Patrick Mahomes donated $1 million to build this spectacular new playground

Photography by Versasport

Kansas City’s Martin Luther King Jr. Park has been noted in the news a lot over the past couple years. The public space at the corner of Woodland Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard (formerly Swope Parkway) was frequently mentioned in connection with the battle over renaming the Paseo for the martyred civil rights… Continue reading Patrick Mahomes donated $1 million to build this spectacular new playground

Luxury living on a beautiful secluded property

Look what $2,190,000 will buy you deep into southern Jackson county. This one-of-a-kind estate home in like-new condition is situated on twenty-six private acres just outside the tiny town of Lone Jack, Missouri. The contemporary home is designed by Mark McHenry of McHenry Shaffer Architecture and is quality construction built by Pruitt Custom Homes. You’ll… Continue reading Luxury living on a beautiful secluded property

A new Crossroads deli makes a Jersey-style breakfast sandwich worthy of Tony Soprano

Photo by Caleb Condit & Rebecca Norden

Howard Hanna isn’t yet sure what to call the processed porcine meat offered at King G (500 E. 18th St., KCMO, kinggkc.com). “In North Jersey, it’s Taylor Ham,” the chef says. “In the south side of the state, they call it pork roll.” Whatever the name ends up being (“Trenton Pork Roll” is also a… Continue reading A new Crossroads deli makes a Jersey-style breakfast sandwich worthy of Tony Soprano

The best fresh-pressed apple cider in KC comes from Belton

Jon Dunn is from Berkley, Michigan—it’s at Eleven Mile Road outside Detroit, three miles past Eminem Avenue. “Where I lived, there were about forty cider mills within an hour’s drive of my house,” Dunn says. “In Michigan, it was a big autumn thing to do, go to the cider mill and have cider and doughnuts.… Continue reading The best fresh-pressed apple cider in KC comes from Belton

Kansas City is getting a Halloween pop-up bar in an actual morgue

Customers will carry a lantern into the bar at Apparition, a new pop-up coming to Independence this Halloween/Courtesy photo

A century ago, J. Ott & Co Undertaking was the only town morgue in Independence. Next month, it’ll be a pop-up bar. Kansas City’s Halloween pop-up bar, Apparition Spookeasy, is partnering with 3 Trails Brewing to open a new location in the Historic Independence Square. Edward Schmalz, the owner of Apparition, says guests will be… Continue reading Kansas City is getting a Halloween pop-up bar in an actual morgue

Jayhawk football is terrible—that’s a sign of KU’s moral superiority

Illustration by Katie Henrichs.

Even by the standards of a team that began last season by losing its home opener to Coastal Carolina, Kansas is coming off a particularly gruesome offseason. In March, the school had to part ways with coach Les Miles after previous sexual harassment allegations came to light. This was followed by athletic director Jeff Long… Continue reading Jayhawk football is terrible—that’s a sign of KU’s moral superiority

Beloved Kansas City sportswriter Terez Paylor will be honored at tonight’s Chiefs game

Today is Terez A. Paylor day in Kansas City, a celebration of the sportswriter’s legacy that will be marked at tonight’s Chiefs game and, forever, with a scholarship at Howard University. Paylor passed away unexpectedly in February. Today, Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a proclamation in honor of the beloved Star and Yahoo Sports reporter for… Continue reading Beloved Kansas City sportswriter Terez Paylor will be honored at tonight’s Chiefs game

Why a bold proposal for decriminalizing marijuana in Prairie Village failed — and what could come next

Prairie Village sits right between two sides of the marijuana decriminalization debate, literally. To the east, in Missouri, possession has been decriminalized in Jackson County and a full-on recreational legalization effort is planned for the 2022 ballot. But in Kansas, a gram of cannabis could land you in jail for six months. Two members of… Continue reading Why a bold proposal for decriminalizing marijuana in Prairie Village failed — and what could come next

Three unbreakable rules for interacting with people wearing old timey garb at community festivals

The first rule of interacting with those people you’ll see dressed in period garb at Raytown’s Festival of the Trails? Don’t call them “reenactors.” “They hate being called reenactors—they are living historians,” says Ralph Monaco, a lifelong Raytonian and heavyweight in the hobby who is wrangling the living historians for the festival. The Festival of… Continue reading Three unbreakable rules for interacting with people wearing old timey garb at community festivals

