Kansas City magazine – May 2023

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Eat. Drink. Learn. Grow.

Located on the banks of the Finley River in Ozark, Missouri, Finley Farms is restoring and reimagining the historic Ozark Mill property to create a sprawling nature-based gathering place and farm-forward dining destination. Initially built in 1833 and preserved with care, The Ozark Mill serves as the heart of Finley Farms. Inside, you’ll find two riverfront restaurants, a charming general store and vibrant event spaces that speak to the true spirit of the Ozarks. Plan your visit now and look forward to exploring the urban farm, coffee shop, scenic walking trails and beyond.

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US A TOP DENTIST!

OUR MISSION

We love Kansas City like family. We know what makes it great, we know how it struggles, and we know its secrets. Through great storytelling, photography and design, we help our readers celebrate our city’s triumphs, tend to its faults and revel in the things that make it unique.

PUBLISHER Kathy Boos k athy@ kansascitymag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Dawnya Bartsch dawnya@ kansascitymag.com

ART DIRECTOR Kevin Goodbar kevin@ kansascitymag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, STYLE & EVENTS Molly Higgins m olly@ kansascitymag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, FOOD Tyler Shane tyler@ kansascitymag.com

EDITORIAL INTERN

Reece Parker

COPY EDITOR

Kelsie Schrader

WEB COORDINATOR Madison Russell

SALES

Angie Henshaw angie@kansascitymag.com

WRITERS

Nina Cherry, Martin Cizmar, Shawn Edwards, Molly Higgins, Nicole Kinning, Samantha Levi, Reece Parker, Tyler Shane, Hampton Stevens, and Susie Whitfield

PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS

Matthew Anderson, Zach Bauman, Shawn Brackbill, Caleb Condit, Barrett Emke, Jeremey Theron Kirby, Matt Kocourek, Rebecca Norden, Kelly Powell, and Brandon Waldrop

SUBSCRIPTIONS

kansascitymag.com/subscribe or call 913-469-6700

Kansas City magazine is published monthly by 435 South, LLC. No part of this publication can be reprinted or reproduced without the publisher’s permission. Kansas City magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials. Kansas City magazine adheres to American Society of Magazine Editors guidelines, which requires a clear distinction between editorial content and paid advertising or marketing messages.

INQUIRIES

Kansas City

P.O. Box 26823

Overland Park, KS 66225-6823 (913) 469-6700

@kansascitymag @kansascitymagazine

Our commitment to do more for kids is at the heart of everything we do, down to each strand of DNA sequenced for genetic research. Together, we can help kids overcome whatever’s standing in their way. Learn more at childrensmercy.org/imagine.

DEEP DIVE

Learn everything there is to know about twelve local lakes for your next water adventure.

57 Summer Sail

Turns out there are plenty of places around KC to skipper your own schooner.

60 Fish Tale

A pro angler shares fishing tips.

76

Black as Night

Photographer Samantha Levi heads to a days-long darkness retreat not far from Lake Jacomo.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY VISIT KANSAS CITY KANSAS

Parks with big sky views may not seem very Dallas . But that’s what you’ll find just west of downtown. Head east for sunset views over White Rock Lake. Or enjoy concerts on the lawn in Klyde Warren Park, skylineviews from Pacific Plaza and splash pads at Main Street Garden. With nearly 400 parks across Dallas, there are plenty of green spaces made for throwing your walking shoes on or kicking them off.

To plan your trip, go to VisitDallas.com

Red Oak Trail, Cedar Ridge Preserve

In This Issue

25

Bottoms Up

West Bottoms’ multi-million dollar development project starts phase one.

Wooded Wyandotte

Five miles of private hiking trails open to the public

Flying Saucer

A championship disc golf course opens at Black Hoof park.

30

Rocky Road

Missouri lawmakers ponder a constitutional amendment to change major roadway funding.

Big Imagination

A local filmmaker debuts a TV series he calls part superhero movie, part martial art flick.

Splish Splash

41 83

Local designer Helen Jon creates new line of sustainable swimwear.

Charcuterie a la Carte

A new wine bar’s take on the ever-popular charcuterie board.

42 44

You’re So Vain

Artisan Vain Vanilla makes the perfect extract for summer cocktails.

Check Mate

A Mizzou professor studying human mating patterns has a new theory: mate value.

84

88

90

Airport Mode

Local eateries streamline their offerings at the new airport.

Dry Libations

A local bar plans to elevate the “mocktail” game.

Perfect Day

Artist Isaac Meek recounts his journey, from customized lowriders to Michelangelo.

92 94

’Cue Card

A new Northland BBQ restaurant delivers a “hot and fast” approach.

Newsfeed

The latest in KC food news.

Photography by Jeremey Theron Kirby

Dawnya Bartsch MANAGING EDITOR DAWNYA@KANSASCITYMAG.COM

OR ME, SUMMER has always been about lazy days by the water. Any kind of water, really. It could be a pool, a creek, a river, a lake or a beach—that’s where I spent my summer days in my youth. It’s also where I try to spend most of my summer days as an adult.

So when I was given the opportunity to help curate and edit this issue of Kansas City magazine featuring local lakes and rivers (page 46), along with all the activities that can be had in them, I jumped on board (no pun intended).

I moved to Kansas City about four years ago. This is where my husband grew up, and it’s been a wonderful adventure discovering all the intricacies of this vibrant city. That being said, it had been a personal mission of mine for the past four summers to seek out all the various lakes and waterways dotting the greater Kansas City area. And because of my adventurous soul, I thought I knew most of the lakes within an hour or so from the city center. Guess I was wrong. Like they say, you don’t know what you don’t know. Along with just learning about the existence

of a few more lakes than I had previous knowledge of, I became versed in various local lake facts. Who knew President Harry Truman gifted Lake Jacomo to Jackson County citizens as a place to recreate? I didn’t, but maybe that’s because I’m still sort of a newbie.

Or that you can watch the University of Kansas rowing team practice college-level rowing competitions at Wyandotte County Lake?

What about the fact that more than one million visitors trek to Lake Shawnee annually? That’s a lot.

Or that Lake Jacomo has a living history museum? The Missouri Town’s Living History Museum is where you can experience old Missouri on the eve of the civil war, with live interpreters dressed in period costumes telling you about life at that time.

And although I’m not a fisherman, I did find the tips from local angler Jason Atkins, who holds two International Game Fish Association world records (page 60), very interesting. Maybe this summer I’ll try my hand at fishing.

But if your summer plans include more than lakes and you want to escape to a beach on the coast, no doubt you’ll be heading to the still-new airport. We’ve got you covered there, too. Kansas City magazine food critic Tyler Shane spent a significant amount of time checking out all the local eateries that have set up shop in the terminal and comparing them to the original local establishments (page 84).

In a different kind of adventure, far from the sun and water, photographer Samantha Levi shares what it’s like to partake in a darkness retreat (page 76)—a meditative practice that takes place in a completely dark space for several days without any outside interaction. Although it’s odd to write, reading it was really eye-opening.

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHER

In this month’s issue, Samantha Levi photographed and wrote about her experience at a darkness retreat. When the Lawrence native isn’t looking for life’s deeper meaning, she’s searching for the best cannoli.

PHOTOGRAPHER

This month’s cover was shot by Jeremey Kirby, who fell in love with photography at thirteen while on a trip to Central Asia. For the past decade, Kirby has been covering the Chiefs for Kansas City magazine.

PHOTOGRAPHER

Local photographer Kelly Powell shot artist Isaac Meek among his paintings for the month’s Perfect Day feature. When Powell isn’t working, she’s checking out local galleries and live music.

Samantha Levi

Jeremey Theron Kirby

Kelly Powell

PAGE 28

IT’S ALL GRAVY

PAGE 57

Our most talked about story from the April issue was where Kansas City magazine’s food critic Tyler Shane trekked in search of the best biscuit and gravy joints around town. It turns out Shane is not the only one with strong opinions about this Midwest staple. While many of our readers applauded our choices, there are definitely a few establishments folks thought we missed.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Eight-year-old cover girl

Bethany Bartsch says she had lots of fun pretending to jump into the lake. Fortunately for her, skilled photographer Jeremey Kirby was able to angle the camera just right, so she never had to get wet at the early April shoot.

SHOUT OUT

Special thanks to the Lake at The Village of Lock Lloyd for providing the background for our cover shoot.

PAGE 25

Denver Biscuit Company has an amazing biscuit lineup and biscuits of unusual size.

—Dan Fogarty @youshouldgohere

Definitely missed The Littlest Bake Shop! An all gluten-free and vegan bakery

—Kelsey Taber @kelsey_adella via Instagram

Glad Happy Gillis made the cut! They’re my fav, followed by Third Street Social.

—Katy Ryan Schamberger @katywrites via Instagram

Mildred’s serves some amazing biscuits and gravy, very underrated. And their bacon is the best in town! Especially when you gobble all this up by their fireplace.

—@spoo1123 via Instagram

Absolutely love Happy Gillis, but Denver Biscuit Company makes a strong case as well.

—Max Hawley @mailmanmax via Instagram

The Majestic has an amazing biscuits and gravy.

—@sethjlamb via Instagram

Correction

In last month’s Top Real Estate Agents, The Peel Group was listed in the wrong category. They are a team of four and earned $22 million in 2022 sales.

The number of trails that make up the five miles of private hiking footpaths open to the public at the Hollis Renewal Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

The year the Jacomo Sailing Club was founded by a group of friends at Kelly’s bar in Westport.

The year a recently renovated West Bottoms firehouse was built. The firehouse will serve as ground zero for a large development project in the area.

“

“My abbreviated version of the tour included a brief moment of terror caused by a massive Asian carp, which leapt over my legs and the full width of our canoe—making for a memory as indelible as Tom and Huck’s adventures. “

Martin Cizmar, barbecue critic and former editor-in-chief of Kansas City magazine.

LUCKY FOR YOU, THERE’S NOTHING TO DO HERE.

In Nebraska, we believe that only boring people get bored. So we invent our own fun. Like when we realized that a livestock tank would float, and thought, “It’s a boat.” Soon, “tanking” became the preferred method of meandering down our slow-moving rivers. It might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but if it sounds as good to you as it did to us, go to VisitNebraska.com for a free Travel Guide. And welcome aboard.

HISTORIC INVESTMENT

BY REECE PARKER

A NEW CHAPTER for Kansas City’s West Bottoms is underway, promising to reinvigorate the historic neighborhood, but not everyone is keen on the proposed plans.

SomeraRoad Development Company has begun a largescale transformation of Kansas City’s West Bottoms area with the renovation of a historic firehouse. The company plans to use the 1928 firehouse as ground zero for the area’s future development. Some longtime residents and business owners are worried the neighborhood they love will change for the worse and they will be pushed out.

“Reinvigoration of the West Bottoms is a little bit of an unfair term,” said Sean Reilly at a 2022 Kansas City Planning Commission, as reported by CitySceneKC. Reilly is a third-generation West Bottoms business owner. “We attract over 500,000 people annually to the West Bottoms. It is a unique destination, and I would argue that it’s already a vibrant community.”

Scattered throughout the industrial brick structures reside a lively collection of art studios, a bustling antique market and numerous small businesses—all while the Bottoms remains a significant industrial center for Kansas City.

The developers and some city officials argue that the area looks a bit disheveled, dotted with tarp-covered windows, vacant buildings and cracked roads. SomeraRoad, which is based out of New York City and Nashville, is excited to help take the community to the next level and thinks the area has been underinvested in for years.

“The key across this project,” says SomeraRoad founder and managing partner Ian Ross, “is the celebration and preservation of historic structures—really leaning into the history of the West Bottoms and the authenticity of the West Bottoms. What’s amazing about the West Bottoms is twofold: One, there weren’t a lot of people down there. It was just a no-man’s-land. And two, there is such public will and desire for something to happen here.”

A perfect example of SomeraRoad’s philosophy is phase one of their West Bottoms plan, which includes the reha-

bilitation of Firehouse No. 1. Originally built in 1928, the once-sleepy brick structure in the heart of the West Bottoms has been converted into SomeraRoad’s local headquarters.

“We want to live and breathe this project over the coming years,” Ross told Kansas City magazine of the company’s twenty-six-acre West Bottoms development plan.

This project will be SomeraRoad’s largest KC project, but it won’t be its first. The company has already made a mark in the city, renovating the former City Center Square and a River Market building at 300 Wyandotte St. into office spaces. The developer has carried out large-scale renovations similar to the one planned in the West Bottoms in Nashville and Indianapolis.

The renovated firehouse has a stylish lounge in the lower level and office space in the floors above that preserve the authentic character of the building. Spencer Sight, the local designer for Firehouse No. 1, says he wanted to “use the history but put a new twist on it.”

The goal of SomeraRoad’s project is to turn the West Bottoms into a

WEST BOTTOMS HERITAGE DAYS

“micro-village” as a live, work, play and stay destination. Ross believes that Firehouse No. 1 “embodies the spirit of the project, and it creates a home for our team.”

SomeraRoad’s proposal for the $500 million project was unanimously approved by the City Council and City Planning Commission in 2022. MCM Co., which previously redeveloped what is now the West Bottoms Flats, assisted SomeraRoad as a consultant, helping the company get federal and state tax credits.

SomeraRoad says the tax credits will help with its “adaptive reuse” model and allow them the room to preserve the historic integrity of the neighborhood buildings. In addition to lighter taxes, SomeraRoad sought and received rezoning of the area.

The project will add 1,250 apartments, plus hospitality, mixed-use and public spaces over the next decade. To tackle this large-scale project, SomeraRoad broke up its revitalization plan into five phases.

In addition to the firehouse renovation, phase one includes the demolition of the Weld Wheel Building due to what Ross calls structural safety issues, making room for new apartment buildings. The Moline Plow Building and many others along Union Avenue are to be converted into mixed-use apartment complexes. The Avery Building is to be converted into a fifty-room hotel, and a public square would replace a nearby parking lot.

Members of the Historic West Bottoms Association, which have been around since the 1930s, has expressed the organization’s general support of the development. The Association’s mission has always been to support and advocate for infrastructure in the West Bottoms, Bruce Holloway, an association board member, said at a City Planning Commission meeting, as reported by CitySceneKC. Holloway did express the need for developers and city officials to work with local business owners who rent in the area and to keep these vital businesses in the area.

Heritage Days marks its eighth year. A variety of events commemorating the area’s history, from Strawberry Swing and Missouri Valley Sundays to the Wettest Block Party and the Stockyards Legends Dinner, will be held throughout the month of May. Check out hwb-kc.com for more details.

West Bottoms developers say embracing the neighborhood’s historic past is key.

WYANDOTTE WILDLANDS

BY REECE PARKER

TUCKED AWAY IN a wooded valley about twenty minutes west of downtown Kansas City are one hundred and fifty-three acres of secluded wildland ready to be explored.

Known as the Hollis Renewal Center, the private Lutheran camp in Kansas City, Kansas, has five miles of hiking trails free to the public—no need to be an overnight guest or part of a retreat to experience this unique outdoor landscape.

“Our personal philosophy is we are not complete until the next guest comes,” says executive director Dave Mareske, who adds that the trails are accessible to every age and ability. Each visitor brings valuable qualities and experiences, adding to the friendly atmosphere of the camp, he says.

