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April 2023 PUBLISHER

Jeron Traphagan | jeron.traphagan@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

Explore your backyard

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Honestly, there’s nothing like a Midwestern winter that makes me want to get the heck out of town. But turn on spring and I can be in love with Kansas City again, with its blooming dogwood and vibrant pink redbud trees. While I’ve always been a lover of autumn, as I get older, I fall more and more in love with spring and appreciate the beauty of the season. And it’s an especially great time of year to get out and start exploring — so it's perfect timing for the theme of this month’s magazine: explore! Lately, I’m on an especially big “Midwestern pride” kick. Our family has lived in many places, but we chose Kansas City as our home for a reason. And while, yes, sometimes I want a vacation that takes me to a coastal beach, I’m especially appreciative of the internet for introducing me to adventurous people like the folks who wrote for this month’s magazine, reminding me of the awesome places right in our backyard. This month, Amy Eastin, who runs the Instagram and TikTok account @everydayoutdoorfamily, put together a great guide to hikes around Kansas City. I’ve been obsessed with her account for about a year now, ever since we connected when I worked on our forest school story piece last year. Her social media accounts are the first place I go to when it’s a sunny day outside and I need to get my kids out of the house. Definitely give her a follow if you haven’t already! Diana Lambdin Meyer is my go-to travel writer, and I was super excited to hear that she’s updating her Day Trips from Kansas City book, which she gives us a sneak peek into in her article this month. She’s incredibly well-traveled, so I know if she raves about a town to go to within day-trip driving distance, it’s worthy of a visit! Tiffany Killoren also wrote a fantastic round-up of historical gems that you’ve probably driven past a dozen times in the Northland. It’s amazing to think about how much history surrounds us every day. And Kasha Calia, who I connected with on Instagram, has a personal mission to visit a park a week with her two boys — she’s been to over 70! – and she shares some of her favorites in our “Local Experiences” section this month. If you’re short on places to explore this month — well, needless to say, we’ve got you covered. Isn’t it great that you don’t even have to leave Kansas City to have an adventure? Until next month, K AT I E C U R R I D, E D I TO R @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/NORTHL AND |

Allison Swan | allison.swan@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S

Kasha Calia, Katie Currid, Amy Eastin, Tiffany Killoren, Diana Lambdin Meyer CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

Kasha Calia, Katie Currid, Amy Eastin, Bruce N. Meyer, Hannah Schreiner

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Northland City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Northland area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Northland City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

When you’re healthy, everyone benefits. Liberty Hospital Women’s Health You’re always there for others, so we’re here for you with convenient care that fits your unique lifestyle and health needs. Through our comprehensive women’s health services, we deliver a premier patient experience across every age and phase of life. We know how vital you are to those around you, and we’re proud to be your partner for a lifetime of good health. libertyhospital.org/womenshealth

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Primary Care • OB/GYN • The Birthing Center • Genetic Counseling Breast Care • Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery • Heart Care Pelvic Floor Therapy

APRIL 2023

inside the issue The Explore Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Hidden Treasures

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Local Experiences

Locally Sourced T R AV EL

Off Road T R AV EL

Road Trip T R AV EL

Travel Journal T R AV EL

Events

A look at historical gems of the Northland

22 Take A Hike

Favorite hiking trails for families in the Northland

28 Quick, Getaway!

A guide to day trips from Kansas City

34 Tiptoe Through the Tulips Ring in spring with fields of colorful flowers

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Katie Currid Selma Quade, 1, walks through rows of tulips at The Fun Farm in Kearney during the tulip festival.

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APRIL 2023

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

JILL DONALD

KRISTY WATSON

JILL DONALD

KRISTY WATSON KRISTY WATSON

JILL DONALD

KRISTY WATSON

1: The Smithville Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2nd Annual Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil. 2: Participants attend the Smithville Chamber of Commerce's Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil at the American Legion. 3: The All Stars Band performs during the Fat Tuesday Crawfish Boil at the Smithville American Legion. 4: Women participate in the Let's Wine About Winter event in downtown Liberty on Feb. 18. 5: Event participants walk around historic downtown Liberty during the Let's Wine About Winter event. 6: Women show off their wine glasses during the Let's Wine About Winter event in downtown Liberty. 7: Wine is poured during the Let's Wine About Winter event in downtown Liberty Feb. 18.

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C I T Y SC E N E

We’ll make the plans; You’ll make the memories! Our advisors take the dreams and wish lists of travelers to curate unique packages based on their priorities. Find out why this award-winning company is the best in town and don’t miss out on your own magical vacation. Contact us in the month of March as we’re celebrating with all of our loyal clients. Now is the perfect time to plan towards your summer, fall and holiday memories!

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APRIL 2023

business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Park University Appoints Dori Woodruff

Join in on the fun during storytime at NKCPL

Park University has appointed Dorice “Dori” Woodruff to serve as senior director of human resources and as the University’s first chief officer of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. In those roles, Woodruff will maintain responsibility for all functions of the University’s Office of Human Resources, including recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, professional development, benefits administration and compliance with laws and regulations. In addition, Woodruff will oversee Park’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging strategies and initiatives.

Join us on Tuesdays @ 5:30 p.m. and Wednesdays @ 10 a.m. for pre-k storytime at the North Kansas City Public Library! These sessions include read-aloud stories, songs/ movement, and a super-simple craft/ activity. If you want, plan to stay after for stay-and-play time with LEGOS/ Duplos. Interested in sensory playtimes? Join us twice monthly on Friday mornings for sensory-oriented play sessions geared toward neuro-diverse, pre-k-aged kiddos. Find more information at nkcpl.org

Spring Parade of Homes Returns April 29 Through May 14 The Spring Parade of Homes returns to Kansas City April 29 through May 14. Sponsored by Mike Bryant Heating & Cooling, the spring parade will feature hundreds of homes by some of the area’s finest builders. Homes will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is free. Free parade guides will be available for pickup at the KCHBA (I-435 & Holmes) and at all parade homes. For more information, please visit KCParadeofHomes.com.

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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

APRIL 2023

local experiences The best places and things to do in our area. KASHA CALIA

Keep your children wild — don’t let them grow up too fast. Let them spend their days in the sunshine using their imagination. May you always find time and remember the outdoor adventures you went on together. Even in the heart of Kansas City, there are core memories to be made and adventures to be had.

Our Picks to Choose Your Next Adventure E. H. YOUNG RIVERFRONT PARK: A beautiful, colorful, tree-covered destination playground with Missouri River views, concrete park trails with a story walk, and large grass areas for picnics and outdoor activities. 1001 Argosy Parkway, Riverside, Missouri 64150 ENGLEWOOD PARK: A recently remodeled enclosed, turf playground right on Zajic Lake. A great spot to fish! Featuring a concrete trail with nice scenery. NE Englewood Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64118 WESTBORO-CANTERBURY PARK: Great playground and shelter. Come here for the paved walking trails and creek system! Plenty of shade and spots for littles to explore the water. 1400 Canterbury Lane, Liberty, Missouri 64068 LIBERTY CITY PARK: A beautiful, enclosed, woodland-themed playground with versatile climbing equipment. There's an attached sprayground ideal for water and warm weather play! 970 Route 291, Liberty, Missouri 64068 ROPE PLAYGROUND AT ROANOKE PARK: A unique rope and nature-themed playground nestled right in wooded hills. Features concrete, scenic walking trails, and woods to explore. 3501 Madison Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64111

E.H. Young Riverfront Park

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Kasha Calia | @caliascaptivatingactivities I’m Kasha Calia! I’m a former teacher and current mom of two wonderful boys in the Northland. I’m adamant about finding outdoor adventures for our family. I decided we would visit a park a week. It gives us such joy and excitement that we’re continuing our park-a-week tradition this year! 70+ parks and our list is still growing! While being outdoors, traveling, and having new experiences are what drive my soul, I am also passionate about creating engaging opportunities for children to learn, create, explore, and have fun! I do this through sensory play, crafts, and activities. Follow @caliascaptivatingactivities for new ideas! I also sell children’s books. Check out my bookstore at https://j12966.paperpie.com

LOCA L E X P E R IE N C E S

Hidden

Trea sures A Look at Historical Gems of the Northland

ARTICLE BY TIFFANY KILLOREN PHOTOGRAPHY BY HANNAH SCHREINER

In the hustle and bustle of modern times, it’s easy to forget about what came before. Before phones. Before cars. Before the days of multi-tasking while juggling a laptop and coffee. These days, we could walk past a historical landmark without a glance upward, our attention too focused on the latest Tik Tok trend or cute puppy reel on Instagram. The truth is, history surrounds us in the Northland. You just need to know where to look.

St. Joseph

The Glore Psychiatric Museum might be a bit dark, but much of history is. If you have an interest in mental health treatment or simple curiosity about how far we’ve come, don’t underestimate the value of an afternoon strolling the hallways of a museum identified as one of the 50 Most Unusual Museums in the United States.

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We’ve come a long way in our understanding, sensitivity and compassion surrounding mental health, but back in 1874, a building called the Lunatic Asylum No. 2 was built just east of St. Joseph. Although the hospital itself relocated and changed names, a former employee pulled together artifacts and created an impressive collection that gives a snapshot into life for patients years ago, including a look at treatments, patient artwork (the framed collection of over 1,000 items removed from a patient’s stomach is a visitor favorite) and more. GLORE PSYCHIATRIC MUSEUM: 3406 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph (stjosephmuseum.org) OTHER MENTIONS: The Pony Express Museum, Jesse James Home Museum and Wyeth-Tootle Mansion

T O P : Glore Psychiatric Museum. Courtesy of the St. Joseph Museum R I G H T: O'Malley's Pub in Weston. Photo by Katie Currid L E F T: O’Malley’s Pub in Weston. Photo by Katie Currid

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Liberty

Imagine this. It’s a sunny day in 1866 and horses leisurely make their way down the streets of Liberty, a town settled over forty years prior. A small bank is open with only the clerk and his son present when a group of men on horses ride up and swiftly enter, demanding money in what would go down as the first daytime bank robbery during peaceful times. Leaving with their loot, a shot was fired, hitting an innocent college student and killing him in the street. Swing by the Jesse James Bank Museum and take a step back in time, the clock on the wall forever frozen in the time of the robbery. Who were the culprits? Well, they were never caught, but many believe it was the James gang, including Jesse’s brother, Frank. Some dispute it was the James gang at all. We’ll never really know. JESSE JAMES BANK MUSEUM: 103 N. Water St., Liberty (jessejamesmuseum.org) OTHER MENTIONS: Belvoir Winery, Liberty Jail

TOP: Historic Liberty Jail BOTTOM: Downtown Weston. Photo by Katie Currid.

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Weston

T O P : Jesse James Bank Museum R I G H T: Weston Brewing Company. Photo by Katie Currid B O T T O M : O’Malley’s Pub in Weston. Photo by Katie Currid

Founded in 1837, Weston was originally close to the since-shifted river that served as a port for steamboats and a marketplace for Fort Leavenworth. Although O’Malley’s pub doesn’t exactly qualify as a hidden gem given its popularity, the history behind the pub and Weston in general earns it a spot on this hidden gem list. Located over 50 feet underground, O’Malley’s is in a space originally used to store and chill beer from the Weston Brewery Company. With a tunnel that reportedly runs underground connecting the pub, original owner’s home (now a bed and breakfast) and the old brewery company (now the Inn at Weston Landing) to spare the owner having to walk outside in the cold, there’s more than meets the eye here. And, who can talk about a quiet little town from the 1830s without acknowledging the, um, longstanding residents. Weston ghost tours during the fall introduce you to the spookier side of the town’s history, a ghost apparently taking up residence at the St. George hotel and a soul still lingering from a man shot and left dead on the street. Fact or fiction? That’s up to you to decide. O’MALLEY PUB: 540 Welt Street, Weston (westonirish.com) OTHER MENTIONS: St. George Hotel, Weston Historical Museum

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Parkville

Close your eyes and you can almost hear the train slowing down for the station in Parkville, passengers getting off at the Parkville stop in the 1800s. That station, just down the hill from Park University, is now an art gallery where teller windows remain like windows into the past. Next to it is a fountain, the former location of the Missouri Valley Hotel, which served as a fort for the Federal government and Union forces. Paw Paw men (a local militia) were there in 1864 when Confederate and guerrilla soldiers entered Parkville. After forcing their way into the fort, the local soldiers surrendered. The next time you’re tossing the frisbee at English Landing Park, take a look at the fountain and train station on the north end and think for a moment about the feet that walked there before you. CATHY KLINE ART GALLERY: 8701 NW River Park Dr., Parkville (cathyklineartgallery.com) OTHER MENTIONS: Park University; Steamboat Arabia marker in English Landing Park

T O P : Parkville B O T T O M : Parkville O P P O S I T E PA G E : Weston Brewing Company. Photo by Katie Currid

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Leavenworth

We’re all intrigued by shows and movies that highlight the trials and tribulations of westward expansion in the 1800s. Tumbleweeds, the trenches left by wagon wheel tracks and towns with general stores and saloons with swinging doors have a certain mystique about them, but reality during this time was incredibly rough. Buffalo Soldiers was the name given to the 10th Calvary Regiment at Fort Leavenworth, African American soldiers who were instrumental in facilitating expansion west by protecting settlers, accompanying stagecoaches and building roads and forts along the way. A monument to the Buffalo Soldiers was dedicated in 1992 and resides in Fort Leavenworth today. BUFFALO SOLDIER MONUMENT: 290 Stimson Ave., Fort Leavenworth (visitleavenworthks.com) OTHER MENTIONS: Oregon and Sante Fe Trail markers, Chapel of the Veterans

T O P L E F T: Buffalo Soldier Monument. Photo courtesy of Visit Leavenworth. B O T T O M L E F T: Buffalo Soldier Monument. Photo courtesy of Visit Leavenworth. T O P R I G H T: Weston Brewing Company. Photo by Katie Currid B O T T O M R I G H T: Downtown Weston. Photo by Katie Currid.

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TAKE A HIKE FAVORITE HIKING TRAILS FOR FAMILIES IN THE NORTHLAND

Weston Bend State Park

Green Hills of Platte County

Our family prioritizes time outdoors and exploring nature because we have seen the impact it makes on our physical and mental health. Time in nature can help with depression, anxiety, and ADHD. For children, it can help them learn about self-regulations, boundaries, increase core and hand strength, encourage creativity, and more. Our favorite thing to do outdoors is to go hiking. Hiking helps me and my kids bond and create memories together. We always find new bugs, plants, and animals to talk about. If you’re considering hiking with your kids or grandkids these are some great places to explore together.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY EASTIN

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Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

Hodge Park

F A M I LY - F R I E N D LY T R A I L S N O T T O M I S S :

H I D D E N VA L L E Y: 4 0 2 9 N B E L L A I R E AV E N U E , K A N S A S C I T Y This 3.2 mile loop trail starts across the street from the park and has a paved loop, and disc golf course. This is also a mountain biking course. S TO C KS DA LE PA R K : 9 0 1 S . L A F R E N Z R D, LI B E RT Y This park has six miles of paved and unpaved trails for hiking and biking, a playground, dog park, and disc golf course. M A P L E W O O D S N AT U R A L A R E A : 2 6 1 7 N E 7 6 T H S T , G L A D S T O N E This one-mile trail has a creek, big rocks kids love to climb on, tons of paw paw trees, and great fall foliage.

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Line Creek

Weston Bend State Park

H O D G E PA R K A N D S H OA L C R E E K LI V I N G H I STO RY M U S E U M

SHOAL CRE E K LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM: 7000 NORTHE A ST BARRY ROAD, K ANSA S CIT Y HODGE PARK: 58 NE REINKING RD, K ANSAS CITY Hodge Park has a playground, baseball fields, a geocache, paved biking and mountain biking trails that connect to Shoal Creek Living History Museum. The Shoal Creek Living History Museum is an old village comprised of buildings from the 1800’s. They hold historical and holiday-based events once a month from April to December. MARTHA LAFITE NATURE SANCTUARY: 407 N LA FRENZ RD, LIBERTY This nature sanctuary has a building with animals and easy loop trails for kids. They have a great creek for kids to play in. They hold events for families to learn about nature and host summer camps and have affordable, fun birthday party options for kids. PARK VILLE NATURE SANCTUARY: 100 E 12 ST, PARK VILLE These unpaved trails are pretty easy to hike and fun to explore. Follow the Old Kate Trail for the waterfall or the Blue Bird Trail for some natural play areas. The trails all intersect and loop back to the entrance and usually range between 1-3 miles.

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GREEN HILLS OF PLATTE WILDLIFE PRESERVE: 4730 N GREEN HILLS RD, PARKVILLE Green Hills of Platte has a few miles of trails to explore. Follow the gravel path to the top of the hill to discover a boardwalk and stepping stones. Or you can take the mulch trail to an outdoor classroom. This area has different fauna than you see on most trails in our area, making it unique.

" H I K I N G H E LP S M E AND MY KIDS BOND A N D C R E ATE M E M O R I E S T O G E TH E R ."

WESTON BEND STATE PARK:16600 MO -45, WESTON The Harpst Trail at Weston Bend State Park is .7 miles long and features a lookout of the Missouri River. My kids love the bluffs on this trail, although this may not be the best trail for new walkers due to some steep drops. The State Park has historical tobacco barns, camping, playgrounds, a paved biking trail, and miles of hiking trails. LINE CREEK: 5940 NW WAUKOMIS DR, KANSAS CITY This paved 8.4 mile trail is great for walking or biking. If you start from the trailhead down the hill from the Line Creek Community center and take a left, you will pass a waterfall. This is a great wading spot for kids. The Kansas City Northern Railroad is also at this trailhead. Kids love riding this mini train and parents love it because it is only .75 cents a ride (cash or check). WATKINS WOOLEN MILL STATE PARK: 26600 PARK ROAD NORTH, LAWSON This state park has a 3.8-mile paved hiking or biking trail around a lake. If you take the trail, look for wooden stairs, which will take you to a small waterfall. You can also hike to some historical buildings from the Visitor’s Center. Watkins Mills allows boating and has a beach and campsites as well. Be sure to stop in Kearney beforehand or afterward for lunch or dinner and lots of cute local shops. For more tips on getting outdoors with kids and outdoor locations in Kansas City and the Midwest follow @everdayoutdoorfamily on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. Green Hills of Platte County

Weston Bend State Park

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Quilt Barn Trail

A guide to day trips from Kansas City

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QUICK, GETAWAY! ARTICLE BY DIANA LAMBDIN MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRUCE N. MEYER

As a Northlander, I’m proud of where I live and seek out opportunities to celebrate our wonderful communities. But while working on the first update of the book Day Trips from Kansas City™ in a decade, I faced a conundrum. Is Parkville really a day trip from Kansas City? Is Liberty? Or Smithville? The first Day Trips from Kansas City™ was created in 1980 by the late Shifra Stein. A single mom, Shifra didn’t have the resources to take her son on vacation, so each weekend, she pulled out a map of the two-state area. Drawing a big circle within a two-hour drive of their midtown home, he chose a place to explore. That was the birth of Day Trips from Kansas City.™ When I met Shifra in 1995, she thought Day Trips needed some fresh energy, so asked me to update it as a ghostwriter. We had just finished the 15th edition when Shifra died in May 2008. A few years later, I timidly updated Day Trips on my own but had full confidence that Shifra would return from the grave if she didn’t like my edits. This, the 17th edition, is the first time I made any significant changes. I cut and re-arranged. I added Plattsburg, Gallatin and Hamilton. And LeCompton and Humbolt Kansas. And Warsaw and Osceola.

But I did not cut Parkville. Or Weston. Or Smithville. Or Liberty. I hope you agree with my choices and enjoy this preview. Day Trips from Kansas City™ is available now for preorder on Amazon and in local stores by June 1. Grab a copy and explore.

FROM ROCHEPORT, MO Lookout Farm: 13601 W. Highway BB; (573) 821-6699; lavenderlookout.com One of just a handful of lavender farms in Missouri, this one comes with five varieties of lavender. Operated by sisters Kelly and Kimi, they encourage you to plan your visit in June because that’s when the lavender is in bloom. Located on a bluff overlooking the lavender fields, this is a spectacular setting for Mother Nature to show off her good stuff. It’s a great place for family or engagement photos.

FROM CALIFORNIA, MO Finke Opera House: 315 High St.; (573) 690-9363; finketheatre.com Built in 1885, the Finke is one of several such buildings in Missouri designed by J.B. Leff, a well-known St. Louis architect of the time. Like most old buildings in small towns, it went from elaborate opera and vaudeville performances to movie theater and then decay as it was boarded up in the CONTINUED > AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

Plattsburg, Missouri

Chicken Mary's in Pittsburg, Kansas

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early 1980s. But locals banded together to save many of California’s old buildings. Now the 275-seat theatre is once again filled with an enthusiastic audience for community theatre, musical performances and special events. The Silos at Prairie Vale Farm: 29300 MO-127; (573) 280-3947; thesilosatprairievale.com Located just south and halfway between Knob Noster and Sedalia is an opportunity to spend the night in a grain silo. Wendy and Doug Needy own Prairie Vale Farm, which is home to a wide variety of farm animals, eight grain silos and four teenage daughters who were frustrated because each didn’t have their own room. So they turned one of the grain silos into a bedroom for her, complete with a kitchen, bath and air conditioning. After the daughters went to college, Doug and Wendy converted another grain silo to a somewhat ritzier experience, added fire rings, yard games and a hammock outside, and opened this unusual bed and breakfast.

FROM COUNCIL GROVE, KS Alexander Artworks: 923 W. Main St.; (620) 767-5153; a2wks.com From delicate stained glass to rugged steel signs and life-size silhouettes, Bob and Christy Alexander are bringing a fresh approach to creativity and entrepreneurship to central Kansas. In addition to creating some cool items for sale in their retail shop, they also teach stained glass and metal art classes. If you’re looking for the best cup of coffee in Council Grove, word is it’s available inside the Watts Coffee Co. Lockheed Electra in Atchison, Kansas

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Chillicothe, Missouri

FROM COTTONWOOD FALLS, KS Chef Stan’s Place or The Little Restaurant on the Prairie: 225 Church St.; Strong City; (213) 400-4559 Located in an old one-room schoolhouse/church, built in 1905, Chef Stan Lerner has turned this very simple location into the most adorable little restaurant. He’s known for his Mediterranean-style quiche, soups and salads, but he also has a pulled chicken sandwich and egg salad sandwich served on prairie bread that’s quite interesting. Ask about the history of magic cookie bars. And try the lemon tarts. You’ll thank me.

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TIPTOE THROUGH THE TULIPS Ring in spring with fields of colorful flowers

To me, tulips are the trumpeters of spring. While they are surely not the first flowers to rise from the ground, sometimes while it is still snow-covered, their bright colors and strong petals really seem to signify that winter is behind us. As the cold, bitter days are fewer and fewer and the sun starts to shine on our faces again, we can frolic through the tulips now that spring is here. Last year, The Fun Farm in Kearney held its first tulip festival. I was ecstatic and bought pre-order tickets (something I’m usually too wishy-washy to do) and could not wait to take my kids. I spent a few years overseas in Europe and was lucky enough to visit the

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATIE CURRID

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Netherlands in the spring during their tulip festival, which features hundreds of acres of tulips. It was so fun to traipse through the muddy grounds in Kearney and see all the beautiful, meticulously-planted, multicolored tulips surrounding the farm’s windmill. It lacked Dutch cheese, but it was fun nonetheless. The Fun Farm will hold its tulip festival again this year as their farm branches out from being simply a pumpkin patch to a place you can enjoy in other seasons. They’ve tentatively set the start of the Tulip Festival for April 6, and you can subscribe for notifications on their website at funfarmpumpkinpatch.com. If you’re wanting to get a little more in the Dutch spirit as you celebrate the harbinger of spring, you can also take a trip to Pella, Iowa, about a 3.5-hour drive north from Kansas City. The city has held its Tulip Time festival every year since 1935, and it features parades, dancing, live music, food vendors, a celebration of Dutch heritage and, of course, tulips. The festival is free to attend, though they do have certain sections that require tickets. The Tulip Time festival is always the first Thursday, Friday and Saturday of May, so this year it is May 4-6. If you’re unable to attend, you can at least check out their “tulip cam” for a live stream of the blooms. You can find more information at pellahistorical.org.

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Pella, Iowa

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APRIL 2023

events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

A P RIL 8T H

Boneanza

WAG G IN ' TRAIL DOG PAR K, 4 3 2 E 32ND AV E NUE NO RT H K A NSAS C I T Y | 1 :0 0 P M Dogs and their human will get to enjoy an Easter egg hunt with treats and prizes for both large and small breeds, a photo op, the cutest spring costume contest, and raffle prizes. A goodie bag and admission are received with the suggested $5 donation or pet care products. All proceeds are shared with NKC Animal Control.

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Meet the Easter Bunny

POCKET PAR K IN PAR KVILLE | 1 1 :0 0 A M Visit the Easter Bunny and get a free photo at 110 Main Street in Parkville.

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Girls' Night Out

H ISTORIC DOW N TOWN LIBERTY | 5 :0 0 P M Shops are open late in downtown historic Liberty – you can shop until 8 p.m.! Join in on a night filled with shopping and treats. Enter your name at participating shops for a chance to win $100+ in gift cards.

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Parkville MicroBrew Fest 2023

E NG LIS H LAN DIN G PARK | 1:00 P M Parkville Microbrew Fest is one of KC’s largest beer festivals with live music, handcrafted ales from 75+ breweries, and great food in beautiful English Landing Park.

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Jazz Goes Hollywood Auction

ARG OSY CAS IN O HOTEL & S PA | 5 :30 P M Reserve your place at Northland Shepherd’s Center’s gala fundraiser to support enrichment programs and vital services for older adults living in the Northland. Enjoy dinner, silent and vocal auctions, and entertainment by SuperEasy. Join in the fun with Tony Stevens, emcee, and Rick Easley, auctioneer. Tickets are $110 per person. To purchase tickets, visit northlandsc.org or call 816-452-4536.

