On the square at 113 W Lexington Avenue in Independence, Missouri, there’s a narrow set of steps leading down beneath the sidewalk. You might miss them if you’re not looking. But if you follow them down, you’ll find a doorway into another time. That’s where we found the Courthouse Exchange, a tavern that’s been pouring […]
Courthouse Exchange: A Taste of Independence Flavor Read More »
Independence, Missouri, has always held a special place in the story of westward expansion, and visiting the National Frontier Trails Museum felt like stepping onto a launchpad of American history. As we pulled into the parking lot, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation. Here we were, about to walk the same metaphorical
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Tucked away on the outskirts of Lee’s Summit, Cockrell Mercantile is the kind of place you hear about in whispers. Those “you’ve-gotta-go” recommendations from folks who know where to find the good stuff. With its creaky wooden floors, vintage architecture, and shelves brimming with gourmet goodies, this charming mercantile feels like a step back in
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Nestled in the historic 18th and Vine District, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum holds tales from the past. This Kansas City attraction is located at 1616 E 18th St, on the Missouri side of the city. It connects to the American Jazz Museum as a cultural cornerstone, setting the tone for a deeply enriching experience.
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The crackling of flames and the distant wails of the displaced filled the air as homeowners watched helplessly. Families were being torn from their farms. Their lives were reduced to smoldering ruins under the ruthless enforcement of General Order No. 11. It’s a stark image that encapsulates the deep scars left by the Civil War
The Johnson County Museum, located at 8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, Kansas, offers visitors an immersive look into the region’s vibrant past. Housed in a historic landmark, this museum is a treasure trove of stories, artifacts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the evolution of Johnson County. From its tumultuous Civil War history to the suburban
Tucked in Kansas City’s historic 18th & Vine District, the American Jazz Museum, at 1616 E 18th St., is where music history comes alive. From the moment we walked in, the energy was electric—photos of jazz greats lined the walls, the soft hum of saxophones filled the air, and interactive exhibits invited us to dive
Exploring the American Jazz Museum: Step Into The Rhythm Read More »
Tucked away in Kansas City, Kansas, the Wyandotte County Museum is a hidden gem filled with rich local history. Located at 631 N. 126th St., this FREE museum offers an insightful journey through the past, showcasing artifacts and stories many locals may not even be aware of. As lifelong residents, Crystal and I were eager
Moon Marble Company has become a must-visit destination for families, collectors, and nostalgia seekers. This unique shop, nestled in Bonner Springs, Kansas, offers a glimpse into the fascinating world of marbles and classic games. We’ve been drawn to the store for its vast selection and the live marble-making demonstrations. Stepping inside Moon Marble is like
Moon Marble: A Timeless Treasure in Bonner Springs, Kansas Read More »
Kansas City is a treasure trove of unique experiences, and its museums showcase a rich tapestry of culture, history, and innovation. Beyond the usual tourist stops, this city boasts a collection of one-of-a-kind museums that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore something new, these six uniquely Kansas
There’s something magical about enjoying a meal at Harvey’s during the Christmas season. This hidden gem sits in plain sight of locals and travelers alike. The setting is Kansas City’s Union Station, adorned with a huge Christmas tree, festive decorations, and twinkling lights. We were eager to dive into a delicious lunch while soaking in
They say that education is one of the best investments. Does that mean if you learn about money, you are doubling the value of your education? Perhaps my math doesn’t quite add up, but you can certainly learn a lot at The Money Museum. This FREE attraction offers a lot for all ages and helps
Every fall, as the cool October air begins to settle over Kansas City, Kansas, something truly magical takes place in the heart of the city. Día de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, transforms Central Avenue into a vivid celebration of life, memory, and tradition. Amid a backdrop of city vibes, soulful music, and
Vibrant Spirits & Colorful Souls: Experiencing Día de Muertos in Kansas City, Kansas Read More »
We consider ourselves blessed to reside in a city with many diverse attractions. Museums are one of our favorite destinations, and the Museum at Prairiefire fits a specific niche in this category. The museum is inside the Prairiefire neighborhood at 5801 W. 135th Street in Overland Park, Kansas. The building is the first in North
It seems that the whole world has seen or read something about Joe’s KC Bar-B-Que. When we think of KC barbeque restaurants, this is one of the most well-known. The love for Kansas City-style barbecue is strong enough, that on any given day, you can see license plates from across America. A visit to one
It’s been said that the simple things are quite often the best. Such is the case at Tay’s Burger Shack, located at 1019 Armour Road, in North Kansas City, Missouri. You won’t find page after page of menu items. Here they focus on a few things and they do them right. This hole-in-the-wall eatery has
How many times do we drive past a hole-in-the-wall destination without even noticing? If we are being honest with ourselves, this happens to us more than we like to admit. A prime example is a small restaurant that sits at 1032 Minnesota Ave., in Kansas City, Kansas. Home to GG’s Barbacoa Café, this petite diner
Let’s see a show of hands of the people who knew there was a TWA Museum in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. An unseasonably warm Saturday morning was the perfect chance to check it out. Located at 10 Richards Road, in the Charles B. Wheeler Airport, this unique museum highlights the 75-year lifespan of the airline.
