The future Plaza Transit Center. | Rendering via KC Streetcar
We’re getting “Ready to Ride in 2025" with the second installment of our newest series, where we’ll be walking you through what riders can find — food, fun, a little history — just steps from the eight soon-to-debut streetcar stops. Up next: Plaza, Cleaver II + Main.
Travel back in time
Once a small railroad connecting Westport to Waldo, the late 19th century tracks eventually gave way to the Country Club streetcar line — the city’s southernmost connection to the edge of the world (aka, modern day 85th Street). The Plaza-adjacent trolley was one of the last to be decommissioned, as the city opted for cheaper buses and their newfangled automatic transmissions in 1957.
Taken in 1955 and 1957 respectively, these shots document the very tail end of the Country Club line’s life. | Photos via MVSC + Dorothea Eldridge Slide Collection, KCPL
Grab a bite
If you’ve made the long journey south, or you’re looking for a mid-trip pick-me-up, there are more than a few options for hungry travelers nearby.
Winstead’s Steakburgers
Banksia Cafe
Stock Hill
Kura Sushi
True Food Kitchen
Things to do
While a walk around the neighborhood is always recommended, we know some prefer a full itinerary of can’t-miss experiences.
Hygiene Kit Drive | Open hours | KCPL, Central Branch | Donation | It’s the last day to give travel-sized personal care items and help the library’s AmeriCorps Programs make our community more equitable, one hygiene kit at a time.
Pickleball: Learn to Play Social | 6-7:30 p.m. | Hy-Vee Arena | $30 | Friendly pros share the rules, common moves, and strategy of the US’s fastest-growing sport before serving a casual game.
Friday, Jan. 17
Cosplay Dance Soiree: A Wicked Night | 9 p.m.-1 a.m. | Minibar | $10+ | Defy gravity... by taking the stairs to this inaugural cosplay party featuring delicious drinks and specially curated tunes.
Saturday, Jan. 18
27th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Observance | 8:30-11 a.m. | University of Missouri-Kansas City | Free | Listen to a thought-provoking panel of community leaders + advocates discuss the steps to build a stronger future for KC’s Black community.
Vision Board Party | 12-3 p.m. | Monarca Art Space - MÁS | $40 | Grab some magazines, scissors, and your favorite drinks as the group gathers to visualize personal goals and aspirations for the future.
Matt Fraser — America’s Top Psychic Medium | 7 p.m. | Uptown Theater | $49+ | See the celebrity psychic perform heartfelt emotional readings live with his outrageous personality + unique approach to mediumship.
Sunday, Jan. 19
Hot Dog Pop-up: Fundraiser for LA | 1 p.m. | Café Cà Phê | Menu price | All of the proceeds from your Sonoran-style hot dog (bacon-wrapped beef frank, peppers, onions, mayo, ketchup) will benefit victims of the LA wildfires, plus 50% of Café Cà Phê's drink sales.
The Macbeth Theater Winter Solstice | 6-11 p.m. | Sk8bar | $20 | Catch this stacked lineup of art world outcasts at this indie theater production, featuring local bands and up-and-coming comics.
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We’re starting at the rear. Drive by the Nelson-Atkins’ lawn and you might be mooned by an 8-ft-tall derrière snow sculpture. Though the museum had no hand in crafting the chilly cheeks, it’s happy to let the sun take its time in "[deinstalling] this full moon.” (KCUR)
Announced
Alone time, K-Mart, Afrin addictions. If these bits ring a bell, mark your calendar for comedian Nate Bargatze’s “Big Dumb Eyes” tour coming to T-Mobile this fall. Tickets for the newly-added Friday, Sept. 19 and almost-full Saturday, Sept. 20 shows start at $40.
Biz
Farmers Insurance is swapping its Olathe operation for the long vacant Cerner Continuous Campus in KCK. Set to move in to four floors of the twin nine-story buildings next month, it’s the first tenant for the Village West spot since the health care IT company left five years ago. (KCBJ)
Open
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant has come to the Northland. With its third metro location now open at 1900 NW Tiffany Springs Rd., the wine-focused restaurant has debuted its Napa-style tasting room and globally-inspired American fare in a spacious 10,000-sqft space, complete with patio and private dining options. (KCBJ)
Shop
Speaking of dining... three iconic Kansas City taste-makers have hit the menu at Charlie Hustle. T-shirts depicting local faves Minsky’s Pizza, Garozzo’s Ristorante, and Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant are now available online and in store (but hurry, two are almost 86-ed).
Sports
Pending a three-peat, the Chiefs Super Bowl celebration could look a little different. In an effort to curb security concerns following last year’s tragic shooting, city officials are floating the idea of forgoing a mass public rally — opting instead for a smaller, ticketed event before the parade. (Kansas City Star)
Closing
Both Spin! Pizza and Casper Sleep Store are winding down their Country Club Plaza operations this month. The South Plaza eatery closed after 15+ years on Tuesday, its owner citing a difficult COVID-19 recovery. Meanwhile, Casper will remain open until Wednesday, Jan. 22 — though no reason was given for the decision. (KCBJ + Kansas City Star)
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (It sounds wild, but it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. This is hands-down one of the best of 2025.*
Volunteer
Did you know MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service? Join AmeriCorps this MLK Day to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King and help your community by volunteering on Monday, Jan. 20. Find volunteer opportunities to serve locally.*
The Buy
The Buy
A pair of 14K gold plated heart hoops. The huggie-sized earrings are hypoallergenic and tarnish-resistant. Psst — they’re also the perfect Valentine’s Day accessory.
As a hockey fan, I can’t wait to watch my chosen PWHL team (shoutout Montréal Victoire) with a brew in hand at The Dub. In the meantime though, I’m getting my fix with a trip on The Blue Line’s Mavericks Party Bus this spring — the $40 ticket includes a roundtrip ride, free drinks, and game admission. Now that’s a score.
Answered
Answered
Would you prefer renovated digs or an all-new Arrowhead Stadium?
If it ain’t broke. Readers seem to overwhelmingly prefer updating Arrowhead’s good bones (70%) over redoing the whole thing — a question Chiefs leadership is purposely keeping off the table for now.
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