Ophelia's, Independence
August 2026
Harry Truman would have been proud of Independence and those who have kept his city vibrant and viable. Buying up dilapidated buildings and restoring them has been a passion for locals Ken and Cindy McClain. Committed to Independence Square’s revitalization, their efforts have helped retain its turn-of-the-century vibe.
Ophelia’s restaurant and inn were their first renovation. Twenty-seven years ago, they bought the rundown 1907 corner building on Main Street. Formerly Hills Brothers Hardware and Katz Drugstore, the offices above the main level once housed local politicians including Harry S. Truman and Ike Skelton. Today, those six offices have been converted to comfortable accommodations welcoming overnight guests.
My husband and I checked into a spacious room stocked with complimentary snacks and local Polly’s Pop and Polly’s sparkling water in the mini-frig. Views of the square from different angles accompany comfortable furnishings and seating areas. Bamboo linens from Faceplant Dreams were first noted by Cindy during a hotel stay, and she also sells them in her retail shop around the corner. For a quick breakfast, the common area provides teas and microwavable oatmeal. Several coffee shops plus Dave’s Bakery & Deli serving fresh donuts lie steps away.
Cindy named the property after the novel “Reviving Ophelia,” which she was reading at the time of their purchase and tied into the couple’s passion. Across the street stands the imposing Historic Truman Courthouse where Truman practiced law and the Courthouse Exchange where he ate lunch most days.
“One of my first guests said she was privileged to stay in a room on the corner of history,” remarked Cindy.
A bonus—Ophelia’s restaurant, directly below the inn, serves lunch and dinner plus weekend brunch and in-room dining ordered via QR code. Award-winning Chef Bobby Stearns spearheads the eclectic American menu’s globally inspired flavors. Our stay fortuitously coincided with the once-a-month Savor dinner. Hosting 30 guests, Chef prepares the surprise menu tableside with Cindy as sous chef. Together, they foster community as guests ask questions, chat with new friends and pour wine placed in the middle of the long tables.
The next morning, we headed to the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum and toured the 1859 Jail where Frank James was held. After lunch, we climbed aboard a covered wagon with Pioneer Trails Adventure and were entertained by costumed interpreter and wagon builder Ralph Goldsmith. Capping off our day, we shared an old-fashioned sundae at Clinton’s soda fountain, the site of Truman’s first job at age 14.
Visit OpheliasRestaurant.com for more information.