Two fresh new KC barbecue festivals point the way forward

Birria tacos at Harp Barbecue festival / Photo by Jeremey Theron Kirby

Brian Wahby was in Tennessee, at one of the nation’s top barbecue festivals, when he had a realization. Wahby, who owns the company behind the recent KC BBQ Festival at Arrowhead, had been having a grand old time in the VIP section, where the brisket was sliced thick and juicy out of the butcher paper… Continue reading Two fresh new KC barbecue festivals point the way forward

A rival to Hawaiian Bros, a new Tiki bar and other Kansas City restaurant openings and closings for September 2021

Post-pandemic restaurant and bar openings in Kansas City continue with an incoming rival to Hawaiian Bros and a new rooftop Tiki bar in Johnson County. Better Bros? Hawaiian Bros is about to get some stiff competition. The local chain, founded by two brothers who moved from Oregon to open their own version of their family’s… Continue reading A rival to Hawaiian Bros, a new Tiki bar and other Kansas City restaurant openings and closings for September 2021

Best of KC 2021: Here are all of our Editors Picks

Photography by Caleb Condit & Rebecca Norden

You voted. We dug. Together, we made the Best of KC 2021, from free parking at Royals games to the best burger in town. Best Seller of Pinball & Pinball Accessories: Solid State Pinball Supply When a new pinball machine arrives at Solid State Pinball Supply on Troost, they crack the case open to inspect it.… Continue reading Best of KC 2021: Here are all of our Editors Picks

This year’s Chiefs team is very angry, Spotify data shows

Photo by Jeremey Theron Kirby

Chiefs Training Camp is concluding, and after a preseason week one victory, it seems that all that hard work has paid off. But just how do the boys get and stay hyped during all those hours of training? Well, their playlists may offer some answers. The data suggests this team is a little bit… angry.… Continue reading This year’s Chiefs team is very angry, Spotify data shows

Princess Garden is a time machine (that also serves Peking duck)

Princess Garden in Waldo is one of the city's best and most transportive dining rooms/Caleb Condit and Rebecca Norden

There’s something downright magical about dining at Princess Garden. This Waldo Chinese restaurant has been open since 1981, but between the white tablecloths, the tufted dark red booths, tasseled lamps, hammered ceiling tiles and ornately carved wooden wall panels, it feels like it’s been around since the early sixties. We’ve always loved the room, but… Continue reading Princess Garden is a time machine (that also serves Peking duck)

The Face of Staffing: Staffing Kansas City

“Personnel Services with a Personal Touch!” Staffing Kansas City sets itself apart as a staffing partner. The dynamic team listens to and solves clients’ hiring challenges. They have, collectively, over 80 years of recruiting experience placing Top Talent at 800+ companies. Staffing Kansas City is independently owned and WBE Certified. Clients trust their office hiring… Continue reading The Face of Staffing: Staffing Kansas City

The Face of Anti-Aging & Hormone Replacement: Kathy C. Maupin MD Rachel M. Sullivan DO Lorie Gordon RN, MSN, FNP-C BioBalance Health®

If you are over 40 and are experiencing symptoms of aging like lack of sex drive, belly fat, fatigue, and insomnia, we can help you get your life back! BioBalance Health® has been in practice for nearly 20 years, using the latest treatments to provide preventive medicine and lifestyle planning. We base the foundation of… Continue reading The Face of Anti-Aging & Hormone Replacement: Kathy C. Maupin MD Rachel M. Sullivan DO Lorie Gordon RN, MSN, FNP-C BioBalance Health®

The Face of Pediatric Dentistry: Michael LeBlanc, DDS LeBlanc Dentistry for Children

Dr. Michael LeBlanc formed LeBlanc Dentistry for Children in 2005 to create the best dental experience for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special health care needs. Dr. LeBlanc and associates are board-certified pediatric dentists who provide a compassionate team of experts, professional dental cleanings and the best restorations for children, oral health education… Continue reading The Face of Pediatric Dentistry: Michael LeBlanc, DDS LeBlanc Dentistry for Children

The Face of Plastic Surgery: John M. Quinn, MD Quinn Plastic Surgery Center

Quinn Plastic Surgery Center and Medical Day Spa have provided exceptional results in both surgical and non-surgical procedures. Dr. John Quinn is known for his standards in patient care, safety and results. His 30+ years of experience as a Board-Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon have provided him the ability to perfect his skills in breast… Continue reading The Face of Plastic Surgery: John M. Quinn, MD Quinn Plastic Surgery Center

