60 FUN THINGS TO DO IN KC Summer in the City
GARDEN A FRESH APPROACH TO FORMALITY
SCULPTED CABLE COLLECTION
LIFE CAN BE TURBULENT . . .
Escape into the tranquility of your beautifully furnished home
Kimberly Karen Becky Carrie
Meredith
Your Seville Home Designers
Paulene Kelly
Arrive home to the tranquility of your favorite retreats. Curated spaces that promote relaxation and well-being. The colors, shapes, textures, and traditions that insulate you from the noise of the outside world.
Now is the perfect moment to create a home that truly reflects your sense of serenity. At Seville Home, our design experts are here to guide you every step of the way.
Every room. For every style. We’ve been furnishing Kansas City’s most inviting homes for over 25 years. Let’s start creating yours today!
Lock in your Savings thru June 2nd
• 50% OFF Massoud
• 50% OFF Bernhardt Interiors
• 10% OFF American Leather Motion Chairs*
• Up to 50% OFF Luxury Outdoor
June 4, 2025
A GARDEN LUNCHEON & LECTURE
10 a.m. | The Hobbs |1427 W. 9 St., Kansas City, MO th FEATURING
Spring Into Summer
Into Summer
Second Saturdays for Kids!
EVERY SECOND SATURDAY (10AM - NOON)
Kids rule! Free entertainment for mornings filled with play, laughter, and meaningful moments together.
Second Saturdays for Kids!
EVERY SECOND SATURDAY (10AM - NOON)
Kids rule! Free entertainment for mornings filled with play, laughter, and meaningful moments together.
: Little Growers Planting Workshop
June 14 : It’s a Bubble Party!
Summer Concert Series
SATURDAYS IN JUNE & AUGUST (7PM - 9PM) Free outdoor concerts featuring top local bands.
Movies in the Square
SATURDAYS IN JULY, SEPT, OCT (AT DUSK) Movies on the big screen under the stars!
May 10 : Little Growers Planting Workshop
June 14 : It’s a Bubble Party!
Summer Concert Series
Spring Into
EVERY WEDNESDAY (6PM - 8PM)
Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.
Visit ParkPlaceLeawood.com for more details.
Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.
Park Place is located on the northeast corner of Nall Avenue & 117th St., just north of AMC 20 Theatre.
SATURDAYS IN JUNE & AUGUST (7PM - 9PM)
Free outdoor concerts featuring top local bands.
Movies in the Square
Live music for a mid-week date night! Connect over a great line-up of pop/rock, country, and even reggae! Pinwheel
TUESDAYS IN JUNE & JULY (9AM - 11AM)
__BRANDS
3.1 PHILLIP LIM
AGOLDE
AEYDE
AJE
A.L.C.
ALEMIAS
ALEX MILL
ALIX OF BOHEMIA
ALLUDE
ALOHAS
AMERICAN VINTAGE
ANINE BING
ASKK NY
ATP ATELIER
AUTRY
BAUM UND PFERDGARTEN
BEMBIEN
BOUGUESSA BY MALENE BIRGER
CIAO LUCIA
CITIZEN OF HUMANITY
CLARE V
CLEA
DAMSON MADDER
DÉHANCHE
DOEN
DONNI
ENZA COSTA
EMERSON FRY
FARM RIO
FAVORITE DAUGHTER
FLOWZE
FREDA SALVADOR
GANNI
GESTUZ
GUEST IN RESIDENCE
HERSKIND
HUNZA G
ICON DENIM
JANESSA LEONE
JENNY BIRD
KULE
L’AGENCE
LESET
LITTLE LIFFNER
LIZZIE FORTUANTO
LOEFFLER RANDALL
LOREN STEWART
MADEWORN
MATTHEW BURCH
MAIAMI BERLIN
MAISON IREM
MIRTH
MOTHER
MOUSSY
MUMA WORLD
NANUSHKA
OROTON
POSSE
PROENZA SCHOULER
RACHEL ANTONOFF
RACHEL COMEY
RAG & BONE
RAILS
RE/DONE
ROTATE
SAINT ART
SAMSOE SAMSOE
SEA NY
SIMKHAI
SLVRLAKE
SOLID & STRIPED
STAUD
STINE GOYA
THE GREAT
TIBI
TWP
ULLA JOHNSON
XIRENA & MORE
72 IN CONVERSATION WITH GIGI HARRIS
The Lake Lotawana native describes her journey from making iMovies on her dad’s computer to creating two nominee reels for the 2025 Oscars in her work as a film editor.
76 COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER FUN
It’s all about the festivals, events, concerts, experiences, and activities happening in the metro this summer.
82
DELICIOUS DEVELOPMENTS
What’s cooking in Kansas City. 86
CLASSIC GARDEN, FRESH APPROACH
The Greensman brings a bit of French formality home.
On the cover Rhonda and Justin Bridgeman on the links of the Art Course at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler
Sleep, Creep, Leap
Watching a garden’s slow revealing of itself is one of the most delightful things about spring. Is there anything so tantalizing as the rich, heady fragrance of earth emerging from winter’s hibernation?
Already this season, those fat, deep-green and red stalks that are vaguely reminiscent of asparagus are pushing through the ground so quickly one can almost watch the dirt crumble and heave. They’re peonies—my favorite flower, no matter what color the blooms might be. The sharp, flat, sword-shaped leaves poking out of the earth—that’s old-fashioned, familiar iris (with its singular scent redolent of lavender jelly beans)—so common on the Iowa farm where I grew up. Pale gray-green fuzzy shoots mean a bed of soft lamb’s ear will appear soon. The leaves of the Japanese and ostrich ferns I planted are curling up out of the soil like someone awakened after a nice, long nap.
My garden is in its third year, so I’m excited to see its annual reveal. Sleep, creep, leap, the popular adage says. In the first year, the plants are establishing their root system, with little obvious growth and few blooms. The second year, there’s a little spurt of growth and a few more flowers. But the third year, yes! This is what we wait for. Foliage and flowers are abundant; now we see what was in our mind’s eye all along. The boxwood is shaggy and bright with new growth. It’s finally time for them to be groomed into the tidy, fat balls I imagined scattered throughout the garden.
But gardens aren’t static. Plants that failed need to be replaced, and bare spots call out to be filled in with something green or something blooming. Right now, it’s peak planting season. Very soon, probably as soon as this issue goes to press, I’ll start leafing through my stash of garden coffee-table books, looking to be inspired. And I’ll be using that inspiration to get down and dirty, literally. Shaking the compacted soil off the roots of small pots of plants, digging deep and wide holes in the ground, and dreaming of what will be.
Vol. 8 | No. 5
MAY 2025
Editor In Chief Zim Loy
Digital Editor Evan Pagano
Art Director Alice Govert Bryan
Contributing Writers
Judith Fertig, Merrily Jackson, Cindy Hoedel, Damian Lair, Patricia O’Dell, Katie Van Luchene, Jenny Vergara
Contributing Photographers
Gene Donehoo, Aaron Leimkuehler, Jake Lyle, Mark McDonald
Publisher Michelle Jolles
Media Director Brittany Coale
Senior Media Consultants
Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley, Josie Rawlings
Intern Annie Woodson
Newsstand Consultant
Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net
Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com
Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com
Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com
Magazine Subscriptions:
Mail: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429 Phone: 888-881-5861
Email: SUBS@inkansascity.com
Subscribe Online: inkansascity.com/subscribe
Good sports. The Great Overlap approaches, sports fans. Soon, all of Kansas City’s sports teams will be in action. Sporting KC, the Royals, the Current, and even the Monarchs will be well into their summer marathons when the Chiefs start sweating out in St. Joe. Want to make the most of it? We plucked highlights from each team’s schedule in the Sports section of inkansascity.com
food restaurants. If you enjoy blissful meals at Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop, Waldo Thai, and Saap Saap Noodles, rejoice—you’re barely skimming the top. We whipped up a robust list of Kansas City Thai food spots in the Restaurants section of inkansascity.com
ENTER TO WIN
Hop right up! This month, our friends at the new-to-the-metro restaurants 30hop are giving one lucky reader a $200 gift card that’s valid at their Lee’s Summit or Merriam locations. Just enter to win at inkansascity.com/themagazine/enter-to-win by May 31. Best of luck!
For a song. 2020, the Kansas City Symphony has held over 200 outdoor concerts across the Kansas City area. They crop up everywhere from parks to shopping centers—and each concert is tracked down the symphony’s Mobile Music Box and wrote about our experience in the Classical Music section of inkansascity.com
This Month IN KC
May
WHERE YOU NEED TO BE AND WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE
by Evan Pagano
Kansas City Folk Festival
May 17
Washington Square Park kcfolkfest.org
Free folk, folks! This free music and art festival— which goes by KC Folk Fest for short—is a lively, inclusive gathering in Washington Square Park. Planned musical acts include Sunny War, Stranded in the City, and Rural Grit; you’ll also find artistic displays, food trucks, and a cash craft market. Bring your folks, your chairs, and enjoy a culture-filled day in the park.
SpraySeeMO Mural Festival
May 19-25
Crossroads Arts District sprayseemo.com/2025
Can you hear the cans rattling? SpraySeeMO, the festival responsible for so many of the street murals in the Crossroads, is back from May 19 to 25. Head to the arts district during that time, and you’ll see graffiti artists—chosen from KC and beyond—at work on the sanctioned murals that make the Crossroads such an eclectic, explorable neighborhood.
Festa Italiana
May 30-June 1
Zona Rosa zonarosa.com
Mangia! It’s a joyous weekend at Zona Rosa when the annual Festa Italiana takes over the lawn. This free-to-enter celebration of Kansas City’s ItalianAmerican culture is more than an excuse to eat Italian food (though there’s plenty of that). It’s an opportunity to laze into the night and experience local Italian musicians, dancers, chefs—and a meatballeating contest—on the main stage.
MAY SPOTLIGHT
Memorial Day Weekend
May 23-26
Enjoy your freedom, pay your respects. It’s a much-needed long weekend in Kansas City. There’ll be a lot going on, from pools opening to family barbecue pits smoking, but let’s get into the reason for the season.
On May 25, the Kansas City Symphony will return to Union Station for Celebration at the Station
We know there will be a patriotic concert, and previous celebrations have included speeches by the mayor, cannon fire, and a fireworks display for the finale. Follow kcsymphony.org/celebration for updates.
On Memorial Day itself, return to the shadow of Liberty Memorial Tower for the Memorial Day Ceremony at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. Activities last from morning to afternoon, with dignitaries and retired army Major General William Razz Waff speaking at 10 a.m., a bell-tolling ceremony honoring fallen service members at noon, and Walk of Honor brick dedications at 2 p.m.
In Independence, you can catch the Memorial Day Salute at the Truman Library. The library and museum—which will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—helps educate the public on the systems our soldiers have died to protect.
For Kansas City’s most comprehensive calendar of events, go to inkansascity.com/events
Moms deserve jewelry from Mazzarese! Treat her at Moms deserve jewelry from Mazzarese! Treat her at our Mother’s Day trunk shows featuring Etho Maria our Mother’s Day trunk shows featuring Etho Maria and Sloane Street Jewelry on May 9th-10th. and Sloane Street Jewelry on May 9th-10th.
by Merrily Jackson mjackson@inkansascity.com
LSmartening Up Your Neglected Guest Room
et’s face it, having houseguests is a bit of a P.I.A. Most of us forsake our guestrooms, using them for random storage until the day before company is due to arrive. Then we scurry around, laundering sheets and getting everything shipshape. We do this knowing it’s worth the bother because having loved ones stay with us strengthens bonds in a way nothing else can replicate. Whether you’re hosting your lifelong best friend or your persnickety mother-in-law, you want them to feel welcomed and comfortable in your home. A full-blown guestroom renovation isn’t necessary. It’s actually the little details that make for a cozy, inviting, maximally comfortable space. Here are some ways to achieve that.
First and foremost, the bed. Your guest room isn’t the place for that lumpy mattress inherited from your college days. Invest in a quality mattress so your peeps get a good night’s sleep. High-thread-count sheets, always freshly laundered, provide a sumptuous feel that can elevate a night’s rest. People are picky about their pillows. Offer a variety of firmnesses.
Comforters and such. A down comforter is a thoughtful touch but be sure to have a non-allergenic alternative on hand for those (and there are many) with sensitivities. My designer friends like to insert two comforters into a duvet cover to make it look extra-fluffy for photo shoots. The effect is achieved, but I wonder if IRL it makes the bed a little too toasty.
Bedding for our Kansas City summers. For the warmer months, use a cotton blanket on the guest bed, followed by a heavier cotton quilt. In all seasons, a cozy throw at the base of the bed or tossed over an armchair can add warmth and comfort for napping and sleeping.
Noise control. Adding soft layers to the space, like a rug (especially if you have hard floors), drapery, and bedding will help absorb sound. You can also use a white-noise machine or fan to further mask sounds.
Landing pad for luggage. Have a luggage rack (wooden or bamboo is nicest), an empty dresser top, a storage bench at the end of the bed— something that shouts, “this is where your suitcase can go so you don’t have to open it on the floor.” Make sure you have empty drawers and closet space with hangers.
Practical touches. A small desk or table provides a surface for writing, and a comfortable chair is lovely for reading and checking one’s phone. Don’t forget an unobtrusive little wastepaper basket, a bedside lamp with
adjustable brightness, and a nightlight so guests can see their way to the bathroom. It’s also thoughtful to have a mirror, optimally full-length. We all like to check our look before venturing forth.
Little luxuries make them feel loved. All of the following are welcoming touches for an arriving guest: a soft robe and slippers; a phone charger; a supply of bottled water or a carafe with glasses; a vase of fresh flowers; a pretty bowl of fruit; facial tissue; an assortment of snacks and goodies; a selection of current magazines; and a basket with travel-sized essentials like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, and toothbrush.
No en suite? No problem. If there isn’t an adjacent private bathroom, leave a set of towels in the guest room, as well as an assortment of favorite soaps, shampoos, hand creams, and lotions. This will keep your guests from having to look through your bathroom and linen closet to find what they need.
Mi casa es tu casa. Write up a list of helpful details about your home and leave it in your guest room. Include notes about where to find extra supplies and toiletries, Wi-Fi passwords, and instructions for your television, voice-activated assistants, and other household systems.
Finally, add a personal touch that shows your guests you’ve put thought into their stay. A handwritten welcome note, a small gift related to their interests, or even a framed photo of you together can make them feel like you really, really want them there.
Entertaining IN KC
GUESTROOM GOODIES
QUITE THE RACK
Crafted from sturdy bamboo and ready for a big fat suitcase, this chic luggage rack welcomes weary houseguests in style. They’ll never guess you got it for $41 at Walmart
SO SOFT … AND REVERSIBLE!
Drape your guests in warmth and luxury with an Alta reversible throw featuring whip-stitch detailing. Available at Terrasi Living for $125.
HELLO, SLEEP
The Magicteam whitenoise machine makes your guestroom a haven of tranquility. At 3”x 3”, it’s tiny, effective, and only $17 from Amazon
USER FRIENDLY
Your guests will appreciate having your WiFi password handily displayed in a pretty frame in their room. This frame is available at Diebolt’s in Gillham House.
ARE WE CLEAR?
This crystal-clear glass carafe combines pitcher and tumbler in a cleanlined design. The tumbler acts as a lid over the carafe, keeping water free from dust. From Crate and Barrel, $25.
NOT DIM AT ALL
With its classic design and petite proportions, this 13” lamp will look lovely on the nightstand, and wow, it has a dimmer switch! From Serena and Lily, $298, available in various colors and shade options.
Entertaining IN KC
HOW TO BE A SOUGHT-AFTER HOUSEGUEST
THE BEST KIND OF HOUSEGUEST adds a little tone to the joint. You’ve brought fabulous treats to share: a box of decadent chocolates; a yummy coffee cake; some premium coffee or bottles of good wine or champagne. Suddenly your host’s everyday routine is a little elevated because you are there with your own special joie de vivre, good manners, and social ease. And because you’re tidy and you pitch in to help, and you pick things up—like the check at dinner.
Neither guests nor hosts should feel they need to spend every waking moment with each other. Schedule some joint activities together, as well as plenty of breaks from the action. Just make sure you communicate your plans in advance.
A written thank-you note from houseguest to host is a must. It doesn’t need to be long or formal. It just needs to be sincere and, in the mail, no more than a couple of days after the visit.
40 Individually T hemed Guest Rooms Versatile Wedding Spaces Multiple Meeting Rooms C onnec ts to the Ra ccoon River Valley Tr ail and High Tr estle Tr ail Pa ttee Ca fe C our ty ard Ca fe
Entertaining
ASK MERRILY
Find answers to all your entertaining questions.
Q: My old friends are coming to town as my houseguests, and I really want to make their visit special. I don’t want to go overboard, but I’d love to do something they’ll remember. Any ideas?
A: If you’re of a mind to entertain, your friends will remember you forever if you have some sort of little party in their honor. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Expectations will be low because, after all, you have houseguests. Invite a few people for cocktails, then all go out for dinner. Or if you and your guests like to cook, invite four or six people for a simple dinner you’ve prepared together. (Email me for recipes and menu ideas!) Or invite people for champagne and dessert to liven things up after dinner. Having such a gathering will bring focus to your houseguests’ visit and will give everyone something to look forward to. And you’ll have a fun, shared experience to talk about later.
CIT Y YEAR KANSAS CIT Y
OF THE YEAR
Justin Hale Nominated by Great Range Capital Mike Wirtz Nominated by VanTrust Rea Estate
Ben Bravence Nom nated by UMB Financial Corportation
Emily Gual Nominated by Hoefer Welker
Amy Grant Nominated by Polsinel i Law Firm
by
Dunn
Our Man IN KC
by Damian Lair dlair@inkansascity.com
Artfare
An artist and a chef walk into a kitchen…. No, it’s not the intro for a joke. It’s the novel concept behind an event I look forward to every year. With a shift in season (winter to spring) and venue (the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art), I was excited to attend the annual Artfare event supporting the Kansas City Art Institute, presented by the Vanderslice Committee. The evening is a thrilling collaboration between paired artists and chefs, with each chef drawing inspiration from an artist’s particular work.
