Kansas City Archives – Lost in Wanderland

Kansas City Holiday Festivities

December 13, 2021

Jingle bells, ho ho ho, and all that jazz … it’s time to get your holiday spirit on! We might not be at the North Pole, but if you’re in the Kansas City area, there are plenty of festivities to revel in the most wonderful time of year (no matter what winter holiday, if any, you celebrate). From shopping to lights to decor galore, check out these must-see holiday gems to make the season bright (and perhaps enjoy a holiday drink while you’re at it).

Merry Market

Ordering gifts at the click of a button may be fast and easy, but nothing beats the magic of an outdoor holiday market. While I may not be able to jet off to Germany or Switzerland to check off my holiday bucket list item at a true Christkindlmarkt, the Merry Market promises to be equally festive (minus the Alps, unfortunately). Over 90 local artisans and makers from the beloved Strawberry Swing indie craft fair are setting up shop in River Market’s City Market area every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas in an open-air European-style market. Whatever craft suits your fancy, you’re likely to find it here—ceramics, printing, painting, photography, candles, sweet treats, jewelry, clothing, and more. To set the festive mood as you peruse, there will also be musical performances by Culture House and the Kansas City Women’s Chorus, plus drinks to sip and street food to munch. Amazon who?

Union Station’s Holiday Reflections

Kansas City’s elegant 1914 train station manages to be atmospheric in pretty much any situation, and that’s especially true around the holidays. In addition to wreaths, lights, and baubles galore, the station also sets up a display in its Grand Plaza, a walk-through extravaganza of decorated trees, giant ornaments, and beloved holiday characters. The Holiday Reflections display also includes Rudy’s Wonderland, complete with a mini train for kids to ride. My favorite part, however, is the model train village. Even if you’re not a train nerd, it’s undeniably enchanting watching little model trains rumble through charming old-time villages and snowy mountains, past tiny ice skating rinks and iconic KC landmarks (and even around a few incongruous gems like a giant Hello Kitty). The display is open every day, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it’s well worth the $5 ticket ($8 on weekends).

Crown Center

Not to brag, but Kansas City’s Crown Center has a taller Christmas tree than the Rockefeller Center (as far as I know, however, we do not have a hitchhiking owl). This year’s Mayor’s Christmas Tree is 100 feet tall and, of course, covered in glittering lights and ornaments. Once you’ve gotten your fill of the tree, warm up inside Crown Center, listen to live holiday choirs, and take a look at the equally festive decor inside the shopping center (including the EBT Laughing Santa, a nostalgic and vaguely creepy mechanical Santa that graced the window of the Emery, Bird, Thayer department store in the early 1900s and now counts down the days until Christmas).

The Ice Terrace

Ice skating on a quaint pond amidst glittering snow always seemed like a magical experience to me—though if you’ve ever skated on an actual pond, you know it’s not as smooth as movies would have you believe. Call me wimpy, but I’ll take a Zamboni-perfected rink any day. Luckily, Crown Center’s Ice Terrace is just as magical. With a view of the sparkling Mayor’s Christmas tree and Crown Center decorations and holiday tunes playing in the background, this outdoor rink offers a perfect dose of seasonal festivity. Tickets are $8, plus $4 for skate rental, and you can even grab a cup of hot cocoa to sip in between skating sessions.

Let There Be Light(s)!

What’s the holiday season without magical displays of twinkling holiday lights? While there are beautiful displays all around the KC area, here are a few of my favorite to get into the holiday spirit.

Plaza lights — The thousands of lights bedecking the Country Club Plaza are practically a Kansas City institution by now—and well worth the hype. While the Plaza can get a bit crazy around the holidays, it’s also undeniably festive, and the lights lining every building in the Spanish-style district are beautiful. (Hint: If you want a stellar view, take a ride on the InterContinental Hotel’s glass elevator.)

68th–70th Street & Ward Parkway — The historic gingerbread-esque houses off Ward Parkway look even more charming decked out in holiday lights. The houses along 68th, 69th, and 70th Streets in particular get into the spirit with coordinated displays of draped string lights and wrapped tree trunks. (68th–70th Street & Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO)

97th and Lee Boulevard — Though this display is only two houses, it’s still worth a drive past. The two homes on opposite sides of Lee Boulevard boast impressive (and slightly dizzying) coordinated light shows that play in sync with a local radio station. (97th Street & Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS)

Christmas Place — In case it isn’t obvious, the residents of this close-knit neighborhood are big on the holidays. Since 1994, all twenty-three houses have banded together to festoon the area in holiday decorations. (131st Place & Antioch Road, Overland Park, KS)

Candy Cane Lane — Since 1958, the residents of this cul-de-sac off 79th Street have thrown themselves into the holiday season with gusto. Now dubbed Candy Cane Lane, the street features houses decked out in lights and decorations, complete with a candy cane (or several) in front of each house. (7900 Outlook Lane, Prairie Village, KS)

Sar-Ko Aglow — Strings of jewel-toned lights turn the trees and pond of the fifty-acre Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa into a winter wonderland. Take a walk through the park’s many trails to enjoy a bit of peaceful holiday ambience. (Lackman Road & W. 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS)

Festival of Lights – Bundle up and take in a winter wonderland of botanically inspired light displays as you wander the paths of Powell Gardens. The gardens are beautiful in any case, and the illumination of the Festival of Lights only adds to the magic. You can even sip on a spiked (or nonalcoholic) hot chocolate or cider as you meander. Tickets are $13.

