Let’s get down to quiz-ness ✏️

15 interesting facts about Kansas City

Let’s pull back the branches on this city. | Photo by @mikedayphotography

Did you know that there are two Kansas Cities?

Duh. We know, we know — too obvious. Just like you, we’re here for the deep cuts — and there’s plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of KC’S history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.

Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

1. Kansas City was named before the state of Kansas. KCMO was chartered as the Town of Kansas in 1850, four years before the territory of Kansas was organized. “Kansas” derives its name from the Kaw nation (Kanza people) living in the area.

2. Kansas City was nearly named “Possum Trot” and “Rabbitville” in 1853 — two animals that were popular barbecue delicacies at the time. We’re glad they stuck with the City of Kansas.

3. A popular fact among locals: KC is said to have more fountains than any other city besides Rome — leading to its nickname, City of Fountains.

4. Before highways took over, there used to be a lot more passenger rails + streetcars than the one running from the River Market to Union Station. One of them is now the Trolley Track Trail (makes sense), and another line went out all the way from downtown to Overland Park.

5. One Kansas City Place — that really big building downtown — is the tallest office building in Missouri + Kansas. At 623 ft tall, it’s just barely shorter than the 630-ft Gateway Arch in St. Louis (which is the tallest National Monument in the country).

6. The Paris of the Plains has produced a lot of popular people — celebrities like Ed Asner, Ellie Kemper, Don Cheadle, and Katherine McNamara were all born here. Other stars, like Jason Sudeikis and Paul Rudd, grew up here as kids. Here’s a full list of celebrities with ties to the metro.

... We ran out of space. Womp womp. Find the other nine facts by selecting the button below.

Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.

9 MORE INTERESTING FACTS

Did our fun facts surprise you?

A. Yes, I didn’t know any of these
B. I knew a few but there were still some surprises
C. I know my city well and knew all these already

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Wednesday, Nov. 23

Short Sunset River Market Urban Hike | Wednesday, Nov. 23-Friday, Nov. 25 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | City Market Sign at River Market | $19 | Adventure through the historic River Market and hear stories of the mafia, Lewis and Clark, and KC’s beginnings. 👟
Big Dad Energy - Live Recording | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | The Bird Comedy Theater, 103 W. 19 St., Kansas City, MO | $10-$15 | Comedian Jamie Campbell brings his KC Fringe Fest fan favorite show (with a touch of musical comedy) to the Crossroads for a one-night recorded show. 🎤
Thanksgiving Eve Turkey Jam | Wednesday, Nov. 23 | 8 p.m. | Power & Light District | $0+ | Bring two cans of non-perishables and receive free cover at PBR Big Sky, plus BOGO bottle service + holiday drinks.

Thursday, Nov. 24

Thanksgiving Day Run | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 8:35 a.m. | Ward Parkway Center, 8600 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $27-$44 | Your 5k or 10k run will end with a sweet prize: a 6-inch pie. 🥧
Thanksgiving with The Elms Hotel & Spa | Thursday, Nov. 24 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Elms Hotel and Spa, 401 Regent St., Excelsior Springs, MO | $0-$60 | Enjoy your favorite holiday dishes without the hassle of cooking and cleaning.

Friday, Nov. 25

Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting Event | Friday, Nov. 25 | 5:30-6:30 p.m. | Crown Center | Free | This year marks the 50th year that the Mayor’s Christmas Tree has been presented by Crown Center on the Square. 🎄

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

57º | Mostly sunny | 1% chance of rain

Opening

A 22,500-sqft high-tech game experience is opening in south Overland Park — at 6403 W. 135th St. BRKTHROUGH will combine immersive, physical + mental gameplay with food and drinks. This entertainment center will open on Thursday, Dec. 1. Admission starts at $30. 💡

Biz

Westport Wednesdays will continue year-round after an inaugural seven-month run proved successful for neighborhood businesses. The event, which includes deals at participating locations, happens on the last Wednesday of every month, 4-10 p.m. 🎉
Limitless Brewing is tapping into a new space — at 9500 Dice Lane, Lenexa, KS. The brewery announced its grand opening set for Sunday, Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. The current location will close on Friday, Dec. 2 in preparation for the move. (FOX4)

Coming Soon

Nick the Greek plans to bring gyros, falafels, salads, and gyro bowls to its second metro location in early December. The new restaurant will be the first tenant at a space in Ward Parkway Center — at 8807 State Line Rd., KCMO. The other location is at 14321 135th St. in Olathe. 🥙 (Kansas City Business Journal)

Health

Kansas City Current is teaming up with Blue KC to increase awareness of behavioral health. Sideline the Stigma is an initiative seeking to stop the mental health stimga while helping Kansas Citians score on local resources.

Sports

With the excitement of the Chiefs (No. 1 in the AFC, just saying), we want to make sure that you’re catching all the sports coverage you need to join the conversation. Now, you can let us know what kind of sports content you want to see in KCtoday. The ball is in your hands. 🏈

Stat

63% of first time homebuyers admitted to bidding for a home they didn’t really want. That’s nearly two in three homebuyers. Here’s why that may be.*

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This restaurant is doing something Rye(t)

Rye celebrates major milestones at Leawood, Plaza locations

Photo of Rye food sample plate and a glass of champagne

A toast to local success. | Photo by KCtoday

Urban-farmhouse restaurant Rye is reaching two major milestones at once: it’s the 10th anniversary of its Leawood location (10551 Mission Rd.) and the 5th anniversary of its Plaza location (4646 Mill Creek Pkwy., KCMO).

The restaurants are run by Megan and Colby Garrelts. Colby is a 2013 James Beard Foundation Best Chef Midwest award winner, and Megan has been a semifinalist several times (she’s known for her pastry skills).

“Colby and I are just proud of our little restaurants,” Megan said. “We really thought we needed something fun and a big celebration this year, not just for us but for the community.”

🎉 The celebration

Rye Plaza: Saturday, Nov. 26-Monday, Nov. 28 (with live music on Sunday, Nov. 27)
Rye Leawood: Wednesday, Dec. 21-Friday, Dec. 23 (with live music on Thursday, Dec. 22)

Both locations will feature a one-time, three-course prix fixe menu with optional wine pairings. Guests will also be treated to a balloon installation by Molly Balloons.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Travis.

Editor’s pick: Add me to your book club + send me more recommendations because I’m on a roll. I just finished “Ready Player One” on audiobook (so different from the movie!) thanks to my new bestie, Libby. This app connects with your local library to give you all of its digital access at the touch of a button. The best part? It’s free — all you need is a library card.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? See what winter weather is in store for KC.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Bella Rainey, Travis Meier, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Amanda Munsey | Advertise with us.

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