The Face of HVAC, Electric & Plumbing: MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric

Whether you need your air conditioner or furnace fixed, light switches installed, or even your sewer repaired, you can trust the team at MVP! MVP is a part of the Southwind family of businesses and believes in doing things the right way, not the easy way. Since they joined Southwind in the fall of 2019,… Continue reading The Face of HVAC, Electric & Plumbing: MVP Air Conditioning, Heating, Plumbing & Electric

The Face of Laser Vision Correction: Durrie Vision Kelly F. Grosdidier, OD Jason E. Stahl, MD Timothy P. Lindquist MD

Durrie Vision is a refractive surgery center and research facility specializing in laser vision correction to correct nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and presbyopia. Offering the most advanced combination of diagnostic and treatment technology available, Durrie Vision is dedicated to delivering exceptional results through customized vision correction procedures, including SBK advanced LASIK, Phakic IOL, Refractive Lens Exchange… Continue reading The Face of Laser Vision Correction: Durrie Vision Kelly F. Grosdidier, OD Jason E. Stahl, MD Timothy P. Lindquist MD

The Face of Catering: Andrew Brancato

For 50+ years, Brancato’s Catering has been going “beyond the menu” for their clients. As the area’s largest off-premise caterer, this locally owned company takes a unique approach to events and the needs of their clients. It’s not just about food – they provide clients with a seamless experience customized for their unique occasion.“What we… Continue reading The Face of Catering: Andrew Brancato

The Face Of Your Best Move Ever: You Move Me

When it comes to the best moving experience in the city, look no further than You Move Me Kansas City, a part of the Southwind family of businesses. You Move Me continues to revolutionize the moving industry. They completed over 7,600 moves in 2020 and continued to grow despite a global pandemic. They work with… Continue reading The Face Of Your Best Move Ever: You Move Me

The Faces of Comprehensive Dentistry: Kasiya Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

Every good relationship begins with a smile. Dr. Kasiya and Kasiya Dental uses cutting-edge technology including a 3-D scanner that shows patients the simulated outcome of their Invisalign treatment. They provide comprehensive and preventive dental services across all age groups.Our friendly, compassionate and well-trained team will create a luxurious, personal and pleasant experience. Our newest… Continue reading The Faces of Comprehensive Dentistry: Kasiya Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

The Face of Leadership in Long Term Care: Rodney Whittington, CEO Villa St. Francis

Overseeing the newly restructured Northeast Kansas Catholic Healthcare Services, Inc., Rodney Whittington leads both Villa St. Francis and Catholic Community Hospice. A holistic ministry of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas, these two enterprises address the needs of individuals requiring comprehensive long-term and end of life care. Offering services like physical therapy, skilled nursing,… Continue reading The Face of Leadership in Long Term Care: Rodney Whittington, CEO Villa St. Francis

The Faces of Residential Development: Rodrock Development Brian Rodrock Jeff Reglin Jeff Gifford

A name synonymous with integrity in the Kansas City area for nearly 40 years, Rodrock is dedicated to helping families find a place to match their life and style. Brian Rodrock, Jeff Reglin and Jeff Gifford grew up and raised their families in Johnson County and contribute to the communities where they live, work and… Continue reading The Faces of Residential Development: Rodrock Development Brian Rodrock Jeff Reglin Jeff Gifford

The Faces of Holistic Dentistry & Tongue Tie Releases Craig & Timothy Herre, DDS Herre Holistic Dental KC

Herre Holistic Dental KC is a health-centered, third-generation family dental office that has been serving Johnson County since 1953. Their mission is to help you become the best version of yourself, and this starts with identifying the root cause of your concerns through whole-health screenings rather than just managing disease. The care at Herre Holistic… Continue reading The Faces of Holistic Dentistry & Tongue Tie Releases Craig & Timothy Herre, DDS Herre Holistic Dental KC

The Face of Sleep Medicine: Maniza Ehtesham ExcellHealth Sleep Center

Dr. Maniza Ehtesham is a board-certified sleep physician and the medical director at Excellhealth Sleep Center. She is an associate professor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and enjoys teaching medical students and residents. She has also served as an associate residency program director at UMKC. She is currently a staff physician at Advent Health… Continue reading The Face of Sleep Medicine: Maniza Ehtesham ExcellHealth Sleep Center

