Kayaking, canoeing + paddleboarding are great ways to explore the KC area. These aquatic sports also offer both physical and mentalhealth benefitsthat extend far beyond a day on the water.
We’re falling in love with Lake Olathe. | Photo by @finally.morgan
Before we dive in, let’s get a lay of the land (er, water). Check out these facts about our region:
Missouri has 965.47 square miles of water area. That’s like three Kansas Cities — from Smithville all the way down to Belton and nearly everything in between. (Kansas has much less: 519.64 square miles).
The Missouri River, aka “Big Muddy,” is the longest river in North America, running 2,341 miles long from Montana to the Mississippi. Bonus: Here’s where its nickname comes from.
KC gets its drinking water from… you guessed it: the Missouri River. Don’t worry, they take the mud out first.
Next, we should talk about paddling safety, so you don’t capsize:
Always wear a PFD, or personal flotation device.
Start small. Water, especially flowing water, can be intimidating. First-timers should opt for a small lake, pond, or city canal. You don’t want to get in over your head.
Consider a guided adventure from KC Kayak and Canoe before heading out on your own.
And finally, here are a few local options for getting your feet wet:
Lake Olathe, 191 N. Ward Cliff Dr., Olathe, KS | Check out the marina for rentable canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and pedal boats. Continue your adventure on the floating obstacle course just off the beach.
Shawnee Mission Lake, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS | Reserve a canoe, kayak, tandem kayak, paddle board, or pedal boat up toseven days in advance.
Longview Lake, 9898 Longview Rd., Kansas City, MO | A full-service marina includes watercraft rentals, concessions, and dock fishing.
Lake Jacomo, 7401 West Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO | Rent a craft at its marina, or get into sailing at Sail Boat Cove.
Share this story with your paddling partners or anyone who has an adventurous spirit.
PBR Outlaw Days | Fri., Aug. 5-Sun., Aug. 7 | Times vary | T-Mobile Center | $0+ | The KC Outlaws come home for three days of pro team bull riding, plus a free concert and a street festival. 🐂
Flatland Cavalry | Fri., August 5 | 8 p.m. | The Truman | $24+ | Fans love the band for its “easy on the ears, heavy on the heart” music.
Saturday
Innovation Festival | Sat., August 6 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Crown Center | Free | This downtown festival will bring indie musicians and cutting-edge innovators together for the first time. 🎉
Sunday
Car Show for Kids 2022 | Sun., August 7 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Cabela’s, 10300 Cabela Dr., Kansas City, KS | Free | Support of Children’s Mercy Hospital with car classes, raffles, and a cruise.
Love Boat presents Beachless | Sun., August 7 | 1-6 p.m. | The Westin Kansas City at Crown Center, 1 E. Pershing Rd., Kansas City, MO | $20+ | Beat the KC heat at this spectacular pool party, featuring DJs and specialty cocktails. 🌴
Monday
Thundercat | Mon., August 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Grinders KC, 1826 Locust St., Kansas City, MO | $35+ | Known for his R&B and soul sound, the multi-talented musician visits KC from LA. ⚡
We have amonthly 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.
Gravity — a new bar experience at4160 W. 71st St., Prairie Village, KS — is now open. The spot has a range of drink options, including 60+ craft drafts and hand-crafted cocktails. It also features an American-style menu + brunch on weekends. Sample with your eyes. 🍻
Community
816 Day Scavenger Hunt Bingo starts today. Download the card, visit the locations + turn it in on Tues., Aug. 16 at the City Market. Art in the Loop will host an 816 Day celebration complete with a saxophonist + aerial artists. Completed cards will be entered to win $100. 🗺️
Development
Orlando-based Andretti Indoor Karting & Games is looking to build a new entertainment venue at Aspiria — at 119th Street + Metcalf Avenue in Overland Park. The company is known for operating go-karting and arcade facilities. It submitted plans in July for a 91,000-sqft location. (Blue Valley Post)
Concert
Penny Lane? Try Grand Boulevard. Beatles tribute band The Fab Four is coming to KC Live! Block. The Emmy Award-winning group, lauded for its attention to detail, will perform on Thurs., Sept. 29. General admission is free. 🎶
Try This
The Northeast Kansas City Historical Society will return after a pandemic hiatus with its Ninth Annual Home Tour. On Sat., Oct. 10, meet at315 Gladstone Blvd., KCMO at 10 a.m.The tour will showcase seven preserved properties in one of KC’s oldest neighborhoods. (Northeast News)
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A new piano bar is filling the gap we didn’t know existed — live jazz in Midtown. Uptown Lounge — at 3400 Main St., KCMO — is serving cool chords and craft cocktails, the result of two friends reuniting in Kansas City.
This one’s called, “We recommend Uptown Lounge.” | Gif by KCtoday
Alan Stripling was working in San Diego and playing piano on the side when he met Boonville-native Michael Rorah, a singer + pianist. Alan learned so much, he spent years playing on cruises before settling into construction work. Fast-forward to 2020, and the two found each other back in KC. With a dream of opening a piano bar (and Michael’s background in real estate), the two made their move.
The location is intimate + moody. It’s exactly what you would hope from the best KC has to offer, with state-of-the-art sound design + top-tier talent. Not to mention tasty drinks.
Editor’s pick: If you’re planning a trip to Uptown Lounge, I have a couple cocktail recommendations. For sweeter preferences, the KC Street Car has a nice citrus flavor + sugar on the rim. I personally loved the Betty’s Old Fashioned, made with blackberry-infused whiskey.
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