Northland, MO August 2023

A full-circle moment

Hello Northland!

I’m Brandy, the new publisher of Northland City Lifestyle and I am so excited to embark upon this new journey with you! I revel at any opportunity to share how the Northland has and is continuing to grow exponentially, and I care deeply about highlighting the stories about the people who live here. While I have huge shoes to fill after Jeron’s tenure, I know you’ll love what we’ve got in the works.

A little about me: I was born and raised in St. Louis, and became a Kansas City transplant in 2007 after I graduated from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I currently live in the Northland, near Liberty, with my sports-loving 8-year-old son, Jaxson.

While I’m young in age, I often feel like I’ve Iived nine lives. I’ve been a scientist, a professional cheerleader in the National Football League (How ‘bout those Chiefs!), and a realtor. I am a metastatic breast cancer thriver and my story was even shared in the May 2020 issue of this magazine. In an effort to inspire and assist Kansas City metropolitan breast cancer survivors, I also co-founded a breast cancer non-profit. Although life has thrown me a few curve balls, I pride myself on how I handle adversity with a smile and grace. I beam, knowing that I have many more years of opportunities and experiences ahead of me — which leads me to Northland City Lifestyle. This is a full-circle moment for me.

While my previous career path was public health, outreach, and education, my passion has always been community, curating and participating in memorable experiences, travel, fashion, and luxury. The core of it all is that I love being a connector. I thrive on my ability to engage, share and connect with others in the various realms of life. Over the years, I’ve navigated Kansas City, meeting amazing people and businesses, all while creating a life for myself in the city I choose to call home.

It’s nice to meet you, Northland readers. I’m excited to tell your stories and can’t wait to hear from all of you.

BRANDY REED, PUBLISHER @NORTHLANDCITYLIFESTYLE

August 2023

PUBLISHER

Brandy Reed | brandy.reed@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katie Currid | katie.currid@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Allison Swan | allison.swan@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Diana Lambdin-Meyer, Tiffany Killoren, Jordan Whitworth

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bruce N. Meyer, Hannah Schreiner, Jordan Whitworth

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Being the Northland’s premier provider of health and well-being is all about you – and giving you the best in everything we do.

From life-changing moments to uniquely personalized care, we believe good health is a comfort everyone can enjoy. That’s our commitment to you, delivered with excellence every day.

We are Liberty Hospital, and this is where health happens.

The premier patient experience you just won’t find anywhere else.

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K K 8 8

NKC School District Breaking Ground

North Kansas City School District broke ground on two new schools on June 21. The district officially began building the schools to replace Nashua Elementary and Crestview. With the two current schools being more than 70 years old, the new buildings will provide upgrades that enhance security, as well as adding better amenities! Dan Clemmens said the school district is growing rapidly and needs more classrooms to accommodate more students.

local experiences

Grab the kids, pack your bags and hit the town for some end-of-summer fun. Use our list for some family-friendly adventures that will do everything from raising your heart rate, excite the little ones, and create lasting memories together.

Our Picks for Family-Friendly Fun

POPCULTURE GOURMET POPCORN: Serving handcraft gourmet popcorn in dozens of flavors, including vegan, gluten-free, and dye-free options and hard scoop ice cream — an instant family favorite! 5827 Manor Ln, Parkville, MO

SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF PARADE OF HEARTS: Download the app, find a heart and drive to view the public art heart display that celebrates the city's diversity, unites communities and supports nonprofits. theparadeofhearts.com Various locations, Kansas City, MO

HISTORIC WESTON ORCHARD & VINEYARD: Explore seasonal U-pick fruit in the orchard, outdoor games, and delicious samples of donuts and wine in the spacious Cider Barn. 18545 County Road H, Weston, MO

CAMP BRANCH AND CROWS CREEK CAMPGROUND AT SMITHVILLE LAKE: Over 700 tent and RV sites are available with several including electrical hookups. A 9-hole disc golf course is located within Camp Branch Campground. 4801 Crow Creek Rd, Smithville, MO

JESSE JAMES BANK MUSEUM: Museum and historic bank where the nation’s first successful daytime peacetime robbery occurred in 1866. Souvenir keepsakes are available for purchase in the museum. 103 N Water Street, Liberty, MO

Scan for more photos and the full list.

