Category Archives: Things To Do

Things To Do In Kansas City, Kansas City Events, Kansas City Entertainment

Have Fun With The Kids At Kansas City’s Kaleidoscope

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As a kid growing up, my grade school took a field trip to Kaleidoscope. I remember it being the most amazing time. So amazing, that for years after I wanted to return. I’ve never done so but now that I have kids I think it’s time. I remember making some arts and crafts projects and the hour session seemed to be over way too soon!

Kaleidoscope

Kaleidoscope

For those not familiar with Kaleidoscope, it’s Hallmark Cards brain child studio and a place where kids are able to open up their imaginations using paper, cardboard, crayons and other crazy stuff (yes, it’s the leftover debris from gifts/gift cards made by Hallmark) to make just about anything in the child’s imagination. It’s an amazing environment for kids to enjoy art, explore their creativity and just have a great time.

I’m pretty sure that kids all the way up to 6th graders would enjoy Kaleidoscope and, did I mention, it’s free? Before heading out go online or call in to check the session times, especially if you have a large group. When visiting, be sure to check out the outer space room with glow in the dark markers – have fun!

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Get Ideas To Improve Your Home’s Property Value At The Johnson County Home & Garden Show

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Spring is around the corner and and it’s time again for the Johnson County Home and Garden Show. The show this weekend takes place at the Overland Park Convention Center and features 250 businesses, many of which offer homeowner’s upscale lawn and garden products and services. Visitors will get tips on home and garden projects and learn how to save money on the projects as well.

The Johnson County Home and Garden Show is put on by leading area contractors and retailers and runs Friday through Sunday. A home’s curb appeal is more important than ever in today’s real estate market and this show will help homeowners who seek to improve the value of their home. Show times are Friday and Saturday from 10 AM until 9 PM and Sunday from 10 AM until 6 PM.

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Visiting Kansas City? Enjoy The Plaza’s Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

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The Country Club Plaza has a nation-wide reputation and The Plaza encompasses a 15 block area in Kansas City. The Plaza is a destination place for locals and those visiting Kansas City as the area is filled with stores, restaurants and entertainment. The Plaza was designed by J.C. Nichols at the turn of the century and finally opened in 1923. The Plaza is the longest lasting shopping center in the country. From upscale to casual restaurants and shops, spread around the Plaza are nearly 200 dining and shopping options.

The Country Club Plaza has large and small stores as well as local and national retailers. Shopping options vary from boutiques, clothing stores and jewelers to salons and other specialty stores. Shopping options at The Plaza include…

Lill Studio, A|X Armani Exchange, Aldo, American Apparel, American Eagle, Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft, Anthropologie, Apple Computers, Baby Gap & Gap Kids, Banana Republic, Barnes & Noble, Bare Escentuals, Bath & Body Works, Beauty Brands, bebe, Betsey Johnson, The Body Shop, Brighton Collectibles, Brooks Brothers, Brooks Brothers Boys, Brooks Brothers Women, Brooks Brothers Boys, Burberry, Chico’s, Coach, Cole Haan, The Connoisseur, Diebel’s Sportsman Gallery, EB Games, E.G. Geller, Eddie Bauer, Express, Gap, Guess?, Gymboree, Halls, Helzberg Diamonds, Hemline, Images of Nature, J. Crew, J. Jill, Jack Henry, Johnston & Murphy, Kaplan’s Fabrics, L’Occitane, lillibelle, Lucky Brand Jeans, MAC Cosmetics, Massage Envy, MLB Designs, Mark Shale, Marmi Shoes, Nicholas Luggage, N. Valentino, The North Face, Optical Shop of Aspen, Origins, Panache Chocolatier, Paper Source, Pinstripes, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Renners Fine Boots & Shoes, Restoration Hardware, Scandia Down, Sony Style, St. John, Standard Style Boutique, Sunglass Hut, Superlatives, Swarovksi, Swirk, Talbots, The Children’s Place, Thomas Kinkade, Tiffany & Co., Tivol, Tommy Bahama, Tumi, Urban Outfitters, Victoria’s Secret, Vinca Fine Jewelry, The Walking Co., White House/Black Market, Williams-Sonoma and Z Gallerie.

The Plaza is also a hot spot for the after work and late night crowds and live music is common in many of the area establishments and in the court yard areas of The Plaza from spring through fall. Many of The Plaza restaurants offer outdoor seating. Some of the great restaurant and entertainment options on The Plaza include…

810 Zone, Balsano’s, Baja 600, Blonde, Bo Ling’s, Brio Tuscan Grille, California Pizza Kitchen, Capital Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Figlio, Jack Stack Barbecue, Fred P. Ott’s, The Granfalloon, Hibachi Steakhouse, Houston’s, Kona Grill, M&S Grill, McCormick & Schmick’s, The Melting Pot, O’Dowd’s, Panera, P.F. Chang’s, Plaza III, The Raphael, Reverse, Ruth’s Chris and Tomfooleries.

