Explore
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Eric & Kaitlyn Leiker, Owners
Custom Homes
Barnhouse is a family-owned design + build company focused on new construction- from traditional stick-built or modified timber frame homes to pre-engineered steel or pole barn structures. Specializing in modern farm homes, Barnhouse harvests old barns to utilize reclaimed timbers and barn board to provide an enriching contemporary country feel. After building a foundation on open communication and honesty, Barnhouse helps bring visions to life.
JulyExplore Issue
As we enter the dog days of summer, the season brings an abundance of opportunities to explore both locally and regionally. From hiking trails and parks to cultural festivals and farmers’ markets, there’s plenty to keep you entertained close to home.
However, escaping the summer heat in the Midwest is equally enticing. For my family, visiting relatives is a priority, and this summer, we plan to return to Michigan City, Indiana. If you haven’t been, I highly recommend it. Just a convenient train ride from Chicago, Michigan City offers stunning views of Lake Michigan and a host of activities.
We always try to spend as much time around water as possible, and the beaches and lakes of this area are perfect for that. Whether you stay local or venture out, I hope your summer is filled with memorable adventures and quality time with loved ones.
While enjoying the outdoors is wonderful, sometimes the heat can be overwhelming. On those days, indoor attractions like Science City at Union Station and Lego Land at Crown Center provide fantastic options for family fun and learning. These venues offer engaging experiences that keep everyone entertained while staying cool.
July 2024
PUBLISHER
Wade Kotarba | wade.kotarba@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Angela Broockerd | angela.broockerd@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Lauren Powers, Mindy Hargesheimer, Jenny Vergara
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Janie Jones
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
city scene
1-14: Big Slick 2024 is in its 15th year, and did not disappoint. Dozens of celebrities poured into Kansas City for this star-studded weekend to raise money for Children’s Mercy. Weekend festivities included a family feud game, softball at Kauffman Stadium, room visits to patients and families at Children’s Mercy, and ending with an epic evening of entertainment at the Sprint Center. This year’s event raised a record breaking $3,973,637.
Feel Beautiful.
Laser Derm Med Spa celebrating their 21st
Anniversary
Join us at Laser Derm Med Spa on August 6th from 5-7pm for an exciting open house event as they celebrate their 21st anniversary! Enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks while witnessing live demonstrations of cutting-edge laser technology. Be sure to take advantage of exclusive offers, discounts, and giveaways available only during the event. Come discover why Laser Derm Med Spa is the go-to destination for safe and effective laser hair removal treatments. We look forward to seeing you there!
Barley Bus Tours
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Barley Bus Tours was established in 2015 with a simple goal: to create unforgettable experiences for craft beer lovers in Kansas City. What began with brewery tours quickly expanded to include wineries, distilleries, and even food and sightseeing tours.
Todd Abrams is the founder and owner of Barley Bus Tours.
“Each Barley Bus Tour is a unique adventure, crafted to ignite your senses and leave you with lasting memories,” says Abrams. “Whether you're a beer enthusiast eager to explore hidden gems, a wine lover seeking exquisite flavors or a curious foodie ready to embark on a culinary journey, we've got a tour that's perfect for you. Our expert guides are passionate about showcasing the best of Kansas City, from locally brewed craft beers and award-winning wines to mouthwatering BBQ and iconic landmarks.
“It's not just about the destinations, it's about the journey, the camaraderie and the shared experience of discovering something new. One of my favorite things is watching people get on the bus for a public tour. It starts quiet and cordial, but by the time they return, everyone is laughing, hugging and exchanging phone numbers. That's the magic of Barley Bus Tours—we bring people together over a shared love of good food, good drinks and good times.”
First-time guests can expect an all-inclusive experience. They handle all the details, from transportation, exclusive access and tastings led by knowledgeable guides.
“We take pride in offering an "edu-tainment" experience that's both fun and educational, so you can avoid the stress of navigating the city and simply enjoy VIP access to Kansas City's best. It's a truly unique way to experience the heart of KC, no matter your interests, from craft breweries and wineries to distilleries, delicious food, and iconic landmarks.”