Seven trails of varying lengths and difficulty weave their way through the camp acreage, criss-crossing the East Mission Creek that runs north to south. The trails total five miles altogether.

The longest, the Sycamore Trail, is a oneand-a-half-mile, moderate to difficult trek dotted with several bridges that will take about forty-five minutes to complete. The moderate Cedar Trail is slightly shorter, at one mile long and about thirty-five minutes in duration. For an easy to moderate hike, The Hickory Trail is about three-quarters of a mile long, takes about twenty-five minutes and has several benches along the way. Also three-quarters of a mile in length is the moderate but steep Redbud Trail, which has secluded areas set aside for peaceful mediation. Then there is the easy to moderate Walnut Trail, a half-mile trek that takes about twenty-five minutes. Lastly, there are two very easy, meandering trails: the half-mile Oak Trail that leads to an outdoor chapel and the quarter-mile Meadow Trail.

The Hollis Renewal center was founded by Lutherans in 1988 to promote spiritual reflection through nature. The sporadic placement of trail benches, meditation spots and a prayer labyrinth meant to be a sacred, still place for introspection is in concert with the center’s goal. Every trail winds through the woodland oasis, offering a chance to commune with nature. Animals can be heard quietly rustling through leaves while bluebirds sing in the canopy of trees above. As you make your way through the trails, expect to see lush natural greenery and an array of wild animals. The valley is home to a few hawk families and woodpeckers as well as deer and turkeys. If you’re lucky, you might even see a fox slinking through the woods.

According to Mareske, there is no bad time to visit. Each season offers something unique. The trails are generally well-marked and easy to find, but there are also map boards and online guides to help hikers along their journey. The trails are perfect for long walks or quick runs. Although the dirt path makes it difficult to push a stroller, small children are able to walk alongside family members.

Mareske does warn against riding bikes through the terrain unless you are a skilled rider. The dirt paths have some steeper parts, so trying to take a bike through certain areas could prove difficult. Motorized bikes are not allowed to protect the trail and its quiet atmosphere. Dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed, and owners are responsible for their animals.

Hollis Renewal Center is a unique nature experience in Kansas City, suitable for any hiker. The public is welcome and admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. Hikers are asked to check in at the Welcome Center first.

GO: Hollis Renewal Center, 11414 Kansas Ave., KCK.

Hollis Renewal Center in Wyandotte County has five miles of trails open to the public to explore.

THE ROAD TO THE PGA TOUR

May 18-21

AdventHealthChampionship.com

The AdventHealth Championship delivers a world-class golfing entertainment experience that features the next generation of PGA TOUR stars while also positively impacting the Kansas City metro community. Proceeds from the AdventHealth Championship will benefit the AdventHealth Foundation and select local charities, making a difference in the KC we all love!

Use the QR code to purchase tickets and support our community.

LONG ROAD AHEAD

BY NICOLE KINNING

MISSOURI GOVERNOR Mike Parson’s 2024 state budget has sparked a debate over the future of how the state will fund its transportation infrastructure needs.

The initial budget proposition included setting aside $859 million to expand the number of lanes on I-70 in three areas: from Blue Springs to Odessa, in Columbia, and from Warrenton to Wentzville in St. Louis. However, this has raised the ire of some lawmakers.

The Missouri General Assembly has been vocal on wanting a say in how transportation funds are spent. As it stands now, they have very little.

In early March, the Missouri House Republicans proposed a constitutional amendment that would take state road funding control away from the transportation department and hand it over to lawmakers. It passed (101-45) and now the resolution heads to the Senate. If approved by the Senate, the measure would then head to the polls, where voters across the state will decide its fate.

I-70’S LEGACY

In 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act, which called for the construction of a 41,000mile system of interstate highways. Missouri took the wheel, becoming the first state to break ground and start constructing its portion of the pioneering highway system of I-70 in St. Charles County near St. Louis on August 13, 1956, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The charge was led by Representative Don Mayhew, R-Crocker, who chairs the House Transportation Accountability Committee. Mayhew noted that every government department besides the transportation department must present a budget to the legislature. The public presentation is the only time that citizens are able to voice concerns on budget allocations, Mayhew added.

Representative Steve Butz, D-St. Louis, who sits on the Missouri House Transportation Accountability Committee, opposes linking infrastructure funding to the often sluggish process that lives under lawmakers. He feels that funding for long-term transportation projects cannot be at the mercy of an annual budgeting process.

Mayhew brought the resolution before the House because of a 2021 lawsuit by the Highway and Transportation Commission, which oversees MoDOT, after the Office of Administration did not approve of raises that went beyond what state lawmakers allocated for that year. The Commission’s lawsuit seeks the power to use state road funds that come from a variety of Missouri user fees, such as the gas tax, to pay for raises. A decision has not been made.

Opponents of Mayhew’s resolution argue that it’s politicizing important infrastructure funding.

According to Linda Horn, MoDOT’s communications director, the transportation department has been studying and discussing the need to make improvements to I-70 across the state since the early 2000s.

“The safety and economic prosperity of Missourians depends, in part, on an I-70 that grows along with the state and nation,” she tells Kansas City magazine. “Today, many portions of the facility are strained beyond capacity and have outdated interchange designs, which increase delays and dampen economic activity.”

Congressman Emanuel Cleaver says that Missouri received a C- in the American Society of Civil Engineer’s grading of our state’s infrastructure, including a D+ for our roads.

As of now, the funding for 1-70 expansion has been removed from the state’s 2024 budget and will be revisited separately.

A dispute over I-70 expansion funding might lead to a constitutional amendment.

“The safety and economic prosperity of Missourians depends, in part, on an I-70 that grows along with the state and nation.”

FULL SWING

Disc golf comes to Lenexa.

Two brand new disc golf courses opened at Lenexa’s Black Hoof Park in early April and are set to be the premier destinations for disc golf in KC. One course is a championship-level eighteen-hole timber course, and the other is a family-friendly nine-hole course meant to provide fun for people of all ages. Disc golf is similar to traditional golf: There’s a tee box and a hole—in disc golf’s case, a basket—and the objective is to get the disc in the hole in the fewest number of tries or throws. Whoever has the fewest throws at the end of the round wins. This sport has gained popularity in the last two decades because it can be both a laid-back game with friends and family and a competitive physical sport for more experienced players. The new Lenexa course provides both. The championship-level, ten-thousand-foot-long eighteen-hole course at Black Hoof Park expands across eighty acres of rugged terrain and includes multiple teepads and basket locations, which offer course variations for players. The smaller nine-hole course is shorter and more accessible to families and beginners. -MOLLY HIGGINS GO: Disc golf courses at Black Hoof Park, 9053 Monticello Road, Lenexa. Park hours 5 am to 11 pm daily.

MOLLY HIGGINS

Les Misérables

May 2–7.

One of the most popular musicals of all time, Les Misérables, based on the Victor Hugo novel of the same name, follows various characters as they face tough decisions, sacrifice and hope in the midst of the June Rebellion of 1832. May 2–7. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.

Peter Pan and Wendy

May 2–7, 9–14 and 17–21.

Taking the original spirit of adventure and wonder from J.M. Barrie’s classic, Lauren M. Gunderson’s fresh adaption, Peter Pan and Wendy, focuses on budding scientist Wendy Darling, who dreams of earning a Nobel Prize. But when Peter Pan arrives at her bedroom window, she leaves school behind, chasing adventure with characters like Captain Hook and Tiger Lily instead. Soon, she and her friends discover the power of standing up together for what’s right. May 2–7, 9–14 and 17–21. Times vary. Spencer Theatre.

Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular

May 4. 6:30 pm.

Pink Floyd’s Laser Spectacular has become a cult classic, showcasing the original music of Pink Floyd accompanied by trippy effects never seen before. The show immerses viewers on a mind-expanding rock ‘n’ roll journey driven by bright lasers, huge video projections and special lighting effects. May 4. 6:30 pm. Uptown Theater.

ShuttleCork

May 4–5.

The festivities begin with Winemakers dinners, where an incredible home in KC will host the evening, with cuisine made by a renowned local chef and two winemakers from the West Coast teaching about their wines. Night two is the Grand Tasting and auction, where guests will sample food offerings from local restaurants and wines from more than twenty-five top winemakers inside the Nelson-Atkins, followed by the live auction under the big-top tent. The final event is After Dark, an after-party that features more food vendors, desserts, a DJ and a dance floor with beer and Cinco de Mayo-themed cocktails. May 4, 6:30 pm; May 5, 5:30; “After Dark,” 9:30 pm. Various locations.

Janet Jackson

May 2. 8 pm.

For the first time in four years, Janet Jackson is on the road again for her Together Again tour with beloved early 2000s rapper Ludacris. To celebrate Jackson’s fifty-year milestone in the entertainment industry, the tour highlights two of Jackson’s most defining releases, The Velvet Rope and Janet, along with new music and her greatest hits. May 2. 8 pm. T-Mobile Center.

Brooks & Dunn

May 4. 7 pm.

Time to shine your boots and perfect your Boot Scootin’ Boogie because iconic country music duo Brooks & Dunn is kicking off their 2023 REBOOT Tour in KC with American Idol season ten winner Scotty McCreery opening. May 4. 7 pm. T-Mobile Center.

Disco Inferno: A ’70s Celebration

May 5. 8 pm.

Conductors Gonzalo Farias and David T. Beals III lead a cast of New York’s top performers celebrating the disco days and boogie nights of the seventies, performing hits by ABBA, Donna Summers and more. May 5. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.

Sondheim on Sondheim

May 6–7.

Lyric Opera of Kansas City presents Sondheim on Sondheim, a touching tribute to one of the most influential figures in musical theater. The show is an intimate portrait of famed

songwriter Stephen Sondheim through his beloved songs and lyrics. Exclusive interviews are interspersed throughout to give audiences an inside look at the legendary composer’s personal life and artistic processes, which brought about some of the most influential musicals of our time, such as West Side Story and Sweeney Todd May 6, 7:30 pm; May 7, 2 pm. Kauffman Theatre.

Stew May 11–14 and 17–20.

The final show of the Melting Pot Theatre’s season is 2021 Pulitzer Prize finalist Zora Howard’s Stew, set in a kitchen as four generations of women come together to prepare a special meal for an annual celebration. As with all other shows, it will feature talk backs and themed community events that celebrate the long history of family and reunion in Black culture. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Stew director Ile Haggins says. “That’s where everything happens, that’s where conversations occur, where connections are made. [Stew] unpacks their dreams, their struggles, some turmoil that they’re faced with and the violence that’s in their community that creeps into their home.” May 11–14 and 17–20. Times vary. Melting Pot Theatre.

Billy Idol

May 11. 7 pm.

Almost fifty years into his music career, rock icon Billy Idol is performing on a fifteen-city U.S. tour after his EP, The Cage, last year. Idol will be joined by Steve Stevens, lead guitarist and songwriting partner, as well as his longtime band, performing newly released songs and a few of his old rock anthems. May 11. 7 pm. Uptown Theater.

Bliss Point

May 12–14 and 19–21.

Kansas City Ballet presents Bliss Point, featuring ballets by Mark Morris, Jiří Kylián and Alexander Ekman in a mixed repertory production of three unique contemporary dance pieces. Working in unity, these distinct creative pieces show the wide diversity of performance art through an evening of thrilling and thought-provoking dance. May 12–14 and 19–21. Times vary. Muriel Kauffman Theatre.

Beautiful Disruption

May 12, 19 and 26. 6 pm.

Beautiful Disruption: Experiencing the Bloch Galleries explores the minds and struggles of the Impressionist artists as they reached for the impossible—capturing a fleeting moment using the ephemeral effects of light. Guests are encouraged to analyze these pieces deeper, witnessing the beauty and the messiness behind the masterpieces in the Bloch Galleries. May 12, 19 and 26. 6 pm. Bloch Galleries, Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.

Get Happy:

A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration with Michael Feinstein

May 13. 8 pm.

Michael Feinstein and the Kansas City Symphony travel through the life and songs of icon Judy Garland to celebrate her one-hundredth birthday in this brand new multimedia concert, which features classic film clips, rare audio recordings, never-before-seen photos and her timeless music. May 13. 8 pm. Helzberg Hall.

Playtime

May 17 and May 20.

Part of Stray Cat Film Center’s Bargain Bin Film School collection, Jacques Tati’s 1967 nearly silent film Playtime took almost three years to complete and nearly bankrupted the director. The fantastically choreographed comedy centers on the themes of confusion in an age of rampant technology and stars the recurring character of the old-fashioned Monsieur Hulot, who bumbles around modern Paris. Filled with sparks of humor and inventiveness, the film serves as a record of modern life slipping into an absurd oblivion. May 17, 7 pm; May 20, 2 pm. Stray Cat Film Center.

The Princess Bride in Concert

May 18–21.

Rob Reiner’s beloved film The Princess Bride gets reimagined with the KC Symphony performing the entire musical score live-to-picture. Mark Knopfler’s unforgettable score is specially arranged for symphony orchestra while the comedy-romance-action story unfolds on the big screen in an “inconceivable” new form. May 18–20, 8 pm; May 21, 3 pm. Helzberg Hall.

Afrique en Cirque

May 19. 7 pm.

Afrique en Cirque is a vibrant show featuring incredible acrobatics and traditional choreography to the unexpected rhythms of

the native instruments, including the melodious sound of the Kora of Guinea. Artistic director and company founder Yamoussa Bangoura brings audiences on an exciting and unexpected journey, exploring the diversity of traditional African arts mixed with modern circus performance. May 19. 7 pm. Yardley Hall.

Tivoli Presents: The Passenger

May 19 and 21.

In celebration of the new exhibit, Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure, the Tivoli at Nelson-Atkins presents Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1975 mysterious and visually arresting film, The Passenger. The film stars Jack Nicholson as a war correspondent who begins living under the identity of a dead man while in Morocco, following this absurd path no matter where it takes him. Antonioni’s film shares similarities to the sculptor’s surrealist work and his association with existentialist philosophers such as Sartre. May 19, 7 pm; May 21, 2 pm. Nelson-Atkins Museum.

Willie Nelson & Family

May 20. 4:30 pm. Icon and legendary music singer-songwriter and activist Willie Nelson is performing with special guests Tracy Lawrence and Gary Allan in honor of country radio station 94.1 KFKF’s sixtieth anniversary celebration. May 20. 4:30 pm. Azura Amphitheater.

The Dolly Party

May 20. 8:30 pm.

This Dolly Party Dance Party follows suit with other popular U.S. touring themed dance parties, like The Taylor Party or Emo Night. This is for the 9-to-5 workin’ girls who want to dance to the music of iconic women like Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Shania Twain. Come join the roving dance party—but I beg you, please don’t take my man. May 20. 8:30 pm. The Truman.

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo

May 25–28.

The world’s largest and most popular circus performance group, Cirque du Soleil, fuses high-performance dance with acrobatics to bring their newest show, Corteo, to life. Corteo tells the story of the funeral of Mauro the Dream Clown, whose spirit awakens as he watches his circus troupe mourn his death. The show transforms into a dream sequence of memories of Mauro’s life that mixes tragedy with absurdity, bringing the audience into a theatrical world of wonderment. May 25–28. Times vary. T-Mobile Center.

Aladdin

May 30–June 4.