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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“Barbecue” Is More Of A Noun Than A Verb Here In Kansas City

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Kansas City is so well known for our barbecue that we use the word barbecue more as a noun than as a verb. It’s hard to argue that Kansas City is as well know for its barbecue as it is for its blues and jazz.  If you’re visiting Kansas City anytime soon and are wondering which restaurants have the absolute best barbecue in town, then be sure to print out the following top 10 list and bring it with you when visiting Kansas City.

Kansas City Barbeque

Kansas City Barbeque

 

1a. Arthur Bryant’s (4 locations) — Bryant’s & Gates simply the best!
1b. Gates BBQ (6 locations) — Gates & Bryant’s simply the best!
3. Fiorella’s Jack Stack BBQ (4 locations) — love the atmosphere!
4. Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ (2 locations) — ribs are special!
5. BB’s Lawnside BBQ (1 location) — live jazz & blues too!
6. Rosedale BBQ (1 location) — Spicey 75-year old recipes!
7. Hayward’s Pit BBQ (1 location) — good all around barbecue!
8. Famous Dave’s BBQ (1 location) — National BBQ but it’s good!
9. Smokehouse BBQ (4 locations) — Excellent brisket!
10. Zarda BBQ (2 locations) — Excellent barbecue beans!

I’ve ranked the list above based solely on the barbecue and not on price, atmosphere or location. For example I take my family most often to Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecue because I like the atmosphere and it’s conveniently located for us in in Martin City. The food is of course amazing and I’ve never had a bad meal there. Now if the barbecue fairy was going to deliver free barbecue to my front door tonight, I’d have to flip a coin over whether to make it Bryant’s or Gates. 

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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This Weekend In Kansas City You’ll Have To Choose Golfing, Home Remodeling Or The Perfect Lawn

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There are several great events in Kansas City this weekend to choose from and, unless you have time to attend all three events, you’ll need to decide whether it’s more important to get a head-start on the golf season, start planning a remodeling project or get the latest tips on how to make your lawn look better than Bob next door. 

The Metropolitan Lawn and Garden Show runs Friday through Sunday and is put on by the green industry with a focus on lawn and landscaping, water features, hardscape and outdoor furniture. Local experts will be presenting the latest in product and services for outdoor living.

The Kansas City Remodeling Show runs Friday through Sunday and is put on by the local remodeling industry with the focus on home improvement projects. Present at the show are local contractors, suppliers as well as area service providers. Over the past 20 years the remodeling show has presented Kansas City the opportunity to see the latest in home remodeling products and services.

The Kansas City Golf Show runs Friday through Sunday and is put on by the top names in golf and there will be more than 120 exhibits. Guests get to view the latest in 2009 golf technology from major golf vendors like Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Cobra, Ping and Mizuno. There’s also the opportunity for free 10-minute lessons and an in-door driving range.

The Metropolitan Lawn and Garden Show and the Kansas City Remodeling Show take place at the American Royal Complex in Kansas City. The Kansas City Golf Show will be in Overland Park Kansas at the Overland Park International Trade Center.

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Looking For Something To Do In Kansas City? Try Snow Creek Or Historic Westin

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2009 is here and we know that the new year is sure to bring with it several more snow storms. That means kids out of school, many office closings (not mine) and many shoppers heading to malls – after the roads have been cleared of course. If you’re in town and looking for something to do, consider spending a day on the ski slopes at Snow Creek in Weston Missouri. 

Winter Wonderland

 

At Snow Creek they “create” their own snow, so most any day in the wintertime is a good time to head up north. Visitors be warned that this is not the Rocky Mountains and the most difficult trails compare to the easiest you’ll find in Colorado. But I’ve really enjoyed my trips to Snow Creek and I’ve found the best time to go is when temperatures are in the low 30’s – when the snow isn’t melting and turning into ice. Many however will argue that tubing down ice is even better and I can’t speak to snow boarding, as I’ve never tried it. For the skier, Snow Creek has 10 or so ski trails and for snowboarders there’s Rattlesnake Park’s jumps. For the more laid back tubers out there, there’s Tornado Alley slope. The last time I visited, daily passes cost around $40 and lessons were available too. Snow Creek is a 20 to 40 minute drive depending on where you’re at in Kansas City.

 

For those who don’t care to ski or brave the cold, the fun in Weston Missouri doesn’t end with Snow Creek. Weston is better known to many for it’s shopping, four star dining, fun, live music, antique shops and multiple hotels – including bed and breakfasts. An entire day in Weston can be spent visiting the historic sites, old tobacco bars, orchards, an old distillery and the popular new brewery. More than 20 blocks of the city of Weston are on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of these buildings were built prior to the 1800’s Civil War when St. Louis was the only larger port town west of the Mississippi.