While they offer preset itineraries, they specialize in creating custom tours tailored to each group’s preferences. From bachelor or bachelorette parties, corporate events or special celebrations, Barley Bus Tours works closely with their clients to design a personalized experience. With a vintage charming VW bus for small groups to a larger bus for bigger groups, they have the perfect ride for every celebration.
“We've cultivated strong relationships with local businesses and attractions. If you choose one of our expertly curated tours or let us create a custom experience just for you, we'll handle all the details so you can relax and enjoy the ride. If you can dream it, we can drive it, or plan it for you.”
Choosing a favorite tour is extremely difficult for Abrams.
“That’s like asking me to pick my favorite kid! I love them all for different reasons. If I had to choose, I'd probably say the brewery tour holds a special place in my heart since it was the one that started it all. But honestly, I'm incredibly proud of all our new tours, especially the BBQ and Ghost & Gangster tours, which are unlike anything we've done before. Those are definitely my babies right now.
“Whether you’re a beer enthusiast eager to explore hidden gems, a wine lover seeking exquisite flavors or a curious foodie ready to embark on a culinary journey, we’ve got a tour that’s perfect for you.”
“We're constantly on the lookout for new ways to show off our city's hidden gems, from secret speakeasies to delicious BBQ joints you won't find on any tourist map. We're cooking up even more tours and experiences, and who knows, you might even see a few surprise collaborations popping up soon. We've also got our eyes on the horizon, exploring exciting possibilities like expanding to other cities or even franchising the Barley Bus concept.”
For more information, visit barleybus.com.
YOUR GUESTS WILL BE ‘LOV’N EVERY BITE’ WITH MARIGOLD’S AS HOST TO YOUR NEXT SOCIAL EVENT!
In the words of Norman Kolpas, “Food, like a love touch or a glimpse of divine power, has the ability to comfort.” These are words to live by for Mary Morsch, owner of the charming and delectable Marigold’s food truck that has been serving the Kansas City metro the ultimate comfort food since 2018!
ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Not only did City Lifestyle have the pleasure of Marigold’s hosting our annual block party where over fifty local staff and party-goers were able to indulge in her fresh and creative menu, but we also had the opportunity to meet Mary, learn more about her story, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of her colorful truck accesorized by, you guessed it, vibrant Marigold flowers!
My Mother is no ordinary woman!
Mary’s inspiration is rooted in her mother who is ‘an amazing cook,’ and her upbringing with ten siblings who flocked
to the dinner table for their mother’s beloved homecooked dinners. For many of us, dinners meant easy boxed meals or ready to eat processed foods, but for Mary and her brothers and sisters, dinners looked a lot different with their mom spending hours ‘pouring her love’ into made from scratch main dishes and sweets. “We would hear the sound of the dinner bell and come running from the surrounding neighborhood, usually with a few extra in tow. Those dinners were the center of our lives. We laughed, we shared and we loved.”
“WE LOVE FEEDING OUR COMMUNITY! WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN SATISFYING SOMEONE’S HUNGER AND BRINGING THEM BACK TO THEIR CHILDHOOD COMFORT AT THE SAME TIME?”
Meal time floods back sweet memories for me and brings comfort. I want to share that feeling by serving my endeared city with all of my love baked into every bite.
Mary leaned into her engrained love of the joy of food by working in the restaurant industry growing up and for years to come. While she continues her dream of opening her own restaurant one day, she took the first step by starting the truck fit for private parties that you will usually find at wedding receptions, employee staff parties, birthdays, anniversary parties, and more.
Marigold's serves the entire Kansas City metro, also entertaining special requests from outer-lying towns such as Hutchinson, Stockton, Lawrence, and St. Joe, to name a few, and the menu is vast so they can appeal to all kinds of tastes at once. “Our food is ‘home cooking with a ton of love.’
The Marigold’s culinary team crafts everything from slow-cooked pot roast sandwiches, BBQ miso pork tacos, Moroccan chicken sandwiches, grilled caprese sandwiches, honey glazed salmon, and lasagna all the way to
kid-friendly hot dogs, brats, and nachos. Plus, don’t forget the sweet ending. “Our butter bars are to die for!”
Clients are also able to create their own menus, often presenting new, fun requests that also provide a welcomed challenge to continue honing their skills. Regardless of the final menu, what they offer is always unique and original to Marigold’s, plus, you will always find a well rounded selection of salads and appetizers to complement three to four entrees to choose. Interested in adding dessert and beverages? They’ve got you covered there as well.
In addition to serving happy and delicious memories to Kansas City residents, incorporating philanthropy into their mission is at their core. “We love feeding our community! What could be better than satisfying someone's hunger and bringing them back to their childhood comfort at the same time?”
Mary and her team enjoy their weekends filling up fast because they absolutely love what they do, always having fun. We hope you feel inspired to tap into the Marigold’s joy as an ornament to your next event!
marigoldsfoodtruck.com @marigoldsfoodtruck
BILLIE’S GROCERY IN LEAWOOD
Named After Dad, But Run by His Daughter
ARTICLE BY JENNY VERGARA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
The secret to Robin Krause’s success is her ability take a good thing, make it better and then multiply it. As the owner of Billie’s Grocery, now with two locations, one in midtown Kansas City, and her newest in Leawood, Kansas, Krause has shown she has a knack for repeating herself in a fresh and delicious way.
“He was the one that gave me my passion for food and hospitality.”
Growing up in a restaurant family in Peculiar, Missouri, Krause worked at her parents at their own greasy spoon, Bill & Deb’s Café. It was a popular spot in town serving diner food favorites, and it was her Dad, Billie, as his family and friends called him, who was the chef and foodie in the family.
“He was always cooking. At the restaurant, he would make eggs and bacon at breakfast or fried chicken at dinner, a recipe we still use at my restaurant today, and when he came home you could find him putting a pot of lobsters on to boil in the backyard,” says Krause. “He was the one that gave me my passion for food and hospitality.”
She even approached her Dad at one point about them opening a restaurant together in Kansas City,
but she could never convince the country boy that city life could be for him. When he died unexpectedly in 2015, it hit Krause hard. “He didn’t drink or smoke, but he had a terrible diet, so when he died of a sudden heart attack, it was a shock, and made me look at my own health in a new way,” she explains.
At the time of her father’s death, Krause was busy running four Filling Station Coffee locations and Soho Bakery, a business she built from the ground up, and one that was taking its toll on her own physical health at the time. That’s when she made the decision to sell her entire portfolio to the folks at Messenger Coffee, keeping a financial stake for a time, and left the restaurant industry to focus on her own physical healing, and her desire to help others heal.
“At that point, I wanted to focus on building my wellness practice, so I went back to school to get my degree from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition where I became a nutritional therapist and health coach, explains Krause. “In order to support my family while I was in school, I needed to either make a job or find a job, so I decided to open Unbakery and Juicery, recently renamed, Billie’s Juicery, in East Brookside and the rest has flowed from there.”
For her second Billie’s Grocery at Ranchmart North, Krause delivers an all-white, sleek space that is more than double in size from her midtown spot and includes a breezy wrap-around outdoor patio, coffee and cocktail bar. The pastry case has also doubled in size, overflowing with sweet treats that include gluten-free and dairy free cakes, bars, cookies, bread and more made by her pastry team at her new commissary bakery on Kansas City’s Westside just for Billie’s Grocery.
The menus are identical at both locations offering a breakfast/brunch menu and an all-day menu, which both focus on serving healthy, whole food dishes that cater to both meat-lovers as well as those who prefer a plant-based diet. Krause says some of her most popular dishes are the gluten-free sesame fried chicken salad and the lazy sushi bowl made with marinated sashimi grade raw tuna, rice and vegetables, but still others prefer her grass-fed beef burger or Reuben sandwich.
New to the Leawood location is something Krause has nicknamed the “bougie salad bar,” but it is something she took from her favorite gourmet grocery store in Los Angeles, Erewhon. For those that don’t want to wait in line to order from her regular menu, she has a separate counter that offers a rotating selection of different fresh salads that guests can and either order by the pint to-go or they can get a box and choose to mix and match several salads for one price.
“At
the restaurant, he would make eggs and bacon at breakfast or fried chicken at dinner, a recipe we still use at my restaurant today, and when he came home you could find him putting a pot of lobsters on to boil in the backyard.”
There is a much expanded grab-and-go grocery area stocked with her own line of soups, sauces, and dressings along with meals and sides to re-heat and enjoy at home, and a new in-house floral department selling fresh arrangements, along with a much expanded selection of gifts, cookbooks, healthy home and kitchen goods.
Billie’s Grocery is meant to give people plenty of options to eat and drink, options that weren’t necessarily available to her Dad, but might have helped prolong his life. Her restaurant is a love
letter to him, and everyone else looking for more food options to make their own culinary choices a little easier to feed.
Billie’s Grocery in Leawood is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Sunday 8 am to 3 pm.
Billie’s Grocery Leawood, 3614 West 95th Street, Leawood, Kansas, 66206, 913-415-2222, billiesgrocery.com
AND FIND YOUR PEACE GET LOST
Exploring The Lost Pines Resort and Spa
Just on the outskirts of Austin, nestled on 400 acres of luscious and sprawling countryside, this fun-filled resort does not disappoint. Think Texas home-style ranch meets Southern luxury. Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is a family-friendly destination that offers an array of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Guests are transported to a simpler time where both adults and kids can be seen casually riding bicycles around the property or strolling along the Colorado River that hugs the resort. Open areas with yard games, outdoor game tables, sports courts and a mini golf course invite families to engage in activities that allow for quality time spent enjoying the outdoors.
Choose between an adventurous getaway or a serene escape, as Lost Pines Resort and Spa has something for everyone. Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more. Cool off poolside at one of the many pools, or float on the 1,000-foot lazy river. Whether you’re a new or experienced golfer, the expansive,
ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE
“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”
18-hole, 7,200 yard golf course designed by award-winning architect Arthur Hills, allows golfers to enjoy the natural beauty of this championship course.
A Texas ranch-style resort wouldn’t be complete without animals. Visit the Lost Pines corral for daily meet and greets. Guests can interact with longhorns, miniature ponies, miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas and pigs. Families can enjoy nightly movies on the outdoor movie screen, and make s’mores fireside at one of the many fire-pits around the resort. Scheduled kids activities are available day and evening throughout your stay. The expansive grounds allows guests to spend time exploring the activities on the property without feeling crowded by other guests.
The resort offers a variety of dining experiences for the culinary enthusiast including six different on-site restaurants, each offering unique bites and beverages. Enjoy a farm-totable dining experience at Stories, where all food is sourced from local purveyors such as local wagyu beef and fresh garden greens grown at the on-site garden. They also offer an expansive selection of wines, scotch, and mixed drinks. For a unique dining experience, visit the renowned, exclusive 10-seat omakase, Sushi By Scratch, with Chef Philip Frankland Lee. This menu-free establishment boasts a private and unexpected experience that is sure to please. Advanced reservations are required and CONTINUED >
“The views are breathtaking , and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation.”
encouraged as dining spots fill up quickly. For a more casual dining experience, visit one of the other four on-site restaurants including Maverick’s Roadhouse, buffet style dining at Heartwood House, or light bites enjoyed poolside at Old Buck’s Place. Eat alfresco at Maude’s Bar and Terrace with appetizers, small plates and cocktails. Listen to live music on the terrace and take in the night sky or cool off with a refreshing beverage after a day of activities at this charming spot. Located at the center of the resort, indoor and outdoor seating is thoughtfully arranged to invite guests to relax, unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them.
After a day of making memories, retreat to the newly remodeled and spacious rooms and suites. The views are breathtaking, and all rooms offer elevated amenities that invite relaxation. The Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa is the perfect vacation destination to recharge regardless of what stage of life you are in. For more information visit LostPinesResortandSpa.com
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outdoors adventure EQUIPPED TRAVEL
ARTICLE BY MINDY HARGESHEIMER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
To explore is to travel for adventure or discovery, and and If your ideal trip is exploring the outdoors while and spending time with family without the distractions of the modern world, then experiencing the trips organized by Drew Davis, Founder of Equipped Outdoors, should be next on your list.
We took the time to ask Drew about his full-service outdoor backpacking guide service that empowers people to reconnect with nature, bond with family, and build memories you will talk about for years to come.
CL: WHAT INSPIRED YOU/YOUR TEAM TO START EQUIPPED OUTDOORS?
EO: I grew up playing in the outdoors and spending time with my father. I went through scouts and really enjoyed the opportunity that the outdoors allowed me to connect with my dad. As I grew up, I learned that this was not a normal experience for other men, and I was surprised when I would talk to someone who didn't know how to use a Ferro rod, read a topo map, filter water, start a fire, select a campsite, etc.
God created us to cultivate and enjoy His creation. Too many people are afraid to go and spend time in the backcountry because they lack the know-how, opportunity, and tools to get out there. 3 years ago, my wife and I were talking about how cool it would be if we had a business where people could sleep in a lodge, learn some skills, go on a backpacking trip, and return at the end for a debrief and send off.
Technology has taken over our lives. If we do not disconnect from technology and take time to connect with people, God, and nature, we'll never be able to experience life to its utmost potential. Our outdoor adventure trips are excellent for leadership teams, families, couples, fathers, and their children to foster growth, connections, skills, and confidence.
CL: WHO IS THE IDEAL AUDIENCE TO SIGN UP FOR AN EQUIPPED OUTDOORS ADVENTURE?
EO: Our target audience is men and fathers with their kids and families. Our goal is to provide men and families* the opportunity to see the outdoors differently to equip them with the tools, training, and experiences to go into the outdoors on their own. We are an all-inclusive service that provides all the gear, food, and guides needed from the trailhead into the backcountry and back.
*(the first 2 kids are free for father/kid trips, ensuring families can get outside!)
CONTINUED >
CL: HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE LOCATIONS FOR YOUR TRIPS?
EO: The majority of the locations come from requests or are places I have experienced. If you are a newbie, we'll start you out on the Buffalo River Trail or Old River Trail. These 3-day/2-night adventures are perfect for fathers and their kids or novices for quick weekend getaways. If you have been in the backcountry before or experienced elevation >10,000, we offer 4-5 day trips in Colorado in some of the most beautiful backcountry there is. If you are looking for a true adventure and have a love for fishing, we offer a 5-6 day trip in the Bridger Tetons, fishing in 13+ lakes, and eating trout every night if participants want to. Lastly, we also do more challenging trips, like a 3-4 day Rimto-Rim-to-Rim in the Grand Canyon in December or January.
CL: WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO PACK FOR AN UPCOMING TRIP?
EO: Equipped Outdoors is an all-inclusive outfitter. We provide top-of-the-line gear (tent, backpack, temprated sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, water filter, etc.), breakfast, lunch, and dinner, experienced guides, and a lot of fun. All you need to bring is waterproof hiking boots, camp shoes/water crossing shoes, hiking clothes, hat, rain jacket, insulated jacket, headlamp, a water bottle, and a spork and snacks.
www.equippedoutdoors.org
@EquippedOutdoorsMO
YOUR KANSAS CITY REAL ESTATE EXPERTS
Haley and team find true joy providing a personalized and seamless sales experience. With more than 60 years of collective Kansas City real estate knowledge, The Haley Epps Team will help you make important tweaks and strategic staging decisions to maximize the value of your home.
Haley truly cares for her clients. She goes above and beyond to ensure they are informed throughout the process of home buying/selling. She communicates well! She’s kind and patient. She’s willing to go the extra mile for the welfare of her clients. Haley is an amazing realtor! – Dennis
Haley does a fantastic job! I highly recommend her for your real estate transactions. Haley’s experience, professionalism, and communication style make her an invaluable resource for her clients. – Trent
I recently had the pleasure of working with Haley Epps to sell our home. Haley made the process so simple and we appreciated her patience and expertise. Her insight was extremely valuable to us and my husband and I would like to personally thank her! – Deborah
THE HALEY EPPS TEAM