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR Brandy Reed | @brandynatasha_

Hey! I’m Brandy, the new Northland City Lifestyle publisher, just poppin’ in to share a little about myself! As a metastatic breast cancer “thriver,” I am passionate about providing breast cancer outreach & education to the general public and resources to local breast cancer survivors. As a child, I grew a deep love for cheer and dance, but I’m also a lover of the arts. I enjoy attending sporting events and I’m more than likely the loudest cheerleader in the stands! From music concerts to celebrating milestones, visiting wineries, and traveling, you can keep up with me on Instagram where I capture my balance between mom life, entrepreneurship, health, fun, and family.

Bio

Ellison

The best places and things to do in our area.

REED

Every Dog Has Its Day — and Sometimes, a Museum

Plan your travel this summer around these famous local dogs

TOTO — DOROTHY’S FAITHFUL COMPANION

In a list of the world’s most famous dogs, Toto, the scrappy little Cairn terrier who started the journey to Oz by snapping at old Miss Gulch, surely tops the list. From stealing a hot dog from Professor Marvel to scratching at the Wicked Witch’s melted form, Toto steals hearts every time we see the movie.

It’s not necessary to fly in a tornado to the other side of the rainbow to create some special memories with Toto. Just zip west on I-70 to exit 328, and head north to Wamego.

Highway 99 is not a yellow brick road, just an ordinary state highway. Fans of L. Frank Baum’s masterpiece come

to Wamego because it is here in the Oz Museum that they find the world’s largest collection of  Wizard of Oz memorabilia.

The first weekend of October each year, the Oztober Festival usually includes a Dorothy and Toto lookalike contest along with Glenda the Good Witch roaming the streets of Wamego on the lookout for the Wicked Witch of the West. Relatives of the late L. Frank Baum usually come and read from his famous book at the Wizard of Oz Museum.

Whether you visit Wamego on Oct. 7 this year or any other time, one of the most adorable experiences is

finding all the colorful little Totos around town. It’s a basic public art project as you see in many communities, but this features 18 little black dogs.

Toto can be found playing baseball, reading a book, eating a ruby slipper and enjoying a lollipop from The Lollipop Guild.

The best place to eat for Toto fans is Toto’s TacOz at 515 Lincoln Avenue in Wamego. Besides yummy street tacos and other treats, the restaurant decor is somewhere over the rainbow. All of the characters who accompanied Toto in his adventure come to life in this bright and fun setting. Toto himself is eating tacos and your favorite souvenir of this get-away: Toto’s hot sauces. They are “toto-ly ozsome.”

visitwamego.com; 785-456-7849

OLD DRUM – MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Dog lovers know that their pooch is “man’s best friend.” It’s a phrase we’ve heard and echoed all our lives, but did you know that the namesake of Man’s Best Friend was an old hound dog from Warrensburg?

His name was Old Drum and he was a good hunting dog. But he was accused of killing sheep and a neighbor shot him.

That was in October 1869 and Old Drum’s owner, Charles Burden, took his neighbor Leonidas Hornsby to court. The closing argument addressed the relationship between a man and his dog, including the words “The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.”

So eloquent was that 380-word argument that not only did Old Drum’s owner win the case, but it was reprinted in newspapers across the country, thus instilling the three words “man’s best friend” into the cultural nomenclature of Western civilization.

In Warrensburg today, a statue of Old Drum graces the current Johnson County courthouse grounds, but the original courthouse still stands and is the site of the Old Drum Dog Fest each June. Often, the festival includes a reenactment of the trial.

The city has an Old Drum dog park in Cave Hollow Park on Gay Street. The city animal shelter is named for Old Drum and there’s a coffee shop named Old Drum.

“The Trial of Old Drum” released in 2000 stars Scott Bakula, Ron Perlman and Randy Travis. It’s not quite accurate to the time period and the movie dog is a beautiful golden retriever but the message is the same.

In 2017, the Missouri legislature designated Old Drum as the state’s official historical dog.

warrensburg-mo.com; 660-262-4611

JIM – THE WONDER DOG

In addition to the state’s official historical dog, Missouri also has an official wonder dog, as declared by the Missouri Legislature.

