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May 7

See Missouri by Train

The only remaining dome car in Amtrak service.

My son loves trains. Model trains, Thomas the train, freight trains, passenger trains – He loves them all. So I recently surprised him by taking him for a ride on a real train, the Missouri River Runner. Amtrak services KC and recently had the only remaining “Great Dome” rail car available for service between St. Louis to Kansas City.

Since this is the first time in many, many years that the historic dome car has been in KC – I knew that the kids and I had to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Our excitement grows as we wait to board the train. My son can’t keep still, he is so excited. As the train enters the station, they can’t contain themselves. I’m pretty excited too! It’s been years since I rode the train.

Finally the train comes to a complete stop and we wait our turn as riders deboard. Now it’s our turn! We board the train and make our way to the dome car which is the last rail car. It was funny to watch the kids try and keep their balance while the train was moving  80 mph!  As I giggled at them, I lost my balance and  fell into a man’s lap. Luckily he was nonchalant and unruffled by my clumsiness. We decided to go to the upper level, which was a good choice.  With windows on all sides and overhead, the  panoramic views of the Missouri countryside were lovely.

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Mar 7

Mestizo: A Food Blogger’s Perspective

Mary Bloch, a Kansas City food blogger, joins us to give her thoughts on Leawood’s latest restaurant, Mestizo. For more about her other dining adventures, check out Mary’s blog, Around the Bloch.

Aaron Sanchez of the Food Network recently chose Leawood as the site of his first restaurant outside the New York City environs.  In keeping with his roots  (he grew up at the knee of NY acclaimed restaurateur Zarela Martinez), Mestizo features upscale Mexican fare with a flair. The contemporary interior comes alive with bright colors, red light fixtures  and a funky wrought iron bar chandelier. Busy servers streak by in dark purple shirts that complement the orange chairs and booths.  In the evenings, when the music is turned up and the bar is five deep with “youngsters” are on the prowl, it can be quite loud. By contrast, the lunch hour is tame and civilized. There’s also a cool looking deck on the roof, complete with fire pits and heaters. One can only imagine what it will be like on hot summer nights. Read more

Feb 15

May 4, 1930 - Group shot of union members standing in front of their new home at 1835 Highland.
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Mutual Musicians Foundation – Not just for adults

For as long as I can remember, I have always known about the Mutual Musicians Foundation (MMF). Its reputation to those underage makes it appear to be a secret society, especially since it’s only open in the wee hours – 1-6 a.m., Fridays and Saturdays only.

But in some instances, I guess it was a secret society in the early 1920’s for colored musicians. The Colored Musicians Union or Local 627 was founded in 1917. In 1970, MMF was turned into a fraternal organization to keep the building and the rest of its assets. Apparently they were being given away to universities, museums, etc.

Before segregation, Local 627 was one of the only African-American musician’s union affiliated with the American Federation of Musicians and operated as a social center, engagement clearinghouse and vehicle for grievances against unfair booking practices. Read more

Jan 20

Thomas, interior

I Heart Food: A Bachelor’s Love Letter to KC Cuisine

It’s that time of year. Time for stuffed bears, candlelight dinners and heart-shaped everythings. But being the bachelor that I am, this year I’ll celebrate my own way … with my own dearest love … food. Introducing a love letter to three local joints that are on my mind lately. These are the ones I crave about, fantasize about … and yes, [heart] the most this lovey-dovey time of year.

Avenues Bistro

Avenues Bistro – Brookside is easily one of Kansas City’s most charming neighborhoods—and I rarely drive by this great local restaurant without swooning. If food is the way to a man’s heart, then this place hit the motherload. The menu here ranges from the delicious and familiar (lobster mac) to the more adventurous and European house specialties, like the Black Forest Jaeger Schnitzel. Those who like speed dating will probably enjoy the tapas. Small plates of ceviche, crab guacamole and bacon-wrapped jalapenos let you enjoy the bistro’s best, without the commitment of a full entrée. Read more

Jan 9

Coleman_House_Open

Toys of Our Time

Although we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite outdoor attractions during the chillier winter months in Kansas City, now is the time to be thankful for the myriad of fun and quirky indoor museums around town. One such gem is the Toy & Miniature Museum on 52nd & Oak.

The beauty of this place is that it appeals to visitors of every age—the museum can be a magical toyland for kids but also serves as a nostalgic trip down memory lane for adults. Visitors can travel through time with generations of cherished toys including dolls, dollhouses, trains, cars and more.

The museum also houses one of the largest collections of fine-scale miniatures in the world. The tiny treasures are perfect in scale, making them working reproductions of actual pieces.

Take, for example, this pair of tiny dueling pistols.  Artist Eric Pearson designed them so that all of the mechanisms are the exact proportions as those of a full size pistol.
Dueling Pistols Read more

Dec 23

Country Club Plaza Lights_031_AA

Brrr… It’s Cold Outside 4 cool places to visit over Christmas break

If your family is like mine, we can’t wait for Christmas Break.  Of course my kids (all kids) love opening their presents on Christmas day. But I am overjoyed with the sweet thoughts of sleeping late that dance in my head! This time is usually carefree, but after about two days, my kids get cabin fever. They love the outdoors no matter the season, but mom on the other hand does not like the cold. So here are a few things to do that your kids will find cool without being outside.