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TWA Museum Hangar Dance

SI G N ATURE FLIG HT S UPPORT H A NGA R AT 1 0 R I C H A R DS R OA D | 5 :30 P M You are cordially invited to attend a 1940s USO-style hangar dance to benefit the TWA Museum. The event features dance performances, a cash bar, and vintage 1940s attire and TWA uniforms are welcome (or come as you are). Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Call 816-234-1011 for tickets or email twamuseum@gmail.com.

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TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES FOR OVER 34 YEARS

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1987 1 5 3 3 5 K N I G H TO N AV E N U E P L AT T E C I T Y, M O 6 4 0 7 9 8 1 6 - 8 5 8 - 2 7 2 7 / / W W W. P L AT T E C I T Y C A R P E T. C O M

Custom Homes

Historic Renovations

Home Additions

Designing the Northland for over 12 years! a3garchitects.com / 816.581.6333 / 110 N. Main Street, Liberty AP R I L 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/NO RT HL A N D

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APR IL 22ND

Bigfoot Search

H I STO R I C DOWNTOWN WE STO N | 1 0 :0 0 A M He’s back! Bring the family for the 2nd Annual Weston Bigfoot Search. Tickets/search licenses are available at westonmo.com, the Chamber of Commerce, or Beverlin’s Statuary. Adults are $5 and kids under 12 are free. Bigfoot specials and excitement are all around town. APR IL 28TH

NFL Draft Weekend

BASSWOOD RESORT | 12:00 PM Join us as we watch the draft and cheer for our favorite teams from April 28-30! Try your luck at kicking a field goal during our mini training camp.

Come into Pepper’s to see our Salt Water Spas from Caldera Salt Water Tubs on Sale.

$400 off select in stock Caldera Spas. 6289 N. Oak Trafficway Kansas City MO 64118 816-216-1942

APR IL 29 TH

Parkville Farmer's Market Opening Day

ENGLISH LANDING PARK | 7:00 AM It's farmer's market season again! Visit Parkville's farmer's market opening day for fresh produce and locally-grown goods. The Parkville Farmer's Market is every Saturday from 7 a.m. - noon through the end of October. APR IL 3 0 TH

Gatsby Days

DOWNTOWN E XC E L S I O R S P R I NG S | 1 :0 0 P M Gatsby Days is a celebration that explores the culture and history of the early 20th century through street artists, demonstrations, live music, original poetry, vintage cars, fashion and more. Activities planned include bank robbery reenactments, poetry readings, a jazz band performance, a talent show, face painting, a caricature artist, art show, escape room games, window decorations, and a fashion walk!

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MAY 5TH

Alice in Wonderland Weekend

Committed to Excellence for 75 years! For over 75 years, Oakhill Day School has provided the Kansas City Northland with student-first academic offerings that fit every family's needs. Experience firsthand the variety of options that Oakhill can provide for your family. Whether you need an early childhood program for your child's first years of school, well-rounded K-8 academics, or flexibility for your busy high school student, we will help you find YOUR perfect fit.

Academics from infancy to adulthood On-site learning & social-emotional support for students Dedicated teaching staff A close-knit community with a family feel

BASSWOOD RESORT | 12:00 PM From March 5-7, celebrate Alice in Wonderland at Basswood Resort. From a color fun run to finger painting to paint and sip, this weekend is all about bringing color to all kinds of canvases. Dress up for the Mad Hatter Tea Party.

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/oakhilldayschool

Tour one or both of our campuses located in the heart of Gladstone, Missouri. Learn more at oakhilldayschool.org/admissions | 816.436.6228 Oakhill Day School will seek diversity in its student body and welcome enrollment by students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, and any other characteristic protected under applicable law. It prohibits unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation on the basis of any protected category under applicable federal, state or local laws or ordinances, including but not limited to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), specifically, but not limited to, discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender or sex, race or ethnicity, ethnic group identification, ancestry, nationality, national origin, religion, color, mental or physical disability, age, or on the basis of a person’s association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics in Oakhill Day School’s educational programs or activities.

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