Who left dog shampoo in the shower, only for the boyfriend to use it?
This year, committee chairs Frances Baszta and Tony Glamcevski, along with honorary chairs Amy & David Embry and Patricia O’Dell & Todd Schulte, pulled together a dynamite array of chefs and artists. With nearly a dozen impressive participant pairs, I’ll highlight my favorites. Josh Laufketter of Inspired Occasions had a stunning spread of Southwest goat-cheese terrine with tortilla wedges and vegetables, which was inspired by Muriel Hansen’s humble ceramic works. Linda Duerr of The Restaurant at 1900 prepared a roast leg of lamb with jollof rice that complemented my favorite artwork of the evening, a provocative seaside painting by Abby Oyesam Michael & Nancy Smith of Farina, with their steak tartare and a rainbow of sauces, playfully mirrored the kaleidoscope of color in Laura
Crehuet Berman’s prism-like print piece. And Christopher Elbow presented an array of stunning chocolates—artworks in their own right but inspired by Jo Archuleta’s vibrant painting—including one with crunchy, toasted corn and peanut butter that I grabbed again and again throughout the evening. It’s also worth mentioning that the most joyful and exuberant participant of the evening was the daughter-helper of Johnny & Helen Jo Leach with The Town Company. Her ever-present smile while serving their mushroom carpaccio was contagious. In addition to the food and camaraderie, there was a robust silent auction that included jewelry, artwork, and other items from local creatives. The Kemper Museum served as the perfect, art-filled backdrop for this entire event. I missed the opening and artist talk the week prior for Stan Douglas’s multidisciplinary Metronome exhibit. So, it was perfect that I got to slip into the gallery and experience that as well. One video is on a six-hour loop, so I’ll need to return again and again to catch different bits. Rest assured, I will.
SPOTTED: Sharon & John Hoffman, Sue & Lewis Nerman, Ellen & Jamie Copaken, Helen & Frank Wewers (who purchased the stunning Harold Smith painting), Pam & Gary Gradinger, Linda & Topper Johntz, Jessica May, Jessica Hong, Kristin & Marty Goodman, Stephanie & Craig O’Dear, Marcus Cain, Becky Cotton & Mark Bunnell, Gaye Cohen & Dr. Mark Cohen, Jennifer Janesko & Rob Harsh, Karen Holland, Katherine Holland, Jess Blubaugh, Peregrine Honig, Josue Montes, Loretta & Tom Mentzer, Mark Allen Alford, Jr., Lorece Chanelle, Chadwick Brooks, Christa Cavanaugh & Michael Wright, Chris Sumner
photo by ash story
Damian Lair at the KCAI ArtFaire
E BLAKE & ASSOCIATES LAKE & ASSOOCCIIATTEES S
Our Man IN KC
OFFICIALLY AMAZING
UNION STATION has some of the most dynamic and interesting programming in the city. I am always hyped with anticipation, waiting for what’s next. Fortunately, they’re kind enough to see that I get an early peek. So recently, I was at the famed train hall to experience the official opening event for The Science of Guinness World Records
Prior to the official ribbon cutting, guests dined on an array of carnival-themed food—corn dogs, nachos, funnel cakes, and snow conestyle cocktails. It was the perfect pairing and possibly one of my favorite food genres. Scattered among us were several actual Guinness World Record holders. One example was a couple (Kara & Scott McBurney) holding the title of longest interval between the birth of triplets. (17 days, 19 hours apart!) Did you know there are more than 250 world-record holders living in Kansas City?
The city is also home to some other notable world records like the largest tuba ensemble (835), largest box of chocolates (5,616 lbs.— by Russell Stover), largest serving of pancakes (13,000—by Hy-Vee) and one you all know—loudest stadium in the world (142.3 decibels). Go Chiefs!
“I suffer from JOMO—joy of missing out.”
Union Station CEO George Guastello provided an exhibit overview ahead of our entry. The exhibit itself is a very hands-on, engaging experience, providing guests with a behind-the-scenes understanding
of what it takes to set a record. (Sneakily tucked in is a healthy dose of STEM content, diving into the science behind some of the most amazing world records and presenting them in interesting and approachable ways.)
HOT GOSSIP:
While on vacation, who couldn’t get the locks to open on her Chinese imposter Rimowa luggage?
Scattered amongst the physical challenges are a mix of impressive artifacts and inspiring stories that encourage visitors to strive for greatness.
Some of the world-record artifacts I spotted included “Plane Loco” a spectacular and intricate locomotive engine built entirely out of matchsticks. Measuring 20 feet long, nine feet high, and 13 feet wide, this world-record creation was built with over one million matchsticks and 35 gallons of wood glue. I also spied the boxing gloves used by Muhammad Ali to win the most lineal world heavyweight championship wins (3) and the Rubik’s Cube used in the fastest time to solve (21.13 seconds). Throughout, there are video projections documenting winning title holders’ feats and book nooks with 70 years’ worth of published record books. I loved seeing the very first record-book editions.
Upon entry, guests are invited to create a digital avatar of themselves that tracks the record challenges they undertake—ultimately recording an official Guinness World Record, if applicable. The exhibit is divided into six zones. There are memory focus challenges, reaction speed challenges, and others related to physical endurance.
This exhibit inspires guests to think beyond the ordinary and become reacquainted with the idea that anything is possible. The experiences are designed for every age, but I could especially see my grade school nephews really loving this. I can guarantee it would keep them occupied for hours. Fortunately, it’s open through the summer (closes September 2), making it the perfect (cool) place for getting kids out of the house during that stretch of school-free days.
“Officially Amazing” is the Guinness World Records tagline, but it also aptly describes our capacity as humans. Get to Union Station and reconsider what is possible.
ART FOR THE CHILDREN
IT HAD BEEN many years since I last attended the Art for the Children event for Medical Missions Foundation. But due to the encouragement of Dave Brinkerhoff & Dan Meiners, I was suddenly back in the fold for this 26th iteration of the gala and art auction event.
Medical Missions provides care to thousands of otherwise forgotten children in developing countries. Since 1996, the foundation has completed 116 mission trips to 14 countries, touching the lives of more than 70,000 patients with life-changing care via clinics and surgeries. Locally, Medical Missions Foundation provides medical services through healthcare clinics, conducted in cooperation with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City
Generously hosting this year’s event was the incredible (and unknown to me) Armacost Car Museum. It privately houses a
The Science of Guinness World Records at Union Station.
mind-blowing collection of rare and ultra-rare automobiles spanning two stories. It was a unique experience on its own, as the museum is not open to the public.
We mingled, nibbled on passed hors d’oeuvres, and sipped cocktails until emcee and past board member and mission volunteer, Elizabeth Alex, called us to attention. We heard about the critical work the foundation is doing around the world, including their 2025 mission plans. This year, the foundation will perform its transformative work in the Philippines, Guatemala, Kenya, and Uganda, in addition to Kansas City. Missions are primarily staffed by local Kansas City doctors, nurses, and medical professionals, assisted by an array of non-medical volunteers. To supplement their direct medical care, volunteers also work with patients through art therapy. And therein lies the inspiration for this art-centered auction event.
OVERHEARD
time I’ve had the opportunity, I’ve somehow been out of town. I will summarize the experience by simply saying that the landmark Louis S. Curtiss-designed, Prairie Style residence is a masterpiece once again. The renovation was a triumph. It is, in my opinion, the finest home I’ve visited in Kansas City.
“Regular margs?!? Lady— no! Have you seen the people at this table? Everyone gets a ‘skinny’!”
As we dined on a delicious beef tenderloin and chicken spiedini, both the silent and live auctions were in full swing. The live auction was conducted by the Nigro Brothers Auction Company, with donated items, including a signed Patrick Mahomes helmet, a Tulum vacation, and a Royals Crown Club experience, among others. We closed out the night with dancing to live music by the Mikey Needleman Band, celebrating the vital work that Medical Missions is accomplishing around the world and here at home.
A TOAST TO OPERA!
IN ANTICIPATION of the Lyric Opera Circle’s annual ball, a benefactor party was held to honor the event’s leading patrons.
The party was hosted at the home of Becky Minion—a historic space I’d been eagerly waiting to visit after years of casual drive-bys and witnessing what appeared to be endless renovation work. Frustratingly, each
Becky and her mother, Jeanne Brandmeyer, graciously welcomed patron guests and introduced this year’s ball chair, Lisa Flynn Pruch. Lisa previewed what would be in store for guests at the ball. She offered a look back at the near-complete 2024-2025 season as well as a look ahead at the season to come (a schedule which I summarized in the previous edition of this column). Finally, we were graced with a trio of opera duets from both La Boheme and Madame Butterfly. In addition to Becky’s stunning home, I must acknowledge its playful transformation into “Ed’s,” a riff on the Ralph Lauren club/ lounge aesthetic, complete with gold foil lettering throughout the home. It was a tribute to the indefatigable and steadfast Lyric Opera supporter, Edward Milbank. Ed is this year’s honorary chair and one of the loveliest human beings.
I must also give a nod to the caterer— not something on which I normally fixate, but on this occasion, it was so notably spectacular. Evan Williams Catering, based in Lawrence, brought their A-game with passed bites that were as artful as they were delicious—no easy feat. Salmon bites rested on a decorative sheet of woven cucumber strips that resembled a garden-fresh Bottega handbag. You had me at intrecciato. There was a layered beet concoction, carefully crafted like a luxe Neapolitan ice cream. I could go on and on. Besides the home, all I could talk about afterward was the catering. Impression made. Bravo to the organizers of this event. It was truly spectacular. Oh, and I just purchased season tickets for the upcoming season (it is so goooood!). You should consider doing so, as well. Ciao!
So, KC—where do you want to go? XO
MORE THAN A MILLION
ReeceNichols is thrilled to embark on the fifth year of the Gold Key Project, continuing our commitment to support families with hospitalized children in partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities.
The idea is simple. Gold Key agents pledge to cover the cost of a one-night stay for a family at RMHC ($100) for every home they help buy or sell from April through October. RMHC offers families a nurturing environment—free lodging, warm meals, and laundry facilities—while their child undergoes hospital treatment.
From its modest beginnings with a pilot program that saw agents donate $31,000, the Gold Key Project has
flourished, raising over $1.2 million for RMHC to date. That money has provided over 12,500 free nights of comfort for families to stay close to their critically ill child.
In addition to the nightly stays, funds raised have also enhanced RMHC facilities, including the creation of a new Family Room at Overland Park Regional Medical Center and the renovation of four rooms at RMHC-KC’s Longfellow House.
Over 200 Gold Key agents are ready to push for our goal of donating at least $200,000 for a fifth straight year, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that defines ReeceNichols.
82 DAYS, TWO SURGERIES, AND ONE SAFE HAVEN
Noah Schendel was born on June 7, 2024, at Children’s Mercy downtown. His mother, Kate, started care at the Children’s Mercy Fetal Health Center that February after they discovered at his 20-week ultrasound that he had hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS).
Noah had his first surgery at 4 days old, and he was in the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) for the majority of his stay at Children’s Mercy. Kate and Ryan, Noah’s parents, live in Overland Park and were able to visit the newly-renovated Ronald McDonald House inside the hospital as often as they needed while Noah was in good hands in the CICU.
Kate said, “It was just so amazing. A lot of nights we were at Children’s until 10 or 11 o’clock at night before we went home to sleep, and we were able to go in and have a meal that other people had cooked or grab a snack, protein shake … whatever we needed. It was just amazing to have it as a resource.”
Kate and Ryan brought Noah home on August 28 but had to return a couple of months later for the second in a series of surgeries he will need throughout his life due to his HLHS. This time, the Schedels were able to stay in the Ronald McDonald House for eight days while Noah had complications from surgery. The scheduled surgery was 8 hours long … but the doctor had to bring him back the next day, which was very rare.
“There’s nothing that can prepare you for your 5-monthold baby having back-to-back open heart surgeries. We had
our Ronald McDonald House room that we were able to go back to and have some peace and quiet, be able to lean on each other … we were very emotional because when they had to take him back into the OR the second day, that was very unexpected,” Kate said.
Noah did well after his second surgery, and it was smooth sailing from there. He went home on the CHAMP program, a cardiac home monitoring program Children’s Mercy pioneered.
After 82 inpatient days in Children’s Mercy, Noah is 7 months old and thriving.
A GRATEFUL MOM PAYS IT FORWARD
ReeceNichols Gold Key agent Heather Thurston knows firsthand how much Ronald McDonald House Charities can mean to a family in crisis.
When her son was just 18 months old, he was rushed to the emergency room, coughing up blood after swallowing part of a toy. Doctors needed to be sure it hadn’t entered his lungs.
Before they could perform the procedure, Heather’s family had to endure an excruciating 12-hour wait to give her son’s stomach time to clear.
That’s when they discovered the Ronald McDonald House Charities Family Room at the hospital—a quiet space that offered much-needed comfort and support.
“It was a really peaceful place for us to just pray for our little one and be at peace with our family,” Thurston said. “Everything you need is right there: food, a place to rest, a quiet place to make phone calls. It was everything we needed.”
Thankfully, her son made a full recovery, but the comfort and peace of mind RMHC provided during that long day left a lasting impression.
“It makes me a little bit emotional to be able to give somebody even a tenth of the peace of mind that we got from that room,” Thurston said. “When you have a child with a severe medical issue, caring for your child is the only thing you should have to worry about. All of those other things should be taken care of for you.”
For Heather, giving back through the Gold Key Project isn’t just a commitment—it’s personal. She’s proud to stand beside more than 200 ReeceNichols agents who believe in the power of home and the strength of community. Join us in making this our most impactful year yet.
Noah and His Mother Kate
by Judith Fertig
Kim Eichler-Messmer
FIBER ARTIST ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS
‘‘Like countless American women who came before me, I choose to make quilts in an attempt to communicate something of myself to others, to challenge my creativity, and to provide a level of care for others and myself,” says Kim Eichler-Messmer. “You can see the history of women in America through the quilts they made. Not only do I love the process of making a quilt, I feel honored to be part of that long, and often overlooked, history.”
Eichler-Messmer, who has been an associate professor of fiber at the Kansas City Art Institute since 2008, learned to quilt at age 10 in Iowa when she and her father made a quilt out of old shirts.
Today, her quilt work “is an abstract exploration of structure and pattern in the natural world. The emotional impact of a landscape, the variability of weather patterns, and the abbreviated timeline of the earth visible in geology and landforms all speak to me on a spiritual level,” she says. “I use color, geometry, and repetition to explore and represent these ideas.” kimemquilts.com
INKC: The Kansas City area has been quite a mecca for quilt-making and quilt designers, from traditional and folk art (Linda Brannock and Gerry Kimmel-Carr) to modern (Jacquie Gering). What can take a quilt from craft to art?
Kim Eichler-Messmer: I think the beauty of quilts is that they are often both craft and art. At their most basic definitions, craft is something that is made with skill, often with the intention of being functional, while art is something made to express an idea. However, art can be well crafted using traditional craft materials and methods, and craft can express ideas. The line between the two is hazy and wiggly. When I think about this distinction and how it relates to quilts, the question to me is more about what takes a quilter from hobbyist to artist and that has more to do with how someone approaches their work. A quilt hobbyist is more likely to make quilts for fun and tends to follow patterns, which is to say they make quilts that someone else has designed. They may take it very seriously and have excellent craft, but they are less likely to think about how the quilts communicate ideas and how they can work creatively within the medium. A quilt artist will probably take the practice a bit more seriously, using the materials and processes within quilting to explore ideas, form, processes, and formal concerns.
I consider myself an artist, but I don’t think all my quilts are works of art. I teach a quilting class at the Kansas City Art Institute, where I have my students start by making a quilt sampler. Samplers are often used in textiles to learn and practice technical skills. Each student makes nine to 12 quilt blocks, following historical patterns and focusing on creating with attention to detail and craft. We then sew them together into a quilt top and the students get to practice hand and machine quilting on their sampler. We bind them using a very standard binding that is meant to look good and hold up to regular use. From there, we go on to explore different ways of making quilts that are more aligned with expressing individual intentions and exploring formal considerations (such as color, composition, value, movement, etc.) I make a sampler along with the students, and these are not quilts that I consider part of my fine-art practice. However, they are still valuable to me as opportunities to improve my skill, practice techniques, and explore color and value.
INKC: What is satisfying about gathering/growing and then using plants like Osage orange and black walnuts for your dyes?
KEM: I have always loved being outside and grew up in a family that gardened, foraged, and canned food. My husband and I spent some of our first dates foraging for mushrooms and black raspberries. As soon as we moved in together, we started a small garden and now we have a large garden and several fruit trees. Growing my own dye plants, and foraging for other native dye plants, was an obvious addition as my interest in natural dye grew. Grown and foraged dyes don’t behave differ-
IT’S YOUR MONEY IT’S YOUR MONEY
Arts & Culture IN KC
ently than those purchased from dye suppliers, and I often supplement my palette with purchased dyes that I either can’t grow in KC or can’t grow in the quantity I need. For example, cochineal, a small insect that makes a red dye, isn’t native to this area and can’t be easily farmed here, so I purchase it. The weld that I grow makes the same color as the weld someone else might purchase. I do feel a different connection to the plants I grow because I am responsible for taking care of them—planting, thinning, watering, pruning, harvesting, and overwintering all give me the chance to truly understand the life cycle of the plants and feel like I’m part of a conversation with them.
INKC: In a fast world, quilts are slow. What is the benefit of that?
KEM: There have been numerous studies that show the stress-reducing benefits of craft. We saw during the pandemic that so many people took up sewing and pottery. In part, I think it’s the meditative, stress-relieving potential that repetitive actions can have. Creating something from scratch, whether it’s through cooking, gardening, craft, etc., can give us such a sense of pleasure and accomplishment. There are aspects of quilting that can be slow and provide this benefit, especially hand quilting, which requires hours of sitting relatively still while your hands guide a needle and thread through the layers of the quilt. But quilting can also be incredibly active.