His name is Jim the Wonder Dog and he lived in Marshall. Jim was a Lewellen Setter, born in 1925. His owners were Sam and Pearl Van Arsdale who operated the Ruff Hotel in Marshall. Jim was said to be an

“The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him and the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his dog.”

excellent quail hunter, but he could also identify the difference between oak, hickory, elm and walnut trees.

He apparently picked the winner of the World Series and the Kentucky Derby, and he understood German, French and Spanish. He was capable of identifying colors, which is unusual because dogs are color blind. He was tested by researchers at the University of Missouri as well.

He was 12 years old when he died. He is buried at the Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall, but adjacent to the Jim the Wonder Dog Museum is a pleasant memorial garden with interesting details about Jim’s life and talents.

Although Jim was born in March, the city of Marshall chooses a more weather-friendly day in mid-May each year to celebrate Jim’s life and impact on the community. A doggie plunge at the Marshall Aquatic Center in August raises funds for the Jim the Wonder Dog Museum. jimthewonderdog.org ; 660-886-8300

In addition to the state’s official historical dog, Missouri also has an official wonder dog, as declared by the Missouri Legislature.

SEAMAN – THE EXPLORER

Although he only passed through the Kansas City area more than 200 years ago, he was certainly the most adorable of the explorers on the Lewis and Clark Expedition along the Missouri River.

That’s Seaman, the beautiful Newfoundland who walked every step of the journey to the Pacific Ocean and back. Journals from the expedition note that Seaman helped catch squirrels and deer

for the men to eat and warned the crew of approaching grizzly bears and charging buffalo.

Dozens of sculptures, murals and other art along the 3,700 mile National Historic Trail include Seaman in the image, thus underscoring his valued service in this epic journey. One sculpture is found overlooking the Missouri River in a park at 7th and Jefferson in downtown Kansas City.

SPLASH AROUND

are free! The season pass is definitely a good bang for your buck if you go more than once to either park.

Tiffany Springs Aquatic Center

9400 N Congress Avenue, Kansas City

Whether you’re team lazy river or water slide, there’s something for everyone! They also have toddler times during weekday mornings for little ones for just $5.

SPEND THE FINAL DAYS OF SUMMER IN THE WATER

There’s nothing that says summer more than spending the day in the water. Whether you’re on a float trip, want to cool off in a creek after a long hike or just need to spend the afternoon at the local splash pad, those peak, hot days of summer demand cooling off in the water. Sure, you could hide away all day in your climate-controlled house, but that’s what winter is for. Summer is for getting outside, and if you have to get outside, might as well give yourself a chance to cool off. Here are our favorite aquatic places in the area to take a dip.

SPLASH PADS & WATER PARKS

Rising Star Park

1009 2nd Street, Platte City

Brand new as of last year, this Platte City park has both a splash pad, playground, and a creek that your kids will love to play in.

Oceans of Fun

4545 Worlds of Fun Avenue, Kansas City

Is it truly a Kansas City summer without a trip to Oceans of Fun? Don’t forget — kids 5 and under

Gladstone Municipal Pool

7011 N Holmes Street, Gladstone

This zero-entry pool is perfect for little ones but has a water slide and water buckets to entertain older kids, too.

Liberty City Park

970 S 291 Highway, Liberty

This brand-new renovation features a standard playground and also a splash pad with a big ol’ bucket your kids will love to stand under.

Ruth Moore

401 N Grover Street, Liberty

This is a smaller splash pad in Liberty that is better for toddlers but has plenty of shade to keep you cooler for longer play.

Dagg Park

701 E 21st Avenue, North Kansas City

This playground/splash pad combo has plenty of shade and is also fenced in, so you can stress a bit less with littles running around.

Lions Park & Splash Pad

106 S Jefferson Street, Kearney

This new splash pad in Kearney has a similar design to Liberty’s City Park and also will keep your kids entertained – and soaked — for a while!

Smithville Splash Pad & Playground

19535 Corbyn Lane, Smithville

This small splash pad is fenced in and great for locals looking for some quick entertainment during long summer days.

Zona Rosa Central Park

7210 NW 86th Terrace, Kansas City, MO

This astro turf park and splash pad in the middle of Zona Rosa is a great stop between errands — as long as you brought your kids a change of clothes! The park is small but will keep your kids entertained for a while, and they have Thursday morning coffee meet-ups for families during the summer, too.