When we think of the Wild West, visions of chuckwagons, cattle drives, and lonely cowboys play out in our minds. The steam engine, invented in the early 1800s, impacted the path of history. As the country raced to build railroads across the wide expanses, the age of steamboats arrived. Living on the confluence of two
Preserving History at the Arabia Steamboat Museum Read More »
What do you get when you combine delicious food and an astonishing collection of sports memorabilia? Located in North Kansas City, Missouri is Chappell’s Restaurant and Sports Museum. This sports fan Mecca opened in 1986 and has drawn visitors from far and wide. Notoriety has come from many directions, including lots of the top sports
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Kansas City has an average of 100 rainy days per year. That may not sound like a lot, unless you have kids (or grandkids). What’s a parent (or grandparent) to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate for an outdoor activity? Don’t worry, we’ve compiled a list of 10 kid friendly indoor attractions in Kansas City.
10 Kid Friendly Indoor Attractions In Kansas City Read More »
Growing up in the Midwest, we discovered the depth of flavors that can be found in this region’s dishes. I remember waiting impatiently as my grandmother fried up chicken for Saturday night dinner. The smell was intoxicating and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into the crispy coating. Fast forward a few decades and
Delivering Crunch – Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken Read More »
When we heard that Kansas City has a new mini-golf destination, we couldn’t wait to check it out. Crystal and I have long enjoyed a fun round of miniature golf. Prehistoric Putt, located at 13907 E. US Hwy 40 in Independence, is filled with some challenges that are unlike any we have seen before. We
The National World War 1 Museum and Memorial is not a memorial to the war. This national treasure is a reminder of the human spirit and the never-ending fight for peace. Life in the trenches was filled with short periods of sheer terror followed by long spans of boredom. Stretching across the horizon, these muddy, rat-infested trenches
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Opening a new barbecue in Kansas City is always risky business. With over 100 competitors already churning away, you’ll find yourself in an uphill battle. It’s like competing in the American Royal BBQ Contest every day. When a friend clued us in on a newcomer in North Kansas City, we just had to test it out.
A historic Independence, Missouri visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Harry S. Truman Library & Museum. Growing up in Kansas City, we were well aware of Truman’s ties to the area but had not really studied much about the man. Since the Truman Library had recently completed an overhaul, we felt it was
Let’s time-travel back to 1957. The world was cast into the “Space Race” with the launch of Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite. In America, Jailhouse Rock was climbing the charts, while Elvis purchased Graceland. Frisbees first hit the market and The Music Man opened on Broadway. (You can read our article about the composer
For decades, schoolchildren from around the metropolitan region made the annual field trip to the Kansas City Museum. I remember visiting during the time that it focused primarily on our hometown’s history. It also featured hundreds of taxidermized animals in lifelike settings. In 2008, the museum was closed for a complete renovation and repurposing. When
How many times have you faced the seemingly unsurmountable task of choosing what to have for dinner? It would be nice if they put a variety of cuisines in one space, so you could pick and choose your favorite dishes. Well someone was listening to our suggestions and created Parlor KC. This glorified grownup food
It feels a little repetitive to mention that we live in a city filled with amazing barbecue restaurants. While we may not have sandy beaches or snow-capped mountains, any given day can bring the smell of grilling meats wafting across the landscape. When we are looking for southern BBQ in Kansas City, we have a
I have to admit that there’s a little kid in me that can come out at the most inopportune moments. To limit the silliness from becoming too rampant, I find it best to shower my inner child with periodic visits to kid-friendly attractions. Kansas City just happens to be home to quite a few of
National Museum of Toys And Miniatures – Releasing My Inner Child Read More »
As I sit writing this article, my mind is wandering back to our table at HomeGrown Kansas City, located at 338 W. 63rd St. in KCMO. This Wichita-based restaurant broke ground in our hometown and has seen amazing success. It may just be their delectable pop tartlets, which are great paired with a cup of
When people mention dining in Kansas City, many will think of barbecue. While it is certainly a popular subject in our hometown, it is far from the only cuisine to be found here. In fact, there are tons of great eats to be found tucked away all over town. Kansas City, Kansas is our neck