Disney’s beloved classic Aladdin gets adapted for the stage, as the title character struggles in the face of poverty before discovering a magic lamp that may hold the key to achieving his dreams of fortune and love. May 30–June 4. Times vary. Kansas City Music Hall.

Thomas Rhett

May 19. 7:30 pm.

Country singer-songwriter

Thomas Rhett is touring the U.S. with theHome Team Tour ’23, with his signature romantic ballads and feel-good melodies, like “Die A Happy Man” and “Marry Me.” May 19. 7:30 pm. T-Mobile Center.

DREAM BIG

With a lot of grit and determination, a local filmmaker sees his vision come to fruition

BY SHAWN EDWARDS

AS AN ARTIST, Victor Wilson Jr. doesn’t like talking about his work. He’d rather show you.

The filmmaker, who calls himself “Pudgy,” grew up on Kansas City’s East Side and has always been a storyteller. Wilson was a cultural maverick back in elementary school, where as a young student he became transfixed on the arts.

“I’ve always been a dreamer with a big imagination,” says Wilson, who attended K C Middle School of the Arts and Paseo Academy for Fine and Performing Arts high school.

There he became acquainted with Langston Hughes and fell in love with poetry. He was mentored by his teacher, Stan Banks, a longtime local poet and author. Hip-hip came calling and Wilson dabbled as a rapper—a natural transition from writing poetry.

He still writes music and performs. However, his focus is now on filmmaking. As a filmmaker, Wilson is clearly heavily influenced by Quentin Tarantino, Spike Lee and music video director Director X.

Now the former mortgage banker is finally sharing his vision with the world with his self-produced TV series, Return of the Shihan. The series, loosely based on Wilson’s life, is part superhero movie and part martial art flick, with a comical

edge. “I grew up being a fan of movies from all genres, and I finally got my chance to blend my passion of martial arts, which I’ve practiced since I was a kid, and telling stories.”

The recent premiere happened on a partly sunny but unusually cold spring evening in Kansas City at The Gem Theater, located in the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. Close to five hundred people packed the theater, listening to Wilson’s inspiring speech about the journey to create his film. The audience seemed to hang on every word, periodically applauding and cheering. The building was abuzz.

Wilson is part of a new crop of up-and-coming local filmmakers who are now producing some of the most interesting films and TV series coming out of Kansas City. They are mostly young, Black and under-funded.

Return of the Shihan was produced with a microbudget, where the currency was mostly favors and hook-ups. “My day job funded the entire project,” Wilson says. He runs Community’s Keepers, a business that works with people whose annual income falls below the poverty line to prequalify them for various services through the government’s Lifeline program.

“We only filmed on Sundays for a year,” Wilson says. “It wasn’t easy, but we got it done.” There weren’t any seasoned crew member on the team nor any professional actors in the series, he says. “I found people who had a like-minded vision. We were all a group of people with drive and passion.”

Wilson is very clear on his future. He has ambitious plans to pitch his series to a major network or streamer. It’s not exactly an unattainable dream. Kansas City native Morgan Cooper, another young and hungry Black filmmaker, created the blueprint. Cooper’s reimagining of a dramatic version of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which he filmed guerrillastyle in Kansas City and way under the radar of the city’s established film community, went viral. Now, he’s an executive producer of the highly successful Peacock TV show Bel- Air, now in its second season.

So for Wilson, anything is possible as long as he stays on his cinematic grind and continues hustling.

Filmmaker Victor Wilson Jr. in action.

“I grew up being a fan of movies from all genres, and I finally got my chance to blend my passion of martial arts and telling stories.”

DO TIME IN JEFFERSON CITY

The Missouri State Penitentiary is a beloved treasure to history buffs and thrill-seekers alike. Tour and learn of the penitentiary’s 168-year operation and infamous criminals who were housed inside “The Walls.”

After doing time, discover the scenic views, old-world architectural charm, mouthwatering eateries and exciting events Jefferson City has to offer all year long.

Joe Wilson’s Serenity Point CRMU Amphitheater

Photo: Notley Hawkins

ALL THAT JAZZ

Herschel McWilliams is building community through his online calendar, Live Jazz KC.

BY NINA CHERRY

IN APRIL 2019, a local jazz calendar suddenly went offline. The site, owned and managed by an area venue, wasn’t encyclopedic, but it was a resource for many.

Saxophonist Herschel McWilliams noticed soon after and quickly got to work creating a new and improved calendar now known as Live Jazz KC.

“I started putting together the framework and had it online within a few days,” McWilliams says. “It was such a big resource, and I knew it could be bigger and more useful for more people.”

Four years later, the guide garners upwards of fifteen thousand visitors a month from locals and out of town visitors. Live Jazz KC is known as the most comprehensive and updated destination to find out where to catch live entertainment throughout the area, from Johnnie’s Jazz Bar and Grille in Liberty

to Chaz on the Plaza. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a touring act or a scene stalwart—it will be listed.

Working in automotive retail by day and freelancing as a saxophonist by night, McWilliams runs the website as a passion project. He wants people to know what’s going on in Kansas City’s vibrant jazz scene.

“Initially, it was for the musicians, my friends, to help lift up where they’re playing and what they’re doing,” McWilliams says. As the site has picked up traction, venues have taken notice—and shared their appreciation—as well.

If you’re looking for blues, R&B or another genre, you won’t find it listed here. McWilliams gets inquiries about expanding the calendar, but he’s focused on keeping jazz at the forefront.

“I’ve really let the scene guide the content,” McWilliams says. “It’s started to take on a different form.” Not only has Live Jazz KC expanded its social media presence, but McWilliams has also recently delved into music education.

Last spring, McWilliams started the Live Jazz KC High School All Star Big Band, bringing together twenty budding artists from both sides of the state line. After a busy competition season, the second iteration of the band concluded the 2022-23 year with a performance at Westport Coffeehouse on April 30. McWilliams hopes to engage more students next year and add vocalists to the mix.

“It’s been great to see the relationships the kids in the band are building with one another,” McWilliams says. Visit livejazzkc.com for a comprehensive calendar of live jazz performances throughout the area.

“It was such a big resource, and I knew it could be bigger and more useful for more people.”

Herschel McWilliams on saxophone with Ben Leifer on bass and Arny Young on drums.

A Hair Raising Good Time

Whether you’re looking for hair-raising fun for the kids at the Discovery Center or drama that will bring the house down at the city’s historic theaters, you’ll find amazing entertainment options in Springfield. We love our city and know the best places to eat, drink and play.

SEE YOU IN SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI

913-357-1212

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Jeffrey Lenius, DDS, MSD

CURATING A BEAUTIFUL LIFE

SUSTAINABLE SWIMWEAR

In featuring local lakes and rivers for this issue, we started thinking about swimwear for summer. Some of our favorite suits are made by local designer Helen Jon, who is creating ecofriendly clothing by mindfully constructing her pieces. This is the antithesis to fast fashion swimwear, which is often ill-fitting, poorly made and intended to only last a season.

Jon’s collection includes swimwear, beachwear, cover-ups and accessories like beach totes. The pieces are created to be easily mixed and matched for more options.

All products made with yarn are by Belda Lloréns, a spanish manufacturer using sustainable spinning practices and yarns with almost no climatic footprint. The cotton and polyester yarns used in products are made from recycled materials. Products made with Tencel Modal fibers are mostly made from beech wood sourced from sustainable forests in Austria—a natural and renewable source of raw material. These fiber types are certified as biodegradable and compostable, so they can fully revert back to nature when they are finished being worn. —MOLLY

HIGGINS

VARIETAL VANILLA

Artisanal batches of vanilla are the newest foodie trend, adding unexpected punches of flavor to party dishes and cocktails.

BY MOLLY HIGGINS

WE’VE SEEN CRAFT COCKTAILS with homemade syrups and shrubs, fancy charcuterie boards, and, recently, even butter boards as trendy artisanal food meant to wow and to share. But our newest obsession is small-batch vanilla extract.

In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on specialized and unique artisanal products, especially as gifts or for dinner parties. Gourmet vanilla is fast becoming part of that niche. It can be not only added to conventional baked goods for a unique addition but also mixed into cocktails for an unexpected punch or even used in marinades and dressings for a flavorful, surprising element.

The process of making vanilla is straightforward and simple: A ripe vanilla bean pod is slit open to expose the caviar—the black flecks we associate with ‘vanilla bean’ flavors found in ice cream—added to a solvent, often alcohol, to extract the flavor and stored in a cool, dark place for a few months before it’s ready.

Big-brand vanillas, such as McCormick, will use water as the main ingredient. “Then it will probably say alcohol and then vanilla bean particulates on the ingredient list,” says Vain Foods founder Kate Banks. “Big industrial brands are extracting vanilla in bulk, and then they’re sweeping away all of the plant material—all of the vanilla bean—and you’re left with the dark amber liquid.”

Vain is our favorite local artisanal vanilla maker. They outsource their vanilla beans from places with a natural climate suited for the plant, like Mexico, Tanzania and Uganda.

“We’ve come to know that coffee beans are grown around the world,” Banks says. “There’s South American blend or Ethiopian—it’s so ingrained in coffee drinkers’ culture. Wine grapes are certainly another area where the idea of where your ingredients are grown has taken hold. Foodies and cooks are also seeking out small-batch ingredients. So I was really taken with the fact these beans were grown in other countries and they all have a little bit different length, aroma, feel and difference in color.”

Vanilla only needs about eighty-proof alcohol to extract, and instead of using grain alcohol like big brands, Vain uses top-shelf liquor like vodka, bourbon, rum and Vain’s homemade liqueur, which they play off the flavors of the alcohol in their vanilla infusions.

These vanilla “varietals” aren’t just used in your mom’s vanilla cake. They are a trendy, upscale, alternative ingredient that can add unexpected flavor to anything from cocktails to meats.

Vain’s website highlights different recipes in which various vanillas are used in interesting and unexpected ways. The website also has a “flavor finder” to help home cooks figure out which flavors will fit best for different vanillas.

Barbara Cantrell, Vain Foods’ director of sales, uses vanilla with brown sugar and dry mustard as a marinade for steelhead trout, which she calls “out of this world.” Banks echoes the savory application. She cooks what she calls her “dynamite” carrots in orange juice and vanilla bean and, once the liquid cooks away, adds a teaspoon of Tonga vanilla with the orange.

There are also cocktails that use Vain vanilla, such as mint juleps and sangria. Cantrell and Banks also have a favorite pork chop recipe with Mexican vanilla bean extracted in an apple brandy. The vanillas can be used in homemade BBQ sauce or baked beans, too.

“They are great in marinades,” Banks says. “We have a great citrus vanilla vinaigrette that can be put on fruit or tossed with lettuces or fresh spring produce.”

Cantrell agrees: “Bruschetta with some ricotta mixed with olive oil and a little balsamic and vanilla is nice as an appetizer spread,” she says. “I’ve made a butter board with vanilla or a charcuterie board with brie. I’ll mix honey and vanilla together, then I pour that over the top of the brie and add almonds. Everybody loves it—the vanilla with the honey gives it such a smooth flavor.”

Vain Foods founder Kate Banks

DATING MARKET VALUE

BY MOLLY HIGGINS

IS IT TRUE that opposites attract? What makes relationships work?

How can we find the best potential match?

Sean Prall, an assistant professor of anthropology at the University of Missouri, is close to answering those questions. He’s been observing and studying the behavior of Himba, a group of semi-nomadic agro-pastoralists in northwest Namibia, for five years now. With his research partner Brooke Scelza, professor of anthropology at UCLA, he’s conducted extensive interviews with the Himba people about the desirability of others in their community. Prall has found that when members of the tribe rated each other based on a photo, people with similar “ratings” found each other more desirable, showing that people often gravitate toward finding mates with the same “rating”—or level of desirability.

Drawing on those answers, Prall and Scelza estimated people’s “mate value,” a broad term they use to describe how likely it is that one person wants to be in a relationship with another.

Through their studies, they’ve discovered that, generally, people with similar mate values are more likely to begin a relationship with each other and that they also have better outcomes in those relationships than others.

Prall’s research is unique because it focuses on people’s direct actions and less on their stated preferences, which are often influenced by social and cultural pressures. Prall’s findings provide valuable new insight into how humans pick their mates and how relationships can be successful, he says.

We talked to Prall about his studies of the Himba people, mate value and how partner preferences can be applied more broadly to help inform how we choose our own romantic connections.

Why did you focus on the Himba people for your behavioral studies? This is a place where they practice polygyny and they also practice what we call concurrency, which means that basically every man and woman, married or unmarried, has partners on the side. So it’s sort of an interesting place to think about mating and reproductive decisions because people are making lots of decisions— they’re choosing boyfriends and girlfriends, choosing spouses, getting divorced or remarried. It makes it a good place to study how culture, biology and behavior sort of collide together.

You came up with the term “mate value.” Could you talk about what that is? Mate value really comes from something called biological market theory, which, in this case, is basically supply and demand in terms of choosing partners or mates.

People who are more desirable leverage more “value” on the mating market. Therefore, they can choose higher-quality partners or have more options for partners, relative to people who are sort of lower quality in the mating market. Basically, mate value refers to how desirable one is relative to others in a given local mating market. And I don’t mean desirability in terms of physical attractiveness. I mean desirability in terms of how much people want to partner with you.

In your research, you talk about focusing on people’s actions rather than their preferences. What do actions look like in both the Himba people and in our own culture? We looked at preferences and we also looked at real-world relationships in the Himba community. We were able to get measures of these different relationships and then looked at how the mate value differences impacted these relationships. People who have similar mate values tend to have longer relationships. If you are in a relationship that’s sort of discordant— say, you have a much higher mate value than your partner—then you might be dissatisfied in your relationship and look for others who are of higher quality than your partner.

We were able to actually move beyond just the preference data and look at how mate value matters in the context of real-world relationships. I think this is something that illustrates a larger feature of human mating. We have what we call “aspirational preferences,” where we prefer people of high desirability, but we tend to pair up with people of similar desirability, and that’s because we operate in a competitive environment where we’re competing with other individuals for access to mates.

What do you see for the broader context in how we use this information to choose our partners? This [Himba] way is how people have been mating and pairing up for thousands and thousands of years. From an evolutionary perspective, people have not been pairing up through Tinder or dating websites, right? We pair up with people in our community, people that we know. We leverage the information we gather about individuals in our community and evaluate people in that way. This research gives a more detailed look at how humans form partnerships.

An anthropologist from MU found that relationships are better between people with similar levels of desirability.

LakeEscapes!

Looking for a Lake Escape that isn’t a day’s drive away? We’ve found a dozen spots to help you enjoy the great outdoors without having to fill a tank of gas.

magine the smell of hot dogs cooking on the grill, the anticipation of s’mores around the campfire, and kids capturing fireflies in a grassy meadow or getting their feet wet in a cooling stream. These are a few memories you can make this season when you pack up your swimsuit and flip-flops, fill a cooler with your favorite snacks, dust off your tackle box, grab your fishing pole and invest in some short-distance travel time.