Winter Magic – If you’re looking for a truly over-the-top explosion of holiday lights, take a drive through Swope Park’s Winter Magic display. With lighted tunnels, animated displays, and a candy blacklight area (don’t ask me what that is), it’s a trippy holiday extravaganza. Tickets are $21–27 per car.

December 13, 2021

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Holiday Drinks Around Kansas City

December 7, 2021

Photos courtesy of Monarch Cafe, the Roasterie, Martin City Coffee, Messenger Coffee, and Vested Coffee

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: seasonal coffee shop drink menus are here! To get into the spirit, I rounded up the most festive holiday drinks around Kansas City. What will it be first: a spicy gingerbread latte? A festive Candy Cane Forest Mocha? A Butterbeer latte? Better get started now—so many drinks, so little time. Happy sipping!

Messenger Coffee Co. / Black Dog Coffeehouse:

Saturnalia – A traditional latte flavored with house-made syrup made from dates, almonds, and oranges.

Pepper & Mint Mocha – A rich mocha made with Christopher Elbow dark chocolate, serrano peppers, and fresh mint.

Holiday House Soda – Italian soda made with Messenger cold brew, pomegranate, and local honey.

Charlie Brown (Messenger Grand only) – Messenger espresso with a Guinness reduction chocolate mousse and garnished with a rosemary sprig.

*Filling Station Coffee is also serving the Saturnalia and Pepper & Mint Mocha!

Monarch Café

Candy Cane Forest Mocha – Emissary espresso with milk, white chocolate, and peppermint, served with a smoked rosemary garnish in a white chocolate– and peppermint candy–rimmed hobstar glass. Hot or iced.

The Alexandria – Emissary flash brew mixed with cranberry, star anise, cinnamon, cardamom, and aromatic bitters, served chilled in a coupe glass with a coffee-soaked cocktail cherry garnish.

Eggnog Holiday Draft Latte – Emissary flash brew and eggnog charged with nitrogen and topped with nutmeg. Served cold.

The Dude Abides – Emissary espresso with cream, toasted walnut spice syrup, and applewood smoke, served over ice in a 6 oz. rocks glass.

Queen’s Pawn – Emissary espresso with steamed Oreo milk, cheesecake syrup, and topped with Oreo crumbles, served hot in a 6 oz. cup.

Smoked & Spiced Cider – Louisburg Honeycrisp apple cider with spiced orange oleo-saccharum and applewood smoke, served hot and dusted with cinnamon.

Phoenix Down – A 10 oz. ginger shot topped with cayenne.

Raspberry Fig Nutmeg Shrub Soda – A vinegar shrub made with raspberry, fig, and nutmeg and mixed with sparkling water. Served iced.

The Roasterie

Gingerbread Cookie Latte – A traditional latte flavored with ginger, clove, and a sweet bite of molasses.

White Peppermint Mocha – A mixture of Ghirardelli white chocolate, peppermint, and mocha topped with whipped cream.

Eggnog Latte – A traditional latte flavored with creamy eggnog and sprinkled with nutmeg.

Spiced Cranberry Cider – Louisburg Cider Mill cider combined with warm spices, cranberry sauce, and orange juice.

The Wild Way Coffee

She Sleighs – Espresso, milk, and brown sugar poached pear with vanilla and winter spices.

Winter Fog – Peppermint tea with house-made mocha topped with steamed milk and cocoa powder.

Oh Snap! – Espresso and milk with gingersnap sauce and topped with a gluten-free gingersnap by @fooddrunk.

She’s Spicy – Espresso and milk spiced with orange zest, honey, cayenne, and ginger.

Baby It’s Chai Outside – Cranberry orange and ginger spiced chai tea latte garnished with cocoa powder and fresh orange zest.

Snowcapped Cold Brew – Spiced nitro cold brew topped with a mountain of pear poached cold foam and garnished with fresh rosemary.

Martin City Coffee

Butterbeer Latte – Espresso and rich eggnog sprinkled with cinnamon. Hot or iced.

Apple Fritter Latte – Espresso and milk mixed with spiced apple syrup made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle. Hot or iced.

Eggnog Chai and Latte – Espresso or spiced chai with rich eggnog. Hot or iced.