In my work, I have two different practices that I think of as my slow practice and my fast practice. Quilting is actually my fast practice! I tend to work very quickly, moving back and forth from my design wall to my sewing machine (that I use standing up), to the ironing board, and back
IN Kansas City - Midland 2025 outlines.pdf 1 4/22/2025 4:41:45 PM
to the design wall. My quilts are built more like large-scale fabric collages than the traditionally pieced, block structure quilts that many people imagine when they think about quilts. The process feels much more like a choreographed dance than a slow, quiet action. My slow practice is related, but takes the form of much smaller, hand-stitched fabric collages that I think of as pieces that are more for me than for an audience.
INKC: Do you have a current theme or direction for your quilts?
KEM: I have felt a little stuck in my work over the last two years, as my teaching position at the Kansas City Art Institute has taken much of my free time. Between applying for tenure, participating in numerous school committees, and developing new classes, I haven’t had the time or creative energy to really focus on a cohesive theme for my work. That’s not to say that I haven’t been making things, but it isn’t with the same time commitment and intensity I’ve had previously. Because of this, I see my current work exploring different ways of piecing fabrics together, playing with color palettes that are outside of my comfort zone, and incorporating more hand stitching. When I was first thinking about this question, I felt kind of bummed out that I don’t have a current body of work that is exciting and cohesive. On reflection, I can see a lot of recurring themes coming through in the work (like abstracted landscapes, structures, and pathways). I can also see how I’ve been making just to maintain some momentum, and a lot of fast decisions are happening that I may not have made if I was more focused. My current work feels related, but there are some new, weird things happening that I’m excited to see develop further, once summer break comes around.
This June, one of Kansas City’s most iconic culinary arts events is making its highly anticipated return
FUSIÓN INDÍGENA
Including delectable plates by celebrated local chefs
Halla Baidawi WORK OF HALLA
Stephanie Echeverry
LAS PRIMAS KC
Andrea Hall
EMPANADA MADNESS
Fidel Gomez
T’ÄHÄ MEXICAN KITCHEN
Cody Hogan
LIDIA’S KANSAS CITY
Julio Juarez
OCEAN PRIME
Victorie Kelley KCKCC
Grant Norris
ENZO BISTRO & WINE BAR
Vincent Paredes THE FARMHOUSE
Michael Ruiz
PRIME SOCIAL
Bryan Sparks WANDERING VINE AT THE CASTLE
Patrick Williams
PIERPONT’S AT UNION STATION
ERIC MICHAEL HERNANDEZ
Arts & Culture IN KC
by Judith Fertig
KCREP’S EMMA
IN EARLY 19TH-CENTURY Highbury, England, Emma Woodhouse is young, clever, energetic, attractive, and wealthy. Her beloved governess has recently married. Emma has no desire to marry. She is not looking for a husband, but she does need something to do besides needlework, good deeds in the community, and looking after her melancholy hypochondriac father who is overly fond of gruel. She has landed on matchmaking as her superpower—with all the unintended-yet-attendant comic consequences that arise from that.
From May 6 through 25, Jane Austen’s sprightly Emma does its quirky gavotte on the KCRep stage. A new adaptation by Kate Hamill, known for her fun feminist takes on classic tales, such as Dracula, The Scarlet Letter, and the Austen novels Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, gives this classic tale a contemporary spin.
Fresh, fun, and flirty, Emma shows us that even before online dating and singles ads, the path of romance was never straightforward.
For more information and tickets, visit kcrep.org
Playwright Kate Hamill
TWO EXHIBITS AT NERMAN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
FROM NOW THROUGH THE SUMMER, you can catch two exhibits at Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College.
A Match Made in Heaven: Katherine Bernhardt x Jeremy Scott features contemporary artist Bernhardt (born 1975 in St. Louis) and fashion designer Scott (born 1975, Kansas City, Missouri). The two are known for their creative work that engages with themes of consumer and popular culture and irreverent humor. Fashion designs by Scott and paintings by Bernhardt create a dynamic pop-culture extravaganza, and both reference each other. Bernhardt is known for her colorful, energetic canvases of pop-culture characters, food, and consumer goods. Scott’s fashion designs, created for the Italian design house Moschino (20132023), Adidas, and for his namesake brand, Jeremy Scott, adapt pop-culture iconography into haute couture.
On a more serious note, vanessa german: ET AL, or, The Child Plaintiffs as Power-Figures was originally presented as part of Craving Light: The Museum of Love and Reckoning. The exhibition, commissioned by ArtsConnect, coincides with the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka. This remarkable artwork considers the legacies of the landmark 1954 Supreme Court case that declared segregation in schools unconstitutional.
For more information, visit nermanmuseum.org
A Match Made in Heaven: Katherine Bernhardt x Jeremy Scott
Arts & Culture IN KC
by Judith Fertig
Chaplain H.L. Reader
SACRED
SERVICE AT
THE NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL
“A good chaplain is as valuable as a good general.” British Field Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, Dec. 1915
IT SEEMS FITTING in the month that features Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day after the Civil War, to honor those who died in service to the United States and to call attention to those who ministered to soldiers.
Opening on May 23, the exhibit Sacred Service at the World War I Museum examines the role of chaplains from many faiths who answered the call to duty during World War I.
In 1914, in media and pulpits, leaders characterized the conflict as a battle between good and evil. Rabbis, pastors, monks, imams, priests, and more served with the fighting nations of World War I. Many were as unprepared for the horrors of war as the soldiers they served, yet strove to bring courage, comfort, and compassion to millions—on and off the battlefield.
Through artifacts, such as a trench crucifix and a field communion set carried in a suitcase, first-person accounts, documents, film, and art, their stories emerge, giving an account of the war we don’t often see.
For more information and tickets, visit theworldwar.org
THE OZARK MOUNTAIN DAREDEVILS— WHEN IT SHINES: THE FINAL TOUR
ON MAY 30, catch one of the last performances of The Ozark Mountain Daredevils at the Kauffman Center. They say it’s their final tour. And it could be. They’ve been writing, recording, touring, and performing for over 50 years.
Since the early 1970s, this band, once described as a “ragtag collection of hippies, bohemians, and musicians of no fixed ambition” from Springfield, Missouri, has had hits such as Jackie Blue, If You Want to Get to Heaven, Chicken Train, and Standing on the Rock.
According to music critics, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils have always been indefinable in terms of music genres, producing sounds of country-rock and electric bluegrass all on the same record. Their lyrics, both whimsical and poetic, come alive from musicians Larry Lee, Steve Cash, Michael Supe Granda, John Dillon, Buddy Brayfield and Randle Chowning. Visit kauffmancenter.org for more information and tickets.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils
Make plans for patio time
Small get-togethers and big gatherings alike are even better with a little fresh air. Prep for your next outdoor hangout with patio furniture of all sizes and styles from NFM. Whether you want innovative weatherproofing or to impress on a budget, the perfect set is only one shop away.
SUMMER IN KC: YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FAMILY FUN, FESTIVALS, AND FLAVORS
From family adventures and taco trails to live music, fringe arts, and record-breaking exhibitions, Kansas City is bursting with excitement for all ages this season. Here’s where to go and what not to miss.
LEGOLAND ® + SEA LIFE
LEGOLAND® Discovery Center and SEA LIFE Aquarium, located at Crown Center, offer an exciting, family-friendly experience. At LEGOLAND®, children can explore MINILAND®, featuring Kansas City landmarks built from over 1.5 million LEGO bricks, enjoy rides like Kingdom Quest and Merlin’s Apprentice, and watch immersive 4D LEGO movies. Next door, SEA LIFE Aquarium invites guests to journey through a 180-degree ocean tunnel, encounter over 5,000 sea creatures, and participate in interactive touch pools. Combo tickets are available, making it easy to experience both attractions in one visit. legolanddiscoverycenter.com/kansas-city and visitsealife.com/kansas-city
ZONA ROSA
Zona Rosa in Kansas City is buzzing with summer events. Kick off with Festa Italiana (May 30–June 1), a free celebration featuring Italian cuisine, live music, a motorsports show, and the Strawberry Swing Indie Craft Fair. On Friday nights from June 6 to July 25, enjoy Summer Concerts in the Park at Central Park, showcasing local bands from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Movies in the Park return on third Saturdays from May to July in North Park, offering family-friendly films under the stars. Join The Coffee Club every Thursday morning from May 29 to July 31 for community gatherings. Don’t miss Summer Fest coming in July, a lively block party with a petting zoo, foam party, live music, food trucks, and local artisans. zonarosa.com
KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION
Experience a summer of community fun with Kansas City Parks and Recreation! Join the annual Dragon Boat Festival on Brush Creek at the Country Club Plaza on June 21, with practice races at 8 AM, opening festivities at 9:45 AM, and races beginning at 10 AM. Celebrate the longest day of the year with the free, city-wide Make Music Day Kansas City on June 21, a global event
featuring live music in various public spaces. Enjoy Kansas City’s Lawn Party on July 20, celebrating National Parks and Recreation Month with live music, food trucks, art, and games stretching from The Nelson-Atkins Museum to Brush Creek (BYO picnic or enjoy on-site food). Finally, experience the diverse cultures of Kansas City at the 46th Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival (August 1517, eeckc.org/ethnic-enrichment-fest ) with food, music, crafts, and dance from around the globe. More information on these and other events can be found at kcparks.org
KCK TACO TRAIL
Embark on a flavorful adventure this summer with the KCK Taco Trail, featuring over 60 authentic taquerias in Kansas City, Kansas. Sign up for the free digital Taco Trail Pass to check in at each location and earn rewards like decals, t-shirts, and tortilla warmers. Enhance your experience with the Taco Trail Bus Tour, offering themed monthly excursions from June through October, each spotlighting a different taco variety. Don’t miss the Tacos & Tequila Festival on June 21 at Legends Field, featuring gourmet tacos, craft margaritas, live music, and more. visitkansascityks.com/taco-trail
KANSAS CITY CURRENT
Catch a KC Current home game during the exciting second season at CPKC Stadium at Berkley Riverfront Park, the first stadium purpose-built for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team. This iconic venue continues to set the standard for fan experience and women’s sports. The KC Current Club remains the best way to secure 2025 single-match tickets. Be sure to visit the two-story KC Current Team Store on the north side of the stadium for the latest in fan gear and exclusive merchandise. Enjoy game day with a curated selection of Kansas City’s best local cuisine—BBQ, Thai, tacos, and more. For the full home schedule, visit kansascitycurrent.com
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS BASEBALL
The Kansas City Monarchs will launch their 2025 season on Friday, May 9, at Legends Field in Kansas City, Kansas, facing the Lincoln Saltdogs. This marks the team’s first season opener at home since 2022. The evening promises excitement with pre-game skydivers, a limited-edition bobblehead giveaway, and post-game fireworks. Gates open at 6:00 p.m., with the first pitch at 6:35 p.m. Fans can enjoy free parking, a cashless facility, and a clear bag policy. This game is the first of 50 home matches in the Monarchs’ quest for another American Association championship. monarchsbaseball.com
TERRAVOX WINERY
Escape the ordinary and discover a unique taste of American viticulture at TerraVox Winery, just outside Kansas City. Wine enthusiasts seeking something beyond the familiar will be captivated by their extensive collection of over 40 North American native grape varieties. Explore a diverse palate of flavors, often distinct from European wines, while learning about a fascinating piece of American winemaking history. Enjoy a picturesque vineyard setting in Platte County and engage with a passionate team dedicated to showcasing the potential of these heritage grapes. A visit to TerraVox offers an educational and flavorful journey into the true “voice of the land.” terravox.wine
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
The Kansas City Fringe Festival 2025, the city’s largest celebration of arts and culture, returns for its 21st season from July 13 to 27. This two-week extravaganza showcases a diverse array of performances, including theater, dance, music, cabaret, spoken word, film, and visual arts, featuring local, national, and international artists. Events are held across various venues throughout Kansas City, offering audiences an opportunity to engage with innovative and experimental art forms. The festival kicks off with an Opening Night Party, where artists preview their shows, and concludes with a celebratory Closing Night Party. kcfringe.org
THE SCIENCE OF GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS AT UNION STATION
The Science of Guinness World Records at Union Station Kansas City is an interactive exhibition running through September 2, 2025. Visitors can explore the science behind record-breaking feats across seven immersive zones, including reaction time challenges, memory tests, and endurance trials. Highlights include “Plane Loco,” a 20-foot-long steampunk locomotive made from over one million matchsticks, and Willard Wigan’s tiny sculptures, viewable only through a microscope. Located in the Bank of America Gallery, the exhibit operates Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $17.50, with discounts for members and groups. unionstation.org
GKCAA MEMBERS
ANITA B. GORMAN CONSERVATION DISCOVERY CENTER
4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
816-759-7300 • mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter
ATLAS9
1100 N 98th St, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-708-8081 • atlas9.com
BAR K
501 Berkley Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64120 816-474-2275 • barkdogbar.com
BOULEVARD BREWING CO. TOURS AND RECREATION CENTER
2534 Madison Ave, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-701-7247 • boulevard.com/visit
CAROLYN’S PUMPKIN PATCH
17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty, MO 64068 816-730-6518 • carolynspumpkinpatch.com
CHILLICOTHE CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
100 Elm Street, Chillicothe, MO 64601 660-646-0093 • visitchillicothe.com
CITY OF INDEPENDENCE PARKS/RECREATION/ TOURISM DEPARTMENT
416 W. Maple Ave, Independence, MO 64050 816-325-7575• visitindependence.com
CLAY COUNTY PARKS
17201 Paradesian St, Smithville, MO 64089 816-407-3400 • smithvillelakecamping.com
THE COLLEGE BASKETBALL EXPERIENCE AND (MEN’S) NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME 1401 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-949-7500 • collegebasketballexperience.com
COLONIAL GARDENS 27610 SE Wyatt Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014 816-229-1277 • colonialgardenskc.com
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
47th & Broadway Kansas City, MO 64112 816-561-3486 • countryclubplaza.com
CROWN CENTER
2450 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-274-8444 • crowncenter.com
KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
IT’S ALWAYS A NEW ADVENTURE presented at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium! Explore 202 acres, home to nearly 10,000 animals. See sharks swim, watch orangutans play, touch a stingray, and walk alongside free-roaming kangaroos. Take a walk on the wild side for an experience you and your family won’t fur-get!
Don’t miss Dinosaurs Around the World, produced by Imagine, running from May 1 through August 24. Join us this summer as the Zoo’s animal residents are joined by their prehistoric ancestors! The exhibit is free with Zoo admission and Friends of the Zoo memberships. You’ll find 13 life-size animatronic dinosaurs located throughout the topside of the Zoo. Guests will experience the mighty Tyrannosaurus rex, gigantic amphibious Spinosaurus, bizarre duck-billed Hadrosaur and much more. kansascityzoo.org
FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY MONEY MUSEUM
1 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108
816-881-2683 • kansascityfed.org/moneymuseum
FULL MOON HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS
1401 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64102
816-842-4280 or 816-842-0320 • fullmoonprod.com
GARMIN KANSAS CITY MARATHON 1100 Walnut, Suite 3450B, Kansas City, MO 64106 816-389-4190 • sportkc.org/marathon
GO APE TREETOP ADVENTURE - SWOPE PARK
7331 Oakwood Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 800-971-8271 • goape.com/location/missouri-kansas-city
HARRY S. TRUMAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM
500 W US Hwy 24, Independence, MO 64050
816-268-8200 • trumanlibrary.gov
HISTORIC LECOMPTON 609 Woodson Ave, Lecompton, KS 66050 785-887-6148 • lecomptonkansas.com
HOLLADAY DISTILLERY
One McCormick Lane, Weston, MO 64098 816-640-3056 • holladaydistillery.com
HOLLYWOOD CASINO AT KANSAS SPEEDWAY
777 Hollywood Casino Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-288-9300 • hollywoodcasinokansas.com
HY-VEE ARENA
1800 Genessee St, Kansas City, MO 64102 816-505-0404 • hy-veearena.com
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE ASSOCIATION (HISTORIC DOWNTOWN)
106 S Liberty St., Independence, MO 64050 816-381-7181 • indepsquare.com
J RIEGER & CO. DISTILLARY
2700 Guinotte Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120
816-702-7800 • jriegerco.com
JACKSON COUNTY MO PARKS + RECREATION
22807 SW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-503-4800 • MakeYourDayHere.com
JESSE JAMES BIRTHPLACE
21216 Jesse James Farm Rd, Kearney, MO 64060
816-736-8500 • jessejamesmuseum.org
JOHNSON COUNTY MUSEUM
8788 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66212 913-826-2787 • jcprd.com/museum
KANSAS CITY AUTO MUSEUM
15095 W 116th St, Olathe, KS 66062 913-322-4227 • kansascityautomuseum.com
KANSAS CITY BALLET
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-931-8993 • kcballet.org
KANSAS CITY CARRIAGES
Nichols and Pennsylvania on the Country Club Plaza 816-531-1999 • kccarriages.com
KANSAS CITY CURRENT
CPKC Stadium, 1460 E Front St, Kansas City, MO 64120 913-374-0233 • kansascitycurrent.com
KANSAS CITY HELICOPTER TOURS 10 Richards Rd, Kansas City , MO 64105 816-499-3342 • kansascityhelicoptertours.com
KANSAS CITY MONARCHS BASEBALL
1800 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-328-5618 • monarchsbaseball.com
KANSAS CITY PARKS & RECREATION
4600 E. 63rd Street, Kansas City, MO 64130 816-513-7500 • kcparks.org
KANSAS CITY RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012 913-721-2110 • kcrenfest.com
KANSAS CITY REPERTORY THEATRE
Spencer Theatre, 4949 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64110
Copaken Stage, 1 H&R Block Way, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-235-2700 • kcrep.org
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
One Royal Way, Kansas City, MO 64129 816-921-8000 • royals.com
KANSAS CITY ZOO & AQUARIUM
6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-595-1234 • kansascityzoo.org
KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 1601 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-994-7222 • kauffmancenter.org
KC FRINGE FESTIVAL
PO Box 415001, Kansas City, MO 64141 646-844-1505 • kcfringe.org
KC WINE CO AND KC PUMPKIN PATCH
13875 S Gardner Rd #1, Olathe, KS 66061 913-484-6251 • kcwineco.com and kcpumpkinpatch.com
JACKSON COUNTY PARKS + REC
NEED SOMETHING DIFFERENT to do this summer? You don’t have to look far. Jackson County Parks + Rec is a short car ride away with plenty of things for everyone to do.
It’s all about fun when you spend a day with Jackson County Parks + Rec.
For the land lover, they have one of the largest park systems of any county in America.
For the water enthusiast, Jackson County is home to fantastic beaches and lakes, with the finest public marinas in Missouri. Lake Jacomo, Blue Springs, and Longview Lake offer full-service marinas and boat rentals. Blue Springs and Longview Lake both have beaches open to the public for individuals to soak up the sun and enjoy a day at the lake.
Jackson County Parks + Rec offers residents and regional neighbors nearly 22,000 acres of premier outdoor enjoyment for “getaway-from-it-all” weekends and memorable vacations. From boating and biking to hiking and horseback riding, get on the go! From softball and golf, get into the game! From beaches and campgrounds to picnics and fishing, just sit back and relax.
Make your day at Jackson County Parks + Rec this summer. makeyourdayhere.com
LEE’S SUMMIT PARKS & RECREATION
220 SE Green Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063 816-969-1008 • lstourism.com
LEGENDS OUTLETS
1843 Village West Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66111 913-788-3700 • legendsshopping.com
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTER AND SEA LIFE AQUARIUM KANSAS CITY
2475 Grand Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-471-4FUN (4386) • legolanddiscoverycenter.com/ kansas-city and visitsealife.com/kansas-city
MAHAFFIE STAGECOACH STOP & FARM 1200 Kansas City Rd, Olathe, KS 66061 913-971-5111 • mahaffie.org
MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT
8081 NW Roanridge Rd, Kansas City, MO 64151 816-281-2020 • mainevent.com
THE MIDLAND THEATRE
1228 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-283-9900 • arvestbanktheatre.com
THE MIDWEST GENEALOGY CENTER
3440 S Lee’s Summit Rd, Independence, MO 64055 816-252-7228 • mymcpl.org/genealogy
MIDWEST TRUST CENTER AT JOHNSON COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, KS 66210 913-469-4450 • jccc.edu/midwest-trust-center
MISSOURI STAR QUILT COMPANY 114 N Davis St, Hamilton, MO 64644 888-571-1122 • missouriquiltco.com
THE MUSEUM OF KANSAS CITY 3128 Gladstone Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64123 816-702-7700 • kansascitymuseum.org
MUSIC THEATER HERITAGE Crown Center, 2450 Grand Blvd, #301, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-6987 • mthkc.com
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICS (NAIA)
120 W. 12th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-595-8000 • naia.org
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF TOYS / MINIATURES 5235 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64112 816-235-8000 • toyandminiaturemuseum.org
NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL 2 Memorial Dr, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-888-8100 • theworldwar.org
THE NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART 4525 Oak St, Kansas City, MO 64111 816-751-1278 • nelson-atkins.org
NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM 1616 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-221-1920 • nlbm.com
PLANET COMICON KC AND PLANET ANIME KC
Bartle Hall, 301 W 13th St, Kansas City, MO 64105 816-533-3126 • planetcomicon.com and planetanimekc.com
RAYTOWN CHAMBER & TOURISM
5909 Raytown Trafficway, Raytown, MO 64133 816-353-8500 • raytownchamber.com
ROCK ISLAND BRIDGE
1799 American Royal Dr, Kansas City, KS 64102 913-620-6156 • rockislandkc.com
STARLIGHT THEATRE
4600 Starlight Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132 816-363-7827 • kcstarlight.com
T-SHOTZ
660 NW Metro North Dr, Kansas City, MO 64155 816-702-1320 • tshotz.com
TERRAVOX WINERY
13910 NW Farley Hampton Rd, Kansas City, MO 64153 816-354-4903 • terravox.wine
UNION STATION AND SCIENCE CITY
30 W Pershing Rd, Kansas City, MO 64108 816-460-2000 • unionstation.org
VISIT KCK/ KCK TACO TRAIL
755 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101 913-321-5800 • kcktacotrail.com
WATKINS WOOLEN MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE
26600 Park Road North, Lawson, MO 64062 816-580-3387 • mostateparks.com/park/watkins-woolenmill-state-historic-site
WORLDS OF FUN / OCEANS OF FUN
4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161 816-454-4545 • worldsoffun.com
ZONA ROSA
8640 N. Dixson Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64153 816-587-8180 • zonarosa.com
CROWN CENTER
FOR A COMPLETELY KANSAS CITY EXPERIENCE, Crown Center is your go-to summer destination! From local shopping and dining to family-friendly attractions, theaters, and can’t-miss events, Crown Center is where Kansas City comes to play.
Kick off the season with Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails!, a free, interactive children’s exhibit chugging in from May 24 through September 1. Then, dive into adven ture at SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium and explore at LEGOLAND® Discovery Cen ter, and immerse yourself in the regional ri valries, traditions, and culture of smoke, spice, and sauce at the world’s first Museum of BBQ
As the sun sets, soak in the fun at the 10th annual Boulevardia Festival or WeekEnd er, where live music, great food, and outdoor movies bring summer nights to life.
From sun-up to sundown, Crown Center delivers a completely Kansas City summer— one unforgettable experience at a time.
GKCAA ALLIED MEMBERS
CITY OF BONNER SPRINGS bonnersprings.org
CTM MEDIA GROUP ctmmedia.com and visitorfun.com
FASONE & PARTNERS fasonepartners.com
IN KANSAS CITY MAGAZINE inkansascity.com
KC GOING PLACES kcparent.com
LEAVENWORTH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU visitleavenworthkc.com
MADDEN MEDIA vacationistusa.com and maddenmedia.com
MOD OP | KANSAS CITY modop.com
PAGE COMMUNICATIONS pagecomms.com
VICTORY PYROTECHNICS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS victorypyro.com
VISIT KC visitkc.com
Greater Kansas City Attractions Association members include local attractions from throughout the metropolitan Kansas City area.
GKCAA gives away tickets and items from the most exciting venues in the Kansas City area! Simply follow the Association on Facebook or Instagram and you’ll have the opportunity to experience the finest attractions in the region!
@GKAAAttractions
Cuisine for every taste, entertainment for all ages, and unique finds at one-of-a-kind shops—nowhere else compares. For a completely Kansas City experience, it has to be Crown Center.
JOIN THE WORLDWIDE CELEBRATION OF MUSIC!
MAKE MUSIC KANSAS CITY VENUE S
(more to come)
Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium • Lakeside Nature Center
Dunbar Park • Watt's Mill • City Market • Lemonade Park Union Station • Knuckleheads • Merriam Community Center June 21st
Bring helpful to your home. Bring helpful to your home. Bring helpful to your home.
By Judith Fertig Photos by Randy Van
HOME:
LIVABLE LUXURY
For many, home is not only where the heart is. Home is also the family’s largest single investment.
Home can be an asset that enjoys steady gains. Kansas City metro homes consistently retain—and increase in—their value. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), metro-area home values appreciated an average of 5.45 percent in 2024. That’s good, especially in uncertain times.
Owning a home is still a worthwhile investment, says Andrew Mall,
president of the Kansas City Regional Association of Realtors. “It is still the best way to build wealth. It’s still the American Dream.”
Home is not simply a set of numbers on a financial report. Home is where we live, work, and play. We get to enjoy that investment every day.
If we’re not quite enjoying a ho-hum kitchen or bath, we can do something about it, knowing that updating will provide a great return on investment (about 70 percent) plus a better quality of life, according to bankrate.com
“We’re looking at what home can be in a whole new way,” says Karin Ross. The designer and owner of Karin Ross Designs has created custom kitchens, baths, wine bars, and other spaces for Kansas City homeowners wanting that special something. “Now more than ever, what you put in your home will add value—if it is done right,” she says.
INVEST WHERE IT COUNTS
Keeping a classic look and investing in good quality pay off, now and in the long run. “A kitchen remodel should last for 15 to 20 years,” says Ross. “And after that, if it is done right, you should only need a few replacements to keep it functioning well and looking great.” Perhaps a new refrigerator or different hardware on the cabinetry, changing out a light fixture over the island. “The basic design, if it is done right, will be timeless and in keeping with your home.”
“My advice to my clients is to work with a designer to make rooms live the way you want them to,” says Ross. “You might want a coffee station or a wine bar in your kitchen, specialty storage
for platters or linens if you entertain a lot. The flow of your kitchen might not be optimal. In the bathroom, you might love a deep, freestanding soaking tub while your partner might prefer a large shower with multiple jets.”
Ross, born in Belgium, brings a European sensibility to each project. “Once we touch it, the room will feel completely new,” says Ross. She can look at your kitchen space, and perhaps a warren of nearby rooms, with fresh eyes. Just because the refrigerator has always been in a certain spot, doesn’t mean it can’t fit better in a new layout. Maybe that peninsula should become an island. Maybe that tiny bedroom should be part of a larger primary bath. “Every house has a way,” says Ross. “You just have to find the way.”
The process starts with an extensive questionnaire for clients and an onsite visit. “We get to know our clients and their home first, then present them with several design options and solutions,” says Ross, “after I have done all the research.”
Working with a kitchen and bath designer can save time and money, not to mention stress. “We try everything we install before we put it in a client’s home,” says Ross. “We try it in our home or in our showroom. That way, there are no surprises.”
There are no surprises, either, during the installation. Karin Ross Designs keeps products in stock, so no waiting. And Nick Ross, Karin’s husband, does the installation work with his team. “Our clients know we will take care of it all,” she says.
“You’ve worked hard and made many sacrifices for your home. Now it’s time to enjoy your livable luxury, your investment,” says Ross.
A TISKET
A TASKET
Ever since French “it girl” Jane Birkin made her mark on effortless, chic fashion in the ’70s with her wicker fisherman’s basket handbag, summer after summer, new versions of straw, raffia, and rattan bags appear. What once was Bohemian Chic is now mainstream. For 2025, the classic bag gets a contemporary update. Additional materials, such as leather trim or bamboo handles, spiff up the classic woven material. A simple straw tote is perfect for the City Market on Saturday morning, while a belt bag that converts to crossbody with adjustable straps is perfect for travel.
Kensley large straw tote bag, $59, available at LadyCo.
Medina Icon basket with embroidered lemon, $94, available at mersea.com.
Think Royln Raffia Bum Bag, $108, available at Alysa Rene Boutique.
Clare V Pot de Miel basket bag, $245, available at Clairvaux
Marni Tropicalia small bag, $1,050, available at Halls
GAM GLAM
After a winter of long pants, opaque tights, leggings, and all manner of leg-warming wraps, warmer weather has finally arrived—bringing with it mini skirts, shorts, and swimsuits that bare legs for all to see.
Don’t panic. There’s much you can do to spiff up your winter-weary gams. As always, the first step is exfoliation. Some scrubs exfoliate and have such a delicious scent you’ll want to take a bite.
Deep hydration is a must. Lotions and creams make for smooth, supple skin. These days, many body treatments contain actives that do more than just soothe.
And of course, add a little glow with a hint of color from self-tanners and tints to take your legs from winter white to summer spectacular.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads are self-tanning towelettes for your body that provide an easy, messfree, non-streaky application every time, $48 for eight, available at Sephora
Clarins Body Fit Active Contouring and Smoothing Gel-Cream targets cellulite to visibly lift, tighten, and tone, $78, available at Dillard’s
Cranberry Orange Sugar Scrub combines sugar and citrus to exfoliate and smooth your way to amazing skin, $18, at
For those with pale skin, this tinted leg cream is incredible. Think of it as the best CC cream—it color corrects your legs to make them look better, rather than completely changing their color.
Legology Sun-Lite Sheer Lingerie For Legs delivers a hint of flattering washoff color to bare legs while reducing fluid retention and and energizing tired legs, $54, from Bluemercury
deeply hydrating body moisturizer for very dry, aggravated skin that’s perfect for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, $39, at Welwythn
Alastin TransForm Body
Treatment helps reduce appearance of crepey skin, $220, available at The Grove Spa.
by Judith Fertig
Surgery for a Critically Ill Patient: Meet the Surgical Intensivist
A CONVERSATION WITH GENERAL SURGEON AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR SEAN NIX
Surgery involves some level of risk for a patient. But when you are a person with a complex, critical illness, there are many more risks involved. That’s when you need a surgical intensivist like Sean Nix to help navigate the pathway to a satisfying surgical outcome
Sean Nix, DO, FACOS, FACS, FCCM, general surgeon and medical director at AdventHealth Medical Group General Surgery, explains more.
What is a surgical intensivist and under what conditions would a patient need one?
As a surgeon, I mainly deal with patients with intra-abdominal problems such as infections, gallbladder, appendix, hernias, obstructions, malignancies and other types of soft-tissue infections. I also treat surgical patients who have severe metabolic disturbances, such as severe septic shock, cardiac, pulmonary or other consequences of severe illness or injury. How I treat the patient depends on the urgency of the situation. In some instances, the patient has seconds to live, and hesitation will cost a life. We train for this, prepare our teams for this, and if done correctly, our skills can save lives before, during, and after surgery.
We do live by the adage: Live to fight another day. In these cases, we may perform damage control surgeries and return to the OR for definitive surgical care on a later date. As a surgical intensivist, I also assist other surgeons in the operating room or with post-operative care in critically ill patients. These patients, often the very sickest, need extensive ICU care, often multiple repeat surgeries and careful treat-
ment of infections and shock, and often experience dysfunction of the heart, renal, liver, brain and lung—a condition known as Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome, or MODS, associated with undergoing severe septic shock, which can result in up to a 70 percent mortality rate. This post-operative care involves the surgical intensivist, nursing team, respiratory therapy team, physical therapy team, and often a nephrologist and other consultant services. At AdventHealth, we have the multidisciplinary team to care for these complex highrisk patients that smaller facilities are not able to provide.
How are surgical risks different for a person with adverse health conditions?
Overall, surgery is a low-risk endeavor—less than one percent for adverse events in most of my patients. The risks for patients with chronic diseases can be higher, depending on how well these conditions are managed. When a patient has multiple comorbidities, I assess the patient’s risk of complications, death, or the need for long-term care after surgery. Unless the patient appears overtly unstable at baseline, the overall risk remains in the low range. However, if poorly managed, the patient can have increased risk of perioperative complications. Patients with long-term chronic diseases, such as diabetes or vascular disease, may face
Sean Nix, DO, FACOS, FACS, FCCM
Health IN KC
increased risk due to issues like improper wound healing, higher rates of surgical complications, prolonged hospital stays, increased complications from being in health care facilities, and heightened risk of perioperative cardiac events. Patients with a history of cardiac disease naturally encounter increased risks when undergoing surgery.
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, can lead to health problems and poor wound healing. Most hernia surgeons will delay surgery for smokers until they achieve smoking cessation, as the risk of complications from poor healing is high. Sedentary lifestyles, malnutrition, depression, social isolation, and frailty can lead to a significant increased risk of complications, especially in the elderly. Preoperative interventions in the frail elderly can be powerful tools for decreasing complications by over half.
How have advanced robotic surgical techniques made surgery safer for critically ill patients?
Patients recover faster and experience less pain with robotics compared to traditional open surgical techniques. As an Acute Care/Surgical Intensivist, I often perform large open surgeries. However, the use of robotics is increasing in the Acute Care Surgery field, providing less invasive options for our patients. In my experience, patients recover much more quickly when I can utilize this technique. This technology also allows surgeons to undertake more complex procedures than would
otherwise be possible. Offering 24-hour robotic surgery is essential in emergency surgical care programs, ensuring that patients receive the same level of care day or night. In critically ill patients, robotic surgery reduces stress on the body, minimizes hemodynamic fluctuations, lowers blood loss, and accelerates recovery. This is particularly beneficial for patients with long-term severe chronic illnesses and risk factors for complications. If a patient is in shock due to sepsis or other causes, we have the expertise and skills to perform lifesaving open procedures when robotic options are inappropriate.
How does the recent growth of the general-surgeon team at Advent Health South Overland Park expand surgical capabilities across all AdventHealth surgical centers in the region?
Our current group of AdventHealth surgeons provides state-of-the-art elective and emergency surgical care at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, AdventHealth South Overland Park, and the soon-to-open AdventHealth Lenexa City Center. We are growing that team to include surgical intensivists, some of whom will primarily perform surgeries at AdventHealth South Overland Park to deliver the highest level of care to our patients and community. In addition, surgical intensivists will be available to assist with complex patients at any of our facilities. This availability can reduce delays in care, minimize long transfers, and lead to improved overall patient outcomes. AdventHealthSOP.com
With Bites, Beer, & Energy, 30hop Fits Right In
Since it opened in January, 30hop has caught on quickly in Lee’s Summit and in the recently opened Merriam location.
The restaurant, which first cropped up in Iowa just over a decade ago, blends familiar Midwestern comfort food and international cuisine. Its tap list blends nationwide beer brands and hyperlocal breweries. Combine this earnest adventurousness and inclusivity with an inviting and high-energy atmosphere, and 30hop blends right into the Lee’s Summit community.
With the new Merriam location now open, we asked 30hop’s marketing manager, Samuel Hall, and the general manager in Lee’s Summit, Joe Prate, about what has made it such a natural fit in the Kansas City metro.
The Bites
It’s hard to ignore a great menu.
30hop’s menu combines Midwestern guarantees and welcome surprises. You can order your wings to come smothered in house Buffalo or honey barbecue sauce, of course—but also sweet-chili garlic, Nashville hot, or Korean barbecue sauce. Caesar salads and towering cheeseburgers share table space with spicy peanut noodles, Salmon Zen Bowls, or carnitas tacos.
