Today's Forecast

89º Partly cloudy | 24% chance of rain | Sunrise 5:55 a.m. | Sunset 8:37 p.m.

Ad-van-ture awaits. | Photo by Find Your Blue

The #VanLife is a big trend across social media with videos of savy DIY conversion projects, mobile remote work setups, and incredible destinations. Some may say that the camper van craze is nothing new — but no one can deny that the wheels on this modern motor industry are going round and round.

Thankfully, you don’t have to head out out of state or drop $100,000+ to try it out. Here are two KC companies that rent conversion vans fit for your next adventure.

Van Life KC

Photo of Darth Vader camper van — This one is named “Darth Vader.”
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Photo by Van Life KC.

KCK teacher Spencer Martin bought his first van with his wife a month before the pandemic hit. They decided to start the business as a way to experience the van while making a return on their investment.

“One of our main goals is to allow people to have adventures that they couldn’t otherwise afford,” he told us. “We actually had someone who rented our van, came back, sold their house, and took their family of five in a van for two years.”

They offer:

Vans and trailers
10-14 options to choose from
They name the vehicles after Star Wars characters

Prices vary.

Find Your Blue

Josh and Tina Howitt started road tripping when they bought a three-legged dog and didn’t feel right leaving her at home or at a kennel.

"[Our van is] outfitted like a vacation home on wheels,” Tina told us. "[It’s also] extremely dog-friendly. We have waterproof seat covers, non-skid rugs, no-spill dog bowls, a complimentary pampered pooch package, remote temperature + humidity monitor, dog seat belts, and an optional collision-grade kennel.”

They offer:

Dog-friendly trip itineraries
Complementary packing checklist
No pet fees or restrictions on weight or breed

Prices start at $219 per night.

Events

Friday, May 26

KC Current vs. Houston Dash | Friday, May 26 | 7 p.m. | Children’s Mercy Park | $15+ | Watch our women’s pro soccer team take on Houston on KC’s home turf.
Cirque Du Soleil Corteo | Friday, May 26-Sunday, May 28 | Times vary | T-Mobile Center | $49-$159 | Join this joyous and over-the-top festival parade as imagined by a circus performer.

Saturday, May 27

The Flavors of Central Tour | Saturday, May 27 | 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. | Bethany Park, 1120 Central Ave., Kansas City, KS | $35-$45 | Volunteers will help you explore culinary creations along the Central Avenue corridor’s many restaurants.
Los Monarchs Festival Latino | Saturday, May 27-Sunday, May 28 | 3 p.m. | Legends Field | $29-$189 | Spend Memorial Day Weekend at the home of the Monarchs — festival activities include live music, circus performers, and Lucha Libre Wrestling.

Sunday, May 28

Bert Grimm Tattoo Museum Benefit | Sunday, May 28 | 1-6 p.m. | Bert Grimm Tattoo Museum, 311 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO | Free | This parking lot party benefits Grimm Tattoo as they recover from a fire at their Broadway location.
Afro X Day Party Series | Sunday, May 28 | 4-9:30 p.m. | American Fusion Cafe, 1621 Swift St., North Kansas City, MO | $0-$140 | Enjoy live DJs, finger food, and good vibes at this day party.

Monday, May 29

Paint Your Pet | Monday, May 29 | 6-9 p.m. | Bar K, 501 Berkley Pkwy., Kansas City, MO | $50 | Sip on a beverage of choice while painting a portrait of your pup — plus, bring your furry friend.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Open

A new web-slinging exhibit officially opens today at Union Station. “Spider-Man: Beyond The Amazing - The Exhibition” tells the the super hero’s story, from his 1962 origins to modern day Spidey. Visitors can expect original artwork, interactive displays, and photo ops. Tickets are $11-$24.

Festival

Fourth Fridays in downtown Olathe kicks off today 6-9 p.m. The event is free to attend and will include live music, food trucks, kids activities, a beer garden, and a sip and shop event. Check out this resource page for parking and other downtown happenings.