Apple Cider – Hot or iced apple cider made in house and topped with a caramel drizzle.

Vested Coffee

Pumpkin Butternut Spice Latte – Puréed pumpkin and butternut squash with espresso and steamed milk.

Mexican Chile Mocha – Ghirardelli dark chocolate with a subtle spicy/sweet syrup, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Mocha – Dark or white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor, espresso, and steamed milk.

Wintermint Hot Chocolate – Dark and white Ghirardelli chocolate with subtle mint flavor and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream.

Frigid Grinch – Matcha and oat milk with subtle mint flavor, served over ice (tastes like melted mint ice cream!).

Pilgrim Coffee Company

Bourbon Brown Sugar Latte – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made whiskey and vanilla syrup.

Gingerbread Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made ginger, cinnamon, clove, and allspice syrup.

Hazelnut Latte or Chai – Espresso or spiced chai and steamed milk with house-made hazelnut and vanilla syrups.

Peppermint Mocha – Espresso and steamed milk with house-made mint and dark chocolate syrups.

December 7, 2021

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Coffee Shop Love: Martin City Coffee

November 14, 2021

Martin City Coffee

13115 Holmes Rd, KCMO

You might not think of train track–adjacent as the ideal environs for a café, but it’s one of my favorite aspects of Martin City Coffee (admittedly, this may be partly because trains feed my undying dream to catch the Hogwarts Express, but still). The coffee shop sits next to the train tracks that run through Martin City, giving the place a unique, slightly gritty (or perhaps old-timey) feel that somehow fits very well with the warm atmosphere. The vibe is more bookworm cozy than minimalist hipster—think dark wood, leather armchairs, golden light, and chalkboard menus. It’s casual, comfortable, and homey, with an authentic feel. Bonus: there’s plenty of seating (often an issue for coffee shops, I find), plus a patio and drive-through. You may or may not add a train whistle to your soundtrack while there, but personally, I think that only adds to the charm.

So, ready to get your java fix? Martin City has all the classic espresso offerings—lattes, Americanos, frappés, and the like—as well as tea, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider for the non-javaholics. If you’re looking to really celebrate the season (or just treat yourself), they also have a host of creative concoctions. The current seasonal drinks include a butterbeer latte, apple fritter latte, and eggnog chai. Why didn’t the Three Broomsticks think of making a butterbeer latte?

Photo courtesy of Martin City Coffee

As much as I adore pastries (who doesn’t?), sometimes a scone doesn’t quite cut it, and it’s rather rare to find a coffee shop that does coffee and (real) food well. Especially if you like to camp out at a café for a day of work like I do, it’s a major bonus to find a place with a tasty menu. Martin City Coffee fits the bill to a T here. Never fear—they have the quintessential sweet treats, including old-fashioned donuts, homemade pop-tarts, protein balls, cinnamon rolls, and muffins. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, though, there’s also a pretty extensive menu of yummies made in-house—think breakfast burritos and sandwiches, avocado toast, omelettes, and grilled cheese, plus more unique offerings like arepas, tostones, and yuca fries. Plus: breakfast all day (need I say more?).

As the days get chillier, I’m ready to hunker down in a toasty, cozy coffee shop with a steaming drink. In other words, the folks at Martin City Coffee will be seeing a lot of me (you’ve been warned).

November 14, 2021

Kansas City/ Musings

Autumn Bucket List

September 22, 2021

It still feels like summer in Kansas City, but it’s officially fall, and I’m in full autumn mode (admittedly, I’m pretty much always in autumn mode, but now I can really go unapologetically fall-crazy). Mid-September to November for me is all about burying myself in anything and everything that conjures up that aura of crisp, misty days; brilliant fiery colors; earthy charm; and of course, all the spookiness. Even if it’s not exactly crisp outside yet, I’ll be channeling that October spirit — bring on the autumn bucket list.

Explore the fall colors

The stunning reds, yellows, and oranges of fall might be my favorite part of the season. While KC isn’t exactly known for its fall colors, there are a number of spots where the season shows off its hues in spectacular fashion. I’m going to do a full post about finding the best fall foliage around KC, so stay tuned!

Cook something pumpkin

What screams autumn more than pumpkins? There are an embarrassing number of pumpkin-related recipes saved on my Pinterest — here are a few I’m eyeing for this season (sorrynotsorry, no PSLs here):

Paleo Pumpkin Pie Cupcakes (I don’t claim these actually taste like cupcakes (news flash: no “healthy” substitute actually tastes like legit dessert) BUT they are actually quite tasty, very easy to make, and make a great sweet-yet-healthy snack. I top mine off with a poof of whipped cream.)
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie Bites (I made these for a Thanksgiving potluck once, and they’re addictive.)
Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread
Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Frosting
Pumpkin Pie Truffles (This recipe can also be adapted for pumpkin pie fudge.)