The Face of Endodontics: Christopher Budig, DDS Apex Endodontics

When patients visit Apex Endodontics, they can rest assured not only that they will receive the best possible root canal care available but also that Dr. Christopher Budig and his team will strive to create an overall pain-free, stress-free and comfortable dental experience. At Apex Endodontics, the patient’s comfort, health and well-being come first. Dr.… Continue reading The Face of Endodontics: Christopher Budig, DDS Apex Endodontics

The Face of Weight Loss: Rick Tague, MD The Center For Nutrition

Rick Tague, M.D., M.P.H. & T.M. is a medical weight loss and “optimum health” specialist. An Alpha Omega Alpha honors graduate of the Tulane University School of Medicine, he holds a master’s degree in public health from Tulane and is board-certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine.… Continue reading The Face of Weight Loss: Rick Tague, MD The Center For Nutrition

The Face of Sports and Spine Medicine: C. Lan Fotopoulos, MD Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics

Dr. C. Lan Fotopoulos is an interventional physiatrist who’s been voted “Super Doc” nine years in a row. He is board-certified in physical medicine, pain medicine and sports medicine. He specializes in minimally invasive and interventional procedures in the treatment of spinal disorders, including epidural injections, radiofrequency ablation, vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and spinal cord stimulation. He… Continue reading The Face of Sports and Spine Medicine: C. Lan Fotopoulos, MD Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics

The Faces Of Real Estate: Malfer & Associates Compass Realty Group

Malfer & Associates, Compass Realty Group has been a market leader in real estate for more than a decade. The team has over 350 years of combined expertise and works with buyers and sellers at all price points. The team is hand-picked by Kristin Malfer herself, ensuring that each agent delivers exceptional customer service. With… Continue reading The Faces Of Real Estate: Malfer & Associates Compass Realty Group

The Faces of Wealth Management: Advising Staff Mariner Wealth Advisors

When you become a client of Mariner Wealth Advisors, we get to know you first, then create a wealth plan designed just for you. Whether you need to modify your estate plan, integrate your tax and investment strategies or adjust your asset allocation, our in-house teams will partner with you to develop a coordinated plan.… Continue reading The Faces of Wealth Management: Advising Staff Mariner Wealth Advisors

Bellafête is throwing the prettiest picnics in the city

When the pandemic took over and restaurants closed, people found safer ways to get together. Luxury picnics, first spotted on the coasts, have made their way to Kansas City. These upscale twists on a basic pastime are becoming the summer’s trend. Erin Greenbaum and Taylor Steen are bringing luxury pop-up picnics to Kansas City with… Continue reading Bellafête is throwing the prettiest picnics in the city

How to park for free at Kansas City Royals games thanks to a righteous church

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul teaches us not to let corrupting talk come from our mouths and to instead use our words to build others up, giving grace to those who hear. And so we will speak not of the Kansas City Royals twenty-dollar parking fee. We’ll instead lift up the brothers… Continue reading How to park for free at Kansas City Royals games thanks to a righteous church

The Black Keys and Kevin Costner buy their jeans from this Olathe man

Photography Courtesy of W.H. Ranch Dungarees

When Harrison Ford or the Black Keys need new blue jeans, they know where to look. Olathe, of course. Ryan Martin, the founder of W.H. Ranch Dungarees, began sewing at seven years old. He quickly made his way into the denim industry after getting his degree from Kansas State. The Olathe designer started selling lightweight… Continue reading The Black Keys and Kevin Costner buy their jeans from this Olathe man

A tech company made a replica of a famous golf hole in Martin City

Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby

One of the most famous golf holes in the world is in Martin City—kinda. Tucked on an eight-acre parcel owned by a Martin City cybersecurity company, you’ll find a replica of Golden Bell, the twelfth hole at Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters. The one-hole course includes three sand traps, azaleas and a… Continue reading A tech company made a replica of a famous golf hole in Martin City

KC’s best Will Ferrell impersonator that’s performed from London to Hawaii

Photography by Kayla Szymanski

I don’t know how to put this, but David Babcock is kind of a big deal. People know him. He’s very important. He has many leather-bound books and his apartment smells of rich mahogany. Nothing about the local Will Ferrell impersonator’s energy and appearance feels like a costume, from his perfectly manicured combed hair to… Continue reading KC’s best Will Ferrell impersonator that’s performed from London to Hawaii

Pinball is booming—a supply shop and arcade on Troost is bringing the culture to KC