“Our menu is familiar, but also bold and unique,” says Hall, who joined 30hop before it opened its third Iowa location. “We have your classic items, like a great cheeseburger, a classic Caesar salad, nachos—but we make sure to go above and beyond. We have an ahi poke bowl, we have a yakisoba bowl. We want things that are approachable, but we want things that are unique and bold. It’s a flavor profile that you might not find at similar establishments.”
The Beer
Of course, with a name like 30hop, the beers better come through. 30hop carries the big players—Anheuser-Busch, Guinness, the like—but the key to catching on starts at the local level.
“We definitely lean into local draft beers,” says Prate. “We have at
least 30 beers on tap, and close to a majority of our tap beers are local to Kansas City or Missouri.”
That means Boulevard Brewing Company, sure, but also smaller brewing companies, like City Barrel and Torn Label. And it goes deeper, with Lee’s Summit locals Smoke Brewing Company and Diametric Brewing Co.
“Having local beers was a big deal to us when we were opening,” says Prate. “It was a big deal to our owners, and I think it’s a big deal to our guests. Everyone who works in the building lives here, and a bunch of the products we serve live here. I think that resonates with a lot of our guests, and our employees too—I think it gives them a sense of pride.”
“Our guests definitely take a lot of pride in their community and will lean into the items we have that are from Lee’s Summit.”
The tap list is constantly updated on Untappd, a beer app for amateurs and aficionados. As of this writing, it includes breweries that are days away and breweries that are less than ten minutes away.
The Energy
It’s the atmosphere, however, that makes 30hop so worthwhile
You can get a sense of the energy through sheer numbers; the Lee’s Summit location has over 100 seats, 30 tables, 30 TVs, and a patio with a fire pit. The Merriam location, at 8715 Shawnee Mission Parkway, has similar stats.
But it’s best to get in there and feel it. To be welcomed as enthusiastically for happy hour on Monday as you would for dinner on a Friday or a beer on game day. To stop in for a burger and wind up supporting a KC-area organization through 30hop’s Groupraise fundraisers.
“You walk into any of our restaurants, and there’s a good chance it’s going to be a fun, high-energy night,” says Hall. “Ideally, you don’t feel like you’re going in and just completing a transaction. We want you to feel like you’re a part of something when you’re with us.”
In Lee’s Summit, Prate keeps a welcoming atmosphere top of mind.
“We try to create an inviting atmosphere for anybody and everybody. ‘Suits to sweats’ is a perfect way to describe the atmosphere that we endeavor to create in the building. I’m very lucky to have fantastic staff who buy into what we do and believe in it 100 percent.
“We’ve just been very fortunate to be received well in Lee’s Summit, and we will continue to endeavor every day to earn that welcome.”
by Patricia O’Dell
The Restaurant at 1900 STEAL the LOOK
The Restaurant at 1900 is one of my favorites for a number of reasons. The chef, Linda Duerr, serves some of Kansas City’s best food in a setting that exudes a quiet elegance without becoming staid and stuffy. One of my favorite things about being there—besides the food and great cocktails—is the setting.
The broad windows provide a lovely view into the restaurant as you approach. Classic and cool lightly veined white marble and rich wood in the bar and dining room are both modern and elegant. The textured
gray upholstery of the dining chairs nods to the classic suit that such a fine establishment would have once required, but the inclusion of blue tile reminds us that personality shines through details like a silk tie and pocket square, though the color choice here was inspired by the building’s beginning as offices for Lee Jeans. The colorful art has hometown roots as well. The artist, the late Lester Goldman, was a professor at the Kansas City Art Institute. To get the look, another inspirational artist to try would be Laura Berman, also a KCAI grad. Why not renew and refresh with this hometown inspiration?
1) Lester Goldman watercolor painting, $3,250, available at Retro Inferno 2) Lunden dining chair, $520, available at Arhaus 3) 42” Tulip round pedestal dining table, $2,695, available at Williams Sonoma 4) Per Terra by Laura Berman, $1,900, available at olsonlarsen.com
SMALL WORKS HAVE BIG IMPACT
KANSAS CITY sculptor Tom Corbin is well known and respected for his large sculptures that grace the lawns and interiors of both public spaces and private homes. While some of us love the idea of owning one of his pieces, the investment in a large sculpture may be more than we can manage. Fortunately, Corbin creates smaller works that can easily grace a tabletop or bookshelf.
Female Walking Study, a fan favorite, is available in a very manageable size of just under eight inches, as are six other studies of women. Corbin’s Bride and Groom would be a very special wedding present indeed. At five and a half inches, it could make a swell cake topper as well. (I’d double check this with your baker as the weight might need
to be considered.) Along those lines, Woman with Child would be a lasting baby gift.
But as we all know, emotional connections aren’t only between people. We all know folks who are deeply connected to the animals in their lives. It’s easy to honor those passions as well with Good Boy, Downward Dog, Horse, Steer, and Calf
Corbin’s nature studies are larger in scale and equally engaging. Cinque Fiori and the entire Fiori series explore permanent flowers that require no care beyond the occasional dusting.
I’ve featured my favorites here, but visit corbinbronze.com to view the entire collection.
Sleek, modern lighting design combined with gentle shapes and a serene color palette make the “Coronelle” chandelier a design trend favorite. Come SEE, TOUCH and TAKE HOME your serenely modern light today!
Female Walking Study Horse Fiori
Steer
Calf
Woman with Child
Bride and Groom
By the Sea
CALIFORNIA DESIGNER JEFFREY ALAN MARKS’S NEW BOOK BRINGS THE BEACH—AND MORE
by Patricia O’Dell
top: Marks’s Montecito studio with an old Abercrombie & Fitch rowboat suspended from the ceiling. Left, below: A Southern California waterfront house features a custom marble table made in Italy, a Jacques Adnet leatherwrapped lamp, and floors painted with Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue.
You may be familiar with Los Angeles-based designer Jeffrey Alan Marks through the television series Million Dollar Decorators, but he’s been an established designer in California for decades. His new book, This is Home, includes ten houses of his design that reflect his educational foundation in England, his exploration of the British vernacular, and his time working and living on both America’s East and West coasts.
Marks’s rooms are fresh and light, but not frivolous. Often, there are elements of stained wood and stone that lend an organic texture, a needed—but not overwhelming—weight and connection to earth as well as sea. He’s as comfortable and adept within the walls of a classic brick Georgian house as he is in a story-and-a-half home on a lake.
His personal reimagination of a Georgian country house— which had been decorated by both Billy Baldwin and Ruby Ross Wood in the early 20th century—may be particularly enjoyable for our hometown readers. With a brick exterior framed by boxwood and stone patios, and an interior of high ceilings, arched doorways, and detailed millwork, the house is decorated with antiques chosen with a light hand. Fabrics and rugs are refreshing with their nod to the organic.
If you don’t find the images engaging enough, don’t miss Marks’s acknowledgement which begins, “I would like to thank my bathtub and the Loire Valley—the region of France that produces Sancerre wine, which I consumed often while trying to put this book together.”
A designer with talent and a honed sense of humor is a good combination.
Below: Designer Jeffrey Alan Marks. Left: The cover of Marks’s new book, This is Home.
Left,
PRETTY, BLOOMING, GOOD!
SHOP LOCAL KC IN BROOKSIDE IS OVERFLOWING WITH GREAT GIFTS
Clockwise from top: Small trinket tray, $16. Suzzy dinner napkins, $30 for a set of six, Anemone Garden tea towel, $18.
KANSAS CITY has so many great neighborhoods and neighborhood shops. Those designed by J.C. Nichols are fortunate that small shopping areas are often walking distance from home.
Walking in Brookside is how I discovered Shop Local KC, which is chock-full of local products. In addition to “KC” branded goods, there are jewelry, cards, candles, and art. They also create lovely bouquets, either wrapped or in vases. But wait, there’s more!
Flower crowns are an option as well, and floral delivery is available. I guarantee it is impossible to walk out of their shop without a smile on your face. I double dog dare you. shoplocalkc.org
A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905
Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions. therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900
MOTHER’S DAY IS MAY 11
Celebrate Mom!
Mallory Rose Gold or Silver Huggie Earrings, $85 New styles have bloomed at Kendra Scott! Fresh picks from their Mother’s Day capsule are in store now.
Limited Edition Spring Makeup Edit 2025, worth $475, but costs just $125! Help mom get set for the season with a collection of makeup from bestselling brands like Anastasia Beverly Hills, Chantec aille, SisleyParis, Trish McEvoy, U Beauty, and more that boast universal appeal and emphasize lips, lids, lashes, and the rest of the face.
KENDRA SCOTT
BLUE MERCURY
GORJANA
14k Gold Delicate Link Chain, $425, Diamond Era Alphabet Charm, $475, Lab Grown Diamond Chain Necklace, $4,950, Lab Grown Diamond Tennis Row Necklace, $2,445
Motherhood is a gift and so is new jewelry! Check out Gorjana for the perfect surprise for mom this Mother’s Day. Shop for initials, birthstones and classic gold pieces to remind her just how loved she is!
WOODHOUSE SPA
Let mom curate her own spa day with a gift card to Woodhouse Spa where she’ll receive holistic treatments for the body and mind that are completely customized for her. Gift cards can be picked up in the spa boutique, mailed, or emailed. woodhousespas.com
Oval Sparkling Halo Statement Ring, $115, Embracing Halo Stud Earrings, $95, Embracing Halo Necklace,$120
Make Mother’s Day brilliant with the Pandora Timeless collection.
Lana Floral
Evereve is on a mission to inspire every mom to embrace her beauty and power by providing a styling experience that considers body type, fit, and lifestyle.
PANDORA
EVEREVE
Sweatshirt, $88, Neptune Deux Sunglasses, $79, Abbott Bracelet Pack, $38
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AT TOWN CENTER PLAZA
• Free, family-friendly live outdoor concerts
• Local eats for purchase from food trucks
• Free kids’ activities including professional face painting, balloon artists, inflatable slides, and a proformance by KC Aerial Arts
• Fun starts at 6pm, live music at 7pm in the Town Center Plaza North parking lot
THURSDAY, JUNE 5
SUMMER BREEZE WITH THE SUBURBANS
THURSDAY, JUNE 12
ELTON DAN
WITH STEVIE NICKS TRIBUTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 19
THE ELDERS WITH ZIGGY AND THE NEPTUNES
TOWN CENTER PLAZA
4EverYoung
Aerie
Allen Edmonds
Altar’d State
Amazing Lash Studio
American Eagle Outfitters
Anthony Vince Nail Spa
Anthropologie
Arhaus
Athleta
Banana Republic
Barnes & Noble
Bath & Body Works
Blue Chip Cookies
Brighton Collectibles
Bristol Seafood Grill
Brooks Brothers
Brow Studio
Buckle
Chicos
Claire’s
CycleBar
Dry Goods
Escapology
Francesca’s Collections
Gap Body
Gap Kids/Baby
Gorjana
Hudson/Hawk Barber & Shop
J. Jill
Kansas City Aerial Arts
LaserAway
LOFT
Macy’s
Madewell
MTHD Hair Co.
Natalie M. Studio
OFFLINE by Aerie
Pandora Jewelry
Panera
Pinot’s Palette
Pottery Barn
Pottery Barn Kids
Power Life Yoga Barre Fitness
Rally House/Kansas Sampler
Restoration Hardware
Revocup Coffee
Salon Ami Aveda
SandboxVR
Scout & Molly’s Boutique
Sephora
Sola Salon
Soma
Sundance
Sunglass Hut
Sushi House
TAO Reflexology
Tempur-Pedic
The Art of Sports
The North Face
Tommy Bahama
Vera Bradley
White House | Black Market
Whole Harvest Kitchen
Williams-Sonoma
X-Golf
Yankee Candle Co.
TOWN CENTER CROSSING
Apple
Aritzia
Blue Mercury Body Lab
Cold Stone Creamery
Crate & Barrel
Dry Bar (Coming Soon)
Evereve
Fabletics
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Gigi Harris IN CONVERSATION WITH
words by Cindy Hoedel photo by Jake Lyle
Aself-described “lake rat” from Lake Lotawana created two “nominee reels” that were shown at the 2025 Academy Awards ceremony to introduce the films Wicked and I’m Still Here in the Best Picture category. She also co-edited the trailer for the animated film, Flow. Gigi Harris, who just turned 25, started making iMovies on her dad’s computer when she was 7. A year later she got a video camera for Christmas and started making documentary shorts, which she would present at the Kansas City Reel Spirit Film Festival.
Harris graduated from Lee’s Summit North High School and earned a BA in cinema studies and environmental science at University of Southern California.
Harris works as a junior editor at Mark Woolen and Associates, a company that specializes in movie trailers. She lives in Santa Monica with a roommate. IN Kansas City caught up with Harris by phone recently as she was getting ready for a ski trip with friends to Mammoth Mountain.
Did you get to go to the Oscars?
No. There was a group from my company there, but I watched with a few friends. We all dressed in full red-carpet attire. We were wearing floor-length dresses and watched from the couch with pizza and champagne. It was so special, because Flow, the movie I co-cut the trailer for, won best animated film. Dreamworks’ movie The Wild Robot was the
expected winner, but then Flow—a movie made by four independent Latvian filmmakers on a free animation program with a budget of only $4 million (compared to The Wild Robot’s $80 million budget)—had this huge upset win!
And then, watching the Best Picture reels that I cut for Wicked and I’m Still Here being played for so many people was a surreal experience.
Wicked was a big box office hit. How did you get assigned to create that Best Picture reel?
I love Wicked! I’m such a musical fan, and when I heard we got to work on the Oscars again this year, I reached out to a creative director and told them I would love to cut on Wicked if it hadn’t been assigned. And then I was so excited when I actually did get assigned to it.
How do you condense such a large-scale movie into 30 seconds?
First you create an auditory structure, and then you lay in visuals. So I started with a 30-second “music bed”—just music laid out and no dialogue—and I included one “stop down” where the music stops and a line of dialogue is spoken, and then the music dramatically comes back in.
I used the “stop down” I had built in to add the big dialogue moment, so it went like this:
Glinda: “You can do anything.”
Music stops.
Elphaba: “I know.”
Music kicks back in. Then Elphaba sings her battle cry, followed by
a final montage of shots from the film, and then, title!
How are Best Picture reels for the Oscars different than trailers for TV or movie houses?
Marketing is out of the picture at that point, so we don’t need to make it overly flashy. It can be more of a celebration of the film and the filmmakers. It can be slower and less dialogue-packed than a 30-second TV spot.
Another difference is that for the Oscars, you can only use music and sound effects that are in the soundtrack, but with trailers you can use any music you want, and you can recreate sound effects from scratch to gas them up.
Another thing that was different is, this year we were incorporating a lot of behind-the-scenes footage in the nominee clips.
Who is the client for Oscar nominee reels, the Academy or the individual movie producers?
The Academy.
How did you land on creating movie trailers as a career?
Originally, I didn’t even know that job existed. I liked editing but editing films can be kind of a loner thing, and I always thought it would be fun to edit in a place where there’s a ton of other editors and you can all show each other your work and ask, “Is this working for you?”
I’m a chatterbox, and I love interacting with people. And I love working on short form because I love always having things changing and having new material to be inspired by. So, friends said, “You should apply at a trailer house.” In the spring of my 4th year at USC, I got an internship with Mark Woolen and Associates.
Mark Woolen, the big guy, did the trailer for The Social Network [2010]. That changed how trailers sound. He started the trend of what we now call “trailerizing,” where you take a song and slow it way down or add a ton more drums and reverb to make it impactful. Now there are whole companies that just “trailerize” music.
As soon as I started the internship I fell in love with the place. Not only was the type of editing so fun—combining story and music and rhythm and experimenting with so many different styles—but I also seriously fell in love with the people there. It is such a collaborative, supportive, and creative environment, and that energy sticks around even under tight deadlines, which is incredible.
How did you make the jump from intern to junior editor?
After my internship at Mark Woolen and Associates, I worked there part-time while in school, and then full-time as an assistant after graduating. Assistant work is technical rather than creative, but all the assistants cut on projects on our own time so we can show cuts to creative directors and be like, “Look what I can do.” We are all hoping to catch their eye and prove we could be in a creative position.
I was just promoted to junior editor last August, so it is all still very new to me. I’m still acclimating to the speed and that you need to be
able to manifest creativity on command, which can be a challenge, but it’s so rewarding once you get a cut people are into!
Also, I love trailers because there are so many different options of what you can do—it’s not just editing to a script that’s already written, but instead you have to figure out what that “script” is, and what song you will use, and what vibe you will convey.
For regular trailers for movie houses, do you ever start work on the trailer before the movie is completed?
Oh, yeah! We almost never start with a finished film. Usually we’ll get five or six versions of the film as it progresses. Sometimes we even start with just dailies, or raw footage, which we then try to assemble into a rough idea of what the movie might look like.
Do you ever have to take a scene out of a trailer because it gets cut out of the movie?
Oh, yes! [Laughs.] And sometimes it’s like taking a puzzle piece right out of the middle and you have to figure out how to restructure it so it still makes sense
Walk us through how you create a two-minute movie-house trailer.
You always watch the movie and write down while you’re watching it the first time what you connect to, gasp at, laugh at. Because it will lose its spark on the 300th watch, and you won’t remember what you originally liked.
Then you break it down. Watch it again to pull selects of visuals you might use, and a third time to pull dialogue you might use. You think about the structure and the story. What are the themes? What can I open with to hook the audience in right away? Are there any moments that have to be in the trailer—but don’t get attached, because this cut will change a lot. [Laughs.] What is the right music? Is it a song in the movie, the movie’s score, or a “trailerized” song from a music library?
Then you dive in and start throwing stuff on your editing timeline.
How did that process unfold with Flow?
I was so excited to work on that film. I’ve always been a cat person! And then I was so moved when watching it. It’s a wordless film about animals, but I never felt bored.
Things that jumped out at me on the first watching were the beauty and mystery of watching this cat just moving around in this strange world it is set in, as well as how expressive and distinct each animal character was, despite them not talking. I felt like I knew exactly what each “meow” was saying. [Laughs.]