Enjoy ye olde English autumn at the Renaissance Festival

Weekends through October 17, Bonner Springs, KS

Huzzah! It’s time for pirates, princesses, mead, jousting, and even a touch of magic. Every fall a Renaissance village comes to life in Bonner Springs, Kansas. And yes, I realize that I’m a history nerd, but honestly, there’s a little something for everyone. Food, artisans selling everything from jewelry to beauty products to real swords, costumed performers, music, games, and yes, a jousting tournament. The village looks like it was transplanted from medieval England, and it’s honestly worth a visit simply to see the colorful characters wandering around. You might even run into the queen and her retinue meandering about.

Peruse the Plaza Art Fair

September 24-26, Kansas City, MO

The Plaza Art Fair is essentially a KC institution by now (this is its 90th year!). Every September, artists take over the Country Club Plaza, displaying every type of art you can imagine — painting, sculpture, pottery, illustration, mixed media, jewelry, photography, and more. There’s a taste of everything, from traditional landscape paintings to funky found object sculpture to tongue-in-cheek graphic art. Even if you (like me), can’t afford to buy fine art, it’s worth it to peruse the beautiful array of works, and there’s always a fun crowd, plus live music and food vendors from Plaza restaurants.

Celebrate Weston Applefest

October 2-3, Weston, MO

I just got a flashback from one of my favorite childhood movies, Prancer: “We got apples. We’ll eat applesauce and apple cider and apple pie, stewed apples and baked apples and dried apples. And apple butter.” While I can’t promise Weston Applefest has all of those applecentric delights, it does offer a quintessential fall fest, with artisan vendors, live music, a parade, and food (including, obviously, lots of apples) along historic Weston Main Street. With its storied old buildings and kitschy little shops, Weston alone oozes fall charm. The town dates all the way back to 1837 and is nestled along the Missouri River, and there’s plenty to explore as you munch your apples.

Visit Louisburg Cider Mill

Apple cider donuts. Need I say more? We visit Louisburg Cider Mill every year to pick out pumpkins (usually the lazy way, from the already-picked selection, but you can also venture into the pumpkin patch to pick your own). From a charming general store with tasty local goods to a corn maze to scrumptious homemade cider and donuts, everything about Louisburg screams “fall.” You can even watch the apples going through the cider press (it’s oddly mesmerizing watching hundreds of apples tumble about).

Carve pumpkins

Halloween without jack-o-lanterns is just wrong. And to anyone who dare suggest carving pumpkins is only for kids: I’m sorry your life is so bereft of joy. (Kidding, but seriously, you’re never too old for jack-o-lanterns.) Though I don’t exactly have the patience for extremely intricate designs, I love an excuse to fall down a rabbit hole of fun designs on Pinterest (one year I did Luna Lovegood from Harry Potter). I usually pick out pumpkins at Louisburg, but you can also find them at most grocery stores, and then I put on a spooky movie to set the mood while carving my jack-o-lantern masterpiece.

Venture to a (real) haunted house

It’s that time of year again: everything is getting a bit darker, a bit colder, a bit more mysterious and uncertain, and the boundary between the living and the dead is a little hazy. Or at least, it’s the perfect time for a haunted house. I don’t mean a sensationalist horror house where people lunge out at you from the shadows. I mean a real haunted house, in the spirit of gothic horror tales. Old mansions and buildings with bizarre or tragic backstories and an eerie aura that makes you think that — just maybe — some of their residents have never quite moved on. These places probably won’t make your heart pound, but they are likely to make your spine tingle and your imagination run wild.

For my ghostly adventures, I’m heading to Vaile Mansion, an opulent Gothic-style 31-room mansion in Independence, Missouri. Built in 1881, the mansion has witnessed a family scandal, a tragic death, and a period as a sanitarium. Ghost tours take place throughout October. Let the chills commence…

A few honorable mentions near the KC area: Pythian Castle, an imposing fortress built as an orphanage in 1913 by the fraternal order the Knights of Pythias (does that sound sketchy to anyone else?) with later incarnations as a hospital for WWII veterans, a prison for German and Italian POWs, a social services agency, and a private home. Plenty of scope for ghostly goings-on there. Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO, which was constructed from 1900 to 1923 by the fraternal organization — and self-proclaimed secret society — the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (don’t ask me how they came up with that name) and served as a residence for the elderly, indigent, and orphans; a hospital; and a school. It now hosts events, including murder mystery dinners and paranormal investigations. And Majors House, a KCMO homestead built in 1856 by entrepreneur Alexander Majors and now apparently home to the ghosts of a restless blacksmith and a caretaker who refuses to leave.

Visit a historic cemetery

Gothic spookiness doesn’t get much better than a historic graveyard. Is it a little odd that I love wandering around cemeteries and looking at old gravestones? Maybe, but in this instance it fits the Halloween spirit. One of my favorites is Union Cemetery, a beautiful hilly, tree-filled space built in 1857 and housing many famous Kansas Citians. Laurel Hill Cemetery in Weston (established circa 1840) is also gorgeous, and I might have to check out Elmwood Cemetery (est. 1872) in Northeast Kansas City as well. To really amp up the creepy vibes, the Coterie Theatre is performing live renditions of Edgar Allen Poe‘s The Pit and the Pendulum and The Tomb of Ligeia Thursday/Friday/Saturday nights amid the tombstones of Union Cemetery.

Ghost story galore!

To fully set the Halloween atmosphere, I like to go all-out on ghostly tales in October. Disclaimer: horror and gore is not my thing. As with haunted houses, the October/Halloween mood for me is all about spookiness, gothic horror, and eerie mystery. In other words, no slasher flicks or exorcisms (instead, think Dracula and haunted castles). As usual, I went a little overboard in investigating ideas here, so I’m writing a separate post in a couple of weeks with all the books, movies, and podcasts to fill your spooky gothic October.

Image credits: Evgenia Silaeva (pumpkins), Alina Osadchenko (haunted house), Marina Ermakova (Halloween icons), Anna Kuzmina (tombstone), Daria Ustiugova (apples)

September 22, 2021

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Outta the Blue

September 5, 2021

outta the blue made in Kansas City coffee coffeeshop cafe

Anyone still out there? I am, in fact, still alive (I know, you were dying of suspense wondering).

Obviously unnecessary to state, but it has been A YEAR (or two? What is time anymore?) Everything has been a little topsy-turvy for everyone since about 2019, I think, and between public spaces being closed and life just plain being crazy, I’ve completed neglected my little corner of the web over here. In all honesty, the past couple of years have been very rocky in my personal life — I’m not going to go into detail, because that’s not really the aim of this blog, but suffice it to say, I’ve been out of the loop, and for anyone who has been feeling lost and/or hopeless lately (or ever): I feel you. With that said, I’m trying to get back into the swing of things, and it has been way too long since I’ve done some wandering.

So: I have new coffee shops to check out, new places to explore, yada yada. A lot of life/the world is a chaotic mess, but there’s still coffee and getting lost in colorful city streets and discovering hidden gems of art and humanity. I, for one, could use some of all that. Let’s see if anyone is still around to read about my shenanigans, eh? (If not, at least I have an excuse to drink lots of coffee).

First up: a cheery spot in Leawood to grab a java (or cocktail).

*****

Coffeeshop Love: Outta the Blue

5291 W. 116th Place, Leawood, KS

Despite the fact that I’m currently bemoaning the hot, sticky weather and longing for fall, I have to admit that I love the beach (who doesn’t?). Of course, there are no (ocean) beaches in Kansas, but I’m all for places that let me pretend I’m in a tropical cabana. Outta the Blue dubs itself “KC’s Lil’ Oasis,” and really, the flip-flop fits. There’s (sadly) no ocean and (probably thankfully) no sand, but they do have palm trees, rattan furniture, and colorful surfboards on the wall. With plenty of windows, light colors, and modernistic furniture, the entire place is hip and cheerful. Did I mention there are swings? Probably not conducive to sipping coffee, but they sure are fun.

A recent addition to Leawood’s Park Place shopping center, Outta the Blue is a Made in KC outpost (though interestingly, I didn’t see anything that said Made in KC in the actual café). It’s usually quietly bustling, busy with everyone from people tapping away on laptops to friends catching up to families corralling kids. While I’ve been there, the soundtrack has ranged from mid-2000s nostalgia (think Hillary Duff) to 1960s-80s oldies. It’s a friendly, fun atmosphere, calm enough to get work done yet active enough for good people-watching and a welcome dose of gaiety. A little bit granola-crunchy, quite a bit hip, the café fits into the clean-cut environment of suburban Leawood, but it also adds a touch of style — and a laid-back beachy vibe — in an area mostly filled with a lot of chain restaurants and shops.

If you’re hungry, they have snacks and breakfast sandwiches from Parisi Coffee, pastries from local Scratch Bakery, and vegan breakfast sandwiches from Mattie’s Foods. (Major points, in my humble opinion, for having almond croissants, which are annoyingly difficult to find and obviously the best.) For sips, there’s the usual lineup of espresso beverages and (quite tasty) drip coffee, as well as a selection of teas and cold-pressed juices. And if you need something a bit stronger — or feel like really leaning into the tropical cabana spirit — they have a full bar menu of cocktails, beer, and natural/organic wine.

All in all, it’s not actually the beach, but Outta the Blue is a fun place to work or hang out. As much as I like offbeat, slightly shabby coffee shops, it’s hard not to fall in love with this bright little café. After all, who doesn’t love palm trees and swings?