Are there places that you’ve been meaning to visit for years? We faced that same situation right in our backyard. The Shawnee Indian Mission has been a destination we have discussed visiting for quite some time. It seems like some other stop would always push this place to the back burner. We finally said “enough
Our visit to Fort Osage whisked us back over 200 years to a time when America was much smaller than it is today. Our nation’s freedom had been won in the American Revolution, and we were in the midst of a great expansion. The Louisiana Purchase had allowed the fledgling nation to increase its land
A visit to the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop takes guests back over 150 years, to a time when the territory was just opening for business. With so much history at this site, we were scratching our heads wondering why we had never visited. Knowing that nothing can be done to change the past, we pushed ahead
As Autumn descends on the Midwest, people will find an abundance of harvest-themed festivals. Welcoming Fall brings a change in the air, that signals the shortening of daylight hours. We find ourselves trying to savor every moment. Scanning the Kansas City calendar of events, we noticed the annual Fall Festival at Missouri Town 1855. Since
On any given day you are likely to smell the aroma of barbecue in Kansas City. The very fabric of the community is saturated with the intoxicating scent. Breaking the barrier to become a successful BBQ restaurant in this town is no easy feat. Chef J has learned this lesson as the new kid in
The end of a workweek is certainly a reason for a celebration. This particular week had been rather brutal, so it was an easy decision to add a Happy Hour event to our Friday evening excursion. We wanted something fresh and new, so plans were set for a visit to Tavern in the Village. Located
Kansas City is filled with so many entertainment options that we struggle trying to cover them all. When our daughter suggested a brunch outing, I decided to look for something out of the ordinary. Since we are all lovers of art, a visit to the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art was a perfect fit. This
Losing Their Voice – Kemper Museum Of Contemporary Art Read More »
It’s hard to remember how many times we have been floored at the idea of businesses launching at the height of the pandemic. We understand that once a ball gets rolling, you just have to see it through. Still, the idea of beginning during such an unstable market has to be frightening. When we spotted
It saddens us when we hear about a local business having to shutter its doors. Unfortunately, this was an all too common occurrence in 2020. On a positive note, there were many new enterprises willing to take a risk during those uncertain times. One that evidently felt it best to let 2020 pass by is
Breaking the BBQ barrier in Kansas City isn’t easy. On any given day, the smoky aroma of barbecue permeates the very fabric of the city. It isn’t reserved just for game days or the Fourth of July. Barbecue is the lifeblood of the city. The idea of launching a new restaurant in this atmosphere can
For decades, the McLain family served the locals in and around the Waldo area. Three generations of the family-operated this local bakery, delivering pastries, bread, and cakes to eager customers. There would often be long lines waiting for their chance to snatch up some of the goodies. When the McLain family sold the business in
When we heard that Denver Biscuit Company was coming to KC, images of fluffy mounds, covered in gravy, filled our thoughts. Little did we know, the reality would be fat stacks of folded biscuit bliss that would challenge our appetites. Our affinity for southern-style foods means that we love folded biscuits, although we never turn
Like many of you, we enjoy a visit to our local city market. In fact, the historic City Market in Kansas City has been a staple of the downtown since 1857. The vibrant neighborhood that surrounds the market is filled with unique shops and restaurants. Going in search of a fun evening out, we planned
To be successful in the restaurant business requires a high level of commitment. It helps when you have your priorities clearly determined. Franco Cupini is a man who is dedicated to friends, family, and food. His love for the restaurant business shines through when you see him working at his Westport eatery, Cupini’s. Franco was
What draws you to a new restaurant? Over the past three years we have written articles for around 50 restaurants in the Kansas City metro. When you add in all of the other cities that number jumps to nearly 200 articles. Prior to starting this website, I hosted a restaurant blog that featured many more.
It seems that people are coming up with new ways to re-purpose familiar items all of the time. Finding alternative uses for shipping containers seemed to be a logical next step. A visit to North Kansas City, Missouri showed us how one group of ingenious people had built a space that combines function and frugality
Kansas City can be described in many ways, but we like to think of it as the “Melting Pot of the Midwest”. Within the boundaries of the metro, you can find nearly every ethnicity. This provides an amazing array of cultures, and they each bring their unique cuisine to the table. Diners can choose from
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