To simplify your decision about where to start, we’ve curated a list of popular recreation spots that are easy to get to (about an hour or less away) and will have you communing with nature in no time. ›

STORIES BY Katie Baldwin, Dawnya Bartsch, Martin Cizmar, Nicole Kinning, Hampton Stevens and Susie Whitfield

ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHY BY Shawn Brackbill and Jeremey Theron Kirby

JEREMEY THERON KIRBY

Lake Jacomo was a gift from President Harry Truman, who wanted to create a resort for the county’s citizens.

Lake Jacomo

LOCATION: Blue Springs, Missouri

DISTANCE: 20 miles, 25 minutes

Within the Blue Springs community and adjacent to Blue Springs Lake is the breathtaking nine hundred and seventy-acre Lake Jacomo, one of Jackson County’s premier recreational areas. Its name is an acronym for Jackson County, Missouri. The lake was a gift from President Harry Truman, who wanted

to create a resort for the county’s citizens. Jacomo is known for its colorful sailboat regattas, slow-moving pontoons and paddle boats. This lake is tranquil due to the limited horsepower regulation for boaters, making for a more peaceful, laid-back visit. Lake Jacomo’s marina is the largest in the area and provides concessions, lakeside gasoline, tackle, bait and dock fishing. For boater convenience, Jacomo has three easily accessed boat ramps. Anglers will find the lake stocked with crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass, carp, catfish, hybrid striped bass and walleye.

If you have energy to spare after a day of lake fun at Jacomo, check out Missouri Town’s Living History Museum, where you’ll experience old Missouri as it was on the eve of the civil war. Take a self-guided tour of more than twenty-five original buildings as old as the 1820s while living history interpreters in period attire tell you the story of what life was like then.

Smithville Lake

LOCATION: Smithville, Missouri

DISTANCE: 30 miles, 35 minutes

Blue Springs Lake

LOCATION: Blue Springs, Missouri

DISTANCE: 17 Miles, 20 minutes

Blue Springs Lake is one of a series of beautiful Missouri reservoirs. It is situated on the eastern edge of Jackson County and covers seven hundred and twenty acres with its crystal clear waters and stunning natural scenery. Blue Springs Lake and Lake Jacomo are both in Fleming Park.

One of the most striking features of Blue Springs Lake is its bluish color due to its unique composition. The lake feeds from nearby natural springs that filter through limestone, creating a clear and stunning blue hue.

The lake has plenty of options for water sports. You’ll likely see jet skis, power boats, kayaks and canoes. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted here. Anglers love the lake for its bass, catfish and crappie. There is a dedicated beach just for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.

In addition to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities, the lake is home to several campgrounds and intertwining hiking trails. It’s part of the extensive Jackson County Parks and Recreation Department. ✺

Twenty miles north of downtown Kansas City is the area’s largest public lake at Smithville. It is also one of the most popular local destinations for fishing, boating and camping. This lake covers more than 7,200 acres and one hundred seventy five miles of shoreline, with a maximum depth of sixty feet. Little Platte Park and Camp Branch are two parks adjoining the lake. Among the parks’ amenities are nicely maintained on-site campgrounds, two eighteen-hole golf courses, picnic and shelter areas, many miles of blacktop and dirt paths for hiking and biking, equestrian trails and two full-service marinas with boat rentals. With various hungry fish, including bass, crappie and catfish, the lake is excellent for fishing. Smithville has two swimming beaches with crystal clear water for a refreshing swimming experience.

Nearby park attractions include Paradise Pointe Marina, Paradise Pointe Golf Complex and the historical sites Woodhenge and Akers Cemetery.

The Jerry L. Litton Visitor Center near the dam tells the area’s history and houses memorabilia about Missouri’s sixth district Congressman Litton, who died in a 1976 plane crash along with his entire family. The group was heading to a victory party on election night after Litton won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate. ✺

PROVIDED; SHUTTERSTOCK

Lake Shawnee

LOCATION: Topeka, Kansas

DISTANCE: 63 miles, 1 hour, 2 minutes

Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas, is a popular outdoor recreation destination and a jewel in the crown of Kansas travel lakes. It attracts more than a million annual visitors, and it has been recognized twice by the tourism industry as one of the top travel destinations in Kansas.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife regularly stocks the lake with prime fish. There are several fishing docks and piers around the lake for fun and easy ways to cast a line and reel in the big one.

The lake allows for a range of boats, from small electric motors to larger gas-powered watercraft, and there are plenty of ramps for simple launch and boat retrieval.

Lake Shawnee offers several hiking and biking trails for those who prefer to enjoy the area by land. The trails wind through the park and provide stunning views of the lake, the breathtaking tulips, beautiful rose and Japanese gardens, and the surrounding countryside.

There are more than one hundred and twenty well-cared-for gravel campsites within proximity to the lake.

There is a good-sized swimming area monitored by lifeguards during the summer and several well-maintained picnic areas with grills and playgrounds for climbing located throughout the park, making the slightly longer distance worth it. ✺

City Lake

LOCATION: Pleasant Hill, Missouri

DISTANCE: 30 miles, 30 minutes

City Lake may be on the small side, but it has a mighty big heart and a lot to offer in the way of beautiful scenery, a peaceful atmosphere and abundant recreational activities.

City Lake covers around fifty acres with a maximum depth of twenty-five feet. It is home to several fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill, making it a popular spot for a quiet afternoon of fishing. The lake has a small marina with watercraft rentals, several fishing piers and a boat ramp to make it easy for visitors to access the water for a quick fishing expedition. The lake is a no-wake zone for a serene fishing experience.

For those who prefer to stay on land, City Lake is the perfect setting for hikers and bikers. The lake’s rural location is excellent for birdwatching and wildlife viewing, and you’ll regularly see deer, raccoons, turkeys and geese.

There are four single-path undulating dirt paths to explore the shoreline and forest, and they are usually within eyesight of each other, hugging the shoreline and weaving in and out of the woods. The paths provide a tranquil setting where you may be the only person on the trail as far as the eye can see. Looping the entire lake is three and a half miles of trail paths.

While there is no swimming or wading at City Lake, there are several picnic areas, shelters and many areas for kids to play around the lake, making it a delightful spot for families with children. For adult playtime, there is a lakeshore disc golf course for fast-paced golf fun with a view. ✺

Clinton Lake

LOCATION: Lawrence, Kansas

DISTANCE: 51 miles, 51 minutes

Located just a short drive west on I-70, Clinton Lake draws outdoor enthusiasts from a wide range of disciplines. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice swimmer, Clinton Lake has something for everyone. It is an ideal destination for a quick getaway to commune with nature or for families looking to spend a long weekend of quality time together.

Visitors enjoy stunning landscapes while hiking or biking the many trails around the lake. You can rent a boat or a kayak from one of several rental facilities around the lake, which is also home to numerous campgrounds, several cabins for rent and picnic areas. You’ll want to take in every detail of the wildlife and pristine air because these are scenes you won’t experience in the city. The lake is family friendly, featuring several playgrounds, a swimming beach and wide-open spaces where children can play and safely explore. Clinton Lake is home to several species of wildlife, including deer, foxes and birds, making it an excellent place for children to learn about nature. ✺

Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas, is a popular outdoor recreation destination and a jewel in the crown of Kansas travel lakes. It attracts more than a million annual visitors, and it has been recognized twice by the tourism industry as one of the top travel destinations in Kansas.

The University of Kansas rowing team has a partnership with Wyandotte County Lake, and if you get there at the right time, you may witness one of many rowing competitions that happen throughout the year.

Wyandotte County Lake & Park

LOCATION: Kansas City, Kansas

DISTANCE: 21 miles, 24 minutes

One of Kansas City, Kansas’ most surprising hidden treasures is Wyandotte County Lake and Park. This pristine destination encompasses one thousand five hundred acres of wooded areas, rolling hills and a four hundred-acre lake with a marina.

Even if you don’t get out of your car, it’s a great place to take in the beauty of nature during your scenic drive around the larger lake. Getting out of your vehicle allows you and your family a better way to enjoy the pet-friendly environment featuring a kids’ fishing pond, a large playground for lakeside play, boat rentals, concessions, a bridle trail, a decent-sized off-leash dog area, an archery range, well-kept picnic shelters and a single-track trail for biking and hiking.

The lake is regularly stocked, so depending on the time of year and weather conditions, anglers can usually score bass, catfish, bluegill or walleye. The University of Kansas rowing team has a partnership with the lake, and if you get there at the right time, you may witness one of many rowing competitions that happen throughout the year.

The lake comes alive with a Christmas in July celebration, bringing food vendors, a bevy of boats decorated for Christmas, a fishing derby, a boat parade and fireworks. This year the event will happen on July 22. The Korean War Memorial at the entrance to the park is also an excellent spot for scenic views. ✺

Hillsdale Lake

LOCATION: Paola, Kansas

DISTANCE: 30 miles, 30 minutes

One of the newest local reservoirs, Hillsdale Lake covers more than twelve thousand acres of park and wildlife areas, forty-five hundred acres of lake and fifty-one miles of shoreline. It has become known for its breathtaking views in every direction and dense wildlife population.

For land explorers, Hillsdale offers miles of scenic trails, with two unique intertwining trails that wind their way through the natural prairie. There are many shady, covered picnic areas and a broad, well-cared-for beach. The new eighteen-hole disc golf course is a popular activity and provides two tee boxes.

Brush up on your fishing skills at this wellstocked lake where you can catch bass, catfish, walleye or crappie. Much of the standing timber was left in place, making it an ideal habitat for a growing fish population.

There are two hundred and forty-two provisional campsites for both RVs and camping sites. You’ll have no trouble finding a spot that offers excellent lake views and good access to facilities. ✺

Watkins Mill Lake

LOCATION: Lawson, Missouri

DISTANCE: 32 miles, 40 minutes

Watkins Mill State Park features a one hundred-acre lake surrounded by one thousand acres of picture-perfect gardens, trails and landscapes.

Anglers can expect to catch crappie, catfish, bass and bluegill, among other species. The lake is stocked regularly with fish by the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Visitors are welcome to bring their boats or rent from the on-site marina. There are no horsepower restrictions on the lake, so boaters can enjoy waterskiing, tubing or slow cruising. There are several boat ramps and docks, making launching and landing boats a breeze.

Watkins Mill Lake has several hiking trails ranging in difficulty and length. One popular path is the paved 3.75-mile bike trail that circles the lake, providing stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. This trail is perfect for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Campers will find several campgrounds within the park that range from primitive tent spots to campsites for RVs with full electric hookups. All campers have access to showers, restrooms and picnic areas.

In addition to its recreational opportunities, Watkins Mill Lake is a great place to learn about Missouri’s history. The Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is adjacent to the lake and offers tours of the historic woolen mill, built in the mid1800s. Visitors can learn about the history of the mill and tour original facilities. ✺

KANSAS TOURISM; JET LOWE, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Longview Lake

LOCATION: Lee’s Summit, Missouri

DISTANCE: 17 Miles, 24 minutes

There are plenty of fun things to do at this local favorite. Surrounded by lush forests and sprawling meadows, Longview Lake is a picturesque nine hundred and thirty-acre lake covering sixteen miles of shoreline. The lake’s close proximity and many amenities make it a great day trip.

The lake is fed by The Little Blue River and is home to various fish species. Several fishing tournaments are held here throughout the year, including the famous Big Bass Bash, attracting anglers from all over the Midwest.

There is a designated swimming beach, and boats are available to rent at the marina, which also boasts slips for watercraft, making it easy to launch and dock your own boat.

Longview Lake has miles of trails and nature areas to explore by foot or bike. A six-and-a-half-mile, mostly gravel path along the shoreline is a great way to experience the lake’s natural beauty and wildlife.

Along with the lake, there are baseball fields, sand volleyball courts and an eighteen-hole golf course. Completely renovated in 2009, the challenging course features concrete cart paths from tee to green. Don’t have time for eighteen holes? There’s also a nine-hole course.

There are several campgrounds, including RV and tent options. Several picnic areas and shelters are also available for rent.

The lake is host to several special events, including Sand Cinema, which plays first-run family-friendly movies on a giant inflatable screen, along with children’s games and a concession stand. ✺

Pomona Lake

LOCATION: Pomona, Kansas

DISTANCE: 60 miles, 60 minutes

Constructed in the 1960s with the primary purpose of flood control on the Marais des Cygnes River, Pomona Lake has become one of the most popular recreational areas for locals and traveling tourists.

Perry Lake

LOCATION: Perryville, Missouri

DISTANCE: 40 miles, 1 hour, 5 minutes

Nestled in the forested hills of Northeast Kansas and just northwest of Lawrence is the 12,500-acre Perry Lake and State Park. Its proximity to the city has made Perry a popular destination for Kansas Citians, who often call it “Paradise on the Plains.”

Perry Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-operated reservoir with one hundred and sixty miles of shoreline. Whether anglers fish from the expansive shoreline or a boat, they’ll find a lake stocked with crappie, walleye, bass and catfish.

Adjoining the lake is Perry State Park, which offers upland, intertwining trails renowned for rugged terrain. These trails are designed specifically for horses, although hikers are also welcome.

Perry Lake provides a variety of cabins and campgrounds suitable for both tent campers and recreational vehicles. Campers and visitors enjoy spectacular views of the lake and can launch their boats at one of two marinas offering a full assortment of marine services. If sailing is your boat experience, set sail with your catamaran from the Hobie Cove campground. The Perry Wildlife area offers extensive wetlands that attract waterfowl each fall. The wildlife area is perfect for bird watching, hunting and exploring the prairie’s natural landscape. ✺

The Pomona Reservoir is a four thousand-acre crystal-clear lake perfect for boating, fishing and water sports. It adjoins Pomona State Park, where you’ll find an abundance of wildlife and scenic beauty.

It is also an excellent spot to catch more than a dozen fish species. There are several fishing docks and boat ramps around the lake for boaters’ convenience. The park is home to several trails and campgrounds, the latter which offer a range of amenities including electricity, water and fire pits. If you’re into a more rugged experience, there are more primitive campsites, too. The eleven-mile scenic Pomona Lake Trail is the most popular, rated moderate in difficulty. It is open to hikers, bikers and horseback riders and offers stunning views of the lake and the majestic landscape. ✺

LAKE STORIES BY Katie Baldwin

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Longview Lake hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, including the famous Big Bass Bash, which attracts anglers from all over the Midwest.

Lake Activities

The Details

BLUE SPRINGS LAKE LAKEJACOMOWYANDOTTECOUNTY LAKE&PARKLONGVIEWLAKE CITYLAKE SMITHVILLE LAKE  HILLSDALE LAKEWATKINSMILL LAKE PERRY LAKE CLINTON LAKE POMONA LAKE LAKE SHAWNEE

Set Sail

Despite being landlocked, there’s plenty of summer sailing to be had in the greater Kansas City area, and local sailing enthusiasts are eager to pass along their knowledge. Check out some of the ways you can learn to skipper your own rig.

Founded in 1958, a year before Lake Jacomo was completed, the Jacomo Sailing Club was the brainchild of a group of men who met at Kelly’s bar in Westport and planned its formation even though the lake wasn’t set to open for two more years.

More than sixty years later, the sailing club is still going strong. Lake Jacomo is near Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs in Jackson County. Along with regattas, the club offers several learn-to-sail courses throughout the spring and summer for those who think they might want to set sail. As a “nonprofit organization, education is the backbone of what we do,” states the club’s mission statement. There’s Intro to Sailing for true beginners, where skills taught include rigging, launching, sailing upwind and downwind, starting and stopping, right-of-way and docking. The on-the-water training solidifies skills, with one instructor and two to three students per boat. Learn to Sail is for students who have some sailing experience: Sailors spend most of class time sailing around the lake.