September 5, 2021

Kansas City/ Musings

Current Obsessions: March

March 3, 2020

skillshare kansas city ballet nespresso susanna kearsley

Currently Reading: The Winter Sea

I recently discovered Susanna Kearsley’s books, and I’ve been moving through them at record speed since. As with the rest of her books I’ve read so far, I couldn’t put The Winter Sea down. A beautiful story flipping between modern-day and early 18th-century Scotland, it transported me across oceans and back in time (and quickly boosted Scotland to the top of my travel bucket list). I’ll admit I’m a sucker for a good love story, but this one didn’t feel cheesy at all, and the writing itself paints a stunning portrait of the story and setting.

Currently Creating: If Walls Could Talk newsletter

Ok, so this one is slightly cheating (but if you don’t promote your own projects, who’s going to, right?). If you hadn’t guessed by the above recommendation, I’m a bit of a history nerd. Since I don’t have school anymore, I needed an excuse to dive into centuries past — so voilà, a new project. Essentially, If Walls Could Talk blends my wanderlust, obsession with Pinterest, and inner history nerd. Each week(ish), I dig into the history behind a cool place or building and post the story on social media and via newsletter. (Hint, hint: Follow @javajournalist on Instagram and Twitter and sign up for the newsletter here).

Currently Watching: the Kansas City ballet

As a kid, I was obsessed with the cartoon movie The Swan Princess. Until recently, I wasn’t aware that this was actually based on the classic Tchaikovsky ballet Swan Lake — or for a more likely reference, the movie Black Swan. Anyway, I recently saw the Kansas City Ballet‘s performance of Swan Lake, and it was incredible. Though this particular show is over, I highly recommend checking out the KC Ballet if you’re in the area — I make it a point to see nearly all their shows, and they’re always amazing. It kind of makes me wish I hadn’t quit ballet in third grade …

Currently Sipping: Nespresso espresso

This one should be more like: item I can’t survive without. At one point, I spent a rather mortifying amount of money on lattes (which also speaks to my coffee addiction, but that’s another story). I’ve since upgraded my home espresso machine to the Nespresso Evoluo, which creates a surprisingly delicious espresso for a home maker. It’s also ridiculously easy — pop a pod in, press start, and you have espresso in a few seconds — which suits my lazy self perfectly. Mine came with a milk frother, so I can even make my own lattes at home. Not exactly the gorgeous latte art of the pros, but it saves me a fortune in coffeeshop runs.

Currently Learning: Creative Transformation with Skillshare

If you want to learn a new skill, chances are Skillshare has a class on it. I recently signed up for a monthlong free trial (kind of cheating, I know) and tried to cram as many classes in as I could. All the ones I tried were interesting, but I especially enjoyed Mari Andrew’s “Creative Transformation: 9 Exercises to Draw, Write, and Discover Your Future.” Sounds a bit woo-woo, but I promise it’s not. Even if you’re not trying to launch a creative career, the lessons were enlightening and inspiring, sparking the type of introspection that I think everyone needs.

March 3, 2020

Javaholic/ Kansas City/ Wanderings

Coffee Shop Love: Messenger Coffee Co.

February 25, 2020

If you’re in the Kansas City area and haven’t been living under a rock, chances are you’ve heard of Messenger Coffee. Honestly, I’m a little late to the party here (this one has been lingering on my coffeeshop list for a while), but seeing as how it’s in my neighborhood and I go there fairly frequently, I couldn’t pass up mentioning it here. Messenger has become something of a KC darling and gotten a lot of hype in the last few years, and for good reason. Though the roasting company was established in 2013 and supplies many local coffeeshops, they opened their flagship roasting facility and café in 2017 in the Crossroads district. As such, they’re first and foremost a roaster, focusing on farm-direct beans roasted right here in KC (in other words, they know their coffee). That said, the café has become a hotspot in its own right.

If hip and sleek is your coffeeshop jam, then Messenger has you covered. Their Crossroads café is hyper-cool and modern — think clean white palette, chic minimalist furniture, soaring ceilings, and lots of light. The décor is unfailingly hip. As an added bonus, there’s an open kitchen with views into the bakery and coffee roasting areas (so you know both your croissant and your java are fresh and homemade). And unlike many coffeeshops, there’s plenty of space and seating here, in the bustling first floor area or upstairs in one of the more studious enclaves. There’s even a much-Instagrammed rooftop patio with amazing views of the downtown KC skyline. The only downside to this is that it sometimes gets a bit loud — it’s never not been busy when I’m there — though there’s enough room that you can usually find a private corner.

For all the hype about Messenger, the baristas know their stuff. The coffee is always delicious, and they’re particularly on-point in the latte art game (even when it comes to my almond milk lattes). I have photographic proof — I’ve never received a less-than-gorgeous latte, and they taste as good as they look. And thanks to Ibis bakery, the menu is worth drooling over as well. The amazing baked goods are all made in-house (in fact, you can see them coming out of the oven in the open kitchen), and the menu is actually fairly extensive, which isn’t a given for coffeeshops. Good luck choosing between the range of carefully handcrafted breads, both classic and creative pastries, and a hot menu of toasts, tartines, eggs, and other breakfast yummies. Sacrilegious though it is, I’ve yet to test the pastries — though they always look incredible — but I can vouch for a decadent chocolate truffle. Considering Ibis’s rising fame, it’s probably safe to say the food is awesome.

All in all, I have to admit that smaller, slightly shabby cafes are more my style, but there’s no denying that Messenger Coffee is a cool spot, and definitely worth a visit. You know you’ll get a great cup of coffee (and likely a killer bite to eat as well), and really, it’s worth going just to check out the space. You’ll feel cooler just stepping into the café.

February 25, 2020

Kansas City/ Wanderings

5 Things To Do in KC When It’s Freezing

February 14, 2020

We’re getting to that point of the year when the snow and chilliness has ceased being charming and magical and started to be … well, just cold. Or is that just me? After single-digit temps and negative wind chills this week, I’m officially ready for spring. But in true Kansas City fashion, the weather will probably flip-flop between balmy and frigid until May, so I’m gearing up for weathering more wintery days. Luckily, Kansas City has some excellent foul-weather friends — I rounded up my top five picks for passing the chilly days. Bring on the winter weather (I’m kidding, please give us spring).

Wander the Nelson-Atkins Museum

You’ve probably gotten the memo by now that I’m a tad bit obsessed with the Nelson. But hey, it’s justified. And when you’re itching to get out of the house but it’s frigid outside, wandering the grand halls of the museum is a perfect option. Whether you’re into Asian artifacts, classic medieval paintings, or a slice of ancient Greek life, there’s a little something here for everyone. And when you’ve exhausted your wandering, there’s the lovely Rozzelle Court restaurant or cozy Quay Coffee for an extra bit of yummy fuel.

Visit the Kansas City Aquarium

If you can’t actually take a trip to the beach, why not at least pretend you’re somewhere exotic? With everything from vibrant tropical fish to sharks to a starfish petting tank, the Kansas City aquarium is a great way to transport yourself to the sea (even better when it’s decidedly less than tropical outside). And trust me, it’s not just for the kids. The aquarium is surprisingly impressive and entertaining for ocean-lovers of all ages. Wander through and pretend you’re on a snorkeling expedition — you may not get a fruity cocktail in a coconut at the end, but I promise you’ll have a good time anyway.

Enjoy a Cozy Brunch

I’m not sure if the brunch craze has quite hit KC the way it has NYC and Philly, but it’s getting there. In any case, what could be better on a bone-chilling winter day than a cozy cup of coffee and fluffy pancakes (or whatever yummy treat floats your boat)? Plenty of restaurants in KC could satisfy this craving, but I highly recommend Blue Bird Bistro or Our Daily Nada (or both — go wild). It might be due to a snow day mother-daughter brunch in high school, but I’ll always associate Blue Bird with snowy days. The Westside eatery is part rustic, part hip and thoroughly charming, with scrumptious organic, locally sourced food. If you’re a bookworm, Our Daily Nada serves up homemade bites and creative drinks to enjoy as you peruse a carefully curated selection of books in a warm brick-walled River Market spot. The best part of winter is cozying up inside, right?

Explore Crown Center, Union Station, and the Link

When it’s freezing out, you want to minimize your outside time. Luckily, with the Link — a glass walkway — you can walk all the way from Union Station to Crown Center without ever setting foot outside. On top of that, Union Station and Crown Center are both definitely worth visiting in their own right (and offer plenty of warm inside fun). Built in 1914, Union Station is worth visiting simply for the Art Deco grandeur of the old train station, but it also offers Science City (again, not just for the kids!), a planetarium, a movie theatre, restaurants, and Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (enough said). Then make your way over to Crown Center for shopping, theatres, and more yummy eateries (did I mention there are multiple candy shops there also?). You can have a full day of wandering without risking frostbite.

Go Ice Skating at the Crown Center Ice Terrace

Ok, so this one doesn’t exactly keep you out of the cold. It’s undeniably festive, though, and a not-to-be-missed winter activity. When you’re finished perusing Crown Center, stop by the ice rink out front, rent a pair of skates, and spend a while gliding away. There’s always music playing, and when it starts to get too chilly, you can grab a cup of hot chocolate at the snack bar to warm up.

