KINGSVILLE. This beautiful botanical park, spanning nearly 950 acres, offers an inspiring collection of themed gardens, including the Perennial Garden, Rock & Waterfall Garden, Island Garden, and Visitor Center Gardens. A temperature-controlled conservatory provides visitors the chance to see tropical fauna no matter what the weather is outside. After touring the lovely grounds and working up an appetite, stop by Café Thyme for a light lunch, a cup of coffee, or a slice of delectable cheesecake with crumbled chocolate and hot caramel drizzle. Powell Gardens is about 30 miles east of Kansas City.