“Through both recreational sailing and racing, we are proud to continue the legacy of the Jacomo Sailing Club,” states the Jacomo Sailing Club board.

“Yacht club” may conjure up images of ascots and pristine white pants, but the folks at Smithville Lake’s Paradise Point Yacht Club say that’s not them.

Located about a dozen miles Northeast of MCI airport, Paradise Point Yacht Club at Smithville Lake offers sailing lessons through the Paradise Point Yacht Club as well as the Park Hill High School Adult Education Program.

Enrollment opens in May for a three-week course in June that includes classroom and on-the-water instruction. The program is designed for adults eighteen years and older with no sailing experience, as well as returning “rusty” sailors.

The program teaches water safety, basic sailing terminology, principles of sailing, right-of-way rules, weather issues and boat handling. Class consists of six hours of classroom instruction and twelve hours of on-the-water instruction.

Perry Lake, located between Topeka and Lawrence, has a reputation as one of the best places to sail in the region, with lots of water, great wind, few powerboats and a great group of sailors.

Along with hosting regattas, the Perry Yacht Club conducts youth and adult sailing lessons for all ages and abilities. There is the four-day Zero to Hero Sailing Day Camp for adults, the OneDay Sailing Class for beginners, and the Weekend Basic Keelboat Class for those looking for advanced sailing techniques, and private lessons—which can include you and your friends and be as serious, or not-serious, as you like. –

Dawnya Bartsch

JACOMO SAILING CLUB

PARADISE POINT YACHT CLUB

PERRY YACHT CLUB

Writer Hampton Stevens at Clinton Lake

Long, Lost Summer Day

Memories of sunburnt, lazy and hazy days on Lawrence’s Clinton Lake

BY Hampton Stevens

For most of my life, I’ve been a beneficiary of that notion. Through no merit of my own, I grew up in a world of affluence and privilege. It was always understood, if never explicitly stated, that those who came before me had taken great care to build a nation of comfort and safety. Clinton Lake, strange as it sounds, played a big role in solidifying that idea.

When I first got to Lawrence, way back in the last century, I remember being struck by the existence of this vast man-made reservoir. Water, the very stuff of life, had been tamed and collected for me by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The lake, and the fifteen thousand curated acres of land around it, seemed an embodiment of the feeling, perhaps now a relic of postwar American hegemony, that the generations who came before us did big, hard things for the benefit of those to come. Clinton is where I first saw a live bald eagle, for goodness sake, the literal symbol of our national pride.

Today, in addition to birdwatching, Clinton is for flying kites, playing frisbee, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, boating and more. Once, back in the day, it was even a place for the late, lamented Wakarusa Music Festival. Before it moved to Arkansas, and eventually ended, you could drive ten minutes outside of town, see Ben Harper or Flaming Lips, indulge in an outdoor bacchanalia and still get home to sleep in your own bed. It was Lawrence in a nutshell—

above-average cultural amenities delivered with uncommon convenience and ease.

But the real joy of Clinton was sneakier and more subtle. It was that simple pleasure of feeling built for, encapsulated by a single sunny day on the water.

The exact date escapes me. Summer was hazy then. There was little school or work and less responsibility. Long, languorous days would blend into weeks indistinguishable from weekends.

My friend Otto had a boat, a 1986 Bayliner Capri Bowrider. Not a particularly expensive craft, but nevertheless a remarkable bit of affluence for a bunch of dumb college kids.

The day was idyllic, but not unusually so. Just a warm afternoon on the water. It was the sort of moment that might seem unex-

ceptional when it happens. Only decades later, in retrospect, do you grasp the irrevocable power of a sunny summer day.

We were on the lake, swimming, drinking cold beer, smoking good weed, eating food that was shipped, as most food is, from hundreds or thousands of miles away. Music played, of course. I don’t recall the soundtrack, but Jerry Garcia and Kurt Cobain were both alive, and guitars still ruled over computers.

I remember looking around with deep gratitude, suddenly thrilled by the sheer affluence of my late twentieth century North American existence. We were water skiing, for goodness sake. Not even a Roman emperor could have gone water skiing.

At some point, we saw another boat moving on the far distant edge of the reservoir, barely visible. I jokingly thought “How dare they crowd us.”

It sounds silly, but that moment would become symbolic for me, cementing the idea that an enormous amount of personal space is essential to the good life. It’s a belief that would return again and again to shape my choices, consciously or not. Like, for instance, when I moved to New York City in my thirties. For all the glories of a literary life in Manhattan, the chronic lack of space there gnawed at my soul. The crowds and small rooms felt like poverty.

Ultimately, I moved back to the Midwest, to the detriment of my writing career, surely, but likely the betterment of my mental and physical well-being.

In the end, I chose a vision of success that included space, greenery, quiet and ease. I chose a built environment that felt like care, comfort and safety. I chose what felt like love. Blame it on Lawrence. Blame it on a long, lost summer day. Blame it on the lake. ✺

“I remember looking around with deep gratitude, suddenly thrilled by the sheer affluence of my late twentieth century North American existence. We were waterskiing, for goodness sake.”

There is a proverb about old men who plant new trees, knowing they will never sit in their shade. Attributed to everyone from Cicero to Joycelyn Elders, the idea is that a true philanthropist builds for future generations, not just their own.

SHAWN BRACKBILL

Bait and Switch

A pro angler shares his tips for fishing this summer.

BY Nicole Kinning

GRAB SOME GEAR

Ever since he was a child, Atkins has been passionate about fishing. “My parents have a picture of me in my crib with a fishing pole,” he says. “I’ve always been stoked to go fishing.”

Atkins now holds two International Game Fish Association world records in the sport: one for a longnose gar, which he snagged at Truman Lake, and the other for a flathead catfish from the “muddy” Missouri River. The ironic (and, as some would argue, fateful) part of it all is that both of his record fish were the exact same length: one hundred and thirty-one centimeters. He’s also caught a seven-and-a-half-foot shark off the coast in Florida. If there’s a water monster out there, Atkins is determined to catch it.

Atkins’ love for fishing and hunting has also led him to explore his culinary side by cooking the game he hunts. He showcases it all on his Instagram account, @ maneatswild, where you’ll see his venison cheesesteak sandwiches, trout tacos and morel mushroom flatbreads.

Atkins, who also founded tackle company Atko in 2017, is serving up some of his best fishing tips for anyone looking to cast a reel and relax this summer.

GET A PERMIT

To fish on publicly stocked waters in Kansas and Missouri, you need a fishing license. There are a few age exceptions, and some states, like Missouri, have free fishing days where you can fish without a license. Permit prices differ depending on state, residency and what type of license you need, but they typically range from $15 to $25 per person per season. Get more info at ksoutdoors.com for Kansas fishing and mdc.mo.gov for Missouri fishing.

KNOW THE RULES

Fishing has rules, and not following them could lead to a talking-to from the game warden and a pricey ticket. We covered the fishing license. Now it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of catching and releasing.

While some wild fish are safe to take home, other varieties have specific rules, like how many fish you can keep or what points of the year are open season, meaning you can keep the fish. “Others are endangered,” Atkins says. “For example, if you catch a sturgeon, you’ve gotta get it back in the water ASAP and make sure it’s happy. The best bet is, until you are good at identifying fish, throw everything back.” The Missouri Department of Conservation and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks both make guides that have all the info you need, which you can find on their websites or pick up at many local grocery and hardware stores.

“Starting out, you don’t need to have high-dollar, super cool Bass Pro gear,” Atkins says. “Until you start doing it more and more, you’re not going to really know what you like to use.” Borrow a fishing pole from a friend or family member, or see if you can find a gently used one at the thrift store. For bait, start with live worms, which are available at most tackle and bait shops and attract fish with their natural smell and movement. (Psst: You can also find Akto gear at Forty Woods Bait N’ Tackle in Blue Springs.)

FIND A SPOT

Some would argue that finding a spot to fish is one of the most adventurous and enjoyable parts of the hobby. (Many serious anglers won’t even share their favorite spots in hopes that they can keep their havens secret.)

Atkins says there’s no need to venture out to the backwoods to scope out a great fishing spot. Some of the best ones might be in your own neighborhood. Atkins loves fishing the Missouri River that runs right through downtown, which is where he snagged the world-record flathead catfish from.

Atkins recommends downloading the app onX, which shows users where all public land is—i.e., land that’s fair game to fish in. You don’t need a boat to fish, which Atkins stands by; he actually sold his boat a few years ago and has caught some of his most impressive game by bank fishing, or fishing from land.

If you’re looking to target specific fish or just have no idea where to start, Atkins also suggests reaching out to your state’s wildlife department. “They do surveys of all the waterways and have a good idea of what populations exist,” he says. “You can say ‘I want to catch a catfish, where is a good place nearby me?’ and they’ll give you great suggestions.”

CAST A REEL

Once you’ve secured some gear and have a fishing hole in mind, go for it! Remember: The joy of fishing isn’t necessarily in the catch but rather the sense of calm and community that comes with it. ✺

Angler Jason Atkins with a Channel Catfish he just pulled from the Kansas River.

As the sun rises over the glassy surface of a lake, Jason Atkins prepares to cast his line. For Atkins, this tranquil scene is one that’s all too familiar.

SHAWN BRACKBILL

“My parents have a picture of me in my crib with a fishing pole. I’ve always been stoked to go fishing.”

Peter Meiusi and Travis Andregg on one of their rigs for their new boat subscription service at Clinton Lake.

Boating Bliss

A members-only boating club comes to Clinton Lake.

BY Susie Whitfield

Then real life hits. Those hours of carefree joy are slowly whittled away by the reality of boat ownership. The boat needs to be hauled out of storage, maintained, get its tank filled, be loaded with equipment, brought to the launch and maneuvered into the water.

However, that all might be changing. The old sayings “the word boat means Break Out Another Thousand” and “the two best days in a boat owner’s life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it” just might not be relevant any more.

Hoping to eliminate the negatives associated with boating, Peter Meiusi and Travis Andregg have brought what they call “hassle-free boating” to the Kansas City area at the No Coast Boat Club of Lake Perry in Perry, Kansas, and Clinton Lake in Lawrence.

“We want to maximize the fun,” Meiusi says of why he and Andregg started the area’s first boat subscription service. There are hundreds of boat clubs across the country, mostly on the coasts, and there are a few already in Missouri, such as Freedom Boat Club at Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake and St. Charles. But there are none in the greater Kansas City area, despite a population of about 2.2 million people and ample lakes.

“My wife and I moved here from Seattle in 2020, and I was used to boat clubs that provided everything you needed for a day on the water,” Meiusi says.

Boat clubs are different from renting a boat for the day. Daily boat rental facil-

ities are often only found in tourist spots where the boats are being used for a onetime adventure and don’t usually come with extra perks. Boat clubs, on the other hand, have a fleet of well-maintained boats to choose from and other amenities with none of the hassle.

“We take care of the storage, the insurance, all the updates, fishing licenses and bait, the water toys—you can just call us and say you want a case of beer and a pizza on board, and we’ll take care of it,” Meiusi says. “The boat will be cleaned, fueled and detailed so that you have a great day on the lake. And then you just hand us the keys when you’re done.

Meiusi and Andregg have twenty-four years of marine experience between them and fully understand the difficulties of boat ownership.

“With so many beautiful lakes close by, we realized how perfectly boat clubs would fit into people’s lifestyles here,” Andregg, a Lawrence native, says.

The No Coast Boat Club offers a fleet with the latest models, such as a 2023 Heyday H22 for water skiing, a 2022 Trifecta TRFC 24 LE for sport fishing and a 2023 Catalina Avalon Funship Pontoon.

“The Funship has an upper deck with a waterslide,” Meiusi says. “Parents can anchor in a cove and let the kids have a blast on the waterslide and then go out on the lake and tow them around in a tube.”

Reciprocal use at other lakes is included in a membership. The Hillsdale Lake Club is coming soon, and Andregg and Meiusi expect to have clubs at Table Rock and the Lake of the Ozarks in three to five years.

“We have a member-to-boat ratio that is about thirty percent lower than the national average so that guests can have the dates they request, especially every major summer holiday weekend,” Meiusi says.

The club emphasizes safety, and anyone who needs instruction in driving boats can take a training and orientation course. Members must always designate a “sober skipper,” and the club has a strict no-drug policy. The club’s website, nocoastboatclub.com, also states that, for safety reasons, dogs are welcome but no alligators or peacocks are allowed to ride in the boats.

“Our customer base includes families, retirees and young professionals,” Meiusi says. “We are having an open house at Lake Perry on May 19 and one at Clinton Lake on June 6 to celebrate the beginning of the boating season.”

Another Clinton Lake perk in mid-May is a floating patio. The patio is a University of Kansas School of Architecture student project led by Professor Nils Gore. Meiusi says, “It will be a great place for people to enjoy live music and other entertainment.” ✺

A perfect day on the lake beckons— blue water, blue sky and endless hours of complete joy.

“The boat will be cleaned, fueled and detailed so that you have a great day on the lake. And then you just hand us the keys when you’re done.”

SHAWN BRACKBILL

Floating Paradise

KU architecture students create a new leisure space for Clinton Marina

A group of KU architecture and design students, along with their professor Nils Gore, designed a new floating patio for Clinton Lake’s marina just in time for summer.

The new patio will expand the marina’s existing floating restaurant-bar’s outdoor space with the hope that the dock will become a destination in its own right rather than just an afterthought after spending a day on the water.

The students “whiteboarded” the marina’s requests for an outdoor live music space and bar that was open yet shady, inviting, easily maintained and able to withstand the area’s high winds.

Professor Gore says the driving force was, “shade, at the base level.

We want a canopy protecting the new patio community area, but instead of simply shade, we want a statement piece that is multi-functional, beautiful and inviting.”

The students’ final design is an undulating steel frame along the perimeter of the newly extended dock with a canopy of angled, wooden slats that let in some—but not too much—sun. In the center is open-sky seating and a raised platform for live performances to one side. Farther out in the water, connected by a floating walkway, is a tiki bar with a steel and angled slat canopy that echoes the main patio design.

The new space is scheduled for a May opening. ✺– Dawnya

Bartsch

Big Muddy Paddle

If you’ve ever dreamed of canoeing down the Mississippi, this is your chance.

Anyone who grew up reading the stories of Mark Twain has probably had at least a fleeting fantasy of floating the mighty Mississippi River. It remains a daydream for most given the intimidation factor of the continent’s largest river, especially in populated areas where cargo barges lumber by.

Last fall, though, I found myself paddling the Mississippi in the shadow of the Gateway Arch thanks to Big Muddy Adventures (2muddy.com). In summer months, the St. Louis outfitter and guide offers twice-weekly paddle tours of the downtown riverfront for $75. The tour is geared toward novice paddlers (Big Muddy also has itineraries for serious river rats), starting at the landmark Chain of Rocks Bridge and going with the flow past four more bridges before ending at the Arch. Big Muddy’s canoes are large and stable, with room for paddlers to sit side-by-side, and there’s a guide in the back to steer you away from any hazards you might encounter.