Line Creek Pool

5940 NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City

This zero-entry pool is small but inexpensive, with just a $4 entry (kids 2 and under are free).

Gorman Pool

1101 NE 47th Street, Kansas City

This 50-meter lap pool is also a $4 entry, and you can even rent it out for birthday parties!

Riverside Municipal Center

4498 NW High Drive, Riverside

This zero-entry pool is $3 to enter and your older kids can practice their jumps on the diving board.

Excelsior Springs Community Center

500 Tiger Drive, Excelsior Springs

This community center has an indoor pool and recently, an outdoor pool, so you can swim all year round.

CREEKS & LAKES

Line Creek

6060 NW Waukomis Drive, Kansas City

Whether you want to cool down after a bike ride or just take your kids to splash around, the entrance to the creek is just a short walk from the parking lot, and the shallow waters and wildlife will keep them entertained for the afternoon.

Watkins Mill State Park

26600 Park Road North, Lawson

While a bit of a drive, Watkins Mill is a great camping spot. Kids can play in a creek with access a short walk from the parking lot, or you can take them to swim in the lake with its sandy beach. You can also boat and fish.

Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

407 N La Frenz Road, Liberty

Your kids will love exploring wildlife at this nature sanctuary in Liberty. While it’s a bit of a walk to the creek, your kids will easily want to spend the afternoon looking for frogs and bugs in the water under the old train bridge.

Prairie Creek Greenway

16610 NW 130th Street, Platte City

This paved path in Platte City is perfect for biking, and not far into the trail is a creek with waterfalls that is a great spot for tired little travelers to play.

Smithville Lake

17201 Paradesian, Smithville

While a great place to boat and fish, you can also take your kids to the sand beach to splash around.

Lake Olathe

221 S Beaver Shelter Lane, Olathe, KS

While not in the Northland, Lake Olathe is worth a trip. It has a waterfall, pond and creek for kids to play in, as well as a splash pad and sand pit. Plus, older kids will love the actual lake, with its inflatable obstacle course. There’s great boating, fishing and biking in this large park, too.

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

100 E 12 Street, Parkville

This path is great to introduce kids to hiking and while it’s not my favorite creek for little ones, the waterfall is an impressive spot to stop and have a picnic.

Angel Falls Trail

900 Ida Street, Lansing, KS

This trail in Lansing is paved and great for biking, and it has a fun creek to play in under a bridge filled with tadpoles, frogs, and crawdads.

IT’S PEANUT BUTTER Jelly Time!

Summertime is busy time, and that often means eating on the go. Whether you’re at constant baseball games or meeting up for a regular play date, you’re probably bringing food along with you to feed your crew. And there’s no meal that’s as on-the-go friendly as the peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

And don’t get me wrong — I love a pb&j. But months of eating anything can get a little old, and this summer, I started to wonder if there was a way to zhuzh up the ol’ standby.

I was actually inspired by a sandwich at one of my favorite places to eat — Green Dirt Farm Creamery in Weston. The restaurant serves as a sort of tasting room for the farm, and all their sandwiches feature their in-house cheese. So color me surprised when I found that they had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on their menu — with the addition of their sheep’s cheese. And cue more surprise when I discovered that it was absolutely delicious.

All summer, I was craving this sandwich, the Fresh PB&J Sammy on sourdough. And while, yes, I stopped in for plenty of the Green Dirt version, I decided to try my own at home with what I had on hand, which was goat cheese. And it opened up a whole new world for me.

CONTINUED >

The pb&j with goat cheese started being my standard poolside sandwich this summer, and then I started talking to other people about it, spreading the gospel of the pb&j with cheese, and they would share their pb&j innovations with me. You could toast them! Put chips on them! Add bacon! The possibilities were endless.

The pb&j is so nostalgic and, yeah, sometimes, you just want a really basic one on white bread with grape jelly and creamy Jif like you had when you were a kid. But it’s also fun to be playful about it, which is nostalgic in its own way, too — being innovative and doing something a little weird or against the rules, just like when you were a kid.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS TO CHANGE UP YOUR PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH:

Change up your bread: One easy way to liven up your sandwich is to use different bread. That sourdough you may have learned to make during the pandemic is a perfect bread to use, or you could opt for milk bread, a Japanese option that is fluffier and sweeter than white bread.