 

 

Weston has true historic significance, weathering the devastation of the Civil War, a great flood in the 1880’s that changed the course of the Missouri (and removed Weston as a port town) and a huge fire that damaged much of the downtown area later in the 1800’s. It took more than a half decade, but Weston started making a comeback in the 1960’s and the comeback gained momentum in the 1970’s when residents decided to restore many of the areas homes and buildings. For those into camping and the outdoors, Weston also boasts a 1,000 acre state park located on the Missouri river.

 

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Looking For Something To Do In Kansas City? Check Out The Overland Park Boat Show

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Many of us are dreaming about the warmer days of summer and the ensuing excursions to our favorite Kansas and Missouri lakes. Don’t have a boat you say?Take some time this weekend to visit the Overland Park Boat Show at the Overland Park Convention Center. The convention is being put on by the Lake of the Ozarks Marine Dealers Association. Since the Ozarks is the premier lake destination for many Kansas City residents from spring through fall, this event should be a good one.

On The Lake

On The Lake

If you were to try and visit all of the marinas at the Lake during the summer, it could take many weekends to complete the task. So they’re bringing the show to you here in one place in Overland Park. The boat show is open 10 AM to 10 PM on Saturday and hours vary on other days. If you’re thinking about going, be sure to check out all of the details on the Overland Park Boat Show before heading out. 50 different marinas will feature the latest in boating fun, including cruisers, performance boats, pontoons, personal watercraft, docks and more.

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Looking For Something to Do In Kansas City? Try Great Wolf Lodge

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Last month I closed a difficult transaction and afterwards told my wife Heather “I’m going to Disney Land”. The next day she asked when I’d be booking the trip. Yes, she really asked. No, she wasn’t (totally) serious. She knows all too well that I’m not big on exotic trips. By my referencing Disney Land as an exotic trip, you probably get the idea that I’m not real big on vacations. I certainly don’t  like to be away from home for more than a few days at a time. To give you a better idea, Heather has been bringing up the idea of a cruise for almost a decade. She knows full well that the chances of getting me on a cruise are slim to none. Well Slim is close to busting the door down. I’ve hinted that maybe we could go on a cruise for our 10-year anniversary. Hopefully one of my friends will talk some sense into me before I truly commit to a cruise. Maybe I’ll just tell Heather I’ve nixed the idea over my concern that pirates will raid the ship.  

In the mean time though it’s about a family event and next week we’re going to the Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City Kansas. It’s no Disney Land but it’s an absolute blast if you find the idea of an in-door water park and a weekend getaway enjoyable. It’s a fraction of the cost of a big trip and also doesn’t keep me away for a week or more. The kids are already leaving messages on my cell phone telling me they’re excited about the fun we’re going to have. Planning a Saturday night stay leaves plenty of time for play on Saturday and Sunday.

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

By its name alone, you can probably guess the Great Wolf Lodge has an outdoors theme. There’s also a huge indoor waterpark, several room type choices and (even though the outdoor pool won’t be open during the winter) there’s a ton of fun to be had. There’s the lazy lagoon, swimming pool with basketball goals (one of my favorites) and three great slides too.  Inside the pool is a zero-depth playground for the kids. Away from the water, there’s a mini golf course and a video arcade.

 

Great Wolf Lodge

Great Wolf Lodge

There’s a hot tub for parents and kids and an adult only hot tub as well. The web site doesn’t explain why the adult hot tub has more privacy. Anyhow a weekend of fun can be had for less than we spend on a Chiefs Sunday game excursion. It’s really a fun, albeit short, getaway.  If you do head out, be warned of the tree house on your left.       

If you want to shop for Great Wolf Lodge rates you can try these links…

Priceline Great Wolf Lodge Pricing

Yahoo Great Wolf Lodge Pricing

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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Looking For Something To Do In Kansas City? Try Crown Center

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The new year is here yet we’re  still a couple of months away from the blooming flowers and the  crack of the Kansas City Royal’s baseball bats. If you’re looking for something to get out of the home and do this winter, consider heading to the south side of downtown to visit Crown Center. The shopping and restaurants at Crown Center are reason enough for many to visit but there’s also the appeal of an outdoor ice skating rink, youth activities, fountains and various shows. 

For years Crown Center has been a premier shopping district with three levels of shops. There are currently 50+ shops and restaurants and adding to the Crown Center allure are multiple movie theaters, including The American Heartland Theater’s Broadway style productions, The Coterie Theater’s youth productions and the cutting edge Off Center Theater. Coming later this month is Crown Center’s “70 Years of OZ” exhibit, where kids can meet the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. If you’re interested in staying the night in the Crown Center area, you can stay at the 45-story Hyatt Regency Crown Center hotel or the wonderful Westin Crown Center hotel.

In December my family became part of the more than five million visitors that are expected to have visited Crown Center in 2008. We enjoyed eating at Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant and I received slightly less enjoyment from my wife’s shopping. Fortunately I had the boys to entertain me but  I wish I’d dressed the boys warmer so we could have spent some time at the ice skating rink. My wife probably wishes the same as it would have allowed her more time to shop.

Posted by Jason A. Brown

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