February 14, 2020

Kansas City/ Wanderings

Wandering Recap: A Night at the Museum

February 6, 2020

nelson-atkins museum party arty egypt kansas city ballet

It’s probably the history nerd in me, but I’ve always been fascinated by ancient Egypt. The storied history, the incredible achievements, the mysticism — something about it captivates me. Unsurprisingly, Egypt is high on my travel bucket list. I haven’t made it there yet, so haunting the Egyptian exhibits at museums in my second best option. Given this Egyptian obsession, it’s probably not surprising that when I heard the theme for this year’s Party Arty was the current Queen Nefertari exhibit, I knew I had to go. I’m not an especially big party person, but I am a big museum person, and well, I mentioned the Egypt obsession, right? The Queen Nefertari exhibit in of itself is worth visiting (if you’re in the Kansas City area, definitely check it out), with an astonishing array of artifacts and information on Egyptian tombs. But I digress — we were talking about a party. Party Arty is an annual gala hosted by the Nelson-Atkins Museum for its Young Friends of the Museum, and it’s a go-all-out sort of deal. This year, the theme followed the Queen Nefertari special exhibit, so it was an Egyptian extravaganza. I happen to be a Young Friend of the Museum (and clearly an ancient Egypt nerd), so I obviously couldn’t pass this up. A party might not exactly be wandering, per se, but it was definitely an experience — and great people-watching — so I’m calling this a wandering recap of sorts.

First of all, and most importantly, as I noted before, anything goes at Party Arty. People were decked out in everything from ball gowns to full pharaoh costumes to gold lamé dress suits. Think lots of gold and glitter, fancy headdresses, ankh and eye of Horus accoutrements, even an Anubis head. Add to that the Quixotic dancers weaving through the crowds in their slinky gold outfits, and it was quite a scene. As with all wanderings, people-watching is a must, and this definitely didn’t disappoint. It was an eclectic, artsy set, and simply observing was enough entertainment in of itself.

Now, to set the scene. The Bloch building lobby (the new-ish modern addition to the museum) became an energetic dance area full of club-like beats and moody colored lights, a DJ spinning tunes throughout the night. Set against the stately columns and Art Deco grandeur of the museum itself, the entire scene was somehow a bit surreal. In the main hall of the museum, exotic Egyptian music from a live band echoed in the grand columned hall. Throughout the night, Kansas City Ballet II (the junior ballet troupe) put on performances in the hall. With heavy drum beats, trippy lights, and dancers in foamy white gowns, the spectacle was all a bit like a (very graceful) sacrificial dance, which added even more exotic gravitas to the scene. (If you’ve ever been in the main hall of the museum, you’ll understand how this created quite a dramatic setting — if not, visit the museum immediately).

And of course, we mustn’t forget the refreshments. In keeping with the Egyptian theme, the museum’s Rozzelle Court restaurant served gyros and little Egyptian date cookies (a 1000-year-old recipe, we were told). The open bars also had themed drinks going, courtesy of Tom’s Town distillery — slightly wicked ones, to my taste, but then I’m a booze wimp.

All in all, it was a night to remember. Perhaps a bit different from a true trip to Egypt — we’ll keep that on the bucket list — but the Nelson certainly knows how to throw a party. I’m not sure what the Nelson Party Arty theme is for next year, but it’s safe to say that will be quite the affair as well (I would highly recommend going if you can). In the meantime, the Nelson museum is consistently on my list of top-recommended things to do in Kansas City, so if you’re in the area, don’t miss it. The Queen Nefertari exhibit is showing until March 29, 2020 and is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re an Egyptophile like me (yes, I made that up). As always, happy wandering!

February 6, 2020

Javaholic/ Kansas City

Coffee Shop Love: Quay Coffee

January 25, 2020

When it comes to coffeeshops, quaint and a bit quirky is my sweet spot. Hip, sleek and modern is all very nice, but give me a funky hole-in-the-wall any day. Though it’s gaining a name as one of the mainstay local coffee sources in KC — hardly a hole-in-the-wall — Quay Coffee somehow manages to be both hip and homey. Named for the River Quay, the former name of the River Market, Quay (pronounced “key”) is a cozy, brick-walled spot in the heart of the eclectic River Market district. (If you’re strolling through the Nelson-Atkins Museum and in need of a caffeine fix, they also opened a location in the museum, but I highly recommend visiting the original.) Small but with plenty of seating, the place is always bustling with people working or chatting over a cuppa. In short, it’s a friendly, festive spot. It seems like sometimes it’s difficult to find beautiful latte art and a smile (thus the snobby barista trope), but Quay truly manages to do both. They definitely know their coffee, but I’ve never been greeted by anything less than genuine cheer and friendly banter.

But of course, the main draw: the coffee is good. Very good. Quay puts fastidious attention into choosing top-notch direct trade roasters, and the coffee never disappoints. With housemade syrups in scrumptious flavors like Old Overholt Caramel and Spice Brown Sugar, inventive seasonal drinks, and fresh local baked goods, the menu is classic but never boring.

River Market in of itself is worth exploring, and my go-to is fueling myself with a good caffeine dose from Quay as I do my wandering. Then again, it’s worth making a trip there just for the coffee and warm atmosphere. Bring a book, some work, or a friend and settle in with a delicious latte — you won’t want to leave.

January 25, 2020

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