Get nutty: While most toddlers would balk at crunchy peanut butter, you’re an adult! You can try new things! If you don’t have the crunchy type on hand, you can also just add peanuts between your layers of peanut butter and jelly to get that crunchy fix.

Toast it: One of my favorite ways to make an “elevated” pb&j is to simply toast it. It’s really similar to grilled cheese — make your pb&j, and then spread some butter on the outside on both sides. Melt some butter in a pan and add your sandwich, flipping once browned. If you want to get really fancy, sprinkle some powdered sugar on before you cut into it. I promise it will be your new late-night craving.

New spreads: You probably already have a go-to jelly for your pb&j (mine is strawberry), but change it up a bit and try raspberry or apricot. Honey is a great addition, too! I’ve also heard ginger or lemon preserves are great, or you could try swapping the peanut butter out for something different nut butter, or even something worldly like tahini, which is a ground sesame seed paste with a similar flavor to peanut butter.

Fresh fruit: This is probably the simplest way to up your pb&j game, since technically, you’ve already got fruit on your sandwich in the form of jelly. Try adding some smashed raspberries or cut strawberries to yours next time you make one!

Add some spice: Putting some spice on your pb&j can add some interest. Sambal, an Indonesian chili paste, is a good option because it lends itself to sweetness, or Sriracha is an easy one since it’s a common fridge staple. I’m also a big fan of gochujang, a mildly spicy Korean paste with a hint of sweetness. It’s best to mix your spice in with your peanut butter before spreading it — it’ll remind you of satay!

Chip in: Probably the wackier idea you’ll see here, and one a toddler would either love or abhor, but chips on sandwiches are a great way to add crunchiness and saltiness to any sandwich — especially the pb&j. Apparently, Channing Tatum loves to eat Cheetos on his pb&j, though I’ve had others tell me they love to add Doritos — both the Nacho and Cool Ranch variety — to theirs, too.

Say cheese: As I said above, you’ve gotta try cheese on your pb&j. I’m a fan of goat cheese, specifically the honey variety, but plain versions or those with dried fruit are great, too. The trick is to set it out for 15-20 minutes before making your sandwich to soften it a bit, so it’s easier to spread on delicate bread. Or you could pick up some sheep’s cheese at Green Dirt!

It’s bacon!: Bacon lends itself well to peanut butter because it’s also both sweet and salty. If you’re opposed to adding straight-up strips of bacon to your sandwich, a bacon jam, which you can buy or make at home, is a good stepping stone to getting out of your comfort zone.

You can toast them! Put chips on them! Add bacon! The possibilities are endless.

Animal House

MAPLE WOOD’S VET TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM EDUCATES, ENRICHES AND GIVES BACK

A sign greets you when you enter the Veterinary Technology building at the Metropolitan Community College’s Maple Woods campus. It’s a colorful sign on a door that speaks to the happiness that awaits those who enter - Mutt & Meow Adoption Lounge. Inside is a comfortable room with large, framed photos of dogs and cats and a garland of adopted animal snapshots strung cheerily across its walls. The animals all look happy, smiling into the camera with looks of joyful contentment because they’ve finally found their forever (or, can’t resist - furever ) homes.

The lounge is the last, joyful stop on a journey that the animals and veterinary technology students have traveled together. While some college students get assigned new lab partners as part of their curriculum, the students in this unique program are assigned a dog or cat on the first day of class. As that animal’s advocate, the students are responsible for the animal’s physical, medical, and social needs throughout the semester. They participate in the spay/neutering process, teeth cleaning, x-rays, and any additional care the animals might need. Most importantly, they are responsible for finding their new furry friends a home at the end of the term.

By offering such a hands-on approach to animal care, this program sets itself apart from others in the area.

“It really gives students a reason to be more vested in this program,” Natalie Short explains. And she should know — although she’s now the laboratory supervisor with the program, Natalie completed the veterinary technology program herself and understands the value that such hands-on training provides.

“Vet technicians are so much more than what people think,” she says.

Educating students in everything from monitoring anesthesia to performing x-rays, assisting in surgeries, and engaging in client education, the program is both tough and rewarding for those who complete it.

“It’s an extremely rigorous program,” Natalie says, proud of their 96%-98% board exam pass rate compared with the 70% national average. “We have students ranging from right out of high school to some in their sixties.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about the animals and providing them with the best care possible during their stay.

