Ah, now you remember why you love living in a city with seasons.|Photo by @mcrleonel
We all need a staycation or a trip to a different city from time to time. Whether you’re a Kansas Citian feeling a little cooped up or a visitor looking for a special City of Fountains experience, picking the perfect home away from home is crucial.
We went looking for unique lodgings around town that showcase that KC spirit. So choose your ideal digs, pack your bags, and get ready for a memorable getaway.
Winter Wonderlands
Plaza Penthouse | South Plaza, Kansas City, MO Pssst — dates are still available for this Country Club Plaza paradise during one of Kansas City’s most enduring holiday traditions.
Sundance Lake Cabin | Excelsior Springs, MO Imagine a picture-perfect Christmas morning at this family-size retreat, featuring snow-covered views of the 15-acre private lake and a warm cup of coffee from the fully stocked kitchen.
Downtown Rieger Loft | Crossroads, Kansas City, MO Named The Metropolitan Home magazine’s Home of the Year, this high-end, historic loft offers rooftop access for snowy skyline views. Plus, you can warm yourself up with a nip at The Wise Guy right downstairs.
Artist’s Cottage | Corder, MO Made for a quiet retreat into the countryside for any solo adventurers or couples looking for a romantic getaway. Imagine curling up by the fire with a good book and a cup of hot cocoa... paradise.
Family Fun Retreat | Prairie Village, KS Perfect for any vacationers looking to entertain the kids with a hot tub, game room, and movie theater while the adults enjoy an evening spent around the sparkling string light-adorned fire pit.
Tabletop Tournament Tuesdays | Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 6 p.m. | Kansas City Bier Company | Experience popular European tabletop pub activity Klask (like tabletop air hockey with a few twists) featuring free-to-play games + in-house guidance/instruction.
Wednesday, Nov. 20
ZZ Top | 7:30 p.m. | Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland | $57+ | You don’t have to be a “Sharp Dressed Man” to let your (beard) hair down and jam along with these Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
Thursday, Nov. 21
Kansas City Holiday Boutique | Thursday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Overland Park Convention Center | $13+ | Trendy jewelry, gourmet foods, children’s items, and more are showcased in this holiday extravaganza attended by 45,000+ regional shoppers.
Shrine Circus 2024 | Thursday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 24 | Times vary | Cable Dahmer Arena, Independence | $15+ | Since 1936, this traditional three ring circus has committed to inspiring joy through captivating performances + fundraising for the efforts of the Ararat Shriners.
Friday, Nov. 22
Pink Friday Shop Crawl | 4-8 p.m. | Zona Rosa | Free | Shop doorbuster sales and exclusive discounts at participating businesses — plus, enjoy complimentary themed drinks (21+), an ornament giveaway, holiday photo opportunities, local pop-ups, and more.*
Tanksgiving Beers & Bites | 6-8 p.m. | Boulevard Brewing Tours & Recreation Center | $40 | Raise a glass with friends and enjoy savory bites paired with seasonal beers (four 5 oz. pours paired with four heavy appetizers) as curated by Chef Carl Kraus.
Rosetta Stone’s lessons focus on real-world images and scenarios to help users learn faster + retain more. |Photo provided by Rosetta Stone
Whether you’re a travel bug planning your next trip, wanting to connect with another culture, or looking to learn something new, the holidays arethe perfect time to dive into a new language — or 25.
Gift yourself (or a friend) lifetime access to all of Rosetta Stone’s languages with their Lifetime Unlimited plan at Black Friday pricing. With one low payment, you can immerse yourself in engaging language lessons whenever you want, forever.
With under two years left on the Arabia Steamboat Museum’s lease, City Market leaders are looking for boutique hotel and retail proposals to replace it. The wishlist for 400 Grand Blvd. includes: a three (or higher) -star hotel, street-level retail facing Walnut, and underground parking — all fashioned in the area’s Art Deco/industrial style. (KCBJ)
Announced
With Enjoy Pure Food + Drink’s Monday, Nov. 25 opening, Lenexa’s Restaurant Row is finally welcoming its first tenant to the public. The healthy eatery, known for its plant-based bites + pressed juices, will soon be joined by Mediterranean restaurant Zhoug and southern-inspired eatery Tupelo Honey at the new City Center dining hub. (Johnson County Post)
Try This
If it’s not already one of your winter traditions, we recommend checking out the Kappa Kappa Gamma Holiday Homes Tour. The multi-day event allows visitors to explore four exceptional metro homes donned in their Christmas best on Wednesday, Dec. 4 + Thursday, Dec. 5. Tickets are $30, proceeds benefit the KKG Foundation, Pawsperity + Flourish.
Real Estate
A new residential development, Blackhawk Trail, has been proposed for 120 acres off 167th Street, near 69 Highway. The south OP project would build 134 duplex units, 52 fourplex units, and 17 single-family homes less than four miles from the Overland Park Arboretum + newly expanded BluHawk. (KCBJ)
Drink
Place your Thanksgiving pie pre-order at any McLain’s location tomorrow, Nov. 20, and score a free drink of your choice. We see a Shatto Mocha in your future...
Closed
While other pop-ups are prepping to open, Winter Skies — held in Sheraton Kansas City Hotel’s iconic rotating restaurant on the 42nd floor — is not returning this season. The exclusive holiday experience has sold out within seconds in years past. No explanation has been given for the 2024 hiatus. (Kansas City Star)
This the last call to secure your spot in our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide. Get your giftable product or service in front of 86,000+ potential shoppers before the season ends.
The Buy
The Buy
This 3-in-1 portable charger. Ditch your knot of clunky charging cords for Anker’s ultra-compact charger that includes a built-in USB-C cord, power bank, and foldable charger.
One of my favorite musicians, Leon Bridges, just announced a tour stop in Kansas City this spring. The indie singer-songwriter is best known for his R&B hit debut “Coming Home,” but I’m just as excited to see his latest album “Leon” for my first concert at the Midland.