I tried to situate the viewer in that whimsical but eerily abandoned intro scene using a slowed down and reverbed wind-chime sound effect as music. When I think of wind chimes, I think of an abandoned house with wind chimes indicating emptiness.
Then the flood hits and you see more of the action, adventure, and finding friendship elements.
I wanted to get the personalities in, as well as including a lot of the animal’s noises, since it isn’t actually a “silent” film, it’s more like a movie in a different language.
Another huge moment that awed me the first time was the beautiful moment when the whale jumped over the boat. To give that a big moment in the trailer, I stopped the music at the moment the whale bursts out of the water, and then in that silence where it’s soaring out, I added a slowed-down whale sound effect. Additionally, we follow that shot with a reaction shot of the cat watching in awe. Reaction shots are a great way to sort of prompt the audience how to feel about something really quickly. “This cat feels awe, and you should feel awe, too.”
‘‘Somebody told me, and it stuck with me, that you need to find what a movie’s “special” is and lean into that.”
What is your attitude about how much you can jazz up a trailer to make people want to see the film but without misleading people, so they end up disappointed? I’ve seen trailers that make a movie seem like a lighthearted comedy, and it ends up being more of a downer and you feel cheated. Somebody told me, and it stuck with me, that you need to find what a movie’s “special” is and lean into that. What makes it special? Maybe a movie has really rhythmic-action sound design, and I can make the
whole trailer about rhythmic-action sound design. Then you’re sure to be true to the film if you focus on something that really hit you hard while watching it. Our goal is always to hook the audience by connecting them to the moments we most connected to.
Do you have a new project you’re excited about?
I just cut the 30-second theatrical trailer for the 20-year rerelease of Pride & Prejudice. I love the movie, and it was so fun to work on a classic that people are attached to. We got to highlight all the nostalgic moments and iconic lines, versus needing to focus on setting up the plot of the movie. So, the vibe of that piece was more “Remember this thing you love” versus “Come see this new thing.”
This is the first thing I cut that I ever got to see play in a theater. It was a super surreal moment, being immersed in this thing you cut, watching it huge in surround sound, versus on your little screen with headphones.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In Kansas City. I love Los Angeles, I love Santa Monica—I skateboard to work and roller skate on the boardwalk. But I just connect so much with Kansas City. It is so special to me. I love the Chiefs. I have watched the Chiefs at their official LA outpost for the last three years in a row. I’m really connected to Lake Lotawana. I still try to work from home from there several weeks a year. I want to move back to KC, potentially still doing this kind of work. I love this work. I’m always super amped up about it. I watch the clock at work because I want more time to try one more concept, as opposed to wishing it was time to go home.
Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.
Gigi Harris created two “nominee reels” that were shown at the 2025 Academy Awards ceremony to introduce the films Wicked and I’m Still Here in the Best Picture category.
COUNTDOWN TO SUMMER FUN
words by Katie Van Luchene
Outdoor Escapes M
When Kansas City’s weather turns from “let’s stay home” to warm, golden days and balmy nights, residents are in a party mood. We turn out for festivals that celebrate everything from strawberries to beer, splash around in lakes and pools, and seek sights and tastes and vibes that remind us why Kansas City is so special: our museums and gardens, live music, and events exalting everything from the Bard to butterflies. We’re sharing all these plus some experiences that can only be found in our city, making for an ideal staycation. Because when the pickings are so good here, why go anywhere else?
other Nature blessed our region with shimmering lakes, more than 188 lush gardens, and hundreds of miles of woodland trails. We’re touching on just a few here, but for more information, visit the Jackson County Parks and Rec website (makeyourdayhere.com) for details on beaches, amphitheaters, marinas, trails, events and historical settings. Johnson County’s myriad of activities and programs—over 4,000 in all—including summer camps, youth and adult sports, campgrounds and 17 parks, can be found at jcprd.com. Here are some of our favorites:
SHAWNEE MISSION PARK. At 16,550 acres with a 120-acre lake, this is the most visited park in the state of Kansas. The new Art Nine Disc Golf Course features ten massive sculptures, while Theatre in the Park treats audiences to popular musicals performed by locals. Bring your well-behaved pet to the 44-acre off-leash park, fish, cycle, hike the nature trails, or catch some rays on the swim beach. On June 7, A Day in the Park offers permit-free activities like paddle boarding and fishing.
The Amie Jacobsen’s dragonfly sculpture, Spirit of the Brook, stands near the first hole of Shawnee Mission Park’s Art Nine disc golf course.
FLEMING PARK , with nearly 8,000 acres, includes Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake and offers two full-service marinas, a fishing dock, and picnic shelters; a 110acre fenced area with bison, elk, and white-tailed deer; a disc golf course, amphitheater, campsites, and Missouri Town 1855. makeyourdayhere.com
EWING
AND MURIEL KAUFFMAN MEMORIAL
GARDEN , 4800 Rockhill Road. Tucked behind a garden wall is this gem of a green space filled with plantings that change with the season and bronze statues of children caught in mid-pirouette by local artist Tom Corbin.
OVERLAND PARK ARBORETUM AND BOTANICAL GARDENS, a 300-acre paradise in south Overland Park, features themed areas, including Monet’s Garden with a bronze sculpture of the artist painting the lush greens and blues; the Children’s Garden with walls to climb and a frog pond; and the Train area with model trains that travel around bluffs and a replica of downtown Overland Park. The International Sculpture Gardens is an Instagram delight along a half-mile loop of walking trails. Free admission the first Tuesday of every month. View an online map at artsandrec-op.org
POWELL GARDENS, in Kingsville, Missouri, is worth the drive for its 175 acres of prairie land, lush plantings of 800-plus species, and themed areas like the Children’s Garden with oversized chairs and sculptures. Kids can also run through the synchronized sprays in the 42-foot diameter water fountain. Stroll past rock walls to the 12-acre lake and view the architecturally stunning Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel in the distance (a favorite place for weddings and events), take a three-mile hike through shady trails. Find picnic fare and garden goodies at the Marketplace and check out upcoming classes for birding, planting tips, and crafts. Annual events include Orchid Delirium, the Festival of Butterflies, Fortopia with giant forts to play in, and the Festival of Lights. powellgardens.org
CHILDREN’S BEANSTALK GARDEN , Kansas City Community Gardens headquartered in Swope Park. Kids can learn how fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow at this small but delightful education center with seven different zones, including a water feature and pollinator gardens. This nonprofit also collaborates with area groups to establish community gardens at schools, neighborhoods, and senior centers. kccg.org
LOOSE PARK , 5200 Wornall Road. This urban setting features a 1.4-mile walking loop, a small lake, children’s playground for climbing and sliding, a restful Japanese garden, shelters, and tennis courts.
THE LAURA CONYERS SMITH
MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN features over 130 varieties of roses circled by stone pillars, a pergola and centered by a fountain. Events include story time throughout the season and Rose Day on June 1. kcparks.org
Summer Bucket List
HERE’S JUST A TASTE OF THE SEASON’S
BEST CONCERTS, EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES—SEVERAL ARE FREE!
THE DERBY PARTY AT THE MUSEUM OF KANSAS CITY, May 3. After a decade of fashion, mint juleps, and live music, this is the last hurrah for this annual fete. After a pause in 2026, there will be a fitting replacement in 2027. museumofkansascity.org
NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM’S ART COURSE, now through September 1. This fun and easy nine-hole mini-golf course presents creative interpretations of art works in the collection. nelson-atkins.org
TOY AND MINIATURE MUSEUM’S NOSTALGIA AWAKENS: RETRO KENNER STAR WARS ACTION FIGURE TOYS features every Star Wars figure from 1978-1985. May 3 – January 26. toyandminiaturemuseum.org
STRAWBERRY FEST , typically May 4-June 2, depending on the season. Pick your own strawberries, taste farm-to-market food, pet barnyard critters, and check out the treehouse. funfarmpumpkinpatch.com
COLONIAL GARDENS GREENHOUSE’S LIVE MUSIC IN THE GARDENS, May 7 – July 30. Enjoy jazz to folk and pop music every Wednesday starting at 6 p.m. along with food and local beers. Other events including field trips and yoga. colonialgardenskc.com
ARTPOP, May 8, a progressive evening of bites, cocktails, and performances while exploring Kansas City Art Institute studios and admiring student works. kcai.edu/artpop
KEMPER MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART’S BLOCK PARTY, May 10 from 11 – 3 p.m. Food trucks, live music, and a chance to buy art from Kansas City Art Institute’s end-of-semester sale. kemperart.org
KANSAS CITY CHORALE’S THE LOST BIRDS concert from its latest album, May 16 at the Village Presbyterian Church. kcchorale.org
COOK FOR COURAGE, May 18. The 12th annual barbecue ribs and beer competition showcases local chefs and breweries to support Child Protection Center. Held at Vine Street Brewing Company. cpckc.org
CIRCLE OF LIGHTS: A CEREMONY TO REMEMBER, May 20. Join KC Hospice and Palliative Care as hundreds of luminaries light up Mill Creek Park on the Plaza, each representing a loved one. kchospice.org
THE LION KING, May 22-June 1. Tony-Award winning musical with eye-popping costumes, puppetry, and songs by Elton John and Tim Rice takes over the Music Hall. broadwayinkc.com
UNION STATION’S CELEBRATION AT THE STATION, May 25. This annual free event hosted by the Kansas City Symphony ends with a spectacular fireworks display set to music. kcsymphony.com
SUMMIT ART’S 5TH ANNUAL PLEIN AIR ART FESTIVAL, May 29-June 1 features food trucks, wine tasting, art shows and sales at a variety of locations, including Powell Gardens and Stonehaus Farms. summitart.org
KANSAS CITY JAZZ ORCHESTRA’S GLAMOUR OF OLD HOLLYWOOD, May 30 at the Folly Theater with a red carpet, cocktails, dinner, and performances. kcjo.org
PRAIRIE VILLAGE ART FAIR, May 30-June 1. Celebrate community, culture, and creativity with over 100 artists, a kid’s village, and live entertainment. pvartshow.com
BIG SLICK CELEBRITY WEEKEND to benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital, May 30 and 31 includes the “good cause, bad pitching” softball game at Kauffman Stadium and the Big Slick Show at T-Mobile Center. bigslickkc.org
FOX HOLLOW FEST, June 1. Kids can make a fox mask while adults head for the beer garden. Raffles, guided hikes, native plant sales, and live music, all to coincide with National Trails Day. lakesidenaturecenter.org
FLEUR-ETTE, June 4, Hobbs Event Space, this 10 a.m. garden party features a fashion show, curated marketplace, live music, and special guests (including baby goats!). Presented by Powell Gardens. powellgardens.org
SUNSET MUSIC FEST at Town Center Plaza is back the first three Thursdays in June. Grab a lawn chair and enjoy live music, local eats, and free kids’ activities. Get ready to rock! towncenterplaza.com
DEANNA ROSE CHILDREN’S FARMSTEAD GOAT YOGA, June 5 and 14. Baaa-lance your mind with 45 minutes of yoga followed by posing with baby goats. Ages 13 and over. opkansas.org
ART IN THE LOOP KICK-OFF PARTY, June 5. Enjoy visual and performance art along the Kansas City Streetcar line culminating in a celebration at the Kansas City Public Library downtown. artintheloop.com
KANSAS CITY ZOO AND AQUARIUM’S ANNUAL JAZZOO, June 6. An array of food, drinks, and live music brings a crowd dressed in creative black-tie attire. kansascityzoo.org
MEADOWBROOK PARK FESTIVAL, June 6. Shop local arts and crafts booths and enjoy foodtruck fare. Entertainment includes Mr. Stinky Feet and a bubble party on the Great Lawn. jcprdfoundation.org
ROLLIN’ ON THE RIVER BIKE RIDE, June 7. The morning ride starts at E.H. Young Park in Riverside and meanders through English Landing in Parkville. platteparks.com
JUNETEENTH HERITAGE FESTIVAL, June 7 – 15. Events include the 8th Annual Cultural Parade, live music, art, kids’ activities, and a men’s lounge at the 18th and Vine Historic Jazz District. juneteenthkc.com
SHAWNEE MISSION PARK’S THEATRE IN THE PARK starting June 13. Bring lawn chairs to watch local actors in productions including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and My Fair Lady. Sign language the first Saturday of each performance. theatreinthepark.org
INDEPENDENCE SQUARE’S WINE, BREW AND SPIRITS, TOO, June 14. Stroll the historic district while sampling drinks from 15-plus tasting stations while listening to live music indoors and out. indepsquare.com
WEST 18TH STREET FASHION SHOW, June 14. Twenty-five years of bringing forward-thinking fashion and design to the Crossroads Arts District. Free, but buying a seat is the way to go. Starts at dusk. west18thstreetfashionshow.com
BOULEVARDIA, June 14. The 10th annual festival at Crown Center features dozens of local breweries along with 40-plus musical acts, including Tech N9ne and The Zeros. boulevardia.com
INTERURBAN ART HOUSE’S NIGHT MARKET, June 13. A collaboration with the Overland Park Art Fair, enjoy an artist costume procession, sunset concert, and booths filled with artwork and wares. interurbanarthouse.org , June 21. View colorful boats on Brush Creek along the Country Club Plaza. kcparks.org
STEMS: A GARDEN SOIREE, Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, June 28. Sip and savor drinks and food while admiring the glorious gardens. Live entertainment throughout. artsandrec-op.org
NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM’S STARS AND STRIPES PICNIC, July 4. This free, family-friendly celebration includes big-name music entertainment, dozens of food trucks, and the city’s largest fireworks display. theworldwar.org
, June 17-July 6. The wildly popular, free event returns to Southmoreland Park with Love’s Labour’s Lost. Bring a lawn chair or reserve premium seating for a fee. Food options include kettle corn, hot dogs, and crepes. kcshakes.org
HEART OF AMERICA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
PARTY FOR PEPPER, July 10. Wish J. Rieger’s rescue dog (and official greeter) a happy birthday with pup cups, pup-couture, puppy yoga, and furry-friend fun. Electric Park’s outdoor garden bar. jriegerco.com
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC, Swope Park, July 11. A kiddo bonanza with ice cream, face painting, story time, and a “health clinic” with repairs for your fuzzy buddy (with pre-registration). kcparks.org
POWELL GARDEN’S FESTIVAL OF BUTTERFLIES, July 17-August 3. The fluttery fun starts in the glass-domed conservatory where winged creatures land on shoulders and provided watermelon-pops. Grab picnic fare in the visitor’s center before strolling through gardens, fountain displays, and pastoral spaces. powellgardens.org
NELSON-ATKINS MUSEUM’S LAWN PARTY, July 20. This free soiree features fare from food trucks, live music, and lawn games while artists compete in a pleinair award show. nelson-atkins.org
WYANDOTTE COUNTY FAIR, July 22-26. This old-fashioned fair has been showcasing the best of 4-H participants since 1863. Enjoy live music, carnival rides, plenty of food and a horse show. wycofair.com
Staycation: Party Like a Tourist
No matter what age or interest, here’s a short list of activities, interactive museums, and destinations you’ll only find in Kansas City. We’ve even highlighted a few family-friendly spots for when it’s rainy outside.
TOUR PUBLIC ARTWORK. Kansas City is dotted with dozens of works of art, many paid for through the One Percent for the Arts Program. Highlights are Deborah Butterfield’s massive horse sculpture in Swope Park, and the majestic Liberty Memorial Tower at the National WWI Museum. See the entire list at kcparks.org/place_types/public-art
TOURS AT J. RIEGER CO. Take a guided tour to see how this distillery makes its award-winning whiskeys. Two one-hour tours are offered as well as the Signature Tour with one of the distillery’s senior leaders, which includes tastings and filling your own 200ml bottle of singlebarrel whiskey. jriegerco.com
CREATE A 3-D FIGURINE. Strike a pose to capture your customized likeness to take home. Customers often include props or even their pets in the miniature figurines. You’ll find it inside Made in Kansas City on the Country Club Plaza. 3dheadquarter.com
LEARN ABOUT KC’S FAMOUS BARBECUE. The new Museum of BBQ in Crown Center is an immersive feast for the senses that lets you smell the components of a meat rub, play ring toss, jump in a bean pit, and hear from pitmasters. Alas, there are no samples, but the retail shop has sauces and rubs galore. museumofbbq.co
ENJOY THE WONDER. Tots to preteens will get up to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) through the programs at Wonderscope Children in Red Bridge. Activities include Wonder Camp, a design lab, high-energy play zone, and WonderMart, a tiny grocery store. Adult events include trivia night. wonderscope.org
MASTER YOUR ANIMAL ATTRACTION. Plan for a full day at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium viewing animals in their native habitats, catching the penguin parade, and getting wet at the sea lion splash. From now through August 24, see 13 life-sized animatron dinosaurs. Give your feet a break and ride the railway, tram, carousel, or sky safari. The zoo also hosts several camp options, from oneto four-days along with overnight camps. The Sobela Aquarium is home to 8,000 animals in 34 habitats from sharks to schools of colorful fish and a shy octopus. kansascityzoo.org
SPEND THE DAY AT UNION STATION. Kids will dig the interactive fun at Science City. Other attractions include the Planetarium, model-train gallery, and the rotating exhibits. The Science of Guinness World Records is happening now through September 2. Dining options include Harvey’s Restaurant, Pierpont’s for fine dining, and Parisi Coffee. unionstation.org
BLEND YOUR OWN WINE. At Amigoni Urban Winery in the West Bottoms, discover the distinct tastes and aromas that go into wine, then try blending your own to cork and take home. Other experiences include tastings with five Italian wines paired with cheeses, meats, and breads. amigoni.com
SEE BOOKS COME TO LIFE. At the Rabbit Hole, kids and adults will enjoy the giant installations representing beloved books like Sam and the Tigers and Caps for Sale. Programs include author visits, read alouds, and wandering through the marvelous exhibits to find a cozy nook to read. Max’s Kansas City Café offers book-related dishes, including Strega Nona’s pasta. rabbitholekc.org
words by Jenny Vergara
Delicious Developments
WHAT’S COOKING IN KANSAS CITY
Kansas City is in the midst of a transformative development boom, with billions of dollars in projects breaking ground across the metro. From the city’s urban core to its bustling suburbs, cranes are rising and concrete is pouring, as once empty fields seem to be manifesting buildings made from steel and glass right out of thin air.
Some of these high-profile developments are racing toward completion in time for the FIFA World Cup in 2026, while others will continue to take shape long after the final whistle blows and the global fans head home.
Kansas City’s City Hall has described this moment as “unprecedented,” with many calling it the most significant wave of development since the Power & Light District reshaped how we live, work, and play in downtown Kansas City.
This is thrilling news—not just for Kansas City, Missouri, proper, but also for the surrounding communities where ambitious projects are also unfolding. Many of them include a dynamic mix of residential apartments, office space, sports and entertainment venues, retail shops, and a host of new bars and restaurants poised to open their doors in exciting new locations.
For dedicated food lovers, this signals one very exciting thing: more delicius destinations are definitely on the horizon.
Restaurateurs across the metro are eager to know where the next hot place in Kansas City will be to open a restaurant, and I can confidently say I’m following these developments.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the most promising developments expected to make an impact on our local food and drink scene this year and beyond. This isn’t a comprehensive list, but rather a taste of the flavorful future to come.
Kansas City’s next favorite dining destination might just be under construction right now.
The Berkley Riverfront Entertainment District, anchored by CPKC Stadium, will feature groundfloor shops and cafes and will make the area a destination whether it’s game day or not.
KC STREETCAR MAIN STREET & RIVERFRONT EXPANSION
Kansas City’s streetcar system is on the move, bringing with it a wave of culinary anticipation. The Main Street Extension, stretching 3.5 miles south from Union Station to the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), is nearing completion, with safety testing already underway and an expected opening in late summer or fall 2025. This extension adds 16 new stops, connecting Midtown, Westport, the Art Museum District, and the Country Club Plaza to the rest of the line that currently runs in a loop from the City Market to Union Station. Simultaneously, the Riverfront Extension is forging a 0.7-mile path to the northeast from the River Market to Berkley Riverfront Park, enhancing access to the burgeoning riverfront area and the new CPKC Stadium and entertainment district. As these lines expand, they promise to open up fresh corridors for culinary exploration, making it easier than ever for food enthusiasts to traverse the city in search of their next great meal. The KC Streetcar Authority is also looking at possible future lines in an east-to-west route, or even up to the Northland, but they wouldn’t open any sooner than 2032.
DOWNTOWN OVERLAND PARK
Downtown Overland Park is currently undergoing a transformation with the development of Clock Tower Landing—a reimagined space that blends the tradition of the farmers market with modern flair and amenities. This ambitious project, set to be completed by summer 2026, will revitalize the Overland Park Farmers Market with new indoor vendor spaces, permanent shade structures, expanded restrooms, and additional seating. Beyond the market, the area will serve as a dynamic gathering spot for concerts, watch parties, and community events. Sustainability is at the forefront, featuring solar panels, EV charging stations, and native landscaping. During construction, the market has temporarily relocated to the Matt Ross Community Center, ensuring that the community’s appetite for fresh, local produce remains satisfied while the market is under construction.
BERKLEY RIVERFRONT ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
Once a quiet stretch along the Missouri River, Kansas City’s Berkley Riverfront is undergoing a transformative $800 million redevelopment, poised to become a vibrant hub of dining, entertainment, and community life. Anchored by the newly opened CPKC Stadium—the world’s
first stadium built for a women’s professional sports team—the area is set to feature hundreds of multifamily residential units, local eateries, and retail spaces, while connecting the Berkley Riverfront Park with the stadium. The development emphasizes pedestrian-friendly design, with plans for a new town square and riverfront promenade to provide increased recreational spaces for concerts and more. The focus is to bring in local chefs and restaurateurs to establish the district as a new culinary destination in Kansas City. The project is scheduled for completion in time for the 2026 World Cup and promises to reconnect Kansas Citians to their riverfront roots and invigorate the city’s skyline with a dynamic, mixed-use neighborhood.
18TH AND VINE DISTRICT
Kansas City’s 18th and Vine District is on the cusp of its own significant transformation, which started in 2016. The goal is to blend its rich cultural heritage as a cornerstone of African-American culture and history, known for its contributions to jazz and home to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, with modern development. A pivotal project in this revitalization is the $300 million redevelopment of Parade Park Homes, one of the nation’s oldest Black-owned housing cooperatives. Approved by the city council, this initiative aims to introduce over 1,000 new housing units, including affordable options, while honoring the legacy of the community. Enhancing the district’s infrastructure, plans are underway to convert sections of 18th Street into a pedestrian-friendly zone. This redesign, scheduled to be completed this summer, will feature wider sidewalks, accommodating outdoor cafes and new restaurants, to foster a more vibrant street life. To support the anticipated increase in visitors and residents, a new parking garage will be constructed, addressing longstanding parking challenges in the area. These developments, among others, signify a renewed commitment to the 18th and Vine District, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved, while paving the way for a dynamic and more inclusive future.
BLUHAWK
In south Overland Park, the Price Brothers expansive Bluhawk development is rapidly evolving into a premier destination that seamlessly blends sports, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Central to this transformation is the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk, a 420,000-square-foot indoor complex featuring a 3,200-seat multipurpose arena, eight basket-
Left: Pavilion entry for the renovated Overland Park Farmers Market. Right: The new 18th and Vine Pedestrian District will be pedestrian friendly.
ball courts, a 1,500-seat NHL regulation ice rink, and a 40,000-squarefoot indoor turf field. Complementing these athletic facilities are amenities like a family entertainment center, multiple dining options, and event spaces, making it a hub for both athletes and families alike. Adjacent to the sports park and set to open in 2026, “The Boundary” will enhance the Bluhawk experience further. This 200,000-square-foot lifestyle center will offer a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options, creating a vibrant community gathering place with rooftop restaurants, green spaces, and dozens of new shops. Designed to serve both local residents and visitors attending sports events, The Boundary aims to provide a seamless blend of leisure and activity. As Bluhawk continues to grow, offering diverse experiences that cater to a wide range of interests, it will become a must-visit destination in the Kansas City metro area.
COUNTRY CLUB PLAZA
The Country Club Plaza, Kansas City’s iconic 102-year-old Spanish-inspired shopping district, is poised for a significant transformation under its new ownership by HP Village Management. Acquired in mid-2024 for $175 million, the new “generational owners,” have committed an additional $100 million to revitalize the Plaza, aiming to blend its historic charm with a mix of existing and new retailers and restaurants. Central
to the renovation plans is the introduction of two expanded restaurant districts, something HP Village calls the “barbell” concept, which groups eateries in two distinct areas of the Plaza to help the flow of traffic while reinvigorating the Plaza’s overall culinary scene. The first area is the “Paseo District” which is located on the west side of the Plaza where The Granfalloon, Gram & Dun, and Messenger Coffee are currently located. They see this as a mid-block pedestrian corridor, creating opportunities for several new restaurants and enhancing the area’s walkability. The second potential restaurant district will be on the east side of the Plaza, where Fogo de Chão is and where Houston’s once operated before it closed in 2017. Right now, the group is working on infrastructure improvements, such as remodeling vacant building interiors and updating parking facilities, to address long-standing maintenance issues. These comprehensive efforts aim to restore the Plaza’s status as a premier destination, offering a blend of luxury retail, local dining, and community spaces.
HISTORIC NORTHEAST LOFTS & MARKET DISTRICT
In Kansas City’s Historic Northeast, a transformative project is underway at the former Hardesty Federal Complex, led by Arnold Development Group. This $178.9 million initiative will convert the 12-story National Cloak & Suit Co. building, constructed in 1919, into 389
Top left: Bluhawk offers a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Top right: The reimagined Barney Allis Plaza will be an arts-focused greenspace. Bottom left: A brand-new structure that will become the home of Lee’s Summit’s Green Street. Bottom right: The West Bottoms will be revitalized with a blend of modern amenities and preserved architectural heritage.
apartments, with 83 percent designated as affordable housing. This project also emphasizes sustainability, with plans to meet 50 percent of its energy needs through an onsite two-megawatt solar array system while adhering to passive house energy-efficiency standards. Beyond housing, the development plans include a 30,000-square-foot daycare and after-school facility and a 13,000-square-foot public market and food hall that will open in 2027. Local restaurants will be needed to fill 18 different restaurant stalls with each space having access to their own commercial kitchen. The market will highlight the diverse flavors that make Kansas City’s Historic Northeast neighborhood unique, in addition to ushering in a host of new foods and flavors. The goal is for this public market and food hall is to be a gathering spot, not only for those living in the apartments onsite, but for the entire neighborhood. The inclusion of diverse housing options, local restaurants and retail, and green spaces positions the Historic Northeast Lofts & Market District as a promising addition to the neighborhood.
BARNEY ALLIS PLAZA
In the heart of downtown Kansas City, the reimagining of Barney Allis Plaza is underway, transforming this historic space into a vibrant, arts-focused greenspace that everyone will be able to enjoy. At its core, the project includes the demolition and replacement of the existing auditorium parking garage along with associated improvements around the site, creating a community focal point downtown. The plan features a variety of amenities designed to foster community engagement and cultural expression. These include an event plaza for large gatherings, a sloped lawn with terraces, a pavilion plaza intended to host food trucks and pop-up events, and an oval lawn offering flexible green space for casual events. Additionally, the new plaza will be accessible from street level around the perimeter. A significant aspect of the project is the integration of public art, with a global call for artists to contribute to the plaza’s transformation into a cultural landmark. The selected artist or team will develop a cohesive, site-wide artistic vision, integrating artwork throughout the plaza to create an immersive experience. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the revitalized Barney Allis Plaza is poised to become a central hub for residents and visitors alike, offering a dynamic space that celebrates Kansas City’s rich cultural heritage and forward-thinking spirit.
LENEXA CITY CENTER
Lenexa City Center Lenexa is a 69-acre new development positioned in one of the highest growth areas of Johnson County and at the city of Lenexa’s geographic center. Strategically located at Interstate 435 and 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa City Center is pedestrian-friendly and combines residential, commercial, and civic spaces all into one. The Lenexa Public Market was the first to bring innovative culinary talent into the Lenexa City Center for the public to enjoy, and currently in development is its Restaurant Row, situated at the intersection of 87th Street Parkway and Renner Boulevard. Phase I is completely full with Enjoy Pure Food + Drink, Cactus Grill, Tupelo Honey, and Zhoug Mediterranean opening soon. Looking ahead, Phase II plans to introduce an additional 10,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, along with 50,000 square feet of office space. Adjacent to Restaurant Row, the AdventHealth Lenexa City Center campus is preparing to open. The first phase of this 25-acre mixed-use campus includes a 96bed, five-story hospital and a three-story, 56,000-square-foot medical
office building.These facilities will offer comprehensive services such as emergency care, surgical services, and specialized medical practices. Additionally, plans are underway for a two-story, 24,000-square-foot mixed-use building at the northeast corner of 87th Street and Scarborough Street. This structure will host more retail, restaurant, and office spaces, adding to Lenexa City Center’s ongoing commitment to creating a fully integrated and walkable community
GREEN STREET AND DISCOVERY PARK
There are two projects underway in Lee’s Summit—Green Street, with market,lawn,and grove components—and Discovery Park.In the heart of historic downtown Lee’s Summit, the Green Street project is revitalizing a four-acre block near City Hall into a vibrant community hub and foodie destination.This $44 million development features a massive year-round farmers market, an outdoor performance area, and a public pavilion, with plans to add a boutique hotel with ground-floor retail and restaurant space, another freestanding restaurant with patio that faces the lawn, and up to 200 downtown apartment units. The public components of Green Street are scheduled to open this summer, with more development to follow. Much bigger in size and scope is Discovery Park. It spans 268-acres located near Interstate 470.This $1 billion dollar mixed-use development in Lee’s Summit will include 2,791 luxury apartments, two hotels, and over 660,500 square feet of retail, office, entertainment, and restaurant space. Amenities such as a four-acre recreational lake,a riverwalk district,and more than five miles of nature trails are planned to appeal to those who live and work there.The development is being executed in three phases, with the first phase, The Village, already underway, aiming for completion by 2026. The Crossings, which will be a combination of restaurant, retail, entertainment spaces and offices, is set to also open in 2026, along with the Promenade, which will have a river walk, additional restaurants, retail stores, multi-family housing, and office space.
WEST BOTTOMS
Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms is undergoing a transformative $527 million redevelopment led by New York-based developer SomeraRoad. Years in the making and spanning over 26 acres, this ambitious project is located north to south from Forrester Road to West 12th Street,and then west to east from Hickory Street to Santa Fe Street and Union Avenue. SomeraRoad plans to revitalize the Kansas City’s West Bottoms with a blend of modern amenities and preserved architectural heritage. The development plan includes over 1,200 residential units, 168,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, a 50-room boutique hotel, and expansive public green spaces. Notably, eight historic buildings will be reused, maintaining the district’s unique character while introducing new uses for each building. Emphasizing both sustainability and walkability, there are planned infrastructure improvements, such as new sidewalks, streets, and public gathering areas like “The Depot,”which will be located at 11th and Santa Fe streets. Construction started in late 2024, with the first phase focusing on public infrastructure enhancements,including sewer and road work.SomeraRoad plans to start its first phase of private projects alongside these infrastructure improvements, with the first developments to open to the public between 2026 and 2028.The goal of the project is to transform the West Bottoms into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood that reflects both its storied past and promising future.
Two lilac topiaries flank a path that circles a shady tree and culminates at an urn overflowing with annuals.
Classic Garden, Fresh Approach
THE GREENSMAN BRINGS A BIT OF FRENCH FORMALITY HOME
words by Patricia O’Dell
When Kristopher Dabner’s client approached him about planning and installing gardens in her new home, he was thrilled. “She’s a real gardener, so she has great ideas about what she wants,” he says, “Since she has so much knowledge, it makes it a lot of fun for us to work together.”
The homeowner discovered Dabner, owner of The Greensman landscaping firm, originally through word of mouth. “The Greensman had gained a reputation for unique landscape design and custom installations, which is what brought me to him,” she says. “It’s exactly what I wanted!”
For a few years the pair collaborated on container plantings and adding interest at the entrances and focal points throughout the
photos by Aaron Leimkuehler
Above: At the home’s main entrance, caladiums, ferns, tradescantia zebrina, and bleeding heart overflow from the formal pots. Left: All-white annuals are the underplanting for this topiary Opposite: Early morning
yard. There, he and the client had already installed a retaining wall along the front of the property to provide structure and frame the house. The low, stone wall meanders with subtle curves providing opportunities to create groupings both in front of it and behind.
The front steps, designed with stone of irregular shapes, create an organic foundation for the formal topiaries that flank the front door. There, underplantings overflow classic square containers to provide the perfect amount of insouciance to cut the formality.
As with all avid gardeners, more is always more.
“Ultimately, I felt confident to pursue my longtime dream with Kristopher, James Wall, and The Greensman team to design and install a French-inspired walking garden—in keeping with the style of our home,” she says.
The garden is at the back of the house and visible from the upper terrace
sun peeks over the balcony.
Above: An informal stone path leads from the front door to the rear garden. Far left:
A vintage wroughtiron topiary frame tops an antique urn.
Left: Giant colocasia leaves pop up from a classic pot. Opposite: A vintage fountain clad in blue Delft tiles is a garden focal point.
off the kitchen and accessible by stairs. The homeowner wanted a courtyard she could enjoy from that view.
“She wanted something very formal,” Dabner says. “Traditionally, a French garden is very structured, neat, and tidy where everything is primarily green, white, and purple.”
The Greensman team set out to make the vision a reality. Fortunately, Dabner and the homeowner were of one mind on the best approach. The thoughtfully designed garden wraps around the permanent structures creating a lush, park-like setting from each view from the house.
The formal structure of the courtyard includes ashlar-patterned bluestone walkways lined in a custom limestone border, with Sweet Spire “Fizzy Mizzy” lining each side of the path. Classic boxwoods and a limestone wall establish structure, while generous urns are filled with colorful seasonal plantings.
Circular beds surround mature trees, stately urns, and exuberant hydrangea. Chairs and benches allow the homeowner and her guests to sit and enjoy the garden, while a fountain and bird bath enhance the peaceful setting, as well as invite feathered friends to the party.
Lilac topiary standards enhanced with underplantings of caladium, ferns, begonias, and tradescantia zebrina define the entrance to the backyard garden, their exuberance reflecting the joie de vivre
Right, top: A mix of floral and grass annuals erupt from one of the garden urns. Right, middle: Follow the stacked-stone wall.
Right, bottom: Trimmed boxwood enclose a bevy of hydrangea accenting a large stone urn. Opposite: A bath for the birds is sheltered by hydrangea.
of the owner. Boxwood borders in the new beds frame classic urns overflowing with hydrangea putting on an exuberant show. Colorful annuals are the icing on the cake. “Because she is a gardener and gets a lot of pleasure working in the yard, we put pathways to allow her to walk through—to both stroll the garden and work,” Dabner says.
Unquestionably, she and Dabner created a showstopping retreat. “Today, after an extensive renovation by The Greensman, my “French Secret Garden” has been realized. You must look closely to see the planned details come to life as the seasons come and go. Each day, my garden takes me to a different place and time—inviting all who visit or stroll by to stop and enjoy,” the homeowner says. “Who knows what we will envision together next?”
Outlaw Golf Carts has a ride for every need. From two-seaters perfect for the course to four and six-seaters built for the whole family, and even work-ready utility carts—we’ve got you covered. Planning a special event? We also offer cart rentals to keep your guests moving in style and comfort. RECEIVE A $500 OUTLAW GIFT CERTIFICATE WITH ANY CART PURCHASE.
by Jenny Vergara
Reservation for One HERITAGE BY BO LINGS
by Aaron Leimkuehler
For 44 years, Bo “Richard” and Far Ling “Theresa” Ng have happily shared their culture with Kansas City through the Chinese cuisine served at their family-owned restaurant, Bo Lings. The couple runs it with their daughter, Rebecca, and son, Raymond, along with their children's spouses.
Richard and Theresa spent their teens working together at the Dragon Inn in downtown Overland Park. The iconic Chinese restaurant was opened by Theresa’s father, To-Ping Tsui, in 1975, just three years after he immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States. Together, the couple developed a passion for the restaurant busi-
ness. In 1981, they opened their first fine-dining Chinese restaurant, Bo Lings, at 91st and Metcalf. Six years later, they began serving dim sum. Bo Lings was the first Midwest restaurant to offer this uniquely Cantonese tradition of sharing tea and small dishes.
Dim sum, which means “to touch the heart,” has important cultural and social significance in China. It’s a time to gather with friends and family to catch up over shared food and cups of hot tea. The Ng family brought talented Chinese chefs to Kansas City to make the traditional (and labor intensive) dim sum by hand, introducing the tradition, on weekends only, at the Overland Park and Country Club Plaza locations. Their flagship location on the Country Club Plaza recently under-
photos
Heritage by Bo LIngs entrance.
went a stylish new remodel with a new business partner in the mix. Whitney VinZant, a local restaurateur who owns and operates Louie's Wine Dive, BRGR, Taco Republic, Gram & Dun, Waldo Pizza, and others under W. VinZant Restaurant Group, has partnered with the Ng family to give the flagship location a new name, look, and menu. VinZant’s restaurant group manages only the Plaza location, which has now reopened under the name Heritage by Bo Lings.
The name isn’t the only change. The inspired remodel added walls where there were none, breaking up the once cavernous space into smaller sections for a much more intimate dining experience. The place feels moodier, decorated in earthy tones of green, gold, and brown, with soft lighting and cozier spaces.
The biggest change is the brand-new 25-seat cocktail bar that replaced the six seats near the kitchen that once counted as “the bar” at Bo Lings. Those original bar seats have been expanded and turned into a sushi bar that looks like it has always been there. In the center is a shiny new cocktail bar with a full drink program that includes specialty cocktails, Japanese sake, Japanese whiskey, wine from VinZant’s own wine label, and Asian beers.
The revamped menu now offers an edited selection of Chinese dim sum, entrées, and several Thai and Korean specialties. Japanese sushi is available for happy hour and dinner. Heritage by Bo Lings is more broadly Asian in flavor, instead of strictly Chinese. It’s a move that makes the restaurant more approachable and distinguishes Heritage by Bo Lings from other Bo Lings restaurants.
On the menu, soups are the usual suspects—egg drop, sweet and sour, and chicken wonton. Daily dim sum looks like the greatest hits from each category. Two salads, one with tiger cry beef and the other with bang bang chicken, and a variety of noodle dishes, such as pad Thai, lo mein, and spicy Sichuan Dan Dan noodles widen the menu’s horizons. House specialties include Beijing slow-roasted duck, orange peel shrimp, gong bao chicken, and spicy ma-po tofu.
In the end, I ordered a variety of dim sum plates, as that is the one thing, specifically, that Bo Lings truly brought to Kansas City. I cheerfully ordered lo mai gai or sticky rice in lotus leaf, char siu bao, or steamed barbecue pork buns, Sichuan pork dumplings in a soy chili sauce, and ha gau, shrimp dumplings, all accompanied by pineapple fried rice.
The VinZant Wines rosé from Sonoma Valley, with its dark rosy hue of Syrah grapes, accompanied the variety of steamed dumplings on my plate.
As the dim sum dishes trickled out of the kitchen, the pineapple fried rice was served first, brimming from half of a carved-out pineapple. Sweet chunks of pineapple, along with red-tinged chopped char sui, or Chinese barbecue pork, soft scrambled eggs, and a sprinkle of scallions added color. A dash of soy sauce and chili oil upped the flavor.
Eight steamed Sichuan pork dumplings were perched atop a soychili sauce with fresh garlic in a generous bowl. The tender dumpling wrappers were soft, but held the fragrant Asian-spiced pork meatball inside just long enough for me to pinch it with chopsticks, dunk into a bowl of soy sauce slick with red chili oil, and plop into my mouth. It was
so satisfying, and probably my favorite dish of the meal.
The steamed barbecue pork buns are always a favorite—puffy dough steamed until soft and stuffed with sweet and savory barbecue pork. On the other hand, the shrimp dumplings were far too big—almost golf ball sized—and rather sloppily wrapped in a clear rice paper. Although messy and not easy to eat, they were delicious. The delicate sweetness of the shrimp shone through.
When the metal steamer basket hit my table with the familiar square of sticky rice wrapped in paper, my heart sank. Traditionally, sticky rice comes wrapped completely in the lotus leaf with no paper wrapper because as the lotus leaf steams, it gives this dish its signature earthy aroma and flavor. Then I realized that beneath the paper, it was wrapped with the single traditional lotus leaf. Unwrapping the square, I found sticky rice filled with a cured egg yolk and chopped mushrooms
in a savory brown gravy. If Chinese porridge or congee came in a square, it would taste like this, comforting and warm.
I admit I was skeptical about the changes at Heritage by Bo Lings. Then I realized I was measuring what Bo Lings used to be to what Heritage by Bo Lings is, and that isn’t fair. The two could not be more different.
Many dim sum dishes didn’t make the cut at Heritage, but you can easily find them at Bo Lings at 89th and Metcalf on the weekends. I left Heritage by Bo Lings with a better understanding of why the changes were made, given its size and location. The new décor, food, and bar program are impressive.
Heritage by Bo Lings is its own thing, perhaps it’s even a new thing. Either way it’s well positioned to start a brand-new culinary and cocktail tradition all of its own. theheritagekc.com
Top left: The sushi bar. Top right: Korean braised beef short ribs with sesame parsnip purée, bok choy, Korean demi glace, and kimchi. Bottom left: The Sushi Boat. Bottom right: Shishito peppers with fish sauce vinaigrette, crunchy onions, and cilantro.
BLUEPRINT
A Reputation of Excellence
OF EXCELLENCE IN KANSAS CITY REAL ES TAT E THE DEFINITIVE
Gail G. Dicus has built a career on trust. Her father taught her, “You can always buy more advertising, but never a new reputation.” She prioritizes structure, professionalism, and reliability. Clients know she and her team deliver on every promise. That’s why more than 90% of their business comes from referrals.
“My word is my bond.”
Follow the Leader
Real estate is a true business—structured, strategic, and always evolving. With ReeceNichols’ unmatched systems and knowledge-based training, she’s never had to guess how to navigate market shifts. It’s kept her at the top of her game for decades. “If you are a knowledge-based agent, the only place to be is at ReeceNichols.”
She’s faced more challenges than most, including a heart transplant, a stroke, and cancer, but Gail hasn’t let that slow her down. Those experiences taught her to be innovative and adaptable, and she’s always ready to adjust to whatever life throws at her, including a constantly changing market. She’s built her business with the same relentless determination that’s carried her through life’s toughest moments.
Gail knows life’s transitions often bring real estate needs that require discretion, whether a job transfer, health issue, family change, or high profile move. Clients trust her to step in, assess their needs, and execute a game plan with complete privacy. Everything gets finished fast, thoroughly, and drama-free.
Gail Dicus Real Estate Agent
by
In Your Cocktail
HANK'S GARAGE & GRILL
After spending 15 years opening and operating restaurants and bars, Eric Flanagan clearly knows what it takes to make a good place great.
As the owner and operator of both King G and Jim’s Alley Bar in the East Crossroads, he has earned a reputation for building successful come-as-you-are spots with décor that delivers, fun food, and cool cocktails and beer.
With his newest venture, Hank’s Garage and Grill, Flanagan headed to downtown Shawnee, where he took a former auto shop and turned
it into a nonstop, standing-room-only patio party. The line was so long on their sunny opening weekend it wrapped around the building.
The garage bays of the building have turned Hank’s into an indoor/outdoor playground for adults. Garage doors open to a covered patio and small yard for playing cornhole, anchored by a separate shipping-container bar. Best of all, the automotive theme has been carried throughout the inside space with 1950s-style turquoise-and-white chrome chairs and built-in barstools, with dark wood paneling and two glorious Mobil Pegasus oil-and-gas neon signs hanging behind
Jenny Vergara photo by Alyssa Broadus
Lotus Esprit
the long indoor bar. There are also televisions, plus two big screens that lower from the ceiling behind the bar so you can watch your favorite local team play ball while you enjoy a frosty beverage and food.
Speaking of food, the menu at Hank’s Garage and Grill was developed by the chefs Howard Hanna and Zac Sachs, who collaborated to create a menu that reads like your favorite road-trip fare. There’s the signature El Reno smash burger smothered in grilled onions and cheese, a shrimp po’boy sandwich, and a crispy tempura-battered pork tenderloin sandwich. Appetizers include a healthy-sized Frito pie and Spam fries served with banana ketchup.
The general manager, Eric Simbeck, and Chrisytna Sanchez are responsible for the cocktail program at Hank’s. Each delicious drink is created with patio season in mind. There are seven craft beers on draft, and you can find ice-cold canned yard beers, in addition to the house favorite, Hank American Lager, made by Alma Mader Brewing specifically for the restaurant.
A favorite patio sipper at Hank’s is the Lotus Esprit, a cocktail inspired by Richard Gere’s car in the movie Pretty Woman. It is basically a riff on a cocktail called the White Linen found in Sacramento, California. This version, created for Hank’s by Simbeck, is made with gin, cucumber, elderflower liqueur, lime, and club soda. The perfect drink during those lazy afternoons spent outside. instagram.com/ hanksshawnee
Lotus Esprit
1.5 ounces gin
1.5 ounces cucumber syrup*
1 ounce fresh lime juice
.5 ounce St. Elder elderflower liqueur
3.5 ounces club soda
Combine gin, cucumber syrup, fresh lime juice, and St. Elder into a shaker and shake well. Pour into a glass over ice, top with club soda. Garnish with a thinly sliced cucumber ribbon.
*CUCUMBER SYRUP
2 cups water
2 cups sugar
1 whole cucumber
Combine 2 cups water and 2 cups sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Let cool. Peel and de-seed 1 cucumber and roughly chop. Add cucumber to a blender with the cooled simple syrup and blend. Strain the cucumber syrup through a fine mesh strainer. Syrup can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Flavor IN KC
by Jenny Vergara
In Culinary News
ZERO ZERO HANDMADE PASTA
FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, Zero Zero Handmade Pasta owner Mitchell Fagan and his team have been handcrafting pasta the way it’s done in Italy—making a rotating list of seven fresh pasta shapes each week using locally milled flour from Marion Milling, along with an array of scratch-made sauces that customers can pre-order or grab on a whim to take home. Now, Zero Zero has added intimate dinner service to its offerings, with just ten seats available Thursday through Saturday, from 5 to 9 p.m. Due to the limited space, reservations are highly recommended via Tock, though walk-ins are welcomed when available. The dinner menu features a thoughtful selection of antipasti, including prosciutto-stuffed arancini, a classic Caesar salad, and tender beef-and-pork meatballs made with meat from Barham Family Farm. The star of the show, of course, is the pasta—four fresh options that rotate weekly based on seasonality and inspiration. For dessert, don’t miss their signature tiramisu made with locally roasted Post Coffee, or the rich, creamy Basque cheesecake. They offer a couple of Italian classic cocktails—a negroni and a spritz—but the wine list has notably expanded. Expect a focused selection of old-world wines, with an emphasis on Italian and French producers. zerozeropastakc.com
Join us for an evening of learning the basics of becoming Smart & Savvy with your money!
For women of all ages, we invite you to bring your mothers, daughters, girlfriends and family to start your successful journey in managing your finances and planning for retirement!
Thursday, May 8th at 6:30pm - 8pm
6th Floor Conference Room
by Jenny Vergara
FIFTH & EMORY FROZEN YOGURT & CHOCOLATE
MANY LOCAL restaurant franchisees dream of one day owning their own business. For Isaac Lee Collins, that dream has officially come true. After operating three Yogurtini frozen yogurt franchise locations in Kansas City for the past decade, Collins has announced a rebrand: his shops south of the Country Club Plaza, in Shoal Creek, and in Overland Park will now operate under a new name—Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate—just in time for the busy season ahead. The new name holds special meaning for Collins because it refers to his two children—his son Isaac and daughter Sage Emery—making the transition to independent ownership not just a business move, but a life goal. With the rebrand, Collins gains the freedom to forge his own path, including the opportunity to create local collaborations and manage his own marketing strategy. A return to his roots is also in the works. Collins previously owned and operated the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, and he’s looking forward to bringing handmade chocolates and caramel apples back into the mix at Fifth & Emery, blending his frozen yogurt future with his past spent making handmade chocolates. It all just makes good business sense, for Collins and his loyal customers.
Ceremony of Remembrance
Please join Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care for a free community event as we illuminate the park with hundreds of luminaries, each in remembrance of someone who has left their mark on our hearts.
We look forward to seeing you!
8 pm, Tuesday May 20
Mill Creek Park at the Country Club Plaza
47th Street & Mill Creek Parkway, KCMO
Learn more at KCHospice.org/COL or scan the QR code.
Flavor IN KC
by Jenny Vergara
THAI ORCHID
FOR 26 YEARS, the Rojjanasrirat family has successfully run Thai Orchid in Mission, Kansas. Now they have opened their long-awaited second location in the Metro North Crossing development in Kansas City’s Northland. The new location is part of a mixed-use 249-apartment complex, alongside other businesses, including Third Street Social, KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot, Andy’s Frozen Custard, T-Shotz, and Dutch Bros. Coffee. The new location will not only feature the favorite dishes from their Mission menu, including Pad Thai and Pad Kee Mao, but will also feature new Thai street-food items and small plates meant for sharing. Some of the new dishes are Tom Yum wings, Thai barbecue chicken, honey garlic soy ribs, and a curry braised beef dish, Khao Soi. Jonathan Rojjanasrirat is the second-generation owner of Thai Orchid, and is responsible for managing day-to-day operations, as well as overseeing the design of the kitchen and dining room. His wife, Nuttaphat Stonnisgul, has developed many of the menu items at the Mission location, and she will work alongside the Northland chef Pongsakorn Sonlila, who is from the Roi-et in the Isaan region of Thailand. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesday. thaiorchidkc.com
visitchillicothe.com
Wild About Harry 2025 Kick-Off Party
ON JANUARY 16, Carla and Danny O’Neill hosted an event at their restored 19th-century steel factory to kick off the 2025 Wild About Harry season. The O’Neills were this year’s honorary chairs along with co-chairs Polly and Dr. Jeffery Kramer, Dr. Bridget McCandless, and Dennis Taylor.
Wild About Harry is the Truman Library Institute’s annual fundraising event supporting the library’s civic education programs. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.
photos by mark mcdonald photography
Wild About Harry Patrons Party
ON MARCH 25, guests gathered at the home of Marny and John Sherman to show their support for the Truman Library Institute’s 26th annual Wild About Harry event—the premier event celebrating and advancing President Truman’s legacy. For more photos go to inkansascity.com/photos.
photos by mark mcdonald photography
My Essentials IN KC
Chase’s essentials...
UNIQUE VENUE:
Knuckleheads—there’s no place like it. Especially with the multiple stages and how many things are going on any given night. You’re pretty much guaranteed to see a show there no matter what.
BEST BITE:
Mr. Le’s Sushi north of the river never disappoints. There’s a particular roll there—the 816 Roll—that’s really good, but everything they have there is fantastic.
CHASE M C ROY
BASSIST.
Cby Evan Pagano
hase McRoy loves the upright bass. He plays it every weekend at The Black Dolphin with the Tim Whitmer Good Time Quartet, every first Thursday at Mike Kelly’s Westsider with the Nace Brothers Acoustic Trio, and every last Thursday at Knuckleheads with his band, The Vincents. To fill out his calendar, he plays it on a “have bass, will travel” basis.
Why does he love it? “It’s, you know, it’s just so inconvenient,” he says. “It sounds like a funny way to say it, but that’s kind of what drew me to it. It’s just so big. It’s such a physical instrument. It’s hard to travel with, it’s hard to amplify, it’s hard to physically play, and something about that makes it just so cool to me, you know—to kind of battle it every day.”
McRoy’s battle with the upright bass began during his senior year of high school, in 2011—just before he moved to Kansas City from his hometown of Sedalia, Missouri. He’d already been playing its more convenient younger sibling, the electric bass guitar, at gigs across the state for years. When his first traveling gig needed an upright bassist, he played it more and more, and in 2025, it makes up the majority of his gigs. “Which I love—I’m just fascinated with the instrument.”
He plays “anything and everything”—jazz, blues rock, rockabilly—and that versatility allows him to find gigs all over Kansas City. He especially loves his gigs with The Vincents, which he calls a circus. “We do a bunch of stage stunts and stand on the bass and swap instruments and all these crazy things.” chasemcroy.com
CAFFEINE FIX:
I usually just drink iced coffee, but my favorite places are Core Coffee & Eatery and Eleos Coffee House Both are right off
HIDDEN GEM: The Elixir inside The Museum of Kansas City got local beer and great cocktails, too!
MUST-SEE BAND:
Mooncrow is a KC super group. Jeff Porter of the Rainmakers, Norm Dahlor of the Elders, and Dave and Jimmy Nace, who’ve been such great mentors to me. Catch them two Wednesdays a month at Mike Kelly’s Westsider.
CAN’T-MISS EVENT:
We never miss the City Renaissance Festival Where else can you see a joust? We always leave with bags of stuff that we find in cool little instrument booths.
Sid Mashburn | Greyson Clothiers | Saint James | Drake’s | Seaward & Stearn | Ralph Lauren | Jack Donnelly | Sunspel
Edwin | Chrysalis | Original Madras Trading Co. | Bennett Winch | Joseph Cheaney & Sons | Sanders Shoes | Pastori Custom Tailoring