“It’s great for the animals involved,” she says. With indoor/outdoor dog runs and nearby trails and creeks, the animals have both their medical needs met with plenty of socialization and snuggles along the way. “This program is well-renowned in the community,” Natalie adds. “Not many programs have hands-on experience like this.”

Celebrating its 50th year in practice, the program at Maple Woods is so much more than an educational program. Started by Dr. Carole Maltby, the program is truly her legacy, one that grew from a small house nearby to the facilities that now welcome new students each August. One of Natalie’s instructors during her time there, she remembers Dr. Maltby’s passion and love for animals which is memorialized in a touching portrait of her with a beautiful horse in the facility’s entrance.

It’s clear that this program is a win-win for both the students and animals involved, both gaining what they need to move on to the next chapter of their lives. Whether hoping to specialize in small animal medicine or work with large animals someday, the program prepares students for all scenarios based on their rotating curriculum that includes the care of horses, cows, pigs, and goats in their nearby barn. In fact, Natalie has received some fun text updates from students currently working at the Kansas City Zoo.

The small class size (around 32 students begin each August) and cozy quarters with animals running around make for a closeknit group. “Students are super supportive and cohesive with one another,” Natalie says.

As for students’ duty to get the animals adopted at the end of the semester, Natalie describes the process as “bittersweet” because bonds have formed between students and their sweet little patients. Not surprisingly, Natalie estimates that around 80% of students end up adopting an animal, many taking in the one they cared for as part of the program.

And, because animals are full of surprises, the staff and students have faced their fair share along the way, including a dog whose belly was getting

“People don’t realize how much education goes into what we do.”

“Vet technicians are so much more than what people think,” Natalie says. “People don’t realize how much education goes into what we do.”

LOOKING TO ADOPT

AN ANIMAL IN NEED?

Check out MCC's Veterinary Technology’s Adoption Program, which will begin posting animals for adoption this fall semester. Keep in mind that adoption cannot officially occur until an animal's time with the program is complete, but you can always start the process and build a rapport with regular visits.

WANT TO HELP

IN OTHER WAYS?

Donations of enrichment items are always appreciated — things like peanut butter, toys, treats, etc.

a bit big from something other than treats. One can only imagine the excitement that came from an unexpected puppy litter, the adorableness of puppy adventures captured by one student in a TikTok video for everyone to love. These types of surprises are always fun because people from campus will swing by for a cuddle or two with the program’s newest enrollees.

Joan Gorman, Veterinary Technology Program Coordinator at Maple Woods, is also an alumnus of the program and focuses her time on making sure it has the

resources and support to grow to its full potential. “Our alumni are invested in this program,” she says, a point made clear by the presence of two nearby alumni volunteers in the office and class photos that line the hallway right outside.

As August hits and kids prepare to pile onto the school bus for a new semester, how fun to imagine the fourlegged friends getting ready for their semester at Maple Woods with a stop by the Mutt & Meow Adoption Lounge as part of their future graduation.

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

It’s Pool Season

EVERY SATURDAY

Historic Downtown Liberty Farmers' Market

HISTORIC LIBERTY SQUARE

AT 1 COURTHOUSE SQUARE, LIBERTY | 7:00 AM

Your Saturday morning tradition starts here!

Spend your Saturday mornings with us in the fresh air on the beautiful Historic Downtown Liberty square. Our Farmers' Market has a wide variety of fresh produce, flowers, plants, meat (beef, chicken, goat, pork), eggs, baked goods, local honey, handmade silver jewelry, jellies, soaps, spices, wood carved treasures, candles, and handmade crafts.

AUGUST 7TH

Jazz at the Garrison

THE CORBIN THEATRE AT 502 N. WATER ST. LIBERTY | 6:00 PM

Enjoy a night of relaxing jazz performed by local musicians on the first Monday of every month.

AUGUST 12TH

Friends of the Arts Summer Concert

COURTHOUSE LAWN IN PLATTE CITY, MO | 7:00 PM

Attend a summer concert hosted by Friends of the Arts of Platte City. This is a free concert for all ages, with a performance by Retroactive, the Midwest's top tribute music of the 80s. Bring a lawn chair and stop by the pop-up car show.