My abbreviated version of the tour included a brief moment of terror caused by a massive Asian carp, which leapt over my legs and the full width of our canoe—making for a memory as indelible as Tom and Huck’s adventures.

– Martin Cizmar

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Prairie View features highend finishes and convenient under-building parking. Many new homes, like the spacious Somerton, include a choice of patio, balcony, or screened porch.

Providing care to people is a privilege. I never forget that.”

- Becky N. Lowry, MD Physician Internal Medicine

For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than the meaningful connections I make with my patients. Maybe it’s growing up in a small town where those personal values remain strong. Or maybe it’s the belief, shared with all of my co-workers, that people come first. Whatever it is, the opportunity to provide care is a privilege I never forget.

To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KansasHealthSystem.com/Appointments.

C e l e b r ª t i n g

Joni Cook, PT, DPT, is the senior physical therapist at Mid America Rehabilitation Hospital for in-patient care. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Kansas and went on to complete her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Kansas Medical Center. Over her 12 years she has excelled in stroke rehab and is a Certified Stroke Rehabilitation Specialist. Her passion for strokes led her to become the Joint Commission Certified Stroke Care Team lead. She is an advanced Ekso-trained clinician for stroke patients and a variety of other neuro diagnoses including brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and more. Joni also leads the Spasticity Management team and assists in Intrathecal Baclofen Pump (ITB) trials for patients. During her tenure at Mid America, Joni has provided clinical instructing and mentorship for doctorate of physical therapy students from accredited universities. Joni says, “I love helping patients meet their goals in therapy; it is a gratifying feeling to know that you have made a positive impact on their life.”

Joni Cook, PT, DPT

Cristyn Watkins, MD Founder | CEO | M edica l Director

Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Cristyn Watkins is a double board-certified MD with expertise in family medicine and integrative, metabolic and nutrition medicine. As the owner of aNu Aesthetics and Optimal Wellness of Kansas City, she has taken her passion for healing others and combined it with her vision of self-care to deliver some of the more advanced treatments and forefront thinking for her patients. The results have helped many of them shed light on their symptoms and medical conditions, offering diagnosis that others in the medical community have struggled to recognize or treat.  In many cases, she helps them heal from chronic conditions with alternative therapies and without pharmaceuticals.

Some of the chronic conditions that impact lives, but often go undiagnosed are autoimmune disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothalamic-pituitary axis dysfunction, chronic stress and adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue, chronic pain, toxins and chronic infections. The common denominator among these conditions is they are often misunderstood and therefore, go untreated with patients still suffering.

Her medical drive and passion have always been fueled by her own lifelong, complex medical issues that others could not understand or assist with. Dr. Watkins has achieved her success by taking a multidisciplinary approach, combining traditional medicine, functional medicine and other modalities to allow the mind, body and spirit to heal. She offers that same multi-faceted approach to her patients which has delivered similar positive treatment plans that she uncovered for herself while dealing with her own medical issues. Her own struggles led to a personal understanding and empathy for those that are looking for medical answers and haven’t been able to find them.

During her career, she has been awarded the Outstanding Resident of the Year, Chief Medical Resident and Chief Medical Officer. She is also a trainer for the National Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine Organization. Among her other accomplishments, she has written a chapter on Sexual Wellness with Dr. Charles Runnels and is the proud owner and visionary of aNu since 2011, now serving three Kansas City locations.

If you’re experiencing chronic disease, inflammation, pain, fatigue or other immunity issues, you should connect with Dr. Watkins and let her listen to your story. She is a recognized expert in the field of functional and regenerative medicine, and her experience in this sometimes-misunderstood area of medicine may be exactly what you need to move in the direction of a healthy and pain-free life.

Dr. Emily Meyer, DDS

University of Maryland – School of Dent is try

New York University – Langone H ospital –Pediatric Residency

Pediatric Dentistry

LeBlanc and Associates Dentistry for Children specializes in highquality dental care and patient comfort for your kids. They are committed to helping your child achieve the best possible dental results, while eliminating the anxiety for little ones that can often come from a trip to the dentist. Among their team are three ladies that are experts in their field, Dr. Le, Dr. Meyer, and Dr. Curtis. In a predominately male-driven field, the female associates at LeBlanc and Associates are determined to stay abreast of the ever-changing technology, progressive methods, and treatment options, while delivering the highest level of patient care.

Being the newest to the team, Dr. Stefanie Curtis is known for her compassion and patient care. She prides herself on being a good listener to develop a positive rapport with patients and parents. Dr. Curtis also thrives when working alongside other women as they pursue their dreams, and it allows her to build more connections and create a more team-oriented environment. It’s also given her unique perspectives and the ability to

L e Blanc & ASSO c IATES

Dentistry for Children

OVERLAND PARK 14420 Metcalf Ave

Overland Park, KS 66223 | 913-387-3500

PRAIRIE VI LL AGE

8226 Mission Rd

Prairie Village, KS 66208 | 913-378-9610

OLATHE

15151 South Blackbob Road

Olathe, KS 66062 | 913-764-5600

KANSA S CITY

8919 Parallel Pkwy, Suite 460 Kansas City KS 66112 | 913-299-3300

kidsmilekc.com

transition or navigate patients in receiving comprehensive care. Dr. Le is a conscientious pediatric dentist committed to providing the best standard of care, while staying flexible in her approach to her patients and parents. She reminds us of a very important aspect of childhood dentistry and that is children are more dynamic than adults and they require treatment approaches that may change at any point in a growing child. The anxiety, attention span and immaturity of children also add layers of consideration when treating kids.

Dr. Meyer has worked with the team at LeBlanc and Associates for more than five years. She is a leader in one of the largest pediatric teams in the KC metro and the scope of treatment she and the others provide is among the most comprehensive, ranging from hospital sedation to minimally invasive and preventative dentistry. Being a part of such a diverse and clinically talented team of dentists has made for a wonderful and collaborative work environment.

Dr. Mary Le, DDS

University of Missouri –Kansas City School of Dentistry

University of Califo r n ia –San Francisco/Pediatric Residency

Board Certified Diploma t e of American Board of Pediatric Dentistr y : 15+ years

University of Southern Illinois –School of Dentistry

Children’s Mercy Hospital KC –Pediatric Residency

Dr. Stefanie Curtis, DMD

sleep disorder treatment

Maniza Waseem Ehtesham, MD is a Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine specialist with more than 15 years of experience. She graduated from Osmania Medical College (affiliated to NTR Health Sciences University, India) and then did her residency training at University of Missouri-Columbia and her Sleep Practice Pathway training at University of MissouriKansas City.

Dr. Ehtesham is board-certified in Sleep Medicine and Internal Medicine. She is the medical director of Excellhealth Sleep Center. She is also an Associate Professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City where she enjoys teaching medical students, as a year 1-2 Docent. She has also served as an Associate Residency Program Director at UMKC.

Dr. Ehtesham specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders including snoring, sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome, and many others.

Since the middle of the 20th century, research has provided increasing knowledge about sleepwake disorders. “So many illnesses including cardiac disease, strokes, dementia, anxiety, depression etc.

are caused by or exacerbated by poor sleep,” said Dr. Ehtesham. We now have proven therapies that can create a better sleep experience and improve a person’s overall health.”

Through her work and involvement in clinical practice, medical research and education, Dr. Ehtesham has made significant contributions and has earned the respect of the medical community. She has published several articles in peer-reviewed medical journals and practices evidence based medicine for her patients.

Excellhealth Sleep Center provides sleep disorder treatment in both clinic and sleep lab setting and also works with allied specialists like ENT, dental and psychologists for comprehensive sleep therapies. Under Dr. Ehtesham’s direction, the team includes nursing staff specialized in helping sleep disorder patients and board-certified sleep technologists.

Excellhealth provides comprehensive home sleep testing and in lab sleep testing for sleep disorder identification and treatment.

Maniza Waseem Ehtesham, MD S leep Medicine and Internal Medicine specialist

Kari Brown MSN, APRN, FNP-C Director of Clinical Operatio ns

Weight Loss & Obesity Medicine

Kari Brown, MSN, APRN, FNP-C is the Director of Clinical Operations for the Center for Nutrition & Preventive Medicine, with clinics in Leawood and Topeka. Kari, an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and a member of the Obesity Medicine Association. A lifelong pursuer of health, Kari is passionate about engaging, encouraging, and empowering patients on their weight loss and optimum health journey.

Kari and the team at the Center for Nutrition, founded by medical weight loss specialist, Rick Tague MD, MPH & TM, help patients manage common appetite problems such as excessive hunger, food cravings, chronic overeating, “yo-yo” dieting and stress eating. As well as the common challenge of a “sluggish” metabolism using medical strategies.

The team of physicians, nurse practitioners, and dietitians at the Center for Nutrition design powerful, comprehensive treatment plans that address root causes of weight gain.

As a patient, you will receive a plan specifically designed to help you lose weight while taking into account important medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Dramatic improvements in self-esteem, energy levels, activity levels, and health measures have been typical among patients while losing 20, 40, 60, 100 pounds, or more.

For more information or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, contact the Center for Nutrition at 913-814-8222 in Leawood or 785-273-4443 in Topeka, or visit TagueNutrition. com.

Betsy Reynolds, PharmD

Specialist Name

Pharmacy

Method Healthcare

company name here

111709

1234 Street Address 123-456-7890 | website.com

Leawood, KS 66211 573-424-5109 | methodhc.com

Rebecca Kisling, DDS

FAMily

Kisling Family Dentistry

company name here

13401 Missio n Rd ., Suite 212

1234 Street Address 123-456-7890 | website.com

Leawood, KS 66209

913-357-8333 | kislingfamilydentistry.com

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Betsy Reynolds, PharmD is the Director of Pharmacy Consulting with Method Healthcare, LLC. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) in 2008. Betsy served as the pharmacist-in-charge of a retail pharmacy for eight years where she was involved in providing clinical services including immunizations and Medication Therapy Management (MTM). In 2009, Betsy began consulting for a longterm care facility and her love of consulting began. She started the pharmacy consulting division of Method Healthcare, LLC in October of 2019. This role includes exploring safer transitions of care, facilitating antibiotic stewardship, managing the use of psychotropics as well as other clinical services. In addition to nursing facilities, Betsy also provides consulting services to multiple ambulatory surgery centers in the Kansas City metro. She is currently a preceptor for both the KU and UMKC School of Pharmacy, serves on the UMKC School of Pharmacy Foundation and the Heartland Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation Advisory Board.

When you walk into Kisling Family Dentistry, music is playing, people are smiling, and you’ll feel at ease in a relaxed environment curated by Dr. Rebecca Kisling and her all-female staff. The women at Kisling Family Dentistry deliver quality, non-judgmental, and compassionate dental care using the most current technology in their modern office opened just last year.

Dr. Kisling graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After graduation, she attended UMKC School of Dentistry’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency, with special focus and training in cosmetic dentistry, TMJ and occlusion, and implant dentistry.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, Kansas Dental Association, and several local continuing education groups. She and her team offer patients a variety of treatment options including cosmetic and therapeutic Botox, sleep apnea appliances, as well as preventative, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. They are accepting new patients and welcome the opportunity to show you the Kisling Family difference.

MEDICINE IN THE DARKNESS

A TWELVE-ACRE FARM NOT FAR FROM LAKE JACOMO IS HOME TO A “DARKNESS RETREAT”

A PLACE TO EXPERIENCE A SOLO MEDITATION PRACTICE IN COMPLETE DARKNESS

WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY SAMANTHA LEVI

Although the darkness retreat concept has been around from time immemorial as a spiritual practice used in many religions, it recently started trending when Aaron Rogers announced he was going to hunker down in utter darkness for a few days and contemplate his life choices.

Dark therapy is about depriving yourself of light and sensory distractions with the intention of finding greater awareness.

Photographer and writer Samantha Levi, who has been embarking on her own spiritual journey since 2018, experienced a darkness retreat at Kansas City’s The Darkness Call about a year ago. Levi spent three nights and four days completely alone and in complete darkness in one of three small spaces at the twelve-acre farm not far from Lake Jacomo.

Here, she explains part of her experience–Editor’s note

My heart was racing as I stood on the threshold between light and dark. I had an immense anxiety and fear of what I was about to step into. Brian Cochran, my facilitator and darkness guide, put his hand on my shoulder and said, “This is mother, this is the womb.”

Emotions and tears filled my eyes as the reality and depths of what I was about to step into became so viscerally real. It was overwhelming and uncomfortable. I was entering the womb of the “mother” to go deep into the shadows of my own self to eventually rebirth.

This was a deep soul call that I’d heard for almost a year now, something I would sit and imagine, but now I’m actually here—standing here—ready to plunge into the depths of the darkest waters for the next three nights. It was uncomfortable in every sense. I felt like a warrior going off to battle with myself as my opponent. This felt like something I had to do for myself. I had to confront the core of my existence.

When you know, you know. Many people have heard about darkness retreats, but they may not fully understand what it entails or why someone would do such a thing. I hope that sharing my experience will provide some clarity on this topic. In order to do so effectively, however, I must first explain what it means for someone like me—an ordinary human being—to “retreat” at all.

HOW WAS THIS IDEA BIRTHED?

Let me go back to October 2021, when I took a ten-day solo trip off the grid to Sedona, Arizona.

The same week I was there, I was staying at a campsite next to a conscious community that was part of Aubrey Marcus’ Fit For Service Retreat.

This community invited me to join them in their fire circles. The one night I decided to go, there were two people sharing their seven-day darkness experiences in Guatemala. I had never heard of this concept before, but I was so intrigued by the radicalness of it that it kept me up for nights.

Being an artist my entire life—a professional photographer and visual person—the concept of taking away my sight to see what would reveal itself was otherworldly. I turned deeper inward and asked my heart if this was for me. Under the Sedona sky, my body said yes. From there, it was a matter of patience. I trusted it would align when it was time.

I originally thought, “Okay, I’m going to have to take three to four weeks off from work and save money so that I can head to Guatemala.” At the time, I was not aware of any darkness retreat centers in the United States. But then, six months later, Brian Cochran showed up at my studio. He was there to facilitate a community breathwork session and told me he was building a darkness retreat just twenty minutes away. All I had to do was pay for my food and give a testimonial in exchange for a spot in his pilot program. The moment confirmed for me that I must trust the process and be patient.

So, logistically speaking, now all I needed to do was figure out when.

PURE CONSCIOUSNESS

If you’re looking for a way to experience the inner light of pure consciousness, there’s no better place to do so than in complete darkness. It’s one thing to meditate on the nature of your mind, but it’s another thing entirely when you’ve got nothing else to focus on but your own thoughts and the stories you tell yourself.

It’s a pretty simple concept: You’re in total darkness, so there are no distractions. No light, no sound, no smells. Just you and your thoughts. After enough time passes, those thoughts become less important than the silence that surrounds them. Within forty-eight to seventy-two hours, you gain the ability to tap into the natural DMT within your brain, and that’s when the darkness visuals begin.

The result is something like a revelation—a sudden realization that there’s more to life than just what we can see and hear. It’s a small but significant step toward enlightenment. The darkness is a type of medicine that clarifies and heals. We are on our own individual journeys of self-mastery. We can only “heal” ourselves.