Drink

Let’s go, Greyhounds. Crane Brewing Company is launching a “Ted Lasso” themed pop-up bar called A.F.C. Raytown. The event runs Saturday, May 27-Friday, June 2 and includes themed cocktails, photo opportunities, games, and free Arthur Bryant’s on Wednesday.

Arts

Today at 4 p.m., The Historic West Bottoms Association will host a ceremony for a massive new mural — at 1309 W. 9th St., KCMO — and you’re invited. The 215-ft piece by Evolution 816 is an ode to KC history, including monarch butterflies and West Bottoms icons.

Civic

The City of Westwood purchased Westwood View Elementary School from the Shawnee Mission School District with potential plans to turn it into a public park. The school will continue to house Rushton students as that school undergoes construction. (Shawnee Mission Post)

Shop

KC Current teamed up with local clothing store Made Mobb on a T-shirt collaboration. The designs include input from players Hailie Mace and Chardonnay Curran in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. The shirts cost $45.

Travel

The busy summer travel season is nearly here, so before you leave for the airport, check out our guide on navigating KCI. The airport’s YouTube channel also has a bunch of how-tos — like navigating parking, picking up, and dropping off.

Fact or Fiction

Vaccinating your child against HPV helps protect them from possible infection in later years that can lead to different cancers of the mouth, throat, cervix, and more. See the answer.*

Travel

How does Going work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and get notified when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a ~$575 round trip to Fiji).*

Drink

You don’t have to be old fashioned to dig this

Cheval’s cocktail game is strong. | Photo by KCtoday

An old fashioned: This simple cocktail is a classic for folks who like a flavorful, spirit-forward drink perfect for sipping slowly. Here are some of our — and your — favorite spots for this timeless beverage.

🥃 Our choices

West Bottoms Whiskey Co., 1321 W. 13th St., KCMO | This smoked cocktail pairs nicely with the pre-Prohibition-style parlor decor.

The Ship, 1221 Union Ave., KCMO | This sea-worthy live music staple features two versions: one with maple, and one with mezcal.

Photo of The Ship old fashioneds — Life hack: Go during the lunch hour to avoid the crowds.
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Photo by KCtoday

Drastic Measures, 5817 Nieman Rd., Shawnee, KS | The whiskey packs a big punch, and the twist comes with a hint of apple. Knock to enter.

Cheval, 3940 Main St., KCMO | Go pre-Prohibition style, or try Thicc Cobbler (with cacao washed rye).

Restless Spirits Distilling Company, 109 E. 18th Ave., North Kansas City, MO | Award-winning whiskey (and just the nicest people).

🥃 Reader recommendations

Goat & Rabbit — Janalee D.
Extra Virgin, “Go for the happy hour.” — Tyson S.
Libations & Company — Shannon M.
Stock Hill — Susan W.
Jack Stack Barbecue “features two local whiskeys.” — Jessie Connolly

Shoutout

Your voice is valuable, and so are the special moments in your life. | Graphic by 6AM City

Happy birthday, KCtoday member Lanie Fasulo. We hope your special day (June 1) is filled with all of your favorite things in Kansas City! — KCtoday team

Shoutouts allow us to celebrate job promotions, anniversaries, and exciting experiences right here in Kansas City.

Become a KCtoday member today to reserve your shoutout and celebrate with tens of thousands of locals.

Become a member, get benefits

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Travis

From the editor

Fun fact: this is my last newsletter for KCtoday. I know, boo hoo. I’ve truly enjoyed writing to you every day, exploring all that Kansas City has to offer, and meeting many of your friendly faces.

Now for the good news. I’m actually transitioning into a management role within 6AM City, the company behind KCtoday — meaning I’ll directly oversee this newsletter (you can’t get rid of me that easily). Please continue to pour your love and support into KCtoday. City Editor Bella is a rock star and will continue to take KCtoday to new heights.

Much love, and warmest regards — Travis

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