1.  Plaza Lights – if you haven’t seen the lights yet, it’s a must see. Thousands upon thousands of brightly colored lights embellish the domes, windows and towers of the Country Club Plaza. It is so pretty.  The best part, you can stay in your car to view the luminous lights if you don’t want to get out and walk.  Or you can bring a blanket and take a carriage ride.

2.  Crown Center – So much to see and do, you can spend an entire afternoon here. First stop, Santa’s Crayola Playland.  Open until Dec. 31, children can run and play to their heart’s content on super-sized Crayola® products for free. Next stop, Kaleidoscope. Another family favorite.  Designed for kids ages 5-12, this hands-on art experience let’s my kids create wonderful works of art for the refrigerator. And it’s free too!

3. Union Station - Every year I take my son to see the trains at the Holiday Model Railroad Experience. I think this may be his favorite holiday tradition. He can watch the trains go round and round the 8,000 square feet of tracks for hours. My daughter and I think it’s pretty cool too!

4.  CoCo Key Water Resort – Once you step inside this 55,000 square feet resort, you will think it’s summer, because it’s 84 degrees every day!  Touted as Missouri’s largest indoor water resort, CoCo Key is fun for the entire family. Thrill seekers, like my daughter can take on the water slides and the fast paced tube rides, and for those who just want to relax, the whirlpool is close by.  Two-for-one passes available at VisitKC.com

Create your own list of indoor winter adventures or feel free to use mine for starters.

Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Dec 6

Rocks from Jesse James Gravesite
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Holiday Wish List: 8 Great KC Souvenirs

Gift-giving can get a bit monotonous. So to spice things up, we scoured local museums and shops for gifts which will remind your friends and family of Kansas City. Try a few of these out this holiday season …

Shuttlecock ornament
  1. Shuttlecock Ornament  |  Standing 18 feet tall, the world’s largest shuttlecocks decorate the lawn of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Decorate your tree with this appropriately sized replica.  • $24.95, 4525 Oak St.
  2. Elephant Masterpieces  |  Three elephants at the Kansas City Zoo create these “pachyderm paintings” for enrichment purposes. Instead of a Picasso, you could own an original, trunk-painted piece courtesy of Lady, Lois or Leah. • Starting at $25, 6800 Zoo Dr.
  3. KC Monarchs Throwback Cap  |  2012 is the year of baseball in KC. Show your support for Negro Leagues heroes with this replica wool cap. • $14.99, Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, 1616 E. 18th St.   Read more

Nov 21

Zona Rosa

T.G.I.B.F.

After the turkey’s been gobbled up and cousin Suzie has finished off the last of the green bean casserole, most of the relatives will head to the couch for a little football and after-meal nap. But some of us have other plans.

If you’re like me, the moment the table is cleared after Thanksgiving dinner marks the beginning of the annual holiday shopping extravaganza, also known as BLACK FRIDAY.

Any strategic shopper knows that in order to have the most successful and cost-saving Black Friday, there must be a plan. Here are a few tips on around-town Black Friday events to keep in mind: Read more

Nov 18

Thankful

November is a time of reflection. To remember people and things we are grateful for. I am thankful for our veterans for their service to our great country.  I am thankful for my  children, family and friends. I am also thankful for Kansas City. In the past several years it has gone through a massive transformation and residents and visitors alike are reaping the rewards!

Here are four things that I am thankful are in KC (and that you should visit this month)!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It travels (Nov. 16–-19)
to KC every year. It is a show not to be missed. From the timeless classic Revelations to new productions, like Annointed, a tribute to Ailey himself,  each production is moving and expressive. Every time I see Alvin Ailey, I always leave wishing I had become a dancer. This year’s performance will be very special – I am taking my eight-year-old daughter. This will be her first time seeing an Alvin Ailey performance. I hope that she will be inspired as much as I am and that it will become a tradition for us. Read more

Nov 10

"America I AM Our Foundation" Gallery, Photo by Carol H. Feeley
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American I Am

If you’re like me, you know the basic facts related to the African-American experience in America. But upon seeing the new exhibit at Union Station—America I Am—I came away realizing that I hadn’t given a lot of thought to how those events impacted the people who lived them, let alone how they helped shape our country.

Tavis Smiley

I was fortunate to join a media preview hosted by Tavis Smiley, the PBS journalist, author and philanthropist who helped develop the traveling exhibit. Smiley wanted to chronicle the imprint that African Americans have had on American life. To do so, he recruited one of the top exhibition companies (the same company that did King Tut) as well as a remarkable collection of artifacts. Make no mistake; this is quite possibly the most impressive collection of African-American history ever brought together in one place. Read more

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