It’s no secret that darkness can be scary, but for centuries, people have been seeking out the inner light of pure consciousness through darkness retreats.

So what is a darkness retreat, exactly? It’s an unparalleled experience in intense seclusion. You are deprived of all light and sensory distractions and plunged into a deep awareness of the mind. The practice is common in many of the ancient and contemporary spiritual traditions across the world. It’s been practiced in ancient Egypt and fifteenth century France, by monks and lamas in Tibet, the Kogi Mamos in Colombia, the Buddha himself and modern day New York City yogis. In each case, darkness retreats have provided revelation and illumination to countless practitioners who have sought the inner light.

The light, in my opinion, is actually scarier than the dark. This may seem hard to believe, but think about it: In the dark, there is nothing—nothing to distract you from yourself. You just are. It’s a great reminder of practicing being in the present moment versus worrying about the past or the future. Worry is wasted energy. The past is the past, and the future is untold. Anxiety stems from the worries and fears of the past and present, which is the greatest reminder to be present.

Through this experience, I further understand that “home” is within me and always has been. This human existence is all about remembering our core essence of our soul and reconnecting the golden threads. This darkness experience was a reminder that I must find my own inner sanctuary and remember I am safe and held no matter where I am. I learned that the “sanctuary” existed in me all along. I am the lighthouse in the darkest waters, and I have the ability and power to untether myself from the confines of my own stories.

Finding my own inner happiness is about letting go of what I thought my life was supposed to be and embracing where I am now and just how special and magical that is. The work I choose to do, being a lighthouse, only reflects outwardly and creates ripples of greater awareness, which is shown in how my community and those around me show up. As my dear friend once said to me, “If this is what you created, think about what will come next.”

YOUR GUIDE TO SOME OF KANSAS CITY’S BEST ROOFTOP AND PATIO DINING SPOTS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHAR BAR SMOKED MEATS AND AMUSEMENTS

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Char Bar is a beloved Kansas City barbecue institution located in the heart of Historic Westport. Enjoy the sunshine and craft cocktails at Char Bar’s award-winning urban playground, complete with a dogfriendly patio, massive beer garden, cozy fire pit, bocce court, ping pong, cornhole and “adult” swings. It’s an ideal venue to host your upcoming summer event. Call or book online today.

MEAT MITCH BARBECUE

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Meat Mitch Barbecue showcases true ‘competition-style’ barbecue. The Leawood, Kansas location also delivers a comfortable outdoor space for dining and parties with a trained catering staff to bring your outdoor party to life. The patio and lawn games add to the experience. Don’t let weather concerns get in your way, you can move inside to a large private dining room for any of your upcoming family gatherings this summer.

LA BODEGA

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CINDER BLOCK BREWERY

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Enjoy your favorite brews on Cinder Block’s patio this summer! Just minutes from downtown KC, their dog-friendly patio has plenty of seating and space to relax. Hang out by the fire pit, play giant jenga, or toss around some cornhole bags. Be sure to check out the event calendar on Cinder Block’s website to see live music and food truck pop-ups on the patio!

La Bodega brings Spanish culture to a fine dining experience in Kansas City. The outdoor seating also offers a Spanish-style vibe on the sidewalk patio overlooking Southwest Boulevard. It’s truly a unique setting that is complimented by a menu of shareable small plates, amazing wine selections, cocteles, sangria and daily happy hour specials. Celebrating 25 years of Spain in Kansas City!

BLU HWY

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BLU HWY takes you on a culinary road trip through updated American classics representing a comeback in continental cuisine in America. The restaurant, bar and patio are located on south Main Street in Kansas City and the establishment features a walk-up bar, full open-air dining room, sidewalk seating and the outdoor patio and lounge. The outdoor area is outfitted with comfortable lounge furnishings, large fire pit and overhead lighting to take you well into an evening of outdoor dining.

THE BIG CHEESE

Nowadays, it seems every time you open a menu, or even just your phone, there’s a charcuterie board. While the wildly trendy spread of deli foods is more accessible, elaborate and awe-inspiring than ever before, Vintage ’78 Wine Bar wants to bring it back to the basics—impeccable meats and cheeses.

Instead of the vague offering of “prosciutto,” at Vintage ’78 you’ll find lomo Ibérico from Spain or rabbit and pork cheek terrine from Smoking Goose in Indianapolis. A direct relationship with gourmet producers allows the restaurant’s cheese grotto to house rare farmstead cheeses like the bright-orange Mimolette or creamy Brillat-Savarin.

Vintage ’78’s “cheese clock” includes twelve slices of cheeses accompanied by an illustrated guide. The guide breaks the cheeses down into six different categories, from soft, bloomy rinds to harder pressed cheeses like the Spanish Idiazabal made from sheep’s milk. Details like origin and animal type are given in the hopes that customers will leave actually remembering the cheeses they enjoyed.

Hopefully, after you’ve personally selected and experienced your blue-veined Fourme d’Ambert, it sounds a little less like Greek and a little more like cheese.

—TYLER SHANE

AIRPLANE MODE ACTIVATED

KCI has lots of food options on the table, but not without some turbulence.

BY TYLER SHANE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CALEB CONDIT AND REBECCA NORDEN

N 2018, ACTRESS AND COMEDIAN Alyssa Limperis tweeted: “The airport is a lawless place. 7 a.m.? Drink a beer. Tired? Sleep on the floor. Hungry? Chips now cost $17.”

In all its hilarity, the viral tweet was a spot-on depiction of the chaos often experienced in airports. Manners of civility change in a place where tired and hungry travelers from around the world accumulate in masses. In the airport, that $13 stale who-knowshow-old ham and American cheese sandwich (aioli not included) at the newsstand will begin to look approachable to even your most pretentious foodie friend. Quality is not the priority. However, Kansas City’s new airport is making a valiant attempt to prove that an airport terminal can serve up some tasty fare. The airport has more than thirty restaurants, over half of which are local establishments. On a recent trip to Arizona, I got to check out the new digs, and while overall I was pleased with the modernized travel hub, I was quickly reminded that airport food, even with plenty of effort and good will, struggles to surpass its lawless environment.

LOCAL EATS

The local restaurants trying their hand in the airport space include some impressive names. Pigwich, Poio Mexican BBQ and Urban Cafe are small-business gems in Kansas City’s food scene, and I hold them in high regard. When I heard other local businesses like Brown and Loe, Soireé Steak and Oyster House, Meat Mitch and Stockyards Brewing Co. would join the lineup, my curiosity piqued.

It’s difficult to envision a local food establishment making a successful transition to the airport setting—not just because of the chaotic environment we are all too aware of but because of the vastly different business conditions. From operation hours and physical space to foot traffic and clientele, it’s a different arena.

The aforementioned beloved KC establishments specialize in creativity. Their original locations have infrastructures within kitchens that encourage consistency and allow them to focus on the small details. Without the chef’s magic touch, a burger made in Pigwich’s City Market location, for example, will oftentimes not taste the same as one made elsewhere, no matter how similar the recipe and ingredients are. It’s not impossible, but replicating the magic of technique and skill is tough.

Nevertheless, the airport is committed to serving local food and, especially, to sharing KC’s most notable food genre: barbecue. It equipped itself with two 2,400-pound Southern Pride smokers in its dedication.

EARLY BIRD

I arrived at 7 a.m. for my 2:30 p.m. flight to have enough time to explore and investigate.

I made my way down Concourse A to Urban Cafe, where the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich on sweet raisin bread gave me hope. It was soft, warm and served alongside fantastically seasoned breakfast potatoes. It was one of the best breakfast dishes I’ve ever had in an airport setting.  Surrendering to the chaos, I ordered the $20 pineapple blueberry cocktail made with Polly’s Pop, an Independence institution. The bartender

BEC Sandwich with Potatoes, Urban Cafe

claimed the absurd price is due to the leftover soda in the cutesy glass bottle being given to you to finish alongside your cocktail. They’ve got us right where they want us, folks.

PERFECT PO’BOY

The fried oyster po’boy from Soireé was surprisingly good. With a drizzle of remoulade sauce and a topping of pickled red onions, the presentation was what I would expect from a restaurant outside the air-

port, and I began to think I had been too skeptical.

BURGERS AND CRIES

At the opposite end of Concourse A, however, Hearth provided the unsightly food I’ve come to associate with airports. The “locavore kitchen” features local foods from Kansas City farms and producers, with a friendly bar and grill menu. The brisket short rib burger packed with cottonwood cheddar, bacon and habanero jam came out

from the kitchen in an uninspiring fashion. While the taste was ultimately unoffensive (it was a burger and fries, after all), the meal looked sad with its sweaty meat and soggy bun. Considering the atmosphere was sleek and modern, almost elegant, the burger was a stark contrast.

MADE OF KC FOOD HALL

Next to Hearth is the Made of KC Food Hall, which houses Bloom Baking Company, Poio Mexican BBQ, Hungry Hatch and Pigwich. The system is conveniently set up so you can order from all four menus online. My nachos from Poio, topped with the works, were an admittedly safe pick that I would eat again. However, there is no doubt in my mind that nachos at their original KCK location would put the ones I had to shame.

The same is true for the Pig Mac burger I got from Pigwich. Reminiscent of a McDonald’s Big Mac, the burger was disappointing with its very stale bun. Similar to Poio, had I ordered the exact same thing at Pigwich’s City Market location, I’d be raving about it from the rooftops. While Hungry Hatch also didn’t blow me out of the water, it’s a nice option to have if you want something health-forward.

Considering there is one chef behind the kitchen in this food court, it is no wonder the quality suffers. The kitchen is working on autopilot as they create other restaurant’s recipes. While this doesn’t mean they result in necessarily bad food, they are not great representations of the restaurants in which these recipes hail from.

Burger with Bacon and Jalapeno Jam, Hearth

Nachos, Poio

KC BARBECUE

Stockyards’ pulled pork sandwich arrived in a pitiful display but was fine with enough sauce. The brewery was packed on my afternoon visit, and I couldn’t help but pause to appreciate the momentous occasion, sad sandwich and all, of a busy restaurant in our own KC airport.

Meat Mitch’s barbecue restaurant is welcoming with its floor-to-ceiling windows and bright modern layout. I was surprised

to see the great presentation on my barbecue platter, but the brisket was dry.

GOOD IS GREAT

Naturally, any local restaurant doing business in an airport for the first time will need time to adjust.

“The patterns [of foot traffic] are crazy because it can be really slow and then all of the sudden there’s two hundred people who want to be fed,” says owner Mitch Benjamin of Meat Mitch. “The expectations are that [the airport restaurant] matches exactly what we do in our Overland Park location, but naturally there’s a learning curve. We’ll get there.”

I know that Pigwich’s City Market location serves some of the best sandwiches in the city and the West Bottom’s Stockyards is a phenomenal brewery. I’d recommend these places to anyone—certainly anyone visiting from out of town.

Given the trials and tribulations that naturally occur with the airport being so young, judging its food feels like judging the service at the DMV. Is it great? Of course not. Does it do what it needs to do? Yes. Am I going to most likely deal with a disgruntled employee and sympathize with them yet still want to get what I came for? Also, yes. With that being said, if you’re eating at the airport, here’s how you should navigate it.

Focus on easy eats that are hard to screw up—in other words, foods that require minimal prep. The fried

smoked chicken salad at Meat Mitch is really delicious and doesn’t set high expectations. Poio’s nachos are also a great example. These dishes are forgiving and can withstand some variance in quality.

Order all barbecue at your own risk. Be prepared to douse the meat in sauce. Is the $20 cocktail worth it? Maybe, if you’re in a jetlagged haze or have the screw-it attitude of the weary traveler who has been cooped up in economy for the past five-plus hours. In that case, the price and bright yellow bottle of soda might just be the perfect act of comfortable anarchy. While I didn’t partake, many restaurants have self-pour beer stations, a fun and novel concept not seen at many other airports.

Despite a few disappointments, all the local options are still better than stopping at the Cinnabon. What I experienced at the airport is just a small sampling of the airport’s offerings.

Considering one of the biggest complaints of the old terminal was its dearth of food options, it’s possible that excitement overtook the new planners and they overcompensated. Only time will tell.

Despite my critiques, the variety alone is stellar and the options are endless. The airport has succeeded in serving a vast array of good food to satisfy travelers. “Good” often is not considered a glowing critique for food, but I assure you, in the airport setting—and such a young one at that—“good” is a great category to be in.

Pigmac Burger, Pigwich

Fried Oyster Po’boy with Fries, Soirée

Pulled Pork Sandwich, Stockyard

DRY GOODS

Wild Child creates their own nonalcoholic spirits to elevate the mocktail game.

BY TAYLER SHANE

THE PORTMANTEAU “MOCKTAIL” is aptly suited for nonalcoholic cocktails because, oftentimes, it’s hard to take them seriously.

Dry libations are a slow trend to catch on, possibly because in their very essence, mocktails are trying to be something they simply aren’t. As bars and restaurants attempt to cater to those who choose not to imbibe, the result is usually a sugary concoction of bar mixers that feels like an afterthought despite its leafy garnish.

“Ask any craft cocktail bartender what’s hardest to do: It’s nonalcoholic drinks … and vodka,” says Jay Sanders, owner of the Shawnee-based wine and cocktail bar Wild Child (11022 Johnson Dr., Shawnee)

Set to open in June, the bar plans to take mocktails just as seriously as its boozy drinks, if not more. But the mission of serving quality mocktails doesn’t come without a learning curve. While there are plenty of n/a spirits to choose from, Sanders and his team decided to make their own to be more cost effective and also, maybe, better quality.

Extruding alcohol from spirits is a process that involves advanced techniques of distilling and macerating, which leaves the spirits unrecognizable in alcohol content yet maintains the familiar taste. Shrubs, vinegars, seasonings and spices are common ingredients used to replicate the texture, finish and burn found in the classics.

Wild Child’s Juniper Dill and Kiwi mocktail was the first mocktail that I have ever thoroughly enjoyed. It’s a blend of macerated kiwi syrup, lime juice, house gin distillate and aquafaba. All the complexities found in my favorite cocktails—the mouthfeel, the balance of flavors, the subtle bite—were there. The bright-green seed-studded kiwi garnish didn’t hurt either.

STATE OF THE ART

Isaac Meek talks lowriders, art and his perfect day in KC.

BY TYLER SHANE

ISAAC MEEK WORKS with almost any artistic medium you can think of now, but when recalling the beginning of his artistic journey, Meek gives credit to lowrider bicycles.

Building the hyper-stylized bikes with his brother and friends gave Meek his initial insight into creating something entirely his own. As high schoolers, Meek and his friends would spend Saturday nights cruising Independence’s main drag, where other lowrider fanatics would gather to “show off.”

Meek customized his two-wheeler to stunt a candy apple-green paint job complete with black velvet accents, fenders and handlebar rearview mirrors. Because embellishment is the name of the game, the engineered lighting system and stereo were the pièce de résistance.

“As far as the parts on my bike, I always wanted them to be a little more unique because I wanted to stand out,” Meek says.

The KC native may have been consumed by the machismo lowrider culture, but his artistic eye made him an ambitious student. In fact, he enrolled in summer school, not because he had to but to avoid boredom since all his friends had no choice but to attend. That’s when he started taking art classes.