When a new pinball machine arrives at Solid State Pinball Supply on Troost, they crack the case open to inspect it. Four hours and a three-page checklist later, they’re ready to start the restoration. When it comes to pinball in KC, Solid State Pinball Supply is the name to know. They don’t just buy, sell… Continue reading Pinball is booming—a supply shop and arcade on Troost is bringing the culture to KC

KC Covid fallout: Wilco and Sleater-Kinney show moved from Midland to Grinders after Garth Brooks fiasco

Greetings to all the Garth Brooks fans in Kansas who have dutifully and cheerfully begun their mandatory ten-day quarantine after seeing the country superstar at a packed Arrowhead GEHA Field on Saturday night. This news doesn’t pertain to you, but to those who are wishing to avoid falling under a similar order: This Thursday’s double-headlined… Continue reading KC Covid fallout: Wilco and Sleater-Kinney show moved from Midland to Grinders after Garth Brooks fiasco

Pick Your Punk: Which iconic punk is your concert destiny this August?

When it comes to how well they get along with your bestie, Courtney Love, you’re looking for a Punk who… A. I don’t expect them to get along—honestly, they have way too much in common. B. Doesn’t relate to her directly but also had an extremely messy relationship that is picked apart by weirdo fans.… Continue reading Pick Your Punk: Which iconic punk is your concert destiny this August?

How Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is changing life in a small community on the Kansas border

Illustration by Melanie Adlich

The wide brick street of downtown Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, is usually empty on week-days. So when two large white trucks slowly rolled to a stop in front of Rich and Denise Ullrich’s Tallgrass Antiques store this April, business transactions paused and a small crowd gathered. Movers carefully loaded the trucks with tables and chairs, wood… Continue reading How Martin Scorsese’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is changing life in a small community on the Kansas border

Wild Wild Midwest: Cowboy boots are becoming a fashion statement

Kansas City is taking notes from our friends in Texas, and cowboy boots are quickly becoming a fashion statement here. Boot makers are going beyond beige and brown with traditional stitching: We’re seeing funky colors like turquoise and pink mixed with unique designs like cartoon drawings or flames and tassels hanging off boots. The Gypsy… Continue reading Wild Wild Midwest: Cowboy boots are becoming a fashion statement

An old railroad bridge over the Kansas River could become a signature tourism draw

Michael Zeller’s appreciation for Kansas City’s old bridges runs deep. “I went to North Kansas City High School just across the river,” Zeller says. “As high school and college students in the early eighties, we would hang out on ASB Bridge on Saturday nights with a case of Old Style beer and swing our legs… Continue reading An old railroad bridge over the Kansas River could become a signature tourism draw

Will new laws open Johnson County to its first-ever nightlife district?

Drastic measures’ opening was a gamble, and not because it opened in the middle of the pandemic last June. The downtown Shawnee speakeasy serves elegant hand-crafted cocktails but no food. Until November, Johnson County technically required establishments to make thirty percent of their earnings in food sales. “We didn’t build a kitchen,” says co-owner Jay… Continue reading Will new laws open Johnson County to its first-ever nightlife district?

In Parkville, a stunning new doughnut shop with train car seating

Incahoots looks more like a playground than a coffee shop. The new Parkville spot (100 S. Main St., Parkville) opened in June in a former rail station with two 1920s Pullman train cars providing seating. The exterior is painted in cheerful reds and yellows. Ryan and Emily O’Laughlin thought their city needed a good doughnut… Continue reading In Parkville, a stunning new doughnut shop with train car seating

A perfect weekend in the Bottleworks District of Indianapolis

The Bottleworks Hotel is inside a restored Art Deco bottling plant that was once Coca Cola's largest and most ornate/Photo courtesy of Travel Indy

Indianapolis is full of surprises. Go around a corner in the middle of Indiana’s capital and largest city and you may encounter a canal lined with paddle boats. Around another there’s a white terracotta building that looks like it could house a Smithsonian museum but turns out to have been a Coke bottling plant that’s… Continue reading A perfect weekend in the Bottleworks District of Indianapolis

Kansas City’s Most Unique Memory Care Community

Maggie’s Place, a village designed for everyday life is a truly unique memory care community. Those living with memory issues deserve the chance to live in a place they can call “home” and not just a typical room in a care facility. Our unique “village concept” allows residents to explore life to the best of… Continue reading Kansas City’s Most Unique Memory Care Community