AUGUST 18TH-19TH

BBQ & Fly-in on the River

DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR

SPRINGS | 4:00 PM

Whether you spell it BBQ, Barbeque or Barbecue, it’s the taste of America. This year, BBQ & Fly-In on the River will be celebrating its 23rd year! Join us for the aromas of meat filling the air, great music, food trucks, beer, ReMax hot air balloon rides, and fireworks Friday night.

AUGUST 18TH-20TH

Parkville Days Festival

DOWNTOWN PARKVILLE AND ENGLISH LANDING PARK | 6:00 PM

One of downtown Parkville’s largest events, the Parkville Days Festival features a variety of family-friendly entertainment. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy live music along the Missouri River and on Main Street. The Evans Midland Empire Carnival is open all weekend, starting Friday at 6 pm. Browse and enjoy arts & crafts, retail, food, and specialty booths.

AUGUST 18TH

Movie in the Park

MACKEN PARK | 8:30 PM

A fun time for the whole family! Bring a blanket or some lawn chairs and enjoy some fresh air with a movie in the park. They will be showing The Super Mario Brothers Movie. Movies will start at dusk next to the Festival Shelter in Macken Park. Free and open to the public.

AUGUST 18TH

Whiskey Walk

DOWNTOWN EXCELSIOR SPRINGS

Wet your whistle during Excelsior Springs' first Whiskey Walk. Come sip and shop in our historic downtown during our BBQ & Fly-in Sanctioned Contest!

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.

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On-site learning & social-emotional support for students

Dedicated teaching staff

A close-knit community with a family feel

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AUGUST 19TH

Home Brew Contest

HALL OF WATERS CIRCLE DRIVE IN EXCELSIOR SPRINGS | 11:00 AM Premier home brewers, award-winning BBQ, and musicians are brought together in Downtown Excelsior Springs in conjunction with the 23rd Annual BBQ & Fly-In on the River in the Hall of Waters Circle Drive!  Enjoy delicious drinks and great music with your craft beer-loving friends!

AUGUST 19TH

Phil Collins Experience

KEARNEY AMPHITHEATER |

7:00 PM

Come hear the music of Phil Collins for this free show in Kearney! Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Please no outside food or drink or pets. Gates open at 6 p.m.

AUGUST 26TH

Weston Moonshiners

Car Club

DOWNTOWN WESTON | 5:00 PM

Visit downtown Weston for a historic car show on Main Street. All cars are welcome to participate.

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MORE QUESO, PLEASE!

Barrio KC in the Briarcliff neighborhood is an absolute delight for those seeking a vibrant and flavorful dining experience. Like its other local locations — notably Brookside Barrio — this restaurant combines a lively atmosphere, exceptional service, and an innovative menu that celebrates Mexican cuisine.

As soon as you step into Barrio, you’re enveloped in an energetic ambiance. The colorful decor, lively music, and friendly staff instantly transport you to a lively street-side cantina. The restaurant’s modern and stylish design creates a welcoming space for diners to relax and enjoy their culinary journey.

The menu at Barrio is a true testament to the richness and diversity of Mexican flavors. From traditional Mexican dishes to creative fusion plates, every dish is thoughtfully crafted and bursting with deliciousness. To start, I highly recommend the queso, as it’s some of the best I’ve ever had. The tacos are a must-try, with a wide array of fillings that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians. Each bite is a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, bold spices, and tantalizing textures.

Barrio takes their drink offerings just as seriously as their food. The bar boasts an impressive selection of tequilas and mezcal, making it a haven for cocktail enthusiasts. Their handcrafted margaritas and signature drinks are expertly mixed, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors.

The service at Barrio is impeccable, with a team of knowledgeable and attentive staff members. They are eager to guide you through the menu, provide recommendations, and ensure that your dining experience exceeds expectations. The friendly and accommodating nature of the staff adds to the overall warmth and hospitality of the restaurant.

In conclusion, Barrio in Kansas City is a culinary gem that showcases the exciting flavors of Mexican cuisine. With its dynamic atmosphere, delectable dishes, and exceptional service, it’s a must-visit for food enthusiasts and those seeking a memorable dining experience. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or an upbeat night out, Barrio promises to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Follow Jordan along on Instagram at @jwhitcooks, where he shares what he’s eating and cooking!

DISHES I RECOMMEND: