Mission Hills, KS July 2024

Explore - My Last Letter

Explore means to travel in or through (an unfamiliar country or area) in order to learn about or familiarize oneself with it.

After a year and a half of launching the magazine from scratch, so much has happened. If you recall in the very first issue, I let you in on different parts of our lives. I am married to my best friend, and I officiate basketball and pastor a local church in Louisburg.

Well, all of that is growing, and it is time to explore something new. The church has doubled in size this past year, I have gotten the opportunity to work higher levels of college basketball than ever before, and my wife and I have added a beautiful daughter to our family. I was stretched so thin, that I didn’t have enough time to give to my daughter and wife, who are the most important people in my life.

Something had to give and sadly it was the magazine.

As I explore this new season of my life as a dad, I am so excited to give back my time to my wife and daughter.

The good news is a new publisher is stepping in to take over the magazine. As an added bonus, Victoria will continue to serve the magazine as its editor.

I am excited to see how Mission Hills City Lifestyle continues to grow! I hope you continue to read and support the publication that we have poured so much of ourselves into. I am humbled to have been a part of it!

COOPER MOORE, PUBLISHER

July 2024

PUBLISHER

Cooper Moore | cooper.moore@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Victoria Moore | Victoria.Moore@citylifestyle.com, Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Emma Ezzell

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Dana Wharf, Isinglass Estate

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Josh Govero

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley Learn how

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

New Partner-Cable Custom Homes

When it comes to an investment as important as your home, make sure it is in good hands. With over 30 years of experience in real estate and business consulting, Kent Cable combines his passion for construction with his problem-solving and financial abilities to tackle large-scale renovations and new build projects. He aims to do things the right way every time. Flip through before and after photos and read customer testimonials: cablecustomhomes.com/

New Partner-Kristin Smith - Moments of Magic Travel

Whether planning a family cruise or a tropical retreat, leave it to Kristin Smith to organize your perfect getaway full of unforgettable memories. Known for her expertise in the world of Disney, Smith’s team of enthusiasts are experienced in crafting the most magical Disney adventure. No matter your ideal destination, every detail from start to finish is covered by Kristin. Sign up for a free quote on momentsofmagictravel.com/

New Partner-Emma’s Style Studio/Stitch Salon

Stitch is Kansas City’s first salon to offer Invisible Bead Extensions, a highly-requested, hand-tied extension method. Owner Emma Spencer cultivated her love for color and style at Salon Z for six years. and opened Emma’s Style Studio in 2020. Her business has been expanding ever since, opening a brand new studio in Overland Park in 2022 with her co-stylist Raegan Abel. Book an appointment today and meet Emma behind the chair: stitchkc.com/

Sojourn Massage

• Vagus Nerve Meditative Massage

• Custom Holistic Massage

• Himalayan Salt Stone Massage

• Mother-to-Be Massage

• Side-by-Side Massage ...and more. Book Your Appointment Today!

A Slow SoCal

PLAN A WEST COAST VACATION IN THE OFF SEASON

A whale-watching excursion is a must, no matter the time of year.

Last December, Cooper and I ventured to the West Coast for our last  “hoorah” before becoming parents. California has always been at the top of my bucket list, and after five days of cruising the Pacific Coast Highway and not encountering one traffic jam, Southern California is arguably more enjoyable in the off-season. We stayed in an Airbnb in Laguna Beach and spent lots of time in Dana Point, San Clemente and Newport Beach.

Here are a few ideas to add to your list on your next trip to SoCal:

Dana Wharf

A whale-watching excursion is a must, no matter the time of year. Do yourself a favor and bring layers in the colder months. A mistake Cooper will never make again! We got lucky on our trip and saw tons of dolphins, plus a gray whale and her calf! Rarely is there a time when you don’t encounter something in the water! The staff was incredibly friendly and made the journey memorable.

The Rusty Pelican

Another perk of the off-season is the dining situation. We were able to walk right into some of the best restaurants in the area without a reservation and be seated immediately. One of our favorite meals was from The Rusty Pelican in Newport Beach. The sea bass and swordfish were delicious beyond belief. Going at sunset provided quite the view!

San Diego Zoo

A failed attempt to go to Disneyland for my first time resulted in Plan B. I am a big fan of zoos, and this one did not disappoint. Consistently voted one of the top in the nation, the San Diego Zoo transported you to the land of each exhibit with themed walkways and trails. Most of the animals were awake! We ended the day with a walk around Coronado Island.

local experiences

Plan Your Kansas City Staycation

See | One of my favorite museums in the city. It has the best view for the perfect photo op!

Snack | Chow down at classic spots and hidden gems. My favorites are Chef J, Slaps BBQ, Buck Tui BBQ, Jack Stack Freight House, and Scott’s Kitchen & Catering!

Sip | Enjoy delicious wine, cider, and slushies at KC Wine Co. in Olathe with live music and food trucks on the weekends.

Stay | Book a boutique hotel stay at The Fontaine, Hotel Kansas City, Loews Hotel or The Aida. Each is in a prime location for food and activities.

Sports  | Catch a game with the best sports fanatics. The new women’s KC Current stadium is a must see!

I’ve always loved traveling, trying new food, and documenting events. After moving back to Kansas City after college, I decided to start showcasing all the city had to offer on social media. I love supporting its sporting events, discovering the hidden gems, and enjoying longtime local favorites. It’s been so fun to watch the city grow and gain more attention!

ARTICLE BY VICTORIA

Country Paradise A Little Slice of Kansas

| PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

BOOK YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY AT KANSAS’ COUNTRY WINERY RESORT - ISINGLASS ESTATE

When the city feels claustrophobic and the mundane days start to weigh heavy, a change of pace is in order. Thankfully in Kansas City, you are never too far from a beautiful piece of Kansas country paradise. Straight south on 69 Highway in LaCygne, Kansas, is quite the unique venue that screams weekend getaway.

Isinglass Estate boasts more than 600 acres in southern Miami County and is in no shortage of adventure. Whether you book a stay or only stay for a little while, its charm and amenities are sure to delight adults and children alike.

WINERY

Perhaps one of the greatest draws to the property is the award-winning winery and tasting room. Every year since 2019, Isinglass Estate has been voted Miami County’s Best Winery, and the recent opening of its tasting room has certainly contributed to a rise in Isinglass’ popularity. The building seats over 300 people and features tons of gorgeous, comfortable indoor and outdoor seating, overlooking water and the polo field. Complete with a full bar and restaurant, spending many hours at Isinglass will not be difficult. Sip on a flight of wine or bourbon, and order the kids a tasty flavored milk flight.

Another unique aspect of the estate is the amount of vineyard growth they produce every year. Isinglass manages nearly 40 acres of planted vines, and grows more than a dozen varietals. Their oldest vines are more than 20 years old with hundreds of new plants added every year. Each harvest averages 75,000 pounds, which produces 3,000 cases of wine each year. All of the steps in the winemaking process are managed onsite for an authentic Kansas Estate Wine experience.

WAGONS

Accommodations are another specialty of Isinglass Estate. Among multiple options for overnight stays are their covered wagons. Each of the three wagons comes built with heating and air conditioning, a full bathroom, a king-sized bed, a sitting area with TV, coffee center, and a mini-fridge. Outside of the wagon itself, you have access to a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen and dining area next to your own private fire pit overlooking the polo field and vineyards. Multiple guest houses are available for larger groups wanting to get away.

POLO

Multiple references to polo have been scattered throughout this article so far. Yes, polo! A 13-acre field hosts regular polo matches, an addition still in its infant stages but one of the first of its kind in Kansas.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Designed with horseback riding in mind, Isinglass provides visitors with a different way to tour the grounds. Tack on a ride to your stay or make a horseback experience the main attraction for an afternoon. Saddle up with an instructor and prepare for a relaxing adventure through the vineyard and around the property.

Explore all of these amenities and book your reservations online through isinglass-estate.com/

Review

Mission Hills City Lifestyle is like an old friend stopping by to give me an update on places and local events

The pages are smooth and pleasant to touch I read Mission Hills City Lifestyle in my quiet moments to ignite in myself a way to flow with change and appreciate my life

Judith Bader Jones

Scan to read the full review

BRIDAL-PROM-PAGEANT-GALA SINCE 1973

LOCATED IN THE TOWN CENTER PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER 4809 W 117TH STREET LEAWOOD, KANSAS BY APPOINTMENT

913 469 0888 WWW NATALIEM 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, 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.

ADVENTUROUS GETAWAY OR A SERENE ESCAPE

“Resort experiences include horseback riding, skeet shooting, archery, guided ATV tours, fishing, kayaking and more.”

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-to-table 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 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

KOOB S T O TAKEYOU AWAY

I ASKED MY EXPAT AND TRAVEL-SAVVY FRIENDS TO RECOMMEND BOOKS TO TAKE ME FAR AWAY. HERE YOU GO!

ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS

Blue Latitudes

BY TONY HORWITZ

Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before. The Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist travels to various parts of the world, following in the footsteps of explorer James Cook.

The Island of Missing Trees

BY ELIF SHAFAIT

It is 1974 on the island of Cyprus. Two teenagers, from opposite sides of a divided land, meet at a tavern in the city they both call home. The tavern is the only place that Kostas, who is Greek and Christian, and Defne, who is Turkish and Muslim, can meet, in secret, hidden beneath the blackened beams from which hang garlands of garlic, chili peppers and wild herbs. This is where one can find the best food in town, the best music, the best wine. But there is something else to the place: it makes one forget, even if for just a few hours, the world outside and its immoderate sorrows.

The Corfu Trilogy

BY GERALD DURRELL

Three classic tales of childhood on an island paradise -  My Family and Other Animals, Birds, Beasts and Relatives and The

Garden of the Gods by Gerald Durrell - are available in a single edition for the first time in The Corfu Trilogy

Just before the Second World War the Durrell family decamped to the glorious, sun-soaked island of Corfu, where the youngest of the four children, ten-year-old Gerald, discovered his passion for animals: toads and tortoises, bats and butterflies, scorpions and octopuses. Through glorious silver-green olive groves and across brilliant-white beaches Gerry pursued his obsession . . . causing hilarity and mayhem in his ever-tolerant family.

Cutting for Stone

BY ABRAHAM VERGHESE

Cutting for Stone is a novel written by Ethiopian-born, Indian-American medical doctor and author Abraham Verghese. It is a saga of twin brothers, orphaned by their mother’s death at their births and forsaken by their father.

The Museum of Innocence

BY ORHAN PAMUK

The author is a Nobel-laureate Turkish novelist. The book, set in Istanbul between 1975 and 1984, is an account of the love story between the wealthy businessman Kemal and a poorer distant relative of his, Füsun.

RO A D CHOW

A FUN AND CREATIVE TRAVEL SNACK GUARANTEED TO SATISFY EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY.

ARTICLE BY PAULI REEP

Planning to load up the family truckster and head out on an adventure? This easy-to-pack and satisfying snack is a great way to keep growling tummies quiet while you’re behind the wheel. Grab the kids, prepare it together, and try not to eat them all before you hit the road!

DIRECTIONS:

1/ Preheat oven to 325°F. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups quick oats

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup peanut butter

• 1/4 cup honey

• 1/3 cup apple butter

• 1 large banana, mashed (1/2 cup)

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup pepitas

• 1/2 cup raisins

2/ Combine all the ingredients into a large bowl of a stand mixer (or hand mixer). Mix until all the ingredients are combined and the dough is thick and heavy.

3/ Portion 1/4 cup mounds of cookie dough onto prepared cookie sheets. Use the back of a spoon to slightly flatten out into a cookie shape. (The cookies will not spread in the oven.)

4/ Bake for 16-18 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Cool cookies on the baking sheets for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.

5/ Cover leftover cookies and store at room temperature for up to 5 days or 10 days in the fridge.

ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK

vacation VIBES

THESE EXOTIC COCKTAILS WILL TRANSPORT YOU TO PARADISE

Vacation time is just around the corner. We are dreaming of sitting on a secluded beach, sipping exotic cocktails with umbrellas in them. But why wait till vacation to enjoy a fun cocktail? These two easy and refreshing classics will instantly transport you to paradise.

Piña Colada

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 oz cream of coconut

• 2 oz light rum

• 3 oz pineapple juice

• Juice of ½ lime

• 1/2 cup frozen pineapple

• 1/2 cup ice

• Pineapple wedge for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Blend frozen pineapple and ice for a couple of seconds. Add in the liquid ingredients and blend until smooth. (To make thicker, add ice. Add pineapple juice if too thick.) Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Bay Breeze

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 oz vodka

• 3 oz cranberry juice

• 2 oz pineapple juice

• Pineapple wedge & maraschino cherry for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put desired amount of ice in glass, add vodka and pineapple juice. Top with cranberry juice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry and umbrella (of course).

JULY 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

JULY 3RD

The Mission’s Old Fashioned Picnic

Shawnee Indian Mission | 6:00 PM

Join the Shawnee Indian Mission for a spectacular picnic and one of Johnson County’s biggest fireworks display! Bring your family and friends to relax, celebrate, and create lasting memories under the stars. Celebrate in style with your own reserved table and/or an old-fashioned picnic before the display begins. Learn more about reservations and events by visiting shawneeindianmission.org/picnic/

JULY 4TH

VillageFest

Prairie Village Community Center | 7:30 AM

Join your friends and neighbors for a day of patriotism as Prairie Village hosts its annual 4th of July celebration! Come hungry for a pancake breakfast and stay for a free swim. VillageFest is once again poised to be a fantastic event for the entire family. Visit pvkansas.com/ for an updated schedule and list of events.

JULY 5TH

Whiskey Tasting and Leather Craft

Madison Flitch | 5:00 PM

Indulge in an evening of fine tastes at leather goods studio Madison Flitch in the heart of Kansas City’s arts district. Sip on a selection of rich whiskies while crafting your own set of leather coasters. Tickets begin at $60 online through Eventbrite. Other dates are available throughout the summer.

JULY 9TH — 14TH

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Starlight | 8:00 PM

One of the most beloved Disney classics is taking the Starlight stage! As a part of the AdventHealth Broadway Series, sing and dance along to the irresistibly catchy tunes of “The Little Mermaid,” beginning July 9 through July 14. Purchase tickets and browse other shows online through Starlight’s website: tickets.kcstarlight.com/

JULY 18TH — AUGUST 4TH

Festival of Butterflies 2024

Powell Gardens | 9:00 AM

Nature’s beauties are back for the 2024 Festival of Butterflies in Powell Gardens! Each week, learn more about butterflies from around the world in an outdoor excursion throughout the grounds. A trip to the Native Butterfly Habitat and playground will leave kids mesmerized. On Saturdays, visit for Festival Nights to encounter butterflies of different cultures. Admission is listed online: powellgardens.org/

JULY 27TH

Boozy Book Fair

The Gilded Page | 5:00 PM

Childhood dreams mixed with adult preferences, Kansas City’s Boozy Book Fair is a twist on your childhood Scholastic Book days. For those who are intrigued by an evening of books and beverages, a $50 ticket to this 21+ event earns entrance into the fair and access to the beer and wine bar. Learn more and purchase online on simpletix.com/