After studying Caravaggio, Michelangelo and other Old Masters, he got a chance to take a field trip to Kemper Museum and listen to New York visual artist Frederick J. Brown speak. Meek was left in awe of the artist’s thick, expressive painting style.

“You always wonder what artists are like, and he was right there,” Meek says of Brown, whose figurative and expressionist style works hang in the National Portrait Gallery and Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C. “It made it more accessible to me to see, oh, he’s just a guy like me. Someday I could have work up like this.”

Meek graduated from Avila University with a bachelor’s in fine arts and a minor in graphic design. He has developed a contemporary, abstract painting style filled with broad strokes and surreal figures and shapes. Stretching his own canvas is a signature mark of his that he believes puts him “more in touch with the piece.”

Coming from a creative family has helped Meek explore his creative side. Like most artists, he finds inspiration everywhere. Meek’s grandpa, who was a roofer, always carried a pocket-sized notebook with him to jot down his ideas. Meek does the same. Listening to his uncle’s band from the ’90s, Steel Web, while painting provides Meek “direct influence” from his family. “I’m listening to my family speak and it’s flowing through me,” he says. “That’s amazing.”

Improvisation has inspired much of Meek’s work. Every surface he comes across has the potential to be a canvas. Whether it be shoes, a CD cover or a lone plank of wood in an alleyway, Meek has a knack for embracing raw materials and adorning them with his creative touch.

Meek’s work has been exhibited across the city, often during First and Third Fridays but also in galleries like the Country Club Bank, The Late Show Gallery, and the Jones Gallery. Despite his distinctive painting style, Meek never wants to get too comfortable with one creative process. Catch him putting on a performance painting live or drawing with chalk in KC’s Chalk and Walk.

To see an entire wall of his finished works provokes a sense of simultaneous chaos and calmness. Shapes wither in and out of one another through the waves of a soothing earth tone palette. It’s emotive and, like his souped-up lowrider, a style entirely his own.

To keep up to date, check out Meek’s website, imeekartdesign. bigcartel.com, Instagram @eyemeek, or Facebook page Artwork by Isaac Meek.

PERFECT DAY

Coffee: Splitlog Coffee Co. off Central Ave. Lots of attention to detail here with a Midwest warmth. I keep it simple with an Americano, extra espresso, with cream. The croissants are fire. I’ll have art on display here in July.

Museum: Although I really enjoy the Nerman, the Nelson has been impactful since I was a youth in school. The magnitude of works from across centuries and across the globe and the energy of being enveloped by such greatness inspires limitlessly.

Tacos: I am gonna have to go with El Sombrero and pair them with refried beans. These flavors remind me of the food my grandma and mother made growing up. Oh, and a strawberry soda, please.

INDUSTRIAL GRADE

F325 Barbecue brings full-service, hot-smoked barbecue to the Northland.

BY MARTIN CIZMAR

JAMES HUEY’S JOURNEY to owning a barbecue restaurant is closely tied to his job as a traveling salesman of industrial equipment. It was through coworkers at Wear-Concepts, a Liberty-based supplier of abrasion-resistant plow bolts and induction-hardened pipes, that Huey was introduced to competitive barbecue.

Along with a team of coworkers, he did five years on the competition circuit, starting back in the late aughts. His wife, Lisa, hung around those competitions, too, developing her own interest. The couple developed a plan for semi-retirement in the Lowcountry of South Carolina or northern Georgia.

“The dream was that when my daughter graduated high school, we were going to sell our house in Kansas City, take our food truck somewhere warm and try to set up on a beach somewhere where the weather is nice all year round,” Lisa says.

Instead, they’re back at home in the Northland, operating the six-month-old F325, a sit-down barbecue restaurant in North KC.

“Obviously, opening a barbecue restaurant in Kansas City, you’ve gotta have balls to do that,” Lisa says. “But I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason.”

When Covid hit, the Hueys decided to take a step toward their longtime dream of owning a barbecue restaurant by buying a food truck. They did some concerts and large events but ended up focusing on a unique niche facilitated by James’ day job.

“Where I worked, I knew of a lot of large manufacturing plants where they had annual shutdowns—they would shut down their entire plant for a week and rebuild it,” he says. “They had us come out and cook for them, and they loved it.”

Those plants typically run shifts day and night except for that week or two when they shut the entire operation down to clean and do maintenance, a major undertaking that often involves out-of-town contractors.

“These plants my husband is talking about are deep in the middle of nowhere Iowa,” Lisa says. “We’d take a weekend from our corporate jobs, drive up there and, in twenty-four hours, serve three hundred guys, and then turn around and drive home.”

After a week of eating Casey’s gas station pizza, the crowds were large and eager.

“We were just dealing with good ol’ hungry boys,” Lisa says. “Every time we’d come and set up our trailer, they were so excited. We’d set up our trailer and cook all night and we’d have people come up and ask us when it was going to be ready. I’ll tell you what, these guys were lined up even before we had the opportunity to take the lids off the food.”

After a trip to Myrtle Beach where they did some scouting, James happened by LC’s Hamburgers in North KC, where they were winding down operations and looking to sell.

“He texted me fourteen pictures and said ‘Do you want to buy this place?’” Lisa says. “I asked him where it was and I was like, ‘yeah.’”

F325 has more in common with restaurants like Jack Stack and Q39 than casual pits. The Hueys wanted table service, linen napkins, proper plates and the like, all of which they have. There’s also an extensive bourbon selection and, at least on my visit, a Jell-o shot special.

“Barbecue is messy,” Lisa says. “You need to have

somewhere to sit down and eat it—not your car, not your desk. We really wanted to provide a dining experience for people.”

None of this would matter if the meat wasn’t good, though, and F325 delivers solid brisket, competition-style ribs and impressively moist turkey. “With the turkey, we brine to keep it moist and I pull the turkey off at 165 degrees Fahrenheit, religiously, and wrap it,” James says. “It’s the way I’ve always cooked. It’s what I plan to do.”

The hot-and-fast approach is reflected in the name, James says: F325 is cooking hotter than most pits, in keeping with contemporary trends in competition barbecue following the widespread adoption of the drum smoker.

“We’re called F325 for a reason,” James says.  “I cooked at 225 degrees, low and slow, for years. I wanted to learn how you cook that hot, so I worked on it and I enjoyed the flavor better. Now, I can’t cook ribs at the restaurant at 325 degrees, but I can cook them well above where they normally are at a restaurant.”

WHAT’S NEW IN KANSAS CITY FOOD & DRINK

Sugarcane and agave spirits, oh yeah!

Bryan Arri has been working in KC’s craft cocktail scene for the past six years. He has been a fixture at such notable bars as Rieger’s Manifesto, Monarch Cocktail Bar and Lounge, Corvino Supper Club and others.

Three years ago he created the cocktail pop-up concept, Fern Bar and now he’s turning it into an official Crossroads drinking establishment (2045 Broadway, KCMO).

Fern Bar, expected to open in August, will primarily focus on sugarcane and agave spiritbased cocktails. The small space will be decked out in earth tones and natural materials. Fullgrown agave, cacti and sugarcane plants will provide “physical examples of where [the] spirits come from,” he says.

Arri’s focus on agave and sugarcane spirits is intentional. “With agave spirits, not only do you get a wonderful, delicious spirit, you also get a sense of terroir, a sense of place and time of when a spirit was made. Also, you get these wonderful stories of the people who are producing it,” Arri says.

Agave spirits are becoming increasingly popular and are expected to surpass vodka sales in the ensuing years.

Working with small, independent spirit producers, who “implement best practices,” is of utmost importance for the bartender turned owner. Due to rum being historically produced through slave labor, Arri is especially diligent with his rum producers, he says.

“Part of it is being comfortable talking about the fact that, yeah, we’re enjoying some of these wonderful products, but they come from second- and third-world-countries where people can get taken advantage of,” Arri says. “So that’s why we support the producers that we do.”

Customers can expect stellar daiquiris and margaritas along with more creative drinks. For example, The Grass is Greener cocktail is a watermelon basil margarita with salted watermelon basil syrup, tequila and lime super juice which previously sold out at every one of his pop-ups.

Despite the cocktail bar’s modern atmosphere, Arri says he wants his bar to be inclusive for everyone. “There are a lot of cocktail programs across the U.S. and in Kansas City that are run like a boys club,” Arri says. “We’re trying to make Fern Bar a casual cocktail bar. Come in in your street clothes and have a great drink.”

During the week, Fern Bar will be a low-key environment. On the weekends, Arri plans to have a DJ and a more energetic atmosphere.

Two James Beard Award finalists right here in KC

Two Kansas City food establishments have jumped ahead of the pack in the 2023 James Beard Awards: Drastic Measures for Outstanding Bar and Yoli Tortilleria for Outstanding Bakery.

Kansas City started off well represented.

Seven KC restaurants and bars were announced initially as semifinalists in January: Johnny Leach of The Town Company for Outstanding Chef, The Restaurant at 1900 for Outstanding Hospitality, and multiple chefs (Nick Goellner from Antler Room, Michael Corvino from Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room, and Pam Liberda from Waldo Thai) for Best Chef Midwest, to name just a few.  Can’t wait to see if either come out on top— both are more than deserving.

Shawnee’s Drastic Measures immediately became one of my favorite cocktail bars in 2021 when it came on the scene. Its dim lighting, snug atmosphere and strict menu of innovative, yet beautifully balanced cocktails made it an instant hit.

Owner Jay Sanders has managed to create a bar that tiptoes along the line of sophistication but doesn’t step over into pretentiousness (even with the light system at the entrance—green light means knock, red light means wait as the bar is full).

Sanders also pursues philanthropic endeavors, donating the proceeds from the sale of certain cocktails to various causes, such as Planned Parenthood or teachers’ organizations.

Although the national recognition is merited, it’s bittersweet for those of us who enjoyed Drastic Measures in its “hidden gem” days. However, I suppose we will survive.

From its start as a vendor in the Overland Park Farmer’s Market to its first retail location in the Westside, Yoli Tortilleria has been redefining the tortilla game in KC.

Husband and wife duo Marissa and Mark Gencarelli specialize in stone-ground, non-GMO corn tortillas and Sonoran-style flour tortillas. However, if you visit their Westside location, you’ll find a wide variety of delights such as homemade tamales, salsa macha negras and massive chorizo and potato breakfast burritos. The Gencarelli’s culinary creativity is endless. The pair constantly whip up new menu items and seek out collaborations with local chefs and businesses.

Fair warning, if you open a bag of Yoli’s tortillas, be sure to use them within a few days. The tortillas can be as minimal as three ingredients—corn, water and lime. The lack of preservatives means they deteriorate quickly, so enjoy them while they are oh-so fresh.

James Beard winners will be announced on June 25.

Swanky new bourbon bar

Overland Park’s Marriott hotel underwent a whopping $16 million facelift last year that included many of its public spaces. The renovations included such areas as the lobby, fitness center, concierge lounge and, most importantly for locals, a new restaurant and bar, Zephyr Kitchen and Bourbon Bar (10800 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS).

Located on the hotel’s first level, Zephyr was an entirely new addition. The swanky restaurant and bar offers more than one hundred thirty-five bourbons, whiskeys, scotches and ryes. The restaurant’s in-house experts are tailoring flights of whiskeys and bourbons, but customers are also welcome to customize their own.

The kitchen is led by KC native chef Nathan Nichols, who has more than twenty years of experience in kitchens such as Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Steakhouse and multiple restaurants at Bread & Butter Concepts, LLC.

Bourbon dinner pairings and craft cocktails are consistently featured in Zephyr’s menu. Keep an eye out for the rotating craft cocktail, Cocktail for a Cause, in which a portion of the proceeds go to the nonprofit Give Kids the World.

Authentic French custard ice cream in Brookside

Husband and wife duo Jessica and Alex Wood have been slinging scoops of their handmade small-batch French ice cream around the metro since 2021. You might have also spotted it on the menu at Billie’s Grocery served alongside a stack of waffles. Now, their ice cream pop-up concept, French Custard, has found a permanent home in Brookside’s Morningside Shops (5905 Main St., KCMO).  French ice cream, or custard, is traditionally made with a base of milk, cream,

eggs and sugar. The result is a super creamy texture that sets it apart from traditional American ice cream. However, unlike fastfood custards where the ice cream is pulled from a machine and isn’t frozen, the Woods pasteurize their own ice cream, allowing them to forgo stabilizers and serve it as frozen scoops.

“Our ice cream is higher in fat and there’s definitely plenty of sugar in there,” Jessica says. “But you get a much cleaner tasting product that is just very balanced.”

Along with creating their own ice cream base, French Custard also makes their own candy for mix-ins, such as honeycomb and toffee. Artisan ice cream flavors will include French vanilla (made traditionally with egg yolks), cereal milk, pistachio and lemon curd with homemade lemon bars, among others, for a total of sixteen rotating flavors. Pints will also be available. The waffle cones will, of course, be made from scratch.

The small ice cream shop will be counter service only, and while it does not have enough space for indoor seating, the Woods hope to have a few outdoor spots. The location is just feet away from the Trolley Trail.

French Custard

SURREAL ESTATE

THE STORIES BEHIND KANSAS CITY’S MOST EYE-CATCHING BUILDINGS

A PROPER SEND-OFF

Seven massive parking gates wave goodbye to drivers at KC’s tow yard.

FOLKS DON’T USUALLY head to the city tow yard for a good reason.

More often than not, it’s to collect an impounded car. “Nobody’s really leaving that place happy—they pay a lot of money to get their car, and it can be hard,” says artist Matthew Dehaemers, who thought a lot about how people experience Kansas City’s municipal tow yard at 7750 E. Front Street before designing his kinetic sculptures there. Dehaemers wanted to bring a little levity to a difficult moment through his art.

“It’s like a salute,” Dehaemers says of his work the Seven Sentinels, a series of seven powder-coated aluminum and galvanized steel oversized parking gates lining the road leading away from the tow lot.

The sculptures, which stand sixteen feet tall and hover over cars that pass below, were crafted from standard automatic parking gates and fabricated by the A. Zahner Company in Kansas City. They stand equidistant apart inside the traffic island, separating incoming and outgoing traffic from the facility’s entry.

The gates rise as cars leave, presenting a synchronized display, “like sports fans doing the wave or soldiers presenting a military sword tribute,” Dehaemers states.

The gesture is inspired by cultural rites of passage, he says. After the vehicle passes the gates, the sculptures return to their level state in a staggered wave pattern for the benefit of the exiting vehicle’s rear view and for the people at the stop sign across the street. The hope, Dehaemers says, is that this experience will work to curb what is otherwise a frustrating experience in retrieving one’s car.

Dehaemers, whose father operated an auto salvage business, spent a lot of time in tow yards as a kid. “It’s a dirty job,” says the Leawood native. His sculptural salute is meant not only to uplift people leaving the lots with their cars but also to honor the “thankless jobs of the impound facility staff, tow drivers and police personnel” who interact with tow yards on an on-going basis, Dehaemers says.

“My goal is to make art that operates on many different levels in a way that people can be involved in the process, allowing everyone to have a relationship with the art form,” Dehaemers says.

The Seven Sentinels was installed in 2008 and was a commissioned art piece by Kansas City’s One Percent for Art Program. —DAWNYA BARTSCH

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Elevated Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Rogue