo. Spencer says he’s always wanted to open a gourmet cheese place in Kansas City, and after looking at a few other locations, decided on this spot at the corner of McGee and Gregory. “The word ‘cheese’ draws so many people” he explained. “ I always thought Kansas City needed a cheese shop. We love the neighborhood and being here, everyone is so supportive.”
As with just about every other locally owned Brookside/Waldo retail shop, there is an emphasis on personal service here. Chances are Spencer’s longtime friend Gary Seabaugh will greet you at the door and offer his assistance. If you call ahead, Geo’s will put together a special gift bag of cheeses, crackers, etc you can pick up ready to go. Or just stop in and browse—bring something special home for that last minute meal on a warm night!
So here’s how it works: bring in your jar, bucket, bottle, whatever (you can also purchase them at the store or take from the donated containers basket) and browse the shop, filling up on what you need: there are cleansers for your face/ body, laundry, and home. Weigh the contents on the scale and pay by the ounce—you can purchase as little as one ounce of product just to give it a trial run at home, or stock up large jugs to last several months. All soaps have no artificial scents and many are allergen free. There is also a “house brand” line of products that are mixed in Springfield. Annie and Adam also carry several essential oils if you do want to scent the soaps you buy. Both are very customer service oriented and will walk you through the options as to what would work best for your specific cleaning needs. This shop is perfect for your own personal shopping or to purchase special, unique scented gifts for friends and family. And of course, it’s very environmentally friendly!
Anne says ” We firmly believe that what we are doing is making a difference. We just want to be a utility for those who are already trying to make less impact on the planet. In less than two years our three shops together have kept over 30,000 containers out of the landfills, waterways, and even recycling centers.”
Inside